This week we say goodbye to David Kendrick our Communications Director. Even though our revenue is higher than it has ever been in the history of the parish, this is yet another sign of our challenge to maintain adequate staff.

Rarely does a church of over 1400 members operate with just one priest and one or two part-time employees. Ours is the only church in the Diocese of Virginia that attempts to do so.

This remains the fundamental threat to our vitality. I am hopeful the Truth or Consequences workshop will empower parishioners to address this chronic condition.

The truth is we have plenty of resources (Time, Talent and Treasure) to thrive. The challenge is to help parishioners grab an oar and help row.

Our current staff includes our Youth Minister, (full-time) and a Finance Administrator (part-time). Until David finds employment with another church, I have agreed to keep him on a part-time basis supporting communications. He is actively looking for full employment. Please keep him in your prayers.

The funding for the Youth Minister and Communications Director is supported by part of the $300,000 revenue supplement the Vestry approved as a condition of my call as Rector. We will have consumed that infusion of capital by the end of the year. After December 2008 we are on a pay as you go basis. The clock is ticking.

The Vestry will present a balanced budget to the parish at the Annual Meeting in 2009. Jim Tracy (our volunteer General Manager) reported recently that cutting funds for Youth Ministry, the 9:15 AM service and the 5:00 PM service would bring us close to balanced budget. The dismissal of David Kendrick allows us to sustain our Youth Ministry and 9:15 AM service for another nine months, (given anticipated 2008 revenue).

I have asked the Vestry to make a decision by May 28 regarding the future of our parish. They are seeking input from parishioners through a workshop we are calling Truth or Consequences. The May 28 deadline will allow me to know how to structure the parish moving forward beginning September 2008.

It remains on open question whether or not we can we sustain the parish in the absence of financial support for ministry with children and youth. Some parishioners may believe ministry with children and youth lacks value and is of only secondary importance. Others may believe ministry with children and youth is a core ministry of the parish.

Another consideration is how long the parish can operate without an Administrator or General Manager. Currently both positions are staffed by volunteers. Our General Manager "retires" at the end of 2008. Our volunteer Administrator has made clear that her continued investment in the mission of this parish will be determined by the Vestry decision on May 28.

The Truth or Consequences workshop invites parishioners to take responsibility for the future of the parish. I am interested to see how many step up to participate. Grab an oar. Sign up now.