By Michelle Zechner for the Strategic Visioning Task Force

On February 2nd, members of our congregation gathered with Rev. Kim and the Strategic Visioning Task Force (Loren McAlister, Mike Hanson, and Jo Weidman) for a transformative Strategic Planning Workshop. The Task force members sent out surveys to the congregation and reminder emails, analyzed the survey results, presented them to the congregation, and helped facilitate the workshop. During our 90-minute session, we explored our collective hopes and dreams for our congregation’s future. Rev. Kim guided us through a reflection on our current mission, helping us bridge where we are now with where we aspire to be. She encouraged us to envision our congregation six months to a year from now, allowing our dreams to take shape.

The experience was truly powerful. United in our desire to create meaningful change in the world, our group demonstrated deep commitment and passion. In these challenging times, we share a profound sense of responsibility to take action, support others, and stand firmly against messages of hate and division.

This Strategic Planning Workshop is only the beginning of our journey. We must maintain our momentum and build upon our enthusiasm for positive change. By focusing on our priorities and taking decisive action, we can work together to create a better world. As a justice-seeking community, we raise our voices and take action for the congregation and those vulnerable members of our community. I invite you to consider your role in this vision: How might you contribute to making our church radically welcoming? How can you help us strengthen our interconnections through in-person gatherings, online programs, and community-based initiatives? How might you collaborate with us in our pursuit of justice?