It has been a busy couple of weeks since my last post. Holly is vacationing in CA with the kids. She sent me an email the other day. I quote her email in full:

Would you please write a new blog already?

Love,
Your Wife

Okayokayokayokayokay.

Well, the truth is, I have been rather busy. The good news is I think I may be through the toughest part of the summer – until, that is, it is time to prep for September. Most of the extra effort went into pulling together the Parish Forum on the State of the Church, which was held on Sunday.

Jim Tracy estimates that over 80 people participated. The presentation lasted a little over two hours. It covered everything I have learned over the last six months as Rector. A number of people raised good and important questions.

I think the output – in terms of data generated, as well as the outcome – in terms of parishioner engagement, was well worth the effort.

We are posting an audio presentation on the parish website for those who missed it:

• State of the Church Presentation (PDF)
  
• State of the Church Part 1 (Audio)
• State of the Church Part 2 (Audio)
  
• State of the Church Part 3 (Audio)
  
• State of the Church Summary (Audio)
  

The presentation with is divided up into 5 segments of between 15 and 20 minutes each. We have done this to enable those who may want to listen to hear the program over several sittings.

Here is the summary:

We are beginning a visioning process in the parish. The goal is to invite parishioners to enter into discernment together to envision where the Holy Spirit is leading us as a faithful covenant community.

Based on my analysis of the State of the Church, I have framed the visioning process with four challenges:

• Can we be more intentional about addressing the needs of emerging generations while honoring the needs of seniors?
• Can we address the needs of families for real, life-changing discipleship?
• Can we train and deploy leaders in appropriate ministries that are empowered to disciple others in faith?
• Can we nurture the faith of our parishioners so that we become a more faithful covenant community?

If we can open our hearts and minds to hear the Lord's answers to these questions, we are going to see exciting days filled with God's abundant blessing for many years to come.