Ch-ch-ch-changes

Yes, it's been a while...

The task force has been hard at work, I've just been negligent in updating this blog. I'll be making up for that over the next little while, because I've go a lot to report.

The task force has made a couple of decisions. More on that in this blog.

I attended the More Franchises than Tim Horton's conference in Toronto in June. It was an incredible experience, and I'll be reporting on that over the next few days.

Decisions

We sent a survey out to all of the committees and groups that are associated with our church, asking them what they like and don't like about our existing facilities, and asking some brain-storming type questions on what an ideal TMUC building would be like. The answers that came back made it very easy to make our first decision.

Are you ready?

Sit down.

Status quo is off the list.

That's right. Whatever the task force recommends to the congregation at our next AGM, staying exactly the way we are now won't be one of the choices. There was overwhelming response (almost, but not quite unanimous) that those who are involved in governance of TMUC would prefer to have one service on regular Sunday mornings.

We also want a modern sanctuary, with full accessibly to all, up-to-date audio-visual capabilities. and flexibility for different types of service.

At present, our sanctuary doesn't meet these requirements. That means that there will have to be some sort of structural change - this could be major modifications to the existing structure, or an altogether new structure.

As for a new structure, we believe that finding a green field somewhere and putting up a brand new building on our own is beyond the financial means of our congregation unless everyone suddenly decides to double their contribution to the church. It's likely that if we decide that building new is feasible, it would have to be in partnership with some other organization. Other churches have taken this route and been successful at it.

So changes are a-coming. We recognize that change - even change for the better - can be unsettling. For many people, one of the reasons they come to church is because it's a familiar, comfortable place. Many of us (myself included) were baptized in this building, married in this building, formed treasured friendships in this building, and celebrated the lives of loved ones in this building. We know that whatever changes take place, we are going to have to be sensitive to the discomfort that we may cause. We will do all we can to make transitions as easy as possible.

I know that one way to make transitions easier is to ensure that you have input into the decisions that are being made. I welcome any comments that you may have, and we will be putting a survey up on the TMUC website to elicit opinion from anyone who cares to give it.

And stay tuned - comments about the "More Franchises" conference will be coming up shortly.

Till next time,

See you in church.