Where there is no vision, the people perish, he that keeps the law is happy.

Proverbs 29:18

It is a new year with new possibilities.  The future ahead of us is uncharted and filled with opportunities.  As we begin this new year of 2012.  I am reminded that this is the time many start to form their resolutions or goals for the coming year.  We at St. Andrew’s already have a Mission and Goals that have been a part of our lives for the past two years.  Our growth in numbers in attendance, our growth in service projects, our growth in spiritual depth is a testament of the effectiveness of Mission and Planning process.  

Our Mission and goals are a final product of a great deal of effort and work put forth by our congregation as we tried to clarify who we are as a St. Andrew’s church, what we stand for and what are our goals for ourselves.  

As we approach our Annual Meeting on Saturday January 23^rd it is an important time to review our mission and goals. As we come together as a community to listen to the various reports of our community, we need to check off those things that we have accomplished as well as to review how far we have yet to go.   It is my deep hope that those who step forward to serve as leaders of our congregation review our Mission and goals and find themselves invested in helping us reach our fullest potential as a people of God.  Most of all we must have faith that God will help us in our undertaking.  Following is our Mission and Goals.  Please take the time to read it and make it your own as you help St. Andrew’s fulfill God’s plan for the Kingdom of God. 

In Christ 

Fr. Chandy+  

 Some of what we have done since July 1^st 2006  

Ministry

·        Average  attendance 145-150 (includes Saturday and Sunday services)

o   Many new faces – who have become pledging members

o   There is a feeling of welcome and inclusiveness in the congregation.   Diverse parish attendance.

o   Many old parishioners have returned and have found a home here.

·        We have engaged and produced a parish-wide Mission and Planning Process. We have a plan to continue to grow.

·        We now have three vibrant services:  Sat. evening at 5pm, Sun. at 8am and 10am

·        Active Sunday School Ministry

·        Active Music Program

·        Active Children’s Music Ministry – we have hired a Youth Music minister

·        Vacation Music Academy

·        Active Lay Eucharistic Ministry

·        Active Acolyte Program

·        Active Bible Study Program, an average of 12 people attending

·        Active Welcoming Ministry

o   We have two Invite a Friend Sunday’s a year (a time to invite new people into our church).

o   We now have two newcomer brunches a year. 

·        Active Vibrant Altar Guild Ministry

·        New and active website

Property 

·        Painted the outside of the Church Building

·        Restored Eight Stained Glass Windows

·        Air conditioned the Church and the Parish Hall

·        Refurnished the Parish Office

·        Painting of Sunday School wing

·        Painting and Decorating of Women’s Bathroom

·        New Paper Towel dispensers

Community Events

·        St. Florian’s Service

·        St. Michael’s Service

·        St. Andrew’s has returned to being an active fixture in the Rancocas Valley Community

·        Our church has a strong presence in the Military Community.   Serving military members from Fort Dix/McGuire Air force base.  We now have increased collaboration with Chaplains on base. 

·        Father Chandy has served as President of Rancocas Valley Clergy Association

·        Increased collaboration with Community Institutions

o   Rotary, Masonic Lodge, Virtue Hospital, Burlington County College

·        Opened up our facility to Alcoholics Anonymous, Red Cross, YMCA

Fundraisers:

·        Car Raffle

·        Frank Runyeon Concert

Administration

·        Hired a Church Secretary

·        Managing a difficult cemetery situation with the use of volunteers. 

·        We now have two able priests associated with our Parish:

o   The Rev. Dr. Frank Jago

o   The Rev. Dr. David Snyder 

·        We are involved in the training of leaders of tomorrow in the Episcopal Church: 

·        Two Deacon Candidates (Joe Sweeney and Carmen Viola)

·        One Priest Candidate (Kathy Murray)

·        Another Deacon candidate (Carl Dunn) starting in July

·        Maintaining office hours- following calendar – even with increased demands

·        Office Volunteers– four helping Kris weekly

Preaching

·  A message of inclusiveness for all God’s children.  Meaningful sermons that have helped people to find a relationship to God.