Our goal is to create a cohesive roadmap to discern how Trinity UMC can best embrace our collective Mission "to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world" and our Vision "to form disciples who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously, bringing new life, reconciliation, and the presence of Christ to all people, especially the vulnerable." [per the United Methodist Church]

To ensure our church remains a place of vibrant spirituality and engagement amidst changing times, our process will consider:
● Nurturing Our Existing Congregation to grow spiritually and be deeply connected.
● Empowering our staff and lay leadership to serve effectively with clear direction.
● Defining clear strategies for the recruitment of new visitors and members. 

Our planning effort is volunteer led by Stephanie Ford, Trinity member and strategic planning consultant, along with a strong and dedicated team of committee members.
This effort is designed to be inclusive and forward focused with several phases:

1. Data Gathering (January – March): We will gather input from staff, lay leadership, and the entire congregation through personal conversations and small focus group discussion opportunities.

2. Assessment & Defining the Future (February – March): Using this input, we will assess where we are now and define what’s most important for our future.

3. Updating Strategic Pillars (March – April): We will revise and solidify our core strategic pillars to reflect our collective priorities, create alignment, and move forward with clarity.

4. Action Planning & Accountability (April – May): Working with staff and committees, we will outline specific initiatives and create an action plan that fosters accountability and delivers metrics for tracking progress.

5. Implementation (Spring): In the spring, the staff and TUMC committees will determine which action items can be implemented in the near-term. Then, we will utilize the Summer as an opportunity to act, observe, and reflect.

6. Review (Fall): In the early Fall, our planning committee will work with leadership, both with staff and through our committees, to build upon our newly created roadmap, assess progress, and continue the next stage of implementation. Our roadmap is intended to be a living document, reviewed regularly for progress checks and updates. 

Your voice is essential to this process. We are seeking your thoughtful input through personal conversation in two key ways:

1. Small Group Focus Discussions: Our committee members will be reaching out to host conversations with our Sunday School classes and other groups to discuss our church’s strengths, challenges, hopes, and priorities, including how we can better serve our congregation and community needs. Participation is encouraged, yet voluntary, and specific responses will be kept anonymous. Be on the lookout for a separate communication from your committee contact/group leader soon with scheduling details. For those not currently involved in a small group who would like to participate in a focus group conversation, we will be offering a session on Sunday morning, February 22 at 10:00 in the parlor.

2. Congregation-Wide Session: We will all gather together for one special worship service at 10:00 on March 8. After service, we will meet in Trinity Hall for a congregation-wide session of discernment led by Rev. Dr. Dale White, Director of Congregational Excellence with the Virginia United Methodist Conference. We invite all to stay and continue the conversation over lunch as we enjoy fellowship time together! Programming for preschool through 5th grade will be provided during the session, and a Love Offering will help us to offset our meal together. Please mark your calendars for this meaningful time!