ST. MICHAEL the ARCHANGEL PARISH PROFILE

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1 Everything we have, do and are is a gift from God a gift to be shared. At St. Michael s we are building relationships in a new way through God, community and congregation, and making a difference in our community and beyond. ST. MICHAEL the ARCHANGEL PARISH PROFILE

2 WELCOME Greetings from El Segundo, California! The following pages will give you a glimpse of life at St. Michael the Archangel Episcopal Church located in the heart of El Segundo ( The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles The Diocese of Los Angeles, a community of 85,000 Episcopalians in 147 congregations, 37 schools, and 20 major institutions, spans all of Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and part of Riverside County. One of 110 dioceses in the national Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Los Angeles was established in The Diocese is led by its Bishop, The Rt. Rev. J. Jon Bruno and Bishops Suffragan, Diane M. Jardine Bruce and Mary Douglas Glasspool. Its administrative and ministry hub is the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, located in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles. The Local Community St. Michael the Archangel is located in El Segundo, California, a 5.5 mile coastal community in Los Angeles South Bay. The city was founded in 1911 by Standard Oil Company and its name, which means the second in Spanish, is the site of Standard Oil s second refinery. The east side of town is a bustling business mecca, home to twelve Fortune 500 companies, and has a daytime work force exceeding 70,000. The west side features a quiet residential area and a quaint downtown. The city s estimated 2012 population is 16,751, a 4% increase from Growth over the next 5 years is projected to be 1.7%. The city s racial diversity is somewhat high. Among individual groups, Anglos represent 68%, Hispanics/Latinos account for 16.3%, Asians 9%, and African- Americans 2%. The largest generational group in terms of numbers and comparison to national averages is Survivors (age 31-51) who make up 33.8% of the total population. Gen Z (0-10 yrs.) are 12%, Millenials (22-30) are 26%, Boomers (52-69) are 21% and those age 70+ represent 7%. The overall education level is considered very high, with 49.9% of those over age 25 being college graduates. This is an affluent community where average household income is $97,858, which is 47% higher than the national average. The family structure can be described as very non-traditional due to the below average presence of married persons and two-parent families. Regarding faith, the overall involvement level and preference for historic Christian religious affiliations is extremely low compared to national averages. Only 26% of residents are strongly involved in church, 23% are somewhat involved, and 52% are not involved at all. Based on likely worship, the overall church style preference can be described as somewhat contemporary. 2

3 Looking at the area more broadly, a 3-mile radius around St. Michael s encompasses all of El Segundo, parts of Westchester and Playa del Rey to the north, parts of Manhattan Beach to the south and Del Aire to the east. The population in this area is 78,566 and is projected to grow 2% in the next 5 years. Relative to El Segundo, this broader area is more diverse, more affluent and better educated. In the 3-mile study area, 3.1% of the households are likely to express an Episcopal preference, which is slightly above the national average of 2.9%. Otherwise, involvement in faith in the 3-mile area is consistent with those in El Segundo. El Segundo 3-mile radius Non-Anglo population 32% 35% Fastest growing ethnic group African-Americans Asians Average income $97,858 $121,947 Single parent households 37% 22% College graduates 50% 58% Sources: 2012 Percept Group, Inc. and El Segundo 2012 Community and Business Directory Congregational service information for the period of January 1, 2012 October 31, 2012 Description Total 8 a.m. 10 a.m. Average Sunday Attendance Easter Sunday St. Michael Celebration Sunday Other 2012 service attendance: Ash Wednesday: 29 total (7 at noon and 22 at 7 pm) Maundy Thursday: 22 Good Friday: Baptisms: 2 (infant) 2012 Funerals: 3 Preschool Chapel services: Held weekly with approximately students + 6 teachers present. 3

4 2012 Christmas Services: Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. Family Service: 41; 9 p.m. Festive Choral Service: 60. There typically is not a Christmas Day service, unless December 25 falls on a Sunday. History of St. Michael s In March 1928 St. Michael s Church School started with a small group of El Segundo women and their children attending St. Cross Church and Sunday School in Hermosa Beach. In March 1931 this group formed a guild and set up by-laws, taking the name of El Segundo St. Cross Guild. Subsequently, a choir was formed to sing with St. Cross. In 1937 the decision was made to look for a new building and the group rented the Christian Science Church in El Segundo. The first Sunday school service, as well as church school was held there (with 75 participants) on February 7, In 1939 the group moved their church to the Girl Scout s building. The Sunday school grew. The children chose the name St. Michael s and so at some time in 1940 the El Segundo branch of St. Cross became St. Michael s Sunday School. Sunday school continued in the scout house for almost five years. In January 1944 the church relocated to the City Hall auditorium. In March of 1944, an option was taken on three lots at Holly and Richmond Streets. After escrow, $800 was paid for the lots. In 1948 a Lutheran Church in Westchester was purchased. The building was moved to its present location in El Segundo and became the house of worship to be known as St. Michael s Church. In 1950 four additional lots were purchased for $2,000. As the curate for St. Cross, The Reverend Gordon B. Yeaton was responsible for St. Michael s Mission Church. In February 1956 Father Yeaton was called as full time vicar of St. Michael s where he remained until The mission also bought a vicarage at 612 Whiting Street. In September 1957 a building fund campaign was started and an overall plan for a future parish hall, church and classrooms was drawn up. The first phase of the parish hall was completed in In addition, the women of the church opened a thrift shop on Grand Avenue with all proceeds going to the parish hall loan. In January 1961 St. Michael the Archangel received parish status. In June 1966 the final payment was made on the parish hall. The Reverend Charles T. Rines was called to St. Michael s in During his four year tenure Father Rines introduced new services to the congregation. 4

5 In 1972 The Reverend Richard H. Duval was called as rector. Father Duval had a large family and lived in the rectory. St. Michael s had a large women s group, confirmation classes, annual Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers and an annual fish fry. During this time a new Book of Common Prayer and new Hymnal were introduced. Some of the congregation and especially the priest were resistant to the change. Women were not allowed to be lay ministers in the church. Girls were not allowed to be acolytes. The 1928 Prayer Book continued to be used for both the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. Many people left the church and the congregation declined. During this time, a private nursery school started renting the parish hall. The additional income helped with the budget. Father Duval retired in In 1994 The Reverend G. Kevin Taylor was called as the new priest. Father Kevin came with much enthusiasm and new ideas. The old office area was demolished and a new smaller space, Yeaton Hall, was built. All genders were encouraged to serve at the altar. The 1979 Prayer Book Rite I and II were used for weekly services. The congregation grew. In 2001 it was decided that St. Michael s should start its own nursery school. The door to St. Michael s Children s Center was opened in Melissa Albers, a member of the church, became its founding director. A weekly church service was held with the children from the school. Father David Bowser and Mother Elizabeth Morse were both part time clergy. Father Kevin retired in The Reverend Elizabeth Morse was assigned as priest-in-charge under special circumstances. In 2005 Mother Elizabeth was called as the new rector. She involved the congregation by creating ministries of chalice bearers, lectors, intercessors, ushers, and acolytes. Mother Elizabeth was welcoming to new families and began a more involved outreach ministry. These ministries included a local food bank and a women s shelter. Mother Morse and her family lived in their home in San Pedro and the rectory was rented. The money from the rent was used to pay for Mother Elizabeth s housing allowance and for the building fund. Mother Elizabeth and her family decided to move back to the Northwest following her husband s retirement as executive director of Seamen s Church Institute. Mother Elizabeth left St. Michael s in Since September 2011 The Reverend Marilyn Omernick has served as priest-in-charge. 5

6 Our Facilities Sanctuary Building The parish is located on the corner of Holly and Richmond Streets in El Segundo. The church grounds and buildings are in good repair. The sanctuary building was purchased in 1948 and was moved onto the property. It has seating for about 80 as well as a choir of six persons. There is an electronic organ located opposite the choir stalls at the front of the sanctuary, just in front of the altar rail. Just inside the church entrance are two rooms, one on either side. One is a Memorial Room (which also can double as a crying room with a glass wall permitting a view of the services) and the other is the Mary Chapel for private devotions. Over the years various memorial donations have provided for a beautiful carved wood altar, altar rail, pulpit and several accessory items as well as beautiful stained glass in all 15 windows. The overall impression is one of a peaceful and reverential atmosphere for worship. There is a wing to the sanctuary providing a sacristy, robing room and small restroom. Yeaton Hall includes the church office, the rector s office and a common room for coffee hour gatherings after services and church functions throughout the year, as well as two restrooms. St. Michael s Children s Center (SMCC) was originally built to be the main sanctuary and in the early 1960s became the parish hall due to congregational decline. In the early 1990s it became a school building. There are parking areas for approximately 15 cars on the church property and there is adjacent street parking. There is a front lawn which is used for functions throughout the year. 6

7 The parish also owns a three bedroom, two bath rectory located at 612 Whiting Street, about five blocks from the church. The property has a large back yard and a two-car garage. It is within walking distance of the elementary school, high school, the community swimming pool, the city library and parks, as well as shops and restaurants. Ministries Acolytes Upon becoming an acolyte, the youth of our parish are given an opportunity to lend their time and talents to the parish in fulfillment of their stewardship to God. Candidates, who must be at least eight years old, are to be committed to performing all the duties required of them. Altar Guild The directress is the primary volunteer and is assisted by four members as needed (Christmas, Easter and other services). Flower Guild These volunteers purchase and arrange the Sunday altar flowers. 7

8 Sunday School The congregation feels that educating our parishioners should be amongst our highest priority as we move toward our future. St. Michael s Sunday School program is taught by volunteers and consists of kindergarten and elementary school students. Greeters & Ushers Several parishioners have chosen as one of their ministries to welcome visitors and parishioners to worship. Ushers serve God and St. Michael s by facilitating the flow of worship services. Lay Eucharistic Ministers & Lay Readers St. Michael s incorporates the use of Lay Readers and Lay Eucharistic Ministers during the worship services. Both adult and teenage members may become Lay Readers. Adults only, however, may serve as Lay Eucharistic Ministers after additional training. Music Program & Choir Our congregation feels that music greatly enhances worship and elevates our fellowship gatherings. Presently we are fortunate to have an organist who is an accomplished, seasoned musician. Music is an important part of our weekly 10:00 a.m. Eucharist service. At the present time we have a small but dedicated volunteer adult choir. Anthems are sung weekly, and the choir leads the congregation in the sung liturgy and hymns. Our choir enhances our worship in praising our Lord through music. Outreach The parishioners feel that outreach is a vital part of our ministry. This is evident by answers given in the Parish Profile questionnaire, where the importance of outreach ministry was given as one of the areas in which St. Michael s needs to grow. The following groups have benefited from St. Michael s outreach programs: C.A.S.E. (Community Alliance to Support and Empower, Inc.) A locally organized and operated agency preventing homelessness in El Segundo, C.A.S.E. assists legal residents of El Segundo primarily by providing access to a food pantry. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, St. Michael s congregants make donations of food and other specified items during the church service. ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development) Working in partnership with the worldwide Church, ecumenical agencies and local organizations, Episcopal Relief & Development saves lives and strengthens communities around the world. 8

9 St. Michael s has supported various ERD programs over the years including the Gifts for Life program (Animals & Agriculture, Health & Wellness) and Disaster Relief. Specific programs include: The Sunday School children making and selling holiday gift tags to purchase animals to help impoverished families alleviate hunger and produce a food supply. In 2012 a Lenten program, including the congregation and SMCC, raised money for the Nets for Life campaign. A Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner and a Bunco Night were also held to raise funds for the campaign. Arise & Shine Haven Social Services Provides housing and support to abused women and their children. St. Michael s supports this organization in a number of ways: Provides backpacks and school supplies to all children at the home each August Gives Christmas gifts to all mothers and children each December Provides items needed in special circumstances Vestry The parish vestry consists of seven elected members serving staggered three-year offices. They are elected in groups of two, two and three members. The Senior Warden is appointed by the rector while the Junior Warden is elected by the vestry. The vestry members are elected at the congregation s annual meeting held on the last Sunday in January. A member of the vestry serves on the St. Michael's Children's Center (SMCC) Advisory Board along with the rector. Worship Services The Sunday 8:00 a.m. service follows Rite I from the Book of Common Prayer. The 10:00 a.m. service uses Rite II, accompanied by music and choir. Sunday school and nursery care are available during the 10:00 a.m. service. 9

10 During the Lenten season a variety of worship services are held to prepare us spiritually for Easter, including weekly Stations of the Cross and Holy Week services. The Blessing of the Animals takes place on the Sunday closest to October 4. The Feast of St. Michael the Archangel is a celebration day close to the heart of the congregation. Each year we celebrate with a festive Holy Eucharist on the Sunday closest to September 29, followed by an annual picnic in Recreation Park. Stewardship & Finances 2012 Financial Information & 2013 Budget Income Description 2012 Actual 2012 Budget 2013 Budget Contributions Plate, Pledge, Christmas and Easter $68,933 $65,500 $63,500 Rectory Rent 35,400 35,400 35,400 Preschool 36,900 36,900 36,900 DIT withdrawal See note #1. 4,037 4,404 0 Total Income $145,270 $142,204 $135,800 Expenses Description 2012 Actual 2012 Budget 2013 Budget Salaries Employees + supply. See note #2. $80,600 $83,600 $73,250 Benefits See note #3. 25,224 26,485 26,119 Campus Facilities Incl. rectory exp. See note #4. 15,691 13,820 15,120 Pgm & Mission See note #5. 12,291 12,954 12,654 Office See note #6. 8,145 7,825 7,725 Total Expenses $141,951 $140,384 $134,868 Financial Summary Actual Budget Budget Income over Expense (Net Income) $3,319 $1,816 $932 Financial Notes: 1. No DIT withdrawal budgeted for Parish striving to live within its operating income. 2. Priest transition from full-time to 4/5 time, starting Sept and continuing through Part-time lay employees: organist, sexton (5 hrs/week), bookkeeper (10 hrs/month), Sunday childcare (total of 3 hrs/sunday). Administrator position has been vacant since Jan Clergy benefits + workers comp. insurance + payroll taxes + payroll processing fees. 4. Includes Preschool $440/month reimbursement for utility expenses. 5. Includes MSF of $830/month; also Rector s Discretionary Fund, Convention expenses, worship & Sunday school, & hospitality. 6. Includes Preschool $150/month reimbursement for copier expense. The current church finances are such that the position of rector is planned as a 4/5 time position with benefits. 10

11 Account Balances as of December 31, 2012: General Checking $16,272 Building & Grounds 20,340 Rectory Capital Improvement 5,850 DIT General Fund 55,115 G. Kevin Taylor Scholarship Fund 9,140 Crable Music Fund 4,797 St. Michael s MM 34,633 St. Michael s Children s Center (SMCC) St. Michael the Archangel Church is proud of its Children s Center. In 1990 St. Michael s began renting their parish hall to a for-profit nursery school. The school helped tremendously with finances during its time in the hall. In 1999 Father Kevin approached Melissa Albers about the idea of starting a church nursery school as a local ministry of the parish and Melissa agreed to lead this project. Following vestry approval, Sr. Warden Michael Bergeron and Melissa began the lengthy process of setting up a school. Father Kevin arranged a loan from Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel to pay for startup costs including furniture, supplies, parish use fee and salaries. The loan was paid off in eight years. The for-profit nursery school vacated the building in 2000 and St. Michael s Children s Center (SMCC) opened January 2001 with Melissa Albers as director. In December 2010, Melissa retired after ten years of leadership. An unexpected eighteen-month transition period followed her retirement. A new director was hired in January With her family s move out-of-state, she resigned in October In January 2012, a new director was hired; however, she was not a good match for the school and her position ended in April In August 2012, Ms. Lauren Cherrington was hired as the director. SMCC is fully licensed for twelve infants, ages six weeks to two years, and for 45 preschoolers ages two to five years. There are approximately fifteen staff members. One of the SMCC goals is to keep tuition reasonable for working families. SMCC has a great reputation in the community and the classrooms have waitlists. Enrollment includes full-day options with weekly chapel time required for preschoolers. Music classes are also offered weekly for all children. The parish priest and the director meet weekly to discuss the school and any other issues. The priest attends the monthly staff meetings and is a member of the school advisory board. This maintains the great working relationship between the school and the church. Each June, the church holds its Sunday Silver Tea fundraiser to benefit SMCC. It is helpful if the priest has experience with children s ministry. The priest is responsible for the weekly chapel service. The priest also provides a ministry of presence for the school staff and families by greeting family members during drop-off and pick-up times along with walking through the school on a regular basis. 11

12 St. Michael s Children s Center-this building was originally built as the parish church. The Ministry of Our Priest As St. Michael s moves to the future, we seek a rector who will be able to lead us, follow us, join us, and help us identify and reach our goals. We also hope that our rector will be a presence in the local community of El Segundo. From the survey results, the rector we seek should have strengths in the following areas: 1. Preaching the ability to preach with clarity and to make the Gospel relevant in people s lives. 2. Administration the ability to manage the affairs of the congregation, diocese, or other institutions, including programs, organizations, finances, etc. 3. Teaching the ability to help persons of all ages to understand and live the Christian Faith. 4. Spiritual guidance the ability to lead and encourage others in the formation and development of a deeper spiritual life. 5. Youth Work the ability to inspire youth and incorporate them in the full life and ministry of the church. 6. Crisis Ministry the ability to provide pastoral care by responding to people at significant points in their lives: death, dying, sickness, birth, trauma and success. 12

13 Survey Results St. Michael s at a Glance Who we are 1. Age: Under 20 years 3% % % % % Over 80 8% 2. Number of Years at St. Michael s: Less than 5 years 18% 6 10 years 24% years 34% years 6% Over 30 years 18% 3. Frequency of attendance: Nearly every Sunday 84% 1 2 times a month 13% Several times a year 3% 4. Attendance at 8:00 a.m. service 12% Attendance at 10:00 a.m. service 88% 5. Female 69% Male 31% 6. Personal Status: Married 62% Single 15% Divorced 9% Widowed 5% Domestic Partner 9% 7. Others in the household: Active in the parish 63% Active in another church 9% Not active in church at all 28% 13

14 8. Participation in parish life: Attends services only 11% Attends services & other parish functions 42% Attends services, functions & working in 47% parish 9. Travel time to St. Michael s: Under 10 minutes 57% minutes 43 % 10. Employment status: Student 6% Employed by someone else 44% Self-employed 6% Homemaker 11% Unemployed 3% Retired 30% The Ministry of our Parish Sunday School and Music Program: - There should be a well-trained choir 62% Strongly agree - Sunday School should provide instruction in Christian values and ethics 52% Strongly agree - Sunday School should provide basic Bible emphasis 54% Strongly agree - Like the selection of music 59% Strongly agree - The sermons should apply the scriptures to daily living 53% Agree Administration: - The Vestry should maintain open communication with the congregation - The program and worship service should be publicized locally and via Internet - The church facilities should be allowed to be used by community groups - St. Michael s rector should play a role in shaping church policy on a diocesan and national level 66% Strongly agree 43% Strongly agree 43% Agree 43% No strong feelings either way, with 27% agreeing with the statement. 14

15 Inter-Church Relations: - The parish should maintain close relationships with: A. The diocese 55% Agree B. Other Episcopal churches in the neighborhood 50% Agree - The parish should maintain relationships with other faith traditions in the community 44% Agree Quality of Congregational Life: - Members should receive pastoral support in time of crisis by clergy - Newcomers should be welcomed and encouraged to become involved - A priest should be available for pastoral counseling - The needs of senior citizens should be accommodated at worship and at social events - The parish should organize and sponsor fellowship activities for all ages 77% Strongly agree 65% Strongly agree 68% Strongly agree 73% Strongly agree 46% Strongly agree Participation in the last twelve months: 97% Attended religious services on Sundays 83% Participated in a fund-raising activity 63% Annual Meeting 57% Social Activities 40% Lector 23% Greeter, Usher 23% Chalice Bearer 20% Member of the Vestry 17% Sung in the choir 14% Taught in Sunday School 14% Participated in a Sunday Adult Education Offering 11% Member of the Altar Guild 11% Diocesan level participation (convention, deanery meetings, etc.) 6% Acolyte 6% Other Buildings & Grounds 15

16 Personal Views of Church Life Key strengths of St. Michael s: 1. Family Atmosphere/Friendly/Welcoming 2. Music and Choir 3. Liturgy 4. Size 5. Fellowship Areas in which St. Michael s needs to grow: 1. Size 2. Community Involvement 3. Youth Programs/Sunday School 4. Outreach If you could change one thing about St. Michael s Church, what would it be? 1. Increase Membership 2. Nothing 3. Financial resources 4. Participation by members What one thing about St. Michael s Church would you want to be sure DID NOT change? 1. Atmosphere 2. Choir/Music 3. Liturgy What do you believe should be the key mission of St. Michael s? 1. Share and celebrate God s word 2. Growth 3. Outreach to local community 16

17 Additional questions from Profile Committee as a Parish Survey Follow-up 1. What brought you to St. Michael's? It is very close to my home, I had been looking for a while for a place where I fit in. I began attending on Mother s Day to support my family. I love the small, quaint church. I felt the priest understood younger members. My conversation with the priest helped determine St Michaels was the place for us. She took time to explain everything in detail and made us feel very welcome and included. 2. What is special about St. Michael's that you value? The people are so welcoming. I also like that there is a standing donation program to help those in the community. The feeling of community; everyone knows everybody. I love our community outreach. The openness and inclusiveness of the Episcopal faith as well as the small community of St. Michaels in El Segundo. Also, I love the informality of the small beach church. Appearance, clothing, etc., doesn't matter as much as the fact that people come to gather in prayer and I like the non-judgmental attitude of the congregation. 3. Is there anything that you would like to change at St. Michael s? I enjoy the fellowship and wish there were more opportunities during the month. It would be nice if there were a way to request prayers. I would love to see priest stay on full time, but realize that isn't likely. Being so new to the community, there isn't anything else I can think of to change at this time. 4. What would you like to have that is not presently offered? I look forward to more outreach programs, and would like if there were some sort of bible study, even if it were once a month. Again, being fairly new I don't have any comments at this time. Profile completion date: March 12, 2013 Profile Committee Gillian Madden, Chair Melissa Albers Elizabeth Tobias Crystal Galloway 17