With the annual
pledge drive in full swing, I want to say something about the priorities I
have for our programs in next year's budget. Of course, I don't have the
final "say" in such matters—only the Vestry does, and I am very intentional
about not weighing in too heavily in this—but I am active in the discussions
that shape the decisions of the budget committee and the Vestry. When I say
priorities, please know that I'm speaking more about new initiatives, rather
than "demoting" current efforts! In fact, one of my main concerns is that we
not allow new programs, or the growth of existing ones, to come about at the
expense of what we've got in place. So, we'll hold firm in our budget's
support for strengthening our current programs and providing respectable
compensation for our part-time staff. But we must step up for two
critically important new goals.
First, we will be
implementing CATECHESIS OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD in January! Many of you have
heard of this; it is the premiere Christian Education program in the
Episcopal Church for ages 3-12. We will begin with our 3, 4, and 5
year-olds, and then build up over time to include ages 6 thru 12. (If you
don't know much about Catechesis, we're currently running a three-part
informational series in the parish hall during Sunday School. Parts 2 & 3
are Nov. 16th and 23rd.) This program is a major commitment that requires
significant expense for training leaders, providing materials, and
furnishing the
rooms. For 2004, we are projecting the need for an additional $5,500
for the Christian Education budget in order to support this new program.
Expensive, yes, but more than twenty years of experience in the Episcopal
Church have proven that it is worth every cent! What I like in particular
about Catechesis is that its approach isn't just about "the stuff to know,"
it also emphasizes experiential components that work toward the whole of
spiritual formation for a child. A parish as strong as All Saints' should
have the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. Now is the time!
Another initiative I'd like to see taken up is to support a PAID
PART-TIME YOUTH DIRECTOR. This new staff position is purposefully
distinct from the position of "Christian Education Director" (Mary Howard
King). Mary Howard is the supervisor and resource person for our youth group
leaders, and that arrangement works well. I want things left there for
several reasons. Christian Ed is responsible not only for youth education
but also for our several adult classes. Also, fellowship is the issue for
the youth groups (EYC and Jr. EYC), and this requires a very different
approach than what is needed for Sunday School. And then there's the matter
of time/hours per week. The Christian Ed job is maxed out for its hours
already. More direct involvement with our youth groups won't fly—especially
now that we'll be building up the Catechesis program over the next few
years.
I'm convinced that being able to hire a professional youth director is
absolutely crucial for continued progress at AU Saints'. Natalie Sparks is
doing a really great job as our EYC director (we're off to the best start in
years!), but as success builds on success and expectations and requirements
are raised, it all gets to the point where it's just not possible for a
volunteer to sustain it for long—and it's not fair to ask that much of
volunteers. We could start the position at a modest $4,800 per year
for about 6/8 hours per week. Of course, we will build it up as quickly as
possible, with the goal of affording a job description that requires about
15 hours per week. Studies show that for congregations our size, having a
youth director on paid staff is a key component not only for program quality
but also for church growth.
These two new initiatives will make a really BIG difference for our programs
at All Saints', and results will be realized quickly. What's more, it will
take only $10,300 in additional money to get them off to a good start! Given
our track record in recent years, we should be able to do this—and still
have enough to raise support for other growing needs and good things in our
budget. On your marks . . .get set...
Go !
Shannon +
