Welcome to the profile of St. Jude`s Episcopal Church in Fenton

The heart of St. Jude’s...
IFC • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
Welcome to the profile of
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Fenton, Michigan.
Our pastoral-sized parish serves a wide spectrum of people in the local and
surrounding communities. Situated within one of Michigan’s fastest growing cities,
the potential for growth and service is tremendous. Within the following pages, you
will find a brief overview of our historical past, our involved present, and our local
community. You will also read about our hopes and dreams for St. Jude’s future.
We invite you to consider walking with us on our journey toward understanding and accomplishing God’s will. As a congregation, we are committed to
growth, outreach, worship, and the prayerful spirit of God in our everyday lives.
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 1
2 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
The Present
Known for its warm and friendly congregation, St. Jude’s attracts people from Fenton, Holly, Linden and the surrounding areas. People are drawn to the strong feeling of
“family” within the church. Ranging in age from newborns to those whose attendance
spans eighty years, congregants include singles, couples newlywed and those celebrating sixty plus years of marriage. Many
parishioners have worshipped at St. Jude’s their entire lives.
The coffee hour after the 10:30 service is full of conversation and fellowship often lasting well past noon.
One of St. Jude’s greatest strengths is its concern for
and emphasis on outreach. The congregation actively supports many projects: providing food for the hungry through
truckload give-aways, working at the Food Bank of Eastern
Michigan and coordinating and distributing food for children attending local schools. St. Jude’s also collaborates on
outreach with other churches, organizations and the Diocese
of Eastern Michigan.
The Lenten study, Vacation Bible School and summer
Read-and-Feed program are co-sponsored with the adjacent
First Presbyterian Church. CROP Walk is an interfaith event
as is the community Thanksgiving service and Good Friday
worship. In addition, St. Jude’s opens its doors and space to
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Al-Anon
support groups.
St. Jude’s is one of the largest and
most vibrant parishes in the Diocese and
has a good working relationship with
Bishop Todd Ousley. With great potential for growth, St. Jude’s is searching for
a dynamic new priest who will assist and
guide our expansion as a positive, Christlike presence in the community.
Activities and Ministries
Outreach
St. Jude’s has had a very active outreach ministry since 2003. Those on the Outreach Committee have worked very deliberately to organize activities and programs
that capture the imagination of the parishioners at St. Jude’s in order to wed passion to
efficacy. While many of our projects focus on hunger and homelessness, they include
a wide variety of community outreach. With the help of the Food Bank of Eastern
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 3
Michigan we supplement the free school lunch
program during spring break, and operate several
“truckload” food give-aways. We support a local homeless shelter (Carriage Town Ministries)
both financially and through donations, and four
weeks each year we provide physical support of
Family Promise (a rotating homeless shelter for
families). Since 2012 we have worked with our
Presbyterian neighbors to run a summer literacy
program that gives 2nd and 3rd graders a kickstart before returning to school.
In addition to these ongoing activities St.
Jude’s works with Habitat for Humanity, provides blankets and mosquito nets for Church World Service’s disaster relief program and
attempts to respond to other needs
as we become aware of them.
Outreach is one of our passions at St. Jude’s and we consider
ourselves a community asset. As
well as for the previously mentioned support groups the building
is open for use by a food cooperative, an independent baker, a bluegrass band, and bridal and baby showers. We believe in our mission statement of
Seeking and Worshipping God, Reaching Out to Others.
St. Jude’s Women’s Guild
Through fundraising projects, the Guild contributes to general church enhancement
such as replacing carpeting in the church and hall and purchasing new tables, chairs and
tablecloths. The Guild also organizes and serves funeral luncheons.
Silent or Harvest Auction
The highly popular Silent or Harvest Auction is held every two years to raise funds
for outreach, church school and/or building operations. Participants enjoy catered foods
and beverages while they bid on items donated by local businesses and parishioners.
Social Committee
The Social Committee plans, organizes and promotes monthly social activities to
encourage camaraderie among our parishioners. These activities might include a St. Pat4 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
rick’s Day Potato Bake and Open Mic Sunday, a Mother’s Day Tea, bocce ball, baseball
game or movie outing, an ice cream social hour, football tailgate parties in St. Jude’s
parking lot and euchre and game nights.
In December, several parishioners host
tables for our annual Women’s Advent Tea. After savoring delicious, elegant salads and desserts, the women and guests of St. Jude’s listen to
a guest speaker.
Women’s Book Club
The Women’s Book Club meets monthly in a parishioner’s home to share a meal and discuss that
month’s book. Whenever practical, the author is invited to
join us or discuss his/her book by speakerphone. Once
each year, the men are invited to participate.
Vestry
The 12-member Vestry at St. Jude’s is very active, meeting monthly with the rector
to discern what the parish is called to do and to oversee that work. This group is selected for their dedication to St. Jude’s mission, their work-oriented attitude and their
problem-solving skills.
Worship Committee
Worship services are focused on the sacraments with two services held each Sunday
at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. Our Worship Committee arranges performances by bell ringers,
guitarists and other musicians in order to add variety and vitality to our worship. We especially enjoy an annual, early summer service in nearby Bush Park that is followed by a
potluck dinner. Occasionally, baptisms are performed during the service in the river that
runs adjacent to the park. Worship services are coordinated
with other congregations in
the community for Good Friday and Thanksgiving Eve. In
addition to celebrating special services such as Tenebrae
during Holy Week and Lessons
and Carols at Christmas, our
congregation celebrates services from around the globe,
such as The Holy Eucharist acSt. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 5
cording to the New Zealand prayer book, a Celtic Eucharist, La Santa Eucharista Rite II
(A Celebration of Holy Eucharist in the style of Latin American Episcopalians) and the
Liturgy of the Church of Nigeria.
Altar Guild
We have several dedicated parishioners on the Altar Guild. They keep our altar area
looking beautiful by polishing, cleaning, caring for linens and preparing the vessels used
on the altar. Our altar is prepared prior to all services. Donations by the congregation offset the
cost of weekly flowers that adorn our altar.
Christian Formation
Church School sessions begin in September and run through May with nursery care
available during those months. Classes meet at
9:15 a.m. in the newly remodeled downstairs
classrooms. Infants and toddlers are welcome
to join the congregation each Sunday for Holy
Communion. The nursery has paid staff members. The nursery has also been newly remodeled. Sunday school classes use the Workshop Cycles curriculum for grades K-4.
This program is enhanced with art, drama, music, stories, movies, and cooking. Each
summer, our children join with the children from the Presbyterian Church across the
street, as well as from the entire Fenton community, for Vacation Bible School. Our children also participate in bell ringing and various parties. Grades 5-8 follow the Rite 13
program. High school-aged students follow
the J2A curriculum. A pilgrimage is currently
being planned for the young adults in 2016.
Our youth also volunteer during our feeding
programs and other Outreach events.
The Vestry has approved the purchase of
a new Christian curriculum called Godly Play
signaling the importance of youth education.
Adult Education continues throughout the
year with Bible study and adult forums held
between services on Sunday morning. There is a Wednesday night gathering for a soup
and bread supper, followed by an educational program. Recently the congregation has
started to experiment with the “Messy Church” program.
Building and Grounds
A paid sexton cleans the building weekly; snow removal is a contracted service.
Church volunteers perform other services as needed.
6 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
In the past 157 years, the building has been lovingly maintained. Enhancements to the building in
recent years have included the repair of the very old
stained glass windows and wood carvings along with
the restoration of plaster walls of the sanctuary and
wooden pews and moldings. In 2014, a new heating
and cooling system was installed. A remodeling project for the Sunday school classrooms and choir practice room is nearing completion. A new shed, built
by a young parishioner for his Eagle Scout project,
contains lawn equipment used by volunteers to mow
and maintain the grounds.
Stewardship
St. Jude’s embraces our Diocese’s Vision & Mission and strives to make stewardship
fundamental to our faith, our church and our lives.
Pledges
Households
Amount
Pledge Avg.
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
70
73
75
75
67
75
75
$135,152
$138,856
$137,000
$145,410
$128,000
$134,739
$127,680
$1,931
$1,902
$1,830
$1,900
$1,910
$1,797
$1,702
St. Jude’s mission of Seeking and Worshipping God, Reaching Out to Others
helps shape our congregation’s individual and collective stewardship and what we
practice. We have recently taken steps to increase the stewardship of our time, talents,
and treasures by updating our St. Jude’s Parishioners’ Talents, Skills and Interests List,
encouraging increased giving to our Endowment Funds and envisioning stewardship
as a year-round process.
The recent Great Recession adversely affected Michigan more than many other
states. However, Michigan continues to consistently and significantly recover (including the very profitable automotive manufacturers). We are optimistic that growth in St.
Jude’s membership and contributions will provide an excellent financial foundation for
our ministries.
Income
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Budget
Actual
Actual
Actual
Actual
Actual
Actual
$168,500
$172,783
$162,786
$183,522
$167,658
$157,139
$147,221
Expenses
$183,517
$198,838
$174,227
$174,060
$174,179
$170,510
$171,651
General
Investments
Fund
$258,115
$258,115
$242,831
$213,182
$188,296
$207,878
$194,017
Our detailed St. Jude’s Episcopal Church 2014 Annual Report is available at St.
Jude’s and by mail.
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 7
We have had modest faith-based deficit budgets in recent years in order to maintain
our present ministries and limited personnel resources. A balanced budget near term is a
major goal. The Finance Committee has been working over the last two years to establish
a new Endowment Fund to encourage increased funding opportunities as well as seeking
ways to increase our investments.
Our General Investments Fund ($258,115 at December 31, 2014) income and assets
are also available to help fund operating cash flow requirements when needed (e.g. when
expenses exceed income).
Endowment Funds & General Investments Fund
St. Jude’s Heritage Fund ($47,000 at January 1, 2015) has provided funding for
outreach activities for twenty-eight (28) consecutive years. The purpose of the Heritage
Fund is to provide for the unmet needs of our church, our community, and our church
universal. St. Jude’s Church began a major undertaking starting in 2013 to examine our
present Heritage Endowment Fund, and the possibility of additional endowment funds
and related giving opportunities.
Beginning in 2015 the Heritage Fund is now one of three funds — the Heritage
Fund, Capital Fund, and Eternal Pledge Fund. The purpose of our new Endowment
Funds is to provide three planned giving opportunities for our parishioners (“stewardship perpetuity”) – either during their life, and/or at the end of their life. The earnings from the Funds (not the principal, which is held in perpetuity) will be used to help
(1) meet the spiritual needs of St. Jude’s, our community, and our church universal, (2)
maintain and preserve St. Jude’s historic building and grounds, and (3) fund annual operating expenses.
Parishioners are also invited to give to St. Jude’s General Investments Fund ($258,117
at December 31, 2014), which is not an endowment fund.
The City Of Fenton
The city of Fenton is nestled in southern Genesee County
within a short drive of Ann Arbor,
Lansing and surrounding communities. First settled in 1834, Fenton
has a rich heritage to go with its
small town charm, but also enjoys
the amenities of a larger town such
as grocery, home improvement,
dining and service establishments;
in fact, Fenton is one of the fastest
growing communities in southeastern Michigan.
8 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
St. Jude’s is located in
Fenton’s historic downtown
district. The area maintains
much of its original 19th century architecture and brick
facade from the early days of
the church. This downtown
area is abustle with activity
year round. Outdoor concerts,
parades, festivals and farmers’
markets highlight the warm
months while the winter
brings movie series, plays, winter sports opportunities and much more. Fenton’s 11,000
residents reside in a seven square mile area. Many have lived their entire lives in the community, while an influx of new young families is also apparent.
The city’s new fire hall, dedicated police force and highly rated school system, all
combine to make a safe and enriching community for people of all ages. Fenton is a
hub for recreation as well, including canoeing and fishing
on the Shiawassee River, hiking and camping in our wilderness areas and state parks
or just strolling through all of
the historic neighborhoods.
Fenton is ever transforming, but still striving to protect
its small town feel. We believe
this is what continues to attract new families to our community. We are looking for a
priest who can guide us through this journey and help St. Jude’s grow and continue to be
a prominent and active Christian presence in the community.
The Past
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church was formally organized on July 18, 1859 by the Ladies’
Mite Society of Fenton, Michigan. The following year, a simple frame building was constructed on the present site of the church, which was deeded to the parish by William and
Adelaide Fenton.
In 1893, ground was broken for a new and larger church, which was designed in the
Romanesque Revival style by Pratt and Koeppe of Bay City. The cornerstone was laid by
the Reverend Thomas Macheau, acting for the Bishop of Michigan, on July 28, 1893. A
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 9
parish hall was added in 1966. It was
named “VanDenBergh Hall,” honoring a family who was very much a
part of the organization of St. Jude’s
Church. The large room has been in
almost constant use since it opened
for parish activities and regular
community meetings.
A library was created from a
former choir room in 1973. It is
located just outside the sanctuary
door, making it a convenient location for quiet study or committee
meetings. A very beautiful and tranquil
memorial garden can be seen from the
library window. It was created in 1988,
under the direction of the Reverend Paul
Nancarrow and Russell Haddon, a long
time parishioner and landscape director. A
plaque inside the church bears the names
of those interred in the garden, as well as
the donors who made the project possible.
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church became
a registered historical site in the 1990’s.
At that time, extensive work was done to
repair the artistically fashioned stained
glass windows and wood carvings. Funds
were provided from a Capital Campaign.
In 2006, the plaster walls of the sanctuary
were restored and painted in a beautiful
historic fashion. The wooden pews and moldings were also rejuvenated as part of the
same project. The choir stall and organ were moved to the front of the church, providing
space for additional pews.
The Clergy of St. Jude’s since 1956
Donald A. Shoub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1956-1961
Carl W. Moyer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1962-1965
Herbert C. Crandall . . . . . . . . . . . . 1965-1974
Sidney S. Breese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1975-1978
A. Paul Nancarrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1978-1992
Elizabeth Morris Downie . . . . . . . . 1993-2004
Josh Hoover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005-2014
10 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
The Future
Dreams and Opportunities
“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”
~Robert F. Kennedy
In preparation for our search for a new rector, we conducted a written parish
survey completed by seventy-eight (78) parishioners. Based on that survey, here are
the most common dreams and opportunities identified by the congregation:
1.Attracting and retaining individuals
and families. While St. Judes has
been able to maintain a stable congregation for over
10 years, we still desire
membership growth in
the hopes that it will lead
to new opportunities and
possibilities for Christian
development and Outreach.
2.
Enhancing Christian formation for all, especially children and
youth. As members, we realize children are
the future of the church. We need new and innovative programs to engage
and energize the young and the old, to help grow and strengthen our faith.
3. Maintaining and improving our building and grounds. For example, a 157
year-old building presents accessibility issues. We take pride in maintaining St. Jude’s Church as a sacred and welcoming space and hope that we
can continue to offer our facilities for use by the broader community.
4. Achieving long-term financial stability. By enhancing our stewardship support and endowment funding, St. Jude’s can continue its active outreach in
the community and allow new ministries and programs to flourish.
5. Expand existing outreach programs and explore new opportunities in areas of the community where there are additional needs. Survey responses
suggested more work with seniors, transportation and homelessness.
Future Priest
“A true dreamer is one who knows how to navigate in the dark.”
~John Paul Warren
There are many qualities and traits desirable in a priest. The four major qualities
St. Jude’s is praying for in our search are as follows:
1.A priest known for his/her wise and inspiring sermons; someone able
to stretch our faith into Christian understanding and motivate us to
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • 11
action; and someone that will challenge us to walk in the path of Christ.
2.A priest with experience and skill in pastoral care, counseling, and
personal relations.
3. A priest with the wisdom to know when to administrate and when to delegate,
and who possesses the necessary managerial skills to organize effectively.
4. A priest that embraces the diversity of the liturgical tradition whilst celebrating new styles of worship.
We prayerfully anticipate welcoming a new priest who is willing to become a
part of our journey at St. Jude’s. The hopes and dreams to which we aspire will only
be navigated together by the grace of God. Our greatest hope for the future is that St.
Jude’s will faithfully serve as an icon of the love of Christ before the watching world.
Provides
Spiritual
Direction
Provides
Pastoral
Care
Variety
in Liturgy,
Music
Appeals
to Youth
Communicates
Well
Wise,
Inspiring
Sermons
Works
well with
Youth
Interested
in Church
Growth
Counseling
Skills
Rector
12 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan
Interpersonal
Skills
Involved in
Community
The heart of St. Jude’s...
St. Jude’s Episcopal Church, Fenton, Michigan • IBC