The Parish of
St. Mary and St. Jude
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Food for thought from the Interim RectorMy Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, At the October Vestry meeting I had a revelation. The name of this publication is The Harbor Chart. As a member of the Vestry was commenting that we needed more chart and less harbor (referring to the format) I realized that this title is descriptive not only of this publication but of who we are -- a community of God’s people who are gathered together at St. Mary and St. Jude. A harbor is a place of calm and safety where we can make needed repairs, take on supplies and make ready for the next voyage. A chart offers us the opportunity to see where we are, where we want to go, and how we can most safely get there. Harbor Chart is a pretty good definition for me of what it means to be a community of God’s people. So, how are we doing? Are we truly a safe harbor? Are we willing to look honestly at the chart and see where we are? What are some of the hidden rocks and tricky spots? Where does the channel need to be dredged a bit? Is this a place where everyone can let God make the repairs (know ourselves as loved and forgiven, be healed) and where we can be nourished for the trip ahead? I have found us to be a very diverse community with many thoughts, feelings, gifts, hopes, dreams, needs, wants, and desires. I have been encouraged on occasion by open and honest conversations where we were able to disagree and remain in relationship as God’s people. I have experienced God’s healing in this place for others, and seen people equipped for the journey. I suspect, however, that some may not have found us to be such a safe harbor. Like any good harbor we are not without our hidden rocks and tricky spots. That’s where the chart comes in. The upcoming season of Advent offers us an opportunity, if we will use it, to check our chart and see where we are. The Search Committee began that process with its breakfast last spring and questionnaires and interviews throughout the summer. The Vestry has continued that process with the Mutual Study of Ministry. As we look at these results we should be able to see what the chart of our harbor looks like, make some repairs, take on some supplies, and begin to chart the next leg of our journey together as a congregation. May we be open to the Spirit of God in this place and seek to be willing servants. Blessings, Frances+ Reminder Any contributions which you wish to appear on your 2001 statement must be received in the office by noon on December 31, 2001. There will be no exceptions this year. Thank you for getting your contributions in before the end of the year. Vestry Goals for 2002 One of the purposes of Mutual Study of Ministry (MSM) is to get a sense of the issues the parish is concerned about. Based on the responses, the vestry, with the help of a professional facilitator, then sets goals for the coming year. This year we added twenty more interviews to the forty conducted last year. Parishioners were asked the following three questions:
call a dynamic new rector, develop a vision for the parish, become more welcoming/inclusive as a parish, identify and communicate our ministry to the community. The vestry decided that the more far-reaching issues, such as a vision for the parish and a clearly defined mission or ministry, should be deferred until after we have called a new rector. So, the primary goal for 2002 is for the vestry to work with the search committee to call the right priest for this parish. Secondary goals were limited to those that will make the parish more appealing to a rector candidate for example, a proper committee system with responsible people positioned to get things done, financial stability, and a strong stewardship program among others. Hence, the following four goals were identified:
Those vestry members responsible for organizing, planning and overseeing progress toward these goals are (respectively):
WANTED: COMMITTEE MEMBERS Martha Bucklin and Sally Merchant have been charged with creating committees composed of seasonal and year-round parishioners to accomplish the work of our church. They are proposing the development of five additional committees: Stewardship Committee- Responsible for encouraging parishioners to give of their time, talent, and treasure. Committee work will include assisting with the development of a broader based and more effective annual appeal. Events Committee- Responsible for facilitating events and activities of interest and value to all members of the parish, such as special fund raisers, parish breakfasts, suppers, or informal gatherings. Membership/Welcoming Committee- Responsible for developing and/or enhancing systems to increase membership as well as for welcoming visitors and new worshippers. Christian Education Committee- Responsible for developing and/or facilitating educational activities and programs. Martha and Sally will shortly be inviting members of the congregation whose talents and abilities match the various committees’ needs. If you are called, we hope you give serious consideration to accepting this ministry of service to our Lord as well as your fellow parishioners. TIME, TALENT AND TREASURE It’s a fact that for the past several years the number of year ‘round parishioners pledging to the annual stewardship campaign has declined as has the average amount pledged. The same trend is apparent for contributions from our seasonal members. Your vestry has taken note and taken steps. We know we must increase the levels of interest in and enthusiasm for the church. We know we must improve our stewardship program. We know we must do a better job of communicating within the parish. A glance at the article in this Harbor Chart on "2002 Goals" will shed some light on how we are approaching these objectives. But back to stewardship: most churchgoers think of stewardship as "fund raising." It is a lot more. Last month’s Harbor Chart spoke about stewardship not simply as writing a check, but as sharing our God-given gifts gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Let me share with you a personal example that resulted in the giving of all three. The vocal group Acappellago performed a benefit concert last August that raised $1,175 for the St. Mary's-by-the-Sea Restoration Fund. As one of the twelve members of that ensemble, I was extremely pleased to be able to contribute to this project by using a God-given talent. I would not have been able to write out a personal check for that amount, but giving of my time and talent meant much more to me. As a follow-up, Acappellago held an open rehearsal at the end of October for those year ‘round residents who were not able to attend the August concert. Admission was free, but donations were gratefully accepted. Another win/win example of stewardship? I think so. And I hope you will think about volunteering some of your own time or talent that might result in treasure for the church and pleasure for you. Amy Smith, Senior Warden SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE Thanks to every parishioner who invested the time and effort to complete and return last July’s search questionnaire. The response was excellent. The search committee accelerated its regular meeting schedule in the past two months in order to respond to Diocesan deployment officer, Canon Studdiford’s encouragement to have our rector position presented at the semi-annual deployment conference he attended in October. As of this printing of The Harbor Chart the committee awaits his report. Meanwhile, the committee expects to complete the Church Deployment Office profile at its next meeting. The Canon advised that we may begin receiving names of prospective new Rectors later this month, with the possibility of issuing a call as soon as the end of the first quarter next year. The committee believes God will send us just the right individual to lead this Parish, with your help. Please take a few moments to think about any networking opportunities you may have, and forward names for consideration to Canon Linton Studdiford, Diocese of Maine, 143 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101. The committee appreciates your interest and support, and asks for your continued prayers for the success of this search effort. PHASE ONE RENOVATION The Buildings and Grounds Committee reports that work has begun on Phase One projects at St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea. A site survey determined that the foundation was in better condition than expected, wall motion monitoring sites have been selected, estimates are in hand for new electrical and mechanical work, and the Committee is working closely with the Town of Mt. Desert to pave the way for tying into the town’s existing storm drain system. We’ve made a good start on raising the estimated $311,000 needed to pay for Phase One renovation. To date, we have pledges and cash in hand nearing $255,000, but we have not yet heard from the majority of parishioners. As the recent fund raising letter to parishioners stated, our goal is 100% participation regardless of the amount. Now, before the end of the year, we urge you to think about what the church means to you personally. Then widen your scope of thought and consider this: St. Mary’s-by-the-Sea is the outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace, an earthly symbol of the Body of Christ. In the largest possible theological context, through your gift to the Renovation Fund you are "loving the Lord our God by helping to rebuild the symbol of His body and blood." Bishop's Homecoming The Rt. Rev'd Chilton Knudsen will be with us on Sunday morning December 16. We will have one service this day at 9:30 followed by Brunch. Please mark your calendars and come spend some time with our Bishop. |
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The Parish of St. Mary and St. Jude
P.O. Box 105, Northeast Harbor, Maine 04662 Tel: 207/276-5588 Fax: 207/276-3220