St. Martin’s has formed a committee to participate in the Diocese Requiem and Renaissance program. This program is intended to help address the persistent and accelerating decreases in attendance, membership, and pledge income experienced by most Episcopal Church Parishes and the entire Christian mainstream over the last forty plus years.
The newly formed R&R Committee had their first meeting at St. Martin’s last Saturday (11/09/2024). There was also an organizational retreat in October that several members attended that was led by The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice, Canon for Evangelism & Discipleship Development - Diocese of Missouri.
Notes from the retreat:
The Requiem and Renaissance Program is not an attempt by the diocese to come in and close parishes. Rather, it is an opportunity to prayerfully reimagine possible futures.
While spearheaded by a small committee, input from the entire congregation Is welcomed and encouraged.
We all need to pray, listen, and be open to opportunities.
We all need to bring our best selves to this task.
We all need to look for community needs and help expand our programs to meet those needs.
We all need to be welcoming and recognize other’s feelings.
Mistakes are OK.
Healing and patience will be necessary.
Be ready to ask Why?
Hold things lightly and be willing to pause, feel, choose and question.
Members of the R&R Committee includes: The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire, John Aldin, Becky Brewer, D’Arcy Elsperman, Daryl Norman, and Larry Cornelius. Members of the congregation are welcome to ask anyone in this committee questions and clarification as we go forward.
Future Meetings:
There is a meeting planned for Saturday 11/30/2024 from 10:00-11:30 am at St. Martins to continue organizing this committee that, over the next 18 months, will work towards reimagining the future strategic direction of St. Martin’s.
There is a half-day seminar planned for Saturday 11/14/2024 from 10.00 am to 3:00 pm which includes a lunch and will be led by The Rev. Canon Whitney Rice.