All-Church Survey -- Last Chance !!

Having reached the end of April, we're getting ready to shut down the online strategic planning survey and begin digesting the results.  If you still wish to participate, please do so before the end of Sunday, May 3rd.  After that -- but only through the end of the following week -- paper copies will be available at the church office.

And to you, the more than 150 members who have submitted completed surveys:  Thank you!  You've helped us build the foundation of our ongoing planning efforts.

Watch Pastor Brian Paulson's Video

Take a moment to hear our Pastor describe what this spiritual experience is - and is not.  Join in!

Thank you for taking the time to watch and participate!

3 Key Ways to Help

Please pray! Our work is more than just meetings, talk and paperwork. It's about discernment, and that means conversations with each other ... and with God. Go to God and pray for our Church’s work this month, as we seek to discern God’s direction for us. We request your prayers:

~ for our Strategic Planning Team and church leadership: that God would bless our work, give us energy and dedication, and help us to encourage full participation by all.

~ for our survey participants: for God’s blessing on time filling out the survey, for high interest and strong participation, and for members’enjoyment of the opportunity to share ideas and hopes.

~ for our Listening Circles: that leaders and participants would enjoy time in conversation about our Church, and that the Holy Spirit would be present as we join in looking back at our past and forward to our future.

Online Survey Today

Start the Online Survey now.  Just Click! and begin.  It's that simple!  Plan on about 20 to 30 minutes for completion - but you can leave off and return to the survey.  It will return you to the place you left off.  This is a very important part of our congregational discernment.  We are hoping to have as many members of the First Pres family as possible taking part in the survey.  Start now!

Are you in the survey?

(Painting of George Washington as a surveyor.)

Sign Up!

Sign up today to participate in one of our Listening Circles this April.  People are already talking about the spiritual joy they are sharing in these circles.  Perhaps the easiest way will be to stay after worship on April 12th.  No matter when you schedule to share, it will be a blessing.  Don't miss out!

(Have you put your signature on the line?  

We need you to make this work of art!)

An Overview of our Process

Where are we headed?  We know that, individually and as a congregation, we are on a spiritual adventure following Jesus Christ.  But down what paths will that adventure take us?  What roles are we called to play, either within our own walls, in the surrounding community, or beyond?  What values and activities are at the core of our church, and how can we best strengthen and build upon them even as the world changes around us?  With your help, the Strategic Planning Team (SPT) is working to answer these questions.

From discernment to initiatives to action.  Through a process of research, dialogue, prayerful discernment and – most importantly – listening to what all members of the congregation have to say, the SPT will assist Session in identifying several broad-based initiatives to be pursued in years to come.  By early next year, we will have formulated and begun carrying out specific action plans by which those initiatives can be implemented.  As a whole, the process aims at two primary results:  a better understanding of who we and who we are called to be, and a church that is better positioned for the future.

A key ingredient:  your input.  At the core of this process are our members, whose voices will be heard in at least two ways.  First, an all-church survey will be released this month for completion either electronically or in paper form.  While the questions are many, they are meaningful ... and you may find that, as you reflect on them, they lead you to new insights about your church experiences.  Second, all are invited to participate in a so-called “Listening Circle”.  These facilitator-led, small group discussions will be held at various dates and times during the last three weeks of April.  By taking part in one of these sessions, you can share your thoughts and deepen mutual understandings.

Join the conversation!  In addition to the kick-off presentation on Sunday, March 22nd, the SPT will be providing current information on the planning process  in Parish Life and on the church website.  Please support their work by responding to the survey, by participating in a Listening Circle, by engaging others around you in discussion, and in praying for guidance.  Also, if you have any questions, suggestions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact SPT co-chair Andy D at 224-280-2123 or email the team. (In the April First Word)

(From overview to liftoff!)

Participate! - Links!

(Use Links Below)

Online Survey     Listening Circles