Rector's Note: What's Next for All Saints

Dear Saints,

Over the last two years, the Vestry has been in the process of discerning what’s next for our parish. Data from the most recent Parish Profile and Parish Survey show our desire to be more integrated with the Woodstock and surrounding neighborhoods and expand our offerings to become a “community hub.” Since the pandemic, we’ve also seen our outreach ministries expand through the addition of the Hot Showers, Essential Items and the Woodstock Pantry, in addition to what was already being done in Hot Meals, Hats & Scarves, St. Francis and the Mustard Seed ministries. And, as we’ve seen with the response to these outreach ministries from the wider community, it is a key part of how we connect with our neighbors.

With the ever increasing passion for our neighborhood and all that we’ve learned in the last year in mind, the Vestry and I would like to invite you to a conversation about what comes next. More specifically, given that our campus is one of our greatest assets, we want to explore how our building and grounds might be renovated to better serve the current and developing ministries of All Saints, be open and connected to the wider community, and generate income to sustain ministry for years to come.

On the evening of June 9th, we will hold a presentation on Zoom to lay the groundwork and begin visioning together. Architect Richard Woodling from Green Touch Architecture and Planning will be there to guide us in this initial phase of a master planning process. Follow up focus groups will then be facilitated by Vestry members and I at later dates and there will be a survey for those who wish to respond in writing.

I hope you can attend this important community presentation in which there is so much possibility. Even more, I hope you all will share your ideas in the follow up groups and survey. God has put this dream in our hearts, and we each have a piece of it for the vision to be complete.

I look forward to taking these next steps together!