As Our Vision Unfolds...

By Pastor Tracey Leslie

As I have frequently done since my arrival, I want to start the New Year with an update on Trinity’s Vision and announce an opportunity for all of us to come together to “tune up," refine and reflect on our vision as we continue to “grow in love and service through relationships with God and community.”

In January, 2015, Rev. Dr. Dan Bonner from the Center for Urban Congregational Renewal, consulted with us and delivered recommendations for our church’s renewal and growth.  Through his consulting process, we named Trinity’s Vision (see paragraph above).  Concerns or obstacles to growth identified by Rev. Bonner included our finances, our lack of a clear evangelism strategy (our “go” strategy), the lack of an effective and clearly-defined small group structure to strengthen and mature disciples, the burden of aging facilities, and a need to draw younger families and young adults.  Several of the challenges Dan set before us have been addressed over time. 

• Selling our Graves House and Education Building has allowed us to have a more manageable infrastructure and eliminate debt, thereby lessening the drain of resources related to money, stress and time. 
• Re-designing our governance structure and transitioning to a single Governing Board has allowed us to spend less time in meetings and to use our time more efficiently and effectively. 
• New discipleship groups have been launched and discussions regarding the strategy and shape of those groups is a part of our Ready, Set, Grow Outreach. 
• Also included with our Ready, Set, Grow Outreach are a variety of initiatives designed to strengthen our connections with our community – individual neighbors and other not-for-profit organizations.  Our monthly Community Dinners and discussion groups (led by Community Engagement Coach, Ruth Smith) have been an integral component of this.  The December dinner included 16 children from our congregation and community.  Our Ready, Set, Grow Program includes a grant received through our Indiana Conference. 
• Our Family to Family Initiative has placed a focus on young families with children.

In short, a great deal has happened in the past three years to reduce the time, money and energy needed for infrastructure in order to place greater attention and emphasis on our vision of growing in love and service through relationships with God and community.

On January 30, at 6:00 p.m., we will have a Congregational Town Hall Meeting in the sanctuary to discuss next steps.  Three things, in particular, will be discussed at this meeting.  They are:

1. Trinity’s current financial reality.  This is important information.  Everything we do as a church requires financial support.  We want to be sure everyone has a clear picture of where the church is financially now as well as knowing what steps have been taken in the past and will be taken in the immediate future to address Trinity’s financial needs.
2. The church parlor.  Changes will be made to the parlor and surrounding space (including hallway) to make our church building more hospitable to members and visitors and to accommodate potential outside groups who can provide revenue.  Details for this re-design (including cost and funding) will be discussed.
3. Information regarding our community outreach and fall Gathering.  This is an evangelism effort designed to help Trinity reach people we are not currently reaching.  We’ll discuss this plan and the direction we are moving and how this will potentially impact our current congregation as we grow and reach out.  i.e., what can we expect and what will be expected of our current members as we seek to reach populations we’ve not successfully reached in the past.

Please plan to attend this important meeting on January 30 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Come ready to ask questions and to add your thoughts.  If you need transportation, contact the church office by phone or email no later than Thursday, January 25.  If you need childcare, please contact the office no later than January 25.  We hope to see you and hear from you at this important Trinity Congregational Town Hall Meeting.