(The four scenarios are below this letter. At the bottom of the page is a summary of the main survey results.)

To the Members and Friends of Memorial United Church of Christ,

For some time, various people who are involved in the educational and program offerings available to the youth and adults of our church have been wondering if we are best meeting the needs of our congregation with our current approach.  The Sunday Morning Advisory Group was formed to study this question and consider possible alternatives, if proven necessary.  Through the month of February, we asked the congregation to participate in a survey that would try to get at the sentiments on this topic.  60 people responded in a very thoughtful manner and gave us much to consider.

The survey results show that people are generally pleased with how their spiritual formation and education needs are being met.  Respondents appreciated the variety of offerings and topics, the different teaching styles, the curriculum in use, and the Time with Children.

Through the comment sections, we garnered several great ideas for tweaking the approach or creating additions to the offerings.  Loud and clear came a desire for more educational offerings for adults, social opportunities for children, age appropriate Bible-focused learning opportunities for all, as well as additional service projects for adults and kids. 

Naturally, while many feelings are shared among the congregation, some contradict, and it is in reconciling those complexities and differences that we ask you to consider the four following scenarios.  We aren’t settled on any of them in particular, but we are looking at how we can best meet the most needs while keeping worship at the center of our life as a community, preserving social time so that we nurture our relationships with each other, and perhaps expanding our religious education offerings will reach out in ever-widening circles.

We would appreciate it if you could review the following scenarios and come to the Listening Session scheduled for this Sunday, March 14, following the 10:00 service.  If you are unable to attend, please feel free to contact any member of the committee.

The advisory committee will then take all the thoughts we have been offered and prepare a report for the church Council, which will be the group that decides how we will proceed.

Thank you,
Celia Kiela 

Sunday Morning Advisory Group: Celia Kiela and Jackie Neidhart, co-chairs
Janine Bessemer, Beth and Michael Magness, Betsy Robbins, Jessica Veloff, Jann Veloff
Pastor Leah Lonsbury, Pastor Phil Haslanger

Possible Scenarios

Survey Summary