Our Vision

History of our Vision

 

In 1989 at the recommendation of the Kingston Presbytery a new church development was begun in what was then Pittsburgh Township. Presbytery had a Vision that a new United Church building would be erected on Highway 15 on 4 acres of land which they purchased North of Innovation Park . A minister was called and a congregation was established as Faith United. They first met in J.E Horton Public School and later at St. Marks Anglican Church, Barriefield.

 

In 2005 the congregation organised a Visioning session to plan for the future. During that session it became clear that the Faith congregation was committed to building a community of questors, NOT a church building. A Vision statement was created for 2005 - 2008. In 2006 we were joined by a new minister to journey with us.

 

In 2008 our visioning statement was revisited as follows:-

 

Our Vision

 

We are a community of questers, rooted and grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We gather together to share community and to wrestle with the call of God in today's society.

 

Faith United endeavours to meet the spiritual, emotional, social and intellectual needs of an evolving congregation in a time of transition and change, as well as to provide outreach to the wider community in which we live.

 

Our Strategic Directions for 2008 – 2011

 

1. The hallmarks of Faith’s identity are questing for spiritual understanding and caring for one another.

2. All of Faith’s activities should provide opportunities to explore different ways to develop spiritually. Faith continues to look for ‘outside of the box’ ideas to engage the Spirit.

3. Faith will not put undue emphasis on growth for the sake of growth. Our first priority is to focus energy on doing what we do, and doing it the best we can. It is our expectation that new people will be attracted to the welcoming warmth and openness of our community.

4. Faith’s future will not be burdened by the responsibility of a traditional church building.

5. Faith will develop alternatives to accommodate future expansion as the congregation grows in size.

6. Faith communicates with the community primarily through word of mouth, our website, and invitations to participate in our activities.

7. Faith’s ordinary operations should be financially self-sustaining through regular givings. Other fundraising activities and appeals should be only for one-time projects, outreach activities and helping others.

8. Faith will be sensitive and responsive to the needs of our own community and beyond.

9. Youth activities will be renewed with a new name for Sunday School and a new range of activities.

10. Faith will improve and coordinate all communication – internally and externally.