Cottage Party Notes 6
Communication
I envision more clarity and easy access to information about the structure of First parish especially in relation to groups and committees. How do they relate to one another, and to the wider church? Lacking an understanding or the underlying structure Community Concerns feels like a haphazzard listing of activities. I envision this nformation being available at the website and in the pews. *

Have a detailed schedule of building usage posted in visible location for public and church reference

Childcare is generally available for group gatherings when requested but I have to be persistent - once I didn't get a reply and assumed it just wasn't available. Makes it difficult for parents to attend evening programming

Worship
• Envision a music program with much more life. What if the choir didn't sing every week and guest musicians took it on occasionally. How about looking from a different perspective, seeking more variety in music and in worship in general?
• Feels like the first part of the service is 'just a lead up' to the sermon
• Could draw more from the inspiration of the congregation - testimonials and special activities are great. While wider participation in the service is good, I don't want time dedicated to the sermon cut short (which has happened)
• Format feels too much like a hold-over from an earlier time
• Community Concerns - give them 4 sentences
Diversity

• Would like to see Covenant Groups evolve further - especially they span age groups and provide a setting for diverse members of the congregation to engage deeply with one another
• Would like to attract new populations - envision this by forming partnerships with other organizations/faith-based groups as opposed to viewing diversity in congregational memebership as the only measure or strategy for engaging in diversity issues/goals
• We have a lot of people/organizations that use the church - there is a steady flow of diverse people through the pews. I envision introducing and inviting them to First Parish as more than just a venue. Why not keep the pews loaded with brochures/materials about First parish?
• I envision open doors - a more accessible church. How can the doors be open to the public on a more regular basis? and when closed place signage indicating hours, side door access, etc.
Community engagement
• I envision First parish as more visible and attracting more people who would be very interested if only they knew. Might we consider advertising who we are and what we offer?
• Envision using our prime location more effectively to make more visible who we are and opportunities available
• Our music could travel outside - even Sunday morning. Have a street show at 10 am to increase visibility
* (NOTE: Spiritual Development brochure contains this information but copies in the pews run out or are in short supply. Member directory with addresses is another resource that exists but not readily available)
- posted by Bruce Hoppe @ 2:59 PM