As promised, we are providing you with a progress update on the work accomplished under our Strategic Initiative to vitalize and position HAUMC for its future.

Work Done

1. We have completed, as a community, our inventory and assessment.  We received close to 190 responses and appreciate the dedication of all in getting this done.

2. We have completed our interviews and listening sessions with various leaders in our neighborhood and the community that surrounds us.

3. Church staff has spent significant time gathering our historical information regarding our demographics, attendance, finances and related information.

The information gathered through steps 1-3 above has been analyzed and incorporated by Convergence, our outside consultant, into the Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church Vitality Report. 

Next Steps – Congregational Learning

There will be a presentation on the findings and recommendations contained in the Vitality Report in the Sanctuary, following worship on Sunday, June 9, 2024.  You will hear from the author of the report and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

The presentation on the Vitality Report will be followed by two additional webinars in June, both of which will be shown in the Sanctuary following worship.  The purpose of these two webinars will be to provide an educational context for us, as a congregation, to evaluate our Vitality Report within the broader context of what is going on around us.

The first webinar will take place on June 23 and will educate us on current trends affecting churches based on national experience.

The second webinar will take place on June 30 and will provide examples of actions taken by other churches in response to these national trends.

Please note that all three of these presentations (The Vitality Report and each of the two webinars) will be presented both in person and live streamed. Each presentation will also be available for your review, on demand, if you are unable to attend the in person showings, or live stream sessions.

Next Steps – Visioning and Planning

Following the conclusion of the Congregational Educational steps listed above, the Strategic Initiative Task Force will engage in a futures lab process, armed with the Vitality Report, the information learned from trends, alternative approaches of other churches, our interaction with our neighbors along with your input and feedback, and continue congregational movement towards the Strategic Plan.