Ideas into Actions

FROM THE RECTOR

Every six months, our staff sets aside a morning to wonder what needs in the community are not being met and to brainstorm some ideas for how to meet those needs. We learned a while back that most of us are excellent at planning events and following through with details, but we are not collectively gifted with the ability to identify areas of unmet potential and dream up new ways of exploring them. Actually, as you may have noticed, we do have some capacity for that, but we are so good at taking ideas and running with them that sometimes we forget to think outside our regularly scheduled programming. That is why we commit to spending a morning together twice a year just imagining what might be different.

Last week, we started with our own unmet needs as individuals and then expanded our wondering to needs of the congregation and wider community. After everyone had shared, we identified four broad categories that reflect most of the hungers we feel and sense around us: Connection and Relationship; Peace and Security; Action and Meaning; and Playfulness and Creativity. Six months ago, when we did the same process, our answers were a little different, and I am encouraged to know that the process reflects changes in the world around us.

I wonder whether you, if asked to identify the areas of your life and your relationship with St. Paul’s that you want to deepen over the coming months, would name hungers that fall into those categories. What areas of unmet potential might you explore with our church? Do you desire deeper relationships with other parishioners? Do you yearn for peace in your life? Do you feel a drive to put your faith into action? Are you hungry for opportunities to laugh and play? Or do you experience other areas of need that we might pursue together?

After naming areas of unmet need, we brainstormed a long list of possible ministries and programs that might respond to those needs. I include that list below, but, before you read through it, I want to caution you about two things. First, this list came out of a creative session when any idea was welcome. Some of them may miss the mark, and others may need refinement before we do anything with them. Second, and more importantly, if any of them are going to come to fruition, you will need to do something about it.

Very soon after I arrived at St. Paul’s four years ago, I realized that the staff and I cannot be responsible for making all of the church’s ministries happen. You have known that truth for even longer. Our church is too active, too full, too busy, too involved for a handful of people to drive all of our programs. Instead, the staff’s job is to facilitate and empower the people of this congregation for ministry. Our job is to equip you to carry out the programs that meet the needs of our church and the wider community.

Take a look at this list of brainstormed ideas. Take some time to think of your own. If you see or think of something that would help you deepen your connection with God and our church, do something about it. Start by asking a friend if they would like to do it, too. Call the church office or speak to a member of staff on Sunday morning and ask how we might make that idea a reality together. Frankly, the only thing keeping us from bringing any of these ideas to fruition is not knowing who will pick them up and run with them. Maybe that person is you.

• Bible Studies or Formation Offerings Outside of Work Hours

• Opportunities for Adults to Enjoy Creative Children/Youth Activities

• Icon-Painting/Writing Program

• Contemplative Offerings with Instructions and Training

• Sex Ed/Puberty/Body Education for Youth and Adults

• Theological Education on Abortion

• Women’s Theology Teaching Series

• Teaching on the Diversity of the Body of Christ

• Adult and Youth Teaching on Theology from Non-White-Man Perspectives

• Prayerful Containers in Response to World Events

• Regular Compline Services

• More Containers for Grief and Loss

• Meal Train Program for Births or Hospitalizations

• Special Events like Retreats, Day-Trips, Fun Outings

• More Outdoor Activities in Green Space

• Game Night, Poker Night, Bridge Group, Bingo Night

• Softball Team

• Monthly Parish Hike Group

• Birding Group

• St. Paul’s Meetups at Community Events

• Spaces and Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Fellowship

• Spaces Set Aside for Unstructured Interactions and Social Time

• Small Groups Program

• More Merchandise/Swag in the Bookstore

• Parents Day Out Program

• Daycare for Low-Income Households

• Mentor Program for Newcomers

• Welcome Team for Newcomers

• Newcomers Lunch after Church

• Recovering Catholic and Evangelical Groups

• Expanded Parish Nurse Program

• Expanded Harm Reduction Program (Including Plan B)

• Solitary Garden Project

• Micro-Lending Program

• Days Dedicated to Advocacy, Letter Writing, and Phone Calls

• Training for Sit-Ins and Civil Activism

• Teaching on Discipleship as Community Activism

• Clear Acts of Environmental Stewardship

• Skill-Sharing Opportunities

• Published Inventory of Physical Resources for Borrowing

• Directory of Businesses with Connections to the Church

Yours Faithfully,

Evan D. Garner