The Pilgrims at Our Door

by Sandra Lee Schubert

Each year the Diocese hosts a Warden’s conference. It is an opportunity to meet with other Wardens, gain information and hear what is going on in other congregations. We have many things in common. How do we reach new members? How do we serve our community? How can we raise more money? But as a congregation of the Cathedral we are in a truly unique position. We don’t have the particular worries of most congregations; we don’t worry about the real estate or fixing the roof. We don’t finance a building maintenance staff. Many of the daily tedious tasks most congregations face are not ours. That is not to say we don’t worry about the wonderful space we inhabit. We want to support the Cathedral and indeed that is part of our mission.

"To build and nurture an active Christian community; to support the mission of the Cathedral; to offer opportunities for exploring and expressing spirituality, affirming the diversities that exist among us; above all, through worship, service, and example, to bear witness to Christ's healing and reconciling love to neighbors, pilgrims, and visitors."
Adopted by the Vestry April 24, 1993

Knowing we are a unique congregation is a challenge. We will never be a regular parish. Most congregations will not welcome thousands of visitors each week. But we are and can be a spiritual home for many, many people who walk through our doors. We are all pilgrims and some of us will stay for a short time and others will stay for a lifetime. Our welcoming table and coffee hour not only hosts the regular members but the visitors who may just be coming in out of the rain. Every person is an opportunity. “All visitors are guests of God.” How can we be welcoming to all and take care of each other on this spiritual journey?

Currently we have many programs in place that can support those who are here regularly. The Education committee program has a full roster of religious and spiritual education programs. Via Media brings people together to discuss questions of faith. The Stephen Ministry helps people one on one through difficult times. Healing ministers serve others during the 11 AM service. The Welcoming committee greets visitors, new members and those pilgrims who just stop by for more information. The Events committee hosts special gatherings. We communicate to a large audience through the newsletter, e-news and our website. Mission and Outreach provides us with opportunities to reach out to those outside our doors. The Stewardship reminds us it is just as good to give as to receive. We do so much not even mentioned here and we can do more.

As a unique congregation with a mission to support a large international Cathedral what else should we be doing? The following months we will be asking these questions with you and the vestry of the congregation. Tell us your thoughts and suggestions. We do want to hear from you. To help facilitate these conversations your wardens will head up different parts of this conversation. We will both be working with the committees already in place, as well as looking at new opportunities for us to pursue. Bob Carey will be working with the local and international mission and outreach opportunities and I will be exploring the spiritual side of parish life. You can email us at wardens@stsaviour.dioceseny.org