| Clergy: If God gave you three wishes for our church...? | |
| C1 | 1. People with money be mature enough not to use it as a weapon. 2. Lessen the fundamentalism of the church. 3. Lessen the conflict in the church |
| C2 | 1. That the people and priest devote more to the Eucharist and its attending spirituality 2. that congregations would move beyond their role 3. that the role of the priest could be redefined as a the vestry and congregation from employer-employee to pastor-flock |
| C3 | Inclusion and openness to the gifts of the Holy Spirit: 1. tolerance 2. acceptance 3. love |
| C4 | 1. I would like us to take peace justice issues more seriously. 2. Lifting up our faith. 3. Get every parish to fulfill its pledge to the diocese so that we can support the ministries of the church — which in turn supports our local parishes |
| C5 | 1. Become known by our works — by who we are 2. Resolve our international differences 3. Become strong Episcopal' Anglican Church in the world 4. Be a more tolerant church that works toward peace. Continuing excitement and joy in being an Episcopalian. 5. Evangelization become stronger |
| C6 | 1. resurgence, rejoining" with catholic faith handed down through ages 2. Be more in conformity with rest of Anglican Communion |
| C7 | 1. Means to reach the 'star trek universe' 2. Means to help the parishes tithe 3. Communion not due — that we grow together |
| C8 | 1. that we remain united and supportive of each other in our vision and goal 2. that the church continues to be a welcoming place for ALL of God's children 3. become a well—endowed church so we can freely do ministries w/o financial constraints. |
| C9 | 1. Sense of belonging — even born in the church, but there is no sense of welcoming. 2. Education — understand Anglican tradition and spirituality. 3. How do we bring the young people into the church — Evangelism |
| C10 | 1. Finances to be stronger 2. Increase membership (especially young people) 3. Ecumenism |
| C11 | Wholeness of with an Anglican Communion. 2. Healing in our 3. Respect for our diversity world wide |
| C12 | 1. Healing our divisions 2. Moving form preoccupation with survival to mission 3. More openness in sharing ways in which God has touched our lives |
| C13 | 1. People with money be mature enough not to use it as a weapon 2. to learn that every disagreement not be a community breaker 3. to lead rather than follow our cultural work environment. |
| C14 | 1. lottery and give the money to the cathedral 2. support for career seminar 3. we will take very local stand in the one for people |
| C15 | 1. to be a happy church, even during the struggles 2. to be united — no matter what — different but united 3. take a stronger stand against the war, esp. the personal gains (i.e.: corporations) don't impose our way of life on others. |
| C16 | 1. Would — will the communion would behave as though the laity will the primary ministry a to clerical 2. overcome habit of struggling with each other to detriment of each goal (millennium) 3. Global group of true world — sense of Anglicanism |
| C17 | 1. Wisdom and caring to touch real people. 2. lower about doing things right instead of doing the right thing. |
| C18 | Money to take care of or building. Money to augment clergy — Strong commitment to development |
| C19 | 1. continue to be open 2. we recognize the great fits of the laity 3. we find a way to combat multiple forces in our culture that are competing for souls we need to reach |
| C20 | 1. faith based leadership 2. clearly defined goals for church growth 3. quality growth not only in members but also vitality. Build up Xian community |
| C21 | pews filled with faithful parishioners — means to facilitate full participation of all — faithful community where all are welcome |
| C22 | 1. ability to discuss differences in a state of grace 2. long life for Bishop Councell and future of our Diocese 3. that all children/children's children will find present in the Episcopal Church and stay |
| C23 | 1. unwavering adherence to scripture 2. appropriate humility in dealing with Godly matters 3. an openness to possibility that we do not have all the answers |
| C24 | 1. full pews 2. dynamic every public outreach 3. lots of youth |
| C25 | 1. more lay involvement in the ministries of the church 2. more deacons 3. a greater sense of casatate (Latin route for charity/love |
| C26 | continued good health and energy of our Bishop — to find ways to support him so that he may continue to lead us — more creative lay leadership in weekday ministry |
| C27 | peoples' anger over gay issues would be dissipated by Holy Spirit to allow release — that God would place His word within the hearts of those seeking/hungering for healing so they reach out to the church — that God would place in ordained clergy the initial spark that called them into His service |
| C28 | 1. greater issues of love and compassion would override petty concerns that have devoured us 2. individual desires for power and prestige would be set aside to allow the Holy Spirit to move in unexpected ways 3. the church would be a living witness through society — that all would be drawn to it |
| C29 | 1. that the diocese would be much more active in consolidating parishes |
| C30 | 1. a shared vision for existing ministries and the establishment of new ventures 2. clearer notification of illness and other pastoral concerns in the Diocese |
| C31 | Diocese 1. we need support for our bishop 2. close churches and combine parishes to be stronger in number 3. taking care of our Cathedral and making it comfortable to do ministry |
| C32 | 1.. Support for our Bishop 2. People more open to change # recommitment of young (under 30) people for ordained ministry |
| C33 | 1. that going to church would become important to our culture/ that church would be valued more highly 3. that it would foster greater sense of community in our culture ( instead of rampant individualism) |
| C34 | 1. a freak renewed passion for preaching 2. full inclusion of gen X'ers ( between 25 — 45 years old) 3. commitment to community — less lone ranger mentality for clergy and parishes |
| C35 | That we would turn away form interpretive doctrinal issues and back toward mission of God's church in the world to serve the poor, disadvantaged, marginalized. Reconciliation with Anglican communion, whatever that might mean. That everyone's hearts would be more generous with money and time for the church. |
| C36 | 1. deal with too many small (new missiology) 2. national church truly embraces its diversity 3. hang onto our identity |
| C37 | 1 better listen to each other as Bonhoeffer said 2. Episcopalians be more excited about ourselves 3. new vision to be church obvious old forms not working old hymns |
| C38 | need to deal with larger issues of humankind rather than X, wealthy enough to support all congregations |
| C39 | 1. that we would find our unity in Christ, living out the greatest commandments, the Great Commission 2. that we could humbly embrace and learn from our sisters and brothers in global South without how 3. that we could grow our stewardship in thanks giving for god's abundant generosity |
| C40 | 1. that the church be able to reach out into the communal to back up interest in faith living 2. better communication for the same of knowledge as to the work of the church 3. that the church would become one |
| C41 | 1. see the faith of our fringe parishioners have spiritual awaking within our church 2. wish we could like our diversity as a gift that it is — not find it a burden 3. love so to see our children set on fire by their faith 4. we need to be about the business o the church and not the conflict that immobilize |
| C42 | 1. assisting bishop for N.J. 2. find away for clergy to empower laity to be more accountable in ministry 3. great excitement at out of Anglican tradition and spreading |
| C43 | Diocese of N.J. 1. full participation from all parishes 2. more missionary outreach 3. youth programs to double |
| C44 | 1. reconnect with evangelical zeal 2. learn how to be inclusive without alienating those who disagree, caring without judgment for those who disagree 3. become intentions about Christian formation |
| C45 | Freedom form fear and complacency. Staff person as regional coordinator for anti—poverty initiatives — ability to communicate effectively and to those not in our community |
| C46 | 1. stop obsessing about matters about sexuality and begin obsessing about missionn2. we would be more daring — not trendy or fashion of moment — dare to risk something big for something good 3. more joyful church — so much to be joyful about less emphasis on negatives at all levels and more on what Christ is already doing |
| C47 | figure out how to better reach the uncrushed — find a way for all issues separating to be accepted and together |
| C48 | breaking down walls — rend between spiritual and material — the coming of Christ |
| C49 | less reactive |
| C50 | 1. that we could see the things that unite us as being far more important than the things that divide us 2. that all our congregations could experience joyful worship that is not limited to on way. 3. that money would not be the limiting factor in our mission |
| C51 | |
| C52 | 1. that Bishop Councell has a long Episcopacy; capacity have opportunity to grow in with him 2. support gay and lesbian clergy and lay people , still be a part of Anglican Communion 3. Renewal of our mission in the Diocese Less then us — more common mission — as opposed to parishes feeling as though they just pay to |
| C53 | 1. focus on the people in mini — branch 2. learn to gracefully ignore our differences 3. try to use our treasures more equitably |
| C54 | 1. three more wishes 2. enable parishioners not to be afraid to witness. Bring friends to church 3. gift of graciousness exercised between and among our church's people (Benedictine sense of hospitality) |
| C55 | 1. local churches have group of the wider church — Diocese And beyond 2. shift of loyalty away from parish familiar to new/wider vision 3. take gospel more seriously even when inconvenient. Allow ourselves to be drawn out of comfort zones. Let something's die. meet the unfamiliar people |
| C56 | 1. adequate stewardship on parish love — adequate stewardship on Diocesan Level to have necessary Diocesan Staff 2. that Bishop would have adequate support to stay healthy and whole in demanding job 3. that church would have passion for mission, evangelism, care for poor |
| C57 | 1. growth spiritually and membership 2. talented priests, deacons invited to emerge from parishes and from other parts of country 3. work on mission of church instead of arguing issues |
| C58 | 1. priority with youth — give them something to come to church for 2. health ministry grants — for new initiatives 3. healing of church — stop beating each other up |
| C59 | 1. more accepting of each other 2. clear vision of ministry together 3. deep concern for poor |
| C60 | 1. resources to do our work 2. devoted and committed ministers 3. Gospel living as opposed to superficial living ( sacrifice) |
| C61 | 1. healthy growth 2. increasing ministries to those who need them 3. that those who feel alienated from our large family will be healed or find a new home |
| C62 | resolution of our conflict — more effective production of what our church offers — a deeper commitment to Christ's' teaching |
| C63 | 1. commitment of mentors beyond consumers of religion 2. not be afraid of evangelism 3. go beyond periodical preoccupation |
| C64 | 1. full participation from all parishes 2. making everyone aware of needs of outside Diocese, country, 3rd world places 3. look carefully at youth programs, make them attractive size make everyone feel welcome |
| C65 | 1. greater care in handling sensitive issues so that they do not become political battles 2. to organize practically around the ministry that we are called to do 3. better Christian formation — esp. of children — for the church's mission to flourish |
| C66 | 1. humble service vs. arrogant politics 2. converting words of faith into actions of charity 3. to listen with empathy, speak with love, act with hope |
| C67 | 1. we could stop fighting with each other and really do the work of the Gospel 2. that al l of us could feel empowered to invite others into the church 3. that our best and brightest young people would hear a call to serve the church |
| C68 | 1. more joy in church understanding of God as love 2. greater sense that Christian community is important in helping us to live our lives 3. distinctions between religions become less distinct |
| C69 | 1. that we would utilize the talent we possess in spreading the message of the way we live out the Xian faith through multi—media. 2. that we would see our present strains as an opportunity to witness to the world how a body of people finds a way through problems that divide us. |
| C70 | 1. That individuals clergy would have more time for prayer and study — this would have an impact on congregations. 2. that we stop being a political on social agenda organization and rise above it all with the Cross of Christ. 3. that the Eucharist became a statement of what we are becoming, not what we so clearly devise ourselves as being. |
| C71 | 1. that we recapture sense of spirit driving us toward social justice. 2. that we take stewardship so seriously that we would develop enough resources to take care of maintenance needs and drive us to work the mission field. |
| C72 | 1. to be less shy about the workings of the Holy Spirit 2. to be more bold about sharing the sacramental ministry among ourselves and others. Churched and unchurched — to lead to new life. 3 that we be more willing to move away from institutional |
| C73 | 1. to be committed to true 2. truth over unity open to new spirit and revelation 3. mutual support |
| C74 | 1.compassion 2. stability and commitment to moving forward 3. be prepared for the unknown and the unthinkable ecumenical mindset — unity of all |
| C75 | inclusiveness — better money management — connecting resources with needs |
| C76 | 1..stop warring about sex 2 once again know how to respect each other in disagreement. 3. find a better way to do deployment — use a bailer plate ; do not match people with churches; it feels kike a big game |
| C77 | 1. vision of unity — vision that leads to unity 2. love God more than the church 3. that suspicion would vanish i.e. suspicious attitudes — suspicion of everyone's motives |
| C78 | 1. to meet needs of ministry that we are called to do 2. financial resources to enable people that are called to ministry to live out their calling |
| C79 | 1. 50—50 in ministry between men and female 2. more parishes would be involved in going out into the world 3. that our Diocese Would have peace and justice committee. |
| C80 | 1. people in congregation, have more respect for clergy |
| C81 | 1. sensitivity to traditionalists 2. rework deployment — Bp opposite 3. self—care |
| C82 | 1. clergy paid by Diocese 2. assessments mandatory/not voluntary 3. mandatory self care assessment of clergy to Bishop and vestry |
| C83 | 1. to look past labels and stereotypes 2. to look underneath in issues to be reconciled to each other 3. to be brave and courageous with controversial issues |
| C84 | 1. a deeper commitment to the scriptures — study, teaching 2. a robust strategy, process to spiritual maturity 3. every church in diocese create a strategy with vision, purpose and ministry that is revival and commended by Bishop |
| C85 | 1. fright less 2. unity of purpose found 3 live out the Great commission |
| C86 | 1. to belong without having to agree 2 that small churches would be paid attention to in such a way that they thrive and contribute 3. that church develop true spirit of generosity of spirit and money |
| C87 | 1. return to laying out our Anglican communion 2. truly to be filled with the Holy Spirit |
| C88 | 1. focus on spreading the Gospel rather than quarreling about social issues. 2. people would turn away from selfish needs and focus on community service 3. parishes would true welcome and embrace people from all backgrounds |
| C89 | 1. fearlessness for every Christian to tell the story of their personal experience of Christ 2. spending the majority of our resources and energy on mission rather than maintenance 3. a willingness to experience in worship God in different ways that the traditional ways |
| C90 | 1. spirit of God to do our ministries 2. collegiality within our clergy, to support our ministries 3. financial support |
| C91 | 1. that we try to follow biblical principles, not just our own ideas 2. that we stand for something, not just stand for anything 3. that we recapture a sense of our historic grounding in the Christian faith |
| C92 | I wish we would be happier with ourselves more peaceful and secure about what in have to offer. I wish surrounding culture would become more aware of what we have to offer — feel we are very alone. I wish we had more money — and not so many constraints on in by very modest budget |
| C93 | 1. spend more time on the important things — great commission things 2. be happier and not so anxious 3. better awareness of resources — money, talent, energy, vision — that are available — more vision outside box, life outside box |
| C94 | 1. a true experience of the unity of the church (neither male nor female, Jew or Greek,….) 2. that we would be given ears to listen to the spirit beyond the noise around us (quick to listen, slow to speak) — listening to the spirit and each other. 3. to be apt. at inviting and welcoming others into our communities. |
| C95 | 1. ecumenism — get rid of stupid divisions, i.e., connect fully with ELCA 2. forward thinking, risk taking leadership 3. greater financial resources |
| C96 | focus on what really matters — nurturing and nourishing people of God. Also physically nurturing claim our identity as the via media — as accepting of all. More supportive across diocese — all parishes have challenges |
| C97 | more money — more diocesan staff — more opportunities for clergy to play — more diocese picnics with no work agenda — comfortable chairs at the cathedral! | 0m
| C98 | 1. By matching God's generosity with our generosity that we free ourselves from the anxiety of not having enough money 2. That we find ourselves in the position that people are drawn to us due to the faithfulness that see in us. 3. Because of the strength we find, we move forward not in fear of what might happen but in hope of the fulfillment of what God wants to happen. |
| C99 | 1. each lay person would be given the chance to have the spiritual experience that I have be able to be supported in a variety of ways in that. 2. that there would be a genuine spiritual renewal throughout the Diocese Of both laity and clergy because I believe everything else will flow from that. 3. that the church would begin to function less on a 'male' model. |
| C100 | 1. church more active in social justice work particularly native American work. 2. Accept each other's opinions/differences and keep working together any way. |
| financial support (not salary) for diaconal ministry — fees, gas, stipends, etc. | |
| C101 | 1. wish the church would talk honestly about what is going on in the church. 2. Get to work on social issues and realize that God is happy with us 3. Enough money to support the work of the diocese |
| C102 | 1. A place where everyone on same playing field/level, where people encouraged and supported rather than inhibited. 2. Those less visible are honored and respected: disabled / gay / minority, fewer power plays, what calls best out of a person. 3. Make a place where environment is fun, people want to go, meaningful, fulfilling |
| C103 | 1. Forget being issue-driven instead of gospel-driven. Let us live the baptismal vows. 2. Make relationships more important to doctrine/policy. People are brought to the church because of relationships. 3. Win the lottery! Tired of talking about money. Would be great to have a Diocesan camp gathering for youth. |
| C104 | 1. That we would seriously listen to Jesus 2. Be intentional about growing the church, so that clergy be move forward on those about the church. 3. Our liturgies are boring — be bold. |
| C105 | 1. That we grow numerically 2. hHve a revival of interest in spirituality 3. More understanding of how to plant new congregations — we should announce at every convention — we closed down one and opened these. A progression of growth. |
| C106 | 1.To listen to each other 2. To take time for each other 3. Open our hands outward |
| C107 | 1. Stop in-fighting 2. Really value each other 3. Put Gospel first |
| C108 | Right and permission to bless some sex unions — coherence between what we say we aspire to (life in Christ) and institutional expressions — conscience |
| C109 | 1. all of our churches be staunchly evangelical and Anglo-catholic 2. our unity 3. a significant voice in the political and social arenas |
| C110 | 1. Faithfulness to Word of God 2. Official church decisions made through prayerful guiding of the Holy Spirit for all it is people; and never on the basis of some current political correctness. 3. Mutual respect between all members of the Church |
| C111 | 1. Continuation and expansion of anti-racism work 2. Program to support small, struggling congregations and implant a program to help them obtain and maintain health and effectiveness. 3. Effective urban ministry throughout the diocese |
| C112 | 1. Inclusionness of spirit 2. Church would regain its leadership in MDG's area 3. Leadership in changing value from concern and to calling priest |
| C113 | 1. Sense of appreciation for our Anglican heritage 2. Sense of mission and evangelism 3. Solid and reliable brand name, but with places to support the diverse expressions of the various congregations |
| C114 | That the sense of brotherhood is valued for our church....sense of priestly brotherhood |
| C115 | Greater attention to spirituality and discernment |
| C116 | Better formation of the clergy and the laity |
| C117 | Greater attachment to the Word of God |
| C118 | More unity of thought about evangelization |
| C119 | More testimonies from clergy and laity in their Christian life |
| C120 | A reflection of Christian unity in the community |
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