st. james anglican church st. james

A bedside referenceSt. James’ Strategic PlanA bedside referenceSt. James’ Strategic Plan

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St. JamesStrategicPlan

St. James Anglican ChurchStratford ✝ Canada

Long-termOverall Aims, InterestsAnd The MeansOf Achieving Them

BuildingourFuture

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St. James AnglicanChurchBuilding our Future

Members of the Original StrategicPlanning Committee, May 2010Chair Person:Jane Kirkpatrick

Walt BatheMarie JonesHeather McKeand ProctorDianne McCabeMelanie HughesMary Ann HuggettPeter MussenJames ColbeckRev. Tom PattersonRev. Canon Dr. Lorne MitchellNorma ReeseDave Parson

St. James Anglican ChurchSt. James (Episcopal)6 Hamilton Street,Stratford,ON N5A 7P4519.271.3572stjamesstratford.ca

Let us pray

DEAR LORD, we thank youfor the bounteous gifts you havegiven to the church and people ofSt. James. We rejoice in thepossibilities the Spirit has openedto us to go out and do your will.

We pray for strength, courageand wisdom to put our faith towork as exhorted by our belovedSt. James.

All this we pray though JesusChrist our Lord and Saviour.

A bedside referenceSt. James Strategic PlanA bedside referenceSt. James Strategic Plan

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A StrategicPlan forSt. JamesThis document lays outa plan for the future, bythe identification oflong-term or overallaims and interests andthe meansof achieving them

The material presentedhere comes directlyfrom St. Jamesparishioners, gatheredthrough town hallmeetings

Introduction

Bishop Terry Dance has saiddirectly to us, “The church oftoday is not the church of ourparents and grandparents!” Wehave taken this as call to action.Our parish has responded bydeveloping a plan to aid us inmaking the changes of whichBishop Terry spoke. In otherwords, “Building our Future.”

We start with the foundation

of the plan by using our Angli-can tradition of liturgy, commu-nity, worship and governance; aplan to create a parish focusedon faith and ministry needs inour century. St. James’ planlooks forward three years andcan be considered as the firststeps on our own unique trans-formation. “Glory to God,whose power working in us, cando infinitely more than we canask or imagine.”

Planning Process

Parish Council struck aPlanning Committee in May2010. The committeecommenced work by reviewingdocumentation and work donein the previous three years.There followed development ofa vision statement, the St. James’“Marks of Mission”, goals foreach area of mission and actionsteps for those goals. Reportswere made back to the congre-gation asking for reactions andsuggestions. The plan thatfollows is a living document, notfixed in stone, but provides aframework, which allowsflexibility and responsiveness tochanging circumstances.

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BLESSED ARE YOU, SovereignGod, creator of all, to you be gloryand praise forever.

You founded the earth in thebeginning and the heavens are thework of your hands.

As we rejoice in the gift of yourpresence among us, let the light ofyour love always shine in ourhearts and your praises be ever onour lips; through Jesus Christ ourLord. Amen

The futureExploring,

Sharing and

Celebrating the

love of God

St James is a progressiveChristian faith community. Wevalue the exploration of theways in which our Christianfaith and our society can bothsupport and challenge oneanother. We are committed tomaintaining this environmentof exploration and discoveryfor our children and forone another.

Having a strong faith andgood education is only thestart. As a church we arecommitted to putting our faith

into action by identifying andresponding to social concernsin our wider community andthe world. We feel called to dothis by building partnershipswith other groups,strengthening the network ofpeople working to better thelocal and global community.

There is no doubt thatcelebrating the love of Godthrough our Worship is acornerstone for our spiritualjourney. Through music, Wordand Sacrament we develop ourrelationship with God. As well,from its earliest days, St. Jameshas been a home for arts andculture in Stratford. We arecommitted to ensuring thatthis tradition is strengthened,so that it continues forgenerations to come.

At St. James, we are proud ofthe role we have played in thecommunity over the years. Aswe move into the future, wewill continue to be a strong,life-giving faith community byExploring, Sharing andCelebrating the love of God.

The Rev. CanonDr. W. Lorne Mitchell, Rector


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Implementation

Implementation of the strate-gic plan rests with Parish Coun-cil. That does not mean, how-ever, that Council members bethe ones who carry out the workoutlined. If the work envisionedis to actually happen, it willrequire the entire parish beinvolved to the degree that theyare able. To facilitate implemen-tation, the Committee recom-mended that a Planning Imple-mentation Committee (PIC) bestruck to coordinate the workand report back toParish Council.

To this end, the Committeerecommended that theCouncil have a permanentagenda item for itsmonthly meetings, withthe PIC Chair becoming apermanent member ofCouncil. A further respon-sibility would be to reportto Vestry at the annualmeeting.

As part of the budget process,Council review the plan everyfall and develop its action stepsfor the upcoming year. These inturn should be incorporatedinto the PIC report that goes toVestry, with a request for Vestryapproval to proceed with theproposed steps. As part of itsmonitoring function, we suggestthat the PIC develop an annualgraph.

The Chinese saying “May youlive in interesting times” is onethat has resonance now. There isno doubt that our AnglicanChurch is working through aseismic shift in its history, onethat could be as profound as ourbeginnings 500 years ago.

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Recommendations

1. That the Parish Councilrelease the strategic plan to thevestry for comment and theStrategic Planning Committeereview and respond to allcomments.

2. That the strategic plan bepresented to 2011 Vestry forformal adoption.

3. That the Parish Councilstrike a Planning Implementa-tion Committee as soon aspossible.

4. That the first task of thePlanning ImplementationCommittee be to set out thescope of its work.

5. That the Planning Imple-mentation Committee use atime line such as a Gantt chartto plan out activities for thecoming year and to use as amonitoring tool.

6. That the PIC be empoweredto set performance measures foraction steps in consultation withappropriate committee chairs/heads of groups.

7. That the Council beupdated monthly on theimplementation plan.

8. That the PIC and theCapital Campaign worktogether and establish a strongcommunication link.

9. That in 2011 the threeimplementation priorities ofCouncil should be: organiza-tional review and restructuring;membership services;communication processes.

Going Forward:

We are reminded by TimDearborn that: it is not theChurch of God that has a missionin the world, but the God ofmission that has a church in theworld.

(Dr. Tim Dearborn is Director of Faithand Development Programs for World VisionInternational)

This plan is mission centred, aplan that takes its foundationfrom scripture and builds thekingdom of God in ourselvesand our community.

In embracing the strategicplan, the parish of St. James’takes up the call of Jesus to be inand of our community,exploring, sharing andcelebrating God’s love in wordand deed.*

* excerpted from a homily given byRev. Tom Patterson, June 27, 2010


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4. Following the teachingsof St. James, we combine ourspirituality with action. Ourfaith works.

5. As Anglicans, the word ofGod as contained in scripturespeaks to us as individualsand to the community.

Our journey defines us asChristians who endeavour inseeking others to whom wecan share our joy, our faith...to Grow in Grace.

The VisionSt. James AnglicanChurch...exploring, sharingand celebratingGod’s love in thecommunity inword and deed.

The five principles that upholdingthis vision.

1. We focus on ministry whichgoes outside our walls to thewider community, both faithand secular.

2. A recognition that faith andspiritual journeys are not fixedand that many struggle withtheir faith; we acknowledge thatdoubts can be accepted,questions can be asked, andanswers explored openly.

3. Worship is a gloriousexpression of our joy in whichwe are people of God, seeking toshare that joy with others.

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6. To build St.James’ to be astrong, dynamicresponsive church

If the foundation for ourspiritual growth and mission isour Anglican tradition, our St.James’ building provides thefoundation for the work we do.This mission encompasses goalsthat deal with the physical plantand what is required in terms ofthe organizational supportsystems in order to realize ourvision.

• review and amend theparish’s organization map(please see pages 8-9).

• provide terms of reference;prepare report with recommen-dations for Council (mid year).

• develop a financial account-ability model which will resultin the parish having a balancedbudget annually; the FinancialReview Committee to monitorexpenditures, assist withidentifying revenue streams andwork with the Treasurer to setthe budget; ensure committeeheads, staff are trained in thefinancial procedures for com-mitting/spending funds (post

2011 Vestry); formalize inwriting policies and proceduresregarding accounts, recordkeeping & disbursements.

• reconvene the StewardshipCommittee; establish new termsof reference; recruit a Chair;develop and introduce a newmodel for Stewardship to workwith the capital campaign.

• create an internal communi-cation and accountabilitymodel; update and maintain anaccurate database of parishion-ers and parishioner activities.

• reactivate the Safe Churchprogram, with the first stepbeing an inventory of what iscurrently available in the office.

• maintain for the use offuture generations the fabric ofthe buildings and property.

• the Capital Campaign teamdevelop a campaign to raiseCouncil’s identified target.

• investigate various fundraising software programswhich may be beneficial (iePowerchurch).

• ensure that maintenance ofGod’s Holy Acre is sustained inperpetuity.

• ensure compliance with alllegal and accessibilityrequirements.


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What is therealization ofthe vision?

In the near future, if avisitor asks a Stratfordresident where is a goodchurch in the city, withouthesitation the answer will be“St. James!”

When asked why, ourparishioner will say: becauseyou will be welcomed withgenuine happiness andexcitement that you havecome; because the worshipyou will share in will bringyou peace and joy and youwill leave the church feelingthat you have connected withGod in a deep way: becauseyou will be excited by theenergy of the congregationand you will want to stickaround and be part of their

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• consult with Stratford’sSocial Services Department forareas of need and developprograms to address.

• to speak out on social issuesas a congregation, & to encour-age people to speak out asindividuals.

• prepare letters to & organizemeetings with our MP, MPP,Mayor for the congregation;organize advocacy training.

5: To safeguard thetreasures of theearth for new life

A Benedictine prayer says:O GLORIOUS GOD, your wholecreation sings your marvelouswork; may heaven’s praise so echoin our hearts that we may be goodstewards of the earth. And so maywe be in our parish as this missioncalls us to take our stewardship toa new level.

• to establish “green goals” asper the Diocesan EnvironmentalCommittee.

• review & update WHMIS*policies & procedures (Immedi-ate need).

• strike an EnvironmentalCommittee & prepare terms ofreference for approval by ParishCouncil.

• prepare an inventory ofEnviro-action to date; set goalsmake presentations to the parish

• begin implementation;prepare the parish to apply for aGreen Award from the Diocese.

• to speak out on environmentissues and advocate for the goodcare of creation.

• organize information forums;prepare advocacy statements.

programs; because someone will invite you to join a groupthat is asking the tough questions about faith and yourealize you are not alone in your wonderings; because youfind out, like me, that St. James’ is involved in our commu-nity’s social issues like no other. And, oh yeah, my kids andtheir friends jam up there every Friday after school, andsometimes even play at services.

*Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Sheets

Let us pray

GRACIOUS GOD, when yougave us your Son, your light cameinto the world.

May we welcome him in our lives,and thus be a light for our brothersand sisters.

We ask this through Jesus Christ,our Lord. Amen,.

(Glenstal Abbey Book of Daily Prayer)


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The Marksof Mission1. To declare toyourself andothers that in allof life, in everyminute of everyday, we are alltruly supported byour Lord JesusChrist.

This mission is a call for us allto be intentional in our Chris-tian life, proactive if you will, byfirst living our lives followingthe teachings of Jesus and theapostles as given to us in scrip-ture. Also by sharing our stories,our experiences and beliefsthrough the reality of our ac-tions. We recall the words ofRichard of Chichester:

DAY BY DAY, dear Lord, threethings of thee I pray: to see theemore clearly, follow thee morenearly, love thee more dearly.

This mission also reflects ourbelief that many people seekspiritual nourishment and thatwe as parishioners of St. James’are, through our own personaljourney, able to help seekersbegin their journey. There areseveral specific goals in this firstmark of mission.

• to seek new ways to bringGod’s love to the communitythrough developing relation-ships in the community, elimi-nating boundaries between us.

• through our personal exam-ple of words and action encour-age a culture of acceptance andloving kindness.

• seek out and/or createopportunities/activities todevelop relationships with thecommunity; conduct Christianeducation programs in the falland the season of Lent.

• invite the wider communityto our programs.

• offer creative opportunitiesto worship God in body, mindand spirit.

• maintain our choral tradi-tion as exemplified in Evensongservices, Lessons and Carols.

• initiate a “Christian WorshipWeek, a showcase of differentstyles of worship music; offervariations of worship at differ-ent times of the day and week:e.g. Taize, jazz vespers, Christianrock, gospel.

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4: To seek to rightthe wrongs ofSociety

This mission calls on us to beproactive in dealing with thesocial issues in our own com-munity, and to recognize and acton the injustices we see in theworld beyond our city. OurOutreach Committee is alreadyat work on the goals establishedfor this mission statement.Indeed, support for theOutreach Committee’s activitieswas very strongly articulated byrespondents in the survey and atthe SWOT meetings.

• create awareness of issuesboth in our parish and ourcommunity.

• facilitate congregationalaccess to the Anglican Journalonline and the Diocesan SocialJustice web site.

• produce displays & factsheets; organize speakers,presentations & workshops asneeded.

• initiate debate & facilitateaction.

• partner with communitygroups & other churches onlocal social justice action (e.g.Stratford’s Food SecurityGroup).

• support and strengthen ourcurrent outreach efforts, bothlocally, nationally andinternationally.

• continue current outreachprograms as determined by theOutreach Committee; proceedwith the emerging relationshipof First Nation communities.

• implement new outreachprograms as determined bythe Outreach Committee.

• assist parishioners, particu-larly young family households,to identify opportunities forservice.

• create a posting board(bulletin board & online) tohighlight activities.

• create a small group minis-try for young family households;resume the Opportunity Fair.

DEAR LORD, open our heartsto your word and to the power ofthe spirit. Give us love to discoveryour will and strength to carry itout today.

We commend to your faithfullove those who are crying fromthe depths in the sure hope ofyour forgiveness and redemption,through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen


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2. To encouragePersonalSpirituality.

A consistent theme thatresonated through congrega-tional responses in the parishsurvey and SWOT* meetingswas the yearning for a deeperspiritual life, not only for them-selves but for those who are notpart of our parish family. Withthis mission, we recognize thatdespite the pressures of thesecular world in which we live,many are looking for a way todeeper belief and meaning. Bynourishing ourselves, we be-come ready to nourish others.

• design and implement amembership process to welcomenew parishioners, mentoringand looking after allparishioners; reconstitute theMembership Committee withnew terms of reference; prepareprocess and get approval byCouncil.

• provide training for sides-people, lay readers and Eucha-ristic Assistants; introduce newways of recognizing parishion-ers’ gifts; develop and imple-ment training program formentors; annual training for layministers.

Let us pray.

OUR Father who art inheaven, Hallowed be thy Name,Thy kingdom come, Thy will bedone, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread;And forgive us our trespasses, Aswe forgive those who trespassagainst us; And lead us not intotemptation, But deliver us fromevil.

For thine is the kingdom, thepower, and the glory, For everand ever. Amen.

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3. To respond tohuman need withservice, Care andLove

This mission recognizes ourlegacy from our patron saint,James, who exhorts us to put ourfaith to work by following theteachings of Christ, helping thosein need. Furthermore, we do thiswithout judgement or expectationof return. The goals encompassthe work we do within the parishand what we do in the widercommunities of our city and theworld. We acknowledge the timeconstraints on families and thechanging nature of volunteerism

• ensure effective pastoral care.• create a pastoral care

committee (terms of reference tobe set by Council); prepare areport on small group (cell)ministry.

• review mandate of committee;add pastoral services asdetermined.

• implement small group minis-try create a parish health commit-tee; review small group ministryprogram with intent ofexpanding.

*(SWOT) Strengths,Weaknesses,Opportunities, Threats

Continued on page ten

• create opportunities forspiritual development andspiritual service, helpingindividuals discover wheretheir personal ministry lies.

• bring to all parishioners agreater awareness of thedynamic life of the parish.

• create programs forchildren and youth that bringour young people into a closerrelationship with God andinto fellowship with fellowparishioners.

• help parishioners and newmembers come to a betterunderstanding of the AnglicanChurch of Canada, our liturgyand our parish.

• provide educationalmoments via the Parishionerand Internet, instructiveEucharist, homilies. Host anOpen House which will focuson the key principles of faithand liturgy.


STAFFRev. Lynn Mitchell

Beverley SavelleSusan Nagtegaal

Larry Davis

Financecommittee• Counters Thank You Notes• Scholarship• Memorial fund• God's Holy Acre Work Group

SpecialCommitteesStrategic Planning Christian

EducationChurch SchoolAdult EducationMeditation Groups • Muffins and Meditation

Synod LayDelegates (4)

OutreachSocial JusticeCommunity ServicesPWRDF Primate’s World Relief and Developemant Fund/Huron Hunger Fund

PastoralCare

Lorne+Lynn+Glenda+

MembershipGroupHospitality

Building &Property• Garden Group• Chimes / Tower

CapitalCampaign

ACW

• Visitor's Group• A.S.K. Group• Variety Sale• Holly Wreath

Shop• Meals On Wheels• Kitchen Managers• Bales to Keewatin

(outreach)• Sewing Group• Chancel Supplies

Worship

Lorne+ & Lynn+• Servers• Choir• Greeters• Readers• Flowers• Chancel Guild• Wednesday

Communion• Baptism• Confirmation• Marriage• Funerals• Contemplative

EucharistGlenda+

St. James and the Anglican Diocese ofHuron is a Diocesan and National churchIt is not Congregational

Priest AssociateChurch AdministratorDirector of MusicCustodian

BishopParish Vestry

Rev. Canon Dr. Lorne Mitchell

Rector and WardensAppointed Volunteer StaffRev. Tom Patterson, Deacon

Jane Kirkpatrick, VergerTreasurer

Honorary AssistantsRev. Glenda Meakin; Venerable John Spencer; Rev. Malcolm Wilson

PARISHCOUNCILThe Stewardship ofSt. James

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st. james anglican church st. james

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