The Create Our Future Vision Team thanks over 100 folks who attended the Futures Lab on February 4, 2024, facilitated by our consultant, Cameron Trimble of Convergence. You brought a wealth of brainstorming and fascinating discussion, which will be incorporated into our Create our Future Strategic Planning process. The Vision Team wants to give you some information about our next steps and invite you to co-create this plan with us.
Here is a link to the report that Cameron wrote about our Futures Lab. Please take time to read and absorb the information, paying particular attention to the general conclusions (starting on page 9 with Key Learnings through the remainder of the report). The Questions for Exploration starting on page 12 are especially interesting. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NSr3PEPOoJ9LcmXFIeaL5A5I3HZ6T4sGF9W3HqW5rF8/edit?usp=sharing
The Vision Team and others in the church interviewed over thirty community leaders to understand what others think are the needs of our community. You can read an analysis of these interviews here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WjlhJEdQiwIAuNGjq4WYS3aZ96y9v6Tb/view?usp=sharing
We want your BIG IDEAS! We know that many folks in our community have thoughts, ideas, and explorations for how to move our congregation forward into the future, and we would love to hear them.
Join us on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 11:30 am (after church), when you’ll be able to ask questions about the process the Vision Team is using. And then let us know what ideas YOU have for the future of our beloved community. For those who would like to join us online, here’s a Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89667695001?pwd=WHluZzBsYWtGbmFoekNIVFFhZStIdz09
As a faith-based Christian community, discerning God’s call/dream for us at this time, we believe it’s important we all keep these questions in mind as we develop these BIG IDEAS. (Session has reviewed these criteria.)
How do we refine our ministry in alignment with our core values? (Here is a link to our core values: https://www.macalester-plymouth.org/mission-and-values.)
How do we strengthen relationships, care for one another and build community?
How do we address the budget deficit by January 2026?
What resources do we need to accomplish the plan (building, land, staff, partners, volunteers)?
What is our impact in the wider community that reflects our justice commitments and calling?
The Vision Team will do research on the most promising BIG IDEAS and bring back the top few for the congregation to learn more about. Join us after church on Sunday, May 19, 2024 for that presentation; more information on that program will be coming soon.