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Preamble
During the annual general meetings of the congregation in 2007 and 2008 there were considerable discussions and concerns expressed about our building. Following the meeting this year, the Church Council formed a steering committee termed the ‘Sacred Space Team’. The team is co-chaired by Sara Kerr and Rev. George Lavery. Other members are Fran Day, Craig Pettis, Andrew Robb and Kate Rowbotham.

What is 'Sacred Space'?
It is a term used in reference to facilities of churches, mosques and synagogues. It refers to both buildings and land designated as a means of carrying out the purposes of religious organisations. It includes all facilities: sanctuary; meeting rooms; offices; kitchen; nursery; storage rooms; parking lots etc.

The mandate of the team is to determine the ‘Sacred Space’ needs of the church that will enable the congregation to carry out its mission effectively for the next generation or longer. The mandate is to be carried out through effective consultations with all elements of the congregation over the duration of the process.

The committee has had a number of productive meetings as we develop a plan to tackle this mandate. We are using, as a reference, the book 'Holy Places'. It is available in the church library.

At some stage it will be necessary to involve professionals with experience in helping congregations fulfill mandates such as ours. Before we take that step we need to hear from the congregation and the groups that drive the programs of our active church. Together we will discern God’s direction for our congregation as we consider how to effectively fulfill our mission in the years ahead.

We ask you to consider, complete and return to the church the attached first questionnaire. Before undertaking this assignment we encourage you to prayerfully reflect on the following critical statements of guidance.

Our Mission Statement: [adopted at the annual general meeting on 15 February 2004]

“We seek to be a welcoming community, anchored in God’s love, challenged to sail on the winds of the Spirit, sharing the Good News of Christ with each other and the world.”

Our Vision Statement: [adopted at the annual general meeting on 10 February 2008] “Led by the Spirit, we seek to be an inclusive, welcoming, vibrant faith community nurtured within the rich traditions of the United Church of Canada. Eager to support children, youth, women and men at various stages of their faith journey,

we celebrate God’s presence in praise, prayer and proclamation;
we encourage one another through mutual care;
we explore the Way of Jesus as life-long learners; and

we endeavour to understand and serve the world in word and action.”

Our Core Values: [adopted at the annual general meeting on 10 February 2008; listed alphabetically]

Diversity and Inclusiveness:: We are a multi-generational congregation which seeks to support the spiritual journey of all ages. We welcome and respect all people, regardless of socio-economic status, ethnicity, race, gender and sexual orientation. We welcome diverse ideas expressed with Holy manners. Fellowship: We seek to be a safe, welcoming, Christian community where friendships are nurtured and enjoyed.
Justice and Service:: We seek to support people living in poverty, the dispossessed, and the hurting people within our neighbourhood and globally.
Life-Long Learning:: As followers of Jesus we are on a life-long journey of Christian education, prayerful discernment, and spiritual development.
Mutual Care:: We look after each other through the intentional ministry of pastoral care and the loving efforts of congregational groups and individuals.
Wise Stewardship:: We are all called to be wise stewards of God’s creation and the resources of time, talent, and treasure offered in service to God’s realm.
Worship:: We celebrate God in traditional and alternative forms of worship. We rejoice in preaching and music which praise God and inspire us. We enjoy and encourage sharing worship leadership between clergy and lay.

THE QUESTIONNAIRE followed with explanations of how to complete it:

What about our facility helps you live out our core values?
What about our facility drives you crazy? (Or, at the very least, what frustrates you about our current facility?)
Keeping our core values in mind, what are your dreams for our sacred space?