Emmanuel’s Accomplishments and Highlights – 2010

October 2010 – Rector’s Ruminations

Last month I received a request from The Reverend Andrea McMillin, our Mt. Baker Region representative to Diocesan Council, asking for highlights and information about parishes in our region.  In putting together a list of accomplishments and highlights at Emmanuel this year, I was gratified and impressed with the expanded existing ministries and new initiatives over the past ten months.  The following is a list, by no means exhaustive, of such ministries to include our involvement as the “village church” here on Orcas.

• Continued growth in attendance, new members and stewardship

• Added part-time Youth/Family Ministry Coordinator

• Surpassed tithe of 10% of pledged income in support of community need totaling $22,216:

• Use of Church Facilities:

Regular

Lutheran church services, AA, Al-Anon groups (9 meetings per week),OA (Overeaters Anon) (weekly), Labyrinth (ongoing), Dinner kitchen (monthly), Assistance at Food Bank (weekly), Funhouse Board meetings (monthly), O.I. Realtors Assoc. (monthly), A Cappella rehearsals, Tai Chi classes (weekly), Latin class (weekly), Music performance group (bi-monthly), Salon de Orcas (monthly), Grief recovery group meetings

School Functions (intermittent)

OASIS Retreat, Montessori, Salmonberry, School of the Salish Sea, Baccalaureate services, Graduation events, Fundraiser events, Soccer, basketball banquets

Orcas Center

Fundraiser events Chamber Music Festival workshop, Children’s workshop

Miscellaneous (intermittent)

Noramise fundraising, OPAL fundraiser dinner, Fire Fighters banquet, Orcas Community Foundation meetings, Orcas Choral Society rehearsals, Sinfonia rehearsals, Homeowners` Association meetings, Community Church KindlingFest functions, Movies (Mozart & Beethoven), US census training meetings

Library

Retreat, Author Reception, Planning meeting

• Expanded support of Food Bank, staffing weekly ecumenical Tuesday lunches, and an established once-a-month Dinner Kitchen at Emmanuel Parish for those in need

• Special fund raiser to build a permanent outdoor labyrinth to be completed this fall

• Two trips by parish youth team to Haiti to help rebuild a school, establish an aqua culture project and aid in trash removal in Limbe, Haiti (Noramise Project)

• Expanded Rector’s Forum Bible study, theological reflection and Eucharist to include weekly summer meetings

• Successful fund-raising drive to supplement the Building Fund for a new roof for church and Benson parish hall (under construction)

• Genesis Covenant Committee meetings with Salish Sea Groups to work on beach clean-up, education regarding environmental impact of runoff, nurdles, etc. and parish survey of how we can best teach creation stewardship through leadership by example

• Establishment of the Orcas Island Council of Churches, building on earlier informal meetings with the purpose of addressing community need and sharing in worship and special programs (Lenten Series) convened by our rector

• Expansion of our website and putting our monthly newsletter online

• St. Agnes Market Day raised well over $4000 for contributions to community outreach

• Another successful Summer Brown Bag Concert Series – 8 weekly concerts in the sanctuary – donations go for music scholarship

The photos of Church activities, our outreach and financial support of community organizations and sharing our facilities serve as evidence of our commitment to “love God by loving our neighbors.”

This information brings a few thoughts to mind.  First, there is a good bit of criticism of the Episcopal Church, some of which is no doubt justified, but at times there is little affirmation or appreciation, and the good work and ministry go unnoticed.  Second, the list of the “highlights” highlight the fact that we have a shared ministry at Emmanuel owing to the efforts and hard work of you as members of our parish family.  Third, a related heartfelt thank you for all you do and the spirit of love and hospitality that underscores your ministry.

By the time you receive this month’s parish newsletter, we will be commencing our Every Member Canvass and asking you to renew your commitment of time, talent and money for the growth of ministry within the parish and to the wider community.

Cathy Clemens and Bob Cook will be serving as Stewardship Committee Co-chairs.  We hope to complete our Every Member Canvass by early November, which will allow us to plan and budget for next year.  During the course of the next several weeks, you will be hearing more about our hopes, dreams and call to serve in Christ’s name.

Theologically, our church is neither a philanthropic nor charitable institution, even though we foster, encourage and demonstrate support of philanthropic and charitable organizations.  What makes us unique is the fact that we are the family of God and privileged to share the love of Christ with one another and called to share such love with all persons.

As you consider your pledge for next year, it is my hope that you will increase it in support of our vocation to increase God’s love through shared ministry in the name of his Son…for where your treasure isthere will your heart be also.

With thanksgiving,

+Craig

By Bishop Craig B. Anderson