If we could somehow transport ourselves to the year 2020 and look back, what accomplishments and growth would you want to see at our church? Are we making the most of our resources and opportunities to pursue our mission of Touching Heaven, Changing Earth or are there new directions we should explore?
Our important discussions earlier this year about adding a Children's Center workroom highlighted the need to re-examine and renew overall goals and plans for LAUMC, our facilities, and our campus. In June we launched an exciting project called 2020 Vision to outline the direction and needs of our church for the coming decade. You will have many opportunities over the next six months to contribute ideas and feedback to the vision of our ministries and our strategic building plan. Watch for letters, surveys and town meeting invitations requesting your participation. The Study Committee will be organized into six working groups: Children & Youth, Adult Ministries, Pastoral Care, Community Outreach, Worship & Music, and Administration & Staffing. Open input from the congregation is welcome via email sent to 2020Vision@laumc.org or written communications sent to the church office (Attn: 2020 Vision).
September Update:
The 2020 Vision team posed eight challenging and thought-provoking questions to the congregation this summer as part of the Question of the Week series, which ended September 14. "Why do you come to LAUMC?" "What changes would you like to see here?" "What traditions do you value most?" "If we had additional funds, what would we spend them on?" "How can we better welcome newcomers?" Each question brought in hundreds of ideas and suggestions through written cards and online entries using our church website (laumc.org). Thank you to everyone who took advantage of this opportunity to share their hopes and dreams for LAUMC's future. Each response was appreciated and contributed to our understanding of the priorities and trends that will guide our strategic plan for the next decade. A summary of the results will be available online and in print by December.
The 2020 Vision Study Committee is continuing its work by conducting interviews and focus groups with different constituencies to discuss ideas for further developing our ministries, facilities, and programs in a way that will strengthen our relationships with God, with each other, and with our extended community. If you are still looking for an opportunity to express your ideas for the future of our church, watch for a congregation survey to be released in November/December. You can communicate with the team by email at 2020Vision@laumc.org.
November Update:
Check out our 2020 Vision presentation from Annual Church Conference on November 3.
December Update:
The 2020 Vision Study Committee is nearing the end of its work on a long-range plan for LAUMC and we are looking for your help once more! Please take a few minutes to participate in an LAUMC 2020 Vision survey — Click here for the survey.
We encourage every adult in the congregation (18 years or older) to complete the survey, whether they are members or not. The survey will close at midnight, December 19, 2008. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard and to influence the future of our wonderful church!
Thank you for your participation!
