Report of Development Action
Committee, April, 2006
Introduction:
Rationale for the committee is as follows:
1. The original impressive expansion plans from 1963
which were to add a large teaching/classroom area adjoining a large
dedicated sanctuary has not come to fruition.
2. Our location at 4th and Victoria is one of concern
regarding low traffic and visibility. The downtown demographic
may not be ideal for growth and expansion of our church in attendance
and enthusiasm. But we have very valuable property as an
asset.
3. The church board has an expectation that the
Development Action Group will somehow give them direction in which way
to go in further development or renovation.
The committee has adopted the following mission statement: “To explore
the possibilities to maximize the potential for the growth and health
of Squamish United Church through our real estate assets.”
Process:
The Development Action Group conducted a survey of dreams. We
presented our mandate at the Board Retreat Jan. 21st . The
data collected at the Retreat and the initial data collected was
presented to the congregation. We then surveyed the
congregation on March 26, 2006 and April 2, 2006. The
congregation was invited to place stickers beside their top
priorities. Members of the congregation could place one sticker
per item or place all stickers beside one high priority item.
Each member was given six stickers.
One goal of the Development Action Group is to keep the the 5
marks of the Christian Church in the forefront of planning as we
move forward. The Five Marks are as follows: Worship,
Building up the Community of Believers, Service/Ministry,
Proclamation/Evangelism and Faith and Spiritual Formation. So the data
was collected under the five marks as well as under a catchall title of
Brainstorm Ideas. Members voted accordingly in these categories.
Results of the Survey as follows in Priority order: (Highest to
Lowest)
• Demolish Trinity Hall - Build new
sanctuary/Renovate existing sanctuary for Multipurpose Use
• Stay in Downtown Location.
• Space for Food Bank/Soup Kitchen & Space for
community facilities
• Natural Lighting/Windows to maximize view (Better
lighting)
• Nursery or Crying Room
• Safe Haven for People in Need
• Affordable Housing (Seniors Housing)
• Options for Adding on in the Future
• Warm Welcoming Sanctuary/Large Narthex
• Bring in the outdoors/ Natural surroundings/
Meditation Garde
• Steeple & Bell
• Donate Trinity Hall to the Railway Museum.
• Increase visibility – Signage.
• Rental Use to Community (Wedding receptions)
• Good Sound System / AV equipment & Modern Sound
Tech Systems/Head sets for Hearing Impaired.
Summary:
The majority of the congregation overwhelming voted to stay in the
downtown area. The congregation is in favour of community outreach by
the church as illustrated by the voting for a Soup Kitchen and Safe
Haven. The Multipurpose needs listed for both congregation and
community are delineated below and are not listed in any priority order: 1. Congregational Needs
a. Nursery
b. Small gym
c. Offices
d. Library
e. Lounge (Fireside Room)
f. Christian Education
g. Prayer Chapel
h. Kitchen
i. Dining Area
j. Community Garden
k. Performance
Space 2. Community Needs
a. Soup Kitchen
b. Thrift Store
c. Performance Space
d. Rentals e.g. Weddings
Over sixty (60) people participated in the setting these needs or wants
for our church property, Therefore we think the majority are
represented and that the results are valid.
Conclusions:
1. Stay in Downtown
2. Renovate Main Structure
3. Replace Trinity Hall with new structure
(If possible, donate Trinity Hall to the Railway
HeritagePark)
4. Provide community Outreach
The committee considers their work complete for now. If the Board
wishes to pursue this further, we recommend that the neighbourhood
around the church be surveyed next.
Yours in faith,
The Development Action Group
(Walter Huber, Sue Puchmayr, Grace Halvorson, Rainer Schwarz,
& Donnaleen Miller)
Report of Development Action
Committee, April, 2006