Last year, the Parish Committee began the process of creating a new Strategic Plan (The previous Strategic Plan covered a five-year period which ended in 2014. Its objectives were largely accomplished. ) First, we reviewed and revised.the existing Vision and Mission statements. The revised Vision and Mission statements are printed on the back of the Order of Service on most Sundays.
Based on the surveys, conversations, and focus groups that occurred during our interim period and informed our decision to call Rev. Catie to First Parish, we then established four goals:
- Growth: Mindful of the importance of diversity, appeal to those who are not fully represented in our church community as well as retain and develop current members through worship, music, and programming.
- Financial Stability: Cultivate a culture of abundance and generosity so we can support our dreams.
- Social Justice: Make social justice central to our identity, activities, and programs.
- Community Programming: Engage in fellowship, spiritual growth, and service for our children, youth, adults, and elders.
Currently, Parish Committee is working to identify the strategies, considerations, and actions to support these four broad and sometimes overlapping goals. We strive to make these “SMART” (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound). The Parish Committee has begun discussions with the appropriate committees and individuals to validate these goals and develop the detailed strategies and actions necessary to accomplish them. We welcome input from you on any of these items. Please get in touch with me or anyone serving on the Parish Committee. We hope to complete this huge task by the end of our program year and to review our progress as a congregation against the Strategic Plan each year.
— Gail Hedges, President