Grace and Peace,
Six weeks ago we noted St. John’s has been selected as one of 12 participants in the new Tending Our Soil program that is a part of the diocese’s emphasis on congregational vitality. This three year program will guide the parish in a strategic review of where we have been, and where we are going; it is an examination of how do we grow and flourish in the soil of the Olney community. A team of five lay leaders, plus our clergy, will lead the congregation on this journey.
The team will consist of Bill Fleming, Johnna Gilchrist, Joy Reiff, Stephen Simpson, and Shelley Spencer. Knowing the depth and commitment that they bring, Mother Shivaun and I are excited to be working with this group of people.
In the fall they will begin to lead the congregation along a path of self-discovery. This will include a congregation-wide survey, storytelling to examine our history, and discovery of the needs and gifts of our neighborhood.
The fruits of these labors will bring us a revised mission and vision statement for St. John’s. Year 2 of the program will take all that we have learned from this exploration and guide us in imagining and planning new or refurbished ministries. Executing our plans is the focus of year 3.
One of the underlying themes of this process will also be assuring that St. John’s is a welcoming and inviting community. The intentionality of welcoming and inviting will be more apparent, and the activities of our parish will all be tied to our mission; it helps greatly when we are all paddling in the same direction.
The mission of the Church, upper case “C”, is found in the Catechism of the Book of Common Prayer, it is:
Q. What is the mission of the Church?
A. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and with each other in Christ.
Q. How does the Church pursue its mission?
A. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
The mission, and vision, of St. John’s will be further defined as part of the work of the Tending Our Soil program as led by these five wonderful sisters and brothers in Christ. It is exciting to go on a journey with these individuals, and the parish, knowing that our destination remains a mystery to all but God.
I look forward to the journey and all that it brings, and I am reminded of the words of Heraclitus: “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”
Peace,
Fr. Henry+
