This Fall we are going through a strategic planning process to see what we really want to be as a congregation, and how we can get there.  John Duncan is leading us through this process.  There are three basic steps: discernment, which tells us who we are and what we want to be; goal setting, which describes what we want to be; and planning, which tells us how we are going to get there, who will lead us there, and when we will get there.
The first step is discernment.  On Sunday 15 September at the end of each service we had a brain storming session.  We collected ideas on what we do well; what we can do better; what we aren't doing, but ought to be doing; and what our hopes and dreams are.
The next step in discernment is a questionnaire which asks you to rate how you agree or disagree with some of the items that came up on the fifteenth.  We ask you to complete this form and return it promptly.  Make sure your opinions get counted.
The results of this survey will be reported to the Bishop's Committee who will develop short term and long term goals for St. Philip's.  Once the goals are set and agreed, plans will be developed for how to reach those goals.
This should be an exciting time for St. Philip's.  Pray for the process.  Pray for the Vicar and Bishop's Committee.  Look for where the Spirit is leading us.