The Percept group produces tools for mission strategy and congregational mission planning. Missional thinking often requires demographic tools to help congregations and institutions perceive the true diversity, hopes, fears, and aspirations of their neighbors. Percept tools can be used at the local or diocesan level. There are tools for studies of neighborhood demographics (ranging from quick, simple studies to complex, comprehensive ones) and tools for evaluations of missional strengths and weaknesses. See www.link2lead.com for more information.

The Rev. Canon George Hemingway is the diocesan missioner and consultant for strategic mission planning He is available at no charge to congregations to help them and diocesan bodies to undertake mission strategic planning. He has held workshops with several congregations and individuals in this diocese, in the Dioceses of San Diego and of Los Angeles, and with the Pacifica Synod of the ELCA and the OrIda Conference of the UMC.

As of February 2005, 167 individuals from 56 congregations have registered to be Percept users (up to 20 people per congregation may register at any one time). People who want to receive training, host a training session, or perform long-range planning should contact Canon Hemingway.

Contact:
The Rev. Canon George Hemingway
ghemingway@nehalemtel.net