Report on Diocesan Planning Event

More than 100 laity and 32 clergy representing 34 parishes and missions of the Diocese of El Camino Real gathered at St. Paul’s / San Pablo’s Church, Salinas, on Saturday, November 14, for a day-long conference exploring the future of the diocese. Karen Krestensen attended from St. Philip’s. As you read this, think of St. Philip’s, which is also in a period of transition and is, interestingly, in a parallel process with the diocese.

The first presenter was The Rev. Ron Reed from Kansas City, Kansas. His main point was the changing face of the church -- and that “the church as we have known it is no longer.” He used strong words, e.g., “the church as you once knew it is dead” and “we are presently dealing with a carcass!” He went on to say that the good news is that while the body is “sick, the soul is still well.” He stressed the importance of choosing a bishop who is a team player and who has administrative skills. He further stated that “if we are to have healthy congregations in a healthy diocese, laity, clergy and bishop must be full empowered participants.” This appears to be a shift from the old “top-down” way of doing things to a more collaborative and cooperative manner. He also said that in an age of growing diversity, the rules of governance must be understood, agreed upon by all concerned and clearly “written down.”

The second presenter, Dale Simison, the Planned Giving Officer for Province VIII, shared his views on the work of Jim Collins from his book From Good to Great. He had some interesting and challenging ideas to present.

A. Take a good look at ourselves. What is our passion as a diocese (congregation)? What is our excellence? What do we   want to do with the answers to those questions? What is the action plan?

B. “Get the right people on the bus and the wrong people off the bus.” His explanation of that challenging statement was to get the right people engaged in vigorous dialogue and debate, ready to deal with the “brutal facts” and guided by  questions. (Needless to say, the discussion groups that followed were abuzz with the question, “and who defines the ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ people?”)

C. Build a solid financial foundation -- the “economic engine” -- first. (When he said that all of the above is a “three to five year process,” one could hear the groans from the participants.)

Mr. Simison went on to say that goals and strategies come out of the above, i.e., they come last, not first. Goals and strategies need to be built upon understanding and ownership, not on bravado (unrealistic expectations). There then needs to be “fanatical adherence” to disciplined action and a willingness to shun temptations that fall outside the plan developed from the chosen passion and area of excellence.  “Stop-doing lists are more important than to-do lists.”

And that was just the morning!! Over a “working lunch” and continuing into the afternoon, small groups of eight met around tables to further discuss the morning’s presentations. All of this was reported back to the assembly at the end of the afternoon.

             Karen Krestensen

Consider Compline

“Like incense, let my prayer rise before you oh God, the lifting of my hands, like an evening oblation.”

Every Wednesday evening from 7–8 pm in the Sanctuary, a small group of people gather to read the beautiful service of Compline from the Book of Common Prayer. With time for quiet reflection as well, this weekly evening service provides a prayerful and reverent mid-week time to experience the quietness of God as the day comes to a close. Perhaps this might be something to consider for Advent? You are invited and most welcome!

Julie Edwards Levy

Harvest Fair Retrospective

The Harvest and Holiday Craft Fair was once again a good success for St. Philips. We raised $3800 from our efforts, much the same as last year! We are very pleased for the opportunity to invite the community to St. Philips for this warm event and raise needed funds for the church. Thanks be to God for the blessing of the people that worked on the event and for the bounty that has come from it!

St. Philip’s Christmas Wreaths Are Coming…

The Christmas wreaths will be arriving the week of December 6th. If you pre-ordered a wreath, you will receive a telephone call letting you know the times that your wreath can be picked up. We have ordered some extras, so if you would like to purchase a wreath for a friend, we’ll have them available!