Interim Rector's Report-March 2008

Average Sunday Attendance

Services

Reviewing History
As we entered into Lent/Holy Week/Easter liturgies, we were all reviewing our personal history and the history of parishes we have been a part of in the past. While the Way of the Cross was new to some who attended, for others it was going back to a former parish or even a former tradition. For many the use of Rite I for both Sunday services was a change. The Great Vigil was attended by 14 people and was done very simply. The Evensong was a good experience for all, and while not new to Trinity, is a service that we are talking about doing more frequently, enriching the Trinity tradition.

Reviewing Identity
I have heard very supportive comments from a number of folks about how our worship life has been enriched. It has also been clear that individual spiritual disciplines like the Way of the Cross and the labyrinth are not well developed. This does not come as a surprise in a parish without an ongoing prayer group. The enjoyment of the Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter Sunday receptions was also apparent; we like to engage in conversations with one another.

The importance of spirituality through music was also clearly visible through the Evensong, the music on Maundy Thursday with the addition of the cello of Stephen Stalker, and the musical talents of Tina Salsany on Good Friday, and the choirs at both services on Easter Sunday. I also enjoyed the Chime Choir on the 5th Sunday of the month. The extraordinary music for the celebration of the life of Kay Watrous was yet another marker of the inspiration of music in the congregation.

Reviewing Leadership
The leadership talents of this parish were really called upon for this month of liturgy. We responded well. Peter Browne's contribution can never be overlooked; nor can the creativity and clarity that Marcy Keeler brings to all our worship through her detailed preparation of our bulletins. The Hospitality group made it look easy to provide refreshments two Sundays in a row. And Jeff Fellows' hands were always busy in preparing the church and the Hoyt Room and the Gym for all to enjoy.

Angel Banchs made sure the floors got extra treatment this month so we would look our best for Easter. Arlene Ghilardi and her team of assistants managed to keep all running smoothly with all the extra services.

My hope that is in April and May we will return to reviewing structural improvements to our leadership. I have been in touch with the Healing team about expanding their ministry group; and with the new coordinators of the ushers, Ginny and Dan Hill; and I am in the process reviewing how we coordinate and train worship leaders and eucharistic ministers. To expand our eucharistic ministry to our homebound continues to be a need.

Reviewing Linkage with the Bishop and Diocese
Due to the birth of Noah, our first grandchild, and the death of Kay Watrous, I was not able to meet with Judy Fried this month from the Bishop's Office. We will try again in April. I am aware of the length of this transition time, but am convinced that the building needs are enormous and seem to keep expanding as the water keeps visibly entering new places.

New Possibilities/New Clergy Leadership
I think new clergy leadership is not yet on the horizon. The new possibilities were addressed last time as we get ready for better weather and smaller “can do” projects here at Trinity. The more people we can get to the diocesan ministry fair in May the better as to get a sampling of what is happening around this diocese, and what clergy and other parishes are accomplishing.

Other
In April, May and June I am looking forward to the work of the insurance group, the garth group, the personnel manual group, and the building and grounds group. While we all await eagerly the presentation of the results of the feasibility study by Carol Drake on the 18th of May at a parish supper, we need to keep moving the ball forward in the mean time. If we do go ahead with a capital campaign, “Serving God in this Place” our summer and fall will be busier than usual. Will there be willing deck hands to get the work done? I hope so. This will not be a summer to coast. What is at stake is the future vitality and ministry of this parish.

This month I averaged 65 hours per week.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul C. Donecker