San Gabriel Episcopal Church. Mission and Ministry Envisioning Retreat February 4-6, 2012

Transcription

1 Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande Congregational Life and Development Mission and Ministry Envisioning Retreat San Gabriel Episcopal Church Friday, February 3 San Gabriel Episcopal Church Mission and Ministry Envisioning Retreat February 4-6, 2012 Friday, February 3 6:30 PM Ms. Diane Butler and Fr. Brian Winter met with the Mission Council of San Gabriel Episcopal Church (a parochial mission of St. Michael and All Angels). The Council was asked to respond to the question, What are your expectations for this envisioning retreat? In Attendance: Ms. Diane Butler, The Rev. Brian Winter, The Rev. Rhonda McIntire, Marsha Baumeister Karen Ogonowski Karen Pound Shawn Hall Stephanie Padilla Tad Pound Steve Hayden Expectations: The congregation will be as knowledgeable about the way forward as is mission council. This will be an opportunity for everyone to get to know one another better. That everyone will have knowledge of the vision and buy into it. We will be able to increase the energy and hear ideas from new people. The mission of this church will be known by all and all can articulate their understanding of the mission. That the retreat will be inspirational to all participating. Saturday, February 4 In Attendance: The Rev. Brian Winter, Diane Butler, The Rev. Rhonda McIntire Marsha Baumeister Steve Hayden Jane Sageser Steve Bowman Jeanne Hogan Charlie Smith Carol DeCamp Hugh Horan Joyce Smith Lily Edwards Lorraine Leftwich Hans Stuart Martine Edwards Beau McCormick Terry Stuart Sarah Edwards Bob McCormick Joni Thompson Thomas Edwards Tim McIntire Irene Urvanejo Lisa Fitting Helen Moody Richard Waldera Sean Fitting Hugh Moran Judith George Stephanie Padilla Lyn Glennon Karen Pound Shawn Hall Tad Pound San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 1

2 8:30 AM Gather 8:45 AM Morning Prayer (Diane Butler) 9:00 AM Introductions, Purpose of MMER, Introduction to Twelve Marks of Successful Congregations 9:15 AM Small group sessions working with Twelve Marks Assessment Instrument Areas 1-6 six elements (Brian+ and Diane rotate among groups.) 10:15 AM Break 10:30 AM Report to all participants with discussion 11:45 AM Noon Day Prayers and Lunch 12:30 PM Small group sessions working with Assessment Instrument Areas :30 PM Report to all participants with discussion. 2:30 PM Break 2:45 PM Discussion concerning next steps, Evaluation of process 3:30 PM Closing Eucharist (Brian+) Sunday, Feburary 5 10:00 AM Holy Eucharist (The Rev. Rhonda McIntire, Celebrant, Ms. Diane Butler, Preacher) San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 2

3 Utilizing the 12 Marks of Healthy Church Behavior Assessment, the participants gathered into five small groups and addressed each of the identified areas. A summary of the responses of participants follows: 1. Worships: Encourages sacred worship of God in a variety of ways; liturgy is well planned and executed. Vibrant, reverent, impactful. Sermons are thoughtful, relevant and well delivered. Areas of accomplishment (1) Each group reported that sermons are of high quality, relevant, well prepared and delivered (2)Tradition is valued and the Episcopal ethos is explained, e.g. seasons of the Church year (3)Different opportunities of worship are provided: Friday sits, Bible study, Mid-week worship (4)Creativity with liturgy is present (5)Inclusion of laity in liturgical ministries is valued and people are well trained to carry out their ministries (1) Music (differing opinions expressed: some like a cappella congregational singing, others would like more instrumental accompaniment) (2) Would like easier hymns and more variety (3) Would like to be informed about different worship styles (4) More teaching moments and more instructed Eucharists 2. Knows Itself and Moves Forward: Defines itself by its sense of values, mission (purpose) and vision with resulting plans for the congregation. The culture is one of expectation of constant movement and change, seeking God s will for its future. This awareness is grounded in theological definition and understanding. (1) The majority of San Gabriel congregants report a clear understanding that they are a new model of doing church, choosing to direct their resources to outreach to the wider community and not being tied to responsibilities of a mortgage or care for a building. (2) They overwhelmingly report a respect for diversity of opinion and inclusivity and an understanding that San Gabriel s is a church that welcomes those who welcome those who have not found a welcoming community elsewhere.. (3) The participants report a sense of being grounded in scripture. (1) Need to make mission clear to all congregants; make vision and mission more succinct and clear (2) Tell the story of San Gabriel s San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 3

4 3. Invites, Incorporates: Invites, displays hospitality and works toward inclusion of newcomers and members into active participation in congregational life with an emphasis on relationship formation. (1) All members greet newcomers with enthusiasm and sincerity (2) Celebrate diversity (3) Practice being a village church (4) Welcoming is a continuing process (5) Outreach to Corrales community (1) Name tags (2) More fellowship opportunities (outside of regular church services) 4. Disciples: Takes seriously the formation of disciples, grounded in the Baptismal Covenant with emphasis on spiritual formation, biblical education and prayer. (1) Wide variety of educational and spiritual formation opportunities (2) Shared leadership (1) Formal program for children and youth 5. Lives as Stewards: Promotes good stewardship of parishioner s time, spiritual gifts, talents and money. (1) San Gabriel has been self-supporting from the time of its inception as a parochial mission. (2) Time, Talent and Treasure all considered equally important (3) Number of pledging families increasing and average pledge increasing (4) Has established a formal approach to stewardship (4) Vicar helps people find their unique calling (5) Outside groups are invited to use facilities (6) Non-materialistic allowing funds to be used for outreach (1) Consider blinds for windows (to prevent traffic distraction and for privacy) San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 4

5 6. Empowers: Fosters a culture of empowering ministry utilizing knowledge of persons spiritual gifts, passions and talents for service coupled with expectation and accountability for those who undertake ministry. (1) Vicar is a strong leader who is clear about intentions, and presents a joyous and upbeat attitude (2) Members are encouraged to participate in leadership, worship and outreach (but no pressure to do so) (3) People are challenged to grow None Noted 7. Cares: Responds with thoughtfulness and pastoral sensitivity to individuals in the congregation when illness, personal crisis, death and other challenging life circumstances arise. (1) Vicar is easily accessible and quickly responds to needs (2) Members keep one another informed of needs (3) Healing service in place (1) Consider lay pastoral care training 8. Reaches Out: Focuses significant ministry outside the congregation to the community and beyond. Reaches Out (1) Outreach is a significant strength of this congregation and one of their stated main purposes. They are involved in multiple outreach projects ranging from the local to the national level. (1) Be aware of ratio of commitments to resources available San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 5

6 9. Fosters a Learning Culture for Leaders: Understands that leaders in Christian community have a distinctive call, that they seek God s guidance, are willing to risk, lead change well and learn from experience. Leaders are trained and expected to mentor future leaders. Lay leaders foster a healthy relationship with their clergy. (1) This congregation has a behavioral covenant in place which outlines the manner in which they are to interact with one another (no backroom chatter, etc.) (2) Clergy leadership fosters prayerful discernment and training for leadership. (3) The laity and clergy respect and honor one another and work to carry out the mission of San Gabriel s. (4) This congregational has been intentional in their evolvement toward maturity (e.g. Living Waters, Mutual Ministry Review) (5) They have experienced significant change since their beginnings and have handled each move with careful deliberation and care (change of vicar, multiple locations.) (1) Ensure that current leadership mentors future leadership 10. Communicates: Generates effective communications inside the church and outside to the community. (1) Numerous vehicles are used for communication (website, bulletins, rota schedule) (1) Determine the desired audience for communications (2) Investigate social media, e.g. Facebook (3) Post videos of sermons (4) Increase ads in local paper (5) Clarify mission statement 11. Manages Conflict: Conflicted situations are managed with practices/processes that foster and reflect a theology of reconciliation. (1) Operates under behavioral covenant (2) Has experienced conflict over building space with previous landlord and dealt with situation with Christian values (3) Applies knowledge gained through participation in Living Waters (4) Small congregation enables open conversation (1) Ensure that newcomers are enculturated vis a vis the values of San Gabriel San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 6

7 12. Understands One Church concept: Demonstrates connectedness to the wider church. (1) The congregation of San Gabriel is well informed and supportive of the Church on the local, diocesan and TEC levels (2) The Vicar participates in all diocesan events as do many congregants (3) While aware of issues affected the wider church, the congregation does not allow conflicts to enter into their life together (4) Has a stated desire to move from parochial mission status to parish status in order to be fully involved in the Church (1) Implications of move from parochial mission status Following completion of the parish assessment based on the 12 marks of a healthy congregation, those present requested a discussion of their request to move to parish status. A review of their history was presented by the Rev. Rhonda McIntire(Appendix II). Fr. Brian and Ms. Butler responded to questions concerning the difference in parochial missions, diocesan missions, and parishes. The overriding concern of this congregation is their wish to be fully involved in councils of the church; assuming both the privileges and responsibilities for such status. Recommended next steps: 1) Clearly define both the mission and vision of the San Gabriel the Archangel Episcopal Church. (Simply put, a mission statement describes who you are and what you do. A vision statement describes your hope for the impact of what you do. ) 2) Develop goals based on your mission and vision. Utilize SMART Goals Template (Appendix III) to clearly articulate what you wish to accomplish in the next 1, 2, 3...years. 3) Communicate who you are to the wider church. 4) Consult with the Bishop and his staff as to their required next steps. 5) Most importantly, continue to be the joyful presence of Christians building up the body of Christ! San Gabriel Episcopal Church February 3-4, 2012 Page 7