The congregation
of St. Dunstan's currently (2003) consists of 64 pledging units
representing about the same number of households. This number
is much lower than we would like it to be. We believe it reflects
several factors, including the relocation of a number of families,
several deaths, and the turmoil our church has undergone during
the tenure of our last Rector. As often happens following a
long tenure, the congregation had difficulty adapting to the
new leadership. The congregation became both divided and diminished.
It is possible that a longer interim might have helped with
the transition.
We have had time to reflect on this over the past 18 months
and have found a renewed faith together. We all understand that
change, although often unpredictable, is necessary as we grow
in our Christian life. We have closed the book on the past,
accepting that change is good, and we welcome and await the
next chapter of our lives. The Vestry and congregation are unified
in its common life and in St. Dunstan's goals for the future.
The creation of our strategic plan is a direct result of our
renewed faith and unity. New and old members are blending together
like an extended family. More and more parishioners are becoming
involved. We believe that it is this positive movement and our
inherent multigenerational nature that will allow us to continue
to carry out our strategic plan, which incorporates growth in
membership, unity, and expanding our existing ministries. While
we appreciate our heritage, we seek to move forward and further
enhance all that is good at St. Dunstan's.
| |
1999
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
| Pledges |
68
|
72
|
63
|
55
|
| Active Members |
238
|
200
|
192
|
202
|
| Church School |
65
|
62
|
60
|
49
|
| Sunday Worship Attendance |
103
|
75
|
74
|
82
|
| Weekday Service (Thursday Morning Prayer) |
0
|
0
|
0
|
10
|
| Summer Service Attendance |
73
|
72
|
52
|
60
|
| Baptisms |
4
|
2
|
8
|
6
|
| Confirmations |
0
|
15
|
0
|
11
|
| Marriages |
0
|
0
|
1
|
1
|
| Burials |
5
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
ADMINISTRATION
St. Dunstan's currently employs a part-time Interim Rector,
a part-time Secretary, a Child Care Provider on Sunday, a part-time
Youth Minister, a Sexton, and an Organist. The vestry and the
wardens play an active role in the routine functions of the
church by overseeing the many ministries at St. Dunstan's. Many
of the parish members eagerly volunteer their time and talent
in assisting with the operations of these ministries as well.
The Rector, the Vestry, and the parishioners work together to
maintain the day-to-day functions at St. Dunstan's.