Archives: September 2005

On August 13, your vestry and five other parishioners joined me in a time of reflection about who we are at
Saint Theodore's and our future. The day began with prayer followed by the video Celebrate What's Right with the World.

Each participant then wrote on newsprint his or her answers to questions, which they had received several days before the meeting. We discussed the responses and then created the following Vision Statement:

Saint Theodore's Episcopal Church is centered in Christ as we reach out to each other, the community, the nation and the world.

Our vision is to grow our ministries, programs, membership and facilities by using our abundant strengths of friendliness, leadership, love and fellowship.

Our joyous worship and social celebrations are outward expressions of a dynamic congregation. We encourage spiritual growth and involvement for members and visitors of all ages.

We openly embrace a whole variety of people and views with dignity and respect.

The day provided me with an opportunity to be with your leadership and learn more about us and what we believe we are called to be. It confirmed for me what I have been experiencing as your rector these past three months.

I think it might be a good idea for everyone to take some time and answer one of the questions, which I found to be very revealing. The question was; "When I tell people about Saint Theodore's, the six things I talk about are..?"

This is an important question because we are growing and we have more and more visitors. People are asking you about our church. I believe that we all need to be prepared to answer those questions in a clear and concise manner.

The participants in the Vision Day workshop said there is "a spirit of love among the people," "a willingness to help one another" and "an effort is made to welcome visitors and newcomers."

Important words like "being a part of a larger family," "warm and open, "nourishing," "diversity," "beautiful and meaningful worship," "uplifting music," "love of children," "outreach," and "accommodation of all ages" were used repeatedly. We were able to celebrate all that is right with Saint Theodore's.

The Vision Statement reflects the overall theme of the day for me: "Striving to be the best for the world and not just being the best in the world."

I am deeply honored to be a part of this congregation and give thanks to God each day for you and for being called to be your rector.

                                       In Christ's love,

                                               Fr. Ken †    

Archive 9-2005