Discussion and Straw Poll about Upcoming Proposed Property Sales

Dear Siblings in Christ,
 
Thank you to all who helped with the many events last weekend. The Grounds Clean-up was a great success and many of the fall tasks around the building were completed, along with several spaces inside being sorted and organized. Staff Appreciation Sunday was also such a tribute to the dedicated employees and contractors who give of themselves week in and week out to making our church what it is. The many cards and gifts that I received had such lovely blessings and sentiments in them. I’m grateful to serve among you all, for your generosity, grace, and good will.
 
Thank you also to those who stayed after worship last Sunday to participate in the discussion and straw poll about our upcoming proposed property sales. The results of the straw poll are shown below in the table. There were 20 people voting on both measures and both will move to ballots at the All Church Conference.
 

 
The perspectives expressed and heard were valuable and important to address. I have so much respect for those who continue to raise constructive questions and ideas, whether they vote yes, no, or abstain on these upcoming ballots. Throughout this process, the commitment I’ve observed throughout our congregation to each other and the future neighbors of our church has been demonstrated by the care and consideration given to each person’s ideas that are raised.
 
One idea that surfaced in our last discussion about the land under the parsonage has seen some progress. The Faithland team shared on Sunday that our attorney is working to include in the PSA a strong preference for the church retaining ownership of the land under the parsonage. That may result in the design team considering alternate locations for the new parsonage but we can say that it is now being included as part of the negotiations.
 
Another idea that came up from a member of our congregation, in the conversation on Sunday, is the potential for church growth, if our church would merge with another church or for any other reason. Given that we would have less parking after development, significant church growth may stretch our capacity to welcome those who drive cars. This is true of any of the options for development that we are considering and would be a reason for those who can to arrive at church using modes of transportation other than a personal car to prioritize available parking for those who need it. What was new about this idea on Sunday was the possibility for merger with another congregation, namely Sandpoint Community United Methodist Church.
 
For several years, our congregation has been exploring ways that we can be in ministry with other nearby congregations. We’ve had joint services and pulpit swaps with several. The concept of a merger at the site of our church may be something that we explore in the coming months, but it is not even a proposal at this time. There is much learning to do about what it would mean for both congregations and whether there is a synergy between us. When there is news about potential merger or any other possibility of the sort, there will also be opportunities for questions, discussion, listening, and more of that care and consideration that I’ve seen in action throughout the last several years. Your ideas and contributions will be part of the way forward, with guidance from the Holy Spirit.  
 
May we proceed faithfully by God’s grace,
Pastor Laura