ST. MARK S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH PROFILE

Transcription

1 ST. MARK S EPISCOPAL CHURCH PARISH PROFILE And he answered, You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. [Luke 10:27] 61 PAYNE AVENUE NORTH TONAWANDA, NY (716)

2 July 26, 2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome... Pg. 3 Mission Statement. Pg. 3 History... Pg. 3 Local Community.. Pg. 4 St. Mark s Community.. Pg. 4 Our Foundation Pg. 6 Parish Survey.. Pg. 6 Financial Stewardship... Pg. 7 Our Ministries Pg. 8 Our Vision... Pg. 9 Appendix A St. Mark s Parish Survey Results Pg. 11 2

3 Welcome to St. Mark s St. Mark s Episcopal Church of North Tonawanda is seeking a new part-time Rector. Our congregation invites you to learn about our church, our families and our historically rich community. Together we will continue to grow spiritually while celebrating our heritage. Mission Statement The mission of our parish is to hold up Jesus Christ as the Savior of all people. Our commitment is to our members and to the needs of the community and the world. We want to become a worshipping congregation that continues to grow and be involved. History The history of St. Mark s Episcopal Church begins as early as 1838, when a small group met in a little brick schoolhouse on the site of North Tonawanda s First Methodist Church. Since then, the generosity of the early parishioners donations and dedication has continued to contribute to the spiritual and material growth of the parish. The baptismal font and the carved eagle lectern from the early church are used today at our two Sunday services, emphasizing the family unity perpetuated at St. Mark s throughout its rich history. St. Mark s has also made numerous updates to the church building in order to better serve the needs of our parish and community. In 1990, eleven permanent classrooms were made for the Church School, and the Guild Room was refurbished to include a kitchenette. A couple of years later a new fellowship hall with an industrial kitchen was installed. This fellowship hall seats 240 persons, and is frequently used for our weekly coffee hour, other church events and community group meetings. A chapel, choir room and new bathrooms were also added. Other improvements have been made to make the church more accessible. Throughout our history, we at St. Mark s have been driven to share what the Lord has provided with those in the community, and we hope to continue in that tradition as we move forward. 3

4 Local Community St. Mark s is a spiritual magnet of the city of North Tonawanda. According to the 2013 census, the population of North Tonawanda was 31,097 with 14,757 households. The city boasts a large Polish- American community along with German-American, Italian-American and Austro-Hungarian communities. The median household income is approximately $46,000/year. North Tonawanda is a city in Niagara County that borders the historic Erie Canal. The city of North Tonawanda is a prime location for business and leisure. Our Historic District is currently being revitalized with new restaurants, business offices, stores and loft apartments. Webster Street, the primary historic business district has a booming night life and many interesting shops to browse during the day. The historic Riviera Theater features a Mighty Wurlitzer organ, and frequently presents musicals, concerts, movies and other special events. The North Tonawanda History Museum displays the importance of shipping and manufacturing in this area during the 19 th and 20 th centuries and showcases the rich history of North Tonawanda. Gateway Harbor is a popular public park that features free concerts, interesting restaurants and docks for boating. Residents of the Tonawandas hold an annual Canal Festival to celebrate their historic location on the Erie Canal, which is typically attended by more than 200,000 people. The Town of Wheatfield borders and shares a zip code with North Tonawanda. Wheatfield has a growing population that may provide St. Mark s with some growth opportunities in addition to North Tonawanda. St. Mark s Community Sing to the Lord, all the earth: Proclaim good tidings of His salvation from day to day. Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples. [1 Chronicles 16:23-24] We are a congregation that places significant value on our traditions and the comfort that comes along with familiarity, yet we want to learn new ways to express our faith and explore new ways to share our fellowship in the community. Along with many other churches, our congregation shares the growing urgency to attract people of all ages and talents to join our fellowship in Christ. When we gather together, faith in Jesus Christ and prayers for each other provide us comfort and strength to face difficulties when we leave our sanctuary. An average of 111 parishioners attend our Sunday services. Parishioners pray and touch the prayer shawls given to the sick, believing that our prayers and faith will heal those receiving the shawls. We participate through prayer in a Healing Service on the first Sunday of each month. About 8 parishioners participate in a weekly Wednesday Bible Study and Holy Eucharist. Music is essential to our worship at St. Mark's. The 8am service is a spoken service that has recently incorporated organ music and hymns. The music ministry, consisting of a 19-member choir and led by our talented music director and accomplished organist, provides depth and inspiration to our 10am service. Our service music has expanded in the past year to include a cantor and plainsong chant with hand bells. Prior to our Christmas Eve service, the choir leads our very receptive congregation in singing 4

5 well-known carols. While our congregation appreciates traditional organ music and hymns, suggestions for more contemporary music are happily considered to add variety and broaden our appeal. The people of St. Mark s are generous of heart and spirit. Each month we contribute to the local food pantry, and we lend other forms of support to families outside of our congregation throughout the year. Each year St. Mark's provides holiday meals to three families at Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This tradition has continued and has expanded to include other food items and gifts so they can enjoy the entire holiday season. St. Mark s has a very active Sunday school program that runs from September through May and culminates with a celebration of our children on F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely On God) Day, when our young members are responsible for the entire church service. Throughout the year our children participate in meaningful discussions and lessons as well as engage in a variety of service projects. Our Sunday school welcomes children of all ages and has five classes ranging from nursery-aged children all the way through seniors in high school. We currently have 22 students enrolled, which includes 13 children and 9 teenagers. There are many ways to join in the church family gatherings. Most of our parishioners are involved in one or more of the church s activities, ministry groups and fundraisers (see Our Ministries). Among our many fundraisers throughout the year is our Spring Salad Bar Luncheon, which is enjoyed by many local neighbors and local business employees as well as parishioners. Our young and energetic Church School Superintendent manages our February Theme Tray Auction. Beginning in the fall of 2014, a young man spearheaded the community 5K race through the streets of North Tonawanda. This is our newest ministry that engages active and progressive adults in our neighborhoods. St. Mark's is also successful due to the importance we place on fellowship and support for each other. Each summer, the congregation at St. Mark's gathers in Pine Woods Park to enjoy our church picnic. In the fall we work together to host a Fall Chicken BBQ. Many of our parishioners have been devoted members of St. Mark s for 40 years or more. Together we share a common goal of maintaining our family-oriented Christian atmosphere. Longstanding members and recent members all feel comfortable inviting others to join in an activity or ministry because we are all members in Christ. 5

6 Our Foundation Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. [BCP Pg. 232] Parish Survey In April 2015 an anonymous survey was conducted at a parish dinner (see Appendix A). The survey gave St. Mark s congregation an opportunity to voice their opinions on the organization, administration, liturgy and overall level of satisfaction with the church. Parishioners were also asked to share their wish list for future outreach and fellowship, as well as the most important qualities that should be present in the next rector at St. Mark s. Many parishioners who took the survey had positive things to say about the liturgy at St. Mark s. The most positive responses centered around the appreciation of the organ and choral music, the traditional liturgy, and the inspiring message of God s Word. Many appear to enjoy the structured nature of the liturgy, but are also grateful for the relaxed and comfortable feel of the service. Although some of the negative responses tended to focus on the length of the service and the inability to draw personal connections with the sermon, it is apparent that worship at St. Mark s is important part in the lives of its congregation. 69% of the respondents identified the community and people of St. Mark s as the most important quality of the church. Most respondents described the congregation at St. Mark s to be friendly, caring and welcoming to others. While most thought the congregation to be hard-working and dedicated, some felt that the top priority for improvement is increasing participation within the membership. As with other churches, the people at St. Mark s are concerned about its aging, shrinking population. This survey produced a large variety of suggestions to increase membership, fundraising and outreach. Children who responded to the survey indicated that they would be interested in participating in a Youth Group to give them more of a sense of involvement and belonging in the church. Virtually everyone who completed the survey agreed that an active and inspiring Rector at St. Mark s would play an important part in increasing church attendance and membership. A caring, approachable Rector, able to connect with parishioners of all age groups would be desirable. Many look forward to a Rector who is knowledgeable and well-spoken, and who respects the contributions and opinions of the congregation. The majority of our church favors a Rector who is moved by faith over one who has a superior knowledge of scripture. Almost all favor a relaxed liturgy over formality. We at St. Mark s believe in the spiritual bond that forms between the congregation and Rector through our joint service to God and His people, and we look forward to forming that bond with our next Rector. Financial Stewardship The vestry at St. Mark s would like to continue with a half-time Rector. We will work with the Rector to create a flexible schedule that meets his/her needs as well as the needs of our congregation. 6

7 St. Mark s 2015 budget is $172,000. It is sustained primarily from five sources. The majority of income is from pledge offerings, holiday offerings, memorials, fundraisers and plate offerings. Our biggest expenditures from the budget include capital improvements and repairs, payroll, and the Diocesan Fair Share. We anticipate a need to quickly replace our Wurlitzer theater-style organ due to needed extensive and costly repairs. Like many churches in our area, we have faced the challenge of declining enrollment and income. We have been constructive in keeping a budget on the positive side of the balance sheet, and our focus has been on maintaining the building and completing capital projects. We have a paid part-time Parish Administrator who publishes and prints our weekly Sunday bulletin, completes the financial monthly report and monitors the church voic and . A recent new member has become our Treasurer. She has experience in the field, and she helps to keep an eye on the spending, proposes necessary reforms, and guides our financial future. Our paid part-time sextons maintain the church building, while the grounds and parking lot are maintained by a contracted service. St. Mark s has also made a financial commitment to one of our own, Katie Smith, as she continues her seminary education. Katie has given us inspiring sermons and has officiated at Morning Prayer periodically during our transition period. We believe being financially responsible will allow for the potential growth of the church and help maintain a solid foundation on which to build. We remain a conservative spending church that avoids using investment monies. Through disciplined spending and working as a team, St. Mark s has remained strong financially and has not overextended itself with debt and other commitments. A Rector with some financial understanding would be a wonderful complement to our church. 7

8 Our Ministries The following activities draw us together as a church and community. As we gather together for study and fellowship, we grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us continue growing, to the Glory of God. Community Fellowship/Fundraising - Theme Tray Auction - Mother s Day Brunch - Spring Salad Bar Luncheon - Strawberry Festival - Fall Chicken BBQ - 5K Run/Walk - Flower/Plant Sale - Poinsettia/Wreath Sale - Script Gift Card Sale Ministries/Programs - Altar Guild - Choir - Bible Study - Church School Director and Staff - Vestry - Offering Counting Committee - Prayer Shawl Knitters - Ushers - Lay Readers - Eucharistic Ministers and Visitors - Chalice Bearers - Acolytes - Men s Club - Ladies Lunch Bunch - Pine Woods Park Church Picnic - F.R.O.G. (Fully Rely on God) Sunday - St. Mark s College Scholarship - Coffee Hour after Sunday Service - Bread Sunday (Donated bread delivered to shut-ins) Outreach Programs - Food Pantry Collection - AA Meetings - Valentine s Day Food Collection - Collecting food and gifts for local families for local food pantry during the holidays - Boy Scouts use of Fellowship Hall - Cookies and small gifts to Skilled Nursing - Caroling at DeGraff Hospital facility St. Mark s is a Christian family who prays together, celebrates and rejoices together, works and plays together, helps each other in times of need or distress, and reaches out to our community. 8

9 Our Vision May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. [Romans 15:13] We believe that St. Mark s has been called to be a place of worship where people can come to know the Lord in their own way, but also as part of a larger body. The traditional Episcopal liturgy can provide comfort and familiarity, yet it leaves room for the Holy Spirit to inspire a personal relationship with God. The doctrine of salvation through faith is powerful and can appeal to those who come from other denominations. The parish can realize this vision by generating excitement to be part of its membership. As we are told in 1 Chronicles, we are called to sing to the Lord and to tell others of his works and our salvation. Each week we pray that we may show others the power and glory of God through Jesus Christ. We look to connect with the immediate communities of the Tonawandas and with our larger region, and we look to offer greater opportunities for fellowship in many different aspects of life. We look to proclaim the joy and hope of our belief not just on Sundays, but at all times. A leader who is energetic, thoughtful, and engaging will help us to share the unity of our faith and fellowship within our congregation and with our neighbors. Our vision for the future is partly based on the strengths we remember from our past and the hope of finding new ministry pathways. At our Parish Survey Dinner, we consistently heard the need to re- start ministries such as holding Lenten fish dinners and having a St. Mark s booth at the Canal Fest of the Tonawandas. These fellowship activities would invite people of all ages and backgrounds to join in our family s faith and joy. Currently, we have begun plans to purchase a new organ that we hope will be the center of future contemporary and traditional concerts that will attract all generations. We can envision reaching out to a local church to provide a joint youth program that would inspire lifelong Christian family ties. To continue beyond high school years, we envision reaching out to ministries at local colleges and universities (i.e. Niagara County Community College and University at Buffalo). As a first step, we can initiate conversations with the chaplains or leaders of these college ministries. Inviting our neighborhood families for a free fellowship dinner and a movie would provide joint fellowship as well as increase our presence in our community. A new rector who can interact with other local churches and sister Episcopal churches will add new fellowship and outreach pathways for our congregation. Christ told Peter Feed my lambs, feed my sheep, and St. Mark s is seeking a shepherd to lead us in following the example of Christ. 9

10 O Lord, giver of life and source of freedom, we know that all we have received is from your hand. Gracious and loving God, You call us to be stewards of Your abundance, the caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. Help us to always use Your gifts wisely and teach us to share them generously. Send the Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing Your message to those we serve. May our faithful stewardship bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives. We pray with grateful hearts, In Jesus name. Amen. 10

11 APPENDIX A St. Mark's Parish Survey Results 2015 Collected/Compiled by St. Mark's Pastor Search Committee Scott Elliott (Chairperson) Jeff Trenchard (Vice Chairperson) Connie Turtle (Corresponding Secretary) Janette Phillips (Recording Secretary) John Kucharski (Chaplain) Leslie Kane Jim Maurer Pat Miller Peggy Thrasher The Rev. Judith Lee Diocesan Transition Consultant 11

12 Survey Dates: 4/25-26/2015 Compiled Survey Count: 73 Survey Age Survey Services Attended 6% 14% 15% 45% 35% % up 8:00 AM 10:00 AM 3 Words That Describe St. Mark's Service Positive Musical (23) Traditional (13) Uplifting/Inspiring (11) Relaxed/Comfortable (11) Fellowship (10) Structured/Formal (10) Informative/Meaningful (9) Peaceful/Reverent (7) Spiritual (6) Fulfilling/Healing (5) Convenient (1) Negative Long (11) Boring (8) Confusing (4) Uninspiring (4) Segregated (3) Unchanging (3) Sparse (2) St. Mark's Community Positive Adjectives Friendly Caring Family Helpful Generous Faithful Welcoming Hard-Working Dedicated Loving Warm Sociable Understanding Thoughtful Open-Minded Serious Reverent Long-Standing Committed Hospitable Fun Trusting Outgoing "Home-y" Negative Adjectives Doesn't Participate Segregated Clique Stubborn Too many bosses Stagnant Demographics Aging Not Diverse Caucasian Blue-Collar 12

13 St. Mark's Qualities 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% People Service Coffee Hour Sunday School Outreach 69% 21% 5% 4% 1% St. Mark's Qualities People (104) Friendly (21) Family (13) Caring (12) Helpful (10) Dedicated/Hard-Working (8) Generous (6) Welcoming (6) Open-Minded (6) Loyal (4) Loving (3) Social (3) Adaptable (2) Intimate (2) Kind Talented Dependable Diverse Energetic Cooperative Good People United Service (32) Music/Choir (14) Faithful/Spiritual (5) Fellowship (2) Healing Service Prayers of People Prays of Local Churches Informal Participation Consistent Comforting Attendance Beautiful Church Coffee Hour (8) Sunday School (5) Outreach (2) 13

14 St. Mark's Desired Improvements 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% More Tradition/Formal (4) Shorten Service (4) More Singing (4) Midweek Worship/More Services (3) More Casual/Contemporary More Varied Liturgies Tower Bells **Changes in Service Stations of the Cross New Organ More Lively Music Greeters in Narthex Kneeling End Church with Fr. at Rear Church Groups/Activites Wish List In-Church Ministries Youth Group Evening Spiritual Dev. Ladies Club Fellowship Dinners Bible Study Children's Choir Daytime Guild Glee Club Church Sports Outings Vacation Bible School Annual Dance Church Camp Invite Performing Groups/Speakers Bell Choir Monthly Sun. Breakfasts Bereavement Prayer Group Couples Fellowship Soup Kitchen Soc. for Christian Ethics Oktoberfest Men's Rosary Outreach Ministries Ministry to Shut-ins Feeding Ministry/Food Pantry Prison Ministry Collaborate with Area Businesses Fundraising Fish Fry Canal Fest 5k Run Theme Tray Granny's Attic Building Rental Support Groups Exercise Classes Boy/Girl Scouts Membership Ideas "Bring Friend to Church" Days Membership Drive 14

15 Care/Compassion Approachable "Down to Earth" Knowledgeable Well Spoken Dependable Charismatic Encouraging Involved Energetic Understanding Good Listener Cooperative Supportive Trusting Adaptable Confident Creative Prepared Hard-Working Thoughtful Funny Patient Impartial/Unbiased Humble Proactive Loving Passionate Decisive Helpful Dedicated Tolerant Administrator Leader Rector Preferences Knowledge Faith Relaxed Formal Traditional New Approach Cont. Music Trad. Music A B C D Desired Qualities in New Rector Desired Responsibilites of New Rector