Early Sept update: Small group discussion topics
I am pleased to share that we are moving into the next phase of the “Our Church 2030” initiative: Small Group Discussions. Based on the feedback we received in the survey from parishioners, former parishioners and other members of the community, there were six topics viewed as vital elements of Calvary’s ministry that we want to dive deeper into and discuss in small groups. The goal of these sessions will be to share thoughts (brainstorming) on how we can improve these areas to engage, energize and enlighten our parish and strengthen the community at large.
These six topics will become important pillars in a more vibrant vision that will create opportunities for spiritual growth.
Pastoral Care: What are the most valuable elements that will enhance people’s lives through emotional support before, during and after an event. How can Calvary support these ideals?
Education: Role of Christian Education: How can Calvary enhance religious education for all ages in our community? This would include the role of Christian education and spiritual growth.
Youth: Engaging the youth in our community: How do we enhance the spiritual awareness of our youth in today’s complex world? How do we embrace families with younger children. What is the role of Calvary Nursery School?
Music: Role of Music in Supporting the Church and Community: Can music be a catalyst to enhance the spiritual lives of the community?
Outreach: Importance of Calvary outreach to address social injustice or inequity in our community. How far and wide should we go?
Calvary’s Breadth: Size and Scope of Calvary: What is the right size of Calvary and what drives that determination. Do we want to be a small parish where everyone knows everyone and has significant volunteer responsibilities? Alternatively, a larger program-oriented parish?
We will post a schedule of these sessions within the next two weeks where both current members of Calvary and non-members can sign up. Each session will be held in the Parish Hall, will last for approximately 90 minutes, and will include no more than 12 people. If a session generates sufficient interest, we will hold it again to include more people. We are fortunate that two experienced facilitators, who are currently not parishioners, will lead the sessions.
You will be able to indicate your two top preferences in the sign-up process. Hopefully we will be able to accommodate at least one of your preferences. We would also like to know those of you who are willing to brainstorm on any of the topics. We want to get the best mix of ideas from people who may be already familiar with a topic and those who are not. For those unable to attend sessions in person due to distance and/or health we will host a couple of discussion groups via Zoom. Please let us know if you have a problem securing transportation coming to the Parish Hall. We will try a work out a solution.
As you can imagine, there were other important issues raised in the survey such as campus utilization and the role of partnerships in advancing Calvary that will be addressed once we have your insights into these six topics. Once the ideas have been synthesized and prioritized, we will work with committees and staff to define a short- and long-term plan.
Most importantly, these sessions will be conducted in a way to create a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, even if they are different from others.
Speaking for the entire Task Force, we are thankful for the input that we have received thus far and excited to engage in even deeper discussions and idea generation. We are confident that there will be meaningful opportunities to enhance the parish and our connection within the community.
Thank you very much for your ongoing support.
Spike
On behalf of the Our Church 2030 Task Force:
Terri Brennan
Kristin Foster
John Groton
Bill Hoffman
Paul Leeming
Spike Lobdell, Leader
Barb Silver
Brooke Stoddard
Jim Taylor
Lori Taylor, Ex Officio
The Rev. Gillian Barr, Ex Officio