Long-Range Planning Committee Report

Defining Characteristics of the Chapel of the Cross

A strategic plan presents an organization with the opportunity to consider how it can preserve its defining attributes while being responsive to changing circumstances. So it is with the Chapel of the Cross. In preparing this strategic plan, we asked ourselves:

• What attributes are central to the make-up of our parish? What are the enduring dimensions of our parish's character?
• Which of these attributes do we wish to retain, strengthen, and enliven so that we remain "The Chapel of the Cross" as we move into the future? What should we not let go of or bargain away even as we change to meet changing times?

A short review reveals these defining characteristics of the Chapel of the Cross:

• We are committed to worship that honors the richness and beauty of the Anglican Tradition. We pay special attention to the rhythms of the Church year and place a high value on liturgical and musical excellence.
• We emphasize education as a vital tool for Christian formation for all age groups. Our approach to education draws equally on the gifts of laity and clergy.
• We value our historic relationship with the University of North Carolina and pay particular attention to the needs and concerns of students, faculty, and staff who now find Chapel Hill their home.
• We aspire to lively and committed engagement with the world around us, through active social ministry and community use of our facilities. We take pride in the courageous stands that this parish had made at difficult points in the life of our nation, our community and Church.
• We honor and anticipate the universal Church through ecumenical outreach and partnership.

Changing demographics, social pressures, and expectations of the church require us to examine these attributes as we think about our future. These characteristics can be guides for the future. They can also be convenient excuses for not seeing emerging challenges and opportunities clearly. As we seek to be a parish that is ever alert to God's call to share the good news of Christ Jesus and to glorify his Name, our task is to find a faithful balance between continuity and change.