The Vestry Retreat
At a recent Rector’s Forum, I shared details
of the Vestry’s work at its Annual Vestry Retreat held in the Parish Hall on
Saturday, February 21. For those unable to attend that forum, I wanted to
use this opportunity to share some of the highlights of the retreat.
Before we gathered as a Vestry, I provided each member with a copy of Kevin
E. Martin’s book Myth of the 200 Barrier: How to Lead Through
Transitional Growth. We used the book as a resource as we discussed how
we might transform the way we “do church” so that All Saints’ would become
an even more welcoming and inviting church to visitors and the community at
large than it is presently.
We set the context of our time together by noting the following significant
data.
First, during the Rector Search process, the Vestry and Search Committee,
with the assistance of the Rev. Canon David Johnson, had established four
main goals/priorities which were communicated to all priests interested in
the Rector’s position. Those goals were:
1. Enhance community outreach in new
facility
2. Increase giving by 45% (an increase of $221,000) / decrease debt by
33% (a decrease of
$963,000)
3. 250 Average Sunday Attendance by 2010 (2008 ASA 178)
4. Sunday, weekday Christian Education programming and fellowship
The Vestry reaffirmed its commitment to these
goals.
Second, it was noted that no one between the ages of 21 and 30 had completed
a parish survey during the search process. The Vestry determined that
efforts to attract, incorporate and integrate “young adults” into the life
of All Saints’ should be a priority. Programming efforts for this, and other
age groups, would be “needs based.”
Third, the Vestry reviewed trends in average Sunday attendance, membership
and giving for the period 1997 through 2008. (The graph depicting this
information is now displayed in the Parish Hall—please make an effort to
study the graph). The Vestry discussed the data at length.
Having discussed this data and information, the Vestry decided to focus its
efforts on ways that attendance at Sunday morning worship services might be
increased. For visitors, several ideas emerged, including: Invite them to
church, train our greeters, newcomer cards, organize a direct mail to
newcomers, home visits, special newcomer Sunday, nametags with photo, offer
other “non-Sunday” programs, train ushers, offer parent’s night out. For
existing members that we have not seen lately, the ideas included: review
membership lists to identify them, make personal contact with them,
advertise special services, produce new pictorial directory, identify
marketing tools, restart children’s choir.
The day was full and rich. Much was accomplished. Much work is yet to be
done. Together, All Saints’ will continue to transform lives and meet the
challenges set before us. I invite you to join the conversation. Your
thoughts and ideas are important to us! Call a member of the Vestry and pass
on an idea. I’d love to hear your ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams—just
stop by for a visit!
Peace, Paul+
