Snapshots
Snapshot #1: Our
Feasibility Study.
You’ve all received the letter that reports the results of the feasibility
study conducted by Holliman Associates for our proposed capital campaign.
The study contained a wealth of very detailed information, and shows a
truly remarkable degree of consensus and support: 95% in favor of a
campaign and 48% willing to pitch-in directly and work! These stats
are virtually unheard of in such studies. What I’ve not had the chance to
say thus far is how proud I am of you and of this parish congregation!
You are in the midst of making history in this place. You are coming
together and stepping up with outstanding unity and determination to realize
an ambitious vision. You have voiced a resounding commitment to what
All Saints’ is and can be—for each other and for our wider
community. You are embracing the challenges put to us, and in doing so you
are enriching the present and inviting the future. At a time when the
national Episcopal Church is beset with painful controversy, you have made
it clear that All Saints’ (and your life here) will be defined not by
“issues” but by the ministry of the Church serving the mission of the Gospel
in our rich and broad tradition. This kind of depth and commitment is
truly exceptional (sadly, I know of several places where this is pointedly
not the case), and I want to say that I know that we have something quite
special here.
Snapshot #2: Numbers
and Growth.
Elsewhere in this newsletter you’ll see the announcement that attendance at
our Easter services set a new record (530, far outdoing the previous record
from last year by 60!). I hope you can see why this is about much more
than “bean counting.” This is about connection measured at the
most important celebration in the Church. It is a reflection of our
present vitality. It is about the primary mission of the
Church—to witness through the worship of God. Likewise, our
average Sunday attendance is at an all-time high.
*****OK, but isn’t
our growth simply to be expected? We’re growing because the area is
growing, right? Not exactly. Consider this: in the period
from 1995-2001 (the last year for which I have figures from the Community
Development Foundation), Tupelo’s population actually decreased
1.47%. Lee County’s population grew in that period by 4.86%. By
comparison, All Saints’ registered a net 24.6% growth during those
years! Yes, numbers can be “just numbers” and they can be superficial,
but there can be no question that this picture shows in another way that
something special is going on here.
Snapshot #3: Our
Shoulders at the Wheel.
Coming out of the many requirements of Holy Week and Easter, I’m reminded of
what is in fact true year ‘round. We have extraordinary commitment and
tremendous talent throughout our parish family. Our “thanks” so often
goes unsaid, but we should all take a moment to remind ourselves that All
Saints’ would not be what we are, nor could we be an attractive and inviting
place for newcomers and visitors, without all those who make everything
happen here week-in and week-out. During the preparations for Holy
Week, I often paused and smiled in gratitude as I took it all in: Altar
Guild, Choir (and Children’s Choir), Vergers, Acolytes, Ushers, Chalice
Bearers, Lectors, Intercessors, Teachers, office volunteers (folding &
inserts for over 1,000 bulletins!), Hospitality crew, Altar of the
Watch/Gethsemane Garden, EYC (egg hunt!), and our indomitable Staff. We were
a beehive one minute and an ant-farm the next! We are all deeply
blessed by one another’s presence and participation. This picture
clearly shows something of what is really special here.
Shannon +
