ReVisioning
In January of 2006, the FUMC congregation undertook a process using group meetings, census data, and survey data from our church membership to help us develop a vision for FUMC and a 3-year strategic plan for achieving that vision. The document that follows is what emerged from that process. We are currently actively implementing this plan through a series of Strategic Action Teams that focus on various near-term priorities within the church.
Our Mission (2006-09)
As an inclusive Christian community of faith, we are committed to:
- Reaching All Generations - creating relevant ministries and spaces, especially for younger adults
- Strengthening 21st Century Families - promoting God's love in and through today's rich diversity of family types
- Deepening Spiritual Growth - expanding communal practices
- Working for Social Justice - encouraging healthy, diverse witness and action for a more just, loving world
- Enriching the Cultural Aspects of Life – using our sacred venue to offer music and the arts
Mission Initiatives (2006-09)
To contextualize our mission, we are creating specific mission initiatives. While they are not meant to encompass our entire ministry, we believe our congregation is being called to these key initiatives in the next three years:
- 1. Reaching All Generations - creating relevant ministries and spaces, especially for younger adults
A. Discovering effective ways of serving the two younger adult generations (Survivors, born 1961-81 and Millennials, born 1982-2003) both in our community and in our congregation. We will develop comprehensive, coordinated ministries of outreach, family life, communication, worship, music, hospitality, membership, fellowship & fun, recreation, Christian education, spirituality, staffing, building & grounds, and stewardship with these generations specifically in mind
B. Enhancing our ministries to the three older adult generations (Boomers, born 1943-60; Silents, born 1925-42 and Builders, born 1901-24)
C. Committing ourselves to a continuing focus on the five adult generations, helping each one to better understand and relate to the others
Justification: In order to be whole and fully alive as a congregation, we need to have a balance of all generations. To make this happen we need to understand the primary reasons why members of the younger two generations have not been attracted in great numbers to mainline Christian churches.
- 2. Strengthening 21st Century Families - promoting God's love in and
through today's rich diversity of family types
A. Affirming and supporting the faith journeys of the various kinds of families that exist in today’s world
B. Creating integrated services and programs that meet the needs of children, youth, younger adults and older adults as they exist in their family units, not just as individuals
Justification: To be an inclusive community of faith, we must broaden the understanding and acceptance of the variety of family units that exists today.
- 3. Deepening Spiritual Growth - expanding communal practices
A. Encouraging greater participation by more members and friends of our congregation in the broad range of disciple-making ministries, such as worship/music, Christian education, fellowship, congregational care, and working for peace and justice in our world
B. Expanding ways of witnessing to our belief that involvement in a community of faith contributes to one’s own spiritual growth, as well as that of the larger community
Justification: To make God’s grace known in our community, we need to provide a variety of opportunities which model Christianity as a meaningful way of life.
- 4. Working for Social Justice - encouraging healthy,
diverse
witness
and action for a more just, loving world
A. Providing a caring environment where differing social or political beliefs which arise from one’s faith base can be shared
B. Encouraging social justice actions according to Christian beliefs
Justification: In order to be faithful to our calling as Christian disciples, we must discuss and work for social justice.
- 5. Enriching the Cultural Aspects of Life – using our sacred venue to offer music and the arts
A. Identifying and showcasing the artistic talent of members and friends of our community of faith as a demonstration of God’s gifts.
B. Offering our unique sacred space as a venue to recognize the vast array of artistic talent in our community.
Justification: In recognition of the wonderful treasure of artistic talent in our diverse community, we will support and promote the creative expression of those individuals and groups who have been especially blessed in the area of fine arts. In doing so, we express our gratitude and open more paths for spiritual growth.