Report from the Visioning Team

December 11, 2025

The third gathering of the Forest Hill and Trinity United Church congregations occurred on Sunday, November 30th after the church service. Despite a snowy weekend, almost 50 people enjoyed a light lunch and took part in group discussions.

Information discussed:

1. the ‘Respectful Communication Guidelines’ were reviewed, groups of 4-5 were formed           

2. A ‘warm-up’ discussion centred around T2035 strategic direction questions:

   •  Are you clear about your ‘why?’

   • Do you have a good understanding of your current neighbours?

   • Have you created an invitation plan?

   • Are you connected to other nearby churches?

   • Do you know how you spend your time?

   • Do you have relationships with migrant/newcomer communities and young people?

3. The small groups were asked to name and place current activities, practices under the four goal headings (Stability, Shared Leadership, Spiritual Nourishment, Beloved Community) eg. Spiritual Nourishment: UCW, Suddenly One, Spirit Circle, choir, Monthly Men’s breakfast…)

4. The third question asked the group members to ponder, discuss and record ideas for the future - “What are the visions for the future church? Where do we want to be in the future?
   Many ideas were shared.

5. Information about next steps was then shared:

   • each congregation will meet on January 18th after church service to:

     • vote on moving forward with amalgamation; if passed, then

     • vote to approve the search committee member

     • vote to approve ministerial priorities and job description to give us a

     • starting place to prepare for the Search process

 **Response to the third questionnaire question:

“Do you have any questions that would prevent you from answering the question “Are you ready to proceed with amalgamation? If yes, What specific questions or concerns would have to be answered before you would be able to move forward with amalgamation? Name all and be specific.”

**The collective response was almost unanimously positive.
(FHUC 26 no concern; 1 question;    TUC 11 no concern)

 Summary and what’s next:

AMALGAMATION COMMUNICATION TIMELINE

(on screen during December Sunday services)

 June 25, 2025                         FORMATION

                                                Two teams-The ‘Visioning Team’ and the ‘Process Team’ were formed and brought together with representation from both congregations. They met separately and together as one to plan upcoming surveys, workshops and to receive feedback as the process unfolded.

 October 5, 2025                     VALUES

                                                Congregational survey  and collective workshop #1 to examine values, hopes, fears and anxieties held by members throughout the history of both congregations

 November 2, 2025                 GIFTS

                                                Congregational survey and collective workshop #2 to examine gifts, ministries and passions supporting the work of each congregation as well as behaviours, ministries and cultural norms that get in the way.

 November 30, 2025               QUALMS

                                                Congregational survey and collective workshop #3 to explore and address remaining hesitancies as well as to chart next steps.

 January 18, 2026*                  VOTE

                                                Each congregation votes independently on whether to continue the process of amalgamation.

                                                Result of the votes will dictate our path forward.

4 Four Core Values:

 Stability:  We are anchored in accountable governance, thoughtful planning, a well-maintained sacred space, sound financial stewardship and mutual trust and respect so that we can reach outward, grow and embrace new possibilities.

 Beloved Community:  We walk together through every age and stage of life (including times of conflict) and we cherish the deep bonds we share. We strive to reach out to others, within and beyond our church walls, to offer love, support, advocacy and a sense of belonging to all.

 Spiritual nourishment:  We are inspired by the varied opportunities we have to pray, sing, study the Bible, participate in communion and praise God together. We strive to offer transformative Sunday worship services that feature beautiful music and thought-provoking messages.

 Shared Leadership:  Our leadership is not top-down-it’s side-by-side. Clergy and lay, seasoned and new, we listen for the Spirit’s whisper together to discern the path forward and lead with courage and conviction.