Parish Search Committee Chair -- D. Spore
INTRODUCTION
The following material has been assembled under the direction of the search committee with the cooperation and support of the vestry. Its preparation has included the general membership of the congregation in some of the planning sessions. It may be assumed with reasonable confidence that this document accurately reflects the way we, the members of All Saints' Church, view our community, ourselves, and our future.
The first Colonists in Maryland arrived at St. Clement's Island, which lies approximately four miles from All Saints, March 25, 1634. Their first act was to erect a cross and celebrate a mass of thanksgiving. On this island in the Potomac River the first English colony in Maryland was established. These first settlers had sailed from southern England ................
All Saints Episcopal Parish was established eight years later when, in 1642, Dr. Thomas Gerard, A Roman Catholic, built a "chapel of ease" for his Anglican wife......
Today our congregation is smaller than it was ten years ago and our average age has increased. New members have joined our family; but their numbers have not been sufficient to replace those who have.........
WHERE WE WANT TO GO
In 1987 the church set a mission of "letting the light of All Saints so shine that all who come in contact with us will see the glory of God reflected in our work and worship, and so be drawn into the community of worship which is Christ's body." Over the past ten years there have been times when we achieved that as individuals and as a church. But our honest evaluation today is that we are not living up that standard consistently. Therefore we have reexamined our strengths and weaknesses and thought hard about what we believe the ministry of All Saints to the local community should be. As a result we have established the following set of concrete goals and have dedicated ourselves to reach them under the leadership of our new Rector.
1. Increase All Saints Visibility and Outreach in the surrounding community
2. Establish a more viable Christian Education Program
3. Establish a vital and uplifting musical program at Sunday Services
4. Increased attendance at Sunday Services
ORGANIZATION AND SERVICES
The Vestry consists of no fewer than 8 persons elected with staggered three year terms. At the end of a three year term a person must be off Vestry for at least a year before being eligible to serve again. The work of the parish is carried out by committees made up of members of the Vestry and the congregation in general. The largest and most active of these is the Committee on Parish Activities. Only the Rector and the Organist are paid. The Treasurer and the Registrar are both elected volunteer officers. There is a newsletter, The Dove, published monthly by a volunteer editor. There is an active Altar Guild and Acolyte Program. At present there is no choir, however, interest has been expressed.
Sunday services are held at 10:00 a.m., while Sunday School is held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. at the Parish Hall September through May. Holy Eucharist is served every Sunday at each service. Successful Vacation Bible Schools have been held for many years. Average attendance at VBS this past summer was 50, including students and staff. Many of the students are Roman Catholic and some have no church affiliation.
All Saints Church can proudly boast of a very good relationship with organizations in the community. Examples of programs held at the Parish Hall include The Commission Of Aging Nutritional Program (hot lunch for seniors), and Alcoholics Anonymous, and the 4 H. The Parish Hall is also the location for a number of fund raising events during the year. Many of these help to fund the operation of the Parish; but several benefit other organizations such as Three Oaks Shelter for homeless men, and Health Share, which is a program in the County that helps pay medical expenses of low income persons.