Summer is here and hoping you all are enjoying warmer weather, and perhaps some time away from the daily norms of life. The Vestry recently met to reflect on last year’s goals/vision, and we have so much to be thankful for that was accomplished and positively impacted for the church and community. A year ago we were in a phase of returning and reestablishing church after some of the most difficult times of the Covid pandemic. Much of what we set out to accomplish seemed almost unrealistic at the time. I wanted to take a moment and share some of those goals, and what was achieved.
Invite old and new members to return to church by creating engagement through social opportunities and online engagement
Accomplished through outward facing events running through summer/fall to easily attend and connect
Accomplished through revamped online presence with updated website, information, and a concerted effort to provide regular social media communication
Cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for those returning or visiting our church
Accomplished through the gathering of contact information and proactively communicating with those we hadn’t seen in a while, those coming back, and those that are new.
Re-established regular usher duties to welcome at Sunday services
Creating a path for deeper connections for those involved in the church by reinvigorating programs and ways to get connected. Several key accomplishments made:
Return of Choir
Return of Coffee Hour
Youth and Children’s Ministry back up and running, a monumental undertaking as we navigated guidelines, safety, and sensitivity for children and volunteers
Adult Christian Formation Programming - a calendar of adult ed programming established, and going from virtual to in-person opportunities
Directory available in paper and online pointing to current programs and how to get involved
Interest cards to connect people to various ministries
Recruitment of key volunteers
Lastly, to remember a year ago, Rev. Ben was just 5 months into being our Interim Rector In Charge. In a very short time, it was clear that he was very committed to our church and supporting our community in authentic ways. He was sensitive and graceful to the pacing for programs and sought to listen and learn from us. Reverend Ben fully committed to St Andrew's and owned the position far in advance of us appointing him to the non-interim, full time position, and he made it very easy to do so. As a Vestry, we remarked how it seems like Rev. Ben has been with us for so much longer as he’s really become entrenched with the community and a natural leader for us. What a wonderful blessing to celebrate!
We are incredibly thankful for God’s leading and the hard work of many in the congregation to collectively help achieve our goals and support the efforts that have been made.
Here are our current Highlights, Opportunities, Dependencies, and Challenges:
Highlights
Vacation Bible School July 25-28
New St Andrew's sign completed on Rt 401
Opportunities
Part Time Family Ministry Director: Exploratory Committee has begun to meet
August - planning for the return of general programming and ministries in the fall
Outreach - many opportunities, especially the Back to School Backpack drive
Dependencies (items that impact our ability to accomplish opportunities/goals)
Kickstarter campaign to support Family Ministry Director - more info to come
Challenges (items that pose obstacles)
Additional funding sources to support future projects and vision for growth
Congregational/member growth