51 people submitted straw polls: all members of St. James, ranging in age from teens to nonagenarians, folks new to St. James in the past year and those who’ve been holding us together for sixty years and more.
What do the straw polls say?
While no solid mandate pops out of the numbers, some preferences are clearly visible. The highest numbers show up among the people likely to attend either St. Luke’s or St. Mary’s if St. James were to work out an arrangement with one of them. According to the comments, people have a variety of reasons for their opinions. Some have visited one or both of these congregations and felt very welcome. Some perceive a likelihood of being able to grow our partnership with Bonne Nouvelle at either of these two congregations. A couple people have learned that St. Luke’s priest is leaving, and pose the possibility of William going with us if we merged with them. And several people say that location is definitely important: a “plus” for some people, for others it’s a reason for shying away.
The numbers of people interested in merging/consolidating with Holy Trinity, St. John’s and St. Paul’s were lower. Comments show that “distance” is the major factor for all three, but there are questions about service times, relative wealth, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities to continue our current service ministries. Several people note that they just haven’t had time to visit these churches.
A high # also shows up among people interested in St. James remaining as our own parish within a rented space. Only a couple people who said, “likely” added a comment, so it’s hard to tell what’s most attractive about this option. But a relatively large # of people said they’d be unlikely to participate in such a plan, explaining that: (a) they question whether we’d have the critical mass necessary to make it work, (b) whether this option would accommodate a high-quality music program and other aspects of our parish life, and (c) whether such a physical space would offer the aesthetic that’s important to them in worship.
The largest number of “Don’t Know” responses was given to the question about independently transferring membership to a particular church. Several people have visited (or plan to visit) Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic and other churches near their homes. The large # of “Don’t Know” responses suggests that many are looking for more information before trying to decide.
Overall, responses suggest that people plan to do some of their own research to determine what feels best to them. And they are looking for further development of what some of the options would actually look like.
You’ll recall that one section asked respondents to divide 100 theoretical tokens among several considerations in decisions about their next church home. Averages: Episcopal Liturgy = 1,196 proximity = 1,159, staying together = 1,154, strong programs = 572, influence ECMN;s disposal of St. James assets = 370. In addition, 7 people added music with 165, and 285 points were divided among a potpourri: partnership with Bonne Nouvelle, inclusion of LGBT, property in good condition, aesthetics, safe neighborhood, quality preaching, etc.
So what’s next?
The Transition Working Group will draft a plan for next steps which will go to the Vestry at their meeting of October 8. (7:00 p.m. in the Gallery).
Information within the Straw Poll will be important to that plan. Also important will be information from ECMN’s Trustees and Bishop (learned through meetings with them in recent months and in ongoing conversation with ECMN staff) and considerations related to the parish budget (including a new lease with Mandala). And, woven throughout it all will be awareness of the time, talents and resources available from our own members. If you have time to offer, please let your representatives know. (See below.)
Ruth Anne Olson
Transition Coordinator
To see the details.
Click here
if you’re curious about the tally process.
