Heard It at Council (April 2015)

April 14, 2015

Council met to discuss issues of the Capital Campaign Committee and the Christian Service and Outreach Committee.

Historian Emily Click moderated the meeting, in Deb Washington’s absence. Council assisted the opening, reading Emily’s poem in tribute to Old South Church, A Query to 645 Boylston Street, 2015, “… thou art our help in ages past, our hope for years to come … we love thee so …”

A motion was submitted to formally engage the consulting firm Alexander Haas, with principle Jerry W. Henry as OSC lead, to advise the upcoming Capital Campaign. Council approved.

Another step toward the Vision and Capital Campaign preparation is the third All Church Retreat on April 26th. All church members are encouraged to attend. The focus will be the output of the previous Sanctuary in the City Taskforce. Through these retreats, the church takes bigger and bigger steps toward bringing home the Vision. The Vision builds on the energy and growth that is so apparent in the church.

Recently, the works of the retreats and the Christian Service and Outreach Committee have been synergistic. Through CSOC’s listening initiative, the congregation’s priorities have started to emerge, coinciding in many ways with themes that have surfaced in the Vision retreats. High priorities are the state of public education, socioeconomic disparity, and homelessness. It is becoming clear that service, outreach, and advocacy are goals of the church and intertwine in ways that can strengthen and grow the congregation itself. For example, as the City’s public education declines so too does the population of the church, if members relocate. Another example is the success of Boston Warm, providing relief at a critical time in the City’s homeless story and helping the church come together to reflect on itself. These are just two examples of advocacy. There are many others issues that involve church growth and Christian formation that are already benefiting from a renewed emphasis on the Vision.

Council took time to reflect as a mini-retreat, focusing mainly on communication, music and worship, but touching on other areas. A productive discussion emphasized the special nature of the church’s four services, which are diverse yet connected. The strength of preaching and the welcoming and well-organized environment were highlighted. Suggestions for improvements in technology, communication, and accessibility were offered.

In line with the church’s focus on advocacy, Old South will form a large contingent to the upcoming Greater Boston Interfaith Organization event at Trinity Church on May 12th. This event is key to Old South Church having a voice at the city and state levels, as officials will be in attendance—including the Mayor, Governor, Speaker of the House, and Attorney General. All interested members should contact Rev. John Edgerton.

Committee updates were heard. The Deacons will offer more support at Evening Worship. Boston Warm will close this month but storage access will continue on a temporary basis. Community Hour continues to evolve with new ideas. The new Godly Play curriculum and children’s services are strong, thanks to leadership by Kate Nintcheu. A few committee assignments were made by Leadership. The Membership Committee is focusing on retention, including simple things that draw people in and more ways to invite people to serve. The Mary Norton Society is making progress toward a special October event. Church members can join MNS by designating the church in estate, will, or trust plans. Stewardship is in discernment over new ideas to energize giving and to collaborate with the new Capital Campaign Committee.

As a way to build continuity, Council will start to tell its story at the beginning and end of each monthly meeting to help committees engage. The storylines of the church and the connectedness of its people are compelling!

Another chapter of the story of Council closed with a prayer by Benjamin Franklin.

Lisa Mahnke, Clerk