St. Patrick’s held its 2020 Annual Meeting, Sunday, February 2, 2020 in the Parish Hall. The following are some highlights from the meeting.
2020 Ministry Priorities
Clergy-Vestry Mutual Ministry
- The primary ministers (representatives) of Christ are the baptized, supported and equipped by the sacramental ministry of the priest and the servant-leader ministry of the deacon
- Mutuality and collaborative leadership allow us to learn from one another and become more faithful disciples as we bring our spiritual and temporal gifts to the table
Lay Leadership Training
- As the primary ministers, the laity should be equipped and trained for mature, healthy leadership for the church
- We will send 5 three-member teams to the Diocese of Georgia Church Development Institute for each of the next 5 years, starting in 2018-2023
- Emphasize Education for Ministry, Ministry Leader Roundtable, and Leadership Rotation
Spiritual Formation and Discipleship
- Develop opportunities for every member to nurture their spiritual life in community
- Emphasize the study of scripture and spiritual disciplines (John 20:31)
- Share our faith stories as we learn to live the larger and better story Jesus writes (Heb. 12:2)
Pastoral Care and Hospitality
- Have a care plan for every member of the congregation, proactive and reactive
- Develop and coordinate the ministries of care, including more Eucharistic Visitors/Chaplains
- Ministries meet regularly, communicate effectively, and report robustly so that no one suffers alone
Communications and Evangelism
- Perform a communications audit to strengthen parish communications between members and ministries (leaders)
- Develop a communications strategy outward from first touch to newcomer card
- Take the sharing of our faith stories to new tables of fellowship and spheres of influence
Worship
- Review our Sunday schedule, mid-week offerings, and special offerings for new opportunities (Evensong, Longest Night, Ashes to Go, Major Feasts, Holy Week)
- Build up our worship ministries to fully support our worshipping life
- Start a children’s church that is primarily about learning the pattern of worship from age 4-12
Plan to pay off Mortgage
- Develop a plan that includes capital giving and fundraising for ministry beyond the building
New Mission Statement
Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ enfolding all in God’s Love.
-St. Patrick’s Mission Statement
New Leaders Elected
Lesia Irvin, Alan Seely-Wilson, and Joe Wingard were elected to serve a three year term on the Vestry.
The Vestry then elected the following officers:
Senior Warden: Joe Wingard
Junior Warden: Aida Cerney
Treasurer: Sam Stringer
Clerk: Sandra Rowe
At their earlier meeting, the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour elected Jeremiah Hoskins and Santha Jetty to serve as representatives to Vestry.