Lunch Conversations, March 1

On Sunday, March 1, members gathered in Haberland Hall for lunch, fellowship and to discuss developments since our January 25 vote to authorize sale of our property. For the Real Estate committee, Noel reported that proposals from brokers were due in the coming week and the council would make a selection at their next meeting. A real estate attorney will also need to be selected. Jonathan invited members to survey our 100 years’ worth of personal property “collections” and let the team know which items had personal or historical significance and should be saved as we prepare to downsize. Property inquiries have been received from other congregations, developers, and a preservation group, and will be considered as well. Justine and Joe reported on short-term interim space, and said that at least one Lutheran sistercongregation (so far) would welcome us. Members asked several questions: would we meet together for worship or at alternate times? Can we accommodate our other ministries? Should we look for a multipurpose space instead of or in addition to worship space? The team will continue to explore options available in Logan Square.Regarding longer term space needs, individual tables considered the pros and cons of several scenarios: 1) owning a building and sharing the space, 2) renting and sharing multipurpose space, 3) a storefront “dinner church” that gathers around a meal, and has open multipurpose space, and 4) a neighborhood church “with a wide reach” that supports a variety of ministries (such as a nonprofit café, shops, music studio, or whatever business is inviting and needed in the area). Table discussions elicited other questions, such as the need to identify the non-negotiable “givens” (worship, staying in Logan Square, essential ministries), whether worship and other ministries need to be in the same location, what is financially sustainable, possibilities for working with other non-profits. Sharing space in the short term might be considered a “preview” of long-term arrangements.The process of reporting table discussions to the larger group brought out new questions and possibilities. Thanks to council and the working groups that put in a lot of time and creative thinking into the research and presentations.The next opportunities for Crossroads discussion will be March 22 and April 19. Members are encouraged to be informed and add their perspectives as we walk “in the dark” toward our newlife as a congregation.