St Thomas United Church Strategic Plan Key Priorities

St. Thomas United Church Strategic Plan – Key Priorities & Strategic Initiatives Boldly Making A Difference VISION MISSION CULTURE KEY PRIORITIES STRATEGIC INITIATIVES & STRATEGIC GOALS TACTICAL ACTION PLANS & MEASURES OF SUCCESS May 15, 2019 Respectfully presented by the Planning Team Marj Aucoin, David Blackadar, Hope Cochran, Justin Mc. Neill, Linda Miller, Barry Mingo, Bob Nixon, Tracy Robertson, Elaine Taylor. Kerr 1

St. Thomas United Church Boldly Making A Difference – Strategic Framework (May 15) Vision A dynamic faith community, boldly making a difference as we grow together. Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here. Mission Faith is a Journey we embrace with Open Hands, Open Hearts, Open Minds Culture Faith & Spirituality ◦ Compassion ◦ Music ◦ Hospitality ⌐�Strategic Initiatives �¬ ⌐���������� Key Priorities ���������� ¬ May 15, 2019 Resonating Faith & Spirituality Compassion & Outreach Vibrant Joy of Music Genuine Hospitality Worship Pastoral Care Faith Formation & Spirituality Outreach & Social Justice Choirs & Instrumentals Open, Caring & Welcoming to All Youth Affirming Worship & Events Getting to Know & Serving NW Calgary Communities 2 Operational Vitality Spirited Communications ↓ Strategic Goals Tactical Action Plans & Measures Of Success

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Resonating Faith & Spirituality – Key Priority Our church identity is rooted in engaging and thought provoking experiences through humour, challenging scriptures, being open and honest with one another, seeing The Divine in the midst of community and living our faith in the world. We provide spiritual experiences that provoke thought and discussion, encouraging us to go into the world and live out our faith by modelling the lessons of Jesus. We pursue spiritual and personal growth grounded in celebration and reflection. Resonating Faith & Spirituality – Strategic Initiatives Worship Provide inspiring, inclusive, relevant worship that appeals to a range of spiritual, intellectual, cultural and personal styles. Celebrate our Christian faith through worship experiences demonstrating St Thomas’ commitment to compassion, diversity and social justice, encouragement to continue our faith work throughout the week. Faith Embrace our faith journey, striving to deepen our understanding the Bible and our spiritual Formation & tradition leading to a robust Christian life embracing open hands, open hearts and open minds. Spirituality Develop beliefs and connections in something bigger than ourselves, searching for purpose, creating a deep sense of interconnectedness and bringing a sense of peace and meaning to life. Youth May 15, 2019 Offer dynamic youth programs sharing faith, values and interests, interpreting the world through relevant experiences, preparing for life’s challenges, and developing a heart to serve others. 3

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Compassion & Social Justice – Key Priority To inspire compassionate care by offering diverse ways to support our congregation in times of celebration, sadness, and transition. We embrace care and concern inside these walls, empowering our congregation to undertake our mission to reach outside these walls, champion our causes for social justice and make a difference in the world. Compassion & Social Justice – Strategic Initiatives Pastoral Care Compassionate congregational care at its finest. Outreach & Live our values in community and beyond through open hands, open hearts, open minds. Social Strive to support healthy communities of people who can more fully participate in the world Justice around us. Be advocates of human rights, making a difference in our world. Affirming May 15, 2019 Be inclusive, accepting each other as we are and welcome the ministry and participation of all persons regardless of age, gender identity, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, religious or ethnic background or economic circumstance. 4

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Vibrant Joy of Music – Key Priority We share our musical passion, achievements and creativity through enhancing worship with excellent music, education, events, and outreach. Dynamic music programs engaging most ages with multiple genres & styles. Vibrant Joy of Music – Strategic Initiatives Choirs & Inspire passionate Adult, Youth and Children’s Choirs. Instrumentals Foster uplifting Orchestra and lively Strummers performances. Worship & Events May 15, 2019 Present classical masterworks, pop favourites, bold collaborations, and cutting-edge new works we are proud to invite guests to. We share our passion with other congregations and community care facilities. 5

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Genuine Hospitality – Key Priority For everyone entering our building to have their needs met and expectations exceeded as they experience our genuine inclusivity, honest humour, clear commitment to relationships, and deep desire to bringing light and hope to a world where making a difference truly matters. Genuine Hospitality – Strategic Initiatives Open, Caring & Be genuinely open and caring, making room for all and welcoming everyone when they Welcoming to All walk through our doors. This involves sharing coffee and meals, getting to know our neighbours and developing friendships. Getting to Know Be known as centre for worship & spirituality, compassion & social justice and music for and Serving NW our neighbourhoods in Northwest Calgary. We are a community hub hosting facilities for Calgary community groups. Communities May 15, 2019 6

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Operational Vitality – Supporting Priority Ensure our infrastructure, physical space, policies, processes and technology support the church, staff and congregational growth and well being. Allocate budget resources in strategic alignment with St. Thomas’ vision and mission work. Operational Vitality – Strategic Initiatives Governance Provide leadership in the work of St. Thomas, ensuring the effective oversight of the congregation’s spiritual guidance, financial life and ministry implementation. Building & Property Support the maintenance of our building, facilities and property that is effective and meets the broad needs of St. Thomas and our surrounding community. Maintains a long term sustainable plan for the building & property that is congruent with the needs of St. Thomas. Finance Manage St. Thomas budgets to achieve a stable financial future through rigorous and disciplined processes, policies, reporting and forecasts. Stewardship Promote stewardship programs inspiring our congregation to make a difference in achieving St. Thomas’ vision and mission through sharing their gifts of time, talent and treasure. Administration Create a supportive, professional environment for staff and volunteers to work together and be effective in meeting the needs and goals of St. Thomas. May 15, 2019 7

St. Thomas United Church – Boldly Making A Difference Key Priority and Strategic Initiatives Descriptions Spirited Communications – Supporting Priority Provide resonating, targeted and focused messages, sharing our personality and activities with and between our ministries, missions, congregation and communities, enticing folks to join us in the journey. Our communications are open, shared, transparent, easily accessible and inspiring. Spirited Communications – Strategic Initiatives Vibrant Messaging Deliver St. Thomas’ communications in a way that embodies our spirited and vibrant community identity, symbolizing how we are recognized for satisfying the needs of our congregation and community. Appealing Online Presence Leverage the web and social media to present an enticing image of a dynamic faith community, boldly making a difference as we grow together. May 15, 2019 8