stmarysharlem

Vestry

Page history last edited by Dorothy 1 yr ago

The Vestry of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Manhattanville, held a retreat on July 11-12, 2008. As part of the retreat, the Vestry and other church leaders did an appreciative inquiry about our religious journey, in order to think about evangelism in a centered way. The question that vestry members asked was, "What event(s) changed us from being taken to church to going to church?"

Themes (in no particular order)

Being able to identify with the priests and bishops being "someone like me" - could be ethnic identity, gender, or sexual orientation.

Wanting a church in order to baptize the children (could also be for a wedding or funeral).

It might be part of the culture to go to church - by going to church, you have something to talk about with family and friends.

Parents have a big influence by their word and example - on religious sense, interest in the scriptures, music, sense of justice and concern for others.

The importance of being a questioner or inquirerer as part of the journey.

What's not to like about Bob Castle!?

Integration of spirituality and social justice.

Attention to meeting people's needs, for example through the feeding programs.

Connection with a special person who draws us into the church.

Engagement with the scriptures.

Not "churchy".

Having supportive groups that allow us to to talk, to ask questions, and to share ideas.

Being given responsibility as a young person - the young person is trusted with an important role and is made to feel an integral part of the community.

Opportunity to meet people who can fulfil a variety of needs as mentors, friends, spiritual companions, or protogees.

A sense that we received help from God to get through tough times.

Encountering a spiritual influence on vocation and relationships.

Sometimes a sudden event triggers a new sense of commitment.

Summary of Themes

1. People in church who "look like you"

2. Special connections through people, especially parents

3. Kairos moments - special moments that lead to recommitment

4. Not overly "religious" in the traditional sense, but spiritual

5. Social justice

6. Social actions, such as feeding the hungry

7. Need to provide mentors

8. Empowering, especially young people to be teachers and leaders

9. Having groups in which we can talk about faith and ideas openly and honestly

10. A place where you can be yourself

11. Meeting community needs

12. Learning to pray

13. Art

14. A time when a real need was met, allowing us to experience a "sacrament" - an outward and visible sign of God's inward and invisible grace

Next Step

Earl - helping young people to teach. Also commit to better outreach and communication.

Jim - "enriched listening" - hearing not only people's needs, but their potential for responsibility and leadership

Bill - seeking more events that will draw people to St. Mary's - maybe they will stay!

Liz - follow up on speakers who have volunteered to speak at St. Mary's

Dorothy - The themes identified today address evangelism on a deep level. Integrate today's themes with the themes discovered at other AI events, and see where people feel energized to go.

Lisa - St. Mary's will always be there.

Lysander - figure out ways to attract people to the Saturday Outreach program. How to be more inspiring and more creative in helping and advocating for those who have the greatest needs.

Flip Chart Notes One

Mentoring

Identification

Youth-Led

Kairos moment

Parents

Connections: a special person

Didn't like "Church" - keep an eye on it!

Social justice and spirituality

Bible

Supportive community

talk about faith and ideas openly