How the Vestry came to choose our new Mission Statement: "Jesus accepts all to his table; so do we." Tweaks may still happen and can be discussed at the Sunday Seminar on March 13.

1. “Your mission, should you
choose to accept it…”

2. Why Re-imagine our Mission?
Because we’re a parish now
Because good ones focus energy and
clarify our purpose
Because good ones provide clear
decision-making criteria
Because good ones let everyone know
quickly what we value and who we are

3. Good Ones Answer Questions
 Why does our church exist? What is our
purpose?
 What is it that makes us different?
 What are we committed to providing to our
community?
 What promise are we making to our
community?
 What wants, needs, desires, pain, or problems
do we minister to?

4. Some Good Ones…
St. Nicholas – The world’s favorite
saint; Chicagoland’s friendliest church.
St. Mark’s – Rooted in baptism;
growing in faith; branching out to the
world.
St. Barnabas – Bringing the mercy of
Jesus to the world

5. A Good Mission Statement. . .
Is SHORT and memorable
Describes WHY parishioners will stay
with you (W.I.I.F.M.?)
Defines your ministry clearly
Defines your ideal parishioner
Shows what makes you special

6. A Good Mission Statement. . .
Answers the question:
What is God doing in
the world and how are
we joining in?

7. “Oh yeah, that’s
the church that. . .”

8. St. Benedict’s Mission Statement
 To worship God with joy, excitement, and commitment
 To introduce Christ and His teaching to all who seek Him
 To live in love, centered in God and drawn together by
the Holy Spirit
 To welcome everyone to our sanctuary for prayer,
praise, and refreshment
 To enrich our common life by drawing upon our Episcopal
traditions
 To share Christ’s love with our neighbors through
prayers, work, and friendship.

9. SWOT Analysis
Strengths Weaknesses
Threats Opportunities

10. Our Strengths — Primary
Hospitality/Welcoming/Food
Quirky – being different is okay –
acceptance – openness – inclusiveness
Diversity of all kinds
Lively Worship/Fun/Great
Music/Children Included

11. Our Strengths — Secondary
 Family/Sense of Community
 Focused Outreach
 Strong Lay Leadership/Ministers
 Grace and Race
 Our Building
 Our Spirituality
 Blue Christmas/Ashes to Go/Pet Blessing
 We are Cheerful Givers

12. Two Important Questions
What do we do
exceptionally well?
What are we passionate
about?

13. Important Answers
Openness
Acceptance
Food

14. Important Answers
Welcome everyone as you would welcome
Christ.
St. Benedict is the patron saint of welcome.
All are welcome to this table; we’re called to
accept all people.
Jesus accepts all to his table, let’s break bread
together.

15. And a new Mission
Statement. . .

16. Jesus accepts all to
his table; so do we.