We at St. Paul’s Church invite you to join us in forming a new congregation here in Brockton.

A new Executive Committee is forming. For position descriptions and expectations, see here ...

Mission Strategy Brockton
Summary of the meeting of Sept. 29, 2007

(1) Revisited the Mission Statement: to establish an Episcopal mission in Brockton to:

Bear witness to the presence of Christ in Brockton
Be a beacon of hope to all people
Celebrate liturgy reflecting cultural diversity of the city
Provide hospitality that is loving and inclusive
Reach out to all in need of the sustaining power of God's love.

(2) Agreed on the values which underlie this mission

This is a place where all are welcomed, where their differences and gifts are valued and appreciated, and where their leadership is encouraged and valued

We are open to transformation in this process, realizing that welcoming newcomers includes being changed by the gifts, needs and desires they bring

We are centered on the Eucharist. This is a community of Thanksgiving, living out the cycle of cycle of rebirth, resurrection, thanksgiving, sacrifice, reconciliation & forgiveness, service, redemption, joy. The Eucharist is the Sunday morning soup kitchen at the altar.
Since our center is the Eucharist, we live out a stewardship of abundance and generosity. We are stewards of God’s gifts.

(3) Agreed that the Executive Committee to provide the leadership for this new mission must come from a collaboration of people in the current St. Paul’s congregation as well as from among the mission strategy partners. A nominating committee was formed to write job descriptions for this new committee and to identify candidates. This slate of candidates will be presented to the St. Paul’s Annual Meeting for election, and to the Bishop of Massachusetts for appointment. This Committee will serve two years, and be responsible for the planning and oversight of the mission development, for the funding of the mission, for the care of the property and assets of the parish, and for the oversight of the Vicar. Diocesan representatives will serve ex officio.

(4) Agreed to form an Interim Budget Committee, to plan budgets for 2008 and 2009 and to develop new revenue streams to meet those budgets.

(5) Agreed to investigate the next steps in “new start” development, by forming a team of people to attend “New Start Boot Camp?” for leadership training. In “Boot Camp” the team will gain the skills and ideas to organize a new congregation here, including ways to evangelize, advertise, market and reach out into the community, to develop new worship services with different styles and different music, and to fund and structure the congregation that it will move toward parish status at a future diocesan convention.

(6) Agreed to a timeline:
-- report of the Nominating Committee by December 1st.
-- Current Executive Committee to accept report of Nominating Committee and of Interim Budget Committee in December.
-- Annual Meeting January 13, 2008