Program Recommendations

Values and Principles That Guide Our Recommendations:

The Chapel of the Cross should make the deepening of Christian community an intentional parish priority, assigning staff leadership and organizational resources to this dimension of parish life. Recognizing that a strong parish community is instrumental to Christian formation and is a living expression of the Body of Christ that is the Church, we believe the parish should work to make the Chapel of the Cross distinctive for its:

• Hospitality - the various ways in which we welcome the stranger, incorporate newcomers into our common life, and permit no one to be overlooked or forgotten despite our large size
• Formation/Education - the way we introduce members to the faith, nurture Christian commitment, understanding, and service
• Outreach - the way we show forth God's love to our neighbors beyond our walls, particularly where the world is broken and in need
• Ecumenism - the way we demonstrate that God is One in a fractured world
• Evangelism - the boldness with which we make disciples.

We hold out a vision of a parish where strong lay ministry is supported and nurtured by a strong staff.

We underscore the dynamic relationship that exists between the quality and flexibility of our physical space and the quality of our programs and of our community. Where our space is uninviting and restrictive, program and relationships suffer.

We should retain our historic strengths as a parish while having the courage to adjust ourselves to the demographic changes that are transforming our community. We see a parish that reflects the totality of our community, not an insular vision.

Issue #1

We are a programmatically rich parish, but gaps and overlaps exist in what we do. As we grow, we must take care to remember that "more" is not necessarily "better."

Recommendations:

Years 0-1: We recommend that the vestry appoint a Program Review Committee to:

• Rigorously assess what we are/aren't doing well as a parish, with special attention to the areas listed above as core values
• Address program redundancy and obsolescence
• Identify gaps
• Recommend alternatives

The Program Review Committee should request that clergy, staff, and volunteer leaders be asked:

• How does this program advance the vision and values laid out in the Long-Range Plan?
• How does this program support the formation of a Christian life?
• How does this program respond to the changing demographics of the community?

The Program Review Committee should report its findings and recommendations at a parish-wide forum and following each Sunday service to generate feedback and commitment.

Years 2-5: Act on the recommendations of the Program Review Committee, including implications for new staff and new configurations of existing staff.

Issue #2

The parish should consciously and deliberately work to strengthen the intangible dimensions of Christian community (hospitality, fellowship, intergenerational relationships), so that the Chapel of the Cross becomes a place where "no one is a stranger."

Recommendations:

Years 0-1: The vestry should form a special committee of clergy, staff, and volunteers to examine how the parish can build a culture that resolutely and lovingly:

• Welcomes the stranger
• Integrates newcomers
• Supports families
• Speaks to the evolving needs and interests of people as they move through the stages of life. Special attention should be given to youth after confirmation, young adults after college, elders, including those recently relocating to the community, and those in frantic middle age
• Makes better use of the programs and resources of the Diocese
• Takes seriously the Baptismal Covenant.

A central element of the work of this committee should be to visit and seek out examples of successful efforts from other congregations, locally, across the Diocese, and nationally.

Years 2-5: Act on the findings of the special committee.

Issue #3

The Chapel of the Cross should do more to use the pulpit and the classroom to help parishioners relate our Christian faith and Anglican perspective to the great moral issues of the day where "the cross and the world intersect."

Recommendation:

Year 0-1: Begin to model this goal in worship, education, and service activities. Simultaneously charge the Program Review Committee to assess how well this recommendation is being implemented and report results to the rector and vestry.