Understanding SUM Together Initiative
On Sunday, July 5, Pastor DH and Sue Lemke introduced the Understanding SUM Together Initiative, which begins this month.
As Pastor DH approached his second year of ministry at SUM, he reached out to three retired clergy—Revs. Dennis Winkleblack, Mel Kawakami, and Deb Clifford—to gather their thoughts on how to help our church better understand its spiritual life, worship, relationships, ministries, leadership, culture, strengths, opportunities, and challenges.
This process is deeply rooted in the Wesleyan practice of holy conferencing—listening deeply, seeking wisdom together, and learning from one another through prayerful conversation.
Based on the input of these advisors, Pastor DH and the church leadership are implementing this initiative to help us identify our congregation’s highest priorities so SUM can focus its energy where it will have the greatest impact. This well-thought-out process will take four months to complete, and everyone will have the opportunity to participate. Your voice will be heard.
The Five Phases of the Initiative
Phase One: Listening Conversations
The initial confidential Listening Conversations will be conducted over Zoom by Pastors Mel and Dennis. They will speak with approximately 20 representative church members from across the congregation, including long-term members, new members, and various age groups and backgrounds.
These representatives were chosen by the Church Leadership Team:
Pastor DH
Sue Lemke (Church Council Chair)
Michele LeMay (Finance Chair)
Glenn Knight (SPRC Chair)
Steve Langin (Trustees Chair)
Eileen Brogan (Communications Chair)
Phase Two: Theme Identification
Using the complete conversation transcripts, our advisors will review all discussions to identify recurring themes and insights before moving into the next phase.
Phase Three: Congregational Survey
The themes emerging from Phase Two will be translated into a congregation-wide survey. The entire congregation will be invited to respond to the insights that came out of the listening conversations.
Phase Four: Congregational Workshop
Following the completion of the survey, the congregation will gather for a facilitated workshop to discuss the survey results and collectively discern our emerging priorities.
Phase Five: Ministry Blueprint (October 2026)
Drawing on everything learned through the confidential listening conversations, surveys, and workshop, the advisors will partner with the SUM Leadership Team to develop a practical Ministry Blueprint. This document will identify the congregation’s highest priorities and outline clear next steps for moving forward.
Please take the time to review the attachments. You are welcome to reach out to anyone on the SUM Leadership Team if you have questions about the process or the timeline. We look forward to working with all of you.
SUM Leadership Team
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Attachments:
Graphic Timeline * Communication Overview * FAQs