Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada Emerging Spirit @ The United Church of Canada

The process of making church space more welcoming reminds me of home makeover shows on television.  On TV, we always get to see the "before" and then after an intense few days, we get to see the dramatic "reveal" for the "after" effect.  Recently, embarking on their own version of a makeover, the members of both the Property and Worship committees took a "walkabout" with me to get a sense of the "before".  They were charged with the task of creating a wish list of all the things - big and small - that could be fixed, replaced, removed, changed or enhanced to make Dunbar Heights more welcoming to newcomers, to children and young families, and to one another.  Starting at the front door, we moved through the Narthex, the Sanctuary, the Church Hall corridors, and the entrance to the church hall.  This could have been a mundane exercise but surprisingly, we had fun!  A few people dreamed up new uses for empty spaces.  It seemed as though there were many simple improvements that could be made that would have significant impact.  Everyone seemed to agree that attending to these easy low or no cost options would be the easiest way to effect transformation.   Over time, as Dunbar Heights seeks to implement the changes it has identified, its spirit of welcoming will be further revealed.

What I most enjoyed about his process is that the members of Worship and Property really owned this process.  Once they had the context and some questions for consideration, they took charge and worked together to determine what needed to be added to the master list.  They were not looking to me for answers so much as occasional suggestions or to contribute to the brainstorming.  This allowed me to do what I love to do best: coach.  I provided energy, ideas, and structure.  The walkabout crew did the rest!  Eventually, they will have clear guidelines for Church Makeover: Dunbar Heights Edition.

Next week...just in time for Christmas - the Greeters Workshop!

 I welcome your feedback or suggestions.