Shepherding Team Update!

 

The Shepherding Team met December 17th and continued its discernment about what a Justice-Focused Resilience Hub could look like at FCCUCC. Our conversation focused on how shared space - particularly the possibility of justice-centered co-working space on the second floor - can reflect our theology, our values, and our commitments to equity, dignity, and shared power.

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We explored who might benefit most from shared space, where barriers to access could emerge, and how thoughtful design can support justice work and community resilience. This conversation builds on the interest survey we sent to organizations that used our building during the 2025 legislative session, helping us better understand how co-working space could support their justice-focused work in Salem. Deeper listening with partners and neighbors will follow once the congregation has had the opportunity to discern and affirm the proposal.

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We’re excited to share that Susan Smith has volunteered to create the initial draft of the overall Hub design, drawing on the team’s learning, reflections, and shared commitments. That draft will form the basis of a concrete proposal that the Shepherding Team looks forward to presenting to the congregation at the Annual Meeting on February 1.

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Finally, we are awaiting word on whether FCCUCC has been accepted into the Partners in Vision program with the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund. If so, CB&LF would help us move from vision to implementation through building assessment, financial planning, and stewardship support.

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Thank you for your prayers, curiosity, and encouragement as we take these next faithful steps together. This careful, hopeful discernment is part of what it looks like to be a Resurrecting Church - imagining boldly, listening faithfully, and shaping our future together.

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With gratitude,
Cheryl Beaver, Susan Smith, Shelley Wagener, Pastor Robin Lunn​