I want to express gratitude to all who helped to brainstorm and vision ideas for where this fellowship will meet in the future. I am so hopeful seeing all the care and engagement!! Based on feedback from surveys and the state of the fellowship meeting, there are several locations being toured. Here is summary of what was shared:
• Space must support our dedication to RE and families: large enough so RE and adults can gather all together, space for nursery and 5 RE groups to meet during services, possibly need a special arrangement for Holiday Service if new space does not have a stage.
• Continuing to meet in the Alvord Theater would be first choice, if possible
• Sharing space with another religious congregation has support
• Space conducive to hospitality and fellowship as well as music
• Locations in Ashland or Washburn that meet this criterion are being explored
• Accessibility, including mobility and hearing, are top priorities
• WIFI for continuing to stream services is a top priority
• Office space would be ideal if located in the same area but could be rented separately
• Some storage space is necessary for song books, RE, and worship supplies
• Purchasing a building or land to build is not on the table at this time
Other areas discussed included the aesthetics of the space as well as identity. Will people be able to find us? Will we have a clear identity if we are in a shared space? What is our story—what is most important in who we are that should be reflected in a location? If you have ideas, connections, or dissent to the directions being explored, please share with myself or your board president, Beth Lowthian. We want to move together, centering the vulnerable and marginalized.
We don’t know where we are going, but we know when we get there, we want to be together.
In community,
Rev. Stacy