InformationandListeningSessionsonProposedCo-location:SummaryofCongregantFeedbackAprilandMay2019

FirstUniversalistChurchofMinneapolis23May2019

ExecutiveSummaryThisreportsummarizesthecongregantinputprovidedatCongregantInformationandListeningSessionsaboutproposedco-locationwithShirTikvahheldonApril15,April25,May2,May8,andMay19.AninformationandlisteningsessionfortheRacialJusticeEducationTeam,FaithfulActionCouncilandBelovedConversationsparticipantswasheldonMay14;thisgroupaskedthattheirfeedbackstandaloneandissummarizedinaseparatereport(alsoavailableundertheco-locationtabonourwebsite).Inputfocusedonjoysandexcitementaboutco-location,concerns,remainingquestions,andpossiblesolutionstoconcerns,aswellasexcitementaboutremainingindependentanddisappointmentsifwechosetoremainindependent.InformationfromboththeFeedbackFormsandtheworkshopactivity(postedhalfsheets)isincludedinthesummary.TheFeedbackFormratingsondegreeofsupportfortheco-locationproposalarealsosummarizedandincluderatingsfromallsixsessions.Keythemesandratingsaresummarizedbelow.TheDetailedReportprovidesalloftheverbatimcommentsfromcongregantsgroupedbythemewithineachcategory.JoysandExcitementaboutpotentialCo-location

• Boldvision;excitingnewpossibilities;desiretobecomeabravespace• OpportunitytoliveourUUvalues:collaboration,community,racialandsocial

justice• AlliancewithaJewishcongregationoffersopportunityformulticulturallearning

andopportunitytostandwithShirTikvahagainstanti-Semitism• Relationshipandcommunitywithanorganizationwhosharesourvalues• Decreasedimpactontheenvironment• Newpossibilitiesforourbuildingspace;excitementaboutthethirdfloor• Positivefinancialimpactwithafinancialpartner• Capabilityandcommitmentofthoseinvolvedinplanningforco-location

ConcernsaboutCo-location

• Logistics:difficultywithsharingspacescheduling• Parking:impactonbothcongregantsandtheneighborhood• Potentialdistractionfromourmissiononracialjustice(RJ)• Building:safety,security,ADAconcerns,elevator• Complexityofgovernanceinaco-ownedbuilding• Lackofclarityaboutexitstrategy• Financialrisksandcomplexity• ImpactonourUUIdentityandculture

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• Generalworries/risksaboutchangeandfuturedevelopmentsExcitementaboutremainingindependent/onourown

• Clearfocusonourmission,especiallyracialjustice• Weareagoodplaceasweare• Lesscomplexityingovernanceandoperations• Maintainingautonomyandcontrol• Processhasbeenhelpfulinevaluatingandbetterinformingourownneeds• Likestatusquo;wanttominimizechangeanddisruption

Disappointmentsifwedon’tco-locate

• Lostopportunityforboldleadership,collaborationandinnovation• Lostopportunityforsharingresources• Nothirdfloor;lossofbenefitsofthirdfloortocommunityandus

PotentialSolutionstoConcernsaboutCo-location

• Continuesharinginformationandtransparencyincommunication:meetingsarewelldone;teamdrivingthisiswellinformedandopenwithinformation;keepitup

• Providemorespecificandinformation,especiallyaround:financialarrangements,thegovernancemodel,successfulexamplesofco-location,andunwindingprocess

• Charteragrouptoexploreparkingissuesandsolutionsnow• HoldmoreeventswithShirTikvahcongregantssowecangettoknoweachother• Proceedwithmoregradualco-ownershipandprenuptialagreements• Identifyexpertstohelpwithspaceandeventmanagementanddisputeresolution• Ensureflexibilityinbuildingspace

SummaryofRatingsonFeedbackForms*Whatareyourthoughtsrightnowaboutco-locationwithShirTikvah?

Numberofresponses

%ofTotal

Iamenthusiasticaboutco-location. 33 23%Iamsupportiveofco-location. 45 32%Iamundecided 38 27%Ileantowardremainingonourown. 20 14%Iamnotinfavorofco-location 6 4%Total 142 100%*IncludesratingsonFeedbackFormsfromallsessions(4/15;4/25;5/2;5/8;5/14;5/19).Continuingquestionsaboutco-locationManyofthequestionedraisedbycongregantsareansweredintheFAQsabutco-locationandaboutShirTikvah,availableonourwebsiteundertheco-locationtab.Wewillcontinuetoupdatethesedocuments.

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Allofthequestionsraisedbycongregantsaresummarizedinthedetailedsection.FollowingisasummaryofsomeofthekeyquestionsraisedinthesessionsthattheSteeringCommitteewillcontinuetoaddress:

• Howdowemakesureco-locationfurthersourracialjusticemissionandisnotadistraction?

• Whatisthetimelinefordecisionmaking?• Whatistheconstructiontimelineandhowwouldwemanagethedisruptionof

construction?Will1UbeatSTduringremodeling?• Whataretheimplicationsofthelostcapitalcampaigngift?• Whatexactlywouldtherenovatedbuildinglooklike?Howmuchmorespacewould

wehave?Whataretherequirementsforsharingthekitchen?• Whatprovisionswouldbemadeforincreasedsecurity?• Specifically,howmuchwouldeachcongregationcontributetotherenovation?How

wouldequitybeassigned?• WhatwouldbethefunctionsoftheNewEntityBoardandhowwoulditworkin

practice?• Howwillschedulingandeventplanningbemanaged?Whataretheguidelinesfor

doingso?• Whatwouldbetheprocessforunwinding?• Whatwouldbetheprocessfordisputeresolution?• Whatdoesitmeantoenteracovenantalrelationship?Whatculturalshiftsdowe

needtomake?• Howdowemitigatetheparkingissues?• Howandwhendowebestinvolvetheneighborhood?

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DETAILEDREPORTThissectionincludesalloftheverbatimwrittencommentsfromthecongregantswhoparticipatedintheInformationandListeningSessionsonApril15,April25,May2,May8,andMay19.Thecommentsaregroupedintothemeswithineachcategory,butnoresponseshavebeenleftout.ThereportfromtheracialjusticefocusedgrouponMay14issummarizedinanotherreportasrequestedbythegroup.Tableofcontentsforthissection: Page JoysandExcitementaboutpotentialco-location 4 Concernsaboutpotentialco-location 8Excitementaboutremainingonourown 14Disappointmentsifwedon’tco-locate 16Suggestions/solutionstoaddressconcernsaboutco-location 18Questionsaboutpotentialco-location 21JoysandExcitementaboutPossibleCo-locationBoldvisionandnewpossibilities

• Thepossibilities/potential/newopportunities(6responses)• Modelsrisktakingandinnovativethinking• Excitingmerging2progressivecongregationsandtheopportunitiesitallows• Synergy,groundbreaking,nowisthetimetodosomethingbig• Wewouldbedoingsomethingboldandexciting,likewehopetoliveourlives• Boldideaandsupportsmyvalues• Expansionofopportunitiestomeetnewanddifferentpeopleandideas• Anewwayofdoingthingswithadifferentgroup• Bravespace;bravestatementofvalues• Braveandinspiringvision• Co-locationbuildsexcitement• Intellectualexcitementandvigor• Modelofgovernancethatisunusual

Opportunitytoliveourvalues:collaboration,communityandracial/socialjustice

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• Longterm,itwillbeavisionforthefuture,avisionofcooperation• Possibilityofcreatingadifferentfuture,especiallyanti-racism• Avisionofnewsynergyandenergytoaddresssocialjusticeandcommunityissues–

bigbridgebuilding• Alliesonsharedvaluesandvisions• SupportingourRacialJusticework,visionofsharedjusticework• Modelingsharingformykids• Possibleincreaseofspiritualuniversalism• OpportunitytoliveourUUvaluesandamplifyinstate,nationalissues• Expandingourcovenantalcommunityandpracticingitinnewandrealways• Puttingourmoneywhereourmouthsare.Radicalexpressionofenactingoutour

values• Livingourvalues(3responses)• Synergyofenergyforsocialjusticeandcommunityengagement• SocialJusticevision• Joiningforcestobeastrongervoiceinthecommunity• Potentialforgreateradvocacywith2groups/religiousorganizationsfocusedon

similarjustice/spiritualissues• Co-programmingforfaithfulactionwork;“criticalmass”largecongregationsoffer

forcommunityimpact• Creatingabetterspaceforbothgroupstocreatecommunityanddosocialjustice• Beingamodeltothelargerworldforhowtocometogetherandhavenewwaysto

beinacommunity• Synergies• Wehaveanaffirmingvoiceinanincreasinglynegative,tearfultime• Co-locfitswiththeconceptofuniversalism• Sharedgoals,sharedvalues;sharingwithincommunities• Alargervoicewithactionstofurtheroursharedjusticevisionsbycombiningforces• Livingintoourvalues;makingapositivestatement/actioninatroubledtime• Chancetolivecollaboratively–greatlessontopassontoourchildrenandyoung

people.• Expandingmyexposuretoreligioustraditions;expandedhorizonintoanotherfaith

community• Increasecommitmenttocombatdiscriminationandsocialjustice• Moremissiondrivenworkwithfreedupfunds• Justicepartners;opportunitiesforjointprogramming• Potentialco-effortsforsocialjustice,RJ,environmentalaction• Politicalstatement• Progressivepartnership;increasedunderstanding;whatnewpartnershipcanbring

AlliancewithJewishcongregationoffersmulticulturallearningandstandagainstanti-Semitism

• ExpansionofourlegacyofalliancewithJewsinMinneapolis• ContinuesourhistoricalliancewithJewishcommunity

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• Movestowardbreakingdowntribalism• Standagainstanti-Semitismxx• Tangiblesupportinananti-Semiticera• Relationshipbuildingacrossreligiousdifferences• GettingtoknowaJewishcommunity• CoaxourpointofviewandoutsideofourcurrentmindsettowelcomeJewish

congregation• Religiousinstitutionparticipationmakessense• Ecumenicalnatureofthisisgood• Modelingcoexistencebetweenreligions;culturalexchangewithaJewish

congregation• Progressivemulticulturallifeenhancingpartnership• Exposuretoanothertradition;interactionwithJewishcommunity• JusticeimplicationscohabitingwithJewishcommunity• Eventstogether(4responses)• SynergywithSTmembers,newpeoplewithnewideasdifferentideas• Visiblesupportofasynagogueinagrowinganti-Semiticera• Culturalsharingandunderstanding,activestanceofsolidarityinrisinganti-

Semitism• Makingalargerentitythatstandsfortoleranceandaffirmationofotherfaiths• Learningaboutanothercultureandreligionincludingmusic• Gettingtoknownewpeoplenewtraditions• Culturalenrichment• SynergywithaliberalJewishcongregation• Itjustfeelslikeanexpanding/cominghome,goodpossibility• Thesymbolicgift–therealopportunitytolearnfromthem• Theopportunitytolearnmoreabout“theother”• Theideaofhealingoldwoundsaboutanti-Semitism• Counter-culturalnatureofco-location• StandingwithourJewishneighbors• Partneringwithanothercongregationtoaddressanti-Semitismandwhite

supremacyandislamophobia• Culturalenrichment• Jewishcommunityreconnectingwiththeirrootsinthespace• SupportingourJewishcommunityandstrengtheningourpartnership• Opportunitytoexperienceanothersystemoffaithandpractice• Authenticanddirectactionagainstanti-Semitism• SJgrowth,crossculturalgrowth• StandinginsolidarityforSJ,peace,deepencrossculturalandreligious

understanding• LearningmoreaboutJudaismandopinionsonIsrael/Palestineconflicts• BuildingacloserrelationshipwithaprogressiveJewishcongregation;new

perspectives,questions,relationships• Interesting,educational,funintersection

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• Thetwobodiesofworshipcouldfinallybehometogetherinonebuilding• Politicalstatement• Experiencedifferentworshipstyleandfaith,morehumanityanddiversity,coming

hometogether• Deeperunderstandingofdiscriminationduetoreligiousbeliefs• Directauthenticstatementagainstanti-Semitism• GettingtoknowJewishvaluesandJudaismincloseproximity;“shouldertoshoulder

embracing”• Cross-culturallearningandgrowth

Opportunitytobuildrelationshipandcommunitywithanorganizationwhosharesourvalues

• Challengingourselvestobuildarelationshipacrossdifference• Aninvigoratingpartnership• Largerimpactwithtwocongregationswithsimilarvision• Strongercommunity,greatercommunity,expandingourcommunity• Jointlyworkingonissuesandlearning• Havingsharedvalues;sharedvaluesmadepublic(3responses)• Closelyrelatedsharedvision• Increasingtolerance• Possibilityofsharingactivities,ideaswithanothercongregation(2responses)• Sharingwithnewpeopleandnewreligion• Modelingacoexistence–morethantwocongregations• Theyseemlikenicepeople• Possibilitiesforprogrammingforsharedvalues• Alliesonsharedvaluesandvisions• Integrationoftwocongregations• Note:Severalcommentsfromthosenotleaningtowardco-locationstated

theywouldwanttocontinuearelationshipwithShirTikvah.Lessonourimpactontheenvironment

• Environmentalimpact;lessimpactonenvironment;smallerfootprint(8responses)• Makesenvironmentalsense(2responses)• Moreenvironmentallyfriendly• Ourworldisover-built.Ourresourcesremainvacantandunused.Let’sshare

resourcesandallkindofwealth.• Sharingspace;usingspacemoreefficientlyfortheenvironment• Morecompleteuseofbuilding–betterenvironmentalfootprint• Strongervoiceinfaithfulactionworkonenvironmentaljusticexxx• Environmentaladvantage,maximumuseofresources• Sparingtheenvironment;usingthislargebehemothofabuildingmorethanitis

beingusednowNewPossibilitiesforourBuildingSpace

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• 3rdfloorspaceandopportunities(19responses)• MorespaceforactivitiesIlikehere• Opportunitiesofarenewedbuildingspace• Opportunitiesthatcomewithalarger,dynamic,newandexpandedfacility• Betteruseofspacethatisotherwisenotusedattimes• Thatourtwocongregationswillagreeonkitchenrenovations• Ourbuildingwillbekeptcleanandingoodrepair• Sharedexpensesthathelpsoursecurity• Chancetocreateafacilitythatwillbettermeetourneedsforalongtietocome• Improvedfacilities(twocomments),includingbathrooms• MoreclassroomsforRE(2responses)• Utilizingphysicalspacetoitsmaximuminanerawhenwehavetopracticeresource

managementandsustainability• Improvedaccessibility

PositiveFinancialImpact

• Financialpartnertohelptakecareofourbuilding(4responses)• Makesfinancialsense;economicadvantages;strengthensourfinancialposition(6

responses)• Financialadvantages–canaffordmoreexpansion• Increasingfinancialsecurity(4responses)• Savingmoneyonoperatingcosts• Reducingouroperatingcosts(3responses)• Sharedresource,sharingexpenses(4responses)• Moreresourcestohelpwithmaintainingthislargestructure• Strengthenbothcongregationsbyreducingoperatingexpenseseachcarry

independentlytodayCapabilityandCommitmentofthoseinvolved

• Ourpeopleinvolvedareverycapableandcommitted• Commitmentofpeopleworkingoncommitteestomakethisopportunityhappen• Theforward-thinkingstaffwhodreamedupthisidea• Thoughtfuldecisionmaking;Icantrusttheprocessmore

CONCERNSLogistics,sharingspace,scheduling

• Logistics,spaceuse,scheduling,coordinating(15responses)• Concernaboutuseandsharingofkitchen;currentarrangementwithtenantshas

beenasourceoffrustrationformany;howwouldtheseissuesbeaddressedinapartnership?(3responses)

• Competitionforthirdfloor• Howrealisticisittothinktwolarge,activecongregationscanmakethescheduling

andlogisticswork?• Communication,evenwithgoodintentions

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• Ifwecan’tfixtheleakingtoiletsandkeepthekitchencleanonourown,howarewegoingtohandle/dealwiththeordinaryadministrationandmanagementoftheplaceinamorecomplexarrangement?

• Concernaboutrituals,overnights,smallgroupsmeetings–asbothcongregationsgrow,isthereenoughspace?

• Dowehaveenoughspaceformeetings,circles,choir,etc.forbothcongregationsduringtheweek?

• Bringingmorecongregantstothechurch• Confusion-whogetswhatroomwhen?How?Whodecides?(2responses)• Toocomplicatedintermsofscheduling,space,coordination,• Competingforresources–schedulingactivitiesandevents• Thatexpertlogisticsandspaceuseandexpectationsofeventswillnotbeaddressed.

Italreadydisappoints.• Hopingtheschedulingisnotimpossible• REsharingspace;STREmeetsonSunday,RESundayclasstimeconflict(NOTE:Shir

TikvahhasagreedtomovetheirSundayREtoSatam)• Wouldsharingbeaburdentostaff• Cumulativeannoyanceofexperiencingroomschedulingconflicts,especiallyforthe

kitchenandsocialhall• Concernedabouteventmanagementandspaceplanningandwhetherthestaffhave

enoughexpertisetohandletheincreaseddemandandlogistics• ConflictswithREuseofsamespaceatsametime–howtoresolve?• Shrinkageduetoculturalandschedulingconflicts• Howdoweallfit?Howdoesgrowthfitinsharedspace?Howlongisthisviable

basedonhistoricandprojectedgrowthpatterns?• Sanctuaryeventsandceremonies;weddingsandmemorials(potentialconflicts)• Eventcollisions• FridayandSaturdaybuildingavailability• Hastherebeenastudyofhowmanyroomswehaveandhowmuchwe/theyuse

eachdayweek?• Isthereroomtogrow?• WhatwouldhappentoAUW(spaceneeds)• Isthereenoughofficespace?• WearealreadyfullonSundaymornings–thiswon’tmakethesanctuarybiggerand

limitsoptionsformoreservicetimes.6thgradeovernightlastweekendwasoverbookedandthishappensalot.

Parkingandimpactonneighborhood

• Parking(26responses)• Parkingwithkids• Bringingmorecongregantstothechurch• Needtoaddresshandicapaccessibility• Impactonneighborhood(4responses)• Doesn’tsolvetheparkingissue

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• Neighborhoodassociationimposingresident–onlyparkingzones(3responses)• ConcernedthatCARAGwillbeopposedandimposeresidentonlyparking

restrictions• ParkingonWednesdaywhentheyhaveHebrewschool• Shuttle?Organizedcarpooling?• Couldwebadlyaffectneighbors,especiallyparking?• Wearealreadylimitedbyparking;addingmorespaceinsidedoesnotincrease

capacityforparking.• Devilisinthedetails.Parkingisahugeproblem.IfIcan’tfindclosepartingona

Wednesdaynight,itwillnotbesafeformeasasinglewomantowalktomycarafterchoirpractice.

• Needaconcreteplanforparkingbeforecommitmenttoco-location• Workingoutconflictswithspace• Timeandspaceandparkingforcrossoverevents

BuildingIssues

• SafetyandSecurity(3comments)• Safetyandsecurityinlightofincreasinganti-Semitism• ADAconcerns• Expandingexistingelevatorisexpensiveandproblematicforeldersanddisabled• Elevatoruse/outofserviceformanymonthsduringconstruction• Timeframeofdisruptionandeffects• Sanctuaryisstillunderutilized• UseandartdisplayintheSocialHall• HVACsystemforsanctuaryandwholebuilding;needconstructionthatsolves

heating/coolingissues• Bathroomsneedrenovation;bathroomsaredisgustingtoinvitethewider

communityinto• Makingsurebuildingisaccessibleandinvitingtopeoplewithdisabilities• Notabigenoughfootprintnowandinthefuture(2responses)

ComplexityofGovernanceandOperationsinaco-ownedbuilding

• Co-ownershipfinanciallyanddecisionmaking;whodecideswhattodowhentherearedifferentviewpointsaboutwhattobuild,whattomaintain,whatcolorstopaintthewalls,etc.

• Complexity(4responses)• Governance–twoBoardsandasuper(NewEntity)board• Lackofspecificsaboutbudgets• Complexitydetractsfromfocusonmission• Createsanotherlevelofauthority.• LossofAutonomy(2responses)• Risksofco-ownership• Greatercomplexityofdecisionmaking• Difficultyofco-ownership:financialissuesandspacesharing

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• Managingownershipofassetsandoperatingcostallocation• Methodforconflictresolution• Costandcomplexityofcreatingandmaintainingthe“newentity”• Faithin50/50governancevs.variableassetvalue• Consensusisavaguedecisionmethod• Deadlockatthe50/50Boardlevel• Financial/legalseemsvague• Givinguphalfownershipinbuildingfinancessoundsunrealistic;concernabout

addingalevelofbureaucracy• Addedgovernancedemandsinanerawhenfindinggovernancevolunteersseems

moredifficult• Congregantswithstrongopinionswhostrugglewithrelationshipframeofdecision

makingandconflictresolution• Transferownership–substantialriskandcomplexrelationship• Concernregardingcontinuityofrelationship• Whatifwedisagreeonacriticalpoliticalissue?

ExitStrategy

• Waytounwindtherelationshipifitdoesn’tworkout(4responses)• Whathappensifonepartywantsout?• Whogetsthebuildingifco-locationendsatanypoint?• Riskto1Uifthingsdon’tworkout• Developmentoffactionalismandfinancialproblemsinanunwind• Concernthatthishasnotyetbeenfullyaddressed/answered• Ifco-locationdoesn’twork,whokeepsthebuilding?(2responses)• Whathappenstobuildingownershipifamutualunwindingoccursbutboth

congregationswanttokeeptheco-ownedbuilding?Definethatriskpossibilityandcontingencyplan.

• TwodynamiccongregationsmightoutgrowthespaceFocusonco-locationcoulddistractusfromourmission

• Ourbuildingandparkingsituationdonotallowthesuccessfulaccomplishmentofourvision,evenwithco-location

• Doesco-locationstrengthenorweakenourmission,especiallyRJ?• HowtopreserveourvalueofracialjusticewithagroupwithaZionistelement• Focusandenergyofthe“bravespace”andRJinitiativesbeyondSTwillbelostinthe

focusonco-loc• Willitdistractfromourmission?Potentialdistractionfrommission(two

responses)• Wearen’tbeingradicalenoughandaddressingstructuralracismdirectly• Narrowingofourculturalandjusticefocusbecauseofthedemandsofco-

loc/excludingracialjusticeandIslamconnections• Willourbuildingbesofilledthatwewillbelessabletoinvitecommunityeventsin?• VisionforCapitalCampaignatFirstUdoesnotequalournewvision.

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• Willthisfurtherourracialjusticemission?• PublicappearanceoftheIslamicschoolvanishingandJewishcongregationmoving

in.WeneedtobeverymindfulofworkingagainstIslamophobia.Ourownanti-Semitism

• UU’sbenignanti-Semitismneedstobeaddresses• Confrontingourownanti-SemitismandattitudesaboutIsraelandPalestine• Levelofanti-Semitisminourcongregation• Doesn’taddressinternalanti-Semitism

Difficultprocesstomakeithappen;processofdecisionmaking

• Willtakelotsofmoney,time,confusion,people• Burnoutontheplannersofaverycomplexprocess• Disruptiontoourspacewhilewegothroughrenovations• Howtoparticipateduringconstruction• Buy-inofourowncongregation• Disruptionstotimeframe• Timeandenergytomakeithappenandonanongoingbasis• Willamajorityofmorethan50%berequiredtogoforward?Myconcernisthatif

wedon’thaveabigmajorityonbothsides,itwon’twork.• Shrinkageduringconstruction• Arewestrongenoughtotakethison?• Leadership“pulling”acongregationthatisnotonboard.Wordatthewatercooler

is“whyarewedoingthis?”• Communicationtoeachcongregation• Thatwestillseemtohavelotsofquestionsandfewanswersandthatinthepublic

discussions,wehavenotfocusedtheconversationonwhatarethe“makeorbreak”issues–e.g.,howdoweunwindtherelationshipwhenneedschangeinthefuture?

• Ourcapacitytobalancemovingforwardandreflection–Iworryaboutlosinglong-timememberswithresources

• TimelineforviabilityofthiscampaignFinancialrisks• Financialrisksandissues(2responses)• Money• Nodetailedinformationonmoneyorprograms• Committingtoongoingfinancialobligationsthatwecannotmeetonourown.Ihope

therewillbeadetailedplanonhowtominimizefinancialrisk.• Financeanddetailsseembasedonoptimisticthinkingnotcriticalthinking.• Thatfinancialagreementsarefairtobothcongregations.DoesShirTikvahhavethe

financialresourcestobeafullpartner?• Financialsavingsneedtobesignificantenoughtojustifysomeofthechallengesand

sacrifices.• Money–howcertainisthefutureofmoney?

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• Toocomplicatedintermsoffinances• Notmaking50/50financialinvestments(2responses)• Whatdoeslossof1Mincapitalcampaignmean?(2responses)• Whathappenswithabudgetshortfall?• Possibilityofincreasedinequalityofabilitytomaintainequalsupportoffacility

throughgrowthordecreasesofcongregation• WhatifSTbuildingfailstosell?

ImpactonourUUIdentityandculture

• ImpactonUUidentity–especiallyvisuals,art,aestheticsinsanctuaryandRErooms.ItMatterstofeelUUhereandknowourUUidentity.

• MaintainingourUUidentityinthesanctuary• Culturalclashes• MaintenanceofaclearphilosophicaldifferencebetweenUUismandJudaism• Roommateproblems• Childrenandprospectivenewmembers:amIaUUorJewish?

Generalworries/risksaboutchangeandfuturecircumstances

• Wemaylosesomepeople• Therisks,time,energyallthethingsthatcangowrong• Practicalityofthiscampaign• Generaluneaseaboutchange• Rosecoloredglassesofearlystagedating?• Don’twanttoseechurchfallapartlikeithasbefore• Co-locationnowplacescertainlimitationsandcontingenciesonfuturegenerations

whethertheywantitornot.• WillwehaveironcladguaranteefromCityofMplstogoforwardwithconstruction

beforeagreementwithST?• Membershipdecreasesineitherorbothorganizations• Willthisactuallyallowourcongregationtogrow?Isthereroomforexpansion?• Something“bad”happensthatwasoverlooked,legallyorotherwise• Potentialunevennessinmembershipandresources• WhenSeniorleadershipchanges,willthecommitmentstaythesame?• Renovated3rdfloorwillbecomego-tospace.Peoplewillseesuchastyleofchurch

asanencumbrance• Willweshiftourcongregationalemphasisawayfromthishugeundertakingina

coupleyearsaswehavedonewith“thehousethatlovebuilt”emphasisto“onepercent”to“racialjustice”tothis?

• IfSTgrowsoutofproposed3rdfloorspace,thenwhat?• Palestinepolitics• Themvs.Usthinking• Loosingmembersbecauseofchallenges;whowillwenotbecaringfor?Whowillbe

lost?

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• Riskandlong-termdisputes.ImovedherefromanotherUUcongregation…Theyhadfailedtokeeptheircontractsup-to-dateforseveralyearswhichlefthugevulnerabilitywhentherewasafallingoutwithaministeryearslater.Wemustbereadyforlongtermcommitment.

• LongtermviabilityWHATISEXCITINGABOUTMOVINGFORWARDONOUROWN(WITHOUTCO-LOCATION)Clearfocusonourmission,especiallyRacialJustice

• Useenergytofocusmoreonracialjusticewithlesswork• Clarityinracialjusticeworkandmission• Capacitytofocuson1stU• Continuingtheracialjusticeworkwithourvision• Allourenergygetsfocusedonthingswealreadyagreeupon• WearemovingforwardwithKarenHutttodiversifyourofferings• Abilitytocompletelycontrolourvisionanditsimplementation• Moreopportunitiestoconnecttoothergroups• Abilitytogrowasafaithcommunitywithfewerconstraints• Possibilityofexploringco-locationwithablackchurch• Fullenergyofstaffandministersfocusedonmission,lessadministrativeenergy

spentonverycomplexlegalandfinancialissues• Potentialforgrowthcontinues• Maintainingaclearidentity• Lessresourcesbeingputtowardsco-location• Inputandinterestofeveryone• Wehaveresourcestodomostofcapitalcampaignprojects• Generatingmorevariedjusticeandbravespacepossibilities• Gettingmoreinvolvedwithracialequityandenvironmentalissues;youdon’twant

tosqueezeoutgroupsthatwearealreadyworkingwith–Nativegroup,SanctuaryandResistance

• Continued/expandedsocialjustice• Beingabletofocusonourownmissionandneedsshouldbetoppriority• Notexcitedtostayonourown,butwanttoexpandprogramswhichIfearco-

locationwouldlimitMaintainingautonomyandcontrol

• Independenceandflexibility(tworesponses)• Flexibilityinpursuingourgrowth• 1Uhastotalcontrol;completecontroloverourdestinyandlong-termfuture• Simplerandcompleteindependence• Freedomtomakeourowndecisions;ourcapacitytocontrolourowndestiny• Controlofourspace

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• Abilitytorespondandgrowasweseebestinresponsetotheunknownandunknowablefuturedevelopments

• Control• Stillhavetheopportunitytomakechangesinthebuilding• Updatedbuildingmaybeevenakitchenre-do• Thatwecanassureourselvesthatthefacility/programmingmeetsourneeds

subjectonlytoourresources/limitations• Gettingfullcontrolovernewspaces;lowerriskofabigshake-up• Makingthebuildingourown• Maintain100%controlandhavingfulldecision-makingauthority• Havingtheindependenceandflexibilitytodowhatweneed• Wecanchartourownfuture;wewon’tbestuckowning50%ofbuilding• Wewouldkeepouridentitymoreindependent• Reestablishingourownculture

Weareagoodplaceasweare;likestatusquo

• Thisisalreadyagoodplace• Wewillbefine,fortimesweshallsee• Wewillbefineeitherway• Needsaremet• Wearedoingwellnow–Idon’tseeanysignificantchangesifwedon’tco-locate• Weareagreatplacetobealready• Ilovethischurchandwillbeherenomatterwhat• Statusquo,lessturmoilandanxiety• Keepingthingsfamiliar,nostartlingchanges• Ilovethischurchandwouldbehappytogoitalone,evenifitmeansscalingbackon

programming• Myfeelingofjoyatbeinginmyhomechurchwouldbecomemuchmorecomplete• Weareonagoodpath–continuingandincreasingourcommitmenttoourmission

andgrowthLesscomplexityingovernanceandoperations;lessrisk

• Lessworkandcomplexity• Relievestimeandenergytobeusedonotherthings• Easierandsimple• Lesscomplicated• Lesshasslenegotiatingwithothers• Havingmoretimeandenergytopursueourgoalswithoutenergybeingtakento

managespaceissues• Lesscomplicateddecisionmaking,lesscomplicatedfeelingofbeinginmyspiritual

homewithmycovenantedfellowjourneyers• Nothavingtoblendoperationsandlegalstructures• Itseemssaferandmorerealisticbuttheproblemswiththebuilding,fundingand

membershipgrowthremain

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• Eliminaterisk• Nothavingtoworryaboutco-locationissuesandconcerns• Simpleradministration• Fewerlogisticalproblemstosolve• Lessneedtocollaborate;lessconflict• Havingspaceweneed(evenwithout3rdfloor);nothavingthestressofsharing,not

makingparkingevenworse• Lessrisk;lessstressfultonotfacerisksassociatedwithco-location.

Processhasbeenhelpful

• Thediscussionsareenergizing• Thisprocesswilldeepenandbetterinformourownneeds• Wehaveevaluatedanddiscussedsome(inthesteeringcommittee)everyaspectof

howweoperatOther

• PossiblerelocationtobrandnewsiteatLakeandNicollet–parkingaddresses• Sogladwe’vepaidoffthemortgageandalreadyimprovedaccessibilityinsanctuary• Everything• Iwouldprefertoco-locate.Notexcitedaboutgoingonalone

DISSAPOINTMENTSIFWEDON’TCO-LOCATELostOpportunityforboldleadership,collaboration,andinnovation

• Loosingalltheopportunitiesweareexcitedabout(9responses)• LostopportunitytobecomealeaderwithinourUUcommunity• Lostopportunitytoenlargeandexpandthemissionof1U• Missedopportunitytoseizethemomentforaboldmove• Missedopportunitytodosomethinggreatandstrengthenourministrytothe

community• Ifweletourconcernsaboutparkingandlogisticspreventusfromengaginginthis

amazingopportunity,Iwillbeverydisappointed• Missedopportunitytochallengeourselvesandgrow• Missedopportunitytobeanexampleofreligiousorganizationsworkingtogether

andbeingvisibletoourcommunity,city,etc.• Inabilitytoshowreligioustolerancetothoseinourextendedcommunity• Lossofopportunitytocreateadifferentfuture• Missedopportunitytolivemorefullyintoourvalues• Missingachancetomakeapowerfulstatement• Achancetobereallyinnovative• Agreatadventurethatdidn’thappen• Wewillhavelostanopportunitytobebetter• Ifnotco-location,whatisnext?• Impactonrelationshipwiththiscommunityandremainingspace-hogs• Theboldnessandexcitementofpossibilitieswouldbelost

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• Sameold,sameold• Continuedspacepressureshere• Thatwedidn’ttryoutthenewmodel;notexperiencinganewmodel• Itmayfeellikealotofworkresultinginalossofpossibility• Ourfailureofcourage• Finallysoundsgoodespeciallyafterlosingamajordonor• Notbuildingonalltheinformationthathasbeengatheredsofar• Lostopportunityforlearning• Missedopportunitybothrealandsymbolic• Chancetoexperiencenewandexcitingperspectiveandenergy• Chancetobeeducated,tolearnandpracticenewalliancesandsupportnewwaysto

addresssignificantconcerns• Weloseoutonamorediverseexperience• Wewillhavelosttheopportunitytoengagewithanothergroupwhohasasimilar

vision• LossofdirectsupporttoJewishcongregation• Missingoutonsocialjustice• Stagnationispossible• Lostchancetodeepenrelationships

Lostopportunityforsharingresources

• Financialstrain,lossoffinancialgainsintheexpansion• Missedopportunitytocohabit,collaborate,shareresources• Lostthepossibilityofcombiningresources• Nothavingafinancialpartnertotakecareofthisbuilding• LosingthepossibilityofrelationshipwithShirTikvah• Loosingopportunitytodecreaseenvironmentalimpact• Missedopportunitiesforsharedexperiences,lossofcross-culturalsharing• Lossoffinancialbenefits;longtimefinancialchallenges;chancetolowercosts

Nothirdfloor

• Nothirdfloor(8responses)• Nothaving3rdfloorandchancetoofferthattothecommunity• NothavingelevatortoArchesroom,balcony,etc.• Maynotgetenoughrenovationsdone• Loseoutonamoreworkablefacility

Other

• Impactsonthosesoexcitedaboutthepriorityofco-location• IhavethreefamilymemberswhoaremembersofShirTikvahandhavewitnessed

thepositiveenergyofthecongregation.Theyarevisionary.• Thetimeandeffortwecouldhaveusedtomoveforwardmorequickly• WanttostillpartnerwithShirTikvah

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• Wouldliketoworkcloselywiththemonmutualunderstandingandjointsocialjusticework

• Dependsonwhatitisthatmakesusnotchooseco-locationSUGGESTIONS/SOLUTIONSTOADDRESSCONCERNSContinueSharingInformationandOpenCommunication

• Continuethefeedbacksessions• Keepofferingupdatesanddiscussions• ThesenseIgotfromtoday’spresentationistherearededicated,competentpeople

workingonthis.Itrustyoutotakecareofdetails.Thiswasechoedatourtableandatanothertable.Keepdoingwhatyouaredoingaroundthis.

• Theteamiswell-informedandopenwithinformation• Greatfaithinthepeopledrivingthis• What’sbeingdoneisgreat!Keepuptheinfosharingandgoodtransparency• Continueddialogueandtransparency• Continuetomoveforwardslowlyforbothcongregationsthisisgreatdiscernment.

Thisisanimportantdecisionwithlonglastingimplicationsforthenextgenerations.• Ihopethebestfortheco-locprocess• Treatthislikestrategicplanningsothatitbecomesaclearpartofourmission–Shir

Tikvahornot.Clarifynextsteps.• If75%ofthecongregationvotesforco-locationitwillbegreat• Allowactualdiscussionsratherthanstructuredsmallgroupsessions• Considerspending3to5yearslayingthegroundworkforthiseffort• Don’trushthedecision–makesurequestionsarediscussedandanswered• Combinedboardwillbegoodforissueresolution• Keepdoingthesesessions• Thissessionmovedmefromneutraltosupportive.Itisreassuringthatthisisa

thoroughprocess.• Havemoreopenmeetings–thisonewasdonesowell• Moretimetothinkaboutitandtalkwithothers–Ineedtodosomeofthismyself• Moretimeforthemembersofbothcongregationstoexplore.Thesteeringteams

andJenaredoingwonderfulwork,butitwon’tcometofruitionwithoutthemajorityofcongregantsbuyingin.

• Thiswasaverygoodsession.Thankyou!• Continuewithwhatyouaredoing-communicate.• Continuecommunicatingallthatyouhearfrommembers• Keeptalking• Keepconversationsgoing.Iknowitisnotadonedealfromthepintofviewof

eithercongregation.• Keepitup• Youguyshavedoneanamazingandthoroughjobofresearchingthis• Ongoingmonitoringprocessonprogress• Thankyouforallyourhardwork

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• Keepformingad-hocgroupstoinvestigate,coordinate,andconsultwiththevariousinterestedparties

• Perhapsattentiontobenefitsto1Ucongregantscouldhelpwiththecost/benefitanalysis

• Separatethequestions.Dowewanttoco-locate?Thecongregationneedstowrestlethisthroughthendecidetermsofco-location,thendecidewho

• Findwaystoinvolvemorecongregants;noteveryonecancometomeetingslikethis• Wemustremainflexiblewithouractionsandoursolutions• Keeptalingandfocussessionsonsolutionstopotentialproblems.Thatwillbuild

trustintheplanandbringevenmoreideastothetable.• Morelistening-sharingsessions• Continuetheopenandtransparentcommunication• Educate!• Keepbeingtransparentregardingaddressingpotentialconflicts.Thanks.• Continuediscussionforoptions• Morelong-termvisioning

Parking:remoteparkingwithshuttle;startworkingonitnow(15responses)

• Parkingisamakeorbreakdealformany.Canwegeneratesomepossiblesolutions?Startworkingontheparkingproblemnow;don’twait.Formacommitteenowtolookatissuesandsolutions.

• Startaplanforparking;sayingwe’llfigureitoutisn’tasolution.• Goodideatotalkaboutparkingneeds.Iwasaskinginthepasttoprovideinfoon

parkingoptionsotherchurcheshavedeveloped.• Parkingramp• Rideshareprogram• UsetheLakewoodCemeteryforparkingandhaveshuttlesbringcongregantsto

building• Remoteparkingwithvanorshuttle;carpooling• Whatcanwegleanorforecastabouthowtransit,rideshare,couldchangeparking

demandsespeciallyasnextgenerationisthecorepartofourcongregation(lesscar-dependent)

• AcquirepropertiesforparkingProvidemorespecificsanddetailedinformation

• Talkinginspecifictermsaboutthingsthatcouldcomeuplikeporkinthekitchen• Needmoredetailsbeforethevote• Givemorespecifics• Keepworkingallthedetails• Includemorespecificsaboutsecurityandfinances• Moreinformationonfinancesandhandlingofpotentialbreakup• Hopebyfallmorefinancialandlegaldetailsbecomeclear,realizingthatamutually

trustingelementalsoneedstoexist,asnoteverydetailcanbesetforth• Timelinesforhowlongpartsofthebuildingareoutofcommission

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• AddtotheFAQ• Addressiftheletterwereceivedexplainingourshiftingbudgethaveanimpact• Moreinformationaboutandperhapsfromthecongregationyoufoundwhoare

doingthis.CouldtheycomeandtalkonaSunday?• Showusamodelthat’sprovensuccessandwhy• HearfromAnnArborchurchleadership–maybeSundayspeaker?Todiscussthe

journeythey’vehadtogether• Shortertermfactorsconcernmelessthanlong-termissuesandexitstrategies

EquityIssues:gomoreslowly,givemoredetails

• Isthereapossibilityofamoregradualco-ownershiptoensurethattherelationshipwouldbeastronglong-termcommitment?

• PrenuptialagreementforFirstUniversalisttoretain3400Dupont• IsupportgradualequityassignmenttoShirTikvahdependingontheresourcesthey

canbringtothetable• 50/50issueaddressedearlyinprocesswithclearplan• Developaformulatore-balancecostinputifcongregationsizeschange

Governance:involveexpertstohelp

• Eachcongregationwouldpledgetoreplaceseniorleadershipwithindividualswhoembraceco-location

• Needongoingtransparentdisputeresolutionteam• Hireexpertstomanagespaceandeventmanagement• Hireamasterscheduler

IncreaseinteractionswithShirTikvah

• Havemoreinteractionofmembersonatrialbasis• IwouldliketomeetleadersandmembersofShirTikvah• Needtohearmoreco-presentationsfromSTandhowtheyviewtheprospectofco-

location• Trial“livingtogether”period–onedayperweek?• Perhapswecanpracticeworkingwitheachotherbeforeco-locatingofficially(forat

leastayear)BuildingNeeds

• Startarealestatepurchasefundnowtobereadytoexpandourfootprintwhentheopportunitypresents.Thiscouldincludeaseparatecapitalpledgefundreadytoact.

• Makesurespacecanbeusedflexiblysothatsmallandlargegroupscanmeet.Mightmeanmovablewalls

• Addelevatortosouthendandimprovedsecurity/vestibuleonsouthend• Smallerelevatorbyparkinglot.NotsureweneedanelevatortoArchesandchoir

loft.• Usemoneyfor3rdfloorrenovationtoredooursanctuarytoaccommodateboth

congregations’vision

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• Takemoretimetofundraiseandsaveforthisvision.Makesuregrowthinmembershipcontinuespast2020election

• ConsultwithHVAConsmartthermostatsystemthatintegrateswitheventschedulingtoadjustsystemswithproperleadtime

• AddressHVACissues(2responses)• Addressbathroomissues;womeninchoirneedtohave30-50womenuse4toilets

during7-minutebreak• 2ndsmallelevatorwhichholdsonepoweredwheelchairandoneperson• Extremesoundproofing.Iamparticularlyconcernedaboutourcapacitytosupport

loudchildrenAcquireadditionalFunds

• Majorfundraising• Startarealestatepurchasefundnowtobereadytoexpandourfootprintwhenthe

opportunitypresents.Thiscouldincludeaseparatecapitalpledgefundreadytoact.Supportracialjusticework

• Ensurewesharespacewithcongregationsofcolor,especiallyblack• Offerfree/reducedspaceforracialjustice• Creativewaystobuildrelationships(mediapresence)• Separateplanningandassessmentofbravespaceandracialjusticeinitiativefrom

planningorrationalizingco-location• Lookforaschooleitherwaywithorwithoutco-location• Outlineandcommittoaplanforbravespace(acrossreligionandculture)distinct

fromco-location• Developsocialjusticeworknowthatincludesbothcongregationsequally

ADDITIONALQUESTIONSNote:ManyofthesequestionsareansweredintheFAQsand/orwereansweredinthesession.FAQsaboutco-locationandaboutShirTikvaharealsofoundontheco-locationtabonourwebsite.Process/DecisionMaking/Timeline

• Howwillweknowifthisisano-go?• Howwillcontinuedtransparencybeinsured?• What’sthetimeline?WhatistimelineforSTtosell?Ifweproceed,whenwouldST

move?• Whatistheproposedtimeframeforconstructiontobecompleteeitherway?• WhathappenstoREduringconstruction?• Howwillweparticipateduringconstruction?WillwebeatSTduringremodeling?• Doweneedtoreplacethelostcapitalcampaigngiftinordertomoveforwardwith

eitherplan?

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• Howmuchcontroldoestheneighborhoodhaveoverplansforthethirdfloor?• Whatdataexiststoindicatethiswouldwork?(parking,finances,spaceuse,etc.)• Whatisthe#1reasonforthisco-locinitiative?• WhydoesSTwanttomove?

Buildingandsharedresources

• Willtherestillbeaneasyhandicapdropoffentrance?• Whatabouttheirlibrary?Oursisfull.• Withco-location,dowegainadditionalclassroomspace?• Isthekitchenrenovationstillinplans?Renovationofsocialhall?Increasing

storage?• Willtherebeincreasedneedforofficespace?Whatwouldtheeffectonstaffbe?• WhathappenedtotheideasofremodelingtheSocialHall,movingofficestoChalice

RoomArea?• Wouldthereberestrictionsonkitchensuchasservingporkorneedforkosher?• Whatconsiderationisthereabouttechnologysolutionsforthingslikeshared

schedulingwithseparatewebsites?• Willanevaluationofthecurrentmechanicalsystemsbedoneastheyarequiteold.

Whatwillbedoneforenergyefficiencyaswemoveforward?• Howmuchoftheoriginalarchitecturaldesignwillbecarriedover?• Parkingandaccessibility?• Istherealawregardingwhetherwecanexpandthe3rdfloorandaddanother

congregation?• Municipalcodes?• Permittingandzoning?• Willthe3rdfloorhaveasolarroof?• Plansforparking?• Willtherebeahandicappedtransferdropoff?• Howwillsecuritybehandled?Arethereplansforupgradingsecurity?• HowmuchmoreREspaceisthere?• Acoustics?• Howwillwehandlethedesignoftwoworshipspacesandschedulingofthespaces?

(Likechoirrehearsal)• Howdoweaddressspaceconflict?Howwillwehandleovernights?• Whatisprojectedgrowthforbothcongregations?Willweoutgrowthespace

together?• Istherestillanimmigrantsanctuary?

RacialJusticeMission

• Willthistrulyadvanceourracialjusticeadvocacy?Governance

• Whatistheadministrativefunctionoftheoversightboard?• Howwilltheadminboardsolvedisputes?

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• Why50/50representationifFirstUiscontributingmore(money)?• Wouldofficestaffmerge,orkeeptheirown?• Whatmodelshaveyouusedtodemonstratehowthismightworkornotwork?• Willtheentirebuildingbeshared?Kitchen?SocialHall?Library?• Willalldecisionsbe50/50regardlessofdifferingsizes,budgetsofthetwo

congregations?• Areadminandotherstafftobeshared?

EquityandFinance

• Howistheequityinthebuildingdividedifwecontributedifferentamounts?• DoweknowforsurethatSThasthefinancialstabilityandstrength?• Financialcapabilitytoco-locate• Whataretherealisticfinancialnumbers?• Whatisthedivisionoffundsfromeachcongregation?• HowmuchmoneyisSTbringingtothetable?Whenwillthefinancialcommitments

beknownsowecanbudgetthechanges?• Howmuchmoneycanbesavedthroughsharedstaff?• Willsecuritystaffcostbesharedifused?• Howstablearethesizesandoperatingbudgetsofbothcongregations?• Whathappensifonecongregationbecomesfinanciallylesssecure??• Willwebeabletomaintainparity?

Future

• Willwehavetroubleattractingclergyinthefutureduetothecomplexity?• Howlongwillspacebeviablewithgrowingcongregations?• Willwemaintainourcommitmenttoco-location?• Whathappenswhenthecapacitieschangeduetomembershipsize?• Whatisthelifetimeofchangebeforeweneedtodoitagain?• Willministersstaytoworkthroughthisprocess?

RelationshipwithShirTikvah

• WhatisourcurrentactivitywithST?Wouldthischange?• Willwedojointactivities,worshipormissionwork?• Canwearrangeatimefor1Ucongregantstomeet/hangout/eatwithST

congregantsbeforewetakeourvoteinthefallof2019?• Howdoweaccommodatebothcongregations’expressionoftheirspiritualityin

termsofdecoratedspaceswithoutimposingontheothercongregation’sspiritualexpressions?

• Willtherebeopportunitiesforjointprogrammingandsharingexperiences?• Isthisapracticallyforeverrelationship?• WhydoesSTwanttomove?• HowbigistheSTcongregation?WhatareST’sfeelingsaboutus?• WhatisST’spositiononIsrael/Palestine?• WillSTmoveSundayschooltoadifferentday?

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• WouldthisrestrictourfreedomofspeechsuchasmembersprotestingIsrael’streatmentofPalestinians?

• Willtherebeprogramstoeducateeachcongregationontheothers’religion?• Whatifwedisagreeonanimportantpoliticalissue?

Other

• Willpeopleleaveeithercongregationbecausetheydon’tlikewhat’shappening?• WhatwillhappenonSundaymornings?IamtoldthisiswhenSTdoestheirSunday

schoolduetokidseventsonSaturdays.• WhatistheplanforincreasingREunderco-locationornon-co-location?• Whatisourmessage/publicfaceintheworld?