Congregational Assessment (Tony Robinson Report)

As most readers will know, Oak Bay United Church has many decisions to make in the near future.  Some of our choices are exciting, but they will require imagination, energy, and persistence on our part.  Some of our choices will be painful even as they are exciting, because we do need to make changes, and we do need to give up some things that are very familiar to us.

As part of the process of understanding our situation, the Board retained Rev. Anthony Robinson  to understand and consider our current situation and our prospects, and make recommendations. Thank you to everyone who assisted Tony with his assessment, by completing a survey on paper or online, and/or by being willing to be interviewed by Tony.

We have received the assessment report, and copies will be available after worship on Sunday and then from the office.

Your Board leadership is eager to hear your responses to Tony's conclusions, so a number of opportunities will be provided for conversation, questions, and concerns to be shared.

As you read this report, we ask that you pay particular attention to the "Recommendations" which begin on page IV. As you reflect, please have the following questions in mind:

1. what excites you about this report?
2. what concerns you?
3. what questions do you have?
and,
4. what do you believe are the "vital few" ministries of this congregation?

A gathering will be held in the Chapel after the worship service, for the following three Sundays (March 23, March 30 and April 7) for your feedback, hosted by members of the Board.

You will also be contacted by the office to take part in a small group discussion either in addition to a conversation after church, or in place of it. These discussions will be offered at a variety of times and days and locations.

Your comments, questions, and concerns will all be considered faithfully in the next few months as the Board drafts a budget for the coming year (July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015), drafts congregational Purpose and Priorities, and commissions the Needs Assessment Committee (now called the Ministry Profile and Search Committee) to do its work. We hope to present a Needs Assessment report, a proposed budget, and Purpose and Priorities for the next few years, to the Annual Congregational Meeting on June 1st.

So, your prayerful reflection, responses and discussion are critical in helping the congregation move ahead with clear direction and intention.

Thank you for your time, your prayers, your energy and your commitment to God's mission here on the corner of Granite and Mitchell: sharing God's love for 100 years and counting!