Vision, Mission, and Goals of Christ Church

Christ Church Vision Statement:

God is -- we rejoice;
God loves -- we live;
God calls - we serve.

Our Mission

We are called by our belief in Jesus Christ to preach and live the
Gospel as a parish and as individuals in our everyday lives by:
•    Offering a place of worship, spiritual sanctuary, renewal, and fellowship for all who enter
•    Striving to serve those in need both in our parish and in the greater community, and
•    Practicing our faith in accordance with the tradition and discipline of the Episcopal Church.

Our Goals

Setting Goals for Christ Church
Christ Church Futures forum, Aug. 6, 2006

In the wake of the Vestry’s retreat in February of 2006, Vestry and Parish Council were asked what they would like to see Christ Church become in 3-5 years.

After consideration by Vestry of the compiled list of possibilities, the following three focuses received top priority from more than one person:  

• CEC will be a faith-based voice in the community
• CEC will be a ‘clearinghouse’ for connecting gifts and needs
• CEC will effectively share its gifts, communicate, invite and include people in life of the church, and become comfortable in doing so  

These are not yet our CEC goals.  They are still a starting point for our congregational discernment.  

Going forward, we need…

1)    to know what you think
2)    to know more about what the larger community actually needs of us as Christ Church
3)    to further define what each of the above, or other focuses yet to be named, might look like in reality

We recognize that even the most well intentioned members of the parish are also human.  Thus, conflicts will arise, and these may be about roles and responsibilities, program changes, or even about the method of personal interaction.  When such conflicts arise, we suggest that differences be resolved by:
•    Praying about the concern and seeking guidance of the Holy Spirit.
•    Sharing the complaint directly with the person and resolving the situation if possible.
•    If sharing the complaint is not possible, then asking a trusted third party to participate in the discussion to help find a resolution.
•    If there is still no positive outcome, taking the dispute to the appropriate authority (using this document as guidance for clarity of authority and responsibility), and asking for guidance.
•    If there is still no resolution, an outside consultant can be retained to help the parties resolve the difference, although usually only if it involves church leadership.
•    If the issue is between the rector and the vestry, they can then take the dispute to the bishop for advice, guidance, or judgment.