Four sets of issues to address by Pilgrim as identified by C&E Ministry

When we gathered on June 27, 2010 we identified a set of opportunities for programs for Pilgrim.  In order to continue the conversation towards specific action steps, I suggest we have a series of forums about these four sets of issues.  These might be during August and might happen after worship.  They would form a jumping off place for the work of the other Ministries.

•          Transformation of the Worship Space as a venue for other programs:  we have an upgraded sound system, growing use of video projection, and we are exploring using the sanctuary in new ways.  We have ideas about using the resources of a Service Sunday as a way to clean and repair the space and we have thoughts about moving or removing pews and barriers to movement to allow for new configurations.  What do we want the space to look like and what do we want to do there?  What can we do to move toward the space we want? [W&M, B&G]
•          Prophetic Voices - exploration of the relationship of Pilgrim to MCU, Neighborhood Houses, UCM, and other community partners:  Pilgrim is an institution with relationships to many other institutions.  These relationships define our identity and create opportunities for ministry.  They also take the resources of money and lay and professional leadership.  Which of these are the most important relationships and what are we trying to do with them and through them?  What are the issues we most feel called to address? [CP]
•          Building use for other parts of the building than the sanctuary:  While the sanctuary is the central focus of our common life, there are other valuable and poorly used parts of the building.  Danforth Chapel could be a great worship space with better lighting and banners to dampen the sound.  The front of the building is poorly cared for and thus uninviting and even dangerous.  We have a group interested in using the whole third floor but such use will require significant renovation.  Another group wants to use parts of the lower level but this may compromise our current use of the space.  Even if all of the ideas come to fruition, we will still be only partially using the space.  Maybe we should move to a more suitable space for who Pilgrim is now.  What is our overall plan for the building and how can we move forward to make it happen? [B&G]
•          Identity and Outreach to the broader community, college students, and young families:  There are many people in the area, some even living fairly close to us, who are looking for a faith community like Pilgrim but either don’t know about us or don’t see us as the family they are looking for.  How do we clearly articulate who we are and how do we build programs which speak to the needs of those who are looking for a community with our focus and values? [CE]

Are there issues which don’t fall into one of these four?  Is this the best way to group them?