Last summer, the Board committed to a three-year strategic plan, “The Rolling Road Map,” that was developed by a committee (Rev. Krista Taves, Steve Mennerick, Kalen Ponche, and Carole Glauser) using recommendations from the Board, congregational input, and data obtained from our most recent interim minister. You can read the original plan here.

The reason we call it “The Rolling Road Map” is that it’s meant to be a living document that is continuously evolving. Each year, a new strategic planning committee will be selected to evaluate progress, gather data, and revise and roll out the plan for the next year. The 2024-25 Committee is led by Board-Chair Elect Jennifer Stauber and includes Rev Krista Taves, Matthew Hull, Ann Lemon, Steve Mennerick, and Ann Ruger.

We’ve been meeting once a month to assess progress, and we’re pleased to report that this first year has been a smashing success! Eliot has accomplished almost everything the plan laid out for it under Goal 1: “Assess, develop and increase awareness of and access to Adult Enrichment programs to facilitate greater connection and spiritual growth.” 

You have probably noticed the plethora of new Adult Enrichment offerings that are available this year. You can now have lunch with the minister. You can learn about money as a spiritual practice. You can discuss Witnessing Whiteness or On Tyranny with fellow congregants. You can explore ethical eating. You can learn how to answer when your child asks if there’s a god. You can build friendships with immigrants.

And these offerings are in addition to all the ongoing Adult Enrichment opportunities.

How has all this been possible?

• Because of the strong leadership of Rev. Krista.
• Because of the wizardry of Communications Director Debby Lovell.
• Because of a new evaluation process that is used in planning future programs.
• Because of the new Adult Enrichment Team (Toni Saunders, chair, Lorraine Atwood, Cathy Converse, and Claire Wyneken) that’s overseeing all this.
• And because of the amazing volunteers who have stepped up to lead.

Eliot is a generous congregation!

So what’s next as we think ahead to Year 2 of our Rolling Road Map? In the next three months, the committee will continue to monitor progress, seek congregational feedback, and then propose a new three-year plan for the Board’s consideration at its annual retreat.

One thing for sure will be a focus on our facilities, including our property at 222 Argonne. In fact, the Argonne Discernment Team has already set up two meetings, on March 30 and April 13, to get input from the congregation. Try to attend both if you can.

If you have any questions or comments about the Rolling Road Map, you can email the committee at rollingroadmap@eliotchapel.org.  Or simply talk to a committee member: 

Jennifer Stauber, Rev. Krista Taves, Mathew Hull, Ann Lemon, Steve Mennerick, and Ann Ruger.