Mid-year 2019 CCM Report
9/26/2019
C.C.M. Liaison Report
Date: 09/26/2019
Church and Location: Good Shepherd, Bluemont
Region: Winchester
Vicar (or Interim/Supply): The Rev. Dr. Ralph Bayfield
Liaison: Linda Bailey
Events Held/Accomplishments:
- Held our first Search Committee Meeting on 6 January after forming the committee in November 2018. Primary action was to contact the Diocese of Virginia regarding our desire for a new, dedicated part-time priest to help Good Shepherd grow and serve Christ in our community.
- Prepared draft discernment report and submitted it to the Diocese.
- We began holding Morning Prayer Healing Services on the 5th Sundays, so one each quarter. For these special services we have retained the services of Brother John Ogle, a Franciscan friar (and former news journalist) who was mentored by Brother Rufus Womble in the spirituality of healing. So far this year, we’ve held these services on 31 March and 30 June.
- Welcomed Ted Gulick on 3 March for service and search/facility discussions.
- Met with the Very Rev. Matt Rhodes regarding search and facility.
- Welcomed outside guest preachers including: Jaqueline Whalen and Roland van Broekhaven
- Submitted three grant requests to raise funds for property improvements
- One awarded, one denied, one still TBD
- Held fundraiser picnic on 15 June
- Entire church roof repaired and painted
- Our Lenten Wednesday Night “Dinner and a Movie” continues this week, starting with a meal at 6:30 p.m. followed by viewing of John Ortberg’s DVD study “Who is this Man? The Unpredictable Impact of the Inescapable Jesus.” Ortberg is pastor of the ECO Presbyterian Menlo Church in Menlo Park, California
- Participated in Wickliffe Church annual homecoming service and picnic with other Clarke Parish churches on 11 August.
Events Planned:
- Blessing of the Animals on 6 October with special guest homilist, Micki Smith
- Guest celebrant and preacher, the Rev. Michael Sie from Liberia, on 20 October
- Community Harvest Dinner, usually the Sunday before or after Thanksgiving
- Outreach: Operation Christmas Child
On-going Programs:
- Food collection for FISH of Clarke County
- Alcoholics Anonymous weekly meeting (The Pine Grove Group)
- Continue holding Healing Services on 5th Sundays (29 September and 29 December)
- Fundraising for building maintenance and improvements
- Encouraging/inviting lay members and guests to preach at GS
- Greater involvement in Winchester Region
Comments, Concerns and Significant Changes:
- We have two primary concerns, the first being the condition of our clergy leadership and the second being the condition of our facility.
- We are trying to address the first concern through a concerted search effort that has been underway since the beginning of this year.
- We are addressing the second concern through identifying all the facility areas of concern and then raising funds through grant writing, fundraising events, and direct requests to members, friends, and local businesses, for financial support.
- We are very grateful to the Diocese for all the help and support you have provided, both financially and with guidance, in the past and look forward to our continued relationship in the future.
