Christ Church 2021-2022 Mutual Ministry Plan

 Approved by the Bishop’s Committee 10 May 2021

Preamble:  A Mutual Ministry Plan (MMP) defines areas of special focus for our ministry together.  Assisting Bishop Brian Prior worked with the Bishop’s Committee and Ministry Support Circle to develop the MMP for 2021-2022, replacing the 2019-2020 plan.  The focus areas are directed to the changing ministry opportunities and perceived community needs emerging out of the COVID pandemic and racism, finding ways to bring us closer to God’s vision of kingdom and diversity, and exploring innovative ideas for use of our property and buildings.  The Addendum offers some specific suggestions for implementation. 

MMP Focus statements are not the only ministries in which we engage as Christ Church.  Our ministries include outreach, education, pastoral care, worship, leadership development and more.  The MMP serves as a guidepost and reference for our ministry together.

Ministry Focus 1

• welcoming new people and exploring new ministries
• raising the awareness of structural racism in the church
• examining diversity in leadership and intentional about hearing all voices

Ministry Focus 2

• offer compelling liturgical, educational and music programs as outreach
• make intentional connections and communication with congregants and friends, including those not reached by internet communication

Ministry Focus 3

• hold congregational meetings to discuss Total Common Ministry
• distribute booklet TCM Call to Circle Ministry and invite nominations
• form discernment group for those called
• begin formation program
• coordinate with diocesan processes for commissioning to Circle and path for any aspirants to ordination

Ministry Focus 4

• better serve the community
• address sustainability of our church and ministries

Addendum to Christ Church 2021-2022 Mutual Ministry Plan

This addendum contains specific ideas offered as ways to implement each ministry focus.  This is not an exclusive list.

Ministry Focus 1

• leadership (BC and Circle) will complete the Intercultural & Diversity Inventory (IDI) and participate in group coaching
• develop a diversity review group, tasked with assisting ministries in addressing diversity issues; review group to report to congregation at Annual Meeting
• encourage all committee/ministries groups to ask at the end of each session how their meeting has addressed diversity in this community
• gather interested congregants to discuss expanded offerings such as liturgies & faith formation, within and outside church walls
• collaborate with other churches or organizations to plan social justice gatherings, fund raisers or other community events
• engage speakers and preachers, especially BIPOC, (Black, Indigenous and people of color) to  build relationships in our community and across the Diocese
• explore opportunities for alternative liturgies, potentially, four Saturdays a year.
• work to ensure diverse community voices are included and heard in decision-making.
• develop a diverse community celebration for Advent (daily blog post with Advent prayers and activities, an Advent box for families with children, etc.)
• raise awareness of how/where racism shows up in the Church, and stretch ourselves to meaningfully pursue diversity and reduce the impact of privilege
• bring Sacred Ground, a film-based dialogue series on race and faith, to the congregation; and explore other resources for ongoing study and personal insight

Ministry Focus 2

• evaluate ramifications of how we do and broadcast worship services, coffee hour, celebrations and other gatherings; adapt to changing ways of being “church”
• plan creatively to use technology  to support small groups, adult education and children’s education
• redefine the Christ Church community to include those who worship with us virtually, not as ‘supplemental’ but as ‘expanded’ community
• draw those not connecting to ZOOM services into closer fellowship by phoning, sending notes, visiting with proper precautions, walking the labyrinth, organizing prayer groups, etc.
• connect with active congregants, those on the fringes, lapsed members, community residents and people around the country.
• develop a “Wheat Team” as planters of faith (those who wish to share their faith through acts of kindness)

Ministry Focus 3

• recognize the depth and breadth of spiritual gifts in others and in ourselves
• make the Spiritual Gifts Inventory available to congregants
• publicize (Joyful Noise and TCM booklet) the calling of new members, the call process, discernment and the selection process.
• offer general discernment opportunities in addition to discernment for Circle ministry
• offer ZOOM gatherings to discuss the process and answer questions
• send nomination forms for congregational input for potential candidates

Ministry Focus 4

• engage in dialog with local social service non-profits to determine pressing community needs and identify potential facility upgrades or new construction to help meet those needs
• Partner with the City of Anacortes, the Family Center, FAE, the Anacortes Community Health Council, Gentry House, the Red Door, etc.
• determine community needs for childcare, social services, housing, etc.
• identify project management team for renovation of current structures or construction of a new facility
• do a feasibility study for a multi-purpose social services facility on church-owned grounds; include consideration of project scope, cost and building schedule
• determine the gap in current social services
• develop financial plan for sustainability of facilities and church ministries