Reimagining Worship

On May 18th, 2025 we held a congregational conversation seeking feedback, experiences, and insights regarding changes to the worship and program schedule. This meeting took place of Religion in Life and will be held at 11:10 a.m. in the Courtyard Room. Notes from this meeting are available here.
If you were unable to attend this gathering, we hope you can set up a meeting with one of the pastors, a council member, or fill out the form below.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! This information is vital information as church council and staff discern next steps in our worship and community life.
If you were unable to attend this gathering, we hope you can set up a meeting with one of the pastors, a council member, or fill out the form below.
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! This information is vital information as church council and staff discern next steps in our worship and community life.
Worship & Education Schedule Updated Proposal: Approved June 11, 2024
As members of the Church council and congregation listened to the diverse experiences and ideas within St. Michael's, it became clear how these conversations expand beyond the worship service to encompass greater community engagement, around how we gather as community and create meaningful connections. Visitors, new members, and long-time members shared their experiences, bringing a deeper awareness to how essential worship, education, and service opportunities are to relationship-building and community life.
Taking all of the stories and experiences into account, various draft proposals for worship and education were created; one version was developed and modified to include further feedback from committees, congregants, and staff. The church council reviewed and discussed the modified proposal when they met on June 11th. The council voted unanimously to approve the presented proposal for the 2024-2025 program year, with the proposal to be assessed at the end of the program year. The church leadership also wants to emphasize that the curiosity of changing worship/education is not motivated by financial stress or staffing concerns but are a response to the desire to build on the vibrancy and connection of the congregation, attendance trends, and volunteerism.
Taking all of the stories and experiences into account, various draft proposals for worship and education were created; one version was developed and modified to include further feedback from committees, congregants, and staff. The church council reviewed and discussed the modified proposal when they met on June 11th. The council voted unanimously to approve the presented proposal for the 2024-2025 program year, with the proposal to be assessed at the end of the program year. The church leadership also wants to emphasize that the curiosity of changing worship/education is not motivated by financial stress or staffing concerns but are a response to the desire to build on the vibrancy and connection of the congregation, attendance trends, and volunteerism.
An Overview & Notes from Congregational Conversations
Throughout the 2024 Lenten soup suppers, attendees were invited to reflect and discuss their worship experiences and the significance of those experiences on their faith and sense of community. Then on March 3rd, the congregation was invited to a conversation regarding what vibrant worship means to them. They reflected and responded to worship attendance trends. They also shared joys and challenges to staying connected as a congregation. Comments and questions from that conversation are available below.
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On April 21st & 28th 2024, families of children and youth were invited to a facilitated conversation around their experiences in worship, education, and community life. They also shared their experiences of connection within the congregation. Earlier in March, youth and confirmation students discussed their experiences and ideas for worship. Comments and questions from those conversations are available below.
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On May 5th, 2024 the congregation was invited to attend facilitated small group discussions. These conversations focused on the current worship and education schedule and sought ideas for possible changes. Church leadership prepared one worship and education schedule alongside the current model for small groups to respond to. That proposal was based on feedback generated on March 3rd, April 21st, and April 28th. Comments and questions from those conversations are available below.
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