In the months since Advent members approved the 2026 Strategic Plan, the volunteers and staff on our Strategic Initiative teams have been thoughtfully progressing towards the stated goals in each of their focus areas. Please read below to see what wins they have already had and what they are working on currently and in the near future.
Congregational Empowerment
- Hosted Volunteer Information Fair April 26, offered snacks in exchange for information about getting and staying involved
- Developing communication tools about how to join in and progress through lanes of empowerment
- Adding Council Member Scott Tiesma to the team
Campus Renewal
- Collected and grouped potential projects into phases and presented to Council
- Scheduling an all-church progress presentation in summer, date TBD
- Gathering general estimates on costs
- Suggesting first phase include Anderson Hall upgrades
- Adding Council Member Brie Maerschbecker to the team
Gospel in a Changing World
- Closed out bulk of mutual aid collection and distribution
- Added Interim Pastor Susan Tjornehoj to the team
- Participated in Path to Palm Sunday event by making signs and walking that day
- Exploring Discipleship Path sessions with Isaiah: Five-part learning series to deepen understanding and church-specific calls to action
- Working together with Outreach Committee to find overlaps and extensions
Intentional Welcome
- 1946 Movie Showing – Approximately 20 people viewed this movie, had discussion and enjoyed snacks
- RIC Team will continue with educational opportunities ahead of a fall straw poll vote around RIC journey status
Deepening Discipleship
- Celebrating milestones through the spring for baptism, confirmation, high school graduations
- Working with Gospel in a Changing World team to format Discipleship Path sessions for this summer and early fall
- Offering Wake Up, Dead Man movie and discussion event after church Sunday, June 14
- Planning for evening bible and book studies for young adults and working adults in the fall
