FFC Survey Monkey Data 2016

 Survey Monkey Data   2016

1.What is your relationship to FFC?

Member                                                          24.32%                      9

Attender or frequent visitor                            .70%                      1

Occasional Visitor                                         29.73%                     11

Friend (non-Quaker)                                       8.11%                     3

Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker)          59.46%                    22

Supporter                                                         10.81%                    4

Internet:Facebook, Twitter, QuakerQuaker, Website               .22%                   6

                                    Total Respondents: 37 

-Salem MM Junior Friends Advisor, Convergent Friend

-Supporter in prayer

-Groupie and fan of the music and writings

-Member of NWYM

-I have heard of Freedom Friends, and support you with prayer. Sorry, I haven't sent money!

 2. Has Freedom Friends or any of its members blessed you in any way?

         

Yes:  97.22%                                              No:  2.78%

-Letting me worship and belong to a spiritual community being who I really am.

-By their open, welcoming nature.

-Your very existence is a blessing to me.

-You all help support the Salem Sleeping Bag Project.

-I've worshiped with you all and played music at your meeting a few times. I've always enjoyed it, and I like your three-part worship set-up of singing, sharing, open worship. I've liked AB's music and Peggy's motorcycle book, too.

-Heard several of Peggy’s messages. They all blessed me.

-FFC first blessed me through your online presence. I was encouraged and moved by your F & P and by Peggy's blog. Since then I have been ministered to by Peggy, Vail, And Alivia. Also I have attended events where you brought in guests and been blessed by these.

-Alivia's posts, Peggy's book, worshipping together in various settings over the years. Your Faith & Practice is a good resource, providing a well-discerned perspective.

Yes, by being good and faithful F(f)riends.

I have enjoyed meeting leaders of Freedom Friends at various Quaker events, especially through people at West Hills Friends, or when you have come to West Hills Friends.

3.  Have you blessed FFC in some way?

Yes                                                                        27.27%                  9

No                                                                        12.12%                   4

Maybe                                                                  60.61%               20

                                            Total 33

- I   live here. I think I do. Facilitating worship, encouraging the gifts of others. Clerking and pastoring. Encouraging those that don’t get much encouragement.

- I hope so through prayer...but I haven't heard directly.

-I've been in Worship Sharing with members and prayed for the group.

-Prayers, occasional financial contributions, occasional attendance.

-I hope so

-Who knows, really? Our times of connection have been few and brief, but supportive, I think.

-I hope my prayers, gifts and talking about FFC among other Friends have supported the community.

-Have enjoyed worship experiences when have visited.

-Prayer when needed.

-I have only visited twice, but hold FFC in my prayers, and very early on with financial support.

-I have learned in life, you never know how, or when you touch a life at times.

-I hope Freedom Friends considers my meeting (West Hills Friends) a kindred spirit; however, there isn't any official infrastructure to support this connection.

-Hopefully supporting Pegs book helped some.

-prayer, telling others about it

-Empathetic exegesis, Alivia's pastoral care, recording workshop with Pablo Stanfield, gender in the Bible presentation with Peterson Toscano, preaching by Peggy and Alivia, ministry to a friend of FFC who was in need of support.

-We have attended several times, donated a little, and been supportive of the founders.

-FFC is my family and as with all families there are good times, troubled times, hard times. I try to support my family through those times as they support me.

-I am not particularly thinking I am who should be asked this question

-Not that I know about; I do pray for you

-I hope so.

-Just by smiling when I meet you, greeting you.

-Perhaps I (we) have managed to provide role model(s) of what it is like to be a mature, experienced Quaker.

4. What does FFC or its ministers give to the wider community of Friends, local community and the world?

         Nothing                                                                  0.00%                  0

          A Bit                                                                       9.38%                  3

         A Bunch                                                                 65.63%                21

          Other                                                                     25.00%                8

                                                            Total 32

-Giving testimony that we are all ministers, that what we do and say matters, that ALL people can be free and we need help each other to live free and responsible lives.

-Every example of integrity of belief and action and support of the member/attender community counts!

-I haven't heard hardly anything from or about Freedom Friends in the last several years. Considering what is going on in North Carolina, Indiana, and their home in Oregon, it's odd to not have their voice in the mix considering their stance on LGBTQ equality.

-New views, interesting ideas, and spiritual depth.

-Only "a bit" because you're small. But that "bit" is very important. Gandhi is reported to have said, "Anything you do is bound to be insignificant; but it is very important that you do it."

-For our small size, a great deal

-As a living example of acceptance - theological, behavioral, and across identity boundaries - you have served as a huge conduit of Quaker convergence, which brings us all closer to the Living Root of our faith, and as an eye-opening example of living what we profess.

-A voice of sincere love, honesty, and unconditional love free from hierarchy and politics.

-I am not sure yet who FFC is.

-a new perspective that doesn't fit in the old boxes, a contact that's not limited by its classism (FUM is solidly middle class, EFCI is too, liberals tend to be intellectual class... FFC is worker and learner class) and spiritual enthusiasm.

-Not well acquainted with ministries but feel group seeks to serve the community.

-A progressive voice expressing and acting on underlying Quaker beliefs in a modern, complex society.

-You are a beacon of inclusivity and courageous and challenging ministry

-See above.

-I wouldn't know how to judge this. I would say you OFFER a bunch. How or to the degree that what you offer is accepted--that's hard to say, so that's why I marked a bit. The net effect of what we do seems difficult to assess.

-Not sure how to differentiate between a "bit" and a "bunch." I frequently hear people express appreciation for Freedom Friends, and I think your community serves as a model to others.

-Between a bit and a bunch! Good job for a small congregation.

-An alternative point of view, and a model for open and accepting ways.

-model of a radically inclusive Friends Church/Meeting that lives the beloved community that JC envisioned. outreach/ministry to those on the margins and in other communities in various branches of Friends or unaffiliated (NPYM, NWWTC, FLGBTQC). Alivia's music.

-FFC has articulated a motion of the Spirit towards a convergent Quakerism (conservative Friends, convergence of Friends across difference, revival in the sense of "emergent church") long before that motion of the Spirit was embodied elsewhere. You have modeled a hope and vision to many Quakers. LGBTQ Christians who needed to know they have a home, Queer-affirming Friends who needed language for their convictions, Friends and others who had the leading to return to core spiritual values at the heart of Quakerism in a contextualized way, and others.

-See above.

-FFC has shown Friends that a church can be Christ centered and welcoming within the tradition of Friends-a rare example in my experience.

-The love and support that is shared reaches farther than any of us knows. The example lived by our ministers shows us the way to reach out to each other, those around us and the world.

-Seems significant to me, but I do not live in your community

-I believe you have been a beacon to the wider world of Friends that "there is more than one way to skin a cat" as Don Carlito lies purring on my lap. Liberal Friends: "Oh, one can be biblical, evangelical, and still open and accepting and far out and cool!" Evangelicals: “OH, one can be open and accepting and politically liberal and still be deeply centered in the Bible and evangelical." and is that ever good news from either way one approaches it. This is Joe Snyder speaking. I don't want to be anonymous.

-Standing up for LGBTQ folks for so long is significant.

-Modeling and explaining what Convergent Quakerism is all about.

-Gives a bunch in a small, quiet way

5. Are you familiar with any of these past or present ministries of FFC or that FFC supports? (mark all that apply)

Change the World                                                         40.00%                12

Stamp out Injustice                                                       40.00%               12

Friday Art Group                                                           50.00%               15

Tuesday Tea at Two                                                      20.00%                6

Allies for Equality                                                         33.33%                10

Marion Polk Food Share                                             43.33%                13

Zip Love- supplies for homeless people                   63.33%                19

Trans Week                                                                    43.33%                13

Quakerism 101                                                               73.33%                22

Other                                                                                16.67%                 5

                                                                                   Total Respondents: 30     

- Travelling ministry, FWCC, FCNL, Pride, Africa, Trauma Healing (THARS) and pretty much anything u can think of or remember.

-worship with music and open worship

-Sorry--have been a little preoccupied with my own work and ministries over the past 5-8 years.

-Salem Sleeping Bag Project     

-Pride event

-Thank you for doing all of those! WOW, that is a lot!

-Sharing in putting on of Nursery of Truth; hosting Convergent Friends evening gatherings.

6. What do you wish/desire for FFC to do or to consider?

Nothing                100%

-Updating and upgrading the website. Helping each person to discern their own gifts and leadings, discerning how to be more visible and welcoming to all in our community... i will think of more... oh yeah, creating a network of our ministers willing and able to do different ministerial tasks-- such as attend different  kind of community meetings, be visible in the community for FFC, visitation for elderly, sick, infirm and shut-ins; make a worship music cd/video; be willing to step out in faith when it looks like we are being asked to do or be something different or new.

-Continued listening to the Christ-spirit and letting that give you courage to minister in the ways led.

-Be a voice in the conversation going on in the wider Quaker community.

-That we love and are pulling for you.

-“Be still and cool in thy own mind and spirit, from thy own thoughts, and then thou wilt feel the principle of God to turn thy mind to the Lord from whence cometh life; whereby thou mayest receive the strength and power to allay all storms and tempests.”

-Am just learning.

-That they continue to be led to sustain their ministry in Salem.

-Continue to be a leading voice in the Quaker world.

-Help with emergency warming shelter.

-I trust FFC to proceed as led.

-I don't have anything specific. I've enjoyed what little I've been able to participate in.

-traveling ministry, in pairs, throughout the region, on topics as led, and sharing the gift of FFC with others who might take up some of the ministries and methods. Publish FFC's Faith and Practice more widely--and/or workshops at other Quaker gatherings.

-Whatever the Lord leads you to! <3

-To continue living the way you live & being faithful in your following Jesus.

-Are they healthy in heart and soul.

-I would like for us to somehow reach out and be available in some way to the disenfranchised LGBTQC community. It seems there are many that fear "church" and I would like to somehow let them know we exist.

-Discern well what they are called / led to do!

-Continued faithfulness

-Please continue to be.

-Keep on keeping on!

-Keep on or intensify as way opens what we are doing now

7. In which events have you participated or attended at FFC?

Christmas Eve Service                                                   35.71%                 10

Birthday Sunday                                                             35.71%                 10

Wedding                                                                           32.14%                  9

Q101 class                                                                         32.14%                  9

Easter Sunday                                                                 35.71%                 10

Salem Peace Networking                                                3.57%                   1

Allies for Equality                                                           10.71%                  3

Sunday (First Day) Worship                                         57.14%                16

Peterson Toscano presentation                                    39.29%               11

LGBTQ+ Information Fair                                             21.43%                6

Capitol Pride                                                                      17.86%                5

Convergent Worship                                                       60.71% 1              7

                                       Total Respondents: 28    

-Travelling ministry, leadership

-Caring for Peggy and Alivia and their ministries in particular; visiting when able; holding FFC in the Light

-Not so far

-Also I attended one concert in the parking lot.

-FFC anniversary, recording workshop

-worshipped and prayed with FFC Friends at other Quaker gatherings.

-have not attended

-Sorry, I live too far away to get to your events.

8. What are your favorite parts of FFC?

People                                                                            93.33%                 28

Worship                                                                        63.33%                  19

Art Group                                                                      10.00%                   3

Tea for Two                                                                   6.67%                     2

Stuffed Toys                                                                  3.33%                     1

Art Table                                                                       10.00%                   3

Prayer Wall                                                                   6.67%                     2

                                        Total Respondents: 30    

-Just joined Face Book Convergent Quaker organization. Are they related?

     If so in what way?

-the influence beyond FFC on the Society of Friends

-Your faithfulness in being who you are.

-web presence in general

-The witness I see at yearly meeting and other Quaker events

-The peace, the simplicity, the acceptance

9. How did you originally learn about FFC?

Personal invitation                                                       37.50%                  9

Personal recommendation (word of mouth)          50.00%                12

Website                                                                           20.83%                  5

Newspaper                                                                     0.00%                   0

                             Total Respondents: 24

-I am a founding member. God invited me.

-Through Salem Friends Meeting

-We were warned about it by another church. I then went on the internet and knee it was the church for us

-Through Peggy Morrison's books

-From this Survey.

-Peggy

-Advertising for Zip love.

-I've known Peggy for a long time, and I've known Alivia for a while.

-Peggy came to CFC and gave the message. She invited us to visit. We did.

-met Peggy and Alivia who later formed it.

-Through PNWQWTC

-NWYM/FWCC

-word of mouth at Peggy's report to Reedwood of her first Burundi trip

-I dreamed it

10. Please look at FFC website and evaluate it for us?

Terrible                                                                          0.00%                  0

Blasé                                                                               0.00%                  0

Okay                                                                              20.59%                  7

Pretty Decent                                                               55.88%                 19

Fantastic                                                                         8.82%                  3

Outdated                                                                       17.65%                   6

Responses   Other Comments on Website?          47.06%                 16

                                               Total Respondents: 34

-Needs updates to pages re staff and ministries, Q101, info on sex gender orientation...12 steps.

-Is it faithful to the Gospel in this time? Does it work for the members and attenders and outreach? If it does, then it's GOOD!

-It's very outdated and the "Forum" comes up with an error. The art is great.

-I couldn't get the forum to load. It could use some typesetting and reflow, but I like the theme and art.

-You need to update this from your FAQ section: "In the State of Oregon, at present, legal marriage to the person of their choice is not available to gay and lesbian people. "

-Love it

-I just went to the web site. I love what you stand for. I would totally agree with what you are saying on the web page. I really engage with your logo!

-I'm afraid I don't know much about how to tell a good website. What some folks call good--like websites that continually change--I'd call bad because I have to find everything again. Just glancing again at yours, I see it looks the same as last time. I also clicked a dead link. I also noticed that on your recorded ministry page, those doc's had to be downloaded before they could be opened. Maybe that makes sense for that kind of page, though. Like I said, I don't know squiddle about websites.

-I like the colorful, artistic presentation and all the good content. I like that it feels relatively homemade. The margins could be a little less crowded. And (like my church) you would benefit from a mobile-friendly format.

-Some broken links. Need new photos of meeting house, new art. Maybe a personal statement/word of welcome on the pastor page?

-I love the picture--simple and beautiful--that appears throughout, giving a cohesiveness. I felt the links to some pages led to excellent summaries of the indicated topic, and especially appreciate the thoughtful FAQs, 'what we believe', and 'what to expect' pages. However, other links seem unfinished. the pastor's page feels incomplete; the Forum link is either broken or requires something I don't have. I did not find the glossary page at first, but one time clicking on a word led to the overall glossary not the actual word I clicked on (I cannot remember which one that was, sorry), . the Peace page could use an introduction and more content. the Links to Webring and Pridenet leads to too much advertising and not enough content--is there a way to emphasize "you are leaving FFC website..." to disown the commercialism and irrelevant content you will find? I did not find the pages "finding a spiritual home" or "you might be a Quaker if..." pages except from the site map. I'd like to see them on the main page. The accessible versions were formatted differently, but what about a large font as well? bottom line: parts were fantastic but all of it was at least pretty decent.

-I don't have time to look at the website right now. Blessings!

-The first page is wonderful and as you scroll down it is not easy to read and discover information. I have to work at sorting it out.

-Says what it needs to.

-On the FAQ page, the numbers are colored. It appears I should click on them to see an answer. The answers appear below, but I can't tell if that happens because of a link, or just that they are already there. I wonder if you put in a line saying, "see below." When I click on "Forum," it appears nothing happens. I might not understand what I am seeing. THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO!

-needs revision

 Most responses to this survey were completed in May and June of 2016.

Respectfully Submitted by Alivia B. Biko, Pastor, FFC