SAINT JOHN' S AT THE CROSSROADS

Transcription

1 SAINT JOHN' S AT THE CROSSROADS Volume 29 Number 02 September 8, Special Issue: St. John's Vision Process Dear St. John s, In this special issue of the Crossroads newsletter, I hope you will come to see a clear picture of a Vestry-led initiative which I have been sharing with you since the beginning of the summer. We are calling this initiative a Vision Process because it is aimed at helping us discern, as a faith community, the future God is calling us to in terms of our mission and ministry. Some have asked, How is this process different from the strategic planning that we did just over a year ago? The simple answer is that this is not a do-over of the strategic plan with a fancier name; instead, the vision process builds on the strategic plans done in the past by asking the very necessary question, now what? from a spiritual and missional perspective. In other words, what is God calling us to in light of our identity as a church, and how do we get there? In this issue, you will have a chance to get to know the members of the recently formed Vision Team who will guide us through this very holy journey, as well as how they came to be selected. Also, you will find in this issue the Vestry-adopted Vision Team Charter that explains our need for this visioning process and lays out in broad strokes the various phases of the process that the Vision Team will lead us through. Finally, I invite you all to join us this Renewal Sunday (September 8) for our festive celebration of the beginning of our program year. On this Sunday, we will also be commissioning the Vision Team together at the combined 10 AM service and blessing them as they take the first of our steps in this very exciting journey in our life together. Faithfully, Sari+ Building Community at the Crossroads of Faith and Life Our members represent a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, nationalities, family configurations, sexual orientations, abilities, and religious traditions. Indeed, chances are that there s someone like you at St. John s. We are single, married, partnered, divorced, widowed, remarried, gay and lesbian, with and without children, empty nesters, old and young, and differently-abled; you name it - we are here.

2 St. John s Vision Team Charter John F. Ross and Sari Ateek Approved by the St. John s Vestry, August 20, 2013 At its May 2013 retreat in Rehoboth, the St. John s Vestry unanimously agreed that possessing a clear vision for our mission and ministry is critical for the healthy functioning of our parish. Like any other institution, churches run the risk of spreading their resources thin, struggling with lay leader burnout, and potentially failing without a clear understanding of their direction, focus, and purpose. While St. John s is growing and strong, it lacks an articulated direction for its future: To whom and what is God calling us most in this season of our life together? Where do we see ourselves in 5 or 10 years; how do we get there? Considering our recent work in creating a diversity statement, parish profile, and two strategic planning initiatives, it is abundantly clear that God has been guiding us along the path toward identifying a vision for some time. Today, we find ourselves at an exciting threshold: the Spirit of God has moved us to an intentional season of discernment. It is now time to identify and pursue the focused, purpose-driven ministries and mission that God has in store for us not a new direction, but rather a focused one. Our new vision will be familiar to the core of who we are and will direct us to use our gifts in a way that can make the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God. The Vestry has called for the creation of a Vision Team to undergo an in-depth visioning/discernment process with the parish to articulate this vision. The team is tasked to look both inward and outward. It will listen prayerfully to the parish and define the core identity of St. John s. It will also look out to the broader community and learn where the greatest needs are. Our vision lies where our greatest gifts best meet the greatest needs of our larger community. As a general guideline, the Team s work will consist of the following 4 phases. Following the completion of each phase, the team will report back to the Vestry. Although we await the recommendation of the team itself, we believe this visioning process should take about a year. We recommend that the team report back by the December 2013 Vestry meeting on the overall timeline. The four phases are: Phase 1: Spiritual Preparation, Team Building, and Information Gathering After the Vestry commissions it on Renewal Sunday, the team will prepare for its task by: a) team building; b) seeking guidance from scripture; c) identifying mentors for help on the journey; d) learning best practices for faithful visioning and discernment; e) understanding the mission field or heart of the broader community through such means as a study of demographics and interviews with community leaders; f) employing any other means it sees fit; g) establishing a timeline/methodology for the next phases. Phase 2: Congregational Engagement The Vision Team will guide the congregation through an exploration and discernment of its core identity, through activities such as adult forums, circle gatherings, personal interviews of parishioners, and any other techniques they deem appropriate. Team members will listen prayerfully for any overlaps between this core identity and the needs discovered in the broader community. Phase 3: Articulation of the Vision The Team will write a preliminary draft of the vision statement. The Team will take this articulated vision back to the Vestry and congregation for discussion, further clarification, and final confirmation. Phase 4: Working with the Vestry to establish next steps The Team will work with the Vestry to hand the vision statement over to a Vision Implementation Task Force [to be created by the Vestry], which will translate it into an action plan. 2

3 THE VISION TEAM In his June 16 sermon, Sari introduced the congregation to the budding vision process inviting anyone in the congregation who felt drawn to play a leadership role in this process to put their name forward for consideration. From these volunteers and other names forwarded by the Vestry, a list of possible candidates for the team was put together. During its July meeting, the Vestry faced the very challenging task of narrowing down the names to a workable team of individuals. There was a deep conviction among the Vestry members, however, that the selection process itself needed to mirror that same prayerful discernment that would ultimately be the hallmark of the work of the Vision Team. This meant creating room for the Holy Spirit to guide and to surprise. Therefore, recognizing that discernment goes beyond straight forward decision-making or voting, and in gratitude to our diocese for its guidance, the Vestry employed a tried and true Quaker decision making method that is grounded in quiet reflection and trust in the Holy Spirit. The Vestry stood around the Altar in the main sanctuary. The names of all the candidates were printed on cards and placed face up on the altar with a candle set at the center on a piece of liturgical linen. Following an opening prayer by the rector, and each seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Vestry then proceeded (in total prayerful silence) to step forward and respectfully move one or more name cards onto or off the liturgical linen until the movement ceased and there was a unanimous sense that the vision team had been defined. The rector and senior warden [co-chairs of the team] did not participate so as not to influence the decision. Invitations were extended over the course of the month that followed, and after the prayerful and thoughtful consideration of each of those invited, the Vestry of St. John s is now pleased to introduce you to the members of the Vision Team. The team members span all four services, including one former Senior Warden and one current Vestry member. Please join us this upcoming Sunday (September 8) at our combined 10 AM service as we commission our Vision Team with the very sacred task of guiding us through the most important discernment process in this season of our life together. Amy Bulman Deborah Burke Becky Neal Melanie Folstad Stefanie Rardin Margaret Hilton Carl Schaeffer John Ross co-chair (Senior Warden) Penny Winder Sari Ateek co-chair (Rector) 3 Tom Kennedy

4 TALK TO ME ABOUT YOUR VISION. In addition to frequent reports and updates on vision process, members of the Vision Team will wear this creative button (designed by our very own Associate Rector, Sarah Lapenta-H) every Sunday during for the duration of the Vision Process to invite your questions, thoughts, and comments. Passages Deepening Your Spiritual Roots "Ifone member suffers, all suffer together with it; ifone member is honored, all rejoice together with it." 1 Cor. 12:26 This fall, in addition to weekly worship services, there are several opportunities to deepen your spiritual roots: All are welcome to join us anytime for Tuesday Centering Prayer, 7- (new day/time); Wednesday Bible study, 10:3011:30AM; Wednesday Spiritual Book discussion, 7-8 PM; an All Souls Day Labyrinth Walk (11/2, drop-in); and an Advent Quiet Day (12/14, dropin). Please see the calendar and Crossroads for more details, including contact information. Sarah+ We grieve the loss of Dr. Edwin Godshall who passed into the arms of his Savior last weekend at the age of 68. Ed was the Music Program Director at St. John s from 1981 to 2004 and was dear to many. He most recently served as the Music Director at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church in Toano, VA. Let us offer thanks to God for his life and ministry. Please contact the Office ifyou have a celebration, thanksgiving, sorrow, or other news to share with the Parish. 4

5 Renewal Sunday (9/8) for Sunday. There are only two meetings a year and wonderful fellowship with our members. Please contact Leslie Saltsman or lesliesaltsman[at]comcast.net for information, and we will train you on the job. Kay Titus We are looking forward to celebrating Renewal Sunday on September 8. Following the 10:00 AM combined service, Parish Life will provide our traditional BBQ lunch (provided by Urban BBQ!), sides, an ice cream sundae bar for dessert. For the kids, a moon bounce will be set up on the blacktop. As always, we will need plenty of helping hands to prep for and execute the event. Volunteers should contact Johnna Story (johnna.story[at]finnegan.com) or Sheila Teimourian (sheila.teimourian[at]gmail.com). Don't forget to wear green! Johnna Story for Parish Life Shepherd's Table News and Request Shepherd's Table is a nonprofit organization in Silver Spring which helps homeless and needy people by providing meals, social services, medical support, and other assistance. On the fourth Sunday of each month, St. John's provides and serves a complete meal at Shepherd s Table. Right now we need volunteers to provide ground beef, chopped green bell peppers, shredded cabbage, and shredded cheddar cheese, either once a quarter or more often. Volunteer cooks meet on Sunday mornings to prepare large pots of chili. At this time, the cooking teams are fully staffed, but substitutes are sometimes needed. Other volunteers bring the chili and other food to Shepherd's Table, finish preparing, and serve the meal. Substitutes are often needed, especially during the summer months. If you would like to volunteer for any of these jobs, please contact Colleen Parent (colleen_parent[at]yahoo.com). Margaret Hilton and Colleen Parent Stephen Minister Training We are proud to announce that five St. John s members have enrolled in the Stephen Ministry training program: Anne Derse, Anne Greigg, Toni Hartman, Pam Kempf, and Susan Little. In addition, Toni Hartman has been trained as a Stephen Leader in the weeklong course she completed in Pittsburg in August. Toni will serve a dual role as a Stephen Minister and will join the Stephen Leaders in teaching the fifty hours of classes required to become a Stephen Minister. Dorothy Hevey Parking as Care You Are Invited to Join The Altar Guild Where you park is one way to care for those in our community with physical limitations, small children, or who are visiting with us! To "care through parking," please help us preserve the labeled West Ave drop off zone, honor labeled handicap and senior parking spots, and if you are able, free up nearby parking for the 10 AM education hour and 11:15 AM service by parking farther away and walking a couple blocks. As simple as this may seem, maintaining accessible parking and our drop off zone are real gifts! Sarah+ The Altar Guild is looking for help, and you are invited to join us. Our mission is to take care of and help set Our Lord's Table. This caring duty asks that you sign up to serve approximately 12 time a year and for seasonal duty at Christmas and Easter. There are opportunities to help with funerals as well. We welcome newcomers to a quiet ministry. The time involved is not extreme and usually requires about 30 to 40 minutes after a service or one hour on Saturday in preparation 5

6 SAINT JOHN' S AT THE CROSSROADS Saint John s at the Crossroads (USPS ) is published weekly (except biweekly June August) by Saint John s Episcopal Church, Norwood Parish, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase MD ; telephone 301 / ; fax 301 / ; stjohnsnorwood.org. Periodicals postage paid at Suburban MD POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to SAINT JOHN S AT THE CROSSROADS, St. John s Church, 6701 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD Periodicals postage paid at Suburban MD Renewal Sunday, September 8, :00 AM 9:00-1:00 10:00 AM 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 4:45-6:30 5:00 PM 6:00 PM Simple, Spoken Holy Eucharist - St. Mary's Chapel Parish Library Open Children's Chapel - Hines Hall Bible Study - Library Combined Service Holy Eucharist - Nave Bible Study - Library Parish Library Open - Library Come As You Are Holy Eucharist - Nave Adoption Ministry - Lounge Monday, September 9, :30 PM EfM - Lounge Property Committee - Parish Hall Women's Book Group (Gutowski res.) Tuesday, September 10, :30 PM 4:00 PM 4-6 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:30 PM Church Staff - Rector's Office Primary Choir - Choir Room Parish Library Open - Library Children's Choir - Choir Room Centering Prayer - St. Mary's Chapel Alleluia Choir - Choir Room Assessing Mobility Enhancement Needs (AMEN!) -CANCELLED Finance Committee - Lounge R&W - Rector's Office Wednesday, September 11, :30 AM 12:00 PM 1-4 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Bible Study - Lounge Holy Eucharist and Healing - St. Mary's Chapel Librarian Is In - Library EfM - Lounge Spiritual Practices Book Club - Library Men's Book Club - (Offsite) Thursday, September 12, :00 PM 6:00 PM Norwood Ringers - Choir Room Stephen Minister Training - Lounge St. John's Choir - Choir Room Stephen Ministers - Library If you wish to be removed from the Saint John s mailing list, or no longer wish to receive the Saint John s at the Crossroads newsletter, please let the office know. The next Crossroads will be dated Sunday, Sept 1 5. Note: The editor and church staff reserve the right to determine the content of Crossroads and edit for grammar or length requirements. Final article drafts must be submitted to the Parish Office by the *Sunday* prior to publication date (above). One may articles to newsletter@stjohnsnorwood.org (with Crossroads in the subject line). Sending text in the body of the is preferred. Saturday, September 14, :00 AM Flower Guild planning meeting - Parish Hall Vestry Work Day - Lounge Sunday, September 15, 2013 Blessing of Ministries 8:00 AM Simple, Spoken Holy Eucharist - St. Mary's Chapel 9:00 AM Children's Chapel - Hines Hall 9:00 AM Holy Eucharist - Nave 9:00-1:00 Parish Library Open 10:00 AM Bible Study - Library Church School - Classrooms 10:10 AM Adult Forum - Parish Hall 11:15 AM Holy Eucharist - Lounge 12:15 PM Hospitality Hour - Parish Hall 4:45-6:30 Parish Library Open - Library 5:00 PM Come As You Are Holy Eucharist - Nave 5:30 PM Youth Group - Youth Room