STEPS IN A NEW JOURNEY

October 29, 2008

Stewardship 

Since we are currently in the midst of our annual pledge drive, the Management Team feels it is appropriate to discuss how our transition will be reflected in the financial position of Ascension.  The Finance/Stewardship Team prepared the following to address some of those questions.  

How is Ascension doing financially so far?

After the Electing Convention, when we knew we would be losing our rector, the Finance Committee revised the budget for the remainder of 2008 to reflect the changes anticipated by the transition.  This revised budget reflects excess income which, if met, would provide some funding for the Search/Transition process.  Remember – we need to remain financially healthy in order to attract the best possible candidates for our next rector.  It is important that everyone continue their giving during this time of transition.  

How will the budget for Ascension be different next year?

It will probably be very similar to other recent years.  We still have the fixed costs of running our ministries and programs, and keeping up our building and grounds.  We will save money from the salary of a full time rector; however, it is likely that we will need an interim leader which may cost as much as we will save.  In addition, there will be costs associated with the search process. 

How much will a search process cost?

This number is hard to know in advance, and we are consulting with other churches that have had this experience recently to learn more.  There are some basic categories: 

Ø       Search team meeting expenses;

Ø       Parish meeting expenses to establish our profile;

Ø       Communication expenses, such as telephone, printing, website, etc;

Ø       Costs for participation of Church Deployment Officer and others for search guidance;

Ø       Travel costs for team members to visit final candidates;

Ø       Travel costs for final candidates to visit Ascension; and

Ø       Moving costs to relocate new rector and family. 

Transition expenses, both for the interim and the search process, are considered extraordinary items and are often handled like a capital campaign.  Your Finance/Stewardship Team will be working on some unique, entertaining, and very Ascension-like ways to raise the additional funds needed to pay these expenses.  We want to be sure that the funds are available to do the job right. 

What about the economy? 

We have all been affected by the reports of the recent activity in the stock market.  But let us remember how blessed we are to be living in the United States.  At our recent Stewardship Note-writing evening, The Ven. Janet King reminded us that if you eat three meals a day and have more than one pair of shoes, you are richer than most people in the world!  Janet also reminded us that giving from gratitude is a Holy habit; that sacrificial giving means giving, not until it hurts, but until it feels good!   

With all this in mind, the Journey is Still better together!

**********************************************************

 STEPS IN A NEW JOURNEY

September 30, 2008

The Search Team

The Vestry is asking each parish member to prayerfully consider whether you could serve your parish as a member of the Search Team. 

Why is the Search Team important?

What does the Search Team do?

• Prayerfully meets regularly as a team.
• Gathers information about Ascension through small group discussions and questionnaires: our strengths and weaknesses, our vision for the future
• Creates our parish profile: a description of Ascension, our ministries, the town of Twin Falls
• Creates a weighted “wish list” for a new priest: what qualities are we looking for in our next priest?
• Assures that the Ascension website is up to date and promotional materials prepared to give information to any priest researching the parish.
• Studies the resumes of all candidates who express interest in the position and chooses finalists who will be the best fit for our parish.
• Visits finalist priests in their home parishes
• Determines which final candidate(s) will be brought to Ascension to meet parishioners, Vestry and staff.

Should I consider being on the team?

You are encouraged to apply if you:

·         Have an open heart and open mind

·         Enjoy collaborating with others

·         Are a good listener

·         Seek God’s guidance in your daily life

·         Support the parish through worship, stewardship and participation in activities

·         Feel you could make a commitment of at least one year to the process

·         Have time in your schedule for meetings, research and travel

·         Understand the need for confidentiality in the process

·         Care passionately about the future of the Church of the Ascension

Application forms for the Search Team are available in the Narthex.  Please return them to the Church Office no later than Sunday, October 12^th.

***********************************************         

NEW OFFICE HOURS ANNOUNCED

Verbal   - announcements at worship services and small group meetings

Written  -  Sunday bulletins and Epistle (Look for lavender   colored    flyers) 

      letters to parish                                    

  Electronic  - e-notes, web page

Visual  - hall wall display near water cooler bulletin board   (space to be determined)

Participatory – questions to the Management Team,

Q&A sessions with Rand Fagg, Church Deployment Officer,  questionnaires and discussion groups as the Search Process moves forward

Questions Box- a box will be available for submitting questions, anonymously,  if you prefer

            Management Team Minutes Binder - will be kept close to the

                          question box 

Keep watching for news, and let us know your questions and suggestions!