Choosing a New Name for the Stoermer Building
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At the architect’s presentation of our building plans attendees were given a listing of the new names suggested for our new ministry center (Stoermer’s). I shared the results with the Administrative Board and they asked me to report the “top vote getters” and write my observations of each name. I share those with you. First, let me say that over 70 people responded with choices and comments. Many listed several names that seemed to resonate with them. There were several who modified the name offered in some way.
Please read these observations and discuss them with your friends however you can. (Feel free to write your observations we can publish in upcoming issues of The Tidings.) Eventually, we will all begin to call the place by some new name, and this will be the name we choose. (The “ballots” are available for anyone to see.)
These are the names that seemed to have the most attention paid to them, in no particular order:
“The Gathering on Jefferson” (It was mentioned that this name is too long. Some suggested using just “The Gathering” while others liked using Jefferson to emphasize our new entrance on that street.)
My observations: The name speaks of hospitality—or at least a place for people to come. I think there is some benefit in not using our church name at this location if we are to try to create the image that we are more than what First UMC used to be downtown. This can provide a new way to involve those who want a place to rest but not have a religious message imposed on them.
On the down side, those looking specifically for our church offices from Jefferson Street may become confused. (We could add a “secondary title” in smaller print such as “a ministry of the First United Methodist Church” on our signage to help with this problem.)
“The Phoenix Center” (or something with Phoenix in it.) This name has appeal due to the legend of the Phoenix. There are several variations of this legend but all of them involve the Phoenix, a mythical bird that after a life of 500 years is consumed in fire only to rise from the ashes to live another 500 years.
My observations: The legend speaks to the appeal and appropriateness of this name. Certainly this ministry center will testify to how we have risen from the ashes of tragedy to be a vital part of the community again.
On the down side I have to ask how many people will know of the legend on which the name is based? Maybe that doesn’t matter. Some commented that they’d prefer to “put the fire” in the past and not be reminded of it as we go forward. Something to think about!
“The Way Station” This one rose to the top group only through ongoing discussion. It has a hidden meaning in that the early followers of Jesus where known as “people of the Way.” Another observation noted that the “way-station” was a stopping place along the early stage coach and railroad routes. It was at the “way-station” people would find rest and refreshment on their journey.
My observations: This name certainly represents my vision of what I see the first floor on Jefferson Street should be. It is inviting and implies hospitality. It is unique and maybe would cause people to ask about it, giving us the oppor-tunity to share our mission and ministry. It seems to fulfill our mission found in Mt. 11:28—“Come unto me, and I will give you rest.”
On the down side, this name too needs explanation. And it shares the difficulty of clearly identifying the location of the offices of the church. (We could add the same tag line as suggested earlier—“a ministry of the First United Methodist Church” on our signage.)
“The Wesley Center” (or something with ‘Wesley’ in the title.
My observations: This certainly connects this facility with United Methodism (if one knows who Wesley is!) It speaks of our heritage and connects us with the broader denomination and its principles.
On the down side, it may be seen as “too churchy” for those who don’t want to risk getting too close to the church. And if one is not United Methodist, some may not realize we are trying to reach out beyond our church as well. Either way, it could reduce the numbers of people who might come in otherwise.
“First United Methodist Center”
My observations: This name seems logical and practical as it clearly attaches us to the downtown church. It leaves little doubt as to what occupies the building and gets our name out in a strong way.
On the down side, I wonder if some would simply see us the church we were when the fire happened. I don’t mean to imply there is anything wrong with that, but many have expressed that we need to change our ways if we are to be meaningful and relevant to the future. My vision is to create a space where those who have had bad experiences with churches in the past may find some way to reconnect in our new space. That begins by casting an image that something new and different is happening. Would this name indicate that?
Pastor Mike
