Saturday, April 29th
Saturday, May 20th
The next phase of our transition process is the Identity Phase. This is where we look at our perception of who we are, get input on others’ perceptions, discover more about the community around us, and consider what changes might influence who we are and who we might become.
Although our Crossroads services were useful, we realized that we needed a dedicated meeting that allowed the congregation more time to discuss topics. And, because of the approaching summer season we have scheduled the preliminary identity phase meetings and activities in April and May.
These meetings are for the full congregation. Everyone is urged to participate. We will engage in small group discussion and brainstorming. The first meeting is Saturday, April 29th from 1:00pm - 4:00 pm here at BUCC. In this meeting we will focus on our perceptions of who BUCC is, our mission, and our focus. This will be followed by a Crossroads service that will augment what is discussed in the meeting on Saturday.
During May, pairs will go out and interview some of the surrounding community organizations (schools, fire dept., nursing home, etc.) discovering who they are, what their needs are, and who they think BUCC is.
The second identity meeting is Saturday, May 20th. At that meeting we will look at the data collected from the interviews, then take an even broader view of what changes might influence us in the future. This meeting will also be followed by a Crossroads service that carries on with this theme.
The identity phase is an important part of our discernment process. We must look at everything that influences the future and what we feel God is calling BUCC to be and do. Although we encourage everyone to attend the meetings, we know that people travel, have other commitments, and may still be uncomfortable at in-person meetings. We promise that we will make every effort to get your input as we proceed.
We are right on schedule in our process. Meeting in April and May allows us to spend the summer on transition activities that are more focused on internal issues (governance, denominational linkages, etc.). Then, in the fall we will begin to look at what your capacity is, what you do well, what partnerships and opportunities present themselves, and finally, what do you envision being and doing. From there we go to strategic planning, where solid goals and strategies are built so that you can provide direction in pastor search, land use, and building use.
We hope that this will be a time of enthusiasm and spirit-led discernment. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to the transition team: Jim Smith, Jim Burks, Martha Knouss, Jean Thompson, and myself.
Blessings,
Pastor Jill
|