October update
Since January the Our Church 2030 Task Force has been working to engage and energize the Parish and community at large in defining the vision for what we want Calvary to be in 2030. We have evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of Calvary, studied demographic trends, and reviewed other models of spiritual life. Most importantly, we listened to your views and others in the community, including former parishioners, as to where we are today, and importantly where we want to be tomorrow, via a survey and a series of small group discussions. More than 150 parishioners (including 20 former parishioners) completed the survey and 67 parishioners (including 9 former parishioners) engaged in small group discussions. We have a lot of data to assimilate. There is no question, however, that you are passionate about Calvary and its future.
We still have a lot of work to do, but key themes are emerging. This is OUR CHURCH. By working collaboratively, we will create an engaging and vibrant parish that has strong and deep connections into the community. Our number-1 priority is engaging parishioners and the community. Call it both “In-Reach” and “Out-Reach.” In-reach to truly connect to each of us as parishioners and out-reach to enhance our local community and beyond.
Our work to create the vision will revolve around three strategic priorities:
· Seek and support opportunities for Calvary Church to be more welcoming, inclusive, and spiritually fulfilling for our parishioners and the community.
· Clarify and focus on major priorities that align core mission and activities, and not fragment our effort by pursuing many independent initiatives.
· Develop and implement a plan to communicate our mission, vision, values, and activities across a wide range of channels.
Our small group discussions were very enthusiastic and enlightening. While every session was different, they all shared a common theme of participants expressing a passionate desire to build a better version of Calvary for the future. That is why the 2030 initiative will be successful.
Here is a high level one-line summary of the recommendations that arose from these discussions. These will be a critical part of our future vision.
· Pastoral Care: In a connected caring community, everyone has a role in pastoral care
· Education: Creative quality programing can be the catalyst to assure Calvary’s future
· Music: The thread that can weave most of our offerings together
· Outreach: Critical to Calvary’s role in connecting the community in a caring supportive way
· Youth: Making our church child-friendly and accessible for families
· Breadth of Calvary: A small church connected and committed to the community that has a big impact
The Task Force still has a significant amount of work to do to consolidate opportunities and frame recommendations.
We plan to hold a “Town Hall/All Hands Meeting” during the second week of November to discuss and get your feedback on initial recommendations and potential implementation plans. The time has yet to be determined.
It is important to understand that we have taken a “clean sheet of paper” approach to identify the most impactful ideas. While we will preserve the best of what we have today, you should expect that the recommendations will involve changes.
We must be clearer about roles and responsibilities, as much of the work to support Calvary is carried out by a relatively small number of people. That is not sustainable.
What is sustainable is that we engage you in creating this vision and work collaboratively with the community to implement it. This might sound trite, but we also need to have some fun while making a difference in people's lives.
Speaking for the entire task force, we are thankful for the input that we have received thus far and look forward to working with you to move Calvary forward. We are confident that there will be meaningful opportunities to enhance the Parish and our connection within the community.
Thank you very much for your ongoing support. WE CAN realize a new vision!! All the work we have completed can be summed up by knowing and believing Calvary Cares!
--Spike
On behalf of the Our Church 2030 Task Force:
Terri Brennan
Kristin Foster
John Groton
Bill Hoffman
Paul Leeming
Spike Lobdell, Leader
Barb Silver
Brooke Stoddard
Jim Taylor
Lori Taylor, Ex Officio
The Rev. Gillian Barr, Ex Officio