 At the Annual Meeting of the Parish at the end of January, those present were asked to reflect on three questions: what to keep, what to change, and what draws us to worship at St. Barnabas. Each idea has been noted; summarizing answers will no doubt feel incomplete. Every paragraph could be expanded into an entire essay. Participants turned in a total of 46 surveys.
The first question was what about the life of St. Barnabas we find meaningful, what we love and want to celebrate, to see continue, and gives us hope for the future. Overwhelmingly, the positive feelings expressed fell into the categories of admiration for and appreciation of the clergy and staff, the beauty of liturgy and music, and the warmth and spiritual depth of the congregation. Specifically, a number of people appreciated the rector’s compassion and caring for each person, her gift for preaching, her leadership in worship and the beauty of the liturgy, with special liturgies being incredibly meaningful. Also lauded were Sheila’s music program with Schola Nova, guest musicians, and especially her work with the choir; and Etienna’s endless energy, both as administrator and Family Ministry Coordinator, is seen as a wonderful, positive addition. The various contributions of the assisting priests are also highly valued. To describe the congregation, writers used words such as warm, welcoming, friendly, loving, talented, generous, involved, engaged, and committed. There’s a spirit of volunteerism. People are seeing an emphasis on children and the needs of families and are happy to see more youth in church. There is a strong sense of spirit-led community and joy in being and working together. We are also delighted by the openings for spiritual growth within the many formation and fellowship offerings that build community by enriching our relationships and feeding our lifelong learning. One response claimed that there is something for everyone. The opportunity to answer a calling by initiating a focused group—from knitting, to supper club, to Shakespeare, to campus and climate stewardship, to grief support—is indeed open to everyone. In addition, everyone is welcome to join in the service of any ministry that calls to them, all the integral parts that create the culture of St. Barnabas. Moving beyond our walls to offer support and care through outreach is a value we share. In addition to current financial support for disaster relief and ongoing charities, there is energy to increase our ministry and widen our focus to include more contact, awareness, and service in the community and beyond. We appreciate and firmly support current participation in Super Suppers, Helpline House, Fresh Start, Pride, Chaplains on the Harbor, and others, as well as hoping to do more. Extending our vision to include social justice is a recent development. In addition, responders love the beauty of our sacred space, from stained glass windows in our endearing brick sanctuary, to the interrium space where we visit our loved ones and capture our history, to the close and emerging labyrinth, to blossoming cherry trees and towering Douglas firs enhancing our vistas. Prioritizing stewardship of the buildings and grounds carries importance. Moving to the second question about what has been disappointing and what should be left behind, the largest single answer was, “nothing.” The next biggest category was sadness and disappointment that we are losing our rector. Others specified needs for clearer communication: revised bulletin, shorter newsletter, updated website and directory; more fun and fellowship events, relief for accessibility issues and improvement of physical plant, more emphasis on peace and justice work, finding a way to be more inclusive, more volunteering in liturgy support such as ushers and altar guild, more interaction between 8:00 and 10:00 members, opportunities for folk music, Bible study, more support for parents, elevated service to seniors in our community. Other requests were already in the works, with some being accomplished between then and now. The third question of what calls us to worship at St. Barnabas, overlapped largely with the first question, reiterating appreciation for music, liturgy, sermons, noting a special connection to the church and rector. Comments about the sermons include that they are powerful, scriptural, and progressive but non-partisan, a strong message of love from the pulpit. From clergy, staff, and congregation, there is a commitment to being Christ-centered, familiarity, kindness, caring love, humility, and grace present here. There is amazing support during crisis and sustenance in dark days. There is strong lay leadership. There is an emphasis on loving all, peace and justice, environmentalism, stewardship and turning outward. Special seasonal services draw both members and community members. Comments expressed further appreciation for the special place to worship in our sanctuary, a stunning space that holds so much spirit. All these heartfelt observations will help us to develop a sense of our community and a profile for calling our next rector. Look for emerging opportunities to contribute to that work. |