In September 2012, St. Luke’s ~ San Lucas began a process of reviewing its Vision, Mission and Goals, and create a Strategic Plan. The process will benefit from an independent facilitator, Paula Franck [http://paulafranck.com/] who lives in Portland. Please stay tuned to information from your Vestry and Rector regarding the process of Strategic Planning.

From Paula: Before moving to the Portland area in 2007, I served on the staff of the Diocese of Indianapolis as Canon for Education and Christian Formation for nine years. My responsibilities included work with congregations on leadership and program development as well as faith formation. I currently work as a consultant with congregations in transition, conduct mutual ministry reviews and vestry retreats, and have a spiritual direction practice. I have a Master of Theological Studies degree and am the Editor for Scripture of Synthesis Publications, a resource for preaching and Bible study. I enjoy working with groups and individuals to help them discern how God is working in their lives.

ST. LUKE’S – SAN LUCAS VISIONING PROJECT

“The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ. The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.”
(Book of Common Prayer, p. 855)

As St. Luke’s – San Lucas continues the process towards developing new vision and mission statements, the question naturally arises as to why this project is necessary in the first place. After all a mission statement for the parish already exists. But does this statement accurately reflect the mission and ministry of the parish at this time?

An important aspect of any organization is clarity about why it exists. Having current vision and mission statements will enable the parish to articulate a common purpose that will become the basis for developing specific goals and strategies for the future. In this way we will be able to keep our focus on what is most important - is what we are planning to do in line with our stated vision and mission? A clear vision also provides a means for letting the wider community know who we are.

A vision statement articulates a community’s hopes and aspirations for the future; whereas a mission statement is action-oriented and describes what a group is going to do.

A vision statement inspires us to dream - a mission statement calls us to action.

Through this process we will also learn more about what we value as a congregation as we explore the questions: Who are we as the people of St. Luke’s – San Lucas? What is God calling us to be and to do as we carry out the mission of the Church?

As the facilitator for this process I have been meeting with as many groups in the parish as possible to as well as hearing from members of the congregation at the All Parish Meeting to gather information that will be used as the basis of new vision and mission statements. I have been impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication of the folks I have met so far and hearing their dreams for the future of the parish. If you have not had an opportunity to participate in any of the groups or have further input, please do not hesitate to be in touch with me.

Paula Franck