December 2020 Update
PROFILE COMMITTEE REPORT
Profile Committee: Leigh Martin, Chair; David Clinkman, Wayne Stochaj, Mary Beth Sweet, and Peach Warren
In November, the Profile Committee concluded the profile focus groups that took place throughout October. We thank everyone who took part in focus groups, engaged in discussion with us, and provided us with input. In weekly Zoom meetings, the Profile Committee has been working on compiling and interpreting these responses, researching, and noting areas of further development to help develop the Parish Profile, and updating areas of the Trinity Church website. Our aim is to accurately represent who we are as a parish, what our community is like, and what we are seeking in a rector by capturing Trinity’s unique personality, mission, and ministry. We are currently awaiting year-end financial data so as to include up-to-date and accurate congregational financial information in our Profile. The Vestry reviewed our first draft at its recent December meeting, and the Profile Committee anticipates entering the final stages of production by sharing our work with the congregation at the Jan. 31, 2021, Annual Parish Meeting and submitting to the Vestry for approval. We are grateful for your support and welcome questions or comments to our email address, profilecommittee@trinitychurch.org.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Profile Committee: Leigh Martin, Chair; David Clinkman, Wayne Stochaj, Mary Beth Sweet, and Peach Warren
In November, the Profile Committee concluded the profile focus groups that took place throughout October. We thank everyone who took part in focus groups, engaged in discussion with us, and provided us with input. In weekly Zoom meetings, the Profile Committee has been working on compiling and interpreting these responses, researching, and noting areas of further development to help develop the Parish Profile, and updating areas of the Trinity Church website. Our aim is to accurately represent who we are as a parish, what our community is like, and what we are seeking in a rector by capturing Trinity’s unique personality, mission, and ministry. We are currently awaiting year-end financial data so as to include up-to-date and accurate congregational financial information in our Profile. The Vestry reviewed our first draft at its recent December meeting, and the Profile Committee anticipates entering the final stages of production by sharing our work with the congregation at the Jan. 31, 2021, Annual Parish Meeting and submitting to the Vestry for approval. We are grateful for your support and welcome questions or comments to our email address, profilecommittee@trinitychurch.org.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
October 2020 Update
PROFILE COMMITTEE REPORT
Profile Committee: Leigh Martin, Chair; David Clinkman, Wayne Stochaj, Mary Beth Sweet, and Peach Warren
The Profile Committee has met twice since September 12th to begin crafting the Profile that will describe Trinity Church for clergy seeking a new congregation. We have chosen the Scripture passage that will guide us throughout the search process:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
We felt that these verses affirm the Trinity community’s collective trust in God as we unite to undertake this work, and they provide comfort in uncertain times, knowing that our paths will be made straight if we look to the Lord for guidance.
We have also scheduled five parish meetings to be held in October so that all our voices will be part of the Profile.
As a congregation, we have been in focus groups (the Zoom meetings back in June) and filled out the Congregation Assessment Tool survey (the online survey we took in August) to discuss and define our views of our Church community and where we would like to see Trinity Church in the future.
Now we need to come together to paint the picture of who we, Trinity Church, Milford, are and what gifts and ministries define us. We encourage your participation in the upcoming meetings and appreciate your feedback as we engage in this important undertaking. Click here to view the discussion questions.
Please mark your calendars: All meetings will be on Zoom:
The Profile Committee will meet weekly during this month. Our tasks will be to define the discussion questions, to gather information and photos that show our different ministries for our website, and to synthesize the conversations that we will have during these meetings.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you soon.
Profile Committee: Leigh Martin, Chair; David Clinkman, Wayne Stochaj, Mary Beth Sweet, and Peach Warren
The Profile Committee has met twice since September 12th to begin crafting the Profile that will describe Trinity Church for clergy seeking a new congregation. We have chosen the Scripture passage that will guide us throughout the search process:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
We felt that these verses affirm the Trinity community’s collective trust in God as we unite to undertake this work, and they provide comfort in uncertain times, knowing that our paths will be made straight if we look to the Lord for guidance.
We have also scheduled five parish meetings to be held in October so that all our voices will be part of the Profile.
As a congregation, we have been in focus groups (the Zoom meetings back in June) and filled out the Congregation Assessment Tool survey (the online survey we took in August) to discuss and define our views of our Church community and where we would like to see Trinity Church in the future.
Now we need to come together to paint the picture of who we, Trinity Church, Milford, are and what gifts and ministries define us. We encourage your participation in the upcoming meetings and appreciate your feedback as we engage in this important undertaking. Click here to view the discussion questions.
Please mark your calendars: All meetings will be on Zoom:
- Monday October 12th 7:30- 8:30 pm– Vestry
- Tuesday October 20th – 7:30-8:30 pm the choir, altar guild, and liturgical ministers
- Sunday October 25th 9:30-10:30 am – general
- Wednesday October 28th – 10:30-11:30 am - general
- Sunday November 1st -9:30 am – 10:30 am – Youth
The Profile Committee will meet weekly during this month. Our tasks will be to define the discussion questions, to gather information and photos that show our different ministries for our website, and to synthesize the conversations that we will have during these meetings.
We are grateful for your support and look forward to seeing you soon.
August 11, 2020
Dear Friends,
On August 9th, the following people were commissioned as members of the Search Committee: Pam Hennessy, Chair; Stephen Howe, Jim Donohoe, Hilary Stafford, Toussaint Jackson, Katherine Cote, Mary Johnson, and Lucille Clinkman, Vestry Liaison. On August 10th, the Search Committee, the Profile Committee, and the Vestry met with Canon Rich Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary and Diocesan Transition Ministry, to learn what the “arc” of preparations for new ministry will be in the coming year. Canon Simpson will meet with this group again on September 12th to review the results of the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT – also known as the Holy Cow Survey) and the work of the Profile Committee will officially begin.
There are three phases or stages of the Search:
I. September – January : The Profile Committee: The Profile Committee will work intensively during the fall to design and write a Profile of the parish that describes who we are now (not in the past), and who we feel the God is calling us to become. This writing will involve parish meetings (via zoom for the most part), interviews with ministry groups and their leaders, historical research, analysis of the local area, gathering photos, and reflection. We expect that the Profile will be presented to the Vestry in January and then to the Bishop for approval.
II. February – April: The Search Committee: – The Profile Committee ends its work, and the Search Committee begins theirs. This involves finalizing the compensation package and posting the position on the national Episcopal database, designing interview questions, reviewing applications, and interviewing candidates. The work of the Search Committee is confidential. They are “radio silent.”
III. April- May-June: The Vestry When the Search Committee presents 2 or 3 names to the Vestry their work is finished. The Vestry and Wardens review the application materials of these candidates, check references, and conduct interviews. Ordinarily, this would include on-site visits to Trinity, but it is not clear whether that will be possible. This state of the search is also confidential. The Vestry is “radio silent” until after the terms of the call are negotiated.
Between now and January, all the congregation shares the single task of reflection and self-study. Beginning in January two paths diverge: the Search Committee and the Vestry engage in the confidential work of discerning candidates, while the rest of the congregation continues to prepare for new ministry, to pray for the candidates, the Search Committee, and the Vestry, and to respect the confidentiality of the process.
May God continue to bless all of us in this wondrous, awesome ministry to which we are called!
In Christ,
Judith+
Dear Friends,
On August 9th, the following people were commissioned as members of the Search Committee: Pam Hennessy, Chair; Stephen Howe, Jim Donohoe, Hilary Stafford, Toussaint Jackson, Katherine Cote, Mary Johnson, and Lucille Clinkman, Vestry Liaison. On August 10th, the Search Committee, the Profile Committee, and the Vestry met with Canon Rich Simpson, Canon to the Ordinary and Diocesan Transition Ministry, to learn what the “arc” of preparations for new ministry will be in the coming year. Canon Simpson will meet with this group again on September 12th to review the results of the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT – also known as the Holy Cow Survey) and the work of the Profile Committee will officially begin.
There are three phases or stages of the Search:
I. September – January : The Profile Committee: The Profile Committee will work intensively during the fall to design and write a Profile of the parish that describes who we are now (not in the past), and who we feel the God is calling us to become. This writing will involve parish meetings (via zoom for the most part), interviews with ministry groups and their leaders, historical research, analysis of the local area, gathering photos, and reflection. We expect that the Profile will be presented to the Vestry in January and then to the Bishop for approval.
II. February – April: The Search Committee: – The Profile Committee ends its work, and the Search Committee begins theirs. This involves finalizing the compensation package and posting the position on the national Episcopal database, designing interview questions, reviewing applications, and interviewing candidates. The work of the Search Committee is confidential. They are “radio silent.”
III. April- May-June: The Vestry When the Search Committee presents 2 or 3 names to the Vestry their work is finished. The Vestry and Wardens review the application materials of these candidates, check references, and conduct interviews. Ordinarily, this would include on-site visits to Trinity, but it is not clear whether that will be possible. This state of the search is also confidential. The Vestry is “radio silent” until after the terms of the call are negotiated.
Between now and January, all the congregation shares the single task of reflection and self-study. Beginning in January two paths diverge: the Search Committee and the Vestry engage in the confidential work of discerning candidates, while the rest of the congregation continues to prepare for new ministry, to pray for the candidates, the Search Committee, and the Vestry, and to respect the confidentiality of the process.
May God continue to bless all of us in this wondrous, awesome ministry to which we are called!
In Christ,
Judith+
July 15, 2020
Dear Friends,
We have just finished holding 5 parish meetings via ZOOM, including 2 meetings for youth facilitated by our Youth Vestry Representative Grace Prevelige. There was remarkable consensus among the congregation about what you value most: traditional liturgy with some variations, our mutually supportive relationships within the congregation, and our partnerships with community organizations, especially our Community Meals. There was also strong consensus about what changes you would like to initiate with your next Rector: reinvigorate your youth ministry, enhance your spiritual formation for both adults and children, strengthen your social relationships, and create a stronger infrastructure for community outreach so that your leaders do not burn out.
To read a summary of these conversations click here.
On July 13th, the Vestry appointed the members of the Profile Committee: Leigh Martin (Chair), Mary Beth Sweet, Peach Warren, and Wayne Stochaj (Vestry Liaison). They also appointed Pam Hennessy to Chair the Search Committee and Lucille Clinkman to be Vestry Liaison. The remaining members of the Search Committee will be appointed by August 10th.
Our next step will be to complete the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed and interpreted by Holy Cow Consulting. On July 19th your Senior Warden will introduce the CAT to the congregation, with a Power Point presentation. The CAT will be available online July 20-August 17th. The link will be sent in a parish email on July 20th, and on July 23rd hard copies will be mailed to members of the congregation who are not comfortable completing the survey online. We have a crew of volunteers who will either help individuals access the survey online or will transcribe their responses and enter their data. All responses are anonymous, and we are counting on every member over the age of 16 in every household to complete a survey.
Canon Simpson will meet with the Vestry, Profile Committee, and Search Committee on August 10th to preview the process of the search and to do a Mutual Ministry Review. He will meet again with these groups on Saturday September 12th to review the CAT results and to offer guidance in writing the Parish Profile.
Here is the approximate timeline for the Search:
October-January - Writing the Profile February-March - post the position March - April - Search Committee interviews May-June - Vestry interviews/ offer a call August/September - a new Rector begins ministry.
Please note that this timeline would mean basically an 18-20-month Interim - which is standard for a parish following a long and successful ministry with a Rector who was loved and respected.
May God continue to bless our ministry together, and to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the needs of others.
In Christ,
Judith
Dear Friends,
We have just finished holding 5 parish meetings via ZOOM, including 2 meetings for youth facilitated by our Youth Vestry Representative Grace Prevelige. There was remarkable consensus among the congregation about what you value most: traditional liturgy with some variations, our mutually supportive relationships within the congregation, and our partnerships with community organizations, especially our Community Meals. There was also strong consensus about what changes you would like to initiate with your next Rector: reinvigorate your youth ministry, enhance your spiritual formation for both adults and children, strengthen your social relationships, and create a stronger infrastructure for community outreach so that your leaders do not burn out.
To read a summary of these conversations click here.
On July 13th, the Vestry appointed the members of the Profile Committee: Leigh Martin (Chair), Mary Beth Sweet, Peach Warren, and Wayne Stochaj (Vestry Liaison). They also appointed Pam Hennessy to Chair the Search Committee and Lucille Clinkman to be Vestry Liaison. The remaining members of the Search Committee will be appointed by August 10th.
Our next step will be to complete the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed and interpreted by Holy Cow Consulting. On July 19th your Senior Warden will introduce the CAT to the congregation, with a Power Point presentation. The CAT will be available online July 20-August 17th. The link will be sent in a parish email on July 20th, and on July 23rd hard copies will be mailed to members of the congregation who are not comfortable completing the survey online. We have a crew of volunteers who will either help individuals access the survey online or will transcribe their responses and enter their data. All responses are anonymous, and we are counting on every member over the age of 16 in every household to complete a survey.
Canon Simpson will meet with the Vestry, Profile Committee, and Search Committee on August 10th to preview the process of the search and to do a Mutual Ministry Review. He will meet again with these groups on Saturday September 12th to review the CAT results and to offer guidance in writing the Parish Profile.
Here is the approximate timeline for the Search:
October-January - Writing the Profile February-March - post the position March - April - Search Committee interviews May-June - Vestry interviews/ offer a call August/September - a new Rector begins ministry.
Please note that this timeline would mean basically an 18-20-month Interim - which is standard for a parish following a long and successful ministry with a Rector who was loved and respected.
May God continue to bless our ministry together, and to open our eyes, ears, and hearts to the needs of others.
In Christ,
Judith
The Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed by Holy Cow Consulting, is the first official step in your preparation for new ministry. The questions provide a profile of Trinity in your demographics and your views of Scripture, liturgy, mission, qualities of a Rector, parish life, and theology. The final summary shows where Trinity fits in the spectrum of Episcopal churches across the country.
It is very, very important that as many people as possible take the survey. Each adult member of every household should complete a survey. It takes about half an hour. to complete. Your responses are anonymous.
On Monday July 20th we will send a parish email with the link to the survey.
On Thursday July 23rd we will mail hard copies of the survey to those members who are not comfortable working online. We will also pair each person who has received a hard copy with someone who will work with you to complete the survey, and then someone will enter the data onto the website. Your written responses will remain anonymous.
The Survey must be completed by August 17th.
Holy Cow Consulting compiles the results and sends them to Canon Simpson, who will review the results with the Vestry, Search Committee, and Profile Committee on September 12th.
You can get more information about the survey by downloading the file below.
The Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT), also called the Holy Cow Survey because it is designed by Holy Cow Consulting, is the first official step in your preparation for new ministry. The questions provide a profile of Trinity in your demographics and your views of Scripture, liturgy, mission, qualities of a Rector, parish life, and theology. The final summary shows where Trinity fits in the spectrum of Episcopal churches across the country.
It is very, very important that as many people as possible take the survey. Each adult member of every household should complete a survey. It takes about half an hour. to complete. Your responses are anonymous.
On Monday July 20th we will send a parish email with the link to the survey.
On Thursday July 23rd we will mail hard copies of the survey to those members who are not comfortable working online. We will also pair each person who has received a hard copy with someone who will work with you to complete the survey, and then someone will enter the data onto the website. Your written responses will remain anonymous.
The Survey must be completed by August 17th.
Holy Cow Consulting compiles the results and sends them to Canon Simpson, who will review the results with the Vestry, Search Committee, and Profile Committee on September 12th.
You can get more information about the survey by downloading the file below.
| cat_survey_from_holy_cow.pdf |