Submitted by Meg Amouroux, Jr. Warden
The Vestry Retreat for 2015 took place on Friday evening, Jan. 30, and on Saturday, Jan. 31. Friday evening was spent at Rev. Lori’s home in Newark, and Saturday’s session was spent at the San Damiano Retreat Center in Danville. We spent time getting acquainted, laughing a lot, and getting to the work.
Friday evening was spent sharing a meal together, meeting each other, and beginning the process of planning our year ahead. We imagined what parts of St. James’ would we look for, should we find ourselves having to move very far away and wanting to find a new spiritual home.
Saturday’s session was spent in pairs, small groups, and as the whole group, examining St. James’ demographics, how we appear from a seeker’s perspective, from the outside looking in. On the other side, we looked at St. James’ from the inside-out– who we are, what makes us unique, what do we do and what do we offer? What makes us different from other churches, volunteer groups, and community clubs? Then, we started to look at where the two sides converge: where are we meeting the needs a seeker might be looking for, and where are the gaps.
At the end of our time together, we discussed what’s ahead in our work for the new year. Our next gathering as a vestry was set for Thursday, February 12.