Transition Update | The Vestry's Mutual Ministry Review Part II

TOPIC: Welcoming Newcomers
02/27/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Mean

Climate of acceptance, friendliness

1

5

1

4.0

Facility looks inviting, easy to navigate

2

2

2

1

3.7

Newcomers greeted and followed up

2

4

1

3.1

Process to integrate newcomers

3

1

4

1.7

Comments:

Responses varied. On the positive side, previous Vestries set up a buddy system to encourage people who were less core members to maintain contact. Before the pandemic, we had also begun more secular panels on-site to bring in outsiders with similar interests and build an archive of information related to daily life. We also started a branding exercise to showcase the church as Traditional, Modern, Inclusive. On the other side, we have traditionally relied on the congregation’s extroverts to pull in people. The introverts and hearing-challenged tend to form a circle after church to catch up and it can be hard for others to join in. Other congregations, like All Saints Beverly Hills, provide many more opportunities for newcomers to get involved. We are still trying to figure out who manages the Breeze database. Moreover, there is little contact between the 8 and 10 am congregants.

Although we have not yet figured out how to welcome people through Zoom, some people have said they like being able to interact as a big group after Zoom services because it enables them to see people they wouldn’t otherwise. In services, we also need to incorporate the children better.

TOPIC: Servant Leadership
02/27/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true
(2)

N/A
(1)

Mean

Volunteers easy to find*

1.5

5.5

3.2

Volunteers follow through

6

1

3.9

Volunteers work well together, coordinate, and communicate

2

2

2

1

3.7

Volunteers care about their work

2

5

4.3

Team support for leaders

1

3

2

1

3.6

Volunteers feel welcome to join

1

3

3

3.7

Comments:

Some members of the Vestry think the church does not follow the 80/20 rule but a 90/10 rule – 90% of parish work comes from 10% of the lay members. Others think that a lot of volunteer effort, such as with the roses, is unnoticed and unappreciated except insofar as people enjoy the results. Waiting for volunteers is ineffective; one needs to ask. Some ministries are easier to recruit for (e.g., lay readers) than others (coffee servers and altar guild). The parish appears to have an entrenched informal leadership, with an inside group that taps others to get things done. Anyone with a pet project and willingness to spearhead it and find funding can get things done. To get more volunteers, we might need a culture change, starting from the top, that encourages people to claim their gifts and use them to build the community. We could spotlight parishioners who are active and try to inspire others. The narrative budgets may also be a way to encourage volunteering. Fortunately, we are blessed with strong financial leadership.

TOPIC: Communication
02/27/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true
(2)

N/A
(1)

Mean

Information easily available

4

2

1

1

4.1

Rector and congregation communicate easily and openly

3

3

1

1

4.0

Vestry communicates openly

1

0.5

4.5

1

3.2

Meetings efficient but open to speaking up

6

2

3.8

People know where to get needs addressed

4

2

2

3.3

We emphasize the positive

2

6

4.3

Comments:

External communication seems to be the most difficult part, though we are trying the “Traditional | Modern | Inclusive” messaging as a start. One question still to be answered is the audience for each tool of communication that we use – the web site, the Worship Bulletin, the Messenger email, the Phone Tree, and social media. Some people feel our message is segmented, with tribal knowledge that is orally communicated. Another source of dropped institutional knowledge is the annual turnover of a third of the Vestry.

The weekly bulletin packs in a lot of information, though. Before the pandemic, we had The Messenger and service bulletins and three spontaneous parts of the service with blessings, birthdays, and people in need of prayer. Some people on Zoom feel disconnected – too many links, not enough personal interaction – and miss the part of the service that reads out the names of people with celebrations or prayers. There are efforts to get these parts of the service back up.

Some people see a continued need for healing in the wake of the schism with St. James, the Peter Haynes era, and the issue of opening a preschool. Many also feel burned that Michael Seiler left so quickly, even though the first rector called after a long rectorate often stays only a short time. These issues need to be brought up in the transition statement if feelings are still hurt. We need to be honest. Transparency in communication is critical, and to that end, Susan Pinkerton has set up office hours and biweekly meetings with the wardens.

TOPIC: Fulfilling Our Mission
02/27/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Mean

Clear vision of ministry within parish

1

1

4

2

3.1

Clear vision of ministry outside parish

5

2

1

2.5

Balance our needs with external ones

4

4

2.5

We love & can depend on one another

5

3

1

4.4

We are welcoming, share love of God

3

5

4.4

We worship God, share love of Christ

8

5.0

We grow in love of Christ through fellowship and service

6

2

4.8

We grow in love of Christ through service to the community

0

2

5

0

1

3.0

Comments:

Many people in the congregation are motivated and would like to engage in more outside mission. A rector’s vision and drive are key. One suggestion would be to combine the roles of communication, evangelism, and mission.

A mission statement is critical because it sets a tone and gives people the idea of the foundation upon which they view their congregation. Such a statement should be short, both a statement to outsiders and an exercise in self-reflection and bonding. Although we had three mission statements under Peter Haynes, we do not have a current one. One recommendation: Our mission to help people reconcile their souls to God. Another (from Canterbury Cathedral): To show the world Jesus. Keep it simple. The statement should be 10 words or fewer and needs to be dynamic in that it can change with the parish. (And look great on a coffee cup!)

TOPIC: Worship Services
05/15/2021

Always
true (5)

Generally
true (4)

Not apparent
(3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Liturgical style relevant, fosters connection

7

2

1

Laity widely involved

6

4

Children and youth actively involved

5

5

People understand how to get involved

6

4

Musical elements help worship

9

1

Sermons personal and applicable

4

5

1

Children included in worship

2

4

4

Comments:

Most Vestry members like the liturgy and sense of communal worship. Suggestions are to keep sermons and the liturgy short. Some Vestry members especially appreciate sermons based on the readings. The Vestry particular likes the music, although people appreciate more mixing of different styles. Laity involvement is generally widespread, it seems to be bifurcated: Either parishioners know whom to contact to become involved or they don’t. Other churches, such as St. Monica’s, have web-based signups for worship roles, but it’s unclear how well this works. As for children’s involvement in worship, it’s difficult with the format of our Sunday School.

TOPIC: Community
05/15/2021

Always
true (5)

Generally
true (4)

Not apparent
(3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

We respect differences and diversity

1

6

3

We work together with goodwill

1

8

1

We maintain a sense of humor

2

7

1

We encourage enthusiasm

1

6

3

We respect goodness in everyone

4

6

Leadership encourages faith building

3

6

1

We support one another through problems

3

7

We believe in ourselves and our future

6

4

Our life together reflects love, acceptance

4

6

Comments:

The evaluations and comments on the church’s sense of community were less effusive than the comments on worship. The strongest positive response came to the statement that we believe in ourselves and the work of the parish. The schism with St. James in 2008 has left some scars over whether we really believe in essential unity and work with goodwill. A highlight of church life has been the Sunday Bible Study and Kerygma classes, which included time for fellowship. They have proven enormously popular, drawing as many as 30 people, and show how leadership has helped parishioners move forward in faith.

TOPIC: Stewardship and Finance
05/15/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Parishioners and rector communicate well

3

6

1

Stewardship seen as ongoing, not exclusively a yearly event

1

1

7

1

Stewardship is engaged as a theological point of formation

2

7

1

We educate newcomers and youth on stewardship

8

1

1

We recognize stewardship and financial responsibility as distinct, though related.

4

6

Comments:

The old way of handling stewardship has been changing over the last decade. In the past, parish involvement in stewardship has been minimal. Unless parishioners sat on the Vestry, they seemed to know little about church finances. Stewardship traditionally appeared to consist of the annual pledge drive. However, the development of the Messenger and other forms of communication have offered more information about finances in the parish. New finance commissions with good people have brought more professionalism to the books. A new diocesan initiative on narrative stewardship works to connect spending to church mission. Still, the church still needs to show how stewardship can be defined broadly in terms of time and efforts as well as money.

TOPIC: Christian Ed for Children
06/08/2021

Always
true (5)

Generally
true (4)

Not apparent
(3)

Not true
(2)

N/A
(1)

Programs balanced, relevant, involving

6

4

1

Programming and staffing appropriate

2

7

1

1

Parents regularly bring children

3

8

Parish donates services and materials

3

5

3

Comments:

The children seem to come regularly now and are engaged and sometimes bring friends. We need to keep track of them. The resources are strong and stimulating. Programs other than Godly Play have attracted more children, too.

TOPIC: Adult Christian Education
06/08/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Programs balanced, relevant, involving

5

5

1

We give feedback/suggestions and attend

4

6

1

Adult education is relevant and stimulating

3

6

2

Comments:

The first and third items seem to be pretty much the same. Adult education seems to serve as a small group and has a social as well as educational function even if it does not stimulate personal growth.

TOPIC: Fellowship
06/08/2021

Always
true (5)

Generally
true (4)

Not apparent
(3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

Parishioners and rector interact

2

8

1

Social functions nurture relationships

9

2

Small groups enhance fellowship

5

4

3

We show up for events

2

9

We create sense of community and caring

8

3

Comments:

The rector’s involvement with the congregation has varied over time, especially with Covid, so it depends what period is under consideration. Years ago, families with children used to do things together. Our social functions draw some people, but we could do better. We need to get back to the type of planning that had begun before the pandemic and led to events like the gingerbread house. More people came to the Shrove Tuesday meal when the youth group ran it. Getting more people involved helps them get to know one another and build community. On mutual support, we often do not know what is going on in others’ lives and so cannot be supportive. The problem may not be just lack of communication but also cliquish behavior.

TOPIC: Taking Care of Facilities
07/13/2021

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent (3)

Not true (2)

N/A
(1)

B&G are maintained properly, meeting aesthetic and safety criteria

5

2

The interior of the church is accessible, comfortable, beautiful, and inviting

6

1

The nursery and children’s ministry areas are welcoming.

1

4

2

The kitchen is functional

1

4

2

Education and office areas are well-maintained and accessible

3

4

4

The rectory’s maintenance needs are attended to promptly.

7

Restrooms are clean and accessible

3

3

1

All other areas, inside and out, are accessible, clean, and well-maintained

6

1

Comments:

We are reactive on maintenance and need a program for deferred maintenance. It’s possible we may need a capital campaign for deferred maintenance; good consultants will know how to identify priorities these. We also need an endowment, given that we have four acres and an aging building. The gaps in the walkways are a trip hazard and need attention.

TOPIC: Spiritual Vitality
(08/10/2021)

Always true (5)

Generally true (4)

Not apparent
(3)

Not true
(2)

N/A
(1)

People enjoy gathering in community to discern God’s actions in their lives

4

5

1

There is palpable energy when speaking of God’s activity in our lives

1

8

1

There is recognizable evidence of reflective thought and prayer in decision making.

1

8

1

People articulate the need for reflective work when planning, discerning new directions.

5

2

2

1

Clergy, lay leaders congregants seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in the work of mission

1

7

2

Worship is impacted by knowledge of God’s activity and presence in congregational life.

7

3

Comments:

None