Parish Profile. I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live. The Episcopal. Church of the Resurrection.

Transcription

1 Parish Profile I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection 917 Pond Road Loudon, Tennessee

2 The photograph on the cover shows the entrance to the Memorial Garden at the Church of the Resurrection. It was taken by a parishioner at one of our Easter Sunrise Services. The Garden, shown above, was constructed in It is a landscaped area adjacent to the church. The Memorial Garden offers plots for interring ashes, or ashes can be spread, as desired. A stone wall provides a home for bronze plaques honoring loved ones. The Memorial Garden was dedicated on July 7, 2004 by Bishop Charles vonrosenberg.

3 Table of Contents New Rector. 1 Introduction 3 Mission Statement & Goals. 4 History 5 The Parish Spiritual Formation. 11 Staff.. 12 Volunteers 12 Outreach. 16 Our Community. 19 Schools.. 19 Healthcare 19 Outdoor Recreation 20 The Diocese Financial Summary Pledge Analysis Year End Financial Reports. 26 Contact... 27

4 New Rector The people of the Church of the Resurrection seek a priest who Is a Godly person with an active prayer life Is energetic Communicates effectively and is able to inspire Motivates and brings out the best in people Builds cooperative relationships Values cultural differences Is a good counselor Has the courage to act decisively Manifests a clear service orientation in life and ministry Has the ability to deepen understanding, form character and equip members with new skills Will live amongst us, so we can grow to love each other The people of the Church of the Resurrection consider the critical characteristics of the new pastor to be a person: who has the sense that the work of the church is very important in the world and has the ability to develop that sense in us. We want to know that our work in the world is useful. who has the ability to navigate change and conflict. We hope to live in harmony with each other and the world, united in one body by the one Spirit. who has the ability to work collaboratively, in conjunction with the parish, to develop a long-term vision. Inspires, provides leadership and a clear direction for that vision. We are willing to live with uncertainty when we can see the way and understand the why of the way to go. Page 1

5 The PRIORITIES of the new rector would be: Pastoral care Caring for the individual and engaging everyone in the congregation to care for others in time of need Preaching Leadership Teaching Inspiring and connecting people to God s Word Working collaboratively to identify needed change, and then having the vision and ability to implement the change. Deepening understanding, forming character, and equipping members with new skills Also Important to us is The power to inspire and to create Holy Conversations to arrive at a tolerant and cohesive church community The ability to lead a church through a significant and necessary period of change The ability to create unity of purpose among diverse groups A gift for attracting families with children and youth to our church The natural ability to make people feel welcome The talent for making involvement in the church meaningful The capacity to develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances A loving relationship between the priest and the congregation Active involvement in our community life, with our priest geographically resident in the county Page 2

6 Introduction The Church of the Resurrection is more than a quaint looking church in a glorious setting. It is filled with the joy and spirit of the congregation; the Body of Christ in this place. The Liturgy of the Eucharist is at the center of our parish life and worship. We understand that our faith is reflected in our way of life. It is a matter of practice for us to embrace the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased. (Luke 3:22) Our ministries reflect our commitments to Christian Education, Pastoral Care, and Community Outreach. Each of us is encouraged to offer our gifts and talents to the service of Jesus Christ, in this community and the world. Page 3

7 Mission Statement It is the mission of the Church of the Resurrection to glorify God by: Refreshing Souls Bridging Communities Engaging People in Service Goals In fulfillment of our mission we strive: To be a welcoming, loving, inclusive church community To respond to human need with loving service To teach, baptize, and nurture disciples Page 4

8 History In 1953, a small group of people felt the need for an Episcopal church in Loudon County. Six people met as a spiritual community in the home of Mrs. W.D. Padgett for monthly worship services. By 1957 there were 21 people present and the name Church of the Resurrection was chosen for the mission. In 1963 the congregation officially became a mission of the Diocese of Tennessee. Even at this early age, the Church of the Resurrection was living the part of its Mission Statement about bridging communities, as members from both Lenoir City and Loudon (sports rivals) joined together in worship. In 1964, an old farmhouse on seven and a half acres was purchased midway between the two towns. It was purchased, in part, with a gift of $1,500 from St. Stephen s Church in Oak Ridge, TN. The house was renovated and became the home of the Mission Church of the Resurrection. Over 4,000 pine seedlings were planted on the property to turn the landscape from farmland to a planned wooded area. Bishop William Sanders named Deacon Thomas A. Pantle to pastor the Church of the Resurrection in Father Pantle was very active in the community. He was one of the founders of the chaplaincy program at the local hospital and served as president of the Lenoir City Ministerial Association. Page 5

9 The Church of the Resurrection has been blessed with dedicated, people - oriented, spiritual and enthusiastic priests who have lead our growing church community. In 1977, we began the construction of the church building that continues as our church home today. The new church, architecturally modeled after Christ Church Episcopal at Rugby, was consecrated on Easter, March 26, The Church of the Resurrection became a parish in Page 6

10 In 1988, a separate Parish Hall was constructed in the same style as the Church, for use as our gathering place, fellowship hall, classrooms, meeting areas, offices, and kitchen. The Parish Hall is used extensively by community groups for meetings and celebrations and by the Diocese for retreats and offsite meetings. The Church is recognized among the Diocesan Thanksgivings at conventions. When the congregation of The Church of the Resurrection is led by priests who are spiritual, people-oriented, outgoing, kind, and actively involved with our lives, we are a healthy parish. The spiritual men and women who shaped our history helped us to implement our mission with joy, love, laughter and faith. Their influence was felt both within the church and in the community. We were dismayed to have had two occasions, in the past 64 years, of calling priests who were not a good fit with the congregation, and the experiences left painful scars and memories for the members. After each instance, mediation and prayerful consideration helped us to learn, among other things, that we can t assume any one priest to be like another, and that we need an outgoing, gregarious priest. These realizations led to the writing of an honest and careful profile, including the mistakes we ve made. Using this process, we have been able to call priests who have been partners with our congregation and outstanding spiritual and pastoral leaders. Our hope, and dream, for the future is that the understanding we have gained about ourselves can grow, as our roots reach out from traditional local residents to include a diverse group of older people, new arrivals to this area from outside East Tennessee. We anticipate that our new rector will be the next enthusiastic spiritual and pastoral leader who can energize our older population to explore additional opportunities to serve God. Page 7

11 The Parish The Church of the Resurrection is a "Pastoral Church" having a membership of families. Our average Sunday attendance is 83 individuals. Our membership is spread across the towns and countryside of five counties plus a few beyond that. This is a rural area of rolling hills, with most parishioners living beyond a 6 mile range. Seventy-nine percent of our members are from rural and urban areas in Loudon County: Tellico Village, Lenoir City, Loudon, and Philadelphia. Nearby Monroe County is represented by 6.7% of the congregation: Rarity Bay, Madisonville and Vonore. From Roane County, five percent. Coming from Knox County are 4.3%, of the congregation and 2.4% from Alcoa and Maryville, in Blount County. In this same area, there are about 90 Congregational Churches. Page 8

12 We: are an older congregation (94% are 55 or older) are a socially active congregation welcome all, and seek to serve Christ in all (98.2% white congregation) are educated. 97% of our congregation has college degrees, with 78% of those being advanced college degrees are mostly living in two person households (80%) live 10 miles or more from the church (59%) have been here awhile 52% of us for 11 years or longer are loyal- 30% have been coming to worship for 20 years or more Page 9

13 Post Card Reminder to Applicants! Page 10

14 Spiritual Formation Everything that we do shapes our souls. In all of our activities and ministries we intentionally seek to deepen our awareness of God's gracious presence in our lives and to open ourselves to our neighbors and our world through group worship, study, and prayer. Sunday Eucharistic Services are at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (10:00 a.m. summer). The later service is enhanced by the harmony of the pipe organ and choir. Adult Forums, with guided discussions and spiritual dialog, are held between services from September through Pentecost. Topics vary by season and request. A Holy Eucharist and Healing Service is held on Wednesday, at 10:00 a.m. It has been our practice to use the service of "Morning Prayer" on the Fifth Sunday of the month. During Advent and Lent we have used Rite I, and Rite II for the other seasons. Also, during Advent and Lent there are Wednesday evening meditations and a light meal shared together. Christian Education We hold a variety of children's activities: Children's Chapel with Bible stories, prayer, music, and art work to ground our children's Christian life in the stories of scripture, the practice of prayer, fellowship, and service. There are Adult Bible Study and Christian discernment classes, lead by clergy or lay participants, during the week, according to the schedules of the participants. We have adapted the Companions in Christ curriculum to study topics related to spiritual growth and understanding. These sessions include reading, journaling, studying and reflection on scripture as part of the spiritual journey. Page 11

15 Staff As it is with most churches, the Church of the Resurrection has programs and staff that support the clergy and congregation with administrative duties as well as the maintenance of the church building and grounds. The church office is staffed by a full-time administrative assistant who keeps the church between the white lines so that our clergy can concentrate on pastoral care, sermons, and involvement and outreach in the community. The Church of the Resurrection also employs a dedicated music director as organist and choirmaster, and a coordinator of education programs for adults and children. A nursery is available for children from infants to 6 year olds and has a loving "Nursery Nana" waiting. Older children can go to the Children s Chapel during the first part of the worship service, and then rejoin the congregation later. Volunteers Altar Guild: Prepares the altar for services. They keep the linens fresh and care for the priest's vestments. Members are in the church alone for prayer as they do their work. Some of the vestments and frontals were made by parish members to enhance the beauty of our worship. Page 12

16 Daughters of the King (DOK) St. Bridget Chapter: supports the clergy and parish. The threefold ministry of all Daughters is to know Jesus, to make Him known to others, and to reflect God's love through daily prayer and service for the parish and community. Current membership is 12, including two from other chapters. The chapter meets the second Saturday morning of each month. Diocesan DOK Spring Assembly 2017 The Men's Ministry, including the Pond Road Smokers: provide pig roasts that support the church. They also travel to places in and around our immediate community, doing fund raising for groups caring for people in need. Page 13

17 Flower Guild: arranges flowers for each Sunday service, as well as for funerals or special celebrations. It is our tradition to use fresh flowers. Guild members like to use blooms or greens from members' yards, as well as from the church yard. The beauty of the flowers on the altar helps us to see and feel the beauty of the earth as God's gift. Pentecost 2017 Page 14

18 Prayers & Squares, Chapter 684: an interfaith outreach organization that combines the gift of prayer with the gift of a hand-tied quilt. The ministry makes prayer quilts and squares at the request of parishioners who have identified people struggling with difficult circumstances, such as a serious illness or death of a loved one, and those rejoicing in God's gifts such as marriage, birth, adoption, or baptism of a child. The parish joins in blessing these quilts during weekly worship, and afterwards, members tie knots on the quilt as they pray for the recipient. Many recipients of these quilts speak of holding them close and feeling the love and the power of these prayers. Tying a Prayer Knot Others: members volunteer to provide coffee hours after services, refreshments for special events and funeral receptions. They also act as kitchen helpers and offering counters. Greeters, ushers, acolytes, and thurifer all help to make our worship experiences rich with meaning and contribute to their impact. Volunteers do special projects, grounds and building maintenance, and support fun days on the grounds, like "Mass in the Grass," and "Blessing of Animals." Page 15

19 Our Parish life is enriched by programs that offer: Christmas cookies to neighbors and First Responders Monthly pet food donations from Lovers of Animals (LAM) Support for Toys for Tots Christmas wreaths from the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) who for 40 years have decorated and sold wreaths, with proceeds donated to a different designated charity each year The ECW s commitment to the United Thank Offering Space for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings A soup program in the community during Advent Good Friday devotional Stations of the Cross in the Lenoir City Greenway Park Outreach There are many ways we try to help our needy world within our local community. The Adult Community Team (ACT): provides services to assist people with developmental and physical disabilities. Services include coordinating work, leisure, housing, transportation and medical services. Our Deacon and several parishoners are involved in this ministry. Adult Group Homes: For 30 years, the Church of the Resurrection has hosted residents and their caregivers from the adult group homes for developmentally and physically challenged residents, for our annual Christmas Paper Bag Pageant and dinner in the Parish Hall. This highlight of our Christmas gatherings helps all of us to celebrate Christmas as we share in the love and joy of Christ s birth and sing the traditional songs. Page 16

20 Good Samaritan Center (Good Sam): Good Sam is a private, non-profit assistance ministry serving the emergency needs of people in the county. A former rector of the Church of the Resurrection, and another member-on the first board of directors, were instrumental in establishing the Good Samaritan Center in Loudon County in the 1980 s. Parishioners have volunteered continuously since then. Programs include a food pantry, overdue utility bill assistance, Thanksgiving baskets, and school backpacks with supplies. Several parish members volunteer in a number of capacities, e.g., board members, drivers, pantry stockers, and fund-raisers. Rummage sale Food Drive Collection Local Jail Program: The Deacon and several church members take refreshments and Prayer Squares to the nearby Justice Center (includes the jail) to provide a supportive presence to those waiting to visit with their incarcerated family member. Other: Parish members also provide respite care for families with children in foster homes through OmniVisions. Children served by OmniVisions are in state custody due to a variety of issues or needs. Visiting the sick and homebound is another way we volunteer in the community. Page 17

21 Habitat for Humanity: From 2009 to 2015, the Church of the Resurrection sponsored a rib cook-off event, RibFest for Homes, to raise money to build Habitat Houses. We raised $103,000, and built four Habitat houses in Loudon County with these funds. As individuals, we ve helped build even more. A former rector and a parishioner of the Church of the Resurrection were instrumental in establishing a Habitat program and purchasing land in Loudon County for housing construction. After seven years of hosting this event, we re taking time out to refresh, and hope to continue RibFest next year, because of its many benefits. RibFest provides support for affordable housing, as well as Christian fellowship, increased visibility, openness, and a welcoming for the community to the Church of the Resurrection. RibFest for Homes 2014 This House Made Possible By The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection Loudon, TN Habitat For Humanity Page 18

22 Our Community Loudon County, Tennessee, home to The Church of the Resurrection, is among the fastest growing communities in the state. Loudon County s 2017 population is now 50,771 up 25% from The population growth in the retirement bracket ages range has grown 42%. Natural resources, scenic beauty, convenient location, low cost of living, mild climate, low crime rate, and lifestyle amenities make Loudon County a desirable place to call home. It s easy to see why it was voted one of the TOP 100 PLACES TO RETIRE by Where to Retire magazine. East Tennessee s temperate climate makes it an attractive place to live, with four distinct mild seasons. The average annual high temperature is 68.9 degrees with an average low of 46.3 degrees. We are located in the Knoxville Metropolitan Area giving our residents access to nearby urban conveniences while living in a less populated, more peaceful setting. Downtown Knoxville with its assortment of cultural entertainment venues and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are both less than a 30- minute drive from the county. The Knoxville Airport is easily accessible. Schools Loudon County offers an excellent school system. Loudon County Public Schools are fully accredited elementary, middle and high schools. Schools offer a broad curriculum and the latest in computer and technology skills. Higher education is conveniently located and is provided by University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Pellissippi State Community College, Roane State Community College, Tennessee Wesleyan University, and Maryville College. All are within a 30-minute drive from Loudon County. Healthcare Loudon County is proud to be the home of Fort Loudon Medical Center with access to 200 doctors specializing in over 29 areas. The facility features advanced technology including MRI, CT, ultrasound, Diagnostic X-Ray, Women s Imaging Services, as well as Nuclear Medicine. Other area medical centers are University of Tennessee, Parkwest Medical Center, Tennova Healthcare and Fort Sanders Regional Hospital. Page 19

23 Outdoor Recreation Loudon County is recognized as the Lakeway to the Smokies. Situated in the foothills of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Loudon County is the scenic and more peaceful route to the nation s most visited park with five major waterways flowing through the county. The Tennessee River flows through Loudon County in addition to Ft. Loudon, Melton Hill, Tellico, and Watts Bar lakes and the Clinch River. Loudon County is blessed with some of the most pristine waterfront in East Tennessee for pleasure and recreation. These lakes offer wonderful fishing and boating. The Great Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest are nearby, offering all the benefits of large National Parks. Hiking, camping, rafting, backpacking, and fishing are available. The resorts of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Dollywood offer entertainment, restaurants, craft shops, musical shows and outlet store shopping. Page 20

24 Post Card Reminder to Applicants! Page 21

25 The Diocese The Diocese of East Tennessee comprises 34 counties in East Tennessee and three counties in North Georgia, with the Cumberland Plateau as the western border. Within this area are 51 congregations, including 45 parishes, three college chaplaincies, and three worshiping communities, serving nearly 16,000 active members. The Diocese budget is $1.84 million. The Right Reverend George D. Young III is the fourth bishop of East Tennessee. The 5th Bishop of East Tennessee will be elected on July 28, 2017 and ordained December 2, Clergy number more than 150, including 73 priests serving congregations, 22 vocational deacons, and more than 60 nonparochial and retired priests and deacons. The population of the diocese is concentrated in the major metropolitan areas: Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities (Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City). The office for the Diocese is located in west Knoxville adjacent to the Episcopal School of Knoxville (grades K-8). The Office houses the bishop and his program and administrative staff. The focuses of the Diocesan Staff are mission engagement, lay ministry, congregational development and vitality, clergy support and development, stewardship, outreach, youth ministry, communication, camps and retreats. The Diocese supports a camp and retreat center called Grace Point on a 250- acre estate located along the shore of Watts Bar Lake in Roane County. The site is only 25 minutes from the Church of the Resurrection, the nearest Episcopal Church. Page 22

26 Grace Point Camp and Retreat Center offers meeting space, housing for retreats and campers, a lovely chapel, outdoor recreation, and youth camps during the summer. The Center is available to churches in the Diocese for retreats by reservation. Grace Point is the playground of the Diocese. Page 23

27 Financial Summary A summary of the Participation and Giving Trends for The Church of the Resurrection from 2005 to 2015 is shown in the graph below. Pledge Analysis is shown on the following page. Year End Balance Sheet is on page 26. Participation and Giving Trends The Church of the Resurrection, Loudon, TN Average Attendance /Members Plate and Pledge Income Baptized Members Worship Attendance Plate/Pledge Page 24

28 Pledge Analysis (3 year) Pledges 11 New Pledges $10k or more $5000-$9999 $2000-$4999 $1000-$1999 Less than $1000 Pledged amount $187, Pledges 13 New Pledges $10k or more $5000-$9999 $2000-$4999 $1000-$1999 Less than $1000 Pledged Amount $208, Pledges 7 New Pledges 2017 $10k or more $5000-$9999 $2000-$4999 $1000-$1999 Less than $1000 Pledged Amount $197,465 Pledges have risen modestly during the previous decade. The number of members lost, through relocation or death, and those gained by arriving newcomers has generally kept our numbers in balance. While we have experienced a small decrease in overall pledged income during this year of transition, 39% of our members increased their pledges. We take this as a positive sign for our future financial picture. Page 25

29 Currently the Church of the Resurrection has no debt obligations. Information from the Parochial Reports for 2015 and 2016 is shown below: Active Members Communicants (Attended >2x/yr) Number of pledges Value of pledges $204,550 $187,877 Operating revenue $215,026 $222,843 Operating expenses $233,114 $232,755 Total cash at year end $ 69,706 $ 80,108 Total investments $290,553 $275,479 (excluding cash) The 2016 Year End Financials: Operating Budget Budgeted Income $221,550 Restricted Funds Income 24,625 Total Income $246,175 *Note 1 Budgeted Expenses $211,182 Restricted Funds disbursement 33,388 Total Expenses $244,570 *Note 2 Difference $ 1, 605 Balance Sheet (December 2016) Checking account (operating) $ 8,123 Money Market Account 42,919 Memorial Garden Fund 18,480 Episcopal Endowment Funds 290,553 Prepaid Insurance 1,120 Liquid Assets $361,196 Non-liquid Assets 917,400 Total Assets $1,278,597 *Note 3 *Note 4 *Note 5 *Note 1 *Note 2 *Note 3 *Note 4 *Note 5 We access Money Market reserves for unexpected expenses. Restricted funds are pretty much in and out, but not necessarily in the same year, for example, RibFest money might come in one year and be disbursed the next. Money Market Account interest is used for unexpected expenses. Liquid assets are interest on MM and Endowment fund. Liquid assets for 2016 were $7k interest on endowments, $3-4k plate and unpledged. Non-liquid assets refer to church property. Page 26

30 Table of Contents The Church of the Resurrection 917 Pond Road, Loudon, TN (865) Page 27

31 The Church of the Resurrection, Loudon, TN June And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen