In 2002 University UMC commenced a visioning and strategic planning process called Vision 21st Century (V-21). Throughout the spiritual journey of V-21 we intentionally listened, discerned and responded to God’s call. We discerned God’s calling in each of the following areas:

Congregational Care
Diversity and Inclusivity
Facilities and Parking
Hospitality and Outreach
Joyful Service and Missions
Leadership
Spiritual Growth and Programs
Stewardship
Worship

We responded to God’s call in each of the areas above. Seven tangible expressions of our response to God’s call through Vision 21st Century are:

1. Drop-Off Loop and Steeple/Roof Repair
We responded to God’s call to worship and hospitality by building a drop-off loop in front of the church to improve access to our worship services and programs. The loop enables more people to walk shorter distances to church while maximizing our use of public parking facilities downtown. The steeple and roof repair stabilized our historic church structure, sealed our slate roof and beautified our sanctuary so that we present our best to God in worship.

2. Newcomer Orientation
We responded to God’s call to welcome visitors and new members by instituting a Newcomer Orientation series that helps participants discern their spiritual gifts and identify their personal ministry calling. The series also provides a strong grounding in Methodist history, theology and practice, as well as a comprehensive introduction to our church’s programs and activities.

3. Partnership with Amity UMC
We responded to God’s call to address our facility and parking needs by entering into a partnership of mutual ministry with Amity UMC. Weekday meetings and programs are held at Amity UMC, embodying the historic connection between all Methodists in ministry to the world. This also has led us to join together in various programs and occasional worship services.

4. College Café
We responded to God’s call to serve college students more intentionally by strengthening our partnership with UNC Wesley Campus Ministries and by founding College Café, a Sunday lunch-time gathering of students for food, study and fellowship.

5. Nametags & Sunday Greeters
We responded to God’s call to care for our congregation and welcome visitors by instituting a Greeters ministry and by providing nametags to identify worshippers during our large services.

6. New Worship Service - Monthly Worship Services at Carolina Meadows
We responded to God’s call to worship God more fully and include others more broadly by beginning a new worship service. A congregation of more than 30 regular attendees now worships the last Sunday of each month at Carolina Meadows, a retirement community outside of Chapel Hill. Preachers from University UMC and the community deliver the message while musicians from our church and others provide the music. Attendees include our own church members, other United Methodists and members of other protestant denominations.

7. Enhanced Accessibility
God always leads us forward into the future. We now begin a new process of listening, discerning and responding to God. A discernment team soon will begin listening for and discerning God’s call to us for the future. Later this year that team will invite our congregation to join them in listening and discerning. When we have traveled together that spiritual journey and have confirmed God’s call for our future, we look forward to responding again in tangible ways that embody God’s love for our church and our community.

We responded to God’s call to welcome all persons by improving our handicap-accessibility, adding two additional handicap spaces including van access, ensuring our first-floor bathroom is wheelchair accessible, and instituting an accessibility study that plans further improvements.