Over the past month, our church family has gathered for four strategy planning sessions. Each conversation has been filled with thoughtful insights, prayerful reflection, and a deep love for our community. As we continue this journey, here’s a look back at the themes that have emerged so far.

Session 1: Laying the Foundation

We began by asking a simple but profound question: Who are we as a church today, and who is God calling us to become?

  • Members shared gratitude for the strong sense of belonging and support found in our congregation.
  • We discussed the challenges of declining church attendance in our wider culture and how we might respond with creativity and hope.
  • We named the importance of remaining open to new ideas and new people.

Session 2: Exploring Needs and Opportunities

This session focused on the community around us.

  • We considered the needs of our neighbors and how our church can meet them with compassion.
  • The group lifted up opportunities for outreach, partnership, and sharing our facilities in creative ways.
  • We began to imagine what it would look like to be known not only as a worshiping community but as a hub of service and connection in our neighborhood.

Session 3: Setting Priorities for the Future

After generating many ideas in the first two sessions, our third gathering was about discernment and focus.

  • We reviewed the wide range of hopes and suggestions that had been shared and began grouping them into common themes.
  • Together we asked: Which ideas are most important for us to pursue now? Which ones may need to wait?
  • This process helped us identify what is both most urgent and most realistic given our time, energy, and resources.
  • By the end, a set of clear priorities began to take shape, giving us a roadmap for the steps ahead.

Session 4: Partnerships and Practical Next Steps

Our most recent conversation highlighted collaboration.

  • A representative from our neighbor church, St. Stephen’s, joined us and expressed a strong desire to partner in many ways — including the possibility of shared spaces and expanded rental opportunities.
  • We also identified areas where we need to clarify responsibilities, create action plans, and keep communication open as we move forward.
  • Above all, this session reminded us that we don’t walk this path alone—God has placed us in community with others who share our hopes and challenges.

Where We Go From Here

These four sessions are just the beginning. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue to share updates on the specific ideas and activities that are coming out of these conversations. Together, we are discerning how best to live out our mission, strengthen our ministries, and open our doors to all who are seeking a place of belonging.

This is an exciting season in the life of our church. Thank you to everyone who has participated so far. Your voices matter, and your presence is shaping the future of New Creation.