Bringing Faith to Life in the
Heart of Issaquah in 2010
St. Michael &
All Angels
Episcopal Church
Thanks to the gracious outpouring of
generosity from Nora Cole through her bequest received in 2008, and
from the parishioners of St. Michael’s through the Capital Campaign
conducted in 2009, this year of 2010 will stand out as a landmark in
the life of our parish. As we undertake the first new construction
in fifty-two years, the building initiatives anticipated in our 2009
Vision will now come to life in support of vivid liturgies, growth for
all ages in faithful living, and inviting outreach into the community
around us. Our new construction will offer:
- safe and separate childcare
facilities for infants and toddlers;
- fresh new Sunday School
classrooms at the hub of Sunday activity;
- a dedicated lounge for teens
in Bethany House;
- restrooms on both levels
accessible to mobility restricted parishioners;
- expanded Undercroft for
all-parish events;
- a wide and welcoming narthex
where parishioners can gather and move freely;
- a variety of meeting spaces
for classes and committees;
- preparation and office space
for our growing music program;
- expanded office space for
parish administration; and
- a fresh and welcoming face
turned toward the community.
As they move us forward in our mission
of Bringing Faith to Life in the Heart of Issaquah, these new
facilities will realize their high purpose. The Visioning Commission
carefully monitors and assures the forward movement of our mission,
not only through our facilities, but more importantly through the programs
that our buildings serve. At last fall’s Progress (Pause) in
October, parishioners viewed the Commission’s slide show of 2009 activities.
Affirmation of accomplishments to date was heartening; creative suggestions
offered for 2010—combined with inspired initiatives under development
by various committees and commissions—are incorporated into this updated
Vision for the coming year.
The focus is intentionally placed on
growing edges. As a result, established ministries which are already
realizing the Vision are appreciated without mention. Several initiatives
suggested but not achieved during 2009 appear again for follow-up effort,
while still others are temporarily put aside until needed resources
can be assembled. Finally some suggestions, marked with an *,
represent opportunities which will be powerful in realizing our Vision,
but pursuing them will stretch us. Parishioners are invited to
review all of these 2010 possibilities, and prayerfully consider ways
they would like to be involved.
Our 2010 Vision emphasizes five core
dimensions which define us as a congregation:
I.
Living Liturgies
draw deeply on Anglican heritage in fresh ways
Embrace vivid sights and sounds
Expand
collection of seasonal altar frontals
Showcase significance of living the
church year
Celebrate great truths that play out
in real lives
Grow “the work of the people” in
our liturgies, in keeping with the word’s true meaning.
II.
Recharging to Serve
attracts people into Christian fellowship, then equips and sends them
out for faithful living in a challenging world
Develop a community-friendly presence
that invites people in
Offer everyone welcome, companionship
and camaraderie
Promote quiet times to explore beliefs,
reflect & grow
Encourage a personal, individual sense
of ministry
Develop and promote inspiring ways
to serve
III.
Family Connections
help today’s adults and children learn to
live faith together
Help families experience how exciting
it is to grow with God
Provide opportunities for parents to
support one another in raising Christian children
Arrange for mature parishioners to
mix with our kids
Support teens in making the faith their
own
Complete SCRIPT pilot, including
Facebook group
Celebrate graduations, set up e-contact
with college students & welcome them home
IV.
Caring Climate
spreads respect & loving-kindness throughout the congregation and
beyond
Await visitors & warmly include
them
Respect the human needs of all ages
Nurture personal relationships
Offer prayer and hands-on caring for
those in need
Provide ways for all ages to serve
one another in Christ’s name
V.
Visionary Leadership
anticipates the regular setting & achieving of significant goals
Explore new possibilities & learn
on the job
Value competency & accountability
Recruit & raise up others to join
in leading
Equip staff to perform well
