Where God is Seen... Love is Felt... Lives are Changed. All Saints Church Western Springs, IL allsaintsws.org

Transcription

1 Where God is Seen... Love is Felt... Lives are Changed. All Saints Church Western Springs, IL allsaintsws.org

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3 All Saints Is All About Relationships When looking at the heart and soul of All Saints Church, the first thing that becomes apparent is the value we place on relationships with one another as a spiritual family. Whether it is the support systems we create for one another, the ministries we undertake, the welcome we extend to newcomers, or the way we make decisions as a parish, these relationships enliven and inspire us on our journey. At All Saints, relationships are our treasure. Our Story is Alive and Unfolding. My children, my husband and I each have been embraced, supported and nurtured since we first came to All Saints seven years ago. At the time, we were feeling isolated by the issues we faced, and felt a bit discarded. At All Saints we were warmly welcomed and truly cared for. Where others had turned away, here you reached out. We quickly felt part of a deeply caring community. - All Saints parishioner The spiritual, loving nature of each Christian at All Saints is truly amazing. Our family is in awe of the kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity of this church community. We are truly blessed to be part of this very special extended family. - All Saints parishioner I have found a wonderfully Christ-centered congregation that manages to meet everyone exactly where they are in their Christian faith. My life has been forever changed by the wonderful people of All Saints, and I consider them family - my brothers and sisters in Christ - in the strongest sense of the word. - All Saints parishioner

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5 All Saints Is... + Welcoming and enriched by our fellow parishioners + Compassionate and genuinely cares for our members in time of need + Strongly Rooted in the power of prayer + Seeking to establish a clearer vision of where the Holy Spirit is leading us + Supportive of individuals engaging in ministries to which they are called + Moderately progressive and settled + Needing to attract and nurture new families with children members from 71 households + Prayerful and looks forward to partnering with a new rector who will grow in faith with us

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7 The Rector We Seek... Even with our many strengths, we know we have not yet realized our full potential. We hope our new Rector will feel a strong sense of connection to who we are as a faith community, be able to recognize our unique gifts, and help us move forward. In seeking the person who will serve as our next Rector, we are also aware of our responsibilities as a congregation to that individual. We will welcome our new Rector with open hearts and minds, will be honest and caring, and support that individual s efforts to the best of our abilities. Our discernment process which included the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) survey, spiritual life survey, and small group discussions with parishioners, indicated our congregation is specifically looking for a Rector who embodies the following traits: + the capacity to inspire and enrich lives through his or her scriptural based preaching + one who possesses vitality and welcomes the challenge of helping our parish grow by: directing significant energy toward building the population of families with children by helping members recognize their individual call for ministry and leadership, train them for their responsibilities, and support them in their service by communicating effectively with all age groups, listening to feelings, and treating each with respect by working with us to expand the visibility and presence of this parish in the community + the capacity to provide deeply spiritual and compassionate pastoral care to parishioners in need + a team-oriented approach to leadership, and who can work in a collegial relationship with parishioners, staff and vestry + the interest and ability in developing a Christian education ministry that reaches people at every stage of life

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9 Our Challenges and Opportunities As we begin our search process, we move forward in faith and strength of community. We approach this path with willingness to prepare for, and respond to, the challenges and opportunities facing us. The parish has identified the four main areas where we would like to place more energy: + Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people + Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church + Move decisively to provide high quality education for every age and stage of life + Develop the spiritual generosity of the people to be more financially supportive of the ministry of the church Our survey feedback revealed that we have several similarly ranked priorities. Therefore, we have also discerned a need for development in the following areas: + Develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances + Strengthen the process by which members are called, equipped and supported for ministry and leadership

10 Worship At All Saints Worship services are the centerpiece of church life at All Saints. They draw the parishioners together for a time of renewal. Both clergy and laity share in the liturgy of our worship. The Holy Eucharist (Rite II) is celebrated at two Sunday morning services: 7:30 am service 10:30 am service - Choral Eucharist Music plays a prominent role at the 10:30 Eucharist, and includes a dedicated, small but mighty choir, led by our music director, as he accompanies the congregation on our pipe organ. We also have a talented singer/guitarist who leads the congregation in hymns during services. Additional instruments are added for high holidays, including a harpist for the past 20 years on Christmas eve, a trumpet from our congregation, flautist, a brass quartet, and until recently, a festival congregational handbell choir. Each Sunday, as part of the healing ministry, a Lay minister is available for anointing in the chapel prior to the 7:30 service, and after communion at the 10:30 service.

11 Worship At All Saints Involving our laity in the liturgy is a prominent practice at All Saints. Through our Altar Guild, acolytes, lectors, ushers, choir members, oblation bearers and rotating lay preachers, many parishioners are actively involved in our worship services. We are also fortunate to have a Deacon, who is with us part-time, and assists the Rector during Sunday services, pastoral visitation and teaching functions. After the 10:30 service, coffee and cake is served by a host family. Our total Sunday attendance is about 70 parishioners. In addition to Sunday services, there is a Healing Service, with Holy Eucharist, at 9:15 every Thursday morning. At Christmas and Easter, and during Holy Week and Lent, additional services are added to the regular worship schedule. The Pet Blessing service in October is popular with many of our parishioners and neighbors who have pets. And also in October, as part of a national program to memorialize fallen firefighters, we pay tribute in a special Sunday ceremony to all national and local firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

12 Christian Education ADULT EDUCATION We are a community that yearns to grow in our relationship with Christ. There are a number of opportunities for Christian education to help expand individual spiritual growth and nourish each member s individual ministry. These opportunities include Sunday morning forums, led by clergy or members of the parish, and video programs from outside speakers. All Saints also offers a weekly Bible study group, a theological book study group, and a Lenten evening study and discussion group that helps feed our hunger for engaging conversation and spiritual community. Youth Education (K-5th grade) As is the case for the adult program, children s Sunday School classes run from Kick-off Sunday in September, through the end of May. Children in first through fifth grade meet in our one-roomschoolhouse, led by a dedicated team of volunteer teachers. Childcare is provided for infants and toddlers. Currently we do not have enough youth at the junior or senior high level to participate in the Rite 13/J2A/YAC programs, but two and four years ago, we took groups through completion to pilgrimages in the Grand Tetons and San Francisco. We have the desire from an adult volunteer standpoint, we just need more youth.

13 Fellowship Our parish life grows through fellowship, bringing us together as friends who support one another, and enjoy being in each other s company. A variety of activities allow us to connect with each other, and with clergy, on an informal basis, and provide opportunities throughout the year for parishioners to interact with one another and celebrate Christ in our midst. Among our many, and evolving, fellowship activities: + Breakfast after the Sunday 7:30 service at a local restaurant + Hospitality time after Sunday 10:30 service in parish hall or outdoors in the summer + Kick-off Sunday picnic + Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper + Theological book study + Christmas party + Caroling party for hospitalized veterans and families at Hines Hospital, Fisher House + BBQ and picnic for hospitalized vets and families staying at Fisher House + Annual Meeting luncheon + Monthly dinner group + Dinner for Parishioner s Assistance Fund + All Saints Day luncheon + Progressive dinner + Lenten soup suppers + Maundy Thursday candlelit supper with prayer

14 Outreach While the parish supports several outreach projects, we see opportunities to develop a more focused and intentional approach. Some of the activities currently supported are: + clothing drive for homeless war veterans + Picnic for war veterans at Hines VA Hospital and their families + Christmas food and toys for families of hospitalized vets + Knitting of prayer shawls for cancer patients at local hospitals + Toys for Tots + Collection for local food pantry + United Thank Offering + Sponsor for Boy Scout Troop #3 In addition, we have made the church facilities available to the community for such things as health screening, school registration as well as exercise classes and educational programs.

15 Leadership and Governance All Saints has a full time Rector, and a paid part-time staff of three, complemented by many volunteer parishioners. Our Administrative Assistant works nineteen hours per week, as does our Sexton. All Saints Music Director plays the organ and directs the choir at the 10:30 Sunday service, plays at other requested services and works with the choir during rehearsals on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. LAY LEADERSHIP The Vestry at All Saints is elected each January at the annual parish meeting. Vestry members consist of a Senior Warden, a Junior Warden and nine additional voting members. The wardens typically serve one year in each position. Vestry members are elected to staggered three-year terms. A nominating committee is formed each year to recommend candidates. In addition, the parish elects a Clerk and Treasurer at the annual meeting. Vestry members are encouraged to participate in one of the parish support ministries. Current support ministries are Fellowship, Outreach, Pastoral Care, Christian Formation, Finance, Communications, and Building and Grounds.

16 Finances and Stewardship Through careful stewardship of God s blessings, All Saints has continued to serve the needs of its parishioners and the community during economically challenging years. However, our pledges have been impacted by economic weakness, as well as the loss of some pledges from parishioners who relocate, retire or pass away. Diminished financial contributions have forced us to reduce some of our programs and outside giving, including a reduction in our diocesan pledge. We have a clear need for greater financial resources to fully fund ministry programs, outreach, the greater church and physical plant needs. We realize the urgent nature of attracting and maintaining new families and pledges. All Saints budget for 2013 forecasts revenues of $236,998 and expenses of the same amount.

17 Finances and Stewardship Financial Policies The Finance Committee is made up of the Treasurer and other parishioners, as well as the Rector. It is responsible for creating and reviewing the budget, and tracking the actual financial activity of the church. The Finance chairperson presents the budget to the Vestry for approval. This is typically done at the January meeting. The approved budget is presented to the parishioners for their information at the annual meeting. Each month the Treasurer prepares a detailed financial report which is discussed at the monthly Finance Committee meeting, and then a summary report is presented to Vestry. These reports are used to monitor income and expenses during the year, and to make appropriate and thoughtful adjustments. Stewardship The All Saints annual stewardship campaign is led by the Finance Committee. This committee determines the theme of the stewardship campaign, drafts the stewardship letter, and follows up with parishioners regarding pledges. The campaign normally takes place in the fall. During the past several years, the campaign has been kicked-off with personal witnessing during worship services, focusing on the good things that our time, talent and treasure can bring to All Saints. Our number of pledges and Sunday attendance has gradually declined over the past several years. The number of pledging units reached a high of 72 in 2008, and has decreased to 48 in Additional families and individuals periodically give to support the work of the church through open offerings. Average Sunday attendance peaked at 107 in 2002, and has fallen to around 70 in 2012.

18 Building and Grounds All Saints Church is located two blocks from downtown Western Springs. The buildings consist of the church and parish house, connected by a cloister. The two-story parish house contains the parish hall, a stage, a kitchen, the parish offices, a library room and several classrooms. The twostory cloister and the church were constructed in The cloister opens out onto a beautifully landscaped courtyard, and has a music and choir room on the second floor. In the chapel, which adjoins the Nave, the south wall holds an expansive stained glass window entitled For All the Saints. The Nave has ceilings that are thirty-five feet high. On the wall behind the altar hangs a six foot beautifully carved wood sculpture of the resurrected Christ, on the Cross, standing on a small globe. Another unique characteristic of All Saints Church is its bell tower. Constructed in 1964, it contains three handcrafted bronze bells cast in the Netherlands. They ring throughout the village at noon and six o clock p.m. every day, and at the start of the Choral Eucharist on Sunday mornings. A Memorial Garden was created in It is part of the property, sitting on the north side of the church. All Saints owns a house adjacent to the parish house. At this time the house is being rented, and considered as investment property. If appropriate, it can also be used as housing for the Rector.

19 History of All Saints On All Saints Day, November 1, 1894, a meeting was held in Western Springs to ascertain how many people would be interested in establishing a mission church. This meeting resulted in a unanimous decision to petition for mission status from the Bishop of Chicago. Given that the first meeting of the mission had been held on All Saints Day, the mission was named All Saints. The mission moved to a new location, and held the first Eucharist on this new site in During the 1920 s, Western Springs grew rapidly and the mission benefited from this growth. In 1928 All Saints Mission became All Saints Parish. As All Saints continued to grow, a new parish house was built in After the Parish House mortgage was paid off in 1960, plans were immediately made to build a new church, which would be connected to the Parish House by a Cloister. After Easter in 1961, the old church was torn down and construction of the new church began. The new church was formally dedicated on March 8, Over the years the Cloister courtyard, St. Mary s Chapel memorial windows, and the Memorial Garden were added.

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21 Western Springs Community Western Springs is a tranquil, tree-lined community of 13,033, located sixteen miles west of downtown Chicago. Incorporated in 1886, the village enjoyed its Quasquicentennial celebration in Chicago Magazine listed Western Springs as one of the twenty best towns in Chicago and suburbs to raise a family. The rankings were based on the quality of schools, ease of transportation, housing prices and good local shopping and dining choices. The village has excellent rail service, including twenty-five minute express service to downtown Chicago, and is also near several expressways, and O Hare and Midway airports. The median household income is $136,000. The public schools of Western Springs are all highly regarded. They consist of three Elementary schools (K-5), and one Junior High School ( 6-8 ). Lyons Township High School serves students from Western Springs and surrounding communities. All these schools are not only ranked academically among the highest in the Chicagoland area, but nationally, as well. Recreation programs exist for almost all sports and types of activities. The park District consists of ten parks, totaling ninety-two acres. The village is also adjacent to Bemis Woods, a part of the cook County Forest Preserve system that offers picnic areas, trails for biking and walking, and cross country skiing. Near the center of town, you will find Thomas Ford Memorial Library, a busy hub of activity. A few blocks away is the Theater of Western Springs, which has been staging plays for more than 80 years, attracting patrons from the entire Chicago area. In addition to adult productions, it also sponsors a Children s Theater, that presents several productions each year. In downtown Western Springs, you will find a number of specialty stores, with Casey s Meat Market and Deli, and Kirschbaum s Bakery considered standouts by patrons from this village and surrounding towns. The Fruit Market and Oberweis Ice Cream shop are some of the other favorite places to shop in town. A multitude of additional retail and dining offerings can be found in the two adjacent villages of Hinsdale and LaGrange.

22 Our Hopes for the Future All Saints is blessed with a loving and giving congregation, and we pray, with our new Rector s guidance, we can increase our spiritual vitality, strengthen our vision, add to the adult and youth membership, and reach our full potential. As we look to the future, we have some areas where we hope to maintain and build success, and other areas we hope to develop more fully. Perhaps we need a more focused vision that acknowledges our strengths and challenges, and will lead us to find greater energy in our experiences with the church. We hope our new Rector will enlighten us through preaching and teaching, will counsel and guide us, lead us in prayer and worship, and guide us as we seek to deepen our relationships with Christ and each other. To reach our goals, we realize we must be open to change, new ideas, and new ways of doing things. It is our hope that All Saints new Rector will work with us to discern the best form these changes might take. We know this transition will not always be easy, but we have great faith that the Lord will bless us and guide us through this time.

23 Prayer of Discernment Lord, we are transitioning to become a new community with a new purpose under a new leader. We must shed our old habits of thinking and acting to make room for the new, better community you are calling us to be, but we are fearful and the future is unclear. Give us the courage to be open to each other and to your purpose for our community. Help us to help each other through this time. Inspire us to say helpful words and to be there for each other. Send us the leader who will help you to move us to this new state, and help us to recognize this person as your agent of our change. Help us find the rector we need to achieve your purposes, not just the one we think we want. In Jesus name we ask this. Amen. All Saints Church Western Springs, IL allsaintsws.org 3/13