Future Visioning
What future will we build for 5515 Phinney Ave N and St. John United?
St. John United Lutheran Church is at a crossroads. Our congregation has currently unsustainable finances and dwindling attendance. National trends indicate deep changes in the way people engage with church. Our Future Visioning Team wants to engage members and community stakeholders to create an actionable vision and plan for St. John United Lutheran Church and the property’s future.
We are not alone as we work to discern out future. Many thanks to KUOW Soundside for their May 31 podcast “What will be the future of church in Seattle?,” which shares the challenges of churches throughout our region, and includes interviews with SJU and Pastor Anna by SJU gardener and KUOW producer Sarah Leibovitz.
The following gatherings are your opportunity to be involved in the process of visions for St. John United. What are your top priorities for the property and the church? Now is the time to participate! All are welcome to attend the proposed meetings. Your presence will be key in determining our future together.
We will have 6 meetings to gather your views and community input, and one meeting outlining the state of our property. Please attend as many meetings as you can.
Meeting #1: Gathering Input
Sunday, April 23 noon (after worship) SJU lounge, in-person only
Notes from 4.23.23 Gathering [for website]
Meeting #2: Gathering Input
Thursday, May 4 6:30 pm Hybrid Format: SJU boardroom and on zoom (Meeting ID: 882 9471 6311)
“State of the Property Presentation”
Sunday, May 7 noon (after worship),SJU lounge, in-person only
Meeting #3: Gathering Input
Sunday, May 21 noon (after worship) SJU lounge, in-person only
Meeting #4: Gathering Input
Thursday, June 1 6:30 pm Hybrid Format: SJU boardroom and on zoom (Meeting ID: 882 9471 6311)
Meeting #5: Gathering Input
Sunday, June 11 noon (after worship) SJU lounge, in-person only
Meeting #6: Gathering Input
Thursday, June 15 6:30 pm Hybrid Format: SJU boardroom and on zoom (Meeting ID: 882 9471 6311)
Save the Date: All Community Retreat
Saturday, July 8th at St. John United Lutheran Church
Reference Materials
Summary of SJU Missional Statements
Decision Criteria v.1 [for website]
For more information, use the contact form below.
