Church News
Healthy Church Initiative helps St. Matthew's soar
By Christi Stewart
The first thing you notice about St. Matthew’s, Spartanburg, is the buzz and excitement swirling about. There are children of many different nationalities giggling in the halls, couples waiting to see the rector Father Rob Brown for marriage counseling, administrative assistants answering phones and fielding questions. Things are happening around here.
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St. Matthew's, Spartanburg—Things are happening around here! (click to enlarge) |
Thanks to a generous gift to the diocese, HCI assessments are available free of charge to all Upper SC congregations. During an assessment, Tony Watkins, HCI consultant, helps congregations celebrate what they are already doing well; remember their mission as baptized persons; and listen deeply to the story of the community of faith
After the first survey, St. Matthew's developed a plan for addressing the needs of the church, which included launching a capital campaign that raised approximately $880,000. The money is being used for renovation and new construction to facilitate education and program offerings – two of the congregation's biggest priorities.
When asked how the Healthy Church Initiative is helping his congregation evolve, Father Rob described the HCI as "the framework that helped us build upon our foundation which is our ‘Prayer for Spiritual Growth’." (See prayer below.)
Leslie "Fergie" Horvath, a co-chair of the capital campaign, thinks the best part of the initiative was the surveys and interviews that helped St. Matthew’s identify core values. When asked if she would recommend the initiative to other churches, Horvath said “definitely,” and that "it’s a great way to check the pulse of everyone. The next step is deciding how to respond to the core values—change, stay the same, grow, cut back. The initiative fosters parishioner involvement in a Holy leading—a Holy change—a Holy movement toward something 'other'—how exciting!”
Carol Wishard, also a capital campaign chair, wants other congregations to know how talented and knowledgeable Watkins is: “He was such a breath of fresh air. He knew how to focus on the important things and answer questions that could derail the whole process if left unanswered or answered incorrectly. With his leadership we were able to get everyone involved, which is usually a task that fails. We had a beginning, a middle and an ending goal. We did it and accomplished the largest monetary capital campaign pledge drive St. Matthew’s has ever had. God is soooooooooo good!"
When asked how the process impacted her congregation, Wishard said “working as one body brought us to know each other better. It also strengthened our belief in the power of prayer. For the past 10 years, 2 to 3 times per week and sometimes more, we pray together our Prayer for Spiritual Growth:""
Gracious Father, we ask spiritual growth for ourselves, our families and friends, and especially for our family St. Matthew’s. Grant us growth in understanding and willingness to be your Body in this world. Empower us to live the mission of Christ: to preach, teach, heal and make disciples. In joyful thanksgiving for the blessing of your presence in our lives, compel us to share you with everyone we meet. May our numbers increase, our commitment deepen, our lives be joyfully yours. Make us a God-centered people. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
St. Peter's, Greenville, youth return from their "Virtuous Voyage"
Junior High youth transition from VBS participants to volunteers
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St. Peter's, Greenville sixth graders and youth minister, Lori Hinze, outside the soup kitchen "Project Host" (click to enlarge) |
Seven rising sixth graders at St. Peter's, Greenville didn't just attend Vacation Bible School this year, they volunteered all week. They participated in a program at St. Peter's that helps sixth graders transition from children's ministry to youth ministry. They learn the difference between participating in church events and taking an active role in the planning of events.
The new youth cleaned up church grounds and the education wing, put together art supplies for VBS projects, and set up the closing VBS picnic. They even volunteered at the soup kitchen (pictured above), Project Host . Their efforts throughout VBS fully prepared them to be full-time volunteers next year. Congratulations to Tanner Kohn, Tyler Melson, Riley Ovintgon, Jordan Chamberlain, Keaton Hinze,
Tyler Shockley and Jenna Woodman and all of St. Peter's, Greenville on another succesful week of VBS!