You are invited to join in dreaming about the future of FUMC Ann Arbor!

The recently concluded first phase of our strategic planning efforts identified four broad strategic initiatives to develop in the near future:

• Initiate the process of transforming the Downtown property into a more welcoming space.
• Invest in the growth of the Green Wood community in a new, intimate and accessible setting.
• Assess and continue to innovate and enliven the online experience, while expanding and growing the online community.
• Increase the visibility of FUMC in the broader community.

In the coming months and possibly years, FUMC will seek to clarify its vision for a future that is invigorating, relevant, sustainable, growth-oriented and in alignment with our calling to be in service to our community. This effort will constitute the second phase of our strategic planning process, which was begun in Fall 2022. During this time, will seek to identify specific programs, ministries, missions and outreach efforts that will help define FUMC’s focus in the coming years.

At the recent special church conference, members voted in support of a motion to authorize the Trustees to sell property at the Green Wood location, no sooner than a year from now. The motion included a minimum of one year “to provide a time for discernment that would include regular Green Wood worshipers, and to decide a plan to sustain and grow a non-traditional worship.” The actual timing of a sale of property is not known at this time, as we need to first develop a plan that will support our congregation through a period of transition.

Discerning our future, supporting church participants in a period of uncertainty, intentionally developing a plan to sustain and grow a non-traditional worship, and shaping our ministries, missions, programs and physical spaces will require the efforts of our entire church community. Beginning in June, we will host small group discussions, conduct surveys, reach out to potential community partners, gather examples of successful modern-day churches, and dream about the church we want to be in the coming years and decades. The first of these “listening and sharing sessions” will take place Saturday, June 3, 10-11:30 a.m., at The Common Cup Cafe, located at 1511 Washtenaw Ave, Ann Arbor. Please stop by to share your thoughts!