Saint Andrew s Parish Profile

Transcription

1 HISTORY FORMATION UNITY MUSIC INCLUSION SOCIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE WORSHIP STEWARDSHIP OUTREACH FAITH u Saint Andrew s Parish Profile Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church INCLUSION HISTORY UNITY FORMATION MUSIC SOCIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE WORSHIP STEWARDSHIP OUTREACH FAITH

2 u Welcome to Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church, located in (west suburban Chicago). We are a congregation of about 535 parishioners searching for our first new Rector in 25 years. We hope our parish profile piques your interest in finding out more about us. O Gracious Father, God of our past, present and future: give us calm strength and patient wisdom as we search for a pastor for your people. Grant us the courage and understanding to bring forth a priest who will lead your flock, tend your sheep, and nurture us in word, sacrament and holiness of life; who will support our growth as a loving and sharing community. We ask this, seeking a discerning heart and awareness of your will, in Jesus name, Amen. u Table of Contents 1 Overview Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

3 u Overview A Welcoming Place St. Andrew s is a place of connection, spiritual substance, and belonging. Our church vibrates with energy, and also offers calm and contemplation, peace and support. Our life together is rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ and finds its strength in God s love as it is given to us in the Sacraments, in Holy Scripture, and in the traditions of the Episcopal Church. We are proud to be part of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago a vital community of over 40,000 parishioners in 124 congregations across northern Illinois. Through the work of parishes and missions, social outreach agencies and campus ministries, the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is devoted to three goals: Grow the Church. Form the faithful. Change the world. Liturgical life at St. Andrew s is based on the traditions of the Episcopal Church. We value the history and poetry of The Book of Common Prayer and The Hymnal Our wonderful adult and children s choirs fill our services with joyful music. Our peaceful sanctuary with its colorful stained glass windows provides a meaningful place where we can worship together. Our mission: The Lord said, Follow me and I will make you fishers of people. We, the Christian family of St. Andrew s Parish respond to this command through prayer, worship, proclamation of the Gospel, and the promotion of peace, love and justice. St. Andrew s is a vibrant and active church. Church membership is near 535, and average Sunday attendance is around 185. But numbers only tell part of our story. Our outreach programs support a wide range of community organizations, including a homeless shelter, a soup kitchen, a program to help provide support for people recently released from prison, and an orphanage in Mexico. Within our church we have a large number of active ministries, including our youth ministry, adult and children s choral programs, Daughters of the King, Brotherhood of St. Andrew, and Episcopal Church Women (ECW). Adult takes place through sermons, our Sunday morning adult forums, and a variety of midweek activities. Our Youth Ministry provides social and educational opportunities for the youth of our church. We have an annual mission trip that journeyed to the north side of Chicago in 2013 and to Trenton, New Jersey, to assist with Sandy relief in We have an active Sunday school program that is beginning a new curriculum this year. We witness our calling: To the Parish by reaching out to our Christian family through worship, religious education, and service. To the our scope of personal and direct commitment serving as directed by our personal beliefs and participation. To the World by fulfilling our responsibility to spread Christ s Gospel through indirect and active commitment. 3 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

4 u Over 130 Years of Service St. Andrew s Episcopal Church was founded in 1884 as Holy Trinity Mission. The Reverend Luther Pardee of the Cathedral Staff in Chicago was our first priest. Soon after, our congregation fell on hard times. A paper mill, the main employer in the Downers Grove area at the time, burned down causing a decline in the Mission s membership. As a result, the original little Mission building the church had been using was no longer needed. Members continued to conduct services in various locations such as homes and public halls. In 1895 the name of the Mission was changed to St. Andrew s Mission with the Reverend John C. Sage as priest-in-charge. By 1896 the financial condition of the Mission had improved, and a parcel of land was purchased for the building of a new church. The new church building was completed in October 1897 and was consecrated in In 1945 St. Andrew s Church achieved parish status. The first parish meeting was held in February 1945, and the Reverend Hugh M. MacWhorter was elected as the first Rector. In the 1950s St. Andrew s experienced considerable growth in congregational size. A larger church was needed due to the growth combined with lack of Sunday School space. Ground for the new church was broken in November The new church, our present building, was dedicated on St. Andrew s Day in 1959 (the Parish Hall was constructed in 1955). In 1971 St. Andrew s church was consecrated, and a new rectory was completed. During this incredible period of change, the first woman to serve on the vestry, Pauline Wandschneider, was elected in For the next 20 years St. Andrew s remained an integral part of the Downers Grove community. In 1988 The Rev. James B. Leswing became rector of St. Andrew s, serving until his retirement in By 2000 St. Andrew s had continued to expand in size. The old Parish Hall was too small and outdated to accommodate the needs of the congregation. Additionally, space was needed for expanded formation classrooms, meeting space, and a nursery in order to attract more growing families to St. Andrew s. In May 2000 planning began on the construction of an addition to house these new facilities. This project was completed in 2005, significantly enlarging and modernizing our facilities. Under the leadership of Fr. Leswing the last two decades have been very stable ones for St. Andrew s. We have continued to demonstrate our commitment to our community through expanded outreach, and our commitment to our faith and each other through active church life and worship. We are embracing this opportunity for change and growth brought about by the retirement of Fr. Leswing, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives that the new Rector will bring. 4 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

5 u Steeped in Tradition at St. Andrew s is centered in the Eucharist and The Book of Common Prayer. We hold two services every Sunday 8:00 am (average attendance 40) and 10:00 am (average attendance 145). Our 8:00 am service is Holy Eucharist Rite I without music and is quiet and reflective. The 10:00 am service is Holy Eucharist Rite II and includes music from our church choir. Each Wednesday and Thursday morning, Eucharist is celebrated in our chapel. We also have a weekly Morning Prayer service on Saturdays led by lay individuals. Coffee hour follows Sunday worship services and is a time of fellowship, connection, laughter, and conversation. During Advent we hold a Service of Advent Lessons and Carols, along with a Jesse Tree service that focuses on our younger members. On Christmas Eve we have two services: an early service for families and children, and a late service featuring our Parish Choir. The Lenten season is filled with weekly mid-week soup dinners and education sessions to help explore Lenten themes and to follow the journey that Jesus walked. During Holy Week we have a service of Tenebrae on Wednesday, the washing of the feet and stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday (followed by a chapel watch until midnight), two Good Friday services, an Easter Vigil on Saturday night, and our Easter Sunday services. Our services include significant participation by our congregation, both young and old. We have a strong acolyte program that has participation from our youth of all ages. Our Lay Eucharistic Ministers (LEMs) participate in every service on a rotating basis to lead the congregation in prayer, read lessons assigned for that day, and administer the cup. The LEMs also conduct weekly Sunday morning services at Burgess Square, a local nursing home. The Altar Guild prepares the chancel and sanctuary for all Sunday and other special services, including funerals and weddings. We have regular opportunities for our youth to participate in church services. Our youth church choirs sing during a number of services during the year. Services also include regular youthfocused sermons throughout the year. The Parish Choir is led by Kathy Nazzarini, director, Jim Hoover, organist, and over 20 parishioners. They fill the 10 am service with beautiful music that enlightens the congregation, and they also sing at special services throughout the year. Our Youth Choirs include the Angel Choir for children in preschool through kindergarten, and the regular Youth Choir for grades 1-8. Both are organized and conducted by Christina Stansbury. The Youth Choir sings at the 10 am service along with the Parish Choir five times per year and leads the music at the children s service on Christmas Eve. The music ministry at St. Andrew s is active beyond church services. The Parish Choir has performed in multiple Music Series concerts at St. James Cathedral, as well as in shared concerts with other church denominations in Downers Grove and Wheaton. They have brought music programs to retirement homes and the historical society, and even taped services for WGN TV. The Youth Choir has participated in the Treble Choir Festival at St. James Cathedral and has sung programs for the elderly. 5 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

6 u Quick Facts and Figures Most recent membership: 536 One year earlier: 536 Two years earlier: 535 Most recent new members: 9 One year earlier: 7 Two years earlier: 27 Average Sunday attendance: 185 One year earlier: 196 Two years earlier: 217 Number of households: 224 Average household size: 2-3 Average household income: $100,000+ Average member s tenure: 10+ years Members with college degree: 78% 5% 9% 11% 36% 14% 25% Ministry Activity Annual Budget 2013 Expense Category Amount % of Budget $195, % $135, % Hospitality $75, % Christian Education $63, % Pastoral Care $50, % Inreach/Fellowship $29, % Total Ministry Activities $548, % 6 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

7 u Committed to Lifelong Christian Education In recognition that all Christians should be lifelong learners, St. Andrew s offers several opportunities for youth and adult learning. Youth Youth formation is our ministry for young parishioners and begins at 9:15 am every Sunday. There are approximately 50 youth from the ages of 4-18 that participate in the program. St. Andrew s has implemented a new curriculum this year for all ages and will be evaluating it throughout the year. Youth formation is divided into four groups. Holy Moly (Preschool through 3rd grade): Class begins with music directed by Chris Stansbury, followed by a worship service in our chapel. The group then moves to a classroom to watch a video together and then splits into smaller groups based on age to explore the Bible story and to complete hands-on projects. All children then join their families in the church at the 10 am service prior to the Eucharist. Connect (Grades 4-5) and Re:Form (Grades 6-8) meet in their respective groups in our undercroft at 9:15 am for videos, Bible exploration, hands-on projects, and group discussion about our faith. These groups then join their families for the 10 am service. High School (Grades 9-12) gather in our undercroft at 9:15 am for Bible study using the NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible. Youth Group is offered to both junior high and high school ages. There are about 10 children involved in each age level. The leader engages the youth in social activities, including movies, sports, and games. The youth group also goes on an annual mission trip to provide care and comfort for those in need. Past trips have included helping Chicago s homeless, providing disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina, and helping to build and maintain infrastructure in impoverished areas, both domestically and internationally. Adult The Adult Forum occurs every Sunday between the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services. The program begins at the same time as youth formation so parents can be involved in fellowship and learning experiences while their children are also learning with their peers. The program offers an opportunity for parishioners to explore their faith and its effects on daily life. These sessions are organized and led by members of the church. Weekly Bible study on Thursdays, other midweek programs, and retreats fill out adult formation activities. 7 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

8 u Lending a Loving Hand St. Andrew s has a very active ministry involving our community, as well as international relief efforts. At any time during the year our parishioners can be seen volunteering at a homeless shelter, providing food and cooking for a soup kitchen, or knitting blankets for newborns at a hospital. As our former priest would say, St. Andrew s parishioners enjoy having our hands and feet where our money is sent. is a ministry on which we pride ourselves, and we demonstrate our pride by keeping busy helping anywhere we are needed! Blood Drive: We work with a local Catholic church quarterly to facilitate a blood drive. We volunteer at the event and encourage parishioners to donate. ReVive Center (formerly Cathedral Shelter): St. Andrew s parishioners purchase food and gifts at Christmas time for needy families. Every year we have received the generous support of our members to assist all the families on the list sent to us by the ReVive Center. Casa Hogar de la Familia (Mexican Home/School for children): St. Andrew s raises money to assist the youth and families that live in this facility in Puebla, Mexico. There is a bowl for change weekly at the children s coffee hour table. Fundraising events, including our Mexican fiesta dinner, occur throughout the year. This year the dinner raised $8,000 which was partially used to help the facility purchase a van. In 2015 the church mission trip will be to Casa Hogar. Adult Day Care (Senior Adults): Volunteers serve on the governing board, and St. Andrew s provides monetary support as a founding member. CROP (Walk for Hunger): For many years St. Andrew s has helped raise thousands of dollars by pledging support to our CROP walkers for relief to local, national, and international hunger. DuPage PADS (homeless shelter): St. Andrew s parishioners participate in the staffing and meal preparation for local PADS facilities a few times each year. Parishioners are also encouraged to bring in hygiene supplies to donate to the clients. Food for FISH: Food is collected and presented along with the offering every Sunday. These items are taken to the local FISH food pantry. Heifer Project International: One Sunday a year has been named Heifer Sunday. During the weeks prior to Heifer Sunday the children of the parish work on songs, masks, and raising money and awareness for Heifer International. Thanksgiving Dinner: For over 25 years St. Andrew s has served an open Thanksgiving Dinner for all members of the west suburban community. All are welcome to join in praising God and giving thanks during this special holiday. 8 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

9 u Lending a Loving Hand (cont.) St. Leonard s House (for male ex-offenders in Chicago): St. Andrew s collects hygiene supplies and clothing, and has occasional events such as cookouts to assist and encourage the residents in their transition. Each August the Brotherhood of St. Andrew hosts a lobster dinner, with proceeds benefiting St. Leonard s House. Sandwich Board: St. Andrew s assists once a month at Trinity Church in Aurora, Illinois, by preparing and serving a meal to those in need. Sandwich Board has been part of the St. Andrew s outreach efforts for over 25 years. Parishioners are given the opportunity to provide food items from a preselected menu, and volunteers then prepare and serve lunch after Eucharist on our assigned day. Burgess Square (nursing home): For over 40 years our Lay Eucharistic Ministers have provided weekly Sunday Morning Prayer to nursing home residents and provide communion on a monthly basis. In addition to the above agencies we assist on a regular basis, we also serve the following agencies either in person and/or financially: Camp Chicago (diocesan youth camp) Episcopal Relief & Development Family Shelter Services (shelter for women & children in crisis) Green improvement efforts Grace House (for female ex-offenders) Hope s Front Door (formerly Walk-in Ministry of Hope) Kairos prison ministry Lawrence Hall (ministry to at risk youth) Love, Inc (financial ministry) Meals for Veterans Home Oak Tree Towers (Senior Residence) St. Mary s Food Pantry SAMS (Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders) Stroger Hospital (assistance & supplies for new mothers) UTO (United Thank Offering) Millennium Development Goals, including malaria nets, fresh water wells, and school uniforms St. Andrew s parishioners are always ready to roll up their sleeves to assist those in need! 9 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

10 u Where We Call Home Downers Grove is a truly wonderful place to live and work. Located 25 miles west of Chicago s Loop, Downers Grove is home to 50,000 residents, with a great mix of families and singles who enjoy all the amenities of a bustling Chicago suburb combined with a small-town feel. Founded in 1832 by Pierce Downer, a religious evangelist from Wampsville, New York, Downers Grove has evolved and grown into one of Chicago s most family-friendly suburbs. The community continually receives high marks for its safe neighborhoods, exceptional schools, abundant recreational options, varietal housing, sustainable environmental practices, excellent healthcare facilities, and a wide range of community events. Downers Grove has been recognized and ranked in many important respects: Top 10 Livable Cities for Kids #2 (Livability.com) May 2014 Most Exciting Cities in Illinois #10 (Movoto Real Estate) April 2014 Best Cities in Illinois #8 (Movoto Real Estate) April 2014 Top Transit #7 (DePaul s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development) July 2013 America s Friendliest Towns #8 (Forbes) December 2012 Best Place for Healthy Retirement #5 (CNN Money) September 2012 Home to many unique boutique shops, dining establishments, movie theaters, and community events, downtown Downers Grove is a great shopping and dining destination due to its location and variety. Additionally, the downtown public library was recently renovated with modern technology and expanded meeting spaces. Conveniently located near major interstates and a short drive to both major airports (O Hare and Midway), Downers Grove is served by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line (Metra). With three train stations and several express train options during the morning and evening rush hours, commuters enjoy a quick trip to Chicago s Union Station. Downers Grove is home to 12 public elementary schools, two public middle schools, and two public high schools (Downers Grove North High School and Downers Grove South High School). Downers Grove is also the home of Midwestern University, which trains osteopathic physicians and surgeons, physician s assistants, pharmacists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and dentists. Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, a large medical facility with an outstanding medical staff, is also located in Downers Grove. St. Andrew s is situated in Downers Grove s historic district, which is just a short walk from the downtown area. Nestled among old-growth trees and brick-paved streets, St. Andrew s provides an idyllic setting for worship in a wonderful community that most of our parishioners call home. 10 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

11 u Focused on the Future As St. Andrew s looks to grow our church community, there are several areas of opportunity that will likely become primary points of focus for our new rector. Some of these opportunities were highlighted and expressed through our recent Church Assessment Tool (CAT survey) that was completed by 186 members, as well as small-group sessions conducted with volunteers from the parish. Although parishioners on the whole are very satisfied with life at St. Andrew s, there are opportunities to introduce positive changes that will enable our church community to evolve and grow to meet the changing needs of today s Christians. Recommended areas of focus include: Expanding opportunities for ministry within the parish and encouraging all members to actively engage in outreach activities. Seeking additional opportunities to form meaningful relationships with fellow parishioners. Increasing our church attendance at weekly services. We are excited to welcome a new rector who can motivate, guide, lead, and help us shape the future of spiritual life at St. Andrew s. Clarifying our core identity and mission to simply communicate who we are as a parish community. Enhancing our opportunities to provide Christian formation and spiritual formation at every stage of life. Attracting new families with children and youth to ensure the ongoing mission and future of our church. 11 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

12 u Our The Reverend John C. Fleming, Interim Rector Father Jack Fleming was the Rector for 13 years at St. Timothy s, Creve Coeur in the Diocese of Missouri. Father Fleming served for many years as a Roman Catholic priest (Vatican II), working in education as an inner city high school principal, then Vice- President and Dean at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. After a period of discernment and decisions, he was received as an Episcopal priest by Missouri Bishop Hays Rockwell. The Reverend Thomas G. Craighead, Deacon Ordained in 2012, Deacon Tom is a longtime member of St. Andrew s. He recently served on the Bishop s Task Force for the Diaconate to review the role and calling of deacons in the diocese. In addition to completing three years of Diocesan for the Diaconate, Tom served a chaplaincy internship (CPE) at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downer s Grove. Jennifer Robbins, Parish Administrator Jennifer became an active member of St. Andrew s in She has served on Vestry and as ECW President three times before coming to work in the Parish Office, now 25 years ago. She likens her job to being an air traffic controller, everyday is full of incoming surprises and challenges. She feels privileged to share all the hopes, joys, and sorrows of her Parish Family and knows from firsthand experience what a loving, supportive community it is. Kathryn Nazzarini, Parish Music Director A parishioner since 1973, Kathy was named the Parish Choir Director in Her role expanded to that of Parish Director of Music in Kathy has served on numerous vestry committees, produced multiple musical fundraisers for the church and is currently codirectress of the Altar Guild. She has previously served on the Music Commission for the Diocese of Chicago. She studied voice, piano, and cello, and earned both her Bachelor s and Master s degrees in Voice Performance at the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati. James Hoover, Organist An active parishioner at St. Andrew s since coming to Downers Grove in 1978 as an academic and reference book editor at InterVarsity Press, Jim assumed the role of parish organist in Prior to moving to Illinois, he served eight years as a campus staff member for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in New England and earned an MDiv degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Jim is a LEM and frequent leader of adult formation activities. Christina Stansbury, Youth Music Director Chris began teaching in Norfolk, Virginia, as a vocal/general music teacher, with a BMus Ed degree from Illinois State University. She taught music in River Forest, Illinois, until the birth of her three children. She returned to teaching music in Hinsdale and went on to receive her MEd degree from National Louis University. She is a trained Musik Garten instructor and has taught classes for infants, toddlers, and children at the Hinsdale Center for the Arts. Anna Zahn, Youth Minister Anna grew up in Downers Grove and attended North Central College in Naperville during which time she started attending St. Andrew s. She is currently teaching Geometry and Algebra II at Geneva High School where she has been teaching since She is also currently pursuing a masters in math from Aurora University. Anna has been the youth minister at St. Andrew s since Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

13 u Our Call Are You Our Next Rector? We seek to call a priest who is grounded in vital and growing Christian faith. We expect the new rector will not only share but will also model that faith for us through meaningful worship, formation programs, and leadership. We look to our next rector to help us help thrive by demonstrating: An ability to inspire, challenge, and connect with all members of the parish A gift for preaching that feeds our minds and hearts as we take God s message outside our building An ability to succinctly define a vision and lead us to strategically realize it Solid experience with congregational growth and change management Genuine compassion to listen and provide comfort to parishioners in times of trouble, illness, and loss A willingness to reach out and interact meaningfully with individuals and organizations in the community Our search process is led by the Holy Spirit. We are looking for a rector who loves ministry and shares enthusiasm freely; who can encourage, affirm, and invite others to active ministry; and who will celebrate the Holy Eucharist and preach with a sense of joy and hope, consistently connecting and reconnecting with the mind and heart that was in Christ Jesus. A plan for comprehensive formation programs that address the Christian education needs of all ages 13 Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church

14 HISTORY FORMATION UNITY MUSIC INCLUSION SOCIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE WORSHIP STEWARDSHIP OUTREACH FAITH Saint Andrew s Episcopal Church INCLUSION HISTORY UNITY FORMATION MUSIC SOCIAL COMMUNITY SERVICE WORSHIP STEWARDSHIP OUTREACH FAITH