As part of our parish’s discernment of a possible capital campaign, we have been asking ourselves and each other where our building constrains or limits us – and what changing the building would free us up to do. We wanted to ask our neighbors for their thoughts, too. So the Neighborhood Needs team, one of our Capital Campaign Discernment teams, designed a simple survey. We printed the survey on a postcard and sent it out to all addresses within a quarter mile of the church – over 200 addresses.  We also put the survey online and invited some local leaders to take it and share their thoughts.

We weren’t sure we’d get any responses, since people get so much unsolicited mail, and immediately recycle most of it!  But in addition to seeking input, this was also an opportunity to tell our neighbors a tiny bit about our church, so we took the leap of faith. And we got responses – 25, in the end! And those  who responded seemed really appreciative.

Here is a summary of the responses we received.

1. Here are some ways we might make our space and property available. Please mark the ones that you think would be important additions to the community. Check as many options as you like, or add your own.

Ways to Use Space	Number of responses
A space for music classes or lessons	14
A space for family meals, parties, or picnics	11
A space for artists to teach classes or workshops	13
A space for support groups to meet	11
Work space for freelancers	9
A space for community or neighborhood meals	15
Other	*see below

• One person suggests a space to keep immigrants safe.
• One person says they like the path through the woods. Thanks.
• All are great ideas – Thanks
• All are great thoughts/ideas

2. Here are some programs we might offer in future, perhaps in partnership with other organizations. Please mark the ones that you think would be important additions to the neighborhood. Check as many as you like, or add your own.

Possible Future Programs	Number of responses
Occasional community gatherings to sing/make music	5
Occasional community meals	10
Regular art or crafting meet-ups for adults, teens, or families	12
A low-cost childcare program	14
Parent support groups or parenting classes	7
Financial wellness classes	10
An edible landscaping demonstration garden/forest	12
Computer literacy classes	14
Other	*see below

• One person suggests craft fairs
• One person suggests an easy exercise group
• Thank you for asking us! 3 people
• Community meals – meet neighbors!
• Community garden?
• Some interesting ideas
• Community information sessions on current events/issues