Introducing Our Future Together
At our church conference on May 15th, 2025 we voted "to begin an intentional process of transition & analysis, not to exceed one year, which may include the eventual sale, consolidation, improvement, or relocation of one or both physical campuses, in order to best fulfill God’s mission in the years to come."
We are calling this process, Our Future Together. On this page you will find updates on this process as they come out. The newest information will always be at the top of this page, with all information dated on when it was released.
For more context to this process, you can find old FAQ's, church wide emails, and video resources on our financial updates page. Please note no new information will be published on the "Financial Updates" page, any new information will be found on this page.
We are calling this process, Our Future Together. On this page you will find updates on this process as they come out. The newest information will always be at the top of this page, with all information dated on when it was released.
For more context to this process, you can find old FAQ's, church wide emails, and video resources on our financial updates page. Please note no new information will be published on the "Financial Updates" page, any new information will be found on this page.
Respectful Conversation about Consolidating to one campus: How we got here
October 16th, 2025
On Wednesday November 5th from 6:00-8:30pm we’ll be holding a Respectful Conversation about Consolidating to One Campus: How we got here in the fellowship hall at the Roseville Campus.
We’re partnering with the Minnesota Council of Church’s Respectful Conversations initiative, and this will be our first of two conversations. Their model is designed for structured, facilitated conversation – not debate – with the goal of softening hearts and building understanding.
Below is what you can expect, why we’re doing this, and how to prepare.
What to expect
Why we’re doing this
Divisive issues have the potential to fracture communities, even faith communities. We believe God calls us to a different path: one where we engage with one another in humility, integrity, and trust.
This conversation is an invitation: to name what we may not fully remember about the 2016 merger, to surface assumptions, to understand one another’s stories, and to discern together how we move forward.
Because several of us joined after the 2016 merger (or were too young at the time), memories differ. It’s easy for partial recollections or misinformation to influence how we talk about it. That is precisely why we want a shared, reliable baseline of facts – and a structure that allows space for genuine curiosity rather than re-litigating contested ground.
What to do now
1. Register in advance – https://MNChurch.formstack.com/forms/how_we_got_here
2. Read the one-page fact sheet, copied below and available in print at either campus.
3. Bring a spirit of openness, patience, and curiosity.
A bit more about Respectful Conversations from the Minnesota Council of Churches website:
I hope you will join us on Wednesday November 5 and participate in this important conversation. It is our hope that through this process we will grow stronger as a congregation – together – in trust, clarity, and unity of purpose.
If you have questions or concerns ahead of time, feel free to reach out to Pastor Jen or our Leadership Board.
We’re partnering with the Minnesota Council of Church’s Respectful Conversations initiative, and this will be our first of two conversations. Their model is designed for structured, facilitated conversation – not debate – with the goal of softening hearts and building understanding.
Below is what you can expect, why we’re doing this, and how to prepare.
What to expect
- Advance registration is required. Please click the link below to register. A meal will be provided and space is somewhat limited (to ensure a trained facilitator is available for each table). https://MNChurch.formstack.com/forms/how_we_got_here
- If youth would like to participate in the conversation, please reach out to Pastor Jen or Pastor Lauren. A meal and activities will also be provided in the Linden Lounge and Sanctuary for children & youth not participating in the Respectful Conversation.
- The session will be facilitated by trained table facilitators who follow the Respectful Conversations method. Their role is not to advocate for one position, but to hold the space, guide the rhythm of conversation, and help participants feel heard.
- The goal is not to change minds, but to listen, ask questions, and deepen mutual understanding.
- We’ll ground the conversation in a common factual foundation (not assumptions or partial recollections). That’s why we’re including a one-page fact sheet along with this email.
- This first session in November will look back at where we’ve been – how we came to be one church with two campuses. The date for our second conversation has not yet been set, but it will take place sometime between January and May, 2026 and will look forward to where we’re going with respect to our buildings.
- We expect the tone to be curious, respectful, and grounded in our shared identity as a faith community. Everyone will be encouraged to speak, to listen, and to ask clarifying questions.
Why we’re doing this
Divisive issues have the potential to fracture communities, even faith communities. We believe God calls us to a different path: one where we engage with one another in humility, integrity, and trust.
This conversation is an invitation: to name what we may not fully remember about the 2016 merger, to surface assumptions, to understand one another’s stories, and to discern together how we move forward.
Because several of us joined after the 2016 merger (or were too young at the time), memories differ. It’s easy for partial recollections or misinformation to influence how we talk about it. That is precisely why we want a shared, reliable baseline of facts – and a structure that allows space for genuine curiosity rather than re-litigating contested ground.
What to do now
1. Register in advance – https://MNChurch.formstack.com/forms/how_we_got_here
2. Read the one-page fact sheet, copied below and available in print at either campus.
3. Bring a spirit of openness, patience, and curiosity.
A bit more about Respectful Conversations from the Minnesota Council of Churches website:
- These are structured, facilitated conversations designed not to change minds but to soften hearts.
- Since 2012, over 8,500 Minnesotans have participated across 300+ conversations on topics such as race, policing, internal budget challenges, and political divisions.
- On average, 70% of participants report having a stronger sense of empathy for those with different viewpoints, and over 95% agree they felt listened to and that the conversation was different than a polarizing debate.
- Months later, participants report better listening attitudes, more curiosity about opposed perspectives, and transformed relationships.
I hope you will join us on Wednesday November 5 and participate in this important conversation. It is our hope that through this process we will grow stronger as a congregation – together – in trust, clarity, and unity of purpose.
If you have questions or concerns ahead of time, feel free to reach out to Pastor Jen or our Leadership Board.
We Have signed a contract with miller Dunwiddie
August 5th, 2025
This experienced firm will help guide us through the process of exploring our options by:
You can find an overview of their scope of work HERE!
- Gathering data about our buildings, usage, and ministry needs
- Meeting with key stakeholders within each campus of Centennial UMC
- Developing multiple plans for discernment.
You can find an overview of their scope of work HERE!