1. We are not a big church, but we are doing many great things. Historically the building emphasized hospitality and education.We are living in the middle of history, tradition, spiritual practices and new experiments in faith. It is an exciting place to be, but full of tension and challenge.

2. Things that we are currently doing and celebrate:

• Lots of children and youth using the rooms on Sundays.
• Education and discussions for adults and faith community.
• Hospitality with meals, coffee hour, celebration events.
• Art gallery shared with the community.
• Outside groups using our facilities (Music in the park, children's groups)
• Encouraging intergenerational relationships.
• Project Home, made possible by the changes to the building in the '90's.
• Music ministry - variety, emphasizing fact that we are a global faith, from many cultures and languages, importance of hearing one's own language in the service.

3. Possibilities for expanding ministries: 

• More speakers and presentations for the wider St Anthony Park community.
• Many of us no longer live in the neighborhood, could have stronger connections if we reach out more.
• Largest grouping of Chinese university students here. Hospitality and friendships needed. Space and hospitality to students in the areas?  Conversation groups to learn English for spouses of Chinese students?
• The challenges students and grad students face are extensive and lonely.
• Need for co-working spaces in the Cities for those who work from home.
• Engaging children and youth in service more, making a difference in the world.

4. Reaching out into the community and inviting people/youth in

• Invite those of other faiths to the hospitality of our kitchen and share traditional meals from both faiths. Host international dinners.
• Partner with other organizations & faith communities - for music, education, shared youth groups, etc.
• Rethink the classrooms to maximize their use by church members and outside groups.
• The vast majority of Millennials do not attend church, but are hungry for relationship/community.
• The sanctuary was built at a time when theology stressed our efforts to reach God, rather than God descending to where we are. What does the current architecture say about our relationship with God now? And each other? Not change for change sake, but to more accurately reflect our theology of the ministry of all and the community of believers.
• Balance the historical heritage and change for future generations and cultural challenges.
• Desire mystery, moving around, different styles of worship - still honor worship.
• Change is hard. There are those who embrace change and those who resist.
• How do we honor the needs of all generations?
• Hunger for intergenerational relationships.
• Churches that do not consider what is needed for future generations eventually close. Many churches have experienced this pattern.
• The Sunday night service is the place to try new things, the future of the church.
• Social justice and service are passions for this generation.
• Music is important to the church's neighborhood. Does our worship space work for concerts? What if our worship space was more flexible and could host music concerts, speakers, and other events?
• Adjust the seating to be flexible, maybe in the round. Children, especially those sitting in the back of the church cannot see.
• Could the space be configured differently to better foster relationships?
• Use of a labyrinth - where and how?
• Need more storage space for liturgical needs.

5. Current building needs are not "fun" but needed for all ministry areas

• Expansion of the kitchen, better equipment/layout needed.
• The roof will need to be replaced.
• The boiler needs to be replaced.
• Move to green technology - solar panels to heat and cool.

6. Leadership thoughts

• Generation before us rose to the challenge, will we?
• Need committee to lead changes theologically, and fundraisers.
• Change is a challenge, but need to see the needs of the future generations.
• If people see the present need, they will support the change.
• We need to listen to each other and see what God is calling forth as a community.