The Cathedral’s Strategic Plan had been passed by the Cathedral Board of Trustees in November 2005, with input from the Vestry. The Congregational Life Task Force was proposed at that time. The Task Force comprised of the Vicar of the Congregation, the two wardens, a congregation member at large and a Board of Trustee member would address some of the issues raised by the Congregation’s Self Study. Some of the questions to be addressed are; “What things are inhibiting the Congregation's mission, what may be needed to enhance the mission? What would a "strategic partnership with the Cathedral" look like?
The Self-Study revealed that one stumbling block to an integrated relationship with the Cathedral is the name of the congregation. Many have commented positively in our endeavor to integrate both our name and look into that of the Cathedral.
At the July 10, 2006 vestry meeting, the vestry unanimously approved the following; “Recommendation to the Congregational Life Task Force to create a viable d/b/a-name such as "Congregation at the Cathedral", and to bring to the members of the Congregation such recommendation at a special or general Congregational meeting, while retaining the original corporate name for legal and financial purposes. This vote was unanimously approved by the vestry.”
We are entering a new and exciting phase in our life together here at the Cathedral. The renovation will reveal the Cathedral in its original glory. A new playground will flank the south side and construction for the new residential building will begin on the south side. The congregation has gone through many changes. The idea of the congregation as an integral part of the development of the Cathedral has taken hold. In July The Reverend Canon Alan Dennis joined us a Vicar of the Congregation and Sub-Dean bringing with him vast experience at congregational development to continue the work already begun.
As we move forward it may be prudent to consider what changes would be the best for our life together as a faith community, as we seek to grow and serve others. Changing our name to the Congregation at the Cathedral may a first step toward living out the baptismal covenant more fully in growing our Congregation.
At the annual meeting in February we will have the opportunity to vote on the name change. In the meantime we would like to hear your ideas about growing the Congregation. Please email the Wardens directly
1 comment:
Hi, Sandy and Bob. With reference to the November Crossings I have a problem with the suggested name "the Congregation at the Cathedral." It isn't very revealing. What about "the Congregation of St. John the Divine"? That, at least, appears to be the way we are known in the Church Club. And as far as growing the congregation is concerned, you should be aware that the numbers of people joining the congregation are about a third or even a quarter of what they were a few years ago. In the last six months perhaps six have joined. I don't know how many have left, or virtually never come, but I'll bet that, on the other hand, is a high number. Perhaps we should focus first of all on integrating better the congregation we have. Cheers! Joan
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