The Belonging Initiative

Our Year-long Exploration of Promise and Possibilities

At the congregational meeting last Sunday, the Cedars Board of Trustees presented the findings and recommendations of its year-long Belonging Initiative. The Initiative was started in January of 2021 with the significant objective of promoting and achieving a deeper sense of belonging among members and friends of the congregation. 

Over the course of the year, in a variety of discussion settings and gatherings, the Board invited and listened to many stories of connection as well as disconnection. At the congregational meeting in June, members and friends brainstormed ideas for moving forward and deepening a sense of belonging in four suggestively titled areas of focus: 

  • Come, Come Whoever You Are
  • Beyond Pastoral Care
  • Living Our Values
  • Cedars of the Future

The first area explored how Cedars might become a more welcoming and diverse congregation.  

The second area explored how we might use the whole web of Cedars relationships to care for each other. 

The third area explored how we might live the Cedars mission in our greater community and make the world better.   

The fourth area explored how we might expand, enrich, and nurture the Cedars community and especially how we keep and attract more families.                              

Now, concluding the effort and capturing the content as well as the enthusiasm and recommendations for further action, a detailed slideshow presentation documenting the Belonging Initiative findings was shared during last-week’s congregational meeting.
The presentation is linked for viewing here

The Cedars Board of Trustees: 
Mike Cox, Carol Ann Davidson, Herb Hethcote, Jeff Philip, Susan Shaffer, Kassia Sing, and Robyn Teske.