All Saints Appreciative Inquiry Process As part of the transition process after Tom Barrington left, our diocesan consultant, Cynthia Hubbard, came to All Saints to conduct an Appreciative Inquiry session. Appreciative Inquiry is the process the diocese now uses to help parishes in transition get a sense of where they want to be headed and what type of clergy would be a good fit for them. This replaces the Profile process which had been used for many years. Some advantages of the new process are that it takes considerably less time and effort and it focuses on the future rather than on the past. To gather input for the Appreciative Inquiry process, Cynthia met with all interested parishioners in the parish hall after the service on January 15. She asked each table group to discuss and answer several questions, with one person from each table writing down what was said for later sharing with the larger group. The different responses were recorded and there was time for the entire group to discuss what had been said. The questions asked were: 1) What was your best experience at All Saints? 2) What values are embodied in the parish? 3) What is the core value of the parish? 4) What would be your three wishes for All Saints going forward? Cynthia then took the recorded responses with her to review and analyze then. After several weeks she sent us a document with the raw responses as well as her summary of what the responses meant. By the time we received Cynthia s summary, we had already called a priest in charge so we did not need to use the data from this process to inform our search. But the leadership did want to understand and use the data so we decided to make it a focus of our discussions at the vestry retreat on April 27 & 28. Prior to the retreat, the wardens reviewed the data and identified six themes that stood out. Bill, our priest in charge, had recently been trained in the Appreciative Inquiry Process and he was an invaluable resource during the discussions. As the vestry began discussing the data on the vestry retreat, two more themes came out. The resultant list of eight themes follows: 1. Community 2. Inclusiveness / Welcoming 3. Fellowship / Participation 4. Worship 5. Music 6. Spiritual Growth 7. Leadership Development 8. Youth Programs
Out of the eight themes we had identified, the vestry then chose two, Leadership Development and Spiritual Growth, for in depth discussion during the retreat. During our discussions, we identified concrete actions we could take to improve parish life in those two areas and we are implementing those actions. The final step in the process is to make this summary document available to the parish and to schedule a time when parishioners can discuss it with the leadership. Results Some of the insights that resulted from this process are: Many peak experiences revolved around the fellowship of working together and finding common interests/passions together -- such things as being in a woman s group, singing in the choir, renovating the parish hall, the Angel tree project, various community projects and being involved in various committees, including the search committee and the Vestry. Particular liturgical experiences also were mentioned: singing in the choir, particular sermons, weddings, funerals, confirmation. People spoke of the breadth of ideas and broad mindedness at All Saints, the expansiveness of the theology presented versus the fundamentalist view, that this is a place to get grounded for the coming week and stay connected with God. People value this variety of points of view within a common purpose, that there is a strong sense of family in which everyone is included. People feel loved, wanted and needed and this sense of belonging, support and connection helps them through difficult times. Inclusiveness was mentioned several times. All Saints is a place where diverse backgrounds come together and share in peace. As for the future, people hope that the church will continue to be inclusive and maintain its core values. People would like to see a greater level of involvement in various aspects of church life with an active middle and high school program. There is always the hope for more people in attendance, increased membership and greater financial stability.
Themes Each of the eight themes previously identified is listed below along with the raw input responses that relate to it. Community o Finding friendship in a woman's group within the church during a time of crisis o The baptism of my son. o being confirmed with son; o involvement with people; o feeling of love in the church; o people s responsiveness during serious illness; o married during Sunday morning service, o watching children grow up in parish, o dedication of piano, o raising family here and support for self and family. o Mentoring. o Good place to come and get grounded for the coming week. o lots of friends within congregation, relationship with Tom Barrington. o social aspects, brotherhood o Stability o Everyone is here for everyone o Social connection o Feeling of extended family and of belonging o Anchor with a sense of community o A feeling of family a family in and of faith. o A feeling of community a community of faith. 3X o sense of community/fellowship; o feeling loved, wanted, needed; o friendship o faith life, supportive individuals, families Inclusiveness/Welcoming o Was researching different Churches in the area and when attended ASC, immediately felt included o Willingness to adapt the Eucharist for gluten intolerance so communion could be received o Rev Tom blessing son s toy tiger during service; made the child feel valued and welcomed o welcome by rector as newcomers; o Wide variety of points of view but there is a common purpose o Statement of inclusion o Openness to new things; o acceptance of diverse people; o feeling accepted - approval - affirmation - sense of belonging o consistent, sane place, representing unconditional acceptance o sharing one common bond dispite our differences o be able to mix conservative and liberal values together
Fellowship/Participation o Many of the participant's best experience was associated with parish community projects that brought together diverse collections of parishioners who were passionate about that project (e.g.: the Parish Hall renovation, major light bulb replacement (energy efficiency) effort, facility cleanup days, the Gingerbread village). o Participation in the choir, especially when collaborating with other choirs from other congregations o Demolition project for Parish Hall Renovation o Teaching Sunday School o Participating in West Virginia Workcamp to build/reconstruct houses for those in need o Renovating the Parish Hall; many people working together to meet a goal o Volunteering for the thrift shop o Involvement in implementing the Godly Play program for ages 3 through 2 nd grade o Being a member on vestry or other committees and getting involved. o bells; o involvement in search process, o winter weekend, o shed painting contributing and connecting experience o people s involvement in life of the church; o youth participation; o children s presence and participation o Strong Outreach Programs Worship o My first Easter as an adult the shared spiritual experience o The continuing reflectiveness of the 8 AM service o Being able to receive communion each week o Breadth of service. o Helps to stay connected to God. Highs and lows in personal life - get boost from worship service. o Global: Barbara Harris Camp and the worship there o service changes with seasons o rituals of the service o comfort and familiarity of the rite and rituals Music o Singing in the choir In music God is glorified. o The first service with the new organ o The first Christmas with the new organ o working with kids and music at All Saints'. o ongoing tradition of Lessons and Carols o music program when singing or playing o music Spiritual Growth o Church sponsored Refugee from Chile program which had a direct influence in personal life o Listening to a sermon given by a guest speaker many years ago; different point of view was eyeopening
o Church school, adult education, or a particularly well crafted sermon were also a common responses, either from the perspective of teaching or being taught. o ministry exploration o Amy's adult education, o Prayer as First Resort, o forums; o Connection to the Almighty o living out of baptismal vows; o Bible Study very important Leadership Development o Easter Vigil; film and discussion which generated confidence to take on leadership roles o Joining choir and getting to know many church leaders there o Encourage and initiate more active participation in programs that are understaffed o Younger people stepping up to leadership o Church has been a leader in Town\ o Challenge for whole parish to get tied together - some unifying project Youth Programs o Teaching Sunday School, primary level and with high school youth o Increasing youth participation o Care and development of children and youth o Leadership and a program for High School - Youth Group o The church needs to be more child/youth friendly. Kids should be excited to go to Sunday school and participate in other church programs. Young adults should want to go to Youth Group, and should feel their opinions are heard, respected, and valued in the church o Resurgence of youth activities o Youth ministry, finance, budget - greater resources needed to do what we want to do
Vestry Retreat Discussions We began with the following list of major themes culled from our recent Appreciative Inquiry. Themes that were culled from Cynthia s analysis of the Appreciative inquiry results: o Community o Inclusiveness / Welcoming o Fellowship / Participation o Worship o Music o Spiritual Growth Themes we added during the vestry retreat: o Leadership Development o Youth Programs Out of this set of themes, we focused our discussions on two: Leadership Development and Spiritual Growth. Following are the major takeaways that were distilled down from our discussions. Leadership Development: What will our Parish look like when we ve succeed in fostering Leadership Development? o More people doing smaller things o More followers (doers) o A bigger set of folks making announcements! o A sense of vitality in our church o An expansion of Outreach activity o More people now empowered to be creative o Arcane knowledge of how ministries work (esp. logistics) will be written down and distributed to encourage other leaders to step up o When new people step up, small commitments beget larger commitments! o Active mentorship happening at all levels What are concrete actions we can take to foster Leadership Development at All Saints? o Appreciate and support our leaders! Stay in contact with functional areas and ministries so we re in tune with needs before they become critical. Provide a vestry contact for them [Dave] Mention specific ministries during the Prayers of the People [Bill] o Nurture both leaders and followers and help them to recognize their aptitude [Vestry] Encourage mentoring Tap people for a specific task, rather than an abstract area or a committee Encourage leaders to reach out continually to their doers and potential doers Consider whether activities should come from leaders or from commissions perhaps better to implement smaller, simplified commissions that can collaborate and pool resources? Understand if we re relying too much on lay leadership vs. paid staff in some areas (e.g. rental coordinator, youth minister) Should we restart our time and talent pool? If we do, it s critical to follow up with people, at least to acknowledge their offers of time and talent.
Recognize that some parishioners are here just to worship and will not feel called to do or contribute more o Publicize our ministries and educate people about them. [Vestry] Construct a bulletin board in a visible area (like the Narthex) with major ministries represented visibily and details presented Remember why we do ministries and other activities: To be a part of something larger than ourselves keep in mind our commitment as citizens of the larger world community To help our parishioners grow as Christians o Seek to make all our activities more relational! [Vestry] Spiritual Growth: What will our Parish look like when we ve succeeded in fostering Spiritual Growth? o Growth of the Parish o People talking about Jesus! o More and more varied services o People will see God at work in their lives o People will feel more comfortable sharing their hurts and hopes with each other and they will know that they have the spiritual resources to buoy them up in times of pain and loss and adversity o People will view All Saints as a place to come together and receive the spiritual resources they need in their lives we need nourishment not just when we re starving! What are concrete actions we can take to foster Spiritual Growth at All Saints? o Bible study [Bill] o Adult forums anchored in Jesus and the Gospels [Vestry, Matt] o Encouraging contemplative prayer (centering prayer followed by meditation) [Bill] o Facilitating small group communities (e.g. Stewardship discussions) [Vestry] o Providing more opportunities for elemental worship (like at Easter Vigil) [Bill] Passing the Eucharist to one another More accessible music
Raw Input Responses Best Experience: 1) Took on changing one word in the prayer book 2) Finding friendship in a woman's group within the church during a time of crisis 3) Was researching different Churches in the area and when attended ASC, immediately felt included 4) Participation in the choir, especially when collaborating with other choirs from other congregations 5) Willingness to adapt the Eucharist for gluten intolerance so communion could be received 6) Church sponsored Refugee from Chili program which had a direct influence in personal life 7) Demolition project for Parish Hall Renovation 8) Teaching Sunday School 9) Singing in the choir In music God is glorified. 10) The first service with the new organ 11) The first Christmas with the new organ 12) My first Easter as an adult the shared spiritual experience 13) The baptism of my son. 14) The continuing reflectiveness of the 8 Clock service 15) Participating in West Virginia Workcamp to build/reconstruct houses for those in need 16) Renovating the Parish Hall; many people working together to meet a goal 17) Being able to receive communion each week 18) Volunteering for the thrift shop 19) Involvement in implementing the Godly Play program for ages 3 through 2 nd grade 20) Listening to a sermon given by a guest speaker many years ago; different point of view was eyeopening 21) Rev Tom blessing son s toy tiger during service; made the child feel valued and welcomed 22) Many of the participant's best experience was associated with parish community projects that brought together diverse collections of parishioners who were passionate about that project (e.g.: the Parish Hall renovation, major light bulb replacement (energy efficiency) effort, facility cleanup days, the Gingerbread village). 23) Church school, adult education, or a particularly well crafted sermon were also a common responses, either from the perspective of teaching or being taught. 24) Being a member on vestry or other committees and getting involved. 25) Teaching Sunday School, primary level and with high school youth; 26) wedding, 27) being confirmed with son; 28) involvement with people; 29) welcome by rector as newcomers; 30) funeral; 31) feeling of love in the church; 32) people s responsiveness during serious illness; 33) Easter Vigil; film and discussion which generated confidence to take on leadership roles 34) joining choir and getting to know many church leaders there; 35) forums; 36) bells; 37) ministry exploration 38) married during Sunday morning service, 39) watching children grow up in parish,
40) dedication of piano, 41) involvement in search process, 42) developing five year plan 43) getting married during Sunday church service, 44) winter weekend, 45) Amy's adult education, 46) expansion of scripture vs. fundamental view 47) taking scripture and liturgy as a guide rather than an absolute. 48) Breadth of service. 49) New ideas. 50) raising family here and support for self and family. 51) Mentoring. 52) Good place to come and get grounded for the coming week. 53) Helps to stay connected to God. Highs and lows in personal life - get boost from worship service. 54) Prayer as First Resort, 55) working on Vestry and challenges that provided, 56) getting to know more people. 57) Relationship with Tom Barrington - one of best experiences. One of first times that rector was personally involved and caring. 58) lots of friends within congregation, relationship with Tom Barrington. 59) working with kids and music at All Saints'. 60) nailing subfloor to choir loft - energy - team work 61) ongoing tradition of Lessons and Carols 62) Global: Barbara Harris Camp and the worship there; 63) shed painting contributing and connecting experience 64) music program when singing or playing 65) prayer group with Grillo (elements of service) 66) family experiences when supported by the priest and the parish (we are a family, and the priests are there when in crisis or change) 67) when contributes himself to the congregation, likes the compliments that the parishoners give 68) social aspects, brotherhood 69) give organizational to parish 70) angel tree project every Christmas, while logistically challenging, it is an intentional outreach project...reach out into community 71) J2A and bell choir. Liz Marshall used to be chior director and then Debbie directed after Liz died. "A baptism by fire" a way of overcoming some negative experiences elsewhere as transitioning into Asc 72) -on search committee to find TOM, prior thought that rectors were there til death (didnt know there was a search process). Awakening sense of accomplishment 73) -(Most memorable) having the priest at his mother s funeral get his name wrong Church Values: 74) Stability 75) Everyone is here for everyone 76) Social connection 77) Feeling of extended family and of belonging 78) Anchor with a sense of community 79) Wide variety of points of view but there is a common purpose 80) Statement of inclusion 81) A feeling of family a family in and of faith.
82) A sense of family and friendship through church life connected to the Almighty 83) Connection to the Almighty 84) A feeling of community a community of faith. 3X 85) It's a place to see the better side of humanity. Our church as a place where we can bring our families and engage with other families in fellowship, sharing views, and participating in a spiritual community. 86) Openness to new things; 87) service changes with seasons; 88) music; 89) people s involvement in life of the church; 90) youth participation; 91) sense of community/fellowship; 92) acceptance of diverse people; 93) living out of baptismal vows; 94) feeling loved, wanted, needed; 95) children s presence and participation 96) Sense of Community 97) Bible Study Very Important 98) Strong Outreach Programs 99) Continue with Music Program 100) Fellowship Activities 101) support and connection that helps through personal things. 102) church as family - camaraderie and caring 103) Friendships 104) Spiritual Aspects 105) faith life, supportive individuals, families 106) it's a place I can come every Sunday where I can be quiet. 107) friendship 108) feeling accepted - approval - affirmation - sense of belonging 109) consistent, sane place, representing unconditional acceptance 110) weekly community 111) social, acceptance 112) practicing together 113) not together all the time, but when we get back together its a connect that reforms easily, involvement at ASC and then on DYC helping figuring out who she is 114) in ASC: like familiarity and rite 115) foundation of faith and grow in and go forth from 116) don t stagnate. We try new things 117) unity in common 118) sharing one common bond dispite out differences 119) be able to mix conservative and liberal values together 120) weekly contact 121) rituals of the service 122) reinvorcement of the beliefs 123) comfort and familiarity of the rite and rituals Core Value: 124) The church brings a stability to life that is often unpredictable 125) Willingness to accept ALL people 126) Family oriented
127) Statement of inclusion 128) Fellowship 129) Knowing there is always outreach and in-reach ministries happening 130) A community of Faith in outreach 131) Welcomes new people and visitors into parish life 132) Outreach 2X 133) Connection to the community 134) A church based upon reason, scripture and tradition 135) Caring for others, both in the parish and out in the greater community/world (x3) 136) Acceptance of all/ Inclusiveness (x5) 137) Sense of community (x3) 138) broad mindedness 139) A sense of community -- where the community is inclusive, tolerant, diverse, and spiritual -- was a common theme, as was a place where all could feel safe and comfortable. 140) Care and development of children and youth; outreach; service; community/fellowship; spirit of helpfulness; spirit of worship 141) Music as part of worship was also highly valued. 142) try to be true Christians here. 143) Episcopal church is 200 years ahead of other denominations in terms of theological thinking and always being willing to entertain new questions. 144) carry breadth of Episcopal traditions, listening to people, real conversation, real support within parish 145) recognize God in each person. Scriptural integrity, Anglican faith community 146) worship at church in general. 147) acceptance 148) absolute inclusion - gays - open, inclusive Eucharist that does not require baptism 149) music 150) inclusive (x2) 151) Sunday worship and everyone coming together 152) community. Diverse backgrounds come together and share in peace 153) a place that has something for everyone. Everyone is invited to share their interests here 154) sustaining of the teachings of Christianity (x2) 155) Connecting people of a common belief system. A support group for people with a common belief and similiar heritage Three Wishes: 156) A summer program for elementary and middle school children 157) Leadership and a program for High School - Youth Group 158) Co-leadership and assistance for Middle School Sunday school program 159) Success for finding a replacement for Rev. Tom 160) More diversified music and opportunity to collaborate with other faiths and parishes 161) Improvements to welcoming new families to congregation 162) Encourage and initiate more active participation in programs that are understaffed 163) Instead of having many small groups, development of one larger, all encompassing outreach program 164) Reinforce traditional values while moving forward. 2X 165) Continue to be a welcoming and accepting church 166) To have willing parishioners who will give of themselves and support our many ministries. 167) Continue to go and grow as we do now. 168) Not having to worry about having sufficient funds to continue ministries.
169) More involvement of parishioners in church activities\continue a strong music ministry. 170) Serve and nourish all age groups. 171) More funding for parish needs (x4) 172) Higher attendance (x5) 173) Pastor everyone likes (x2) 174) Pastor who can understand and meet the needs of many different people/groups 175) That everyone keeps an open mind during pastoral search 176) No disruptive changes during search or when new pastor begins 177) More people will step up to help out/volunteer in different aspects of Church life 178) Financial Stability 179) Physical plant wishes: better acoustics for the Parish Hall, better environmental controls (e.g., heating), hot water for tea (i.e., not just coffee) at coffee hour. 180) Greater financial stability. Not just a financial windfall -- although that would be nice -- but achieving a state where the church can fund its budget through pledges and apply fund raising funds to special projects and outreach. Granted, achieving that state may require some austerity measures and greater volunteerism. 181) As for the new rector: a leader who is not too established in his/her ways, who can get a larger portion of the parish involved, who is good with the liturgy (i.e., not just someone who just reads it), and is willing to have music play a large part of services. 182) The church needs to be more child/youth friendly. Kids should be excited to go to Sunday school and participate in other church programs. Young adults should want to go to Youth Group, and should feel their opinions are heard, respected, and valued in the church. 183) Education should be for more than just the children, but that education should be diverse. Programs like "via Media" were mentioned, as was the desire to inform about comparative religions. 184) Expand outreach projects. 185) Priest who can mediate between separate groups; 186) continuing growth and thriving while maintaining what s good; 187) increased attendance; 188) pastoral care; 189) younger people stepping up to leadership; 190) decrease juggling of leaflets, prayer books, hymnals, et al. 191) participation of congregation in Psalm (does the choir have to sing it EVERY Sunday?); 192) more small group events; 193) better maintenance of plant 194) Wednesday Noon Service 195) Keep Chapel as is 196) Maintain Memorial Garden 197) Joining All Saints and being welcomed 198) Prayers for sick 199) Inclusive of All 200) Promoting Christian Faith 201) Friendship amongst others helping each other 202) Respect for each other s needs 203) Keep 8 o clock service as it is now 204) Church has been a leader in Town 205) Pastoral Support 206) Communion every week 207) Select a priest who does not cause division 208) Help those who cannot attend Church due to illness
209) influx in new families, stable budgets, giving church chance to act on its vision 210) resurgence of youth activities, interpersonal awareness, continue the creativity - don't stop the creative process - to help stimulate religious ideas. 211) challenge for whole parish to get tied together - some unifying project, sermons that connect Bible to 2012, more opportunities to get to know each other - chance for people to connect 212) Bible study, understanding of individuals in prayer outside of church, fellowship 213) all encapsulated within words of "Lift every voice and sing." 214) youth ministry, finance, budget - greater resources needed to do what we want to do. 215) improved attendance, expert provocative preaching, vibrant youth group ministry 216) larger budget, larger professional staff - especially clergy - more people in pews. 217) a new rector that will not divide the congregartion (x2) 218) a new furnace 219) continued spiritual growth (x2) 220) MORE YOUTH INVOLVEMENT!!!!! (x2) 221) increased membership 222) more opportunities for sharing (bible study and such) 223) variation in rite and in contemporary music 224) more fellowship 225) new rector who lead us through "is quietly inclusive" empathetic 226) elder people involved 227) children and youth are future: should support them 228) grow enough to be financially stable (x2) 229) more young single people, for a different kind of energy that this church needs 230) maintain core values throughout 231) grow in strength and numbers going forward 232) outreach