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)

5_4 Notes [for website]

“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

5_21 Notes [for website]

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.

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