christ church cranbrook parish narrative profile 2014
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
ParishNarrativeProfileFebruary2014
Welcome
1
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (Matthew 18:20) On behalf of the Vestry, the Rector Search Committee, the staff, and every member of the parish, welcome to Christ Church Cranbrook. This is our story. We have tried to capture where we are on our parish's journey of faith and Christian discipleship. We have tried to present an honest and balanced portrait of our parish family: when and how we started, the paths we have traveled, and where we want to go next. In 2009, we called the Very Rev. Dr. Gary Hall, Ph.D. to be our seventh Rector. Less than three years later, Gary was called to become the tenth Dean of Washington National Cathedral. Despite the unforeseen brevity of his CCC tenure, he ignited two ministries ‐ Outreach and Children and Youth. His departure may have been a surprise, but we didn’t let it interrupt our momentum. A note before proceeding: Christ Church Cranbrook is a long name. We usually just call ourselves CCC. If you want to learn more, we invite you to visit our website, www.christchurchcranbrook.org.
Tympanum above the front doors to the church.
Contents
2
PageNo.
Welcome 1
Contents 2
Our Transitional Ministry 3
Holy Conversations 4
Outreach Ministries 9
Children & Youth Ministries 11
Worship 13
Pastoral Care Ministries 14
Christian Formation 15
Music 17
Diocese of Michigan 23
Detroit and Surrounding Community 24
OurTransitionMinistry
3
“Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:51)
We have gone through many periods of transition in our history as a parish. This time we have embraced the concept of Transitional Ministry as it has been developed by the national church and under the leadership of the Diocese. As soon as Gary announced his departure, the Vestry consulted with the Diocese and installed the Rev. Ronald D. Pogue as Interim Rector. Fr. Ron has been an energetic and inspirational leader and – in concert with the Vestry, clergy, staff, and parishioners – has continued to move our parish forward.
Our commitment to Outreach has continued. The results of our partnership with Detroit's Focus:HOPE and Glazer Elementary School include a new science center and a new playground at the school. Our Children and Youth programs have increased attendance among families, but we still have much work to do.
We are making significant progress in other areas: CCC Clergy standing behind the new temporary free‐
standing altar.
Built a temporary free‐standing altar in the main church. CCC was one of the last parishes in the Diocese to have an attached altar.
Began to change stewardship culture from “what is needed” to one of “extravagant generosity.” 2014 pledges have risen significantly; for the first time in almost 20 years, we have a balanced budget.
Created the Founders Legacy Circle to increase planned giving. Conducted “Holy Conversations” last spring; the insights we derived form the backbone of this document. Conducting “Healthy Congregations” this spring; the insights we will derive will help us be better stewards of our
congregation’s health. Purchased and extensively use an event tent on the patio for additional fellowship. The Vestry unanimously approved the Witnessing and Blessing of a Lifelong Covenant for same‐sex unions. The Vestry updated a number of parish by‐laws to bring them in line with diocesan canons.
All this and our average Sunday attendance is up 17%.
HolyConversations
4
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.” (I John 1:7) As part of our Transition Ministry, we conducted three diocesan‐led Holy Conversations to understand parishioner views about CCC and perceptions of desirable attributes in a new rector. Gathered input from 174 parishioners in three 90‐
minute sessions in April and May, 2013. Completed separate interviews with in‐home seniors,
children, and youth. Interviewed clergy and staff.
Participants answered five questions:1. Remember a specific time that was a high point for CCC – a
time when you felt CCC was doing God’s work and fulfilling God’s mission.
2. Name and describe three things you value about CCC beyond our relationships with each other.
3. Think back over your whole lifetime. Recall a specific time when the church – maybe CCC or maybe another church – made a difference in your life. When and how did it happen? Who was involved? Why was it an important time or event?
4. Why have you made CCC your faith community? What brought you here and why do you stay?
5. What will be CCC’s three most exciting and important accomplishments over the next three to five years? How will you know?
What did we find out about ourselves? Here’s a word cloud of the responses to the Holy Conversations questions:
HolyConversations
5
Place
Relationships
PracticesBeliefs,Meaning
is continually
Where we are now: CCC’s cultural model of the past and present emphasizes four key elements:
Relationships – Positive interactions, care, and commitment typically identified with pastoral care, hospitality, and friendship.
Practices – Activities in which parishioners and clergy are involved, such as outreach, ritual, or Vestry.
Place ‐ The church building and its location as a gathering space in which ministries such as Flower Guild and Buildings and Grounds are active.
Beliefs/Meanings – Associated with personal development, feelings of acceptance, and tolerance linked with such programs as Rite 13 or Women’s Spirituality.
What we learned: CCC serves many purposes: Parishioners understand
that church fulfills many different functions in their lives from worship to education to their relationships there. Parishioners derive significant and varied benefits from their association with CCC.
CCC is “home”: Numerous parishioners use the metaphor of home to describe their relationships and ministries.
How we refer to our church home.
HolyConversations
6
Where we want to go: CCC’s cultural model for the future identifies four areas of focus that represent hopes and aspirations, and provide a compass during this time of change: Growth – An expansion in membership, programs such
as youth, and a regional reputation for outreach. Financial Support – Greater stewardship from greater
numbers of parishioners. Giving through Outreach – Expectations about the
significance of generosity to those in need. Good Fit with Rector – Importance of alignment
between the new Rector and the congregation.
Growth
Good Fit with Rector
Giving via
Outreach
Place
Relationships
PracticesBeliefs,Meaning
is continually
FinancialSupport
Other key lessons we learned: CCC is a parish of “doers,” meaning that clergy and parishioners
are actively engaged in many different ministries both within and beyond the parish.
Outreach, with its parish roots in the past (particularly under past rectors Gerald O’Grady and Almus Thorpe), has enjoyed a resurgence in the last few years. The result has been a noteworthy increase in our commitment to low‐income communities – particularly in sections of Pontiac and Detroit.
Conflict does emerge at CCC, particularly when Beliefs/Meanings are disrupted. Conflict can simmer for long periods of time and also erupt quite suddenly. It is often tied to particular groups and/or issues within the parish.
CCC has some key expectations of the new Rector including: o Increase CCC membership and participation of children and
adults o Continue, and expand, the outreach efforts underway
Improve stewardship and long‐term financial stability, building a culture of giving
The Church
“Feeds my soul … and stimulates and challenges my mind”
God
ClergyParishioners
Outreach to Wider Community
“I stay to participate in meaningful Outreach activities. I stay to
experience spiritual joy.”
HolyConversations
7
Holy Conversation participants, in their own words: Regarding the Church Community: “The architecture and the setting brought us in; the people kept us there.” “I remember arriving at CCC the very first time and feeling that I was home. I had
been looking for a church home for 18 months. I felt welcomed, loved, encouraged. I didn’t need to look any further.”
“My first experience at CCC ended my search. The sermon was intelligent, accessible, humorous – everything I could hope for. I had come home. But it was more – a strong, diverse congregation, the inspiring music, the number of clergy presented a significant commitment to quality of worship.”
“Music‐ WOWZER!!! Love the range (jazz, classical), intentionally fit, thoughtful, honoring, a prayer.”
Regarding Outreach: ”To be recognized as a leader in transforming our community and beyond.” “Christ Church Cranbrook will be a major participant and contributor to addressing
the social challenges facing SE Michigan.” “I think we should be leading in the greater geographic region including the city of
Detroit. I think we should encourage greater participation between the suburbs and the city.”
“…Detroit will recognize CCC as a suburban church that cares…” Regarding Spirituality: “Taking in the intimacy of God’s presence: when church is open and I am alone in (the)
pew during the week.” “A liturgy which is stable and classic but which can also be flexible and is not rigid.
Worship opportunities other than Sunday mornings.” “…it’s a church that is helping me grow.” “Attending Christ Church for the last three years has made me a better Christian and a
better person.” “Being ‘not over‐bearing’ on all aspects of the church (it is a ‘choice’ everyone makes,
not a mandated participation).”
HolyConversations
8
Holy Conversation participants, in their own words: Regarding our search: “Finding a Rector that will stay at Christ Church Cranbrook for at least 10
years; someone with integrity, compassion and truth. WE WILL KNOW THIS if the parish grows instead of goes.”
(from one of the children) “Someone that likes God.” “To call a dynamic Rector who will help us realize our full potential as a faith
community and as contributors in the broader world.” (from the mouths of babes) “I would like my priest to be really really nice.” “Visionary leadership not sabotaged by fearful minorities within the
congregation.” “Clergy who create opportunities for individuals to get involved and then
take the time to invite people to join in.” And in conclusion: “I have had, in the past, very powerful reasons for leaving this church. I
would say the church really failed us (when) we needed it most. We lived in a state of unhappiness for some time. Finally I decided it was our church. People (clergy) come and go, but I have been here a long time and will stay. Sometimes I am happier with the church than other times and V.V. [vice versa] – but this is my church.”
OutreachMinistries
9
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
(Mark 16:15)
Scripture and the ministry of Jesus show us that our Christian call is to participate in reconciliation and healing in the world, and to reach out to those outside our community. In 2010, the Vestry and Rector announced that CCC would “develop a focused all‐parish outreach ministry to engage the congregation in transformative ministry in the Detroit metropolitan area.” Our Outreach Ministry was expanded and reconfigured and the Outreach Committee became a Standing Committee of the parish in 2012.
The Outreach Committee committed itself to finding a key ministry partner in Detroit under the leadership of the Associate Priest for Outreach and Youth, Rev. Beth Taylor. Historically, CCC has been invested in and connected with ministries in Detroit. As the largest Episcopal church in the Diocese, we want to be regional leaders in Detroit’s revitalization efforts. We believe our role to be reconciliation of divisions (e.g., geographic, economic, social) and the promotion of regionalism – the idea that the health and well‐being of the region depend on the health and well‐being of its largest city.
This process began with a listening tour. We met with community leaders from a variety of non‐profit organizations and neighborhood groups. After much discernment, the Outreach Committee proposed that CCC partner with Focus:HOPE, a well‐established Detroit‐based organization that provides job training, food distribution, housing development, and other coordinated resources. The organization is large enough to provide multiple points of entry for hands‐on and technical‐expertise volunteers. We have focused our energy on Focus:HOPE’s Hope Village Initiative which targets the 100‐square blocks of Detroit surrounding the Focus:HOPE neighborhood.
Through the Hope Village Initiative, CCC has partnered with Glazer Elementary, a neighborhood school, on many projects. This relationship has given us a place to bring our resources, our willingness to learn, and our volunteers of all ages to build ongoing relationships. CCC’s members have helped design and create a science laboratory, renovate the school auditorium, build a state‐of‐the art playground, and redesign and organize the school library. Ongoing projects include after‐school programs, a tutoring group, and reading programs. We are also involved in discussions with Henry Ford Health System about a possible health initiative and an ongoing science program.
Kids playing on Glazer playground
Building the playground
OutreachMinistries
10
Other major outreach efforts: Building HOPE Lecture Series: This lecture series is designed to raise the level of conversation and education about
regionalism and the revitalization of Metropolitan Detroit. Speakers to date have included John Gallagher, journalist for The Detroit Free Press, Rip Rapson of The Kresge Foundation, Sue Mosey of Midtown Detroit, and Graham Beale, Director of The Detroit Institute of Arts.
Grants Allocations: In 2014, the Outreach Committee will oversee the distribution of approximately $133,000 in cash grants and outreach projects, and the collection and distribution of in‐kind goods to 15 or more local, national, and international organizations.
Community Garden – Since 2010, a group of CCC parishioners plants, tends and harvests a community garden throughout the growing season. Members donate all the produce to the All Saints’ Episcopal Church Vegetable Market in Pontiac, providing fresh food in an area that has no grocery stores and is deemed a “food desert.”
South Oakland Shelter (SOS) – This will be the 28th year CCC houses an annual traveling homeless shelter built on the Interfaith Hospitality Network model. Volunteers provide meals, transportation, child care and other support for one week each year.
Festival of Gifts – Each Christmas season since 1928, CCC has collected unwrapped gifts for children at a special worship in December. We partner with social service agencies to distribute them. The estimated value of the 2013 gifts was approximately $10,000.
Community Garden First Camp Compassion in Dominican Republic, 2013
Painting All Saints Rectory, Pontiac
Children&YouthMinistries
11
"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:14)
In 2010, the Children and Youth Committee began an in‐depth process of visioning, reviewing, and revamping programs, challenged to ignite this ministry by former Rector Gary Hall. We transformed the curriculum, adopted new materials, implemented youth programs, and changed confirmation age. In fall 2013, we conducted a survey of parents to assess progress. Results have been positive but we still face numerous challenges, including the fact that a low percentage of parents completed the survey.
Children: Our Sunday morning programs serve children age 3 through Grade 6. We also offer
a safe and warm environment for infants through age 2. Average Sunday School attendance is up 39% over last year, however:
o 109 children are enrolled in Sunday School, compared to 127 last year (not all children who attend are enrolled).
o Average attendance is once every 4‐7 Sundays. Youth: Overall participation in Christian Formation is up over last year: 52 teens this year,
up from 32 last year, although core weekly attendance ranges from 15‐20 per week. We have expanded involvement with diocesan youth programs, especially the
annual Dominican Republic mission trip. We are attempting to move from “attractional ministry” to building disciples
through relationships among the teens. CCC youth are enrolled in many different school districts. Of the 15 students
planning to go on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in summer 2014, only two attend the same school.
Family attendance on Sunday is up 39% over 2012, though regular attendance is often limited to once per month or less.
It has been difficult to plan youth events outside Sunday School time. Aside from staff and clergy, three adult volunteers work with the Youth in Rite 13,
and three more work with Youth in J2A.
Children&YouthMinistries
12
Here are some of the ways our children and youth are involved in the life of the parish: Worship:
o Acolytes o Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers o St. Francis Choir o Liturgical Dramas o Nativity Story at the Festival of Gifts
Outreach:
o Baldwin Soup Kitchen in Pontiac o Community garden o Birthday bags for Glazer Elementary o SOS (South Oakland Shelter) o Vacation Bible School o Dominican Republic Mission Trip
Little Lambs is a daycare and preschool using CCC space. For more on Children’s and Youth Ministries, please see Christian Formation, below.
Worship
13
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Psalm 95:6)
The majesty of our space inspires the highest standards of excellence in liturgy and worship. We cherish our traditions, but we try not to get mired in traditional thinking. Through the week and through the entire Christian calendar, CCC offers a diverse selection of worship services.
Average Sunday attendance includes both Saturday evening and Sunday morning services. Current attendance averages 438 attendees, up from 373 in 2012 – an increase of 17%.
Rite II Holy Eucharist: Saturday 5:00 p.m. with organist and cantor in the main church. Evensong: Saturday 5:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of the month from October through June;
Communion follows. Rite II Holy Eucharist: Sunday 10:00 a.m. with full choir (except in summer). Two healing
ministers are available in St. Paul’s Chapel in the north transept of the nave. Rite I Holy Eucharist: Sunday 8:00 a.m. in St. Dunstan’s Chapel. Easter Morning Service: Sunday 7:00 a.m. in the Resurrection Chapel (off St. Dunstan’s Chapel). Morning Prayer: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. in St. Paul’s Chapel. Attendance varies between
five and eight. In 2013 the opportunity for Morning Prayer was expanded from four to five weekdays.
Holy Eucharist: Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. (followed by Bible Study at 7:30), and Wednesday at 12:00 noon. Attendance averages six.
Lex Orandi: Sunday at 6:00 p.m. Derived from the Emerging Church movement and partially supported by the Diocese, Lex Orandi is an experimental service currently held at CCC. It meets for communal dinner and sharing of the Word, followed by a candlelit Eucharist service in St. Dunstan’s Chapel. It is led by missioner Rev. James Hamilton. Average attendance is 20.
Other new developments for worship in 2013: There were 30% more instances of Communion being served in the homes of those unable to attend church. The Advent by Candlelight service gained a new component: the women who attended brought gifts for infants which were donated to underserved families. The Blessing of the Animals had increased attendance by people and their beloved pets. For the first time in CCC history, women were admitted to the Usher Corps!
PastoralCareMinistries
14
“As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) Pastoral Care at CCC is a ministry that focuses on the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of our congregation. Associate Rector Joyce Matthews oversees all pastoral care ministries and appoints parishioners to help lead these ministries. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we are there for those who are in need, hurt, or are alone. We accompany them as they journey through life’s difficult transitions. We offer: Eucharistic Ministers and Readers Eucharistic Visitors Lay Visitors Prayer Card Ministry Prayer Shawl Ministry Baptismal Quilt Ministry Parish Health Ministry Funeral Reception Ministry Career Transition Network Ministry “Understanding Your Grief” Support Group Healing Ministry
The CCC Prayer Shawl Ministry
ChristianFormation
15
“Yet, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are the potter.” (Isaiah 64:8) The clergy’s thoughtful and inspiring sermons call us to Christian discipleship. The following is not a complete compendium of our responses to this call, but it does provide some illustration of our opportunities for spiritual and educational enrichment. The Rev. Jonathan Sams is the Associate Priest for Spiritual Formation. Christian Formation begins in Sunday School for children with the Montessori‐based Godly Play curriculum for ages 3 through fourth grade, and the Connect curriculum for grades 5 and 6. Education for youth continues with Rite 13, Confirmation, and J2A . Kris Forsyth was hired as the Youth Ministries Coordinator in January, 2013. Children’s Chapel occurs every Sunday except the first Sunday of the month when the children join their families in the main church for the entire service. The 10 a.m. service on the first Sunday of every month features active participation and leadership by children and youth. Our thriving acolyte corps holds a monthly meeting with a fellowship lunch and practice and training. We also offer Vacation Bible School each summer, for which Youth are recruited to help with younger children. Young parents participate in Baptism preparation. Historically, CCC enjoyed burgeoning attendance for adult education. A few years ago, attendance was lagging but, more recently, much has been done to revitalize attendance at a variety of offerings. Currently, adults are encouraged to attend a variety of educational forums, including our weekly Adult Forum at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning. Last year the Sunday morning program was “The Bible in One Year.” This year we are enjoying “The Episcopal Church in One Year.” CCC features a variety of educational seminars. The most recent one, offered in partnership with the Whitaker Institute on January 18, 2014, was led by the Very Rev. Michael Battle, the first of a two‐part offering “On Becoming the Household of God.” We are looking forward to a Healthy Congregation Workshop to be led by Richard Blackburn of the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center on March 7‐8, 2014. We plan to focus on the study of reconciliation during our Lenten Lecture Series this year.
Fr. Jonathan delivering Bibles for “Bible in a Year”
The Very Rev. Michael Battle speaking at “Episcopal Church in a Year”
ChristianFormation
16
We have hosted the Trinity Institute for the past two years and plan to continue to do so annually. We also offer occasional mini‐retreats. The Shiloah group meets Tuesday evenings. The Women’s Spirituality Group meets every Friday for a brown bag lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by programs ranging from Bible Study to introductions to alternative forms of prayer. The alternative modes of prayer have run a gamut from drawing to dancing. 2013 saw the development of several other, new opportunities for Christian Formation. The Lay Healing Ministry volunteers began meeting monthly to study and discuss literature on healing prayer by Agnes Sanford, Francis McNutt, and others. The Men’s Group began meeting for Bible study twice monthly, although it is sparsely attended at this time. The Vestry implemented a longstanding, but long‐overlooked, policy of time‐limited rotation onto and off of parish Standing Committees; this change is expected to encourage more parishioners to participate in church life. More generally, there was new emphasis on lay leadership as service to the entire church community and as an opportunity for ministry.
There has been renewed energy in our efforts to be welcoming to visitors as well as both new and long‐time members. A reinvigorated Hospitality Committee studied “Cultivating Fruitfulness” by Robert Schnase. We have embraced “radical hospitality” as a guiding principle to reflect God’s love in our encounters with each other. This philosophy operates in tandem with the new stewardship orientation toward “extravagant generosity.” Radical hospitality is evident in at least two ways: 1) new and improved signage throughout the building to make CCC a more welcoming place for newcomers, 2) attendees wearing nametags at all services and other events.
Music
17
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed.” (Psalm 71:23) Our CCC music program is a multi‐faceted, vigorous, and vital ministry, widely recognized for its exceptional high quality, creativity, and diversity. The Director of Music, John Repulski, has led the program since 2003. The Assistant Organist, Dr. Christopher Reynolds, joined the staff in 2010. Our CCC Choir is an advanced ensemble of about 35 members, a mix of non‐auditioned volunteers and 10‐12 paid staff singers. The CCC Choir sings a variety of music, but has a strong emphasis on traditional Anglican cathedral repertoire. They mainly sing at the Sunday 10 a.m. service, as well as monthly Evensongs, annual concerts, holidays, and special events. One weekend a month, worship music is led by the C3 Music Ensemble, a non‐traditional ensemble of four to eight singers, and a professional contemporary combo consisting of piano, drums, bass, sax, and guitar. C3 present high‐quality music in a variety of styles including jazz, folk, blues, gospel, Latin, and global music. The organ is a 95‐rank, four‐manual pipe organ originally built by E.M. Skinner. It was completely renovated and reconstructed in 1997 by the Mander Organ Company of London, UK. It is a magnificent instrument and one of the finest organs in the region. In the tower, there is a well‐maintained 50‐bell carillon. It is often played by the accomplished part‐time staff carillonneuse, Jenny King.
Director of Music John Repulski
Assistant Organist Dr. Christopher Reynolds
Music
18
The Cranbrook Ringers, our handbell ensemble, performs occasionally at services and special events. They perform with a seven‐octave set of Malmark and Schulmeric handbells – the largest set of any church in the country. CCC also owns a large five‐octave set of Malmark Choirchimes. The St. Francis Children’s Choir rehearses once a week. Kate Bublitz, an experienced music educator, serves as Director. The Children’s Choir sings seasonally for worship services and occasionally does special performances. Our Artist‐in‐Residence is the Great Lakes Brass Quintet. The group provides special music at Christmas, Easter, and other special services and occasional concerts. Our ambitious concert series Music at Christ Church Cranbrook (MACCC) is supported by the Endowment for Special Music. This season’s offerings include over 30 different musical events, including world‐class chamber music, choral concerts, organ recitals, and gala performances by the Birmingham/Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra. Particularly notable is the monthly Salon Concert Series, which is a one‐hour, free afternoon concert offered in the Guild Hall with complementary traditional English High Tea. MACCC also sponsors the Summer Carillon Concert Series, the second longest‐running carillon concert series in the country. Additionally, special liturgies involving the music program include the spectacular Christmas Eve and Easter services, Choral Stations of the Cross on Good Friday, An Advent Processional: The Great “O” Antiphons, and the annual Kirkin’ O’ the Tartan service in June (including the entire St. Andrew’s Society Pipe and Drum Band and the Royal Scottish Color Guard).
CCC’s own Rockin’ Rectors: (from 2nd left) Hamilton, Taylor, and Sams join in the bluegrass band at Evening
for Outreach 2013
C3 Singers
StewardshipandFinancial
19
2013 2014
Pledges 484 446
Amount $944,569 $1,004,559
Average Pledge $1,952 $2,252
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) CCC is the largest parish in the Diocese of Michigan. Our 2014 budget for General Operations is $1.8 million, plus $170,000 for Building and Grounds. The Booth family not only paid for the construction of the church, but they also left a generous endowment to provide a portion of future support. Over the years, others have added their own endowments, establishing CCC’s financial foundation. CCC has over $2.1 million in General and Operating Reserves and over $15 million in Trusts, in addition to the value of the buildings, properties, and artwork. The Trusts provide 21% of General Operations and 100% of Building and Grounds revenue. Parishioner contributions account for 69% of General Operations revenue and miscellaneous sources are 10%. We are thankful to have the benefit of these generous legacies, but we recognize that it can create the perception that the parish is "paid for" and that parishioner contributions are not as important as in other churches. CCC's role as Cranbrook's community church underscores this misperception, as did the sometimes‐casual approach to annual pledge drives in the early years. Approximately two‐thirds of member households pledged for 2013. The average 2014 pledge is $2,300; while 17% higher than the previous year, it is still below the Episcopal Church’s national average. To a certain extent, our collective contributions run counter to the goals of Christian stewardship. God asks that we give freely, not measure it out by “what is needed to get by.” This past year the Interim Rector, the Vestry, and Stewardship Committee asked every member of the parish to “Step Up” and increase their 2014 pledge.
2014 Data as of 1/30/2014 compared to 2013 Final.
StewardshipandFinancial
20
In 2014, we have a balanced budget, a major improvement from the $91,000 deficit in 2013. We are on target to collect just over $1 million in pledges, over $100,000 more than in 2013. This is a good start but we have much more to accomplish! Through mid‐January 2014, 63% of 2014 pledges were new or increased. On the expenditure side for 2014: 56% of General Operations expenditures are for the salaries and
benefits of clergy, program, maintenance, and administrative staff. 17% of General Operations expenditures are for Mission and
Outreach – a substantial increase over a few years ago. This includes $130,000 for the Diocese. The diocesan pledge is below our apportionment, though the gap has narrowed in each of the last six years.
The Vestry recognizes the need for significant capital improvements and discussed priorities for a potential capital campaign.
Our future rector must have a track record of inspring stewardship and assembling a group of parishioners who develop and nurture a culture of extravagant generosity as a key dimension of Christian life.
Parishioner Dr. Felix Rogers enjoying his Bake Sale cake
HistoryofCCC
21
"The genesis of Christ Church Cranbrook is unique. Traditionally, the history of a Parish recounts the struggle of a dedicated group to raise money to build a Church, maintain the mortgage payments and after many long years arrive at the moment of great thanksgiving when the debt is finally paid and the mortgage burned...Christ Church Cranbrook was a gift, generously given by one man and his family. He built and endowed a complex of interrelated institutions: three schools, an art academy, a science center and a church ‐ all sharing the beloved name of the English village of Cranbrook where his ancestors lived."
‐ from the Foreword to the 50th Anniversary History of Christ Church Cranbrook, 1978 In 1904, George G. Booth, the publisher of the Detroit News, and his wife Ellen Scripps Booth, purchased a farm as a summer residence; it became the Cranbrook community. Mr. Booth's father conducted the first regular religious services for the community in a tent just north of where the Church stands today. Once the family made Cranbrook its home in 1916, Mr. Booth built the Meeting House (now a part of Brookside School) so that services could continue year round. Guest clergy were frequent visitors, including Dr. Samuel S. Marquis, the Dean of the Cathedral in Detroit. When the Booths decided to build the church, they asked Dr. Marquis to help guide the process and become the first rector of the new parish. He wrote to the newly‐formed Vestry:
“There are four corners in the invisible church, and there is a corner stone in each. [The church] is one; Fellowship is another; Youth is another; and I would put Charity – not merely the charity that gives, but the charity that shares with others less fortunate than ourselves – as the fourth. I want so see Christ Church become more and more a center of active interest in the things which go to make the lives of others worth the living.”
Bishop Page leads the procession at the Consecration in 1928 Bishop Herman Page, George Booth, Dr. Samuel S. Marquis
HistoryofCCC
22
CCC was consecrated in 1928. According to the History, “Though Episcopal in affiliation and structure of Services, the major emphasis was on a community church open to all. As a consequence, organizational matters were of less concern. The list of members of the Parish was always loose and somewhat fragmentary; there was no definitive annual effort to secure pledges for financial support.” It wasn't until the 1960s that By‐Laws were written and adopted, and that any serious attempt was made to establish a parish list or solicit annual pledges. In 1973, the other institutions on the Cranbrook property re‐organized into the Cranbrook Educational Community (CEC) and severed formal ties to CCC; the latter received its proportionate share of the endowment trusts. Important familial and cultural ties remain between CCC and the CEC, but the separation of the church from the rest of Cranbrook changed the dynamic between community church and Episcopal Church. In later years, most rectors have sought to strengthen the ties to the Diocese as well as increase annual stewardship. Our beloved church is 85 years old. It is one of the jewels of the Detroit area, a masterpiece of neo‐Gothic cathedral architecture. CCC is on the National Register of Historic Places. Should anyone wish to learn more about this aspect of our church, we have expert docents who offer tours. Within the overall building, there is the main church (seating 400) along with a side chapel dedicated to St. Paul. Downstairs is an intimate chapel dedicated to St. Dunstan, the patron saint of artists and craftspeople, and the Resurrection Chapel. There is a Guild Hall, a Library, a Hospitality Center with complete kitchen, and classrooms and office space. A rectory of the same architectural vintage is right next door to CCC. The church also owns a smaller house located next the rectory where the Director of Music lives, and another house two doors down Cranbrook Road where Rev. Beth Taylor and her family live.
The church was a family project: an early conceptual drawing by James Scripps Booth
TheDioceseofMichigan
23
CCC is one of the 78 congregations and two campus ministries in the southeastern part of the state that is part of the Diocese of Michigan. Our current bishop is the Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr. CCC participates in the Oakland Deanery. Some of our clergy and parishioners are involved in leadership roles at the diocesan level, including participation on the Diocesan Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, among others, and serving in such roles such as Trustee of the Diocese, Treasurer of the Diocese, Diocesan Delegate to the National Convention. Many CCC youth participate in diocesan youth retreats led by diocesan youth missioner Eric Travis. These retreats include New Beginnings, Happenings, and Bass Lake Camp. CCC enjoys welcoming Bishop Gibbs to preside over regional Confirmation services. We are blessed to have the opportunity to host these events.
We have worked to deepen our ties with the Diocese and our relationship has substantially improved. We are grateful for the guidance from Canon for Congregational Life, Jim Gettel, for our Profile and New Rector Search Teams. We are also grateful for the past support and guidance (and leadership in the Holy Conversations) from former Canon to the Ordinary, Lisa Gray, and the indispensable help from former Canon for Transition Ministry, John Keydel, during our last Search Process.
The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr. at CCC in 2013
DetroitandSurroundingCommunity
24
CCC is nestled in the gently rolling hills and intimate lakes of southeastern Oakland County. The neighborhoods that grew up around Cranbrook are some of the most affluent in the Detroit metropolitan area; many of our parishioners enjoy excellent jobs, first‐class health care, and access to great public and private schooling. Drive a few miles south or north on Woodward Avenue, and it is an entirely different story. Both Detroit and Pontiac have for decades been troubled cities of shrinking populations and substantial poverty, with attendant social ills, blight, and financial difficulties. Detroit’s travails, including bankruptcy, have received international attention. But, like the automobile industry which defined it for a century, there are hopeful signs that Detroit will emerge from its crisis stronger. Foundations and urban planners are working with the community to restructure and re‐imagine Detroit. Sections of the city, including Midtown, Downtown, and the waterfront, are attractive to young people. Detroit and the rest of southeastern Michigan have strengths from which to build including exciting teams at the professional and college level in every sport, vibrant cultural institutions, and a thriving, world‐famous music scene in virtually every genre. The rich heritage and ethnic diversity of the communities surrounding CCC enliven both daily life and the parish. CCC is trying to be part of the solution in both cities with partnerships and engagement that goes beyond financial support.
Cranbrook Academy of Art
The Mackinac Bridge in Ice at 2nd AnnualMotown Winter Blast
25
And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.