Convergence Summit
The latest step of the reVision program at Trinity was our Convergence Summit held on June 25th. About 60 members and children shared in a meal following the worship service and then we turned our attention to the convergence of the thoughts and ideas that have been emerging during our small group gatherings. Around tables, we engaged in conversation based on three questions:
- What gifts are present in this congregation and in our neighbourhood?
- What passions are present in this congregation and in our neighbourhood?
- Hearing all this, what are we inspired to do.
Many gifts were identified as we talked about the first question. We live in the midst of abundance! While we often complain about the problems around us, focus on the things we think are missing, and pine for the “good ol’ days” we are in fact blessed with many gifts. God expects us to faithfully use those gifts for the good of our community and world. Click on the word cloud to the right to see some of the gifts that we see within our congregation and within our community.
We also had deep conversations about the things we are passionate about – as individuals and as a community of faith. At the top of our list was music, of course. Music plays an important role at Trinity – from congregational singing, a talented choir under the direction of Michelle Pyatt, to contemporary music from our “Wii” band – including many original songs. Other things that we are passionate about include social justice programs, outreach, caring for others, sharing our building with community programs, Sunday school, Bible study and small groups. Click on the word cloud to the left to see some of the things that we are passionate about at Trinity.
After talking about the gifts we share and what we are passionate about, we turned our conversation to the question “what are we inspired to do?” About 40 ideas were identified which we narrowed down to 12. We posted these ideas around the room and then everyone stood beside the project that they felt they would like to help implement over the next year. Three ideas emerged as having the most support. They were:
- develop a small group ministry for the congregation
- develop our ministry with youth and children
- develop a lecture and concert series for the community
So what’s next? Three teams are going to work over the summer and early fall to create a detailed proposal for each of these ideas. In October, the teams will present their proposals to the congregation at an “Action Summit.” The congregation will then decide together how to move forward on all or some of the proposals, and what the timeline for action will be.