Vicars report for 2007 [Presented Jan 2008]

Two-Thousand and Seven,  was a busy year for St. Paul’s and Christ Church . Locally and within the Diocese of the Rio Grande representatives of our congregations attend the various Deanery meetings as well as the annual Diocesan Convocation at which Bishop Steenson officially announced his intention to step down as Diocesan Bishop and renounce his vows in order to enter the Roman Catholic Communion. Meanwhile, controversy between many of the provinces within the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal Church continues. Many churches, including St. Clements in El Paso have left TEC or are attempting to do so. Some dioceses have announced their intention to leave as well and just how all this will end or affect the Diocese of the Rio Grande and our congregations remain to be seen.

Meanwhile the Lambert Conference, a once in a decade meeting of the bishops of the Anglican Communion is still scheduled for later this year, but there is talk of a boycott from both sides.

The national Church released its own statistics in October of 2007 and they are not encouraging. During the same 5-year period I have served as vicar TEC report shows that the national membership average has declined 7% during the past 5 years. Additionally the average Sunday attendance during the same 5-year period has also declined by 11%.

Happily statics for St. Paul’s, as recorded in our church register of services, shows that in 2007 there was  a 20% increase in our Sunday attendance. Attendance went from an average of 30 persons per week in 2006, to an average attendance of 36 in 2007. That is a 20% increase compared to a 11% decrease or a 31 % overall net difference!

In considering possible reasons for this prenominal growth, I present the following facts. Thanks to the physical and financial support of many within our congregation, as well as support from the community and friends, our monthly Suppers have met much good will and approval. That goodwill has been made evident not only by the financial support but by those members willing to work in preparing and presenting meals on a regular basis.

This pattern of outreach, specifically feeding the physical and spiritual needs of our community was set many years ago by St. Paul’s Christmas Day luncheon. In the process of feeding those who came to the Fellowship Hall on Christmas Day and delivering meals to the shut-in, the pattern was set. A need was there and the congregation responded. It must be restated that St. Paul’s has always been aided by the magnanimous support of many from within the surrounding community.

We attempted another form of outreached in 2007, called Mommies Time Out. This was a week-long program, during which children were welcomed for a mini Vacation Bible School. Mother’s were given a few hours respite while members of St. Paul’s provided an educational and creative atmosphere. The children were taught Bible stores shown video’s and created arts and crafts to be presented to their parents.

            Prior to program members of our congregation went with me door to door. We first prayed for the occupants that lived in the home we were visiting. A flier was hand out or left when no one was home. We offered information about the program, Mommies Time Out. We informed the family that our congregation was praying for each family we visited and our community.  We welcomed them to our monthly Community Supper Program and told them that food and personal items were available. Finally we invited them to join our congregation each Sunday, if they did not already belong to a faith community.

            In case you are unaware, the addition of the distribution of personal care items is a direct effort of our chapter of the Daughters of the King. The ladies have taken on this special ministry, in addition to the rule of prayer and care for others.

            While we cannot draw a direct correlation between the social outreach programs and an increase in Sunday attendance, I believe that St. Paul’s outreach to the community has inspired the goodwill of many in our community. Certainly, the monetary

support given by groups and individuals testifies to that fact. And so, a thank-you to the workers who prepare and serve and clean-up, and to the DOK.

            During 2007  we welcomed back Jody Parish. With the retirement of Connie Lindau, Jody has agreed to Chair the Altar Guild. Connie has agreed to continue to help Jody during the transition.

            Lillian Neuls has decided not to seek re-election to the Bishop’s Committee this year. Lillian has served as Bishop’s Warden during 2007.

Gail Spencer also announced that she was retiring as treasurer after the Annual Meeting and with the presentation of the fiscal report for 2007 and the proposed budget for 2008.

            Victor Montoya has agreed to become our treasurer with the assistance of Sandie Chavez.

            I would like to make the following motion:

            In acknowledgment of the ministry and service of Constance Lindau, Lillian Neuls and Gail Spencer, the Vicar, Bishop’s Committee and Congregation of St. Paul’s T or C wish to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation for the services and ministry performed by these individuals for Christ and our congregation.

May God bless them as they move on to serve Christ in their community in the future .

            We been bless by members from the community joining us on Sunday while some have attended on an irregular basis others seem to have found a home and we are hopeful that we will one day welcome them as full members, perhaps theymay even serve on the Bishop’s Committee some day.

            To that end, during 2008 I would like to offer to the congregation what might be called An Inquirer’s Course. This would be opened to both potential new members as well as those who feel they’d like a refresher course.

            I purpose as a projected curriculum the following:

            A review of our faith beginning with an outline of the Old & New Testament. The history of the Christian faith from Apostles to the present time. And, because of the recent events, within the TEC and the reaction of the Anglican Communion mentioned in part above, I believe there is a need for an outline of the way the Anglican Communion and the Episcopal have come into being their history and more especially how the two communions are governed and relate to the another.

            On a sad note, while Margaret and I were away a dear friend and faithful parishioner, Bob Miller passed away. Again my thanks to  thank Lillian Neuls, our Bishops Warden, members of the Bishop’s Committee and the congregation for their support.

            I would again like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to the Rev. Jeannie Lutz and all those who provided for a fitting burial service. May His soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

Respectfully submitted

Rev Peter A. Cacoperdo

Vicar: St. Paul’s Truth or Consequence

Priest in Charge: Christ Church, Hillsboro