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“Have you heard about FCCW Open Doors?
Dear First Congregational Church in Winchester community,Did you know that our lofty sanctuary had no chancel or stained glass windows when it was built? The building we know took its current form and spirit in the 1920’s and 1930’s. We live within its vision of worship, its sense of how our church relates to the town … even its energy use!
From time to time, we need to evaluate and ensure that our use and care of this valuable building is aligned with our mission as a church. How might we take care of this facility now, and moving forward, in a way that best supports our God-given purpose? There are both pressing challenges and important opportunities on our doorstep. In fact, our long-range strategic vision (developed in 2021) calls us to develop a “sustainable facilities and capital need plan.” The Open Doors Working Group, commissioned by the Leadership Team, is tasked with mapping the first steps toward this plan for our building.
Clearly this is not a ‘small team’ effort!! The Open Doors Working Group is seeking to understand what our most pressing needs are and what opportunities might be taking shape. The group will do this by studying the state of our building; by talking with you; by researching innovative ways similar churches have addressed these concerns ; and by listening for what God is asking of us. Open Doors will present a report in May 2025 summarizing its work to date and seeking next steps from the congregation as a whole.
The questions are big, the work is exciting, and the progress will be measured over some years to come. We invite you to look for a series of presentations after the first of the year and hope that you share our interest and engagement with this important work.
The Open Doors Working Group
Ben Keeler (chair), Renee Ryan, Andrew Sansom, Jonathan Goodell, Penny Sparrow, Rev. Will Burhans (ex officio)
Answers to some basic ODGW-related questions:
What is ODWG tasked to do? We are tasked to assess the building and bring our assessment to the LT in conversation with working groups, staff, and members of the congregation.
When should you hear results from the team? The ODWG will be working with the Leadership Team throughout the winter and spring and will present findings to the congregation in May 2025.
How can I join or help? Be part of congregational conversations in the winter of 2025 or reach out to a member of the team.
What are projected next steps? We anticipate a next level of action in the year 2025-2026. We have been tasked with thinking about both medium and long-term plans so our working group is not expecting to take action on anything without careful alignment … and a lot of prayer!
Who is on the team?
- Andrew Sansom– Andrew is an architect and real estate project manager who focuses on sustainability and affordable housing. He and his family have been members of FCCW since 2015.
- Ben Keeler, chair – Ben has been a member of the church for 8 years, has served on the Financial Resources committee and is a current member of the leadership team.
- Jonathan Goodell – Jonathan is a retired UCC pastor who has lived in Winchester for three decades and has been a member of FCCW since 2019.
- Penny Sparrow – Penny has been a member of the church for many years and held multiple roles at FCCW.
- Renee Ryan – Renee is an active local entrepreneur that has a Real Estate business along with a floral design business. She has been a member of the FCCW since 2023.
