EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Parish Profile 2019
“God is with us!”
Holy spirit, you search us out and know us better than we know ourselves. All our thoughts and ways lie open before you. Set us free from opinions and perceptions that bind and imprison us. Give us minds and hearts ready to be led in our discernment into the way of truth. This we pray in the name of the one who is the truth, who declares you the spirit of truth, Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen The Rt. Reverend Frank T. Griswold
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Emmanuel Episcopal Church We worship God and follow Jesus Christ, learning and growing together in the Holy Spirit to serve the world. We will love and welcome ALL. We worship God and follow Jesus Christ, learning and growing together in the Holy Spirit to serve the world. We will love and welcome ALL. Sept. 15, 2019 Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1020 East Mitchell St. Petoskey MI 49770 Dear Friend, The members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey invite you to learn about our beloved church. We hope that through this parish profile you will gain an appreciation of the passion and prayerful desire that accompanies our search for a new rector. The profile will provide you with an understanding of how we worship and express our appreciation for God’s grace. Included is a physical description of our parish, the church grounds, our many blessings and the beautiful surrounding community in which we live. We have also tried to express who we are, what we seek in the pursuit of our faith, the qualities we wish for in our new rector, and how we aspire to grow closer to Christ while always welcoming one and all to join the family of Emmanuel. We welcome the opportunity to further discuss our church’s future with you. Please know that the parish seeks a rector whose energy, compassion and joy will help us grow. We all wish to be members of a parish filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, so that we can do God’s work within our community and throughout the world. Thank you for your interest as we begin to write the next chapter in our history. Our prayers are with you during your own journey of discernment. Yours in Christ,
Randy Evans Senior Warden
Nina Wagar David DJ Jones Co-Chairs of the EEC Rector Search Committee
Contact Information To nominate a candidate for Rector of Emmanuel Church please contact: The Rev. Canon Willian Spaid, Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan: wspaid@edwm.org or 616-319-2006, ext. 2. For information regarding the transition process at Emmanuel Church, please contact either: DJ Jones at foundationwizard@gmail.com or 231-838-8671 or Nina Wagar at bumpjump@charter.net or 231-881-2630 1020 East Mitchell Street Petoskey, Michigan 49770 Phone: 231-347-2350 Fax: 231-347-3699 e-mail: office@eecpetoskey.org 1020 East Mitchell Street Petoskey, Michigan 49770 www.eecpetoskey.org Phone: 231-347-2350 Fax: 231-347-3699 e-mail: office@eecpetoskey.org www.eecpetoskey.org PARISH PROFILE 2019
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Table of Contents I.
Our Church ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 Emmanuel’s Children ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 The History of Emmanuel �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2 Worship at Emmanuel ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3 Music at Emmanuel �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4 Outreach Ministry ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6 The Emmanuel Parish ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������7 Parish Demographics �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8 Support Staff and Lay Leadership �����������������������������������������������������������������������������9 Building and Grounds ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
II. Our Blessings �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Stewardship ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Financial Management ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12 III. A Plan for Our Future ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Mission and Vision Statements �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Strategic Plan – “Prayer and Process”
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Focus Group Input ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15 Church Assessment Tool Survey Results ��������������������������������������������������������������� 16 IV. Our Next Rector �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 17 Appendix A: Our Community ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 List of Informative Websites ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 20 Appendix B: The Diocese of Western Michigan �������������������������������������������������� 21 Appendix C: Church Organization and Ministries ����������������������������������������������� 22
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
I. OUR CHURCH “Emmanuel has been like a second family for me. From the first time my wife and I attended with our two young girls everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. It is a wonderful Parish and I’m grateful to be a member.” - DJ
EMMANUEL’S CHILDREN The children of Emmanuel are the parish’s most precious asset. Making their early exposure to Christian worship and fellowship a joyful and fulfilling experience is one of the highest priorities of the church. The Christian education and fellowship opportunities for the forty-one children in the parish family include the following programs: A nursery care coordinator with a degree in elementary education is on staff to make sure that the youngest members of the parish are properly cared for during adult services. Volunteers from the congregation also assist in the nursey. The Sunday Worship Center for children ages four through 1st grade is based upon “Godly Play” https://www. godlyplayfoundation. org/). The Godly Play approach teaches classical Christian language in a way that enhances the child’s authentic experience of God.
“André gets to teach us music and everyone is always happy here.”
The Sunday School for children in 2nd through 5th grade uses a curriculum from the Episcopal Digital Network called “Lesson Plans that Work”. The lessons for the day correspond to the Gospel Lesson of the Day and employ an interactive activity to engage the children. The Worship Center and Sunday School participants return to the main service church during the offertory hymn to celebrate the Eucharist with their families.
“We’ve done a lot of community stuff that helps a lot of kids even when people don’t know it’s our church. “ PARISH PROFILE 2019
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The Youth Ministry Middle School and High School Youth Groups meet twice a month on Sunday to participate in a service project, bible lesson or recreational event. The Youth Ministry also conducts an annual winter retreat and a weeklong church summer camp that promotes spiritual growth while helping to forge lifelong memories and enduring friendships.
“We help God by saying prayers.” Many of the Emmanuel youth are also regular participants in annual mission trips to rural areas of the Midwest and Central America. In order to attract more families with young children, the parish has acknowledged the need to expand the Youth Ministry into a broader, more comprehensive set of offerings.
THE HISTORY OF EMMANUEL On August 24, 1877, Bishop George Gillespie of Detroit celebrated what was probably the first Episcopalian service in Petoskey in a local hotel parlor. The Emmanuel mission was established in 1890 and grew rapidly with the surrounding community. In 1900 the mission was formally designated as a parish with 90 year-round and seasonal members. The consecration of the church took place at the Feast of Transfiguration on August 6, 1906 and was attended by Bishop Daniel Tuttle, the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. By 1935 Emmanuel had 167 parishioners and a school of five teachers and 26 pupils.
“I belong to Emmanuel. It is where I go to pray, to heal, and to give thanks for all the ways that God has blessed us.” - Nina
In December 1957 the parish purchased a private home and accompanying 3 acres of land on 1020 East Mitchell St. As stated in the building campaign of January 1958 “It now becomes our privilege to build for the present and for the future an adequate physical structure for the work of Christ’s Church among us.” Three years later in the fall of 1961, the church was moved into the Mitchell St. location. With great anticipation the members watched their dream become a reality as their new church took form, first with the addition of the undercroft, walkways and parking areas and finally with completion of the sanctuary. 2
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
The next several years saw a succession of rectors, but Emmanuel’s recent history really begins with the calling of Father James Hempstead in 1976. He served as rector until December 1986, a time of harmony, growth and doing the Lord’s work together. During his tenure, Father Jim did much to reinforce the moral and spiritual foundation of Emmanuel. Like many Episcopal parishes across the country the confirmation of Bishop Robinson in New Hampshire in 2003 ushered in a period of great uncertainty for Emmanuel. Over the next several months the parish engaged in an emotional and often painful discourse. The results of the vestry election in January 2004 demonstrated that most of the parish wanted to remain within the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan. However, nearly a third of the membership chose to leave Emmanuel and establish a new church in Petoskey. Their departure presented a serious challenge to the future of Emmanuel. Those who remained did so with strengthened resolve and renewed commitment to God’s service. In 2005 Father Greg Brown was called as the new rector. Father Greg brought joy and engagement to Emmanuel. He was particularly instrumental in further developing the Youth Ministry at Emmanuel and served until 2018. On the first Sunday of Advent Emmanuel was blessed with the assignment of Father Alan James as the interim rector. The church then began the process of discernment and search for a new permanent rector. The next priest to become rector at Emmanuel will be the 22nd to hold that position.
WORSHIP AT EMMANUEL Sunday morning worship is the primary point at which the congregation gathers. “After our first Sunday at Emmanuel’s liturgical practice is broad Emmanuel, my husband and church: Rite I Eucharist at the early I never looked back. I love my service, Rite II and Enriching our Emmanuel family as much as Worship at the later service. Also, at the my biological family.” - Nancy later service, both forms of the Lord’s Prayer are used, and hymns are almost exclusively from the 1982 hymnal. The Eucharistic Prayer is frequently sung on major feast days. Incense was occasionally used during the previous Rector’s tenure.
Unique qualities of Emmanuel’s worship are: The congregation’s openness to and practice of rearranging the furniture in the sanctuary. The use of pews does not inhibit our ability to mix things up and worship with the altar at the liturgical east end, west end, and everywhere in between. This practice provides us an opportunity not only to worship in different postures but to explore the intersection of physical space and our spiritual connection to God.
Guest preachers and Sunday supply priests frequently preach from the pulpit, but we are also familiar with the previous Rector and our Interim Rector regularly preaching from the center aisle.
PARISH PROFILE 2019
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Music is an integral part of our worship life. Our new Director of Music has significantly increased the size of our all-volunteer adult choir and infused it with a palpable spirit of joy and learning and he has launched a new Children’s Choristers group. While Sunday School is offered simultaneously to the Liturgy of the Word, we involve our children in all aspects of worship. In addition to the Children’s Choristers, the children serve as acolytes each week, and in all lay liturgical ministries quarterly on Youth Sundays. Our Thursday morning midweek Eucharist uses the 1928 Book of Common Prayer. This is an important spiritual discipline for the 6-9 regular participants who appreciate the opportunity to worship in a form that shaped the understanding of God for many, but not all of them. It is also a time of Scriptural reflection and formation. In place of a sermon, the celebrant leads an open dialogue on the texts of the day. Our liturgies are designed by the (Interim) Rector, with the Director of Music Ministries selecting the hymns and service music. The Worship Ministry members are the leaders of the various liturgical ministries. The current scope of this committee is to meet periodically to ensure proper coordination and implementation of the regular and special liturgies. Emmanuel also maintains an active chapter of the Order of St. Vincent. There is considerable interest within the parish for the expansion of adult Christian education offerings at Emmanuel.
“I love the choir, especially since André has arrived as our new Music Director. Emmanuel is like a family to me!” - Joe
MUSIC AT EMMANUEL Emmanuel Episcopal Church is well known throughout the area as a center for musical excellence. In addition to Emmanuel’s own music program, the church serves as a venue for rehearsals and performances by many local and visiting groups and ensembles.
Currently the program which is part of the Worship Ministry includes the Adult Choir and the EEC Choristers children’s choir, both under the direction of André Strydom, Organist and Director of Music Ministries. Choral and instrumental music is integral to the liturgy and worship life of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. The Adult Choir, numbering twelve core singers for most of the year and nineteen in the spring and fall, sings at every 10:00 a.m. service from the Sunday after the Labor Day holiday through Trinity Sunday.
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
This group’s participation in worship includes leading the congregation in the hymns and other service music, singing the Psalm or Canticle set for the day, and an Offertory Anthem. The Adult Choir also sings at special services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, and Christmas Eve, and Ascension Evensong, occasionally joining with the choir of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church for joint services during Holy Week. A special holiday tradition dear to the Choir and the parish is the Lessons and Carols. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir anthems. During the summer when the choir is in recess, Emmanuel is fortunate to have special music each Sunday provided by participants in the Bay View Music Festival, the longest continuously operating chamber music festival in the United States. Having these outstanding young musicians share their gifts is made possible through the generosity of Emmanuel members. This year Emmanuel initiated the Royal School of Church Music’s graded choral program known as Voice for Life with our youngest singers, the Emmanuel Choristers, whose ages range from 4 to 10. During rehearsals on Sunday mornings at 11:30, the Choristers not only learn anthems and service music, but also about their faith, the Church, and liturgy. The wider Petoskey area is home to several instrumental musicians including the Great Lakes Chamber and Alpena Symphony Orchestras, Northern Symphonic Winds, and Northern Michigan Brass Band, and others. From time to time, these musicians are engaged for special services at Emmanuel, such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve when a brass ensemble participates in the worship musical offerings. The organ at Emmanuel was built and installed in 2008 by the Lauck Pipe Organ Company of Otsego, Michigan. It consists of 25 ranks (both pipe and digital) spread over four divisions. PARISH PROFILE 2019
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THE OUTREACH MINISTRY The Outreach Ministry is one of the defining elements of Emmanuel. The church’s many outreach activities provide the parish with a variety of opportunities to answer Christ’s call to service. At the end of each Eucharist the Emmanuel parish reaffirms their commitment in God’s name to pursue a life of service and compassion to the those in need throughout local community and beyond.
“There will never cease to be poor in our land, therefore I command you, you shall open wide your hand to your brother and sister to the needy and to the poor” … Deuteronomy 15:11
Emmanuel is providing support to several non-profit organizations helping disadvantaged people lift themselves out of poverty. Among the local community organizations are:
Boyne Area Free Clinic – A nonprofit healthcare provider, the clinic delivers basic medical services to those that have limited or no medical insurance.
Nehemiah Project Hospitality – The Nehemiah Project in Petoskey has been helping shelter the homeless for more than 30 years.
Northwest Michigan Women’s Resource Center - Petoskey – This agency that provides support for women and families who are the victims of physical and mental abuse. The Center provides safe housing, counseling services, and support groups and maintains a 24-hour crisis hotline.
Community Recovery Alliance – This newly formed nonprofit has established a presence in Petoskey to help recently released incarcerated drug victims and their families address the mental health issues arising from substance abuse, addiction and incarceration.
“I love Emmanuel because of my parish family and their generous compassion.” -Sharyn
And for several years, Emmanuel has maintained a Thursday community meal program in partnership with Cross of Christ Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church. This program provides a hearty meal and fellowship for low income and unemployed residents of the Petoskey area.
Volunteers from Emmanuel and other local religious and non-profit organizations are collaborating with the Petoskey School District to implement Reading Together, a mentor-based program designed to assist early grade children develop reading skills by promoting the love of reading, building self-confidence and providing needed social and emotional support. The goal of the program is to place reading mentors in every second-grade classroom in the district. 6
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
But what sets the Emmanuel Outreach Ministry apart from the outreach function in other parishes is the Youth Pantry program. In November 2016 a group of volunteers from Emmanuel launched the Northmen Den, a pantry in the Petoskey Middle School. The purpose of the program was to provide needy students with access to food, personal toiletries, school supplies, and clothing thus helping them to stay in school, complete their education, and begin a path out of generational poverty. The pantries represent a unique partnership between Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the public schools. Volunteers from Emmanuel, other churches, and members of the business community coordinate all aspects of the program and work together with school counselors and teachers to help identify children in need. Students “shop” at the pantries leaving with a couple of grocery bags to supplement what little food they may have in the household for the weekend, feeding not only themselves but often their siblings as well. The pantries have been well-received by school staff who recognize the hope the pantries symbolize for many impoverished students. Funding for the program comes primarily from donations received from local service organizations, community foundations and Emmanuel parishioners. The Northmen Den began by serving an average of 20 students a week at the Petoskey Middle School. By the end of the 2018-2019 school year, pantries had been established by the Outreach Ministry in four local schools and were serving over 100 students a week. The local community college will also be opening a student pantry based on the Northmen Den model in the fall. The Youth Pantry program serves as an important vehicle for parishioners to express their faith beyond the walls of Emmanuel and has positioned the church as an innovative leader in the local nonprofit community.
“I love my church because it is a comfortable place for me and my family to explore and build our faith. Whether it is trying to find a rector or simply sitting in pew on a Sunday morning, when I look around, I see people and a place that feels like home.” - Dave
THE EMMANUEL PARISH Emmanuel is one of the largest Episcopal parishes in northern Michigan with two hundred fifty-four baptized members. The average Sunday service attendance for the past several years has held steady at about one hundred parishioners. Fifteen years is the average tenure for an Emmanuel parishioner. Approximately two thirds of the parish attend a church service at least three times a month. The demographics of the parish reflect the surrounding Petoskey and Harbor Springs communities. More than half of the current parishioners are retirees, many of whom moved to the area within the last ten years. PARISH PROFILE 2019
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A third of the retiree segment of the parish migrates to warmer climes for a significant portion of the winter season. Some parishioners take extended vacations outside of town during the summer, but their absence is offset by the arrival of seasonal members who provide considerable support to Emmanuel. The parish is blessed with an extraordinary abundance of education, skill and experience. More than 90% of the members have graduated from college with half of those also holding post graduate degrees. Among the careers represented in the parish membership are: B usiness: construction, corporate management, human resources, information technology, law, financial services, small business ownership, accounting, real estate, hospitality, tourism, and automotive. H ealthcare: physicians, psychologists, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, medical librarians, hospital administrators, mental health providers and professional office management P ublic Sector: public and private school schoolteachers, counselors, administrators, college professors, federal, state and local government employees, and nonprofit organization managers.
PARISH DEMOGRAPHICS The Emmanuel parish maintains an active presence within the community, welcoming all who seek to join in fulfilling God’s work. Fellowship is an important part of the practice of faith at Emmanuel. The Parish Life Ministry maintains a robust schedule of events and activities that afford the parish the opportunity to gather as one to celebrate our many blessings. And given the demographic profile of the parish, the Pastoral Care ministry has taken on an Female 136 increasingly important Male 118 role within the church. 8
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Under 18
41
18 - 45
26
45 - 65
45
65+
142
SUPPORT STAFF AND LAY LEADERSHIP The lay leadership at Emmanuel closely reflects the gender profile of the parish. Three of the last five Senior Wardens and a majority of the committee and ministry chairs are women. The 2019 Emmanuel Vestry includes six women and three men. Back Row: Gretchen LaMarche, Tim Tippett, Joan Holec, Randy Evans, Karel Howse Front Row: Ashely Price, Father Alan James, Nina Wagar Missing: Lauren Liebler and Jay Emmendorfer RANDY EVANS
Senior Warden Randy retired to northern Michigan twelve years ago after a business career in manufacturing and high-tech industries. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Ohio University in English Literature, earned an MBA in Finance at Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in psychology from Saybrook University. Randy and his wife Denise, live in Bay Harbor with Little Traverse Lizzie, their English Setter. Together, they enjoy a blended family of five daughters and eight grandchildren. Randy has authored four books—two novels, a memoir, and a collection of poetry and short fiction. Randy sings in the choir and chairs the Member Engagement committee in the Parish Life Ministry.. ANDRÉ STRYDOM
Director of Music Born in South Africa, André received his Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in piano teaching from Trinity College of Music (U.K.), and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting and organ performance at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Central Arkansas. André founded the Johannesburg Chamber Choir and Orchestra with whom he conducted several successful and acclaimed performances that covered a wide range of music in the symphonic repertoire. Over the course of his career André has served as the Minister of Music and Principal Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and the First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, Arkansas. In October 2018, André accepted the call to become Organist and Director of Music Ministries at Emmanuel. LEAH CELL
Office Manager Leah has been with Emmanuel Episcopal Church for seven wonderful years! She grew up and graduated from high school in Garden City, Michigan and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences from the University of South Florida. She and her husband, Kevin have two sons, Logan and Duran. Having been a military wife, Leah has moved many times and lived many places. Her last move was from Las Vegas, NV, to East Jordan, MI, in 2012 after being hired by Emmanuel. In her role as the full-time Office Manager, Leah is the contact person for questions and answers related to the church as well as handling the day to day operations of the office. In her spare time, Leah loves to read, cut 10 acres of grass and spend time with her animals, family and friends.. PARISH PROFILE 2019
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BUILDING AND GROUNDS The Oxford Dictionary defines “church” as “a building used for public Christian worship”. The word itself is said to be derived from the Greek word “kuriakon,” which means “dedicated to the Lord.” To the parish the beautiful structure and grounds of Emmanuel Episcopal Church mean even more. They are God’s gift, an embodiment of faith in Him and a symbol of love for one another. The Emmanuel church building contains approximately 22,000 square feet and rests on a three-acre lot. On the ground floor are the nave, a chapel, church offices, a kitchen and a conference room. The 1800 sq. ft. nave, with seating for 160 worshippers, high-arching ceiling, imposing granite altar, fourteen beautiful stained-glass windows, and magnificent Lauck organ, provides a welcoming atmosphere for worship and mediation. The stained-glass windows were created by the Charles J. Connick Associates of Boston, Massachusetts, one of the finest stained-glass studios in the United States. The Connick Studio has designed impressive windows at over nine hundred churches, schools, hospitals, and libraries throughout the world. Of special pride to the parish are the eight windows installed at Emmanuel in 1968 which depict each of the seven symbols of the sacrament and the Holy Spirit. The church undercroft houses the Wood Fellowship Hall which serves as the parish commons room with a full kitchen, music rooms, and utility rooms. The recently renovated commons room and adjoining kitchen provide meeting and dining space for over 120 people. The first floor and undercroft are handicap accessible. The second floor has four youth activity rooms and a conference room. Attached to the building is a three-car garage with three second floor rooms. The church grounds have a pet memorial garden, playground and adjoining parking lot.
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II. OUR BLESSINGS STEWARDSHIP
“I love Emmanuel because it has always been my church home, but more importantly because after 10 years of being a ChrEaster (attending Christmas and Easter only), I was welcomed back with open arms even after coming out as a lesbian.” - Ashley
The parish at Emmanuel has always viewed stewardship as an acknowledgement of their gratitude for God’s blessings and a recognition of a sacred obligation to preserve the church as a sanctuary for worship and fellowship for themselves, their children and generations to come. The parishioners of Emmanuel express their gratitude through all three forms of stewardship: time, talent and treasure.
Time and talent consist of the contribution parishioners make of themselves. Emmanuel has always benefitted from a parish population that takes an active role in the day to day life of the church. Over one hundred members regularly participate in one of the many ministries currently in place. Attendance at Sunday services in 2018 averaged one hundred two worshippers a week.
YEAR
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
NUMBER OF PLEDGES
106
102
90
96
93
TOTAL PLEDGES
$319K
$327K
$328K
$322K
$313K
“Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.” ... “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1). Annual pledges, capital campaign pledges, and legacy/endowment bequests represent the treasure component of stewardship. Emmanuel has been blessed with a parish that consistently demonstrates the generosity and financial commitment necessary to support important ministries and expand community outreach.
The recent decline in pledges is due primarily to the relocation of some families away from Petoskey and the passing of elderly parishioners. Emmanuel has conducted three capital campaigns in the past twenty years to address needed repairs and enhancements to the physical plant of the church. The parish members responded with pledges in the three campaigns totaling more than $1.8 million. As a result, the significant repair and maintenance needs of the church building and grounds have been addressed for the foreseeable future. Bold Faith – Boundless Future (1999 to 2005): additions and improvements in worship and fellowship spaces, including a new chapel and solarium. Strengthen our Service (2006 to 2011): major improvements to the heating plant, the installation of a new organ, and replacement of a portion of the nave roof. God’s House God’s Work (2015 to 2017): completion of the roof replacement, a new surface for the parking lot and renovation of secondfloor youth rooms. PARISH PROFILE 2019
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In the two most recent campaigns, the parish agreed to tithe 10% of the proceeds to Emmanuel’s outreach programs, a practice that was repeated with the receipt of a substantial bequest from the Wood family estate in 2017. Legacy and endowment giving provides a critical permanent source of funding that serves to minimize the impact of short-term disruptions in annual giving. Through the generosity of parishioners, both living and deceased, Emmanuel has accumulated a substantial financial reserve. As of yearend 2018 Emmanuel had current assets totaling $643,566. In addition, the church benefits from the Emmanuel Endowment Fund that contributes approximately $20,000 of annual income to the operating budget.
BALANCE SHEET AS OF DEC. 31, 2018 TOTAL ASSETS
Checking/Savings �����������������������������������������������$248,971 Accounts Receivables ������������������������������������������$36,371 Emmanuel Bequest Fund ����������������������������������$368,224 $653,566 Total Liabilities ��������������������������������������������������������$9,610 Net Equity ����������������������������������������������������������� $643,956 Emmanuel Endowment Fund* ������������������������$418,226 *Access limited to Annual Distribution (The Emmanuel Bequest Fund and the Emmanuel Endowment Fund are managed by the Petoskey Harbor Springs Community Foundation.)
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Emmanuel has a long history of disciplined management of the financial resources afforded by the generosity of the parish and God’s blessings. The church has maintained a balanced annual budget for eight of the past ten years. A stable income stream from annual pledging and recent significant legacy gifts have allowed Emmanuel to make renewed investments in staffing, community outreach, and important ministries including youth spiritual formation, music and pastoral care.
2015 thru 2018 YE Emmanuel Operating Budget
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2015
2016
2017
2018
PLEDGE
$319,108
$327,591
$328,901
$322,046
PLATE/SPECIAL DONATIONS
$14,609
$14,919
$21,646
$35,410
OTHER DESIGNATED INCOME
$7,855
$8,446
$7,735
$13,812
ANNUAL ENDOWMENT DISTRIBUTION
$16,773
$25,470
$20,676
$19,350
TOTAL INCOME
$358,345
$ 376,426
$378,958
$390,618
2015
2016
2017
2018
STAFF
$230,559
$206,519
$231,954
$211,199
UTILITIES
$18,310
$14,594
$13,055
$14,620
MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
$40,660
$36,921
$40,926
$34,565
OFFICE
$6,762
$8,771
$8,335
$8,774
MINISTRIES
$69,534
$71,368
$71,129
$66,951
OTHER
$3,360
$7,639
$7,163
$24,960
TOTAL EXPENSES
$369,185
$ 345,812
$372,562
$361,069
YE BUDGET SURPLUS/SHORTFALL
$10,840
$30,614
$6,396
$29,549
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
III. A PLAN FOR OUR FUTURE “My passion for Emmanuel stems from the sense of belonging to a wonderful parish family and a spiritual tranquility that’s always present at Sunday worship.” - Todd
MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Social, cultural and economic changes in the 21st century have presented churches in the United States with a variety of new challenges, many of which are particularly daunting for small parishes in rural communities. In response to these challenges Emmanuel began a concerted and prayerful effort in 2015 to reassess our vision for the future and to develop a strategic plan to carry us forward. The initial stage of the process involved a year long period of discernment where the entire parish participated in a series of activities including structured workshops, a comprehensive survey and deliberative prayer sessions. With God’s guidance the result was the creation of our new mission and vision statements and an affirmation of our underlying core values: MISSION STATEMENT:
We worship God and follow Jesus Christ, learning and growing together in the Holy Spirit to serve the world. We will love and welcome ALL. VISION STATEMENT:
To love Jesus Christ and serve God who are that heart of all we do and seek to become – a growing church with enriching worship, spiritual education that deepens our understanding, believers who respond to the needs of others, and outreach that makes a difference. CORE VALUES: Worship: We value diverse and enriching worship to thank and glorify God through our Episcopal liturgy and sacraments. We value Episcopal tradition and follow the Book of Common Prayer. C hristian Spiritual Growth: We value developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and seek pathways that guide and equip us to share the love of Christ in the world. We value the Old and New Testaments and recognize their importance to creating a meaningful relationship with God. I nclusiveness: We value our neighbors as ourselves and strive to see Jesus Christ in all people. We value people of all ages, backgrounds and invite them to join us in worship and ministry; setting a place at the table of Christ’s communion, and to the full life and leadership of Emmanuel. C hurch Family: We value the importance of building a church family, sharing friendship, spending time together, and caring for every person who enters our doors. We embrace projects and events that foster intergenerational experiences. Youth: We value children believing they are vital to parish life and are included in every aspect of our mission and vision. We value creative and age appropriate spiritual education that centers on the teachings of Jesus Christ, learning the Episcopal faith and giving to those in need. S erve: We value and are grateful for the gifts given to us by God to fulfill His purpose to respond to needs of others. We strive to make a difference in lives of those near to us through pastoral care and reach out to people in the community and world through outreach programs. We use our facility in ways that further our mission and vision and involve the community. Form and Grow: We value working and praying together in small groups building relationships and participating meaningfully in the ministries of Emmanuel. We also value the importance of accountability and assessing the outcomes of our actions. PARISH PROFILE 2019
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STRATEGIC PLAN – “PRAYER AND PROCESS”
The next stage in the process was an objective assessment of the Emmanuel’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). Upon completion of the assessment the church began the development of a strategic plan in 2017. The resultant document reflected a commitment to the new mission statement and the key priorities identified in the discernment phase: O rganizational Changes to Support Growth Among the identified priorities was the need to more effectively utilize our limited financial and human resources to promote growth of the parish membership. Re-organization of the committee structure supporting our various ministries was an important first step. R etention of Existing Parish Members The discernment phase identified four opportunities for parish members to solidify their personal connection with Emmanuel: 1) pastoral care, 2) fellowship, 3) ministry participation and 4) worship. Specific objectives in the strategic plan include increasing the allocation of resources to Parish Life Ministry to assure its growth and success, increasing the number of church wide intergenerational fellowship events, matching the interests and talents of members to a specific ministry and initiating a new adult spiritual formation committee to assess the needs of the parish and develop additional programs to deepen their spiritual relationship with God. E xpansion of Parish Membership The future of Emmanuel is dependent upon attracting new members. The strategic plan outlines several objectives designed to bring new members into the Emmanuel family. Among them are 1) expanding the variety of worship services to appeal to younger families, 2) enhancing the physical appearance of the church building and grounds, 3) tracking interactions with visitors and quickly integrating prospective new members into the life of the parish, 4) increasing awareness of the church within the local community through a greater investment in outreach and 5) improving the quality and consistency of our messaging to prospective members through social media and other forms of communications. N ext Steps Since its initial publication the strategic plan has become the blueprint for how we run the church. The mission of the church is now supported by a more efficient organization with a direct linkage with the budgeting process. As stewards of the strategy, the vestry will conduct quarterly reviews and communicate progress regularly to the parish. The watch phrase for the strategic plan in 2019 is: To create opportunities, vision, and a culture of being disciples - using our God given gifts with joy and passion at Emmanuel and in the community.
An example of how Emmanuel is actively pursuing new avenues in support of the strategic plan can be found in a recent joint initiative in which lay and clergy representatives from two neighboring Episcopal congregations and Emmanuel engaged in a conversation about respective history, current context, ministries, challenges, and hopes for the future. There is a collective desire to move forward together by establishing a joint steering committee to shepherd the process. Among potential collaborative efforts already identified are special services on feast days (Epiphany/Ascension), sharing of best practices, mutual support of outreach ministries, a common vestry retreat, monthly Jr/Sr Warden colleague meetings, and a regular progressive parish meal. 14
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
FOCUS GROUP INPUT
The rector search committee hosted a series of focus groups in the spring and early summer of 2019 to provide an opportunity for the parish to pray together for God’s guidance and to have an honest dialogue about the aspirations for Emmanuel’s future. The focus groups also afforded time for fellowship among parish members and provided a vehicle for the committee to review the status of the search process. One hundred fifteen parishioners participated in the sessions including several children in a separate group. To facilitate the discussion attendees were divided into smaller groups of five or six people per table and each attendee was asked to reflect upon on a series of questions. The following qualities were described by the participants as integral to the character of Emmanuel:
What is dear to us…
We appreciate the variety of worship services that we offer throughout the week. We are very committed to our outreach ministries and the care they provide to our community. We are a welcoming and hospitable church to visitors and new members. We value the role of music in our practice of worship. We view the spiritual growth of our youth as one of our highest priorities. We are very grateful for surviving the split that divided many Episcopal churches and that we continued to thrive. We actively support our Diocese in local and worldwide endeavors.
What concerns us most…
We must attract more new members to sustain the ministries of Emmanuel. We will always be challenged to provide the financial resources necessary for the care of our beautiful building and grounds. We are confident the transition will proceed without significant difficulty but recognize the potential for a short-term decline in membership and annual pledge income.
What dreams do we have for our future…
More opportunities for Adult Christian education. The addition of a Youth Director. A worship service designed specifically for the spiritual education of our youth. A program to encourage more endowment bequests and growth in pledging units. A greater focus on increasing service attendance and parish membership, with special attention to improving the worship experience of young families. A greater focus on pastoral care led by our rector to provide comfort and care to our members in time of need.
The youth of Emmanuel wish for:
A Rector who is fun and can relate to them. More young people attending church. A new playground. A Birthday Prayer during the service and Birthday Cake at Coffee Hour.
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CHURCH ASSESSMENT TOOL SURVEY RESULTS In June 2019, Emmanuel parishioners were invited to complete the Church Assessment Tool (CAT) survey, administered by Holy Cow! Consulting. The CAT helps parishes prepare to undertake a significant transformational event such as a pastoral search, a strategic plan, a financial campaign or a transition to new leadership. One hundred forty members of the Emmanuel parish participated in the CAT survey, a sample size enough to ensure that responses accurately reflected the majority view of the parish. The results of the survey established that the Emmanuel parish enjoys an above average level of member satisfaction and exhibits a high degree of energy for the practice of worship and the ministries currently in place. The survey also revealed a high tolerance for diversity and a general belief that conflict within the parish is appropriately managed by church leadership.
The top priorities for the future identified in the survey included: Develop a comprehensive strategy to attract young families and incorporate into the parish. Provide more opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation at every age and stage of life. Further develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances. Strengthen the pastoral response of the church in serving parishioners with special needs. The entire Holy Cow! CAT report for Emmanuel is available upon request. An overview of the methodology employed by Holy Cow! can be found at https://holycowconsulting.com/.
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
IV. OUR NEXT RECTOR “My wife and I were searching for a welcoming and open-minded church. We found Emmanuel was the perfect church home to foster the spiritual growth of our young family.” - Nick
The strategic planning effort, the focus group exercise and the CAT survey assessment have all provided a clear and consistent view of the parish’s priorities for the future of Emmanuel.
The development of a robust youth ministry, renewal of an adult Christian education program, and continued growth of the Outreach and Pastoral Care Ministries are all challenges the new rector will need to embrace as the spiritual leader of the Emmanuel family. To do so the new rector must be prepared to enthusiastically fulfill the following roles:
1. Serve as a welcoming spiritual presence Openly welcome everyone to Emmanuel regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and spiritual belief. Embrace the diversity of views at Emmanuel and promote the dialogue that diversity requires. Utilize the church ministries to reach others and incorporate them into the parish family.
2. Be an insightful, inspiring preacher Bring energy, compassion and joy to the worship of God. Preach the lessons of our faith in a manner that conveys a practical relevance to the challenges of modern-day life. Develop a Christian education and formation ministry that can support members who are at different places in their spiritual journey. Be responsive, approachable, and engaged with all age groups of the parish.
3. Provide compassionate pastoral care Empower and support the growth of the lay pastoral care ministry. Provide personal spiritual and compassionate care for those parishioners in need. Seek to become a trusted member of every family in the parish.
“The congregation of Emmanuel seeks a new rector who will join us in our ministries and lead us with energy, compassion and joy. We seek a new rector who will reflect our commitment to hospitality, service, diversity, inclusion and stewardship. As a parish, we are committed to learning and we seek a new rector who will help us work together to realize the potential that God has given us. With the spiritual guidance of our new rector, we seek to transform the lives of our parish family, our community, and the world.” – Emmanuel Rector Search Committee
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4. Foster Growth and Strengthen Stewardship Grow the parish by attracting new members with a variety of demographic backgrounds. Develop a stewardship strategy that promotes a deeper involvement with the church. Support the continued execution of the strategic plan and the parish commitment to the long-term objectives.
5. Promote outreach and develop an active community presence Actively participate in promoting new and existing outreach programs. Establish a recognized and visible presence in the greater Petoskey community of worship.
6. Be a strong and effective leader Provide professional leadership in the day to day administration of the church. Delegate authority, assign responsibility, and recognize the contributions of others. Implement changes in a thoughtful manner, ensuring the opportunity for input beforehand. Mentor the church staff and lay leadership. Develop a clear understanding of Emmanuel’s resources and capabilities.
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
APPENDIX A: OUR COMMUNITY Petoskey is located along the shores of Little Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, in northwestern corner of the I thank You God for most lower peninsula of Michigan. This beautiful community this amazing day: for leaping greenly spirits of trees and a is steeped in history, Victorian architecture, and blue true dream of sky; and breathtaking views. Surrounded by the equally charming for everything which is natural and historic communities of Harbor Springs and which is infinite which is yes. Charlevoix, the Petoskey area is famous throughout the - E.E. Cummings Midwest for its scenic beauty, year-round recreational opportunities and small-town friendliness. For centuries, the Odawa Indians made their home along the lakeshore of Little Traverse Bay. The strategic location of the Bay on the Great Lakes and its abundant natural resources made it desirable not only for Native Americans, but also for early European settlers. Thanks to an abundance of natural resources including lumber, fishing and furs the area’s economy grew rapidly in the late 19th century. With the arrival of the railroad during this same time period, several resorts were established to support the growing influx of seasonal visitors. Today the economy of Petoskey is based primarily on healthcare, real estate (primarily second home), retail and services, much of it driven by a thriving year-round tourism trade. Approximately 6,500 people reside in the City of Petoskey with another 24,000 in the surrounding Emmet County. Integral to the quality of life are the excellent public and private school systems, the North Central Michigan College and the McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital with over 200 beds and 1100 employees. Among the many attractions of the area is a thriving cultural community. Located in the heart of the city is the Crooked Tree Arts Center which houses three galleries, a 260-seat stage theater and studios for dance, pottery, painting and music lessons. The recently completed Great Lakes Center for the Arts offers a year-round line-up of world class performances across all genres—music, dance, theater, movies and film, intellectual dialogue, and education. Petoskey also possesses a state-of-theart public library opened in 2004, coincidentally on the original site of Emmanuel Church.
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Located on the shoreline between Petoskey and Harbor Springs is the Bay View Association, Bay View is one of the finest remaining examples of two uniquely American community forms, the Methodist camp meeting and the independent Chautauqua. Opened in 1876 Bay View contains more than 400 well preserved original Victorian style cottages. During the summer months Bay View hosts an outstanding series of musical programs, morning worship services, and religion and life lectures featuring nationally known speakers. The greatest contributor to the extraordinary quality of life enjoyed by residents and visitors is the magnificent natural environment and the year-round recreational opportunity it affords. Petoskey maintains 24 parks including a 144-slip marina, a 76-site campground, a winter-sports complex, and an 865-acre forest preserve. The city also has facilities to support over 30 sports and recreation programs. The surrounding area boasts one of the best selections of ski and golf resorts in the Midwest. Whether it’s skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, skating, ice fishing, snow shoeing or just enjoying a warm drink next to a fireplace in the winter or hiking, biking, fishing, boating, sailing, golfing, swimming or just relaxing on the beach in the summer there’s always something for families and friends to do in northern Michigan.
LIST OF INFORMATIVE WEBSITES The Petoskey Community: https://www.petoskeyarea.com/ http://www.petoskeychamber.com/welcome-to-petoskey/
Quality of Life: https://www.mclaren.org/northern-michigan/mclaren-northern-michigan-home/ https://www.ncmich.edu/ http://moodle.petoskeyschools.org/ http://www.bayviewassociation.org/ https://landtrust.org/ http://www.crookedtree.org/
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EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
APPENDIX B: THE DIOCESE OF WESTERN MICHIGAN The Diocese of Western Michigan is an invaluable source of spiritual leadership for Emmanuel. Parishioners and lay leadership participate regularly in diocesan and provincial training events and conferences. The Diocese represents 8,000 people in 58 communities of faith and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Rt. Rev. Whayne M. Hougland, Jr. has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Western Michigan since his consecration in 2013. Diocesan staff includes five full-time employees, four part-time employees, four non-stipendiary deacons and several volunteers who assist the Diocese on various projects during the year. OUR MISSION:
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers. To respond to human need by loving service. To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth. OUR VISION:
Our Vision is to live our values and be healthy, mission-focused diverse parishes with innovative, collaborative engagement at all levels.
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan website: http://www.edwm.org.
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APPENDIX C: CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND MINISTRIES
Personnel
Spiri
tual Formation
Spiritual Book Study Nursery Youth Worship Center Sunday School Brown Bag Bible Study
Rector Office Manager Leadership Development Nursery Care Provider Director of Music
Parish Life
Management Facility
Mighty Men of Emmanuel Pastoral Care Communication Greeters Gather & Grow Fellowship Member Engagement (including Rector welcome)
Grounds & Garden Structure & Maintenance
VESTRY
Fi n a n c i a l
RECTOR & LAY MEMBERS
Finance Committee Memorial Gifts
Funeral Lunch Ministry Book of the Month Club
Stewardship Stewardship Planned Giving Program
Worship Eucharistic Ministers Altar Guild
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Outreach
Ushers
Lectors
Emmanuel Choristers
Acolytes
Liturgy and Worship.com.
Adult Choir
Outreach
Thursday Guild
EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Thursday Lunch Program Community Recovery Alliance Rector Search Committee
Reading Together Youth Pantries
Emmanuel Episcopal Church 1020 East Mitchell Street Petoskey, MI 49770