Squamish United Church
Facility Needs Assessment Study
June 2001

Prepared in partnership by:
Tara Lynn
Peter Gordon

r  Introduction: Background, Survey Purpose, Methodology
r  Section 1.  Participation in Church Activities
r  Section 2.  Interest in Participating in Proposed Church Activities
r  Section 3.  Interest in Participating in Activities for Youth
r  Section 4.  Opportunities for Outreach Programmes and Church Facilities Rental
r  Section 5.  Respondent Demographics
r  Section 6. Conclusions and Recommendations
r  Appendix 1.  Respondent Comments about Future Planning
r  Appendix 2.  Miscellaneous Respondent Comments
 

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Introduction

In early 2001, the Squamish United Church Board decided to initiate a long-term planning process.  As a first step, they wanted to develop a sense of how the congregationlikes to worship, and to find out what type of worship activities the congregation would like to have provided in the years to come.

As a part of the Board's long term planning process, a survey of the people who attend the Squamish United Church was created.  The questionnaire was designed to be a "needs assessment" for Church activities.  The specific objectives included finding out what activities the congregation participates in, what activities the congregation would like to participate in, and what activities youth would like to participate in.  For each of these activity questions, the preferred place for activities was asked.  In addition, questions were asked about Outreach Programmes, non-profit community groups use of the church facilities and attitudes towards renting proposed facilities.  Lastly, demographic questions were asked.

An attempt was made to survey the entire congregation through visits to monthly meetings  of several groups, as well as requesting participation from those who do not particpate in any church groups.  70 people completed a questionnaire, which is a fairly high rate considering that there are approximately 100 active members of Squamish United Church.

Activity Interests

• The top activities in which respondents participated were Sunday Worship, Congregational Dinners, Fellowship and Gatherings and UCW meetings.  Most respondents would like activities to be in a Church-based Living Room or Multi-purpose Activity Area (unless inappropriate).
• 96% of respondents have participated in at least one activity other than the Sunday worship services.
• The activities of most interest are inter-generational/social gatherings, meditation groups, breaking bread/sharing food and projects to help those in developing countries.  79% preferred activities to be held in a Church-based Living Room or Multi-purpose Activity room.
• Approximately 3/4 respondents with youths (12 to 18 years) thought their children would be very interested or somewhat interested in Community Service activities and Social activities.
• The majority of respondents (96%) said that the Squamish United Church should lead or assist in outreach programmes in the church.  A multi-purpose activity area was the place chosen for this type of activity.
• Almost all respondents (99%) were in favour of permitting non-profit groups to meet in the Squamish United Church facilities for a minimal rental fee.  Some respondents requested that certain conditions be met.
• If new facilities were to be built, 96% of respondents were in favour of renting these facilities to community organizations.  There were some concerns about insurance and maintenance costs, scheduling of user groups, additional burdens on volunteers and loss of tax exemption.

 Demographics

• Close to half of the respondents are 45 to 54 years old, with 37% being 55 or older- this equates to 84% of the church attendees being 45 years or older.
• 76% of the respondents were female, which closely matches church attendee profile at Sunday Worship services.
• 80% of the respondents reside north of the Mamquam Bridge.
• Almost half of the respondents have been members for 16 years or more and 1/4 have started attending Squamish United Church in the last 5 years.
• 67% of the respondents attend church on a regular basis (most Sundays).
• 1/4, or 1 out of 4 respondents is interested in receiving Sunday Services by e-mail.  As more households become connected to the internet, this number will most likely grow.

Peter Gordon, Board representative in charge of the survey, reviewed survey results and made recommendations.  These recommendations were to create a long-term vision of 10 to 15 years and then determine objectives to be met in the short and medium terms.  Financing would also be need to be assigned to these timelines, and once an architect had provided possible facility scenarios, it was suggested that a target fundraising amount could be determined, with the balance being financed.
 

Note:  The survey was implemented prior to the renovations to the kitchen and annex as well as upgrades to the sound system.