2022 St. Raphael in the Valley assembly report
2022 Assembly Reports:
View reports for our 2022 assembly on our assembly report page and in this collection of blog posts.
In this report, St. Raphael of the Valley in Benson shares how “Episcopal/Lutheran churches often tend to lean more toward one denomination than another.”
At St Raphael, we are embarked on a grand experiment to embrace more fully the richness of both the Episcopal and the ELCA Lutheran traditions. A year ago, we began a consultation with Bishop Hutterer and Bishop Reddall to develop a ministry support plan. A primary concern at the time was not surprisingly, the impact of COVID on our budget.
Over the next six months, a plan began to take shape. Clergy from Sierra Evangelical Lutheran and St Stephens Episcopal, both 35 miles away in Sierra Vista, would assume a long term supply role on alternating Sundays, with an additional half day a week for “office hours.” The plan blessed us with a balanced budget and in person clergy support from both denominations. The membership was so pleased with the idea that they exceeded our pledge goal by $4000!
The new plan was begun in November with a “Blessing of a New Pastoral Relationship” at St Raphael, with clergy from Sierra Evangelical and St Stephens joined by members of their lay leadership. What a joyous event that was, with members of the three congregations discovering old friends among the visitors.
Of course there have been hiccups as we learn to work together, but throughout, the sense that we are on the right path has prevailed. We have started to find encouragement and fresh ideas in each other. Both denominations are rich in resources and traditions that enrich us as we learn more and more. A recent survey of the membership indicated all were satisfied, very satisfied, or neutral on the overall plan. Many indicated gratitude for the willingness of the clergy and their “home” congregations to share with us.
Perhaps the best example of the potential this ministry plan has to enrich all three congregations was seen recently through Holy Week. Each congregation hosted one of three key services:
Palm Sunday at Sierra Evangelical Lutheran, featured a new cantata, bell choir and brunch.
Maundy Thursday at St Raphael featured Psalm 22 cantored responsively by soloists from St Raphael and Sierra Evangelical, as well as foot washing.
Good Friday at St Stephens featured an awesome video homily and the opportunity to “give your heart to Jesus” by adding a paper heart to a full sized cross at the altar.
Naturally, none of this would have been possible without our clergy. We deeply appreciate their sense of mission, patience, generosity and creativity:
Pastor Mark Perry and Pastor Intern Diana Washington of Sierra Evangelical Lutheran.
Rev Allison Cornell, Rector, St Stephens Episcopal.
