A map of US religious groups, by county, has been posted by Glenmary Home Missioners.
A map of US religious groups, by county, has been posted by
group, Glenmary Home Missioners. The map is available at: click
""Strategy for Small Churches," a document authored by the Standing Commission for Small Congregations and adopted by the 2003 General Convention, describes characteristics and signs of vital small churches, and provides a strategy on how small churches can work toward vitality."
Small church consultation exceeds expectations
By Dick Snyder
ENS 062004-1
[ENS] The significance of small churches in the Episcopal Church was highlighted as representatives from small congregations, primarily from the West but including other parts of the country, met June 7-9 at Westminster College, Salt Lake, Utah, immediately following the triennial Province VII Convocation.
"Strategy for Small Churches," a document authored by the Standing Commission for Small Congregations and adopted by the 2003 General Convention, describes characteristics and signs of vital small churches, and provides a strategy on how small churches can work toward vitality. Discussion was facilitated by the Rev. Josephine Borgeson, a ministry developer from Northern California.
The strategy for small congregations interested in sustaining and expanding vitality involves equipping them for self-assessment, discernment, local ownership and congregational development, she explained.
Characteristics cited in the document include participatory worship in the Eucharist, and an understanding and support for mission activities.
"Attendance exceeded expectations," said the Rev. Canon Ben Helmer, the Episcopal Church's missioner for congregational development with expertise in rural and small communities. The consultation, sponsored by the Office of Congregational Development, was planned for 30 participants and attracted 41.
Several people found the document helpful and inspiring, promising to work its strategy into their local contexts. The Rev. Lucie Thomas of Arizona was particularly struck by the statement that "vitality in small congregations is achieved when abundance is claimed."
"That really turned it around for me," she said.
Bishop Harry Bainbridge of Idaho said he found the document helpful and planned to introduce the strategy and the principles for use by small congregations in Idaho.
"This really helps in establishing local ownership of programs," said the Rev. Ann Hicks of Olympia.
Peg McCall from Nevada said she planned to work the strategy into the planning process in her home parish.
"There was some really helpful information presented here," said the Rev. Katherine Salinaro. "And it was significant that there were all the offices of ministers of the church--bishop, priest, deacon and laity--participating actively together. It was a vision of what the church should be."
Additional information is available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/smallchurch.htm
--Dick Snyder is a freelance church journalist and was a member of the Standing Commission for Small Congregations.
From the news wires: A national ad campaign to help create awareness of the Episcopal Church took its first public step last week as Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold indicated his support in a letter sent to diocesan bishops June 2. "I affirm this initiative, and I think that it comes at the right time for our church," Griswold said. "As we continue to engage the mission energies in our church, the campaign is a bold step towards reaching out to a broader audience."
The idea of a campaign was born from the strategy group of the 20/20 movement, a goal that General Convention adopted in July 2000 to contribute to the growth and vitality of the church and its congregations. The group, which recognized that advertising is a key part of the conversation, especially among "next generations," saw advertising as an opportunity "to raise Episcopalians' perceptions of themselves and lead to intentional welcoming training among churches."
Directed by the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication, the campaign will seek the involvement of every parish, diocese and province in the Episcopal Church. Bishops are being asked to name a "point person" at the diocesan level to coordinate the involvement of parishes in making local TV, radio and print buys. A national TV buy will be handled at the national level, but all ads will appear at the same time; first in a one-time, one-day ad in November and then for a specified period of time before Easter 2005.
The ads, being made available to churches and dioceses at no cost, encourage people to visit a special Web site that will link to local churches in the viewer's area. Churches will receive information this summer with clear instructions about what is involved in becoming part of the campaign. The materials will include information and exercises that churches can use to ensure that they are prepared to fulfill the objectives of being a truly welcoming church. Clear strategies on how to make a local cable buy will also be outlined. Live, personal help will be available to dioceses and churches that join the effort from the Episcopal Media Center.
"I believe that this campaign will take advantage of the enormous name recognition the Episcopal Church has right now," said Dan England, director of communication for the Episcopal Church. "They will say to viewers, 'when you're ready, we're here for you,' and by asking churches to take a new look at the level of welcome they're extending to visitors, people will like what they find when they come."
Charles Fulton, Director of Congregational Development, has also been involved extensively. "I'm confident that this campaign will build esprit de corps among our churches," he said. "I'm also excited that it will provide an opportunity for individual Episcopalians to tell their faith story and invite friends and neighbors to church."
- Episcopal News Service
