We’re thinking big – are you? 

Dear First United Family, 

Your lay leadership is working hard to envision the bright future ahead for First United Church. They are thinking big and exploring various ways to kick off the next great chapter in our shared history. From new forms of outreach to embracing innovative technology to enhance the worship experience, we’re committed to finding creative solutions that will help the church realize its full potential. 

This collaborative visioning process isn’t just a task for lay leadership; it’s a collective effort involving the entire church community. Your participation and support in sharing ideas and aspirations for the future of First United Church are invaluable and deeply appreciated.

Let’s take a moment to celebrate some recent successes together: 

  • New members are joining our church and our active membership list is growing (yes – really!)
  • Our First Friday Pizza and Play nights have become a hub for diverse international and intergenerational family groups
  • Head Start is using our building this spring and summer after experiencing a water leak at one of its sites.  
  • We’re expanding our partnership with the People’s Market with a high tunnel hydroponic growing system installed on church grounds. 
  • We’re supporting our third DISP family
  • We’re getting eclipse glasses out into our community, including supporting SCCAP Head Start, Compass Early Learning Center, Middleway House, Community Kitchen, and Shalom Center
  • and on and on and on.

As we look towards the future, there’s work ahead, including addressing the failing roof over the sanctuary. We’re applying for important grant opportunities that could fund critical programs and updates in our building. (Even as we await funding decisions we’ve learned a lot about ourselves and reflected on opportunities ahead.) We are thinking about improving accessibility, updating shared spaces to better serve our congregation and community partners, utilizing our grounds for farming and native planting, revitalizing our playground, and even a future expansion of our building. 

Some of these ideas are big — maybe even too big. Importantly, however, they all include a future with First United Church as a vibrant community hub where diverse voices are celebrated and empowered.

Are you ready to think big alongside us? 

Best, 

Mitchell Farmer, President