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​Grace is participating in RenewalWorks as part of this year of clergy / parish renewal: Joslyn's sabbatical time away was part of the equation.  This gave our lay leadership time to grow and develop, and it was a time to recognize that Grace's ministry depends on the Spirit working through all of us, and is not dependent on clergy (as much as we love them!). 

An important part of our parish renewal is participating in RenewalWorks.  RenewalWorks is a ministry of Forward Movement, which publishes Forward Day by Day along with many other books and resources to Christian Formation with The Episcopal Church.  The RenewalWorks process has been used by over 2000 congregations and offers insights that reliably help parishes take steps toward a deeper and richer faith.  They have found that there is a gap many Episcopalians experience between their desire to grow in their faith and the kinds of resources and experiences their parishes and clergy provide.  Let's try to close that gap a little!

Below are a couple of resources to help you better understand the "why" and "how" of the process.  The end goal of RenewalWorks is to help Grace ensure that spiritual growth -- that is our awareness of God's abiding presence with us and others -- is our priority.  We do this through worship, fellowship, education, outreach, and "being good news" in the way we live our daily lives.  

Here is a brief outline of the process (see the powerpoint for wonderfully interesting and data-supported details):

1. Barb Rowe is our RenewalWorks facilitator.  She is working with various groups across the parish to assemble a team of 10 - 14 people who will meet four times this fall to explore the following questions as they relate to spiritual growth:  
a. Where has Grace been?  
b. Where are we now?  
c. Where do we feel called to go?  
d. How will we get there?

2. The team will be using data FROM YOU!  On September 24, an online Spiritual Life Inventory will be sent out to the parish.  It takes about 25 minutes to complete.  For it to be helpful and representative of the diversity of our parish, we need everyone to participate.  We are making provisions for hard copies to be sent to those who don't use computers.  The Inventory will be available until 10/15.  

3. In January, the team will present to parish its findings and a roadmap for how Grace can tailor our programs, education and worship to help each of us take the next step in our faith and our relationship with God.  

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Renewal Works PowerPoint presentation to the parish.

Footsteps: Making Spiritual Growth a Priority.