Your insights are vital to the process of imagining the best programs we can create for children and youth at this pivotal moment in the life cycle of our church.
Please help us by participating in two ways:
Take this Survey LINK HERE
Sign up for a Zoom Listening Group LINK HERE
I believe that a rich and engaging church life for children, youth and families is a key driver of our church’s long-term vitality and growth. During this pandemic year, we have had to step back from all we have done in times past. As part of your leadership’s desire to get that “welcome back” invitation right it is time to reconsider the goals for these programs.
The Vestry and I have enlisted the help of an expert who will walk us through a process to review our existing programs, evaluate those findings, and then consider the best approach to move forward into the next era of church life.
Gabrielle Boozer, our Sunday school director, and warden Rose Lawson are helping to coordinate this important work with me, along with Jamie Martin-Currie, M.S.Ed. Jamie provides consultancy services to churches nationwide by helping them reimagine ministries in daring new ways to build capacity and think innovatively for the new normal. She is a seasoned children’s and youth minister who served St. Bartholomew’s in New York City and St. Martin’s in Houston before working as a Missioner for Congregational Vitality and Formation in the Diocese of Texas.
As part of this process, Jamie will be conducting several one-hour Listening Group sessions, as noted above, to gather information on our priorities and hopes for our children’s and youth programming. Any and all are encouraged to attend. We have four Listening Groups set at the moment but can add more if interest dictates it.
We are excited about all the possibilities that lie ahead for our church and hope you will help us shape that future!
Onward in Hope,
Gareth
Gareth Evans serves as the rector of St. Barnabas. He is an inspirational leader who brings significant pastoral experience, a depth of reverence in worship, and a relatable preaching style.