2009 (Summer)
2009-2010 (Fall, Winter, Spring,)
During this same period, CCP leaders culminated several years of study and discernment by reaching out to area congregations and inviting them to converse about “possible affiliation.” CSCC was one of the churches invited by CCP to engage in conversations, and the CSCC church council responded positively. CSCC President Craig Abel-Palmer appointed a representative committee, and CCP was represented by persons who were part of their long-term assessment process. Several joint meetings followed during the winter/early spring of 2010. The process of “dreaming” about a future together (in some form) was clearly aided by the friendship relationships that had developed out of the joint study programs.
Commitment to a Joint Exploration (May, July 2010)
In May of 2010 CCP voted to terminate their conversations with other churches; they invited CSCC to move forward with them in an open-ended exploration of an affiliation process that would strengthen our individual and mutual ministry and mission. At a congregational meeting in July, 2010, College Street members voted enthusiastically to accept CCP’s invitation. New committees were appointed by each congregation; each church is represented by five members plus the pastor. In addition, Rev. Carole Carlson serves as facilitator.
October 2010
The newly constituted affiliation group began to meet regularly, starting off with a commitment to study and discuss the book by Anthony Robinson, “Changing the Conversation: A Third Way for Congregations.” (Leadership groups and individual members of both churches also began reading the book.) The book’s vision of “a third way” has encouraged us to think beyond the traditional patterns of “shared space,” “church merger,” or “dual affiliation.”
February 2011
The affiliation group planned a joint even for February 13; titled “A Celebration of the Conversation,” the event was designed to allow more members (93 adults attended) to become acquainted with one another. The event culminated in worship led by the two pastors.
Sign-ups were taken on February 13 for joint dinners in homes, and those were scheduled throughout the spring. Eleven dinners were held, and each gathering provided an opportunity to discuss hopes and dreams in the context of relationship-building.
The CCP “lunch bunch” (a quarterly gathering of seniors) invited members of CSCC to join them, and again a significant number of people became acquainted with one another.
June 2011
On June 4th, a group of 10 leaders from each church had the privilege of meeting for two hours with Tony Robinson, the author whose book we had studied during our first year of work. Robinson was in Burlington for another conference, and we scheduled a two hour block with him. He affirmed the hard work the group had done and offered helpful wisdom and guidance, often comparing the joining of two congregations to the work involved in a blended family.
Robinson stressed that Protestant churches that are thriving today are characterized by three qualities: 1) a clear sense of mission; 2) efforts at outreach; and (3) an emphasis on adult spiritual formation and lay leader training. He felt that our next step would be to frame a process to explore our common mission as we seek to address the question, “What is something great that God is calling us to do?” Robinson works as a consultant with churches in transition and would be available in the future if we should wish to contract with him.
The June meeting of the Affiliation group discussed the value of the Robinson conversation and heard farewell words from David Wright; David believes that both churches are already stronger for the process we have engaged in. He shared his vision of a progressive church community in Burlington and urged the affiliation team to continue to move forward.
July-September, 2011
The affiliation team continued to meet monthly. Members of CCP participated in the annual summer CSCC picnic, and a number of people attended one another’s worship services during the summer. Two different lay members of CCP were invited to lead worship and preach at CSCC during the course of the summer. September marks the third year of joint adult education, and 35 persons are participating in the fall reflection/study process.
Although some members of the affiliation group had hoped we could begin a joint planning process this fall, it has become clear to all the members that College Street’s interim process will need its own time to “unfold” before this would be possible.
Members from both congregations join together for the Burlington Pride Parade celebrating an inclusive and welcoming community.
October, 2011
October marks the one year anniversary of the Affiliation Team’s work. It is an appropriate time to report back to both congregations and invite their feedback; toward that end each church will be briefed on our process during the past year and be asked to respond to a statement that outlines our hopes for the coming year.
Carole Carlson
Facilitator
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