As I arrived to serve as Rector, I had a vision for what our first year together might include. Through the interview process, I learned about many of the values that define Good Samaritan—love, inclusion, hospitality, and faithful service—while also hearing hopes for growth and new possibilities. Coupled with the important work of getting to know one another, these insights helped shape our first year together.

At our Annual Parish Meeting in January, and again during the Capital Needs Presentation in April, I shared our intention to engage in a strategic planning process later this year. Since then, the Vestry and I have been developing a two-part approach that will help us listen deeply—both within our parish and in the wider community we are called to serve.

The first part of this process will focus on listening within our parish. We anticipate three gatherings this fall, beginning with an All-Parish Strategic Planning Day on Saturday, September 19. More details regarding timing and logistics will be shared later this summer, but I encourage you to mark your calendars now and make every effort to participate.

This gathering will include a time of remembered history, where we will share stories, memories, and experiences that have shaped Good Samaritan's life and ministry. Reflecting on these meaningful moments can help us recognize the gifts God has given us and discern how we might continue to build upon them in the years ahead.

The day will also provide an opportunity to share our hopes and dreams for the future of Good Samaritan. Many parishioners carry ideas, passions, and visions for our ministry together, and this process will create space for those voices to be heard. Together, we will seek to discern where God is calling us and what steps we may need to take to faithfully respond.

Following the parish gathering, parish leaders—including the staff, Vestry, and ministry leaders—will meet with a facilitator to review what we have heard. This session will focus on identifying themes, priorities, and practical next steps that can help us live into the vision articulated by the parish. The final step will be a presentation to the congregation, where we will share the resulting plan and invite the whole parish into its implementation.

At the same time, we are developing opportunities to listen to and engage with our surrounding community. Our hope is to conduct much of this work alongside the parish listening process so that those insights can also inform our planning. We are currently reviewing resources and shaping this portion of the process. If you are interested in helping with community engagement and listening, I would love to hear from you. We are fortunate that our Diocese offers excellent resources to support this work.

I am deeply grateful for this community and for the privilege of serving as your Rector. I believe this process will help us discern a faithful and intentional path forward—one that builds upon our strengths, responds to God's call, and guides our ministry in the years ahead as we seek to be Christ's presence in the world.

Thank you for your prayers, participation, and partnership. We will continue to provide updates as plans develop, and I welcome your questions, suggestions, and feedback along the way.

Blessings,

Fr. Paul

Tags: community, parish, save the date, september 19, strategic planning at good samaritan