2021 Congregational Survey

Please answer each question to the best of your ability.

This survey is for members, friends, and regular attendees of worship and/or programming at fpcw (ages 13 and up). Your responses will help the Session discern our ministry priorities. Please complete this survey by Friday, September 3rd.

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* 1. I have been attending worship and/or activities at First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette for:

Less than one year

1 – 3 years

3 – 8 years

8 – 15 years

More than 15 years

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* 2. My age is:

13-17

18-34

35-49

50-65

Over 65

I prefer not to answer

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* 3. While the pandemic has caused massive problems in our communities and around the world, it has personally affected me and my family in the following ways (select all that apply):

Close family members were hospitalized or died

Close family members were sickened and have not yet recovered

Close family members were infected but have since recovered

Our income was severely hurt

Our overall financial situation was seriously damaged

Our mental health was negatively affected

We were able to make it through the pandemic with only minor problems

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* 4. Before the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, I attended Sunday worship:

Not regularly

Once a month

2 – 4 times a month

Almost every Sunday

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* 5. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020 and while Sunday worship was only available online, I watched the service online:

Not regularly

Once a month

2 – 4 times a month

Almost every Sunday

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* 6. Now, while we are offering in-person Sunday worship in the sanctuary that is also livestreamed with a recording available afterward on our YouTube channel, my participation has been: (please select one)

I typically attend the in-person service

I typically watch the Livestream service – on my own

I typically watch the Livestream service – with other(s) in my household

I typically watch the recorded service – on my own

I typically watch the recorded service – with other(s) in my household

I attend in-person or watch online depending on my schedule

I typically do not attend in person or watch online

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* 7. Compared to my feeling of engagement in the life of the church before the pandemic, my feeling of engagement is now (choose one from below).

significantly more

the same

less

significantly less

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* 8. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, I have most missed the following aspects of church life (select all that apply):

Gathering in person on Sundays

Singing together - as part of the choir and/or congregation

Seeing people of different ages, intergenerational gathering

Worshipping together in-person

Working together on mission and service projects

Meeting in-person with my small group(s)

Attending committee meetings in-person

Praying together in-person - in worship, meetings, other groups

Having meals together - at church or elsewhere

In-person, fun events that include games and activities for all ages

Other (please specify)

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* 9. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March and FPCW small groups and programs moved to a virtual/remote/outdoor format, I have attended the following (select all that apply):

Small Group(s)

Church Committee Meetings

Bible Study

Adult Faith Formation

Confirmation

Tower

Choir

Singers & Ringers

Other (please specify)

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* 10. My attitudes toward the following current programs/services at FPCW are:

	Very Dissatisfied	Somewhat Dissatisfied	Neutral	Somewhat Satisfied	Very Satisfied	N/A
Indoor in-person worship	Indoor in-person worship Very Dissatisfied	Indoor in-person worship Somewhat Dissatisfied	Indoor in-person worship Neutral	Indoor in-person worship Somewhat Satisfied	Indoor in-person worship Very Satisfied	Indoor in-person worship N/A
Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship Very Dissatisfied	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship Somewhat Dissatisfied	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship Neutral	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship Somewhat Satisfied	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship Very Satisfied	Outdoor in-person (Fellowship Garden) worship N/A
Outdoor Gillson Park worship	Outdoor Gillson Park worship Very Dissatisfied	Outdoor Gillson Park worship Somewhat Dissatisfied	Outdoor Gillson Park worship Neutral	Outdoor Gillson Park worship Somewhat Satisfied	Outdoor Gillson Park worship Very Satisfied	Outdoor Gillson Park worship N/A
Small group gatherings	Small group gatherings Very Dissatisfied	Small group gatherings Somewhat Dissatisfied	Small group gatherings Neutral	Small group gatherings Somewhat Satisfied	Small group gatherings Very Satisfied	Small group gatherings N/A
Bible study	Bible study Very Dissatisfied	Bible study Somewhat Dissatisfied	Bible study Neutral	Bible study Somewhat Satisfied	Bible study Very Satisfied	Bible study N/A
Adult education activities	Adult education activities Very Dissatisfied	Adult education activities Somewhat Dissatisfied	Adult education activities Neutral	Adult education activities Somewhat Satisfied	Adult education activities Very Satisfied	Adult education activities N/A
Confirmation program	Confirmation program Very Dissatisfied	Confirmation program Somewhat Dissatisfied	Confirmation program Neutral	Confirmation program Somewhat Satisfied	Confirmation program Very Satisfied	Confirmation program N/A
Tower Youth activities	Tower Youth activities Very Dissatisfied	Tower Youth activities Somewhat Dissatisfied	Tower Youth activities Neutral	Tower Youth activities Somewhat Satisfied	Tower Youth activities Very Satisfied	Tower Youth activities N/A
Choir practice	Choir practice Very Dissatisfied	Choir practice Somewhat Dissatisfied	Choir practice Neutral	Choir practice Somewhat Satisfied	Choir practice Very Satisfied	Choir practice N/A
Singers & Ringers practice	Singers & Ringers practice Very Dissatisfied	Singers & Ringers practice Somewhat Dissatisfied	Singers & Ringers practice Neutral	Singers & Ringers practice Somewhat Satisfied	Singers & Ringers practice Very Satisfied	Singers & Ringers practice N/A
After worship "Coffee" Hour	After worship "Coffee" Hour Very Dissatisfied	After worship "Coffee" Hour Somewhat Dissatisfied	After worship "Coffee" Hour Neutral	After worship "Coffee" Hour Somewhat Satisfied	After worship "Coffee" Hour Very Satisfied	After worship "Coffee" Hour N/A
Fellowship activities	Fellowship activities Very Dissatisfied	Fellowship activities Somewhat Dissatisfied	Fellowship activities Neutral	Fellowship activities Somewhat Satisfied	Fellowship activities Very Satisfied	Fellowship activities N/A

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* 11. As we emerge from the pandemic, Session is looking to identify several ideas to help achieve our church's Mission. Please indicate your level of support for each of the following ideas. Rank your level of enthusiasm for each idea.

	Strongly Opposed	Opposed	Indifferent	Support	Strongly Support
Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights).	Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights). Strongly Opposed	Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights). Opposed	Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights). Indifferent	Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights). Support	Hold more fellowship events to rebuild personal connections with proper health precautions. (e.g., small group dinners, game/movie nights). Strongly Support
Create opportunities to connect with members	Create opportunities to connect with members Strongly Opposed	Create opportunities to connect with members Opposed	Create opportunities to connect with members Indifferent	Create opportunities to connect with members Support	Create opportunities to connect with members Strongly Support
Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation).	Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation). Strongly Opposed	Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation). Opposed	Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation). Indifferent	Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation). Support	Create opportunities for me to connect with members who are in a similar life stage. (e.g., new moms, parents, singles, age/generation). Strongly Support
Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice).	Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice). Strongly Opposed	Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice). Opposed	Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice). Indifferent	Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice). Support	Create opportunities for me to connect with members based on shared interests. (e.g., mission/service, study topics, Bible, spirituality, current issues, social justice). Strongly Support
Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members.	Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members. Strongly Opposed	Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members. Opposed	Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members. Indifferent	Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members. Support	Find ways to build intergenerational connections between members. Strongly Support
Raise our profile in the community.	Raise our profile in the community. Strongly Opposed	Raise our profile in the community. Opposed	Raise our profile in the community. Indifferent	Raise our profile in the community. Support	Raise our profile in the community. Strongly Support
Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices.	Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices. Strongly Opposed	Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices. Opposed	Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices. Indifferent	Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices. Support	Do more with other congregations to build connections within our community and learn about their faith practices. Strongly Support
Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship.	Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship. Strongly Opposed	Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship. Opposed	Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship. Indifferent	Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship. Support	Explore ways to increase ease of participation and our sense of connection with one another and with God in worship. Strongly Support
Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space.	Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space. Strongly Opposed	Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space. Opposed	Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space. Indifferent	Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space. Support	Consider ways to change the physical layout of the sanctuary to boost participation during the services and get better use of the space. Strongly Support

Other (please specify)

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* 12. In comparison to the pre-COVID 19 pandemic period my level of connection to my own spirituality is (choose one from below).

significantly more

no different

less

significantly Less

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* 13. Concerning how my spiritual needs are being met since the COVID-19 pandemic began, I am feeling...

Dissatisfied

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat Satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat Satisfied

Satisfied

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* 14. During these difficult pandemic times, I have felt a strong connection to the church when (select all that apply):

I attend in-person worship service

I watch the online Sunday worship.

I watch the online Stories and Songs (SaS) video

I have a role in the online Sunday worship service

I participate in my small group in-person

I participate in my small group virtually

A pastor or staff member reaches out to me personally

A church member reaches out to me personally

I talk with other members of the church online where I can see their faces

I talk with other members of the church over the telephone

Other (please specify)

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* 15. Concerning the frequency and format of communications, I’ve received during the pandemic (e.g., churchwide emails, Daily Bread, etc.), I am now feeling

Dissatisfied

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat Satisfied

Satisfied

Dissatisfied

Somewhat Dissatisfied

Neutral

Somewhat Satisfied

Satisfied

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* 16. I feel that communications within the church could be improved with (select all that apply):

Website capability improvements, e.g., links, videos, secure member-only access to contact information and messaging.

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* 17. In-person, Outdoor Worship. With the State of Illinois in Phase 5, and not discouraging large group, in-person meetings, the following statement best describes my attitude toward attending an in-person worship service that is located outdoors (not in the church building) with appropriate safety modifications:

I have attended and will continue to attend

I have attended but will not continue to attend for a while

It may be quite a while before I return

I will not return to in-person worship until we have reached herd immunity

Not sure

Other (please specify)

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* 18. In-person, Indoor Worship. With the State of Illinois in Phase 5, and not discouraging large group, in-person meetings, the following statement best describes my attitude toward attending an indoor, in-person worship service within the church sanctuary with appropriate safety precautions:

I have attended and will continue to attend

I have attended but will not continue to attend for a while

It may be quite a while before I return

I will not return to in-person worship until we have reached herd immunity

Not sure

I would return if: (please specify)

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* 19. Our current, regular, in-person church worship service would be enhanced if it included the following (select all that apply):

An outdoor location in temperate weather

Better preaching

Regular reports of mission activities

Weekly reports of on-going and future church activities

Worship leadership involvement by members

Involvement by children

Multimedia presentations

Use of cell phones or tablets as part of the service

Leadership by people of all ages, including both individuals and families, even if they cannot be physically present (e.g., prerecorded videos or live broadcasts played during in-person worship.)

Interactive elements, involving both worship leaders and attendees

Congregational singing with musical accompaniment (currently singing with masks for trial period in August)

Choir singing

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* 20. I plan to take the following precautions when I return to an indoor in-person worship service at FPCW. Select all that apply:

Follow public health guidance

Wear a face mask

Stand and sit where I will be at least 6 feet from non-family members

Avoid physical contact with non-family members

Avoid crowded hallways

Use hand sanitizer

None of these

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* 21. I would like our church to take the following precautions for in-person worship gatherings inside the church sanctuary. Select all that apply:

Follow public health guidance

Limit handouts of any kind (e.g., bulletins)

Remove all materials in pews (e.g., Bibles, hymnals, pencils)

Use the new method for distributing communion elements in individual containers

Refrain from communion for the time being

Continue to use the new methods for collecting tithes and offerings

Require social distancing in sanctuary seating

Provide hand sanitizer stations

Restrict congregational singing opportunities

Avoid shared congregational readings (e.g., in unison or responsive readings)

Require face masks for all congregants

Avoid indoor Fellowship (Coffee) Hour

None of these

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* 22. In addition to our regular in-person worship service in the sanctuary, I would prefer that our church (select all that apply):

Continue offering an outdoor service in comfortable weathe

Continue offering an online worship service option until a vaccine is available for all ages

Continue offering an online worship service option indefinitely.

Discontinue the online worship as soon as it is no longer needed

Not sure

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* 23. I would prefer an online worship service using the following format:

Prerecorded services, with multiple venues, leaders, and multimedia opportunities (like services in 2020)

Live streaming of the in-person sanctuary service with both simultaneous and delayed watching options (like services since May 2021)

Live streamed, interactive, real-time services, with Zoom-like participation by online attendees

Not sure

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* 24. My attendance at small indoor in-person group gatherings is as follows:

I have attended and will continue to attend

I have attended but will not continue to attend

I would return if some concerns were alleviated

It may be quite a while before I return

I will not return to indoor in-person gatherings until we have reached herd immunity

I would prefer to attend virtually/remotely

I do not participate in a small group

I am unable to answer this question at this time

PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12

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* 25. Under what conditions are you comfortable with bringing your children to church in person – for worship and/or programming with the understanding that the sanctuary and Wallace More Fellowship Hall have an air exchange rate of 6:1, which is better than the CDC recommended rate of 4:1 (select all that apply):

In the sanctuary* and Wallace Moore Fellowship Hall, with children masked, masks encouraged for unvaccinated adults

In the sanctuary* and Wallace Moore Fellowship Hall, with children and all adults masked

Outdoors, with masks for everyone

Outdoors, without any mask requirement

Not until a vaccine for children is approved

My children do not typically come to church for worship and/or programming

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* 26. If you have children aged 3 and under, would you feel comfortable leaving them in the nursery with caregivers who are vaccinated and masked?

Yes

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* 27. Since the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 and while offerings for children were available mostly online, my family and I watched the weekly Songs and Stories (SaS) video online:

Not regularly

Once a month

2-4 times a month

Almost every Sunday

ALL RESPONDENTS - ANY ADDITIONAL FEEDBACK

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* 28. Please provide any other feedback you have on FPCW’s current programs, worship, or potential plans to reopen that you would like to share. Please use the open text box below.