A Report on the Stewardship Dinner
Hugh Tilson, Every Member Canvass Chair

On Sunday, September 22, about 70 people gathered in the dining room to have dinner and fellowship and to hear about the financial picture of the parish, plans to develop a Long-Range Strategic Plan, and an update concerning this year’s Every Member Canvass. One of the primary objectives of the dinner was to provide an opportunity for the parish to communicate to the vestry and clergy their concerns for the upcoming year. To facilitate that discussion, small groups were formed and asked to consider three questions:

* What excites you about the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross
* What concerns you about the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross
* What advice would you give the vestry about addressing your concerns?

With regard to the first question, there was a consensus that musical programs, the choirs, and having a full-time choirmaster were very positive aspects of the ministry of the Chapel of the Cross. The social outreach ministry of the parish, Christian education, and the liturgical aspects of our worship services were also mentioned frequently. Many parishioners were excited by the diversity of programs, the intellectual atmosphere, the clergy, and the people that comprise the parish. Reconciliation efforts and the Sister Parish relationship with St. Paul AME were also mentioned as positive aspects of our ministry

With regard to concerns about the ministry of our parish, many indicated that limited space and parking were significant drawbacks. However, no one suggested that the parish should move from its present location. Although some parishioners noted that there had been obvious attempts to improve communication within the parish, others pointed out that communication, such as the timely distribution of Cross Roads, was still problematic. Some participants also felt that the Chapel of the Cross needed to work on being more open and friendly to newcomers and work harder to integrate new people into the fellowship of the parish. There were also concerns about how to fund the new mission in Orange County and the effect that the mission will have on our membership. Finally, concerns were raised about the ‘passive’ nature of the Every Member Canvass and the need for the church to provide a more pastoral framework to its fund-raising activities.

The groups made several recommendations to the vestry and clergy, including the following:

* Develop a K-12 curriculum along the lines of the Hale School in Raleigh

* Promote greater intra-parish dialogue by sponsoring more retreats

* The vestry and Every Member Canvass should develop teams to contact parishioners directly over the next few weeks, especially those known to have health or other problems

* Consider extending pledges and the time and talent survey to students

* Consider developing a position for a volunteer coordinator and find ways to get certain jobs done by volunteers

* More parishioners should know that Cross Roads is available via the Web site and it should be delivered in a more timely fashion to those parishioners living outside of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area

* The parish should examine the way it responds to visitors and new people. As one parishioner said “there is a need to institute a change in the culture” at the Chapel of the Cross to make it more attractive to newcomers and to help retain members once they join.

All of the vestry members and several other participants remarked on the positive and constructive atmosphere during the discussions. The recommendations made by the break-out groups are greatly appreciated and will be taken into consideration by the vestry at the earliest opportunity. Some issues such as space and parking are issues that will be discussed during the development of a Long-Range Strategic Plan over the next year. Everyone present was particularly thankful for the efforts of Loaves and Fishes, especially Steve and Liska Lackey, who provided the main course, dessert, and beverages for the dinner.