Deep Shift Transformation Update...

In follow up to my Deep Shift Transformation letter of January 18, 2008, the Session and Pastor Morgan have received a "draft" report from Denise Van Eck of Deep Shift.  Denise has been assigned to Ashland (and a small group of churches in our Presbytery) to assist us with our transformation process.  For background, you may want to review the web page Deep Shift Beginning which contains the body of the January 18 letter.  As we have worked with Denise over the last months, we have been impressed with her understanding of Ashland, the dynamics of church organizations and with the Ashland community.   Denise is committed to this process and this is exhibited by her professional demeanor, her easy approachability and her discernment through prayer on behalf of Ashland.

The Deep Shift report describes Denise's findings and analysis of information gathered over the last six months through surveys, group meetings together with other churches, on site visits to Ashland, coaching sessions and discussions with Brett and individual comments via phone and e-mail.  The report also includes some recommendations about the process that will begin if we embrace the report and fund the next phase.  Note that Presbytery is providing financial support for a portion of the cost for Deep Shift.

Brett and each Elder have been asked to submit comments and questions about the Deep Shift report by the end of this week.  These comments will be sent to Denise so that she may prepare for a special Session meeting on February 26 which will be dedicated to discussion of the Deep Shift report and process.   Denise will participate in this Session meeting and we will begin to frame out th enext steps.

Thank you for participating in the worship survey last Fall, the online survey in Jnauary and your individual e-mails and phone calls to Denise.  The Session is committed to provide regular updates about this process.  Please do not hesitate to contact any member of Session if you have questions or concerns.

Elder Ron Baldwin