In the last two Emmanuel newsletters, you received introductory statements from two of the three new Vestry subteams - our Congregational Engagement Team and our Property Team. Today we're introducing the third part of our new Vestry structure, the Strategy and Planning team (led by Polly Ogden, Jon Fedele, and Jeff Zantek).
In Fr. Patrick's rather sobering February 2nd "Interim Rector's Draft Assessment of Congregational Liabilities and Risk Factors," he notes, "What follows is not offered as a judgment but as a call to a season of honest naming, questioning, and careful navigation, together." In the same document, he later continues, "Emmanuel does not presently have any strategic plan, nor in the recent past has it had one, of the kind that addresses basic questions... Who are we? Where are we? Who and where do we want to be? Are the answers realistic? What must we hang on to, let go of, ask, or explore?"
In this context, the mission of the Vestry's new Strategy and Planning team is to collaborate with our Interim Rector, congregation, and Vestry in order to fully and prayerfully assess our situation and opportunities, explore alternative paths forward, update our vision, and recommend a strategy for Emmanuel's future. In this effort, we'll embark on a journey of discovery, talking with other churches who have navigated similar challenges, reading the works of current church thought leaders, collaborating with our Diocese, interviewing members and visitors about their Emmanuel experiences, and listening to understand where the Holy Spirit is calling us.
In order to establish this work in prayer, we'll be gathering weekly for virtual Evening Prayer and Reflection throughout Lent, starting next Wednesday, March 12 at 7:30PM via Zoom. If you're interested in joining us for Evening Prayer or more fully participating with the work of this team, please reach out to Polly, Jon, or Jeff. This is critical work, and we'd love to have others join us.
Polly Ogden
Emmanuel Vestry Strategy Team
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