The Visioning Process is an intense, multi-session gathering involving congregational stakeholders in dialogue to jointly discern the future mission priorities of the church. The process asks the congregation what is their purpose and what is their why? It challenges the congregation to assess what they are doing to live into God’s economy, addressing poverty in all its forms by using their assets for mission. The Visioning Process helps a congregation understand its needs, while discerning and determining how to meet those needs. The goal of the process is for the congregation, by consensus, to develop a list of mission priorities. These mission priorities will form the basis for strategic planning for the congregation over a one- to five-year period.
First Congregational UCC leadership and members participated in such a process, as led by UCC Church Building & Loan Fund Lead Regional Mission Interpreter (LRMI) Jill White, via Zoom, January – April 2024.
The following Visioning Event Report is being used as the basis for writing the Strategic Plan which will be available later this year.
Greetings Fellow Members and Friends of First Congo, from your Strategic Planning Team!
As a part of our planning for the future of our church, your team needs to know what interests, skills and passions you have to share as well as at what level of participation you are able to give. Truly, one hour can make a substantial difference.
Analysis of the survey will help not just the Planning Team, but we hope moving forward, Pastoral Staff, Ministries and Committees, plan for and realistically align future initiatives
It is important to note that many of us use our volunteer time in areas outside of church of which others are not aware. Discovering what those passions are, will help us recognize and honor those volunteers using their time and talents outside of church as part of our wider ministry.