Monday, May 20, 2013

Rector's Parish Update Pentecost Sunday

At our annual parish meeting in January, I talked about a book by J. Clif Christopher called “not your parents’ offering plate” which talks about stewardship. Christopher addressed the question of why people don’t give money to churches the way they used to.  And he said this: people are not convinced that churches change lives. 

I begged to differ, because I know that St. David’s changes lives, and I continue to see daily how St. David’s transforms lives. I talked about the power of community, how the Holy Spirit moves through our worship, how our outreach makes a tangible difference to those in need.  I talked about small groups and the strength and diversity of our ministries and the power of laity. And I challenged our community to grow in specific ways.  I am reporting to you today on the progress we are making on this growth initiative.

Our first goal is to strengthen formation, including Christian education/discipleship for all ages; small groups; and incorporation – moving people from visitors to first steps to involvement in small groups or ministry, to commitment to this community. I’m pleased to report that we have added two new small groups through our Taste and See Lenten program and added a next step class.  Look for a survey soon to solicit feedback on what would ‘set you on fire’ in adult education in the fall.
Our second goal is to build a year-round stewardship ministry of time, talent and treasure. Growing deep disciples will grow the kingdom of God.  Although most of our work here at St. David’s is done by dedicated volunteer ministries, we still are lacking needed paid staff to support their work.  Our current budget does not allow for even the minimum clergy and staff, musicians and bagels to get the job done.   Our stewardship team has revamped our commitment cards and put them front and center in our pews, and is planning many different ways of keeping the message of giving time, talent and treasure front and center in our covenant community.

Our third goal is to spread the word about this community that transforms lives.  Our external marketing team was faced with the challenge of addressing the challenge of our being the best kept secret in Ashburn.  They have been busy exploring ways to encapsulate the unique St. David’s experience in welcoming ways that will invite people to taste and see St. David’s.  Look for a preschool sign along Rt. 7 and more signage to come. 

At the same time, our preschool and church staffs have been working to unify our vision. Through the work of the marketing team, as well as work with our church and preschool staff, the vestry has approved our updated vision statement to include our legacy, present and future:  To know Christ and make Christ known in a covenant community where no one stands alone and lives are transformed. 
That said, our marketing team in conjunction with our staff has created tag lines – language encapsulating the St. David’s experience that would resonate with the larger community.  St. David’s transforms lives through joyful worship; celebrating community; engaged outreach; and lifelong learning.  These tag lines do not replace our vision and mission.  Look for these tag lines in all our communication as we spread the good news about Jesus and St. David’s to our broader Ashburn community.

In order to accommodate the growth which God has in store for us, we need space.  Like a root-bound pot, we are hampered in our ability to serve and grow by lack of space.  In January, I called for a task force to make the parish hall a reality – to explore what plans have been made in the past, to dream about what can be.  This team has met several times, composed of vestry and parishioners and will report to me by June 3, 2013.   The parish hall committee has reviewed old blueprints, is studying the campus as is and welcomes your suggestions. 

All of these teams need more help.  I ask all of you to consider where the Spirit is calling you to serve, and to contact a vestry member to help these teams realize God’s dream for us.
The Holy Spirit is indeed blowing through St. David’s and moving and shaking things up, nudging and shifting and changing.  Our vestry has been working hard to keep pace with the Spirit’s movement.  Here is Katherine Goodwin, our Senior Warden to update you on the vestry’s very able management of our financial state.

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