Mission and Ministry Effectiveness Update Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Congregational Development Commission Learning through our convocation gatherings

Picture Convocation Gatherings 2012-2013

Priorities of our Ministry 2012-2013 Leadership—strengthening all leadership Thriving mission-every congregation lives out their mission call from God with excellence. Children/Youth/Young Adult ministry development Communication- continues to be strengthened—clear-connecting-informing

Recommendations from DER Connections

Congregational Development learning since the DER findings: 7/20/2012 Congregational Development learning since the DER findings: Focus areas from the discussions in the convocation: Diocesan size and function of convocations Role of convocational leadership OUR CONVOCATIONS Respond: Participating Convocations West Branch Region Susquehanna Region Southern Region Northern Tier Region Lancaster Region Harrisburg Region Altoona Region For regional ministry Talking Points Suggested reading for reflection: Acts 11:19 – 30 As the early church grew, it faced different issues of inclusion, acceptance, new member incorporation, and leadership. So, too, present day congregations face different issues and congregational dynamics depending upon their size. Looking at the theories and data of church size, along with our own experience and that portrayed in scripture, helps us to understand better the living work of the Spirit in our midst and better prepare us for ministry. Note: It is important to note that while attendance figures are one thing, the congregation may behave as if it were a different size parish. This is particularly true as churches grow/decline from one size to another. Size transitions in either direction are hard. Another challenge is that “church size theory” was developed years ago and is based mostly on suburban, white congregations. Many ethnic congregations may be of one size in actual numbers on a Sunday, but function in the manner of a different size. Finally there is some new research that indicates that size of BUDGET may be as much of a contributing factor in determining size as the more traditional Average Sunday Attendance (ASA). Size is only ONE aspect of congregational culture, although an important one. Where a parish is in its life cycle and whether its size is stable, growing or declining can have a major impact on how the congregation sees itself and on the pressures being placed upon it. For purposes of this discussion, however, the focus is on size only. The size categories are taken from the research report “Congregational Size and Church Growth in the Episcopal Church” by C. Kirk Hadaway, Director of Research at the Episcopal Church Center.

CONVOCATION MINISTRY Strength in mission Together

Living The Gospel for Tomorrow West Branch 2013 Pentecost Event and Celebration

Living The Gospel for Tomorrow Lancaster Convocation Rim Youth Event 2013

Living The Gospel for Tomorrow Harrisburg Convocation St. Andrew s In the City

Through our convocation conversations

Identity and Role of Diocese We are a family size diocese We continue to be an organic entity Our geographic region has north/south divide Role of Convocation To Support parish life including sharing resources for mission and ministry To Connect congregations to help support each other-no one is alone Administrative, to fulfill the larger purpose of the church

To live the Gospel for Tomorrow we remember At one time convocations were together even in mission, through new church plants, shared liturgies and outreach. Today we are re- connecting to be stronger live our hopes and dreams:

The call to listen-The call to action Our fall 2012/spring 2013 convocation gatherings THREE THEMES EMERGED: We are called to gather –making connections one- to-another Building relationships within the convocation to be a resource to each other in these extreme times---- deepen and strengthen our relationships through convocation gatherings We respond Create new opportunities within the convocation that are organic and Spirit led for mission and for formation

The call to listen-The call to action Our fall 2012/spring 2013 convocation gatherings 3. We are sent out Purposeful and intentional communication of Good News stories. Congregational visitation by laity traveling to different congregations throughout the convocation. Congregations post the name of the university where their senior high school graduates are beginning their college years.

What have we learned? People need to see a benefit to the convocation We are in a time of change-we are strengthened to deal with change through the convocation gatherings to strengthen community is critical. The Convocation is a place to identify and share resources leadership development/youth and young adult ministry focus in convocation 2. To Help each other Thrive-and spiritually connect to pray for and with each other 3. Overcome travel distance with technology

Our next steps West Branch ---The Pentecost Celebration— bringing over 175 folks together for worship and picnic Southern---Wardens from the congregations are meeting for support and sharing about ministry direction and needs Lancaster--The Rim Youth event, which now has planned events through October 2013

Our next steps Harrisburg—Support for St. Andrew’s in the City makeover Northern Tier—Safeguarding God’s Children training for the community not just the church

CHALLENGES How to we overcome geography and the fact we only meet twice a year? We need a more clearly defined purpose We are running out of resources in our parishes, how can the convocation structure help? Intra-clergy sharing “ I’d love to hear you speak at my church”.

NEXT STEP QUESTIONS How can the Bishop know us better? Focus on regions--convocation boundaries re-defined and permeated-- Grants to convocation mission Invite more people from our congregations to envision mission/ministry of each convocation