Did Well… Next Time…

The first task of a parish during the interim between Rectors is closure: looking back, doing some grieving, doing some celebrating, and laying some things to rest.  What was good about those years with Father Bob as Rector?  What were the great accomplishments?  And then, what do we think might be done better, or at least differently in the years ahead?

In bulletin announcements and from the Chancel steps, parishioners were invited to submit written reflections: two things that, in their opinion were done well, and two things that “next time” might be improved.

Although the deadline for such submissions was extended several times, response to the project was not overwhelming.  Privately, some said that they did not wish to state their views in what was essentially an open forum, particularly about the things that should be fixed.  There was a real nervousness, even some mistrust, about the uses to which such written statements might be put.  In the end only eighteen submissions were reported to the September Vestry meeting.

Did Well…
Those who contributed, most often celebrated the improvements to the buildings during Fr. Bob’s incumbency.  Similar approval was given to the outreach ministry that is offered on Tuesday mornings to the poor and disadvantaged of our neighbourhood.  Our Sunday liturgy, particularly the contribution of the organist and choir, was also praised.

Next Time…
Parish administration was often named as something that could be improved, and 22% spoke of needing greater unity and goodwill between parishioners.

Although the number of responses was not large, the submissions did provide raw material for a questionnaire which was then developed, and submitted to the people who came to a congregational dialogue on November 2, 2008.

The Interim Incumbent's full report to Vestry about the Did Well… Next Time… process may be accessed by clicking here.