I can’t see unless you tell me where I need to go

I was reminded at a recent visit to the optometrist that only by testing and gathering information could the doctor determine any change to my eyeglass prescription.  I had to not only follow the light from her flashlight but also tell her when I could clearly see letters on the chart.
 
Is this is a familiar exercise for you?  And what does this have to do with St. Anne’s?
 
Just as the optometrist has to ask me questions and get my feedback on whether I can see clearly or not, we have to ask ourselves how clearly we see the present and future of our church community. 

Can we see clearly the writing on the wall that God has left for us to read and follow?  If we don’t respond to the prompts given to us, how can we be sure of any diagnosis or path to really see what is before us?
 
During the month of November a number of parishioners were gracious enough to host fellow parishioners in their home for two hours of focused sharing about their experience as part of this faith community.  Ask anyone who participated in those sessions or one hosted at the Parish Hall after church and you will hear about how good it was to tell and listen to stories about St. Anne’s, past, present and future.
 
These are the questions asked during those get-togethers – what would your answers be?

-When did you first become part of or connected to the church family?  What most attracted you to St. Anne’s and why do you stay?
-What have been or are the best and most memorable moments or “high points” of your time as part of a faith community, either at St. Anne’s or another parish?
-Where did/do you see God in these moments?
-Can you tell us briefly about the times perhaps when you felt or feel most inspired, challenged, engaged, or spiritually nurtured; times you were most proud about being part of this church family.
-What, in your view, are the 3 most important qualities, practices or spiritual strengths of
St. Anne’s Church from our past and present that you want us to keep and build upon, even as we move into the future?
-What are your hopes and dreams for the future of St. Anne’s? 

Here are some answers already shared:

- “It’s a beautiful spiritual place to come to on Sundays.”

- “No particular “high point” but things that come to mind – working at the Fair, Christmas Services”

- “I see God in the kindness people show to each other; at times during worship”

- “We look back more than look ahead in our efforts towards progression.  Sometimes we are afraid to try things again or new things as we feel they didn't work before.”

- inspiring times - "During worship services, sermons preaching and teaching about living the way Christ wants us to, our good choir anthems."

- “Music, message in homily, growth are important don’t be afraid of change”

- a hope shared – “To provide a welcome Church for people to worship and be nurtured in their faith and encouraged to help others.”

Plainly speaking we need your answers to these questions.  One parishioner told me when asked about participating that they had “been there and done that”.  Speaking for the Visioning Team, this exercise is not about spending time gathering ideas so they can be put in a report and achieve nothing concrete.  This is about listening to the people who share the pew with you at St. Anne’s as you each speak about what was and is important to you and consider what you hope for our time together as the years ahead unfold.  Once enough people have contributed, the Team will build a summary of your responses and ask you to help construct an action plan to follow.  It is not all about you or me, but about us.
 
A great many things have happened at St. Anne’s over the last 156 years.  Only by voicing your own experiences can we look to what we might get involved with next month or next year or five years from now.
 
What’s next?
You will have a chance to get together and share your thoughts in the early months of 2010 either at a home meeting or a Sunday session organized after our church services.  Refreshments will be served.  Announcements will be made in the pew bulletins or before services about when these sessions will be offered.  Whether you have been a member of St. Anne’s for several months, several years or even a lifetime, we need you to take the time to tell us your answers to the above questions.
 
Remember…
It is very important to know:
•     This prayerful approach is not about “creating programs.”
•     It is not about “bricks and mortar.”
•     There are no preconceived notions already in place.
•     There is no advance agenda associated with this from any individual/group.
•     This is not about us as individuals.  It is about where God wants us to use His resources and how we can work together as a church to do that.  It is about ministry, service, and God’s will.  If we trust God to lead us, His will shall be revealed to us.
 
What do we hope to achieve?
God’s Will – Nothing More,
Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

Our continued commitment to daily prayers for God’s guidance in seeking His will is the key! Thank you! Please contact the office or Keith B. with your questions or to sign up for a Sunday session.