2014 PARISH PROFILE. Our Mission. Trinity Episcopal Church 469 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon 97701

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1 2014 PARISH PROFILE Trinity Episcopal Church 469 NW Wall Street Bend, Oregon Our Mission The mission of Trinity Episcopal Church is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs of all people by sharing God's love and gifts.

2 OUR VISION At Trinity Episcopal Church we seek to be a healthy community, reflecting the love of Jesus Christ: to be a spiritual haven for those who seek to know God more deeply; The Front Page Photos Clockwise from top left: The entry door into to the Nave of our historic church open, and waiting Acolytes preparing for the entrance procession at the rededication of St Helens Hall, part of our history on page 5. The Condega Project Ministry: The ministry works with the Los Pipitos organization in Nicaragua providing services to handicapped children. More information on page 9. Family Kitchen Ministry: the kitchen serves nearly 5,000 meals to people every month. More information on page 8. Contents to provide opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship for all; to identify and use our gifts to serve one another; to honor all of God s creation through a conscious commitment to stewardship and to justice; to work in collaboration to address the needs of others; to practice radical generosity and forgiveness to all. Statement of Intent 3 A History of Trinity Bend 3 Our Mission and Fellowship 6 Create Worship 6 Explore Faith 7 Reach Out 8 Support Within 9 Build Episcopal Community 10 Trinity Dreams and Challenges 11 Our 5-Year Strategic Plan 12 What We Seek in a Priest 13 Church Leadership 14 Clergy and Staff 14 Vestry 14 Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Oregon (EDEO) 14 Parish Facilities 15 Demographics and the Church Assessment Tool 16 Stewardship/Financial 17 Trinity and the Larger Community 18 Prayer for the Search 20 Acknowledgements and Church Contact Information 21 2

3 STATEMENT OF INTENT This Parish Profile is a description of Trinity Episcopal Church and an invitation to consider becoming a part of the Trinity community in the beautiful High Desert of Central Oregon. The Trinity Parish Profile Committee has prepared this document, with input from expressed parish hopes and opinions. We seek to capture the essence of the church its mission, its vision, history, strengths, challenges, dreams, and above all its spirit with an intent to call a Rector who will nourish, challenge, and lead us into fulfillment of that mission. A HISTORY OF TRINITY BEND Bend ( Farewell Bend ) was founded in 1900, at the point where Oregon Trail stage- coaches reached the Deschutes River and parted ways to travel over different routes to the west. Four years later, an Episcopal priest from The Dalles held the first worship services in private homes. The Missionary District of Oregon was created in 1907, the Episcopal Ladies Guild in Services continued to be held in private homes and in the Elks Club until 1923, when the first resident priest was sent to Trinity Mission. In 1929, with an assisting gift of $1000 from Trinity Parish in New York City and an earlier gift of donated land, the cornerstone was laid at the head of Wall Street, and the current church was completed and consecrated that fall. By the 1930s, Trinity had become a Parish, and the church grew rapidly through the 1940s. Brooks Hall was built in 1951, adding a large assembly hall, kitchen, and rector s study. Bend continued intermittent growth consistent with a small, timberbased town, through the next few decades. The Trinity community grew as well. By 1971, the parishes east of the Cascade Mountains were gathered as the Diocese of Eastern Oregon. In 1979, Trinity celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Family Kitchen, which would become a cornerstone of outreach for parish and town, was established in 1986 to meet the needs of the hungry. In the 1990s, Bend began a significant period of cultural and population growth as it transformed from a resource-based economy to a destination and recreation economy. The Rev. William R. Ellis began his 14-year ministry as parish priest, and Trinity grew in attendance, involvement, and outreach, a key mission. In 2003, Trinity celebrated its 75 th anniversary. In the years , to support and foster parish growth, the congregation undertook a successful Bridge to the Future capital campaign to acquire 3

4 Redmond Oregon Fire Department assisting at the fire. Photo courtesy of The Bulletin the Lutheran church buildings and property across the street (now St. Helens Hall). We developed plans for complementary use of the two buildings. In 2006, Rev. Ellis was called to become Dean at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Spokane, and Trinity Episcopal Church began its search for a new rector. With the doubled physical facilities and growing congregation, and our desire for a parish-centered, parish-driven church, our search committee sought a priest who could serve both as pastor and administrator. We chose a priest who was installed in April of This priest was faced with the challenges of the expanded facilities and their development, as well as the beginning of a significant downturn in both the local and national economies. Over the next four years, this priest s gifts aided Trinity in a number of areas. However, during this priest s tenure, a rift developed in the parish and some members left. In January of 2012, our priest resigned. We continue to anticipate a time of full recovery from the still lingering effects of the circumstances surrounding this departure. The Rev. Roy Green was selected and hired as Interim Rector in March 2012 and set about reconciling the differences within the distressed parish. Today we are a smaller yet committed parish of about 300 households, blessed with a small but steady stream of new members who have begun choosing Trinity over the past year. Rev. Green continues to shepherd the congregation gracefully as we move forward with our expanded campus and dedication to outreach, as well as to ministry within the parish. 4 In March 2013, one year after Rev. Green s work began and we were about to start our search for a new Rector, arsonists attacked our two facilities at night. Other smaller fires were also set in our neighborhood. All fire departments in the area responded, and were able to save the buildings from complete destruction. However, fire, smoke, and water damage was extensive throughout both buildings. The Bend Police Department has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the arsonists. The Bend community stepped up to assist the congregation in many ways. Subway provided lunch meals for our Family Kitchen, so we did not have to miss a single meal for those we serve. The Bend First United Methodist Church immediately offered their own sanctuary for our service four days after the fire, and St. Francis Historic Catholic Church

5 Pouring the water for the first baptism since the fire! offered us their sanctuary for our Sunday morning services for many months, until we were able to move back into St. Helens Hall. And, under the leadership of Rev. Green, we emerge determined to make this year a renewal of strength, purpose, and energy: Resurrection 2013 continues to be his and our heartfelt determination to rise from these temporary ashes. After extensive negotiations with the Church Insurance Company, the City of Bend Planning and Development Department, architects, and engineers, the work on St. Helens Hall was completed in January Our first service was held on January 19 th, and Rt. Rev. Bavi Edna Nedi Rivera joined us to rededicate the building in an uplifting and healing celebration on February 2 nd, including our first baptism since the fire. Trinity Hall, which is on the National Historic Register, suffered more extensive damage: one entire wing has had to be demolished to the ground. Consultation with the Historic Society is mandatory and ongoing. Bringing the building up to code, bringing in a new heating system and electrical wiring, installing fire safety systems, and returning its interior space to its former beauty is requiring more time, effort, and planning. Work has begun, but current estimates will not find us back in Trinity Hall until late We look to emerge from our injury and ashes both healed and renewed. St Helens Hall The rebuilt Sanctuary Photo courtesy of The Bulletin 5

6 OUR MINISTRIES AND FELLOWSHIP Trinity encourages inquiry and reflection, and allows the individual to act upon his or her passions to practice Christian ministry in different ways. We strive as human and spiritual beings to find common ground, and to address our differences with empathy and respect, with open minds and hearts. Our ministries fall naturally into five categories: CREATE WORSHIP; EXPLORE FAITH; REACH OUT; SUPPORT WITHIN; AND BUILD EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY. CREATE WORSHIP View of the Trinity Hall Chancel and Altar prior to the fire. The rebuilt space will be similar in appearance. Our Liturgy Committee works to create an atmosphere in which our members feel invited and engaged. We offer opportunities to move deeply into our Episcopal tradition, but also to embrace diverse forms of worship from time to time. We enjoy positive and enriching worship as we integrate creative and relevant ideas into our cherished heritage. The result is a variety of services and liturgies, ranging, as our congregation does, from the traditional to the contemporary. We offer two different Sunday worship services, and are committed to our music program as an integral part of joyful worship, with both traditional and contemporary music. The Adult Choir also provides special music at Easter and Christmas services, and sings with musicians from other churches at other special joint services. Our ongoing worship services include the following: 8 A.M.: OUR MORE TRADITIONAL SERVICE. This quiet service alternates between Rite I and Rite II. It provides true Episcopal ritual, a framework to free the mind and allow the Holy Spirit to work within. Forty to 65 worshippers attend this service. 10:15 A.M.: OUR TRINITY FAMILY SERVICE. This mid-morning service offers music and various forms of Rite II. The Adult Choir, organist, and pianist usually provide the music, with the congregation joining in singing. This service is typically well attended every Sunday, with from 60 to 100 people attending, building back up from a loss after the fires and the necessary relocation to St. Francis Historic Catholic Church while reconstruction was underway. 6

7 Trinity also offers Centering Prayer on Wednesday afternoons, as well as two monthly opportunities for Group Spiritual Direction. On Sundays, Eucharistic Visitors take communion to the housebound or ill. Dedicated lay people support all these worship offerings as Acolytes (fourth grade and older), Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic Visitors, Lectors, and Altar Guild. A small concrete Labyrinth is available, within a secluded outdoor space between the St. Helens sanctuary and its parish hall, for parish members, as well as for those in the community. Trinity provides a sacred home, a sanctuary, to many people from both the center and fringe of the Bend community and there is a vibrant and healthy commitment in our congregation to weave all of that humanity together in experiencing and sharing God's love through worship in ways that speak to all of our spiritual lives. EXPLORE FAITH Bend Youth Collective (BYC) in Washington DC Trinity members are committed to Christian education. We have dedicated time and energy to providing a variety of learning opportunities that are open and accepting, so that we may explore and strengthen our faith. Needless to say, the arson fires in March 2013 have had serious consequences for all of our Christian Education activities. A few activities continued, though haltingly, in the post-fire interim. Now that we are back in St. Helens Hall, Sunday school and Adult Education sessions will be resuming. Sunday School/Family Ministries: In 2007, our Sunday School program was growing enough that we decided to establish a Family Ministries Commission and increase all child/youth activities significantly. A very successful fund-raising campaign enabled us to finance the Ministries program for three years, with the understanding that Family Ministries would fall under the Operating Budget thereafter. When the Operating Budget pledges for 2011 could not cover the need, more special funds were raised to cover another 17 months. Subsequently, the Family Ministries Leader position was reduced to part-time and attendance dropped in the Sunday School. The 2013 arson eliminated our meeting rooms; however, our resourceful part-time leader has succeeded in keeping both a Rite 13 program and a Journey to Adulthood [J2A] program functioning, along with the Bend Youth Collective (BYC), a collaborative effort with youth 7

8 groups from the local Presbyterian and ELCA Lutheran churches. For now, the Commission is focusing its attention on supporting the programs that are currently offered. In the future, they hope to reestablish Godly Play, and provide baby-sitting/ nursery care during one service. Adult Education: Before the fires, adult classes met in the parish hall between services; post-fire, a number continued in a parishioner s home classroom. These consist of minute DVDs from various Christian education series, followed by lively discussions among the attendees. Soup-suppers, including discussions, are held during the Lenten season. We also have had Enneagram and Cursillo Reunion Groups. Education for Ministry (EFM) is a four-year program in which parishioners participate. With the re-opening of St. Helens Hall as a center for community life and spiritual growth, we envision a whole new means of reaching out, not just to the parish, but to the local Christian and secular communities, the Diocese, and even beyond. We ve established a committee for Adult Education and Spirituality led by our parishioners, with the husband-wife team of Dr. Marcus Borg and the Rev. Canon Marianne Wells Borg as advisors. The committee s first program, held in June 2013, was a weeklong John Dominic Crossan/Marcus Borg seminar held in a nearby venue (since our meeting rooms were not available post-fire). The seminar drew 147 attendees from as far as Alaska and Australia. Current plans call for seminars in St. Helens Hall conducted by Rabbi Jay Shupak ( The Jewish Roots of Christianity ) and a joint presentation by the Borgs ( The Week Christians Call Holy, Palm Sunday to Easter ). REACH OUT A Family Kitchen volunteer and a client of the Kitchen Focus on Outreach is of primary importance for many Trinity parishioners, and is supported by the Rector and Vestry. People are quick to respond with their hearts and services to those in need, both with person-to-person connections and through major ministries, including the following: The Outreach Commission has the growing and exciting task of supporting social service agencies and ministries that provide for the immediate and daily needs of people in Bend and beyond. They encourage members of our congregation to participate through fund-raising events and recruitment of volunteers. Family Kitchen, guided by the belief that no body should be hungry, serves nearly 5000 healthy, nutritional meals to people every month, in a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming environment. Evening sit-down meals are provided on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Hot lunches are provided Monday, 8

9 The Condega Project Trinity presents funds to representatives of Los Pipitos in Nicaragua. See also the picture of the students in their uniforms on the cover. Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Once a week, volunteers prepare sack lunches for distribution to homeless veterans. Parishioners, other churches, and community volunteers, including high school and Oregon State University (OSU) students, help prepare and serve the meals, and clean up afterwards. The Condega Project supports and partners with the people of Condega, Nicaragua, one of Bend s sister cities. The ministry works directly with Los Pipitos a nationwide private program that advocates for and provides services for handicapped children in Nicaragua. In Condega they have a day care program, an after school program and the deaf dormitory which Trinity funds. Annually, a group of parishioners, along with other community representatives from Bend, take school supplies, funds, and other desperately needed help for approved projects, to the town. This year Trinity bought school uniforms, including a backpack, for 189 of the most needy children in Condega. Use of Trinity Facilities. Throughout each week, Trinity is home to a number of outside groups that use the facilities and who work to fill the needs of our community, including Twelve-step Programs, the Hunger Prevention Coalition, and Lutheran Community Services, which includes family counseling. SUPPORT WITHIN At Trinity Church, the Rector, Deacons, and groups listed below play an important role in providing pastoral care for the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the people of this congregation. These have included monthly blood pressure screenings and occasional support groups for those experiencing depression and/or in need of grief support. The Healing Prayer Ministry is offered during the 10:15 a.m. service. Healing ministers from the parish seek to develop and maintain an awareness of the healing power of the Holy Spirit as manifested in Scripture and church tradition. The Pastoral Care Commission is made up of dedicated lay persons who visit, monitor, and spiritually support the needs of those in the hospital, who are ill at home, or who are experiencing critical life passages. Hank s Helping Hands provides service to the parishioners in the spirit of the late Deacon Hank Podesta. Help is offered to members of the congregation by eight teams: Drivers, Snow Removal, Handypersons, Respite Care, Cook, Prayer, Blood Pressure Clinics, and Administrative Assistance. This growing ministry, which benefits both giver and receiver, currently involves 85 parishioners. 9

10 The Prayer Shawl Ministry knits prayer shawls and lap blankets in a meditative manner, and presents them to those in need of support. The prayers incorporated into the knitting are an example of God's unconditional love for us. The shawls and blankets are presented personally to the individual and/or family, after being blessed at the altar during a Sunday service with the prayer support of all those in the congregation. BUILD EPISCOPAL COMMUNITY The Comfort of a Prayer Shawl Our ability to reach out and serve the larger community is closely linked to the strong connections among members of our parish. Such connections occur naturally through the ministries, and also through gathering together for joyful celebrations and fellowship. Parish-wide activities include church holiday dinners and celebrations such as the St. Nicholas Family Dinner during Advent, the Christmas Pageant, and the Feast of the Epiphany celebration; soup suppers during Lent; the Blessing of the Animals on or near the Feast of St. Francis; the annual Condega Project auction/dinner; and wellattended coffee hours after Sunday services. Smaller circles of exploration and friendship offer close-knit experiences. The New Member Ministry seeks to integrate newcomers into our life at Trinity. The Cursillo Community at Trinity participates in a three-day annual retreat, regular gatherings, and small group meetings. The 7@7 Potluck Group is a congregation-wide organized program to integrate single members of the parish, along with three other couples, via monthly dinners. The Men s Breakfast Group meets for companionship; the Circle of Love provides monthly theme-centered social gatherings for women over a light meal. 10

11 TRINITY DREAMS AND CHALLENGES To heal from the combined stresses of the sudden departure of our previous Rector and the arson fires, the Trinity congregation realized that we needed to focus on where we are now. The theme of our fall stewardship season was Seeds of a New Beginning. Even while we were displaced from our own sanctuaries, more than 90 parishioners participated in small group gatherings in homes to share thoughts and ideas about what we want to see happen in the next five years and to consider both opportunities and potential obstacles to that vision. Below are the main themes: Encourage diversity in programs: Like the greater church, we wish to welcome more families to Trinity. The renewed sanctuary in St. Helens Hall is designed to be flexible: it offers us exciting opportunities to host a variety of events aside from services, and is well-equipped with movable seating and a topnotch sound system. We are imagining how many ways this beautiful space can be used, from concerts to community meetings, from educational programs to children s little theater. As programs appeal to more diverse families, our parish will grow. Provide opportunities for spiritual growth for all: This has long been a part of Trinity s vision. While retaining traditional liturgies, parishioners felt that we should also offer a variety of alternative worship experiences, including various liturgies, music offerings, and even different times of services that may be more convenient for young families involved in sports. We hope to reach out to groups at the local campuses of the Oregon State University and Central Oregon Community College. We wish all ages to appreciate God s love. Continue and expand strong tradition of hospitality and community: We wish to renew and increase social and educational gatherings, including the strong adult education program and small group get-togethers. At the same time, we believe that we need to revitalize our welcome to visitors and new parishioners, recognizing their individuality and diversity. The use of various media could be expanded. Parishioners feel we should be known throughout Central Oregon for our inclusivity and community. Collaborate to address the needs of others: Outreach has traditionally been a strong Trinity interest. Outreach expression includes the decision some years ago to purchase St. Helens Hall and remain the downtown church in Bend, as well as our founding of Family Kitchen, work with Condega, and other efforts. A number of the parishioners also hoped for greater attention to social justice. Confront potential obstacles: We recognize that more funds will be required to achieve some of our dreams, while others can be realized with our combined gifts of talent, time, and service. Since we are becoming an increasingly mature congregation, we need to appreciate that resistance to change will always be among us. Since past discord has not yet been fully resolved, we hope to incorporate more transparency and find better ways to deal with differences at all levels of leadership and membership. 11

12 OUR 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN These recently expressed hopes and dreams are quite consistent with the goals expressed in the 5-Year Strategic Plan adopted by the Vestry as an outcome of their retreat in 2012: Our parish income will be at 110% of usual and ordinary expenses (on or before January 2017). We will have a full-time Rector in place who will embrace Trinity s values and goals (on or before July 2014). Our liturgy and services will reflect the diversity of our Church and community (on or before July 2015). We will continue to embrace outreach to those in need in central Oregon, the nation, and the world. All who enter our doors will experience welcome, invitation, and nurture (on or before January 2015). We will be known as a center for education, community, and spiritual life (on or before January 2017). 12

13 WHAT WE SEEK IN A PRIEST We trust that the call to Trinity Episcopal Church in Bend, Oregon, will be answered by a priest who will understand our particular culture and history and have the skills and confidence to support and lead us to living Christ in the world as we work together to rebuild the parish community. We seek these essential qualities: A thoughtful/intelligent preacher whose sermons are inspirational, comprehensible, and relevant to our lives. A pastor who has successfully demonstrated the ability to work with varied age groups from youth to elders, and who can help us attract families with children and youth to our church. A collaborative leader who helps to discern the gifts and skills of parishioners and staff; who recognizes, respects, and works to incorporate those skills and gifts so that each individual feels valued and honored. A person who is committed to social and institutional change so that our community might better reflect the values of the kingdom of God. A priest who will engage in the larger community as a symbol of Trinity s ministry, welcome, and commitment to justice. A priest who is compassionate and skilled in conflict management, who will help our Trinity community heal from its wounds. A caring pastor who is attentive and sensitive, a good listener and comforter one who is gracious, self-aware, and articulate and who possesses a positive sense of humor! 13

14 CLERGY/PAID STAFF CHURCH LEADERSHIP The Rev. Roy Green, the part-time Interim Rector who has brought us together as we heal, will leave us at the end of June He has been assisted during his time with us by supply priests in the parish, who will take over until our new full-time Rector arrives. Rev. Green has also been assisted periodically by the Rev. Dcns. Willie Hoffer and Gaye Lawson. The parish is also served by a full-time Parish Administrator, and by staff in part-time positions. These are a Music Director, Youth Director, and Sexton. Our facilities are cleaned by an outside janitorial service. VESTRY The Trinity Vestry is composed of nine members of good standing elected from the congregation for staggered three-year terms. The Senior Warden is appointed by the Rector; the Junior Warden is appointed by the Vestry and approved by the parish at the Annual Meeting. Vestry members may serve for up to two terms. Vestry meetings are scheduled monthly, or more often as needed. EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF EASTERN OREGON (EDEO) Building Church An activity from the 2010 EDEO Convention The Diocese is bounded on the west by the Cascade Range (from north to south), the state line of Washington to the north (with a slight detour to include Klickitat County, Washington), the state line of Idaho to the east, and the state lines of Nevada and California to the south. It encompasses some 69,000 square miles of rugged, wide-open mountains, rangeland, high desert and pine forests. Diocese total population is about 552,000; more than 2,300 of those are Episcopalians in 22 parishes. Diocesan headquarters are located in Oregon s far northeastern corner, in Cove, Oregon, at Ascension School Camp and Conference Center. In May 2009, the Rt. Rev. Rivera was elected Provisional Bishop on a half-time basis. More information about the Diocese may be found at Trinity members currently serve on Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Commission on Ministry, and the Foundation Board, and will represent the Diocese at the 2015 General Convention in Salt Lake City. Diocesan clergy gather regularly for Collegium, and offer 20% of their time for work at the diocesan level. 14

15 PARISH FACILITIES The Trinity Campus The main building at the left is Trinity Hall and the historic church.. The building at the right is St Helens Hall. Entrance to the St Helens Hall Sanctuary The Trinity Episcopal Church and its campus remain The church at the head of Wall Street, and have the charm and bearing that reflect Bend s past and present. The more historic facility, built and remodeled from 1918 to the present, comprises about 13,000 square feet of useable space. The Neo-Gothic nave comfortably seats people. Pre-fire, the rest of the facility contained office space, a library, a nursery, a multi-purpose large meeting space, a large kitchen, Alcoholics Anonymous meeting rooms, several restrooms, and a unique chapel. In 2003, Trinity purchased the former Lutheran Church adjacent to our church, to become a full-use part of our spiritual center. This 11,000-square-foot building, now known as St. Helens Hall (after the name of the small street that separates the two buildings), was built in 1961 and expanded in It consists of a large sanctuary, offices, classrooms, meeting rooms, a licensed commercial kitchen used for the Family Kitchen Ministry and dining room, an outdoor labyrinth, and a columbarium. On March 6, 2013, both Trinity Hall and St. Helens Hall were extensively damaged by arson. At present, the Saint Helens Hall facility sanctuary area has been completely remodeled and repaired from the framing inward, to include all new plumbing, electrical, interior finishes and furnishings, and a new baby grand piano and fine Allen organ. Trinity Hall, the historic church, will be completely repaired and remodeled beginning in February It will have a completely new interior in all aspects, new wiring, plumbing, heating, finishes and furnishings, piano, organ, kitchen, and four ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible restrooms and proper access ramping for the facility. The new building will be completely fire sprinkler protected as per City guidelines. We look forward to resuming use of this building in late The redesign and reconstruction of both of the buildings of our spiritual campus have been overseen by an architectural firm whose special interest is designing and renovating churches so as to weave interests from all ministries, individuals, and programs (both church-affiliated and other groups who use our facilities), to plan how to best use all of our facilities for spiritual growth and education for everyone in the Bend community. 15

16 TWO MORE WAYS TO HELP DEFINE WHO WE ARE: DEMOGRAPHICS AND THE CHURCH ASSESSMENT TOOL In late 2013, Trinity Episcopal Church participated in the Church Assessment Tool (CAT), an online congregational survey used by many Episcopal churches nationwide. Of the 447 members in 304 households, 144 persons completed the survey, including a few people who have left the church. The current membership includes 80 new members who have joined within the last two years. The most recent average Sunday attendance, before we returned to St. Helens sanctuary, was 130. As noted previously, and due in part to the side effects of the fires, the number of younger families has declined, and those age 55 years or more constitute the majority of the congregation. The CAT results indicate that about 36% of our members feel clearly satisfied with things in our church, indicating that the rest of our members can imagine a church with a higher level of vitality. We are in a state of recovery, searching for a pathway that will lead us to become a stronger church. The top four priorities of our members are: Make necessary changes to attract families of all ages and makeup. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach out to new people and incorporate them into the life of the church. Increase opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation at every age and stage of life. Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances. In comparison to other churches, three goals that are unusually strong for our church are: Strengthen the management and support of persons in various ministries so that they are able to do what they do best in work that is meaningful and celebrated. Continue to strengthen the music of the church to deepen our worship experience. Work as an advocate for social and institutional change so that society might better reflect the values of the kingdom of God. Other valuable insights include the findings that our congregation is more progressive than conservative; that outreach is a well-supported ministry; there is an atmosphere of genuine care and concern among our members in time of personal need; that we feel that our faith is at the center of our lives; and that we have a healthy tolerance for differing opinions and beliefs. 16

17 STEWARDSHIP/FINANCIAL Trinity, like many other church communities, has been buffeted by the tumultuous economy in recent years. Compounding this situation was the discontent/turmoil among some parishioners in 2010 and 2011 (see A History of Trinity Bend). Given the consequent reduced amount of funding and the later arson fires in early 2013, we were not able to continue our Family Ministries program full-time. As we began to re-occupy some of our facilities following the fire, and prepared to call a new Rector, we realized that we needed to develop a new approach to stewardship. The Stewardship Committee decided to adopt the guiding principles set forth in C. K. Robertson s book, Transforming Stewardship. Accordingly, we held small gatherings to help discern the needs of the parish. Only mission (not finances) was brought up during the meetings, unless a participant asked about money. We hoped and expected that the questions raised by the group gatherers would help people to realize the magnitude of the need. In fact, our parish has stepped up to increase their donations enough to meet 2014 s budgetary requirements. We hope and trust that when we ask for a second increase for the 2015 budget (which will include the full year s compensation of our full-time Rector, among other expenses), our parish will respond again. Transforming Stewardship served us well for 2014, and we expect to continue following its guidelines moving forward. Revenues Budget 2014 Pledges $301,276 $291,431 $278,327 $303,000 Sustained giving/plate 45,365 46,701 31,563 40,000 Family Ministries Fund 70,624 29,285 - Other Income 38,962 24,605 36,651 4,300 Total Revenues $456,227 $392,022 $346,541 $347,300 Diocesan Assessment -110,433-81,616-77,972-78,143 Outreach Assessment -3,514-3,104-2,686-2,692 Revenues less Assessments $342,280 $307,303 $265,883 $266,465 Expenses Clergy, Support Staff $114,010 $52,629 $41,939 $60,257 General Office 75,696 77,040 76,977 80,105 Property less Shared Maintenance 76,784 68,046 47,873 57,730 Music 27,314 29,834 23,564 29,430 Worship 1,060 1,314 1,375 1,490 Family Ministries 56,600 61,385 45,818 33,925 Parish Life and Development 4,926 5,138 5,049 6,520 Total Expenses $356,390 $295,386 $242,595 $269,457 17

18 TRINITY AND THE LARGER COMMUNITY Trinity Episcopal Church rises at the head of Wall Street in Downtown Bend, within a few blocks of our modern library, City Hall, the Boys and Girls Club, the Historical Society/Museum, central School Administration, and numerous shops and restaurants. It is next to the Historic District and the family-friendly Drake Park that borders the nearby Deschutes River, which winds through town, leading north through a deep desert canyon. The city of Bend is surrounded on all sides by U.S. government land: national forest, and dry desert juniper and sagebrush lands. Tourists and residents alike are drawn to the inspiring natural beauty and outdoor recreation of Bend, whether seeking climbing opportunities at the world-renowned Smith Rock, biking, skiing, or snowboarding in the Cascade Mountains, fishing blue ribbon trout streams fly-fishing, canoeing on the myriad of area lakes, or hiking on the Urban Trail System. Everywhere one may simply enjoy the vibrant energy of clear clean air. Award-winning golf courses host tournaments throughout the year. Parks and Recreation classes and services include Juniper Recreation Center with two swimming pools, the Senior Center, and land and water recreation in the river and mountains. On average, Bend has the highest number of sunny days of any municipality in the state. Bend has grown rapidly in the last 20 years, from a population of 20,000 to over 80,000. It is expected to reach 110,000 by 2025, or sooner. Few of Bend's residents are non-white. Hispanics, the largest minority, comprise less than four percent of the population, although this population is increasing rapidly. Bend supports a growing number of excellent schools. This year more than 92% of the district's schools received the state's highest ratings. Magnet schools and alternative school opportunities complement the elementary-through-high-school system, which is growing to meet the growing population. SAT scores of graduating seniors are well above the national average, and more that 70% of students continue their education after graduation. Central Oregon Community College (COCC) offers two-year degrees, as well as specialties in nursing and the culinary arts. COCC students admitted to the Oregon State University/Cascades campus can take upper division classes leading to the OSU degree and program of their choice. A new four-year OSU campus is scheduled to open in 2015, in town. On 18

19 average, 90% of Bend residents have completed high school, and nearly one in three has a bachelor's or advanced degree. Medical care in Bend enjoys an excellent reputation for its facilities and services. The St. Charles Health System is the largest provider of medical care, with four hospitals in the region. Its Bend Campus is the only Level II Trauma Center in Oregon east of the Cascades. In addition, among several other medical groups, providers, and urgent care facilities, Bend Memorial Clinic offers 30 specialties. Bend is rich in cultural events. The Tower Theater, currently celebrating the 10th year anniversary of its renovation, has transformed the crumbling 1940's movie house into an elegant performing arts theatre that hosts everything from musicians to mentalists. Bend is justly proud of its symphony orchestra, and of the concerts performed by its colleges and churches. Theater performances presented by local theater groups, as well as frequent concerts and entertaining events by independent artists in the Les Schwab outdoor amphitheatre and in schools, provide enjoyment for the whole family. The Bend Film Festival draws independent filmmakers to an annual showing and competition to determine the best films in 12 different categories; the Board also sponsors Future Filmmakers for youth interested in careers in film. The city values beauty and art. Each round-about within the city is home to large-scale privately funded sculpture that complements the natural beauty around it. Many area artists display their work throughout the city and at local and regional festivals. The Nature of Words sponsors an annual literary festival that draws nationally admired authors; it also supports many writing outreach classes for the region. The Deschutes County Public Library provides current books, resource information, and excellent media and librarian service. The Library sponsors an annual city-wide reading of a selected book in preparation for the author s visit. Employment is strongly weighted toward a service industry profile: most goods and services are produced for the direct benefit of Bend residents. Affluence and soaring property values, coupled with a local and national economy struggling to recover from an extended recession, have left some people homeless and hungry a situation complicated by limited employment opportunities that pay a living wage and usually offer no medical insurance. Many businesses are recovering, however, and property values are slowly recovering since the deep recession that began in

20 PRAYER FOR THE SEARCH Easter Sunday 2013 The closed front door of Trinity, concealing the fire damage within but with a sign of resurrection, the cross decorated with flowers by the congregation. Almighty God, look graciously on the people of Trinity Church. Be with us and lead us as we seek the next Rector or our church community. We ask Your direction and guidance for those who shall choose our new spiritual leader, that we may receive a responsive and faithful pastor who will care for Your people and equip us for our ministries. Grant us perception, faithfulness, and joy, so that we may hear your voice in all our deliberations. Grant us also the desire and ability to truly hear each other and those whom we have entrusted with this process. Give us courage to respond and act as You lead us. Come, Holy Spirit. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord. 20

21 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This Profile was prepared by Peggy Ziegler, Marie and Pat Gibson, Loretta Slepikas, Illa Reynolds, and Judith Montgomery (editor). Bill Brisson provided technical support. Information in this Profile is based on many sources, including the previous (2007) Parish Profile, Bend s newspaper The Bulletin ( the Bend Chamber of Commerce ( and Economic Development for Central Oregon ( In addition, the Profile relies on information and opinions gathered and analyzed by Holy Cow Consultants and presented by Rev. Canon Kristi Philip, advisor to the Search Committee; and from small parish meetings, Seeds of a New Beginning. CHURCH INFORMATION Trinity Episcopal Church 469 NW Wall Street Bend OR [voice] [fax] 21