Church of the Good Shepherd Federal Way, Washington

“The Little Church with the BIG Heart”

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Grant that every member of The Church of the Good Shepherd

may truly and humbly serve you; Open the hearts of the

members of our Profile and Search Committees, and our Vestry,

to trust that all things will work out according to your timing.

By your grace prepare the heart of your chosen candidate to

join our church to lead us, care for us and inspire us

according to your will.

In our Prayers of the People

throughout the Profile and Search Process

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LETTER OF INTRODUCTION

Dear Friend in Christ,

The people of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Federal Way, Washington, greet you and invite

you to learn about us in this profile. We are a people filled with hope for the future and confidence in

the Spirit’s guiding presence as we continue our search for a new Rector who will join our parish in

serving not only our church family but also our community and beyond.

We are seeking a full-time Rector to journey with us in faith as we work to reinvent ourselves for the

21st century. We honor the vision and foresight of those who came before us, but we also know we

need to tackle today’s challenges including our location in one of the country’s most beautiful, but

least-churched, regions, and our aging core membership.

We encompass parishioners of many ages, points of view, and financial status. We are single and

married, gay and straight, with and without children, in various states of personal and spiritual

development, but with an abiding love of Jesus Christ alive and at work in the world.

Our profile is our collective voice speaking to you, giving you our best understanding of who we are,

how we worship, the qualities we love about ourselves and where we are challenged to grow more

deeply into the outward expression of God’s grace. We give you the nuts and bolts of the parish:

descriptions of the buildings, demographics, financials and attendance, and parish survey data.

We invite you to read this profile in the same spirit in which we have written it: with prayerfulness,

hopefulness and discerning hearts. As you read it, please know that we have diligently worked to

evaluate ourselves honestly in order to provide an accurate description of who we are (warts and

all), who we would like to be, and the challenges we face in discerning the changes we will need to

become fully mature Christians who willingly serve God how and where he leads us. Our self-study

included participation in two surveys: The CAT (Church Assessment Tool) survey developed by Holy

Cow! Consulting, and a questionnaire developed by the Parish Profile Committee to give

respondents the chance to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words.

Faithfully in Christ and with appreciation for your interest,

The Church of the Good Shepherd Profile Committee,

on behalf of the Vestry and congregation

Alisa Johnson, Chair

Shelley Armer Lucy Bloedel

Tate Egger Mary Haller Wanda Manseau

Michelle Meeker Billie Stockton

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Church of the Good Shepherd Federal Way, Washington

October 2017

Parish Profile Letter of Introduction ..................................................... 3 Our Mission and Goals ................................................... 5

Working Together The Little Church with the BIG Heart Outreach ........................................................................ 6 Education and Spiritual Formation.................................. 8 Fellowship and Pastoral Care .......................................... 8

Worshiping Together ................................... 10 Buildings and Grounds ................................................. 11 Our History .................................................................. 13 Welcome to Federal Way ............................................. 15 Our Demographics ....................................................... 17 The Diocese of Olympia ................................................ 18 Financial Summary ....................................................... 19 Staff ............................................................................. 20

Where We Want to Go Parish Survey and Small Group Discussions................... 21 Our Key Priorities ......................................................... 21 The Rector We Seek ..................................................... 23 Clergy Compensation Package ...................................... 24

Appendix Congregational Assessment Tool Summary ................... 25 Mutual Ministry Plan .................................................... 28 Staff Job Descriptions ................................................... 30 Letter to the Editor ....................................................... 32 Links ............................................................................ 33

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OUR MISSION AND GOALS

The mission statement of The Church of the Good Shepherd is:

"To know Christ and to make Christ’s love known to others."

On the CAT (Church Assessment Tool) survey, the congregation was asked to consider how effectively

Church of the Good Shepherd is living into its stated mission. Although 97% believe that the church has

been effective in fulfilling the current mission statement, 76% indicate that some or moderate change is

required to realize a fuller vision of the church.

For the past several years we have developed our annual goals following the outline of the Marks of

Mission as developed by the Anglican Consultation Council between 1984 and 1990. In 2015 the

Diocese added a sixth Mark of Mission. These Marks are as follows:

1. To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom.

2. To teach, baptize and nurture new believers.

3. To respond to human need by loving service.

4. To seek to transform unjust structures of society to challenge violence of every kind and to

pursue peace and reconciliation.

5. To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

6. To build a financially stable congregation.

The Vestry has developed a set of goals to be accomplished by April 2018 around a Mutual Ministry

Plan. These goals were primarily formulated with the Sixth Mark of Mission and the findings of the CAT

in mind. We look forward to revisiting or further exploring these goals with our new Rector. The

highlights of the Mutual Ministry Plan goals can be found in the Appendix beginning on Page 28.

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LITTLE CHURCH WITH THE BIG HEART

Our outreach endeavors have been the focus of our efforts. We have come to be known in the Federal

Way community as the “Little Church with the BIG Heart.”

A Breakfast Ministry Crew

Breakfast Ministry – A light meal is prepared on Tuesday and Friday mornings for approximately 100

patrons each week of the Federal Way Community Care Network while they wait in our Parish Hall for

appointments. FWCCN is a community organization which uses our facilities to provide one-time

assistance with utilities and other needs.

A warm meal

A warm place to sleep

Reach Out (Women’s Overnight Shelter) – From October to April, 12-15 women sleep safely away from

danger and foul weather as our guests. This shelter is the only homeless shelter for women in the area.

It is operated in partnership with Catholic Community Services (staff, screening and for compliance of

rules and safety of other guests), Reach Out and churches from the community who provide meals.

Participants are given a safe place to clean up, enjoy a warm meal, fellowship and get a restful night’s

sleep off the city streets during the harshest weather.

Saturday Community Meals – Prepared by the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church team in our facilities

to sustain any and all who arrive at our doors hungry for food, companionship or a place to socialize.

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Community Garden – We maintain a small

seasonal garden to provide some produce for use

by the community meal program.

Clothing Bank – Open during the Tuesday/Friday

Community Care Network time and during the

Saturday afternoon Community Meal for any in need

of clothing.

Lake Grove Elementary – We support our nearby elementary school with school supplies, Holiday Meal

Baskets and a Christmas Giving Tree.

Jubilee Ministry Center – One of the ways the Episcopal Church addresses domestic poverty is through

its Jubilee network, which consists of over 600 Jubilee Ministry Centers. These centers empower the

poor and oppressed in their communities by providing direct services, such as food, shelter, and

healthcare, and also by advocating for human rights.

Kairos – Based on the Cursillo faith building experience, several parishioners volunteer with this

ecumenical prison ministry, while many contribute financially to the program.

AA Groups – Four AA Groups use our facilities on a weekly basis, including the largest group in South

King County. AA members have assisted with several of Good Shepherd’s building maintenance and

improvement projects in recent years.

Our youth collected cans of soup for the Food Bank from our neighbors

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EDUCATION AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Godly Play – teachers present stories to our children ages 6-18. All

may attend as often and for as long as they choose. We have college

age participants who still choose to attend when they are visiting

home. The recent Women’s Retreat featured Godly Play stories.

Lectionary Study Group – meets between the services to discuss the

lectionary texts

Weekly Bible Study groups – parishioner-led on Thursday mornings and on Mondays in the summer

Lenten Soup and Lecture Series – features a guest lecturer and homemade soup

Confirmation Class – In anticipation of Bishop Greg’s visit in October, a class for confirmation,

reaffirmation and education is being held this fall for all who wish to participate. This class is part

lecture, part Godly Play and part discussion using the book My Faith, My Life by Jennifer Gamber. In an

acknowledgement that the Holy Spirit is alive and well at Good Shepherd, we anticipate presenting to

Bishop Rickel three new confirmands, four individuals for reaffirmation and one person for reception.

Contemplative Prayer Group – a small group gathers each week to center themselves and listen to God

FELLOWSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE

Cursillo/Come and See – In addition to serving on

weekend teams, we have four Women’s Reunion

Groups and one Men’s Reunion Group that meet

regularly for faith building, fellowship and

accountability.

Hospitality Committee – This committee facilitates

receptions for parish special events such as

memorial services, parishioner private celebrations,

weddings and more. It also coordinates with the

Women’s Group for the bi-annual Tea Fundraiser to

offset costs of the Annual Women’s Retreat.

Mailbox Ministry – A dedicated group of parishioners come together monthly to create handmade cards

for those in our midst who are in need of a mailed reminder that they are loved, cared for and held in

prayer in times of need. Cards are also mailed to those celebrating in thanksgiving for milestone

anniversaries, birthdays, etc.

Pentecost Sunday Women’s Tea and Poetry

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Pastoral Care Committee – Makes visits to the elderly, infirm and

hospitalized to provide Eucharist, alleviate loneliness and facilitate

meal preparation, if needed. A loving gift of a small stuffed sheep is

frequently given on visits as a remembrance that our thoughts and

prayers are with them. Flowers from the altar are often shared, too.

Prayer Support – We have an active prayer chain filled with prayer

warriors. A list of people requesting prayer is included in the Sunday

Bulletin. Special healing prayers with laying on of hands and

anointing are offered during the Prayers of the People every fourth

Sunday at each service.

Prayer Shawl Ministry – Prayer shawls are knit or crocheted to give warmth and comfort to those in crisis and in celebration.

Women’s Retreat – Each fall the women of the church gather at the

Diocese’s St. Andrew’s House Retreat Center on the Hood Canal for

a weekend of rest and renewal.

Youth Activities – Though our youth presence is small, they are

active participants in our worship service. Diocesan sponsored High

School and Junior High Youth Conferences (retreats) are highlights of

the school year. For the past several years we have had a youth

member on our Vestry. Our youth also actively volunteer at the Diocesan Convention as Pages, Youth

Delegate and Youth Voice. There is a keenly felt awareness of a NEED for a youth program, but few to

attend and fewer to plan, supervise and provide the adult leadership necessary for success.

Other Seasonal and Traditional Fellowship Events

2016 Chili Cook-off Judging Line

Leadership Retreat

Stewardship Ministry Fair

Epiphany Tea

Women’s Tea

LobsterFest

Parish Picnic at Steel Lake Park

Holiday Breakfast with the Bishop

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Christmas Carol Sing-Along & Greening of the Church

Women’s Retreat 2017

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WORSHIPING TOGETHER

Sunday services are Rite I at 8:00am and Rite II at 10:30am. We welcome all

regardless of race, creed, gender identity or sexual preference. We whole heartedly

embrace our brothers and sisters in the LGBT community. Anniversaries, birthdays

and thanksgivings are recognized each Sunday. Special healing prayers are offered

during the Prayers of the People every fourth Sunday at each service.

The Rite I service is small, typically attended by 8-12 members, has no music and is completed in about

45 minutes. Many of the attendees attend the Bible study session between the services to further

discuss the lessons and gospel of the day.

The Rite II service is attended by 40-60 members regularly. We traditionally use the Book of Common

Prayer, occasionally supplemented by other sources such as Enriching Our Worship. Two features that

are particularly meaningful to our members who attend this service are the joining of hands during the

singing of the Lord’s Prayer and the sharing of the peace among the entire congregation.

The Rite II service has a small choir and organ and piano music to complement the lessons and Gospel.

Music is primarily from the 1982 Hymnal. We also use other hymnals including “Wonder, Love and

Praise”, “Gather”, “Celebrate” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing II”.

Another feature of the 10:30 service is the projection of the liturgy and hymn lyrics on an overhead

screen. In addition, the entire service is available in a printed service bulletin. The sermon is recorded

each week and posted on the church website for those who are unable to attend.

On months with a fifth Sunday, we have one combined service at 9:30am blending elements of

traditions including Celtic prayer, Iona and other forms in an “outside the box” experience. We feel

called to new expressions of worship which might open our hearts to new ways of expressing the

presence of the Holy Spirit and reach others who are still in their faith journey looking for a loving

community of hope. On occasion, we invite praise bands or musical guests to give a new flair to the

service. A church potluck follows the service, which is well attended.

We are graced with an outstanding group of service ministers including Eucharistic Ministers, Eucharistic

Visitors, acolytes, lectors, ushers, altar guild members, and more, many of whom fill more than one role.

The Lord’s Prayer Sharing the Peace

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BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS

Our church has been described as rustic, homey and comfortable. While not as ornate as some, it is our church home, where we welcome all who come through our doors.

The first thing you will notice over our entrance is our banner declaring us a Jubilee Ministry Center for the Diocese. As you enter the Narthex you will gaze through the floor to ceiling windows at our beautiful woodland that surrounds the back of the building.

When you walk through the double doors into the Nave, you will be awestruck by our abstract stained glass watercolor windows. You are invited to see your own spiritual symbols in the images as an inspiration for worship. The image of Christ is hand-carved into the cross rather than upon it, a profound reminder that Christ meets us in the midst of our own suffering. From the street, the cross has an “Agnus Dei” carving. The high vaulted ceiling features dark wood beams.

Carrying on the wood theme, the altar, ambo and a processional cross were also hand-carved by the same woodworker. The altar features lambs in relief and bears the quote “I lay down my life for the sheep” on one side and “I have the power to take it up again” on the opposite side. The ambo echoes the theme with the carved quote, “I am the Good Shepherd. My sheep hear my voice. I know them. They follow me.”

The ambry is in the right front wall of the sanctuary and the vesting room and sacristy are off to the right. The door at the left of sanctuary holds sound equipment and seasonal banners. The choir loft is home to an organ, piano, computer, projection equipment and sound system. Our 10:30 service liturgy and lyrics are projected to a screen in the front of the sanctuary.

The main church building can accommodate 240 parishioners in the Nave. Downstairs a daylight lower level has two rest rooms, a kitchen and the Henry Seaman Fellowship Hall which seats up to 75 guests comfortably at tables. Some of the events we’ve hosted in the last year are memorial services, celebrations of life, baptism receptions, birthday celebrations, our Women’s Tea and our Lenten Soup and Lecture Series. Outside our lower level is a flat patio with a painted labyrinth for meditative movement and private prayer. Stairways both inside and out provide access to the lower level. Many of our elderly parishioners leave the upstairs service and drive around to the lower level for Parish Hall activities as we have not solved our accessibility issues.

Adding Jordan to our church family in baptism

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Our Education/Administration building is one level and American Disability Act compliant for rest rooms and meeting spaces. It is used for Godly Play classes and a nursery during the service and for bible study and group meetings at other times. The priest’s office, a parish library, bookkeeper’s office, small kitchen and copy/work room are located on one end of the building. This building also provides overnight accommodations to the Reach Out Women’s Shelter from October to April.

There are three adequate parking lots. We do tend to fill up when our Saturday morning AA group is in residence and creative parking prevails. Two portable buildings located in the lower parking lot are used by community groups, such as the Federal Way Caregiver Network and AA groups. The sign in front displays our event, service and inspirational message information.

The “Shepherd’s Hut” on our NE corner is provided to our Sexton in exchange for his service as part of his compensation package. Much of our larger service items for Lenten and Easter services are stored in the basement of the building. The detached garage nearby stores our lawn and garden tools.

Much of our 8.03 acre property is an undeveloped forest purchased in anticipation of future growth. Surrounding our buildings, we have well-established mature landscaping featuring plants that attract butterflies and hummingbirds (we have earned the national Certified Wildlife Habitat designation thanks to diligent work by two parishioners). There is a peaceful path and natural altar. Some floral decoration for the altar is provided on a year-round basis. We also have a small community garden. Volunteers maintain the grounds in cooperation with the Facilities Team and the Sexton.

The natural woods on our property are both a blessing and a hindrance. In recent years, it has become a convenient makeshift camping area for the area’s homeless which can become a public health and community hazard very quickly. A constant tension exists between our desire to provide for the needy without becoming a risk to the surrounding community.

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OUR HISTORY

Initial interest in establishing an Episcopal Church in the Federal Way area came from the then Vice-President of Federal Way High School, Fred Root, who held preliminary meetings in his office and home. Once sufficient interest had developed, the Bishop, The Right Reverend William Fisher Lewis, appointed The Reverend Robert T. Hodgen Vicar. The Bishop suggested that the new Church be named “The Church of the Good Shepherd”. The first organized meeting of the new Church was held on July 16, 1961, in the basement of a temporary vicarage, with 38 enthusiastic people in attendance. In 1962, a permanent vicarage was purchased and the Vicar established his office there, as well as a basement Chapel in which meetings and special services were held. During his tenure the current property at South 312th Street and 4th Avenue South, was purchased. Reverend Hodgen resigned in December 1964 and The Reverend O. Steen Whiteside was welcomed as the new Vicar that same year. The house and garage on the corner of the Church property were purchased and fondly called “The Shepherd’s Hut”. Upon completion of the current Church building, the first service was held on Sunday, September 25, 1966, and formal dedication of the building took place on January 15, 1967. Father Whiteside resigned as Vicar in 1967. The Reverend Henry J. Seaman was appointed Vicar in 1967. During Father Seaman’s tenure the current Education Building, housing the education facilities and offices, was built using volunteer labor from the members of the Church. The church also opened a counseling center and a preschool and hired a salaried youth director and a salaried secretary. Members of the church were particularly active in Marriage Encounter and Cursillo in the Diocese during the late 70’s and early ‘80’s. A key part of our history at this time was the “adoption” of a family of ethnic Chinese who entered this country by way of a bold and dangerous escape from a Cambodian labor camp in 1979. With less than one day’s notice to the church, the people of Good Shepherd made preparations to receive and shelter the family’s sixteen surviving members (seven died or were executed in Cambodia), found suitable housing for the whole family, and assisted them in their transition to this new land. Father Seaman retired in 1987 and from May 1987 to June 1989, The Reverend Paul Rietmann was Interim Priest. In August 1989, the Reverend Randal B. Gardner was appointed Vicar. Shortly after Father Gardner arrived, The Church of the Good Shepherd was accepted by Diocesan Convention as a “Parish”. Father Gardner, now the Rector, volunteered to have The Church of the Good Shepherd serve as the “host Parish” for the 1991 Diocesan Convention in Olympia. Reverend Gardner oversaw a congregation-wide fund-raising effort known originally as the “stained-glass” project, which was later renamed the “church-beautification” project. Also included in the project were the carved “reredos” with the Christ-figure, a new carved altar and “ambo” (the lectern from which the sermons are preached and the lessons are read), a carved processional cross, a pair of torches, new carpeting and an exterior “Agnus Dei” carving. The Reverend Dorian McGlannan was appointed Rector in September 1997. Under her leadership and guidance, The Church of the Good Shepherd continued to grow. The wooded property to the south of the church was purchased and an architect was selected to design a building that would include much-needed fellowships facilities as well as an enlarged worship space. A Capital Building Campaign

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commenced, funds were raised and the plans for expansion were eventually put on hold when it became clear that growth was not occurring at the anticipated rate. Some of the Building Funds were subsequently released by the donors to create a Refurbishment Fund which is still providing funds today for building maintenance and improvements. In September 2001, the Reverend Petra Owen-Moore began a ministry as Associate Rector, developing a program that was enthusiastically received by the youth. Rebel, the Senior High School age group, and the Junior Shepherds (Middle School age group) met weekly. They enjoyed a variety of activities and outings and held a Sunday evening service with a youth praise band. Both Mother Dorian and Rev. Petra left Good Shepherd in 2005. The Reverend Esther Poirier was appointed Priest-in-Charge in April 2006 and Rector in 2008. The Church Ministries and Outreach programs were greatly expanded under Reverend Esther’s ministry. Servant Leadership was at an all-time high. The Church of the Good Shepherd is now known in the community as “The Little Church With The Big Heart” due to our numerous outreach programs including community meals, the Reach Out Women’s Shelter and our support of the Homeless Day Shelter and the Veteran’s Home which both opened in 2016. Reverend Esther retired on January 31, 2017. The Reverend Michael Shaffer was appointed our Priest-in-Charge on April 17, 2017. The clergy listed below have served Good Shepherd:

• The Reverend Robert T. Hodgen (1961-1964) • The Reverend O. Steen Whiteside (1964-1967) • The Reverend Henry J. Seaman (1967-1987) • The Reverend Paul Rietmann – Interim Priest (1987 to 1989) • The Reverend Randal B. Gardner (1989-1995) • The Reverend George S. Wilson – Interim Priest (1996-1997) • The Reverend Dorian McGlannan (1997-2005) • The Reverend Petra Owen Moore – Associate Rector (2001-2005) • The Reverend Esther Poirier – Priest-in-Charge (2006-2008), Appointed Rector (2008-2017) • The Reverend Michael Shaffer – Priest-in-Charge (2017- present)

A number of priests have also made Church of the Good Shepherd their spiritual home, including The Reverend John (Jack) Ledger (Hospital Chaplain at Swedish), The Reverend J. William Bertolin (retired, Associate Priest), The Reverend Marshall Ellis (retired, Pastoral Assistant), The Reverend Dean Scovell (retired, interim supply priest) and currently, The Reverend Doctor Roy McLuen (retired, Associate Priest).

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WELCOME TO FEDERAL WAY Located along the Puget Sound Inlet and shadowed by the majestic Mount Rainier in the Seattle Tacoma metro area, you can enjoy our vista of the Olympic Mountain range while you walk along the waterfront. It’s especially beautiful at sunset. Our aromatic fir trees combined with the beauty of our native ornamentals and breathtaking views makes our community uniquely beautiful place to live, work and worship.

Originally a logging settlement, the area was first called "Federal Way" in 1929, when Federal Way School District #210 was created. The name derived from Federal Highway U.S. 99 (now State Route 99 or Pacific Highway South), which ran from Everett and Seattle to Tacoma. Federal Way High School opened in 1930, and the local Chamber of Commerce adopted the name in the early 1950s. The city was incorporated on February 28, 1990. Conveniently located, Federal Way has all the local amenities you and your family will want. Locally identified by its 1990s semi-urban development, it’s characterized by shopping centers, single-family housing neighborhoods and landscaped off-street multi-structure apartment complexes. Federal Way is situated primarily to the west of Interstate 5 between Seattle and Tacoma, giving easy access to the Puget Sound Region’s cities and attractions. Federal Way is also the US office headquarters of World Vision.

There is plenty of fun for everyone in Federal Way, too. Nearly 1 million tourists visit Federal Way every year. Our city is host to the largest theme park in Washington: Wild Waves and Enchanted Village. It is also the location of the King County Aquatic Center where you can enjoy the same pool that swimming and diving Olympians and collegiate athletes use to train and compete. With the addition of the recently completed Performing Arts & Event Center (PAEC), home to ongoing local music, theater, arts, and community events, our residents have plenty of entertainment to choose from. Resident Artists include The Federal Way Symphony, Tacoma City Ballet and numerous chorale groups.

Our city is home to lush gardens, from the nationally renowned Pacific Bonsai Museum to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden to the seasonal garden of PowellsWood. The city has also developed many lakefront and neighborhood parks and playgrounds. Celebration Park is a community gathering spot, with sports fields and wooded trails. The Federal Way Community Center features three gyms, two pools, fitness area, climbing wall, senior lounge, classroom space and community rooms for rental use. The facility also serves as a location for many general recreation classes and some community events.

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Ethnicity Ethnic and cultural diversity are paramount in Federal Way, with up to one-third of the city’s residents being of Asian-American, African-American or Hispanic-American background. According to the Federal Way School District, there are 112 languages spoken in the households of its students, with the top five being English, Spanish, Russian, Korean and Ukrainian.

Population Federal Way boasts a growing population of approximately 100,000 people within the city limits and up to 200,000 within a five-mile primary market area. Federal Way’s population estimates make it currently the 9th largest city in Washington State and the 5th largest in King County. Federal Way’s population is young with 51 percent of the population below 35 years of age. Nearly 80 percent of the population is under 55 years of age. The largest percentage is the age group 35-54 at 28 percent. Only 10 percent of the population is of retirement age. Federal Way has a younger population than nearby Seattle and Tacoma.

Income Federal Way residents enjoy one of the highest average household incomes and levels of education attained among residents of South King County cities. Housing in the South King County is still moderately affordable and neighborhoods offer a wide variety of natural amenities. According to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey 5 Year Estimate 2009-2013, the Median Household Income is $55,872, the Average Household Income is $66,663 and the Per Capita Income is $26,508.

Our Schools Federal Way Public Schools has an established a track record of innovation to ensure that each scholar graduates with the skills and academic knowledge needed for a broad, strong academic foundation. Federal Way School District has twenty-one elementary schools, two K-8th grade schools, seven middle schools, four high schools, and five specialized schools that offer alternate learning experiences. The district undertook a strategic planning process during the 2015-16 school year and launched the strategic plan in fall 2016.

Population by Ethnicity in Federal Way

White 57%

Hispanic/Latino 16%

Asian 14%

Black/African American 9%

Some other race 4%

Population by Age in Federal Way

Below 19 years old 29%

19-24 years old 8%

25-34 years old 14%

35-44 years old 13%

45-54 years old 15%

55-64 years old 11%

65+ years old 10%

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OUR DEMOGRAPHICS

We encompass parishioners of many ages, points of view, and financial status. We are single and

married, gay and straight, with and without children, represent a variety of ethnicities, and are in

various states of personal and spiritual development, but with an abiding love of Jesus Christ alive

and at work in the world.

Parochial Reports Recent 2016 2015 2014

Membership 192 186 182 177

Communicants in Good Standing Age 16 and up

126 125 144

Communicants in Good Standing Under 16

18 17 15

Increases during the year 24 12 21

Decreases during the year 18 8 19

New members added 6 4 4 5

Number of Households 107

Average Sunday Attendance

76 72 75 77

Total Church School Students Enrolled

12 19 17 19

Additional data from our CAT Survey:

60% live within 4 miles of the

church; 74% attend church the same or

more than 3 years ago; 75% are female; 92% are white; and a large majority have college

degrees.

Welcoming a new member to the fold.

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THE DIOCESE OF OLYMPIA

The Diocese of Olympia is made up of more than 31,000 Episcopalians and 400 clergy in 106 faith

communities in Western Washington. The geographic area stretches south from Canada to Oregon and

west from the foothills of the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

The diocese is led by the Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel, installed as the eighth Bishop of Olympia in

September 2007. He embraces radical hospitality that welcomes all, no matter where they find

themselves on their journey of faith. He envisions a church that is a safe and authentic community in

which to explore God’s infinite goodness and grace as revealed in the life and continuing revelation of

Jesus Christ.

The Diocese of Olympia is a vibrant diocese with many active ministries impacting local and global

communities. Through the vision and leadership of Bishop Rickel, the Diocese of Olympia is focused

missionally in four areas. In union with our Bishop, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, part of the Jesus

Movement, bears witness to God’s redemptive reign and acts out God’s inclusive love, peace, and

justice, uniquely living out this call within our specific local communities.

Our Diocesan Mission and Vision is now described as:

1. Locally centered: Instead of operating from a “top-down” model that prizes centralized

leadership, we believe that each congregation must be free to live out this vision in a way that

best meets the unique needs of their specific community.

2. Networked Communities: We believe that our more than 100 worshiping communities are

stronger when there are connections that allow our congregations to share stories, resources,

challenges, and triumphs with one another.

3. Forming leaders: We are committed to equipping and empowering a community who is

learning, growing, and gathering regularly to proclaim the good news of God as revealed in the

life, ministry, and witness of Jesus Christ.

4. Sacrament and Service: We are a liturgical community that is rooted in our common prayer and

our celebration of Holy Eucharist, which forms us and prepares us to step beyond our church

walls and serve our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, and the world.

Bishop Greg and his wife, Marti, join us each December for a holiday brunch.

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Church of the Good Shepherd has funds that are invested in the James Hodges Diocesan Investment

Fund. The funds have come to the church through a variety of means. The Building Fund, Ledger Fund,

and Building Refurbishment Fund are restricted in their use. The Endowment Fund is monitored and

administrated by our church Endowment Trustees. In 2017, the fund reached the minimum threshold

whereby dividends of the fund could be divided among ministries of the church. The process whereby

the dividends are distributed is a grant process overseen by the Vestry.

While the number of pledging units is somewhat low and has fluctuated over the past few years, it has

been slowly but steadily increasing since 2014. According to the results of the CAT survey, the average

pledge represents 3.15% of average income, higher than the averages of all churches in the survey

which is 2%. It should also be noted that for three out of the last five years, Church of the Good

Shepherd has managed to keep expenses below income indicating good stewardship of our finances.

Two important financial indicators we are quite proud of:

1. Church of the Good Shepherd has always paid its Diocesan assessment in full.

2. Church of the Good Shepherd has no outstanding debt.

Stewardship Team 2016

2014 2015 2016

Budget $257,160.00 $249,881.00 $250.226.00

Actual Income $252,505.10 $267,809.28 $259,395.61

Actual Expense $265,829.67 $260.563.54 $242,977.02

No. of Pledges 66 67 68

Total Pledged $210,243.00 215,586.00 $217,781.42

Average Pledged+ $3,185.50 $3,217.70 $3,202.67

Diocesan Investment Fund (DIF)*

Building Fund $360,813.64 $365,581.91 $388,691.29

Vicarage Fund $137,292.71 $136,169.67 $140,228.59

Ledger Fund $8,292.51 $6,695.54 $7,118.49

Endowment $225,199.83 $123,032.78 $282,458.76

Building Refurbishment $74,775.42 $58,375.89 $62,066.00

*Balance as of December 31.

+The average pledged in our Financial Summary and the average reported in the CAT Summary (pg 26) differ because the CAT Report includes only those who completed the CAT Survey.

P a g e 20

STAFF

Paid Staff*: Priest in Charge – 24 hours per week Retired Assisting Priest – as needed Office Administrator – 20 hours per week Sexton – 20 hours per week Organist/Musician – 10 Hours per week Bookkeeper – 3 hours per week

Volunteer Staff:

Facilities Manager Assistants for Office Duties Liturgy and Ministry Coordinator Vestry

Additional Regular Volunteers from Parish Community:

Web Master/IT Assistance Projector/Sound System Choir Treasurer Grant/Donation Procurement Coordinator Facilities Committee

(*Job descriptions/tasks can be found in the Appendix.)

2017 Leadership Retreat

Our annual Leadership Retreat is held the first weekend of February. It is open to all Vestry members

and anyone else who considers themselves a leader of the church.

Our Vestry

Good Shepherd is managed by our

Vestry in partnership with our Rector

and staff.

Our Vestry has nine adult members

each elected to serve three-year

terms and one youth member

elected to serve a one-year term. We

also have a Clerk and Treasurer.

The Senior Warden is selected from

the Vestry members by the Rector.

The Junior Warden is elected by the

Vestry. Each serve until their

successor is installed.

P a g e 21

PARISH SURVEY AND SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS

The Vestry called a committee of nine-members following

the Annual Leadership Retreat in February 2017 to prepare

this profile. In late March to mid-April, members of Church

of the Good Shepherd completed the online Church

Assessment Tool (CAT) survey in order to gather fact-based

information for our Profile and for future planning by the

Vestry. The survey was also available in printed form. A

total of 93 parishioners completed the survey, representing

126% of our average Sunday attendance. The average age

of parishioners completing the survey was 65+ years.

At the end of April Paula Franck, our Diocesan Consultant,

shared the results of our CAT Survey at an after church

meeting open to the whole congregation. The Profile Committee then held small group discussion

sessions in the month of May for anyone who wanted to ask questions or provide additional thoughts

and information. An additional survey was emailed and distributed in print in June to ask more

questions about the qualities desired in our next rector and gather more insight on how to describe

Good Shepherd. Once again, a few small group discussions were offered to gather the answers.

All of the information we gathered by the above methods were used to write this Profile. A Summary

Report of the CAT Survey is in the Appendix.

OUR KEY PRIORITIES FROM THE CAT SURVEY

In looking to the future, our CAT respondents indicated these top five priorities – areas where there is a desire for additional energy to improve the ministry of the church.

1. Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church.

2. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.

3. Provide more opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation at every age and stage of life.

4. Strengthen the process by which members of the church are called and equipped for ministry and leadership

5. Change or improve the music of the church to deepen our worship experience. (Priorities 1, 2, and 3 are typical of most churches.)

These priorities were consistent among all groups taking the survey and are woven tightly together in our desire to attract and keep new and existing members. We believe the underlying premise is that we must have opportunities available for each individual to grow in their faith and to become a vital, necessary part of our church family.

Parish CAT Survey Total invited to complete the CAT

169

Total Respondents 93 (126% of our average Sunday attendance)

Below 19 years old 4%

19-24 years old 0%

25-34 years old 0%

35-44 years old 4%

45-54 years old 9%

55-64 years old 19%

65+ years old 65%

P a g e 22

We are a welcoming community, and we’re looking for better ways to incorporate new people, especially young adults and families, into the life of the church. In the past six months we have seen an increase in interest in affiliation and membership in the church from people of different ethnic backgrounds or communities. Sadly, we have had to say “Goodbye” to several active families with young children in the past year due to relocation. We recognize that it can be difficult to attract new members with young families when few are currently attending.

We are particularly interested in the recruitment of new persons to support existing members in our ministries. One blessing of our aging congregation is that we have time available during the day for attending educational opportunities and participating in ministries. (Many in our older, mostly retired, congregation don’t like to drive at night.) We worry about the inevitable loss of members to relocation, incapacitation and/or death. As is the case in most churches, many of the same individuals are involved in multiple ministries and can suffer from burnout. Our CAT Survey told us that many respondents would like to be more involved in ministry, but we don’t have a clear understanding of what keeps them from participating… is it age, level of current involvement, not feeling equipped, or something else keeping them from being more involved? New approaches to reaching out to new comers and parishioners who are less involved and to supporting those who are greatly involved are needed.

Our “sandwich” generation has expressed the genuine concern that no one will be available to help them in ministry and with pastoral concerns when they are the older members of the congregation.

We do a tremendous amount of outreach in the community, and we’re puzzled with how to turn our welcome and support into a desire to explore what it means to be part of a faith community on the part of the recipients.

We have a strong Godly Play program for our children and youth, and several Bible Studies for adults. All of these faith formation opportunities are offered during the day. We would like to develop more opportunities for Christian education, perhaps a speaker series we can invite the surrounding community to join.

We have been leaders in the Diocese in addressing environmental issues, and we seek to have a more positive impact on God’s gift of creation. As mentioned previously, our grounds are a designated Wildlife Refuge. We take the idea of “reuse, reduce and recycle” very seriously, from sorting our waste to serving environmentally friendly coffee hours to offering gently used clothing at our weekly meals.

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THE RECTOR WE SEEK

In our follow up to the CAT, our members were asked to identify the qualities, skills, abilities, and gifts we should be seeking in our new rector. We want our next priest to be loving, friendly and kind. We want someone who is a people person, skilled in change management, and delivers sermons that are both informative and inspirational. We are looking for a priest who can lead us in our quest to reach out beyond the doors of the church.

In the words of our Bishop, Michael Curry:

“We view our vision of worship is expressed by ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord that He may teach us His ways and that we may walk in His paths.’ Jesus encountered all types of people. Jesus related to these people. He invited, included, affirmed, loved, touched, liberated, held, embraced, healed, and cleansed. He gave them dignity, fed, forgave, made whole, called, gave hope, received, honored, and freed.”

Responses from the surveys indicated the most important abilities for our next rector to possess should include:

1. Church Growth – We are a welcoming community and we’re looking for better ways to incorporate new people, especially young adults and families, into the life of the church. Across all demographics the top priority for our church is to make the necessary changes to attract families with children and youth. Also, important in this area is the ability to develop and implement a strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church. We do a tremendous amount of outreach in the community and we are constantly struggling with how to turn our welcome and support into a desire on the part of the recipients to explore what it means to be a part of a faith community.

2. Change Management – The very act of calling a new priest calls for change. Wanting to grow and invite new members into our midst calls for change. Our next rector needs to be skilled in being able to prepare us for the change that is inevitable and guide us through the change when it happens.

3. Music – Very high across most demographics was the desire to change or improve the music of the church to deepen our worship experience. Our next rector must value music as a part of the whole worship experience and be willing to help our music program grow and thrive.

4. Spiritual Growth and Development – From the CAT survey, two priorities in the top 5 were providing more opportunities for Christian Education/Spiritual Formation and strengthening the process by which members are called/equipped for ministry and leadership. We would like to expand upon our current offerings and provide more opportunities for Christian Education. We are looking for a priest who can help us be servant leaders.

5. Increasing Involvement in Ministry – Our CAT survey told us that many respondents would like to be more involved in ministry, but we do not have a clear understanding of what keeps them from participating. Our next rector should be able to provide new approaches to reaching out to current parishioners who are less involved as well as welcome newcomers to support those who are deeply involved.

P a g e 24

All of these items have been adopted as a priority in the Mutual Ministry Plan adopted by the Vestry in July 2017, as approved by Bishop Rickel. The Vestry is already actively working on these matters to be in a better position to work with and assist our new Rector upon his or her arrival. Highlights of the Mutual Ministry Plan can be found in the Appendix beginning on Page 28.

Our hope, our prayers are to find that individual who can help us weave Jesus’ message of love into the

Good Shepherd Community. We seek someone who can humanize the Gospel; someone who can stress

the emotions rather than the intellectual message found in the Gospel. We seek a priest who can then

challenge us to go out into the community and demonstrate the Gospel message. Are you this person?

CLERGY COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The Church of the Good Shepherd is seeking a full-time rector.

The salary will be based upon the mandatory policies of the Diocese of Olympia Parochial Clergy Salary Scale. Good Shepherd is a Grade D congregation on that scale. A housing allowance is included in that salary as Good Shepherd does not provide church-owned housing.

Use the following link to view the salary scale for 2017:

https://resources.ecww.org/2017-parochial-clergy-salary-scale

As required by Diocese of Olympia policy, Good Shepherd provides the following benefits: health insurance, pension, standard vacation, sick leave, continuing education/professional development, and sabbatical leave.

In addition, the Church also pays the following expenses incurred by the Rector in the fulfilling of the duties of office: monthly allowance for travel expenses and the monthly cost of a cell phone.

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CONGREGATIONAL ASSESSMENT TOOL (CAT) SUMMARY

Church of the Good Shepherd, Federal Way

April 30, 2017

In March and April, 2017 members of the Church of the Good Shepherd completed the on-line Church Assessment Tool (CAT) survey in order to gather fact-based information that will be used in the search process for the next Rector as well as future planning by the Vestry. The CAT measures the health and vitality of congregation by identifying the factors that contribute to overall satisfaction and energy as well as priorities for the future. A total of 96 surveys (out of 169 invited) were completed representing 126% of average Sunday attendance of 76. Congratulations on such a good response!

The survey results indicate high energy but lower satisfaction levels putting the congregation in the “chaotic” quadrant of the energy-satisfaction map. Such churches have high commitment to mission and ministry but there is a need to identify common values and shared vision in order to channel that energy into a central direction so that the congregation can feel greater sense of satisfaction.

The theological perspective of the congregation is progressive - open to diverse views and accepting of where individuals are in their spiritual journey. With regard to flexibility/adaptability, members are generally willing to make changes but still hold on to particular ways of doing things.

In looking to the future, respondents indicated these top five priorities – areas where there is a desire for additional energy to improve the ministry of the church.

1. Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church.

2. Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church.

3. Provide more opportunities for Christian education and spiritual formation at every age and stage of life.

4. Strengthen the process by which members of the church are called and equipped for ministry and leadership

5. Change or improve the music of the church to deepen our worship experience.

(Priorities 1, 2, and 3 are typical of most churches.)

These priorities were consistent among all groups taking the survey. In addition, those under 35 want to improve the physical facilities of the church, build coalition partners with others in the community who share the congregation's vision, and to make opportunities provided by the church more accessible to life schedules. Persons 35-64 desire stronger worship services, and those who attend less than once a month would like to develop ministries that work toward healing those broken by life circumstances.

There was also some concern to further develop financial stewardship and to strengthen the church's response to those with special needs.

In regard to specific areas of church life from highest to lowest rankings:

Hospitality – With an 88 percentile ranking, the congregation provides a welcoming atmosphere to newcomers and people in the community. This is a vital strength to continue to build upon in order to attract and incorporate new members.

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Conflict management (84th percentile) - There is general agreement that conflict is appropriately managed and resolved when necessary.

Readiness for ministry (77th percentile) - In general, the congregation does a good job of providing opportunities for members to engage in ministry within the church as well as in the community; however, there is also a desire (priority #4) to strengthen the process by which members are called and equipped for ministry.

Spiritual vitality (69th percentile) – Members indicate that their faith is central to their lives and that participation in church activities is very meaningful.

Morale (67th percentile) – Members generally have a sense of positive engagement in the mission and life of the congregation, but there is a need for more clearly defined goals and vision so that folks will want to get as involved as possible.

Governance (65th percentile) - There is general trust in the leadership and the openness of decision-making processes of the parish.

Educational Engagement (35th percentile) – Reflecting priority #3, there is a desire to enhance opportunities for education for all ages.

Worship and music (12th percentile) – How members experience worship is a key factor in how they feel about church overall. As reflected in the 5th and 7th priorities, there is a strong desire for more meaningful worship and music. This will be important in order to attract and incorporate new members.

Demographic data provided by those completing the survey indicates that 65% are 65 or older; 60% live within 4 miles of the church; 74% attend church the same or more than 3 years ago; 75% are female;

92% are white; and a wide majority have college degrees. Other statistics show that stewardship is strong - the average pledge of $2,442 represents 3.15% of average income. (The average of all churches in the survey is 2 %.) [Actual Average Pledged can be found in the Financial Summary on page 19.]

The additional Missional Church Profile measures the degree to which a congregation is attractional – waiting for new members to come to us versus missional – serving persons in the community rather than serving only our own members. Members feel comfortable sharing their faith stories with others, and the congregation reaches out to other groups in the community. The responses indicate more work could be done to listen to the needs of the community and act upon those needs. Growing churches are attentive to outside concerns with a strong commitment to outreach ministries.

The Strategic Planning Profile asks the congregation to consider how effectively it is living into its stated mission. Although 97% believe that the church has been effective in fulfilling the current mission statement, 76% indicate that some or moderate change is required to realize a fuller vision of the church.

Responses to “Now THAT'S what it means to be the church!” centered on inspirational worship experiences, participation in outreach projects, and meaningful relationships with other members of the congregation.

In other questions:

Although most (60%) agreed that the church should continue in the same overall direction as the recent past, almost half were not sure indicating some degree of change would be beneficial.

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Although 43% thought that their own current level of engagement to impact the world as an expression of Christian discipleship was about right, 47% rated their engagement as lower than they would like. (Priority #4 indicates the desire to strengthen the process to equip members for ministry.)

With regard to the parish's current level of engagement to impact the world as an expression of Christian discipleship, half of the responses indicate satisfaction with the current level while about a third thought more should be done.

In response to the number of monthly volunteer hours spent in service to the community through the parish, 43% were not currently involved once again indicating the need to help members identity their gifts and equip them for ministry.

In ranking what influenced individuals to become involved in impacting the community, most indicated the degree to which opportunities matched their gifts and interests, followed by how much the opportunity made a difference in the lives of others; how opportunities fit into life schedules; whether other family and/or friends are involved; and finally, the degree to which an activity will help develop their ability to be a more effective disciple.

In summary, the Church of the Good Shepherd has a high degree of energy and a generally positive attitude towards change. Building on strengths of hospitality, low conflict, readiness for ministry, spiritual vitality, and commitment to serving the community, there is great potential to increase satisfaction and become a transformative congregation by keeping the energy of the congregation focused on a central vision and shared values. The new Rector should have skills in working with the leadership to articulate this vision and enable members to participate in the mission of the congregation.

In looking to the future, factors that would contribute to greater member satisfaction include changes to make worship services and music more meaningful and vibrant. How members experience worship is a key factor in how they feel about church overall. The parish is committed to outreach and members seek to make a meaningful contribution to the mission of the church, thus there is a need to strengthen the process by which members are called and equipped for ministry.

The priorities in the survey indicate the desire to bring in new members; however, increasing membership in itself is not a pathway to creating a vital congregation. Congregational growth will involve change, and any change is challenging. What changes need to be made in order to be ready for growth?

What resources and structures are already in place? How will the congregation be involved in determining changes to be made?

Transition can be a very rich time for a congregation to look at who you are and to discern where God is calling you in the future. According to The State of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, 46% of Episcopalians feel that their church becomes stronger during the period of pastoral transition, so how can you best use this time to prepare for the future?

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MUTUAL MINISTRY PLAN

The following “goals” for the Church of the Good Shepherd, Federal Way, are hereby adopted with the express intent of meeting and completing said Goals on or before April 17, 2018:

1) Review, revise, eliminate if appropriate, and reconstitute all working committees and ministry groups designated within the church.

A review of all current and past committees and ministry groups will be undertaken by the Priest-in-Charge and the Senior and Junior Wardens (or Vestry members or parishioners designated to act on their behalf) to determine what committees/ministry groups are actually needed and how they may best be constituted and function in collaborative ways with each other. This will be undertaken with the intent of making these committees/ministries more “expansive and inclusive”, so as to hopefully develop a culture in which committee and ministry work is not only intended, but expected to be something in which all participate at one time or another, and those “in-charge” (Chairpersons) “head” the committee or ministry for a specified period of time, working with others in anticipation that others will take over leadership for a specified period, following completion of the term of the current committee/ministry leader. (This does not mean ‘all’ are not always welcome to participate as active members of the committee or ministry, but rather to share both the burden and blessing of leadership. Specifically, the charter and by-laws of the “Finance Committee” (last adopted/updated on July 12, 2001) will be reviewed and updated, and the “Finance Committee” be reconstituted in conformity with the newly adopted revisions.

This “goal” is adopted with priorities #4 “Strengthen the process by which members of the church are called and equipped for ministry and leadership.” and #5 “Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church” of the Congregational Assessment Survey in mind.

2) Liturgy, worship experience and formation

New forms of Liturgy will be occasionally incorporated in the 10:30 AM and Fifth Sunday services, as authorized by the Episcopal Church and/or Bishop Rickel. (8:00 AM services will remain Rite l)

We will continue to experiment with the use of incense and other liturgical/ worship enhancements on Feast Days and during other special liturgies, at the sole discretion of the Priest-in-Charge. These modifications will be discussed collaboratively with a “Liturgy Committee”, which will consist of the Priest –in-Charge, any Assisting or Priest Associates, the Organist/Music Director and at least two, but no more than 3 parishioners’, appointed by the Priest-in-Charge.

We will develop a formal “Faith Formation” committee/ministry, which in conjunction with the Priest-in-Charge will develop a “Catechumenate” or “Confirmation” course of study. We will strive to have said committee formulated and course of study developed in time to enroll and complete preparation for 3 to 5 confirmands in 2017.

We will foster development of an “Acolyte Guild”, to be headed each year, on a rotating basis by an “Acolyte Coordinator” (adult parishioner), with the intention doubling the current number of active Acolytes prior to April 2017.

P a g e 29

We will work to train and add at least two new licensed Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and Eucharistic Visitors each calendar year, and provide training session for both Altar Guild and licensed ministers in September each year.

Finally, it is apparent that the current “loft” which houses/seats the organ, musician and choir members, is not conducive, in fact a deterrent to expansion of the choir and music program generally. Since the only way to address this is explore retrofitting the “choir loft” with elevator access (which is cost prohibitive), the vestry will appoint a three person committee, to work with the Priest-in-Charge, any Assisting or Priest Associate and the Music Director, to explore options to moving the choir and musician, with necessary instruments, permanently to the main level of the church. In is anticipated that by doing so, we could easily double the size of the current choir, which is a goal to meet by April 2018. The “Liturgical Music Assessment Committee”, will be constituted on or before September 30, 2017, with recommendations/options to be presented to the Vestry during its December 2017 meeting. If necessary, a special campaign to raise funds specifically to accomplish this task should be considered.

This “goal” is adopted with priorities #5, “Change or improve the music to deepen our worship experience” and #2 “Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church” of the Congregational Assessment Survey in mind.

3) Ministry to the World – Outside the Church Doors – Evangelism

Studies have determined that targeting specific groups of people, with increasing populations within a given geographic local, as well as paying more attention to those who live in close proximity to a church, who may have gone unnoticed or forgotten, provides the best opportunity to evangelism and potentially expansion of membership. Setting to large a goal or attempting to cast too wide a net, dilutes objective and mission.

We at Good Shepherd are a diverse and welcoming community of faith, truly a microcosm of the breadth and scope of the Kingdom of God. Therefore, in the coming year, we will establish an “Evangelism Committee/ Ministry”, (Evangelism is not a dirty word!), with the intention of formulating and implementing strategies for targeting the growing LGBT, Military and Hispanic communities. Further, this group will formulate a plan for reaching out to residents who live within a one mile radius of the church, to make them aware that we are here and want to be their “neighborhood” church home. These strategies will consider “Mug ministry” or some like personal follow-up with Sunday visitors, within 72 hours of the church service which they attended. It is our goal in doing so to increase our actual registered membership with 10 new members and our weekly ASA by 10 by April 2018.

This “goal” is adopted with priorities #1 “Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church” and # 2 “Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into the life of the church” of the Congregational Assessment Survey in mind.

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STAFF JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Parish Administrator – 20 hours per week paid position whose duties include the day to day operations of the church.

1. Pick up mail, M/W/F – Open, sort and distribute. 2. Answer phone and route messages for action by appropriate individual. 3. Keep calendar of priest/priest in charge 4. Record worship service attendance, communion, sacramental records 5. Greet walk-in parishioners and assist as appropriate 6. Supply community resources for those seeking assistance 7. Create monthly parish calendar 8. Book and prepare meeting rooms 9. Respond to all emails 10. Assist priest, Senior/Junior Wardens and the Facilities Management team where needed 11. Help administer and balance Discretionary Funds per Rector’s request 12. Order all office and cleaning supplies

Retired Assisting Priest – hours vary

1. Function as supply priest when necessary – paid for service 2. Make pastoral calls on church members 3. Prepare and deliver sermon when requested

Organist/Musician – 10 hours per week – paid position

1. Work with Priest or Priest in Charge on weekly liturgies. 2. Weekly Choir rehearsal 3. Provide music for 10:30 Sunday Service, holy days, Easter and Christmas vigils. 4. Right of first refusal for funerals, weddings and special occasions.

Sexton – 20 hours per week This is a non-paid position which includes use of a house located on property in lieu of salary.

1. Clean Seaman Hall, sweep and wash floors, clean rest rooms, refill paper products. 2. Vacuum sanctuary, clean pews and book racks 3. Empty garbage in Narthex, vesting and flower rooms. 4. Clean, vacuum, empty trash, and clean rest rooms and replenish paper products in

Administration Bldg. 5. Move trash, recycle and compost to the trash stockade. 6. Disarm buildings by 7:00 AM on Sunday morning. 7. Arm all buildings at 10:00 PM. Conduct security checks in the evening and check all doors. 8. Blow the parking lot and pick up debris 9. With facilities manager, conduct a sweep of the woods periodically to search for evidence of

homeless encampments. 10. Alert office of needed supplies to be reordered. 11. Replace burnt out light bulbs in all parish buildings. 12. Meet periodically with Facilities Team.

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Cultivating Care of Creation – a/k/a –

replanting after plumbing work

Community Garden

Facilities Manager – Volunteer position 1. Maintain the church campus in good repair 2. Establish a weeding and mowing schedule 3. With help, clean off roof and keep drainage system clear. 4. Maintain appliances in good working order. 5. Prioritize the repair/replacement of all working parts in the church. 6. Plan ahead to eliminate last minute repair of items 7. Maintain the Sexton House 8. Periodic walk through the woods to make sure it is clear of hazardous materials/evidence of

homeless encampments. 9. Keep lighting systems operational 10. Meet periodically with the Sexton.

Bookkeeper – works three hours a week minimum and has the following duties:

1. Handle all accounts payable and post Invoices/Statements to correct expense accounts. Cut checks and record payments;

2. Review weekly the donations and income to assure they have been posted correctly and make corrections as applicable;

3. Maintain all financial files in a neat and orderly fashion; 4. Perform backups at least weekly; 5. Transfer money between accounts as directed; 6. Process monthly payroll with appropriate taxes, deductions; 7. Write monthly checks to church ministries, as applicable; 8. Monthly update of the Balance Sheet (all accounts); 9. Balance accounts at end of each month, quarter and year; 10. Develop efficiencies with accounts; 11. Be available for monthly financial meetings; 12. Process quarterly tax forms and payments; 13. Generate all year-end tax forms associated with payroll; 14. Store all permanent records from the previous year-in a clearly identified manner; 15. Maintain accounts payable receipts and contribution records, both clearly identified and stored

at the end of the year; and 16. Be available for the annual audit.

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Federal Way church with a big heart | Letter

Tue Aug 18th, 2015 6:43pm

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

One of the churches with the biggest of hearts is The Church of theGood Shepherd. If you are Driving along South 312th Street at approximately Third Street and look to the south side of the road you will see the church. With a membership of approximately 200, they serve their church members in many ways under the guidance of Reverend Esther Poirier. However, that guidance reaches extensively into the greater community through a number of outreach programs.

On Tuesday and Friday between 9-11 am, you can see people who live within the Federal Way school district or Northeast Tacoma lining up outside the church’s fellowship hall in the lower parking lot waiting to visit with volunteers from the Federal Way Community Caregiving Network.

They are seeking help with their rent, limited hotel stay for homeless families, gas vouchers, bus tickets or a bag of food. Since 2001, the church has made one of their portables available to the Caregiving Network to provide this service.

In addition, The Church of the Good Shepherd members have a breakfast outreach program during that time for all guests seeking assistance, as well as homeless members of our community who need a breakfast meal and a time to visit, socialize and possibly get out of the wet and cold.

On Saturday afternoons, the fellowship hall is again open for the Community Network’s free community meal. And it does not stop there.

The church has also been the host church for homeless women needing a place to be warm, eat, sleep and be safe from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. through the Reach Out Program during the months of October through April. The church has hosted this program for the last two years and will host it again this year. In addition, there are many other outreach programs that can be viewed on the church’s website www.goodshepherdfw.org

Yes, this is the Little Church with a Big Heart and we are blessed to have them in Federal Way.

Elizabeth Elliott, Federal Way

(Written to the local newspaper by long-time parishioner who died in September 2017.)

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LINKS Church of the Good Shepherd www.goodshepherdfw.org City of Federal Way http://www.cityoffederalway.com/ Federal Way School District https://www.fwps.org/ Diocese of Olympia https://ecww.org/ Clergy Salary Scale https://resources.ecww.org/2017-parochial-clergy-salary-scale

Assessments and Parochial Information https://resources.ecww.org/assessments-and-parochial-information Congregation Grades https://resources.ecww.org/2017-congregation-grades Health Insurance and Employee Benefits https://resources.ecww.org/health-insurance-and-employee-benefits Cursillo Cross Making Workgroup

Lenten Lecture Series with the Rev. Dr. Frank Spina

Easter Asperges with the children