Chart and Compass 2010 (C&C), our five-year strategic implementation plan, focuses on caring for one another, making a distinctive contribution to the character of public life, educating ourselves and others, better communications, and increasing capacity to assure our infrastructure ccommodates worship, religious education, and programming.

Facilities:  ArchiTexas, the architectural firm selected for our expansion, has nearly finished creating a set of drawings of our current campus. The firm has begun interviews with staff and Facilities Team members to confirm the needs and desires expressed during our strategic-planning process. We expect this phase of the process to be completed in November. The subsequent timetable is as follows: October – December, conceptual site-planning; January – March 2007, zoning approval; April – October 2007, architectural design/documentation; November -- December 2007, bidding and negotiation; and January 2008 – June 2009, architectural administration of construction. This schedule is ambitious and could be delayed, but it provides a general outline of what’s to come.

Center for Public Dialog at First Church:  Members of the C&C team developing the mission statement and business plan for the Center for Public Dialog will present their plans and vision for the Center on Monday evening, November 6, at 7 p. m., in Channing Hall. You are invited -- come catch a first glimpse of this major new C&C initiative and join in the discussion about the role the Center will have in our community. The Strategic Plan calls for the Center’s services to include a First Values lecture series; the Institute for Civil Discourse; and seminars, and ministry practicum in Public Theology, town-hall meetings, and interfaith roundtables.  

Publicity and Branding:  Do you have a knack for public relations, communications or graphic design? If so, we need your talents for the soon-to-be established Publicity and Branding Team. Our goal is to develop a consistent message and graphic look and improve communications to members and the larger community. To volunteer, contact Strategic Planning Project Manager Tom Kirwin at the church office or tkirwin@dallasuu.org.