2015 PARISH PROFILE SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH BIRMINGHAM, AL

Transcription

1 2015 PARISH PROFILE SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH BIRMINGHAM, AL

2 Contents Our Mission... 3 Our History... 4 Who We Are... 6 Our Worship... 7 Our Music... 8 Our Christian Formation... 9 Our Stewardship Our Outreach Our Parish Life Our Parish Demographics and Statistics Our Financial History Our Challenges Our Rector Our Future Our Community The Diocese of Alabama Appendix A: Results of Parish Survey Appendix B: Websites of Interest Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

3 Our Mission Saint Thomas is a loving, accepting community that seeks to follow Christ by teaching and proclaiming His love with compassion through worship, fellowship, hospitality and service. 3 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

4 Our History For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matthew 18:20) Beginnings In 1991, Bishop Bob Miller and the Diocesan Department of Parish Development decided to establish a new parish in the Altadena area of Birmingham because of the population growth in that area. The Reverend Ken Fields was hired to begin the parish. By October of that year, what had been an idea and a dream for the bishop became the reality of a worshipping community in Altadena Square. The parish was officially named Saint Thomas and admitted to the diocese at the Diocesan Convention in Because of our location, we soon began to refer to ourselves as Saint Thomas-by-the-liquor store. Such an identity publicized both our rather remote location and our ever-present sense of humor. Trinitarian Trailer to Permanent Building By 1994, we moved to the property that the diocese had bought on Acton Road, and life began anew. Changing our nickname to describe our changing circumstances, we began referring to ourselves as Saint Thomas-of-the-Trinitarian-Trailer. Our triple-wide trailer initially seemed spacious and wonderful, but we soon began to long for the permanence of a real building to call home. The Reverend Pat Wingo became our Rector in December 1996 and guided us as we planned for and watched our parish home being built in the front yard of our trailer. In the fall of 2000, we held a wonderful liturgy that included picking up the altar, chairs, and prayer books and processing across the uneven, dusty space to our new building. The liturgy saw us in jeans and t-shirts, ready for work. We then had a grand service of dedication for the building in October 2000, complete with Bishops Henry Parsley and Furman Stough, incense, and a mostly finished worship space. Expansion The parish continued to grow, and we found that our worship space was too small by the fall of Another capital funds campaign allowed us to double the size of our nave with room for more pews and chapel chairs for our choir. The expanded nave seats about 250 and is home to a beautiful Allen organ as well as a fine Yamaha grand piano. The first service was held on Easter Sunday, Just off the narthex is the Bishop Furman C. Stough Memorial Library, which houses his personal library. Offices for the Rector and Parish Administrator also adjoin the narthex. In the undercroft of the building are found Wingo Hall, a kitchen, Sunday school classrooms, choir room, and small offices for staff. 4 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

5 Recent History In January 2008, after serving Saint Thomas for 12 years, the Reverend Pat Wingo resigned as Rector to accept an appointment as Deployment Officer for the Diocese of Alabama. The Reverend Stephen McWhorter served as interim Rector for 15 months. From the fall of 2000 through the summer of 2013, the Reverend Rick Putman served Saint Thomas as Assisting Priest. He then was called to serve St. Matthew s Episcopal Church in Madison, Alabama as Associate Rector. After a lengthy search, the Reverend Charles Youngson was called from All Saints Episcopal Church in Homewood, Alabama. Father Charles began his tenure on Easter 2009 and was the Rector of Saint Thomas until September 2014, at which time he decided to return to All Saints. Currently, the Reverend Thomas Joyner is serving as interim Rector of St. Thomas. During this recent transition period, we have held three Core Values Workshops to define our core values, update our mission statement, and envision the future of St. Thomas. We also established the Calling Committee to begin the process of seeking a new rector. 5 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

6 Who We Are The vision of Saint Thomas is to love and serve the Lord with open hearts, open hands, and open doors. Saint Thomas is Committed to the spiritual growth of all who worship here. Worshiping in the beauty and traditions of the Episcopal Church, but embraces modern additions to the worship service. Creating a healthy and safe environment for our children and youth to grow their mind, body, and spirit. Devoted to a community rich in service towards others. Passionate about hospitality that creates a loving environment inside and outside the church. A church that values the talents and contributions of everyone. 6 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

7 Our Worship Our worship services on Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30 are Eucharistically centered. Our services use Holy Eucharist Rite II, except during Lent when Holy Eucharist Rite I is used. There is also a healing service of Holy Eucharist on Wednesday evenings. Special services are offered to follow the liturgical calendar, especially during Advent, Christmas, Lent and Holy Week. The Book of Common Prayer and the 1982 Hymnal are central to our worship at Saint Thomas. We are blessed to have talented singers and instrumentalists in all age groups who lead us well in worship. The laity takes an active role in worship, and many serve as lectors, intercessors, lay Eucharistic ministers, acolytes, altar guild members, and flower guild members. Sunday Mornings 8:15 Holy Eucharist with no music 9:15 Christian Formation 10:30 Holy Eucharist with music Wednesday Evenings 5:45 Supper 6:30 Healing Eucharist During the 10:30 service, children s liturgy provides children age three to second grade a time to participate in the liturgy at an age-appropriate level. Children process out of the nave during the Gloria, are led through the main elements of the liturgy in one of the classrooms, and return to the service to join their families during the offering. Saint Thomas welcomes children of all ages in the service, but realizes that some families prefer to worship without the distraction of caring for their young children. Our nursery serves children from infancy to age three on Sunday mornings. The nursery typically uses paid staff. 7 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

8 Our Music Music is an integral part of worship at Saint Thomas. Our adult choir is comprised of volunteers who sing nearly every Sunday (September through May), leading congregational singing of hymns and liturgy. They also prepare anthems for the 10:30 Eucharist, Christmas, Easter, and other special services. Instrumental and vocal solos are offered during the choir s summer vacation. Our music program is led by K. Lee Scott, a highly-regarded composer of church music with over 300 published works. He is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Our youth and junior choir for boys and girls in grades one and older sings on occasional Sundays, including service music, hymns, and a prepared anthem. They also perform with handbells on special occasions. The choir is affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, whereby members seek to acquire musical, liturgical, and membership skills. Choir members wear vestments and are awarded medals and ribbons for their accomplishments. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) 8 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

9 Our Christian Formation Christian formation opportunities are available for all ages at Saint Thomas. Sunday school is offered for children, youth, and adults between the two services on Sunday mornings. Other formation opportunities are also available for the different age groups during the week. Children For children age 3 to 5 th grade, we use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd approach to religious formation during our Sunday school hour. In this Montessori-based approach, children work with hands-on materials that help them explore a key Biblical passage or moment in the liturgy. In the summer, Saint Thomas offers an evening Vacation Bible School for children in the parish and the community. Youth Junior and senior high youth meet for a Sunday school class between the services, typically led by parishioners. The topics, length of course, and style of presentation vary throughout the year. We also have a strong EYC program that meets weekly, offering junior and senior high youth opportunities for discussion, activities, fellowship, and service. The EYC is active in outreach to the community and serving the parish. In 2012, Saint Thomas converted a separate building on the property to a space dedicated to the youth of the parish. Youth Sunday school and EYC typically take place in the Youth House. 9 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

10 Adults Adult Sunday school offerings are led by clergy or parishioners. Classes are offered on various topics throughout the year and can be short or long term. Saint Thomas also offers several opportunities to develop one s faith in small group settings during the week. There are currently two different men s Bible study groups, a women s Bible study group, and an Education for Ministry group that meet weekly. Other formation opportunities are offered during special seasons of the church year. Saint Thomas has traditionally offered a Lenten program, such as a group experience of the Stations of the Cross, a study on the use of prayer beads, or guest speakers from various local ministries. In 2014, Saint Thomas also offered a formation program during Advent, during which we decorated a Jesse Tree and reflected on the corresponding Biblical texts. These seasonal formation programs have been offered on Wednesday evenings. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:35) 10 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

11 Our Stewardship But he answered, It is written, One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4) Stewardship at Saint Thomas goes beyond simply writing a check each week. As care-takers of our church, we strive to utilize all of our talents so that we can holistically use and enjoy our gifts from God. Our parish is a pastoral sized church constantly looking for opportunities that will take us to where God may lead. Looking beyond the bread of our daily life to God s words, we are inspired to act as good shepherds and care-takers of our church, our community, and our parish throughout the entire year. Our Outreach Outreach is another area of importance at Saint Thomas and is conducted under the able leadership of our Deacon. The centerpiece of the parish s community outreach is called Love In Action, a program offered by the Saint Thomas Outreach Committee to encourage everyone to serve God by serving others. Twice a year, multiple opportunities are made available to volunteers of all ages and skills. Our Love In Action mission partners have included St. Anne s Home, a residential alcohol and drug addiction treatment facility located near downtown Birmingham; Trinity Commons, the Episcopal student center serving the Birmingham-area campus ministries; Birmingham Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where volunteers provided companionship to residents, visiting with them, having a conversation, reading and other personal interaction; Episcopal Place, a rent-subsidized independent living facility for low income seniors and adults with disabilities; and Ronald McDonald House, which provides an affordable and supportive home-away-from-home for sick or injured children and their families. 11 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

12 Other outreach at Saint Thomas includes: Support of Sawyerville Day Camp sponsored by the Youth Department and Black Belt Ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama serving economically disadvantaged minority youth Annual participation in Habitat for Humanity s Lenten Build Annual birthday party for residents of Episcopal Place, hosted by the ECW Deacon s Deli, filling brown bags with everything from food staples to school supplies depending on the need in the community at the time Hosting Alcoholics Anonymous groups three times a week Individual parishioners are involved in various other ministries serving our community. With MPower Ministries, parishioners help adult students improve reading skills, study for the GED, and prepare for the workplace. Trained parishioners serve with Kairos Prison Ministries to share the love of Jesus Christ with incarcerated men and women, and the parishioners provide baked cookies, decorated place mats, and prayer to assist with this program. Through an in-house ministry called Power Socks, hand-knit socks are sold to raise funds for individuals to pay their utility bills. Knitters of Saint Thomas also make hand-knit dolls for the organization Knitting for Peace, which gives the dolls to children in areas of conflict. Lastly, Saint Thomas supports the development of Bethany Village, an expansion of Camp McDowell that includes universally accessible cabins. Saint Thomas youth are active in community outreach. The youth regularly participate in Sunday Club, a mental health ministry sponsored by Birmingham s South Highland Church that provides Sunday meals and fellowship for the mentally ill living in nearby boarding and foster homes. In each of the last two years, the youth have spent MLK weekend in Tuskegee, Alabama, working with Alabama Rural Ministry s home repair ministry. The youth also participate in the parish-wide outreach events. SOME OF OUR MISSION PARTNERS St. Anne s Home addiction treatment facility * Birmingham Nursing & Rehabilitation * Trinity Commons Student Center for campus ministries * Ronald McDonald House * Kairos Prison Ministry * Episcopal Place independent living facility * Sawyerville Day Camp for disadvantaged youth * MPower Ministries adult education programs * Knitting for Peace * Greater Birmingham Ministries * Bethany Village of Camp McDowell * Habitat for Humanity * Alabama Rural Ministries * Sunday Club meal ministry 12 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

13 Our Parish Life Members of Saint Thomas value the relationships developed with other parishioners, and the church offers many opportunities to gather. We enjoy a hospitality time each Sunday after the 10:30 service, and a dinner on Wednesday evenings. Parish-wide special events are held throughout the year, such as a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Parish Retreat, Blessing of the Animals, and Fall Festival. In addition, the following groups meet monthly: Episcopal Church Women Men s Group Gathers for fellowship and spiritual nourishment through outreach and service to the parish. Men of the parish gather for dinner and a program at the church. Lunch Bunch Primarily composed of seniors, this groups meets at the church for lunch and a program. Soul Sisters Women of the parish gather for a fun dinner or activity. Saint Thomas also has many groups of parishioners that enable fellowship while serving the parish. A recently established group is the Garden Guild, which helps to maintain the beauty of our grounds. The parish has a Stewardship Committee, Outreach Committee, and Finance Committee which provide guidance in those particular areas of parish life. We have used different approaches to develop relationships within the parish, such as establishing supper clubs and hosting movie nights. Sometimes these programs are successful and last a long time; sometimes they are fun but short-lived. Formal pastoral care is typically provided by the rector or deacon of the church. Parishioners reach out to each other during times of need or celebration but there is not a formal process for identifying or responding to pastoral needs. There has been much discussion about formalizing a lay person pastoral care ministry to supplement the pastoral care provided by the rector and deacon, but one has not yet been implemented. 13 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

14 Our Parish Demographics and Statistics Baptized Members Communicants Others Who Are Active Average Sunday Attendance Age Distribution* Marital Status Distribution* Percentage Percentage Age % Married 61% Age % Single 32% Age % Widowed or Divorced 7% Age % Age % Age 71+ 9% *Based on active members who have reported this data Our Financial History Pledging Units Budgeted Tithes & Offerings $355,500 $364,500 $351,800 Actual Tithes & Offerings $384,544 $367,801 $329,840 Funds Received for Capital Projects* $97,252 $59,981 $26,417 Contributions & Grants for Outreach & Mission $30,543 $4,375 $21,715 Total Revenues $514,752 $433,430 $380,954 * These funds represent contributions under the 2012 Bridge the Gap campaign, a three-year project to reduce mortgage debt and provide funds for future capital needs. Note: As of February 1, 2015, the number of pledging units was 65 and year-to-date budgeted tithes and offerings for 2015 were $268, Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

15 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Galatians 5:14) Our Challenges Many wonderful things are happening at St. Thomas. As with any organization, we also face certain challenges. Some of our current challenges include: Limited financial resources Facility limitations, including space constraints and lack of accessibility Inconsistent attendance and under-utilized programs Little evangelism; failure to attract as many new families as we could Desire for different level/type of pastoral care Some ministries lack the needed volunteers and/or lay leadership 15 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

16 Our Rector Saint Thomas parishioners believe the next rector of the parish should be: One who can deliver engaging, thought-provoking sermons One who is approachable & friendly, able to foster a welcoming atmosphere One who can create a feeling of trust and purpose among members One who can minister to and counsel parishioners with comfort and compassion One who is an open-minded thinker and visionary leader One who will partner with vestry, staff, and lay leaders One who can lead the parish in discerning the best size for Saint Thomas and help the parish reach and maintain that size Our Future During the fall of 2014, Saint Thomas held three core value workshops to identify, among other things, areas of potential growth. They were determined to be: To expand our Christian Formation(s) for our children, adults and families with programs that are biblically based, thought-provoking, and inspirational. To expand our music ministry and worship options including various forms of traditional and contemporary formats that would appeal to a broad array of our community. To increase our membership, participation, and commitment in our worship and to our church for growth and stability. To open our church to the community while offering ministries that sponsor, support and serve such groups as the Boy Scouts, Trinity Hospital Chapel, and assorted programs for the elderly, among many others. To expand the physical accessibility of our church to assist those who have disabilities which inhibit or impede their mobility. 16 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

17 Our Community The City of Birmingham was founded in 1971 at the crossing of two railroad lines. Through the early 1900s, it became the South s foremost industrial center. Thanks to the abundant natural resources of coal, iron ore, and limestone, which are required for iron and steel production, Birmingham became known as the Magic City. Birmingham suffered during the depression and post war years, especially during the turbulent era of the 1960s and 1970s. Since that time, Birmingham has become a sophisticated city while retaining its southern charm. The growing influence and reputation of the University of Alabama at Birmingham during the mid 1970s began to usher in more affluence and education, which in turn has brought more cultural and recreational opportunities. The metropolitan area s seven universities and colleges, seven community/junior colleges, five degreegranting technical schools, three law schools, and the UAB medical, dental and other specialized schools employ nearly 20,000 persons. UAB Medical Center, covering 75 city blocks, is known worldwide for its research and patient care. Major cultural attractions include the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Alys Stephens Center, Abroms- Engel Institute for the Visual Arts, The Alabama Theater, McWane Science Center, Birmingham Museum of Art, Alabama Symphony Orchestra, Oak Mountain State Park, Birmingham Zoo, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, the Botanical Gardens, and more. The ridge known as Red Mountain is immediately south of downtown. The Over the Mountain area includes several suburban cities and also unincorporated areas of Jefferson and Shelby Counties. Saint Thomas is located in unincorporated Jefferson County in the Highway 280 corridor. We are near both The Colonnade development which includes shops, restaurants, and office space, and The Summit, a large outdoor shopping area with restaurants, a movie theater, and many types of shopping. Although we are a suburban church, we have the geographic diversity that might be found in a more urban setting. 17 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

18 The Diocese of Alabama THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE DIOCESE OF ALABAMA: A PROFILE The Diocese of Alabama is rooted and grounded in the mission of Jesus Christ. We see ourselves as a missionary people committed to spreading the gospel and sharing in the ministry of Jesus Christ for the reconciliation and healing of the world. The Diocese of Alabama is among 27 domestic diocese that showed growth in 2011 and The ACTS 2 Capital Funds Campaign raised over $6 million for ministry development and expansion throughout our diocese, including land for new parishes, a conference center chapel at Camp McDowell, Campus Ministry expansion at Montevallo, a communications staff member, and lay ministry certification program. The Diocese of Alabama was among 27 domestic dioceses that showed growth in 2011 and Currently the diocese has a baptized membership of over 28,000 parishioners and a growth trend is expected to continue well into the 21 st century as new urban/suburban parishes are being planned at a rate of one new parish every three years and the exploration of a Fresh Expressions ministry initiative in The Diocese of Alabama is Eucharistically centered. The sacrament of Holy Eucharist is the worship norm at the principal services of Sunday throughout the diocese. The 1979 Book of Common Prayer is the liturgical customary for the diocese and the 1982 Hymnal is universally in use and is supplemented with other hymnals such as the Alleluia III, Wonder, Love and Praise and Lift Every Voice. The diocese strongly supports the ordination and deployment of women and diverse persons. All baptized persons are regarded as ministers living out the baptismal covenant in the world. The diocese and the parishes are called to nourish and support the laity in their individual ministries in the family, the church and the world. The bishops and clergy support and encourage lay participation in the liturgical life of the parish as lectors, chalice administrators, Eucharistic ministers as well as music ministers. In 2000, the renewal of the ordained order of Deacons became a reality. Currently thirty-nine ordained deacons are serving in the Diocese of Alabama. Thirty-nine ordained deacons communicate the needs of the world to the church in the Diocese of Alabama. A fourth class of deacons will be ordained in the fall of The diocese has vigorously encouraged and supported local parishes in outreach ministry. The diocese has sought to address the underlying problems of hunger, unemployment, and racism with initiatives focused on the Black Belt area of the diocese, including the Sawyerville Day Camp and Jonathan Daniels pilgrimage. Over the years parish-based outreach has grown and is now extensive. Through its Department of Outreach and Mission, Parish Based Outreach Grants have been available to assist in the funding of local faith based initiatives in many of our parishes. Since 1969 the diocese has had a high commitment to the Companion Diocese Relationship Program and over these years has had a formal relationship with the Diocese of Namibia in Southern Africa, the Dioceses of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the Diocese of South Dakota in the United States. In 2006 a companion diocese relationship was established with the Episcopal Church in Haiti. Parishioners from Alabama have been extremely active in Haiti, providing hurricane relief, nutrition programs, construction projects, and most recently earthquake relief. A number of medical missions are planned for the coming year. 18 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

19 A major focus of formation and renewal within the diocese is the Cursillo movement. This lay-led movement was begun in the diocese in With the full support and A major focus of encouragement of the bishops, this program for spiritual renewal has formation and renewal reached into almost every parish. Small groups meet weekly for mutual within the diocese is the support and there are monthly gatherings on citywide or convocational Cursillo movement. levels for continued growth and sharing among participants. Kairos, an ecumenical weekend program for spiritual renewal within prisons has been a direct outreach of the diocesan Cursillo movement. In recent years, Kairos Outside, a program for spouses and families of those incarcerated, has also grown in the diocese. Lifelong faith formation is seen as an on-going process for all baptized Christians. The funding for two full time diocesan staff positions, Youth Ministries and Lifelong Formation Coordinators, illustrates the commitment to support the spiritual nourishment of individuals seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. A strong parish and diocesan-based Youth Ministry and more recently our YADA (Young Adults in the Diocese of Alabama) program provides a strong focus on formation for the next generation of leaders. Camp McDowell is known as the heart of the diocese and serves as host to summer camp, numerous retreats, conferences, workshops, educational and renewal opportunities to support people as they strive to live out the Baptismal Covenant. The leadership in the diocese seeks to take a collaborative stance in decision making. The Diocesan Council functions similarly to the way a vestry functions in relationship to the rector of a parish. It is a body which deliberates consults, guides and acts to assist the bishops in the nurture and extension of Christ s Church. Since 1981 the diocese has been funded by a voluntary program of giving rather than by assessments upon the parishes. While maintaining the standard of voluntary giving, beginning in 2001, the long-range goal calls for parishes with income of more than $150,000 to pledge 15% to the work of the Church through the diocese and parishes with income under $150,000 to pledge 10% to the diocese. Mindful of the importance of unity, the diocese has been a strong supporter of the ministries of the entire Episcopal Church and continues to exhibit this support through the acceptance and payment of the apportionment asked of us and participation at all levels. We assign this high priority to the budget of General Convention because of its missionary outreach both within the United States and around the entire Anglican Communion. At the same time the diocese strives to maintain the realistic growth of the salaries of its clergy and full time lay employees, along with the most recent benefits prescribed by the General Convention. The diocese has been a strong supporter of the entire Episcopal Church. In summary, the diocese of Alabama is, at its heart, a diocese centered in mission. We strive to live the Baptismal Covenant, to equip all of our people to do the work of God as we proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ. Our bedrock belief is that the Lord calls us to live the gospel of grace joyfully as we share life with all the Lord s creation. +John McKee Sloan Bishop of Alabama 19 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

20 Appendix A: Results of Parish Survey An online survey was developed so that members of Saint Thomas could provide input into the desired qualities of our next rector. Participants in the survey were asked to identify their top three choices for each of three sets of criteria. The results of the eighty-nine completed surveys are presented in the tables below. It is important to remember that parishioners were identifying the most important qualities for our next rector, not what is most valued by the parish. Desired Qualifications of Future Rector Supports strong music ministry Inspires parishioners to be good stewards Engages people at all stage of spiritual journey Fosters welcoming atmosphere Leads fulfilling worship Ministers to parishioners Enable parishioners to meet community needs Teaches Christian faith Delivers engaging sermons 17% 27% 34% 43% 21% 15% 22% 61% 78% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100% Desired Personal Characteristics of Future Rector Comfortable with all ages Committed to inclusiveness Able to share love of God Shows a sense of humor Approachable & friendly Role model of integrity Personal relationship with God Strong education Open-minded thinker 33% 38% 25% 34% 19% 26% 21% 46% 65% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Desired Leadership Skills of Future Rector Develops relationships in Diocese 4% Partner with vestry, staff and lay leaders 42% Communicates effectively 38% Develops lay leaders 26% Creates atmosphere of trust 65% Ability to manage parish business 21% Ability to oversee administrative tasks 28% Visionary leader 42% Leads parish in identifying priorities 29% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% 20 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

21 Appendix B: Websites of Interest The following websites may help you learn more about Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Alabama, the City of Birmingham, and some of the neighboring communities. Saint Thomas Episcopal Church stthomasepiscopal.net Diocese of Alabama dioala.org Camp McDowell of the Diocese of Alabama campmcdowell.dioala.org City of Birmingham birminghamal.org City of Vestavia Hills vhal.org City of Hoover hooveral.org 21 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)

22 SAINT THOMAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2870 Acton Road Birmingham, AL stthomasepiscopal.net 22 Profile of Saint Thomas Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL (2015)