Long-Range Plan
Recommendations to implement the ten-year goals of a proposed
Long-range Plan for St. Paul’s Parish (2001-2011)

Formation

Goal 1: To know God and His will for us.

Proposed activities:

1. Insure that there is full-time clergy on staff to strengthen the parish's ministry to youth and young families.

2. Establish a new publication (include on web site) containing lengthier pieces concerning formation, such as sermons, clergy addresses, parishioner-written articles, and material from beyond St. Paul’s.

3. Establish programs for the purpose of strengthening ties for all to each other and to the church.

Goal 2. To increase in the knowledge and understanding of our faith.

Proposed activities:

1. Continue Rector’s forums, including guest lecturers from time to time.

2. Establish a Bible school for children and youth during the summer vacation.

3. Establish adult groups during the Sunday school time period and at other times that meet the needs of parishioners, covering topics such as: morals and values, a prayer book tutorial, our new Lutheran connection, how we “fit” into the national Church and the Anglican Communion, and the Jewish roots of the Christian faith.

4. Hold ongoing Bible studies aimed at all interest levels.

5. Hold book study groups for adults.

6. Double the size of the church school.

7. Establish a broad-based parish retreat program.

8. Further develop a children’s music program and its opportunities for formation and evangelism.

9. Further our commitment to a full program of liturgical music.

10. Further and expand ongoing healing programs.

11. Complete the implementation of the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd (ages three through sixth grade) and sustain.

12. Maintain and develop for Jr/Sr High School age students a lectionary-based catechism that builds on the Catechesis of The Good Shepherd.

13. Establish a position of Director of Christian Formation.

14. Establish a weekly mission night for the entire parish family, which would include food, prayer, and formation programs, including the Wednesdays of Lent.

15. Further the formation of newcomers.


Goal 3. To live Christ-like lives.

Proposed activities:

1. Promote increased participation in outreach and evangelism, and awareness of its benefits and importance in attempting to live Christ-like lives.

2. Support the formation needs of college students, particularly those at G. W. University.

3. Establish a program for young adults to retain their interest in and involvement with the Church, and provide continuity between childhood catechesis and adult offerings, i.e., a youth group.

4. Hold a school of prayer from time to time.


Goal 4: To strengthen consciously and deliberately our relationship with Christ through the experience of our liturgies, the sacraments, prayer, and the arts, offered to the greater glory of God at St. Paul’s and in our community.

Proposed activities:

1. Introduce newcomers and members, especially children, to the liturgies, practices, and traditions of the Catholic faith, so that participants understand the theology and meaning of the rituals, thereby enabling meaningful participation.

2. Develop refresher courses accessible to all, including those unable to commit to a long-term program.

3. Support devotions to Our Lady and to the Blessed Sacrament, and promote the Church’s teachings regarding the faithful departed.

4. Continue to explore God’s revelation of Himself through the arts by supporting and encouraging the Faith In The Arts initiative with other Episcopal Parishes in the Diocese of Washington.


Goal 5: To reinforce consciously and deliberately the relationship between ministry, stewardship, and our baptismal vows.

Proposed activities:

1. Continue the Education for Ministry program and encourage increased participation.

2. Continue the catechumenate program and encourage increased participation.

3. Publicly commission lay leaders of formation activities.

4. Promote the parish’s formation activities through media that will lead non-parishioners to inquire about the parish’s programs for formation.

5. Establish a means of observing, evaluating, and learning about the formation activities of other churches, thereby bringing a broader perspective to our own goals and activities.

6. Give greater exposure to Lent and Advent Quiet Days.

7. Establish partnering relationships with other parishes and institutions.