Elevation Celebration: An Update!
My Dear People,
A year ago on Pentecost, we began our Such Great Heights visioning movement, asking two essential questions, "Who does God call us to be?," and "What does God call us to do?" Then, by the end of the year, with the help of the Spirit, we were ready for action; and so we rolled out a first round of action items in "Elevation," an array of plans for the year 2010. Now, just over half-way through the year, here follows a progress report; while not comprehensive (there's even more to celebrate!), here are some highlights:
Minister of Music: David Sinden (pictured) begins his ministry with us on August 1; his official installation will be on Homecoming Sunday, September 12. This is a huge and promising moment for us. Music is essential to who we are as St. Paul's Church, and I have every confidence that, with David's help, our music ministry will go from strength to strength to strength!
9:00 Service Refreshment: This spring, following on a series of open meetings, the Clergy and Worship Board designed and implemented a number of enhancements to the 9:00 worship service, "refreshing" our contemporary service.
New Summer Service: This summer, following another series of open meetings, the Clergy and Worship Board designed and inaugurated a new 10:00 Summer Service; a service that, on the one hand, manages to transcend the 9:00-11:15 dichotomy of previous summers, while also providing a worship experience that is distinctively of St. Paul's. Furthermore, as a part of the summer worship experience, we are also trying a number of new things on a trial basis (e.g., holding the welcome and announcements at the beginning of the service; offering healing prayers during communion; and having a "cleaner," simpler presentation in the chancel.)
New Bulletin: This spring we introduced a new more user-friendly 10:00 a.m. worship bulletin, designed to welcome newcomers to St. Paul's. In July, the 8:00 a.m. bulletin was moved to this new format.
Welcoming Ministries Enhanced: Newcomers' Coffees; our new, very successful "Exploring the Faith" class; new nametags for all the people of St. Paul's; and the first New Member Brunch. These are just some of the ways we continue to develop and enrich our welcome ministries. On an almost-weekly basis, I am told how warmly people feel welcomed at St. Paul's.
Downtown Mission Team: We are in the initial stages of developing a mission to connect with our new downtown neighbors. The team has gathered and further "adventures" are in the works!
First Fridays: Our first year participating in downtown Richmond's "First Fridays" has been a great success, developing yet another way to invite Richmonders to share in the St. Paul's experience. And our St. Paul's Youth Art Exhibition (Wow!) was a special joy.
Jazz Lunches: What needs to be said? Likely everyone has heard what a smashing success Jazz Lunches continues to be, so much so that we are considering extending the season in 2011. Still another way we're inviting new people to St. Paul's!
Our Online Presence: Through social networking, our evolving Web site, and a growing email list, we continue to connect with more and more people online. I am regularly told by newcomers that they came to us at least in part because of their experience of us through the web and through electronic communications.
Small Group Ministries Under Development: We have recently run two pilot small groups ("Bryan & Leslie's Excellent Adventure!") in preparation for expanding our small group offerings. Drawing on those experiences, as well as on the input garnered through a survey of what parishioners hope for in small groups, plans are being developed for more offerings. (Stay tuned!)
I could go on, but, for now, that gives a quick review of what life in our vibrant downtown parish is looking like. And I know even greater days are ahead! In the meantime, thank you for your prayers, and for all that you do, by the grace of God, and with the help of his Spirit, to make St. Paul's shine!
Your brother in Christ,
Wallace+
