Trinity Episcopal Church

Sonoma, California

Celebrating our past,

Anticipating our future.

August 2006

Trinity Episcopal Church

275 East Spain Street

Sonoma, California 95476

July 17, 2006

Dear prospective pastor,

“Celebrating our past, anticipating our future.” These words capture well the sense of Trinity parish as we enter the calling process for a new rector. We give thanks for our extraordinary heritage, and we look forward eagerly to what lies ahead.

We were blessed to have the Rev. Canon Stephen N. Brannon as our rector for the past decade, from 1995 until his retirement last year. His ministry was deeply appreciated by the parish; his retirement was the occasion of countless heartfelt tributes.

As you’ll see in the pages of the accompanying parish profile, our parishioners now are ready for new leadership. We seek a rector who is enthusiastic, vibrant, and energetic—a visionary leader who will help to revitalize the ministries of our parish.

To help you learn more about Trinity, we’ve divided the profile into four sections:

· WHO WE WERE. A brief historical overview of the parish, entering its one hundred and fifty-fourth year of ministry.

· OUR COMMUNITY. A topical summary of a few of the outstanding features of Sonoma and the surrounding Valley of the Moon.

· WHO WE ARE. A status report on current worship services, programs, staff, facilities, financial condition, demographics, and other aspects of parish life based on our recent parish survey and house meetings.

· WHO WE WANT TO BE. A vision of the future, including a sketch of our “ideal rector,” based on the results of the survey and house meetings.

May you be richly blessed in your search for a new pastorate. As for ourselves, we pray only that we “may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for us and equip us for our ministries, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

Faithfully,

Vicky Scarbrough

Vicky Scarbrough

Senior Warden

INTRODUCTION

Trinity Episcopal Church is a pastoral-sized parish in the Diocese of Northern California. Located in the wine-country town of Sonoma, about fifty miles north of San Francisco, Trinity is a parish with a rich history and an expectant sense of its future.

The people of Trinity are a welcoming and warmly caring congregation. We have a long tradition of serving the community and seeking to grow in our faith. As our mission statement reflects, we’re committed to being an embodiment of God’s love in the world.

Mission Statement

We at Trinity are committed to be an expression of God’s love through Jesus Christ, teaching and nurturing one another in our journeys in faith, and equipping one another for service to our community and the world.

We are seeking a new rector who can lead us on this journey of faith – a deeply spiritual person with the vision and energy to help our parish grow and fulfill its mission of teaching, nurturing, and serving.

WHO WE WERE – THE HISTORY OF TRINITY CHURCH

From its beginnings, Trinity has been a home for people with restless hearts, people seeking to strengthen their faith and to find some greater meaning and purpose in their lives. The paths taken by these seekers have been exceedingly diverse; the obstacles encountered along the way often have been daunting. Yet these restless hearts have persevered and remained expectant.

Trinity traces its origins to the opening of an Episcopal school for girls, founded on the Sonoma plaza by the Rev. John Leonard Ver Mehr in September 1853, three years after California’s admission to the Union as the thirty-first state. Ver Mehr had emigrated to the United States from his native Belgium in 1843. He soon found himself distressed by the rancor and divisiveness among the competing churches of his adopted homeland. He sought some larger unity to hold this diversity together, some central form to embody essential Christian doctrines and to offer authentic modes of Christian worship. He longed for a spiritual home. It was this longing which brought him to seek ordination as a priest of the Episcopal Church, a model of inclusiveness for the larger church universal, the Body of Christ.

At the invitation of the Episcopal Board of Missions in New York, the Rev. Ver Mehr and his family traveled to gold-rush California in 1850. Three years later, he accepted an invitation from Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, patriarch of the village of Sonoma, to establish a local school for girls. On September 1, 1853, Ver Mehr founded what he called St. Mary’s Hall. This event marks the beginning of Episcopal worship in the Sonoma Valley. “Our institute was to be a church-school,” he later explained, “and no day, no holyday, no Sunday, passed without its appropriate services.” St. Mary’s was especially noteworthy because of its inclusiveness during an era of widespread ethnic conflict. Attending Ver Mehr’s school, side by side, were Spanish-speaking and English-speaking students.

For several decades after the founding of St. Mary’s Hall, Episcopal services in Sonoma were conducted irregularly by various clergy from surrounding parishes and communities. On January 21, 1912, the bishop of Northern California granted mission status to the Sonoma congregation. Among the church’s most successful early leaders was the Rev. William Therrel Holt. He reported in 1916 a growing maturity of his congregation in matters both material and spiritual: “If the distinction can be made—it is evident that the spiritual is keeping pace with the material development of the mission, as the truth spreads that the real rector and priest in charge of the mission is the imminent Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…. May those who hear the voice of the Shepherd pray for us, that from the grace of His presence we may progress ever in the way of truth and life.”

It was in the latter half of the twentieth century that Trinity entered its strongest era. Many parishioners today can recall with clarity and satisfaction the achievements of the Rev. Martin Knutsen, the priest with the longest tenure, by far, in the history of Trinity. He arrived in Sonoma in 1959 and remained as rector for twenty-seven years. His most notable accomplishment was the construction in 1962 of the present church buildings at 275 East Spain Street. Reminiscent of the restless longing of John Ver Mehr for a spiritual home, Fr. Knutsen challenged the architects to design a building for worship that felt “like a spiritual home.” The resulting building, with its warm redwood walls and intimate relationship between altar and pews, admirably achieved the rector’s goal. Until his death in 2006, the Rev. Knutsen served the parish as its esteemed rector emeritus.

Trinity’s most recent rector, the Rev. Canon Stephen N. Brannon, arrived in Sonoma in 1995 and served until his retirement in 2005. Under his leadership, Trinity continued to build upon the traditions of its rich heritage. The restless heart of the parish found eloquent expression in a new stewardship hymn, composed by parishioner and renowned organist John T. Burke, “Come Join Our Journey of the Heart.” Active seekers in the parish participated in Centering Prayer sessions, Celtic Worship Experiences, Education for Ministry (EFM) classes, and a multitude of short-term courses of study. The Rev. Brannon also oversaw the celebration of Trinity’s sesquicentennial in the fall of 2003. Overcoming obstacles without becoming discouraged remained a challenge, as the congregation wrestled with the day-to-day exigencies of parish ministry.

When the Rev. John Leonard Ver Mehr first came to the Sonoma Valley more than 150 years ago, he had a sense that his coming was providential. He reflected back on what his life had been and he envisioned what might lie ahead. There was a restless spirit within him and a hope for the future. “All this made me go to Sonoma,” he said, “with an ‘expectant’ disposition.” As we look to the future of Trinity and to the leadership of our next rector, that same spirit of restless expectancy remains within us.

OUR COMMUNITY – SONOMA & THE VALLEY OF THE MOON

Sonoma is a small city with a fascinating history, a beautiful setting, and many recreational and cultural offerings.

The city of Sonoma is fairly small—covering less than a three-square-mile area. It’s built around the Sonoma Plaza, the largest town square in California and a National Historic Landmark. With the 1908 city hall building in the middle, surrounded by beautiful trees, lawns, gardens, and playground areas, the plaza is truly the center of the city and the natural background for many community activities.

The city of Sonoma is the largest community, and the only incorporated city, in the 17-mile-long Sonoma Valley. The valley, which is often called “the Valley of the Moon,” has several other residential areas. To the north are Boyes Hot Springs, Fetters Hot Springs, Agua Caliente, and El Verano. These areas, many of which were originally summer resort communities, are known as “the Springs.” Also to the north are Glen Ellen and Eldridge (site of Sonoma Developmental Center). To the southwest of the city are three mobile home parks and a cluster of single home and condo senior developments.

Sonoma’s Location

Sonoma is located in the heart of the wine country of Northern California, about 50 miles north of San Francisco and about 70 miles west of Sacramento, the state capital. Sonoma is just an hour’s drive from the beautiful California coast and a three-hour drive from Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

A Little Local History

Sonoma was founded in 1823 as the site of the last and northernmost mission in California’s chain of Spanish missions. Not long afterwards, Mexican General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo came to establish a settlement north of San Francisco and laid out the town around a central plaza. Vallejo built a large home and barracks for his troops near the plaza. The mission, barracks, and home still stand today and are part of the Sonoma State Historic Park.

Sonoma is known as the birthplace of California. In June of 1846, it was the site of the “Bear Flag Revolt,” when a group of American adventurers captured the town and seized General Vallejo. For three weeks, until the United States claimed the California territory, Sonoma was the capital of the California Republic. The “Bear Flag” banner of the short-lived California Republic has since been adopted as the California state flag.

Renowned author Jack London, who wrote about the area in such novels as The Valley of the Moon (1913), lived and died on his ranch in Glen Ellen, just to the north of Sonoma. The ruins of his baronial estate, the Wolf House, are part of the 800-acre Jack London State Historic Park.

Community Demographics

The city of Sonoma has a population of 9,686 at last count. The 2000 Census reported 4,373 households within the city. Of these, 21 percent include children under 18 and another 21 percent are single persons over 65 living alone. Within the city, the racial makeup is about 94 percent white, with a small percentage of other races. Approximately 7 percent of city residents are of Latino/Hispanic origin. Median income for households in the city is $50,505; median family income is $65,600. Within the city limits, only about 2 percent of families are below the poverty line.

The Sonoma Valley as a whole has approximately 39,000 residents. The demographics in the valley’s unincorporated areas are quite different from those within the city. For example, 42 percent of the residents of Boyes Hot Springs are of Latino/Hispanic origin and 12 percent live below the poverty line.

Education

The Sonoma Valley Unified School District serves more than 4,500 students in kindergarten through high school. The district has five neighborhood K-5 elementary schools (one of which offers a dual-immersion, English/Spanish language program), two middle schools (grades 6-8), one main high school, a small alternative high-school program, and two K-8 charter schools. Students from the high school have demonstrated high levels of academic success, including SAT scores that are higher than either the state or national average.

In addition to the public schools, our community has seven private schools, including two Catholic schools which serve children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Several private high schools are located in nearby towns.

A wide variety of educational opportunities for adults also are available, including classes at the Vintage House Senior Center (founded by long-time Trinity parishioner Jerry Casson). Both Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University offer extension classes in Sonoma and in nearby Petaluma. Other colleges and universities easily accessible from Sonoma include Napa Valley College, Dominican College, San Francisco State University, the University of California at Berkeley and Davis, and the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley (including the Episcopal Church Divinity School of the Pacific).

Sonoma’s Business & Industry

Agriculture and related industries are among Sonoma Valley’s main employers. Sonoma is the birthplace of the California wine industry, with the first premium vintner locating here more than a century ago. There are more than forty wineries located in the valley, along with associated industries.

The hospitality and tourism industries also are major sources of employment in Sonoma. Approximately 3.5 million visitors come to the Sonoma Valley each year and enjoy our local hotels, restaurants, and shops.

Housing

A wide range of housing options are available in the Sonoma Valley, but purchase prices of single family homes are fairly high. Real estate statistics from 2004 indicate that monthly rentals in the city of Sonoma ranged from $900 to $1,200 for a two-bedroom apartment to $1,800 to $2,500 for a three-bedroom house. Rental prices were somewhat lower in the Springs area. The median selling price of a three-bedroom, two-bath house in Sonoma in 2004 was $689,500. As with rental prices, purchase prices in the Springs area were somewhat lower, with a median of $575,000.

Theatre, Music & the Arts

Although Sonoma is a small town, it has a rich and lively cultural scene.

Sonoma has two ballet companies and several theatre companies which stage regular live performances. For several years, Sonoma also has hosted a hugely popular film festival that screens both American and international films.

In the music arena, Sonoma has a community chorus as well as its own opera company. An annual jazz festival attracts many well known musicians and free weekly jazz concerts are held during the summer in the Sonoma plaza. In addition, a wide variety of musical performances are on tap at local restaurants throughout the year.

Sonoma recently opened two new art museums that host a variety of exhibits during the year. Private galleries feature the works of accomplished local artists, including several Trinity parishioners. Once each year, local artists open their studios to visitors. They also share their works at the annual Salute to the Arts festival in the Sonoma plaza.

The Sonoma Plaza is the site of other festivals and community events throughout the year, including the annual Ox Roast, Cinco de Mayo celebration, Vintage Festival, Red-and-White Ball, and old-fashioned Fourth of July parade. On Tuesday nights from spring through fall, the plaza is filled to overflowing with families enjoying a farmers’ market and jazz concert—an irresistible combination! The other main venue for local events is the Sonoma Community Center. Located adjacent to Trinity Episcopal Church, the center was a gift to the community from two public-spirited, long-time parishioners, the late Dr. and Mrs. Carroll Andrews.

Outdoor Recreation

The Sonoma Valley offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The valley is home to more than 13,000 acres of parkland. Several of the larger parks, including the Sonoma Valley Regional Park and Jack London State Historic Park, offer delightful hiking trails

through the surrounding hills and vineyards. Other smaller parks include picnicking and playground areas as well as baseball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and a skateboard square. Several swim centers are fed with the natural warm springs that originally made the valley a summer destination. Bike paths make it pleasant to ride from one end of town to the other. For children, Sonoma has its own miniature golf course and Train Town, an amusement park with a scale-model railway. Sonoma also is just an hour’s drive from the beautiful California coast with public and private campgrounds available for surfing, beach-combing and relaxing. We’re just a three-hour drive from the ski slopes and year-round recreational opportunities of the Lake Tahoe area and Sierra Nevada.

Religious Community

Sonoma boasts more than two dozen churches and one synagogue. Community-wide services are held at Thanksgiving and Christmas and an ecumenical Taize service is held each month in a different church. Many of the clergy of Sonoma meet regularly in an active Ministerial Association to support one another and to plan ecumenical activities. In the past, Trinity has participated with other churches in sponsoring a vacation Bible school and an ecumenical youth group, but these activities have fallen off in recent years.

WHO WE ARE - TRINITY CHURCH NOW

Our Worship Services

Trinity Church currently has two worship services on Sunday mornings. We offer a traditional Rite I Eucharist at 8:00, usually with organ accompaniment but no choir or hymns. We offer a Rite II Eucharist at 10:30, complete with organ accompaniment, hymns, and (except in summer) an adult choir. During the penitential seasons of Lent and Advent, both services generally use Rite I.

Worship services at Trinity reflect the middle-way sensibilities of traditional Anglicanism provided by the Book of Common Prayer. As one parishioner put it recently, the liturgical style at Trinity is “not too high/not too low.” Current practice includes the use of a spoken liturgy, Sanctus bell, and gospel procession. Incense is used only occasionally, such as at the annual Easter Vigil.

Most of those who responded to our recent parish survey, conducted as part of the current calling process, indicated they regularly attend worship services. About half reported they attend services two or three times a month and another third said they attend every Sunday. Almost two-thirds of parishioners who responded to the survey indicated they attend the 10:30 Sunday worship service and the other third attend at 8:00. Combined average attendance at both services during 2005 was ninety-six.

In addition to the regular Sunday worship services, a healing service is held on Wednesday mornings and a contemplative prayer group meets on Saturday mornings. Trinity also offers the Eucharist at two residential care facilities – Sonoma Hills and Avalon House – on alternating Tuesdays. In each November since 1998, we’ve offered the community an annual “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” service, complete with kilted preacher and bagpipe player.

Lay volunteers are an essential part of all our worship services. Eucharistic Ministers, licensed by the bishop and serving under the direction of the rector, assist with administering Holy Communion during worship services. Eucharistic Visitors take Communion to the sick and shut-ins at hospitals, residential care facilities, and private residences. We have a small crew of acolytes who serve at each of the 10:30 services and most 8:00 services. Both adult and youth volunteers read Lessons at the Sunday morning services. The Altar Guild has the honor of caring for the altar, linens and vessels used during the worship services. It also arranges flowers for the sanctuary. In our recent parish survey, the Altar Guild received high marks for excellent service.

Music always has been an important part of worship at Trinity Church, but this is an area that parishioners currently believe needs improvement. We have a pipe organ, a synthesizing electronic organ, and a concert grand piano. We also have an adult choir which sings at the 10:30 service from fall through spring, but choir membership has fallen off in recent years. Special musical offerings are presented at Easter and at Christmas.

Welcoming Our Worshipers

Volunteer ushers hand out service leaflets and greet everyone who comes to worship at Trinity. They also welcome folks for refreshments in the parish fellowship hall after both the 8:00 and 10:30 Sunday services. Volunteers make coffee and provide cookies or other light refreshments.

Teaching One Another

We provide both our children and adult parishioners opportunities to learn more about our faith.

For the past two years, Trinity has offered a Sunday school series for children in grades one through five based on the popular Harry Potter books and films. Using the books and films as our entry point, we’ve explored a variety of Christian themes, including God’s love for us, caring for one another, good and evil, and resurrection. Our children have responded well and continue to enjoy this innovative program.

We also have a youth group for sixth- through twelfth-graders that meets each month for fun, fellowship, and learning. Recent activities have included creating Lenten prayer books and traveling together to see The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Our goal for the next academic year (2006-2007) is to maintain the Harry Potter program for grade-school children but to expand educational offerings to include age-appropriate classes for preschoolers and for older youth. We have an energetic new director of youth ministries and a dedicated Youth Education Committee developing these plans.

Trinity offers short-term classes for adults throughout the year, either on Sunday mornings between worship services or in the evenings. Recent classes have included theological reflections on the film Chocolat and a study of Christian discipleship based on Kimberly Dunnam Reisman’s Following at a Distance. Small-group book studies are led by the rector every Wednesday morning. Several years ago, Trinity offered a lively Education for Ministry (EFM) class. In our recent house meetings, parishioners expressed a desire for more opportunities for adult education.

In addition to these regular classes, last spring we offered a series of confirmation classes. Twelve children and several adults participated in the classes and were confirmed by the bishop in May.

Nurturing & Caring for One Another

Trinity is a wonderfully caring community.

We have many opportunities to build fellowship through social activities, including our annual parish picnics, St. Nicholas and Epiphany parties, Shrove Tuesday pancake dinners, Lenten suppers, and other special events. One of the most successful activities has been High Street Faire, a fund-raising bazaar coordinated with our popular “Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan” service.

Trinity also has several programs that promote regular pastoral care. Our Pastoral Care Committee is a group of seven dedicated lay persons who, together with the rector, address the pastoral needs of the parish. Members of the committee keep in contact with parish shut-ins, check with Sonoma Valley Hospital for those in need, arrange visits, send notes of concern, and let parishioners know that Trinity is praying for them. Volunteers provide rides to parishioners who need transportation and also make tape recordings of the Sunday services and deliver them to those who are unable to attend. We also have a chronic pain support group – Joykeepers – that meets on the first Friday of every month. In addition to these existing programs, Trinity is launching a new Pastoral Partners program, designed to establish and maintain fellowship and prayerful pastoral care among all parishioners.

Caring for Our Community & the World

Trinity’s outreach activities are carried out primarily through our Beyond Ourselves Ministry (BOM). Its mission statement is a challenging one: “Meeting the social needs of our community, here and abroad, as an expression of our Christian concern for our fellow human beings.” BOM provides financial support to community organizations and other outreach efforts, including the following:

· Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH): This volunteer community action group provides groceries, furniture, clothing, and transportation to those in need. In addition to providing financial support through BOM, the parish collects food and other items for FISH each month and several parishioners are active volunteers.

· Meals-on-Wheels: Founded by parishioner Josephine Baker 25 years ago, Meals-on-Wheels delivers two meals a day, five days a week to homebound individuals throughout the Sonoma Valley. In addition to providing financial support, Trinity leases its kitchen facilities to Meals-on-Wheels and several parishioners volunteer as cooks, drivers, cookie bakers, and dessert makers.

· Operation Youth: This program lends a helping hand to the youth of Sonoma Valley, including offering drug- and alcohol-free concerts on weekends. Operation Youth was founded by parishioners in 1991 as an outreach ministry and became a separate non-profit association in 1998. In addition to providing financial support, several parishioners volunteer in this program.

During this past year (2005), BOM also donated funds for disaster relief in South Asia after the Tsunami and in the Episcopal dioceses of Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Funds for the support of BOM activities come from parishioner donations and a portion of Trinity’s pledge income.

For several years, Trinity has had a companion-parish relationship with the cathedral of San Juan Evangelista in El Salvador. A committee keeps in contact with the cathedral and several parish members have visited El Salvador. In addition to praying for our companion parish each week, we provide financial support, primarily scholarships for students. In 2005, the parish sent $2,000 to support this program. We’ve also helped with relief efforts in El Salvador following several natural disasters.

Other Parish Programs

Other important programs at Trinity Church include:

· Saint Barbara’s Guild provides receptions after funeral services or other special events. It also raises funds to provide “camper-ships” (financial aid) for children wishing to attend the diocesan summer camp at Lake Tahoe.

· Trinity Times is the monthly parish newsletter. Edited by a parishioner volunteer, it includes schedules of activities, a message from the rector, and other news of the parish.

· Several parishioners volunteer as “welcomers” to make the church building available for prayer, rest, meditation and fellowship on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Our Clergy & Staff

Trinity Church has been blessed, both in the past and present, with talented clergy and staff.

The position of rector is full-time, with a salary set according to parameters established by the diocese. The Reverend Lucretia Jevne is serving as our full-time interim and the Reverend David Gordon volunteers as an associate priest.

Trinity has a part-time director of youth ministries, Allison Bostedt, who started in this position in 2005. She’s responsible for working with the Youth Education Committee, sharing teaching responsibilities in Sunday school, and leading the youth group. We also have a paid nursery attendant, Connie Weidemann, who has provided faithful care for our youngest parishioners for many years.

Trinity has a part-time organist and music director, Larry Brunke, responsible for leading the choir, playing the organ during the 10:30 Sunday services, and working with the rector to select hymns and plan other musical offerings. Eileen Zellers, one of our long-time parishioners, volunteers as organist at the 8:00 services.

Trinity currently has a half-time office administrator responsible for preparing Sunday bulletins and parish mailings, acting as parish book-keeper, and helping with other activities to support the administration of the parish. Our regular office administrator currently is on leave (due to a family illness) and the position is being filled by a temporary staff person. Parishioner Charles Cook provides assistance, on an hourly basis, in setting up facilities for special events; he also serves as verger at the 10:30 services.

Our Church Facilities

Trinity Church is located in an upscale residential area on the east side of Sonoma, about two blocks from the historic Sonoma Plaza. This sizeable and valuable property contains three buildings: the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and an office/classroom building. All three buildings were constructed in 1962 and are connected by covered, lighted areas and walkways. All buildings have been well maintained and are in good condition.

As noted in our parish history, Trinity’s current home was built during the tenure of Martin Knutsen. He challenged the architects to design a place of worship that felt “like a spiritual home.” The building they designed, with its warm redwood walls, admirably achieves this goal. Outstanding furnishings include stained glass windows over the altar and entrance, carved altar and communion rails, and a mosaic and bronze figure of the Risen Christ above the altar. The nave will accommodate approximately 160 worshipers.

Buttrum Hall, named after former rector Harold St. George Buttrum, is a large fellowship hall with full kitchen facilities. It hosts parish dinners, meetings, and classes. The space also is available for community groups, such as AA and NA, and for wedding receptions and other celebrations. The kitchen and some of the storage area are leased by Meals-on-Wheels during the week.

Our administration and classroom building has many uses. At the east end are the rector’s office and the church administration office. Adjoining the rector’s office is a small meeting room, known as Dallas Library, which houses our music library. Also located in this building, are our nursery, youth library, acolyte room and Sunday school rooms (including our recently redecorated “Hogwarts School” classroom). In the middle of the building are four adjoining classrooms. In the past, much of this building was rented to private schools. We’re currently exploring new rental possibilities for this space.

Trinity also has several lovely outdoor facilities.

At the end of a walkway from our sanctuary doors is the Webb Redwood Grove, a beautiful circle of mature redwood trees that provides shade to our labyrinth. The labyrinth, outlined by rounded and smoothed river boulders, offers the community a patterned walking, meditative “prayer journey.” It was created and installed by parishioners in 1999.

Between the sanctuary and Buttrum Hall is Abbot Courtyard with its distinctive Celtic cross. This beautiful, tree-shaded area is the perfect spot for outdoor worship, parish picnics, and other events. In the past, this area has been the site of community poetry readings.

Behind Abbot Courtyard, in its own enclosed area, is our Memorial Garden and Columbarium. This lovely, peaceful garden, with its flowering plants and bench-seating area, was designed and maintained by a group of dedicated parishioners. The granite-faced Columbarium has bronze plaques with the names of those whose ashes are interred. The Garden and Columbarium were dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Jerry Lamb in September 2000 and remain a source of great comfort to many parishioners.

In addition to these facilities, our property includes several large lawn areas, a playground, and a sizeable paved parking lot. (See Appendix A for a schematic drawing.)

Stewardship & Finances

Several groups assist in the vital areas of stewardship and finance.

· The Finance Committee oversees the financial affairs of the parish and drafts an annual budget to be presented to the vestry.

· The Stewardship Committee promotes the wise and proper use of our individual resources through pledges of time, talent, and treasure.

· The Trinity Church Foundation encourages planned giving and oversees the investment of endowment funds, special gifts, and memorials.

We are fortunate to have the Rev. David Gordon, a nationally recognized stewardship consultant, as a volunteer assistant priest in the parish. The Rev. Gordon assisted in the development of a successful stewardship drive for 2003.

Trinity is anticipating a renewal of its stewardship program following a decline in the number of pledging units over the past seven years. In January 2006, the vestry asked the Stewardship Committee to implement a year-round program of stewardship education and development. Among the practices being reinstated is providing parishioners with periodic pledge-reminders.

The good news is that the steady decline in the number of pledging units over the past several years has been offset by an overall increase in the total amount pledged.

Here is a summary of our recent stewardship history:

Year Pledge Units Total Amount Pledged

2000 94 $105,962

2001 91 $105,829

2002 87 $107,546

2003 91 $131,649

2004 88 $133,338

2005 74 $122,292

2006 73 $133,333

Financial Status

Our current budget, adopted at the annual meeting in January 2006, includes projected revenues of $179,488 and operating expenses of $188,423. At the time we adopted the budget, we anticipated pledges of only $117,048. As reflected above, our projected pledge income subsequently increased to $133,333, bringing total expected revenue to $195,773. By contrast, our total revenues in the previous year (2005) were $197,181 and operating expenses were $201,799. (Please see Appendix B for a summary of parish resources in 2004 and 2005 as well as the detailed budget for 2006.)

In addition to our physical plant (valued at several million dollars), Trinity has an endowment of more than $260,000, primarily invested in “Diocesan Fund B,” consisting of bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and cash investments. We also have a collection of various memorial funds totaling about $6,500.

We currently have two outstanding debts, on which we are making regular payments. The largest is a loan for $60,000 used to resurface our parking lot in 2000. The remaining balance on this loan, which matures in 2010, is about $27,000. Our second debt is to the Diocese of Northern California which extended Trinity a loan of $22,000 in 2004 to cover arrears in our diocesan assessment. We currently owe about $17,000 on this loan.

In addition to improving our stewardship program, which is a top priority for the parish, Trinity faces another major financial challenge. For the past several years, the parish has enjoyed steady revenue (nearly $28,000 per annum) from the rental of classroom space to Presentation School, a local elementary school in the Catholic tradition. Our lease with Presentation ended in the summer of 2006. Thus we will receive substantially less rental income this year than in the past; no funds will be received from this source in the years to come. We’re faced with the challenge of making up this loss of income by securing a new tenant for our facilities or by generating additional revenue from other sources.

Our Parishioners

Trinity’s 2005 parochial report indicated we have 213 active baptized members of the parish. Our parish survey, conducted in May 2006 as part of the calling process, asked some basic demographic questions about parishioners, including their ages, level of schooling, and church attendance.

Two-thirds of the 121 parishioners who responded to the survey were women. Almost half of the respondents were over 65 years of age and another third were between 46 and 65. Eleven percent of respondents were under 18. Only eight percent of the survey respondents were between the ages of 18 and 45. Our survey did not inquire about race or ethnic origin, however most parishioners are of European ancestry while a relatively small number are of other races or ethnic origins.

Trinity is a well educated parish. The majority of parishioners responding to the survey have college degrees. More than a third have post-graduate degrees and nearly a quarter more have undergraduate degrees. Parishioners work (or previously worked) in a variety of fields, including teaching, architecture, business, and the arts. Income levels also vary widely. About a fourth of survey respondents indicated their annual income is between $50,000 and $75,000, but 13 percent reported incomes of less than $15,000. (Please note, however, that some of these are middle- or high-school-age students.) Seventeen percent indicated their income is between $15,000 and $35,000. Another 15 and 13 percent, respectively, reported annual incomes between $75,000 and $100,000 and over $100,000.

Most parishioners live in the city of Sonoma, in one of the retirement communities south of the city, or in the Springs area (primarily in El Verano). A small percentage lives in Glen Ellen and in the neighboring communities of Kenwood and Petaluma.

We have many long-time parishioners as well as many who have been attending Trinity for only a few years. About the same number of parishioners fall into each of the following five attendance categories: less than 5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years, 15-25 years, and over 25 years. Most parishioners are long-term Episcopalians. Trinity is the childhood church of 16 percent of our folks; another 60 percent came to us from other Episcopal parishes, and almost all of these are life-long Episcopalians. The remaining 25 percent came from a variety of other denominations, including Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, and Baptist.

Our Parish Survey & House Meetings

As part of the calling process, we sought the views of parishioners about what we currently do well at Trinity, what we could improve, what our priorities should be for the future, and what qualities and abilities we would like to see in our new rector. We gathered this information in two ways.

First, we asked all of our parishioners, ages ten and up, to complete the parish survey. We asked parishioners who attended worship on May 14, 2006, to complete the survey during the services. Those who were not able to attend on that Sunday were mailed a copy of the survey. A total of 291 surveys were distributed at the services and by mail. We received back a total of 121 completed questionnaires, for a response rate of approximately 42 percent.

Second, we invited anyone who wished to provide any additional input to attend small group meetings at the homes of neighboring parishioners. Nine house meetings were held between May 30 and June 11, and 58 parishioners attended these meetings.

The input provided by parishioners who responded to the survey and attended the house meetings is summarized here. A complete tabulation of responses to the survey is attached as Appendix C. The input of parishioners on a variety of topics also is reflected in many other places throughout this profile.

What we currently do well at Trinity and what we could improve...

In both the parish survey and the house meetings, parishioners were asked what they believed Trinity currently does well and what we could improve. The survey asked parishioners for their views about various aspects of current worship services and parish activities. They were invited to indicate whether they believed each aspect was excellent, good, or needed improvement. Parishioners also could respond with no opinion if they didn’t know enough about a listed item.

Worship services ~ The results of the survey reveal that parishioners generally believe Trinity’s worship services are good. Except for one area, the largest percentage of parishioners indicated that all aspects of the services are good and the second largest percentage indicated they are excellent. Participants in the house meetings concurred that Trinity generally excels in the liturgy used in the Sunday morning services. One participant noted, with evident appreciation, that the traditional liturgical style was “not too high/not too low.”

The one area of worship parishioners strongly believe we need to improve is our music program. When asked about the choir in the survey, “needs improvement” was the response selected by the largest percentage of parishioners. In addition, while the largest percentage of parishioners indicated our hymns and liturgical music are good, the second largest percentage believed these areas also need improvement (unlike other aspects of the services). Similarly, participants in all of our house meetings expressed dissatisfaction with the music program. In eight of the nine meetings, participants indicated that the music program in general needs improvement; in the ninth meeting, participants said we need to improve the recruiting and retaining of choir members. Observations included: our once-strong music program now has declined, an improved musical offering would attract new members and build community, and more lively music (“with a lift”) would add vibrancy to the Trinity worship experience.

Parish life & programs ~ Parishioners also generally believe that most programs or aspects of parish life at Trinity are good. These include welcoming newcomers, lay pastoral care, readers, Eucharistic ministers, acolytes, outreach activities, social events, church administration, and facilities maintenance. Participants in the house meetings consistently noted that Trinity is a welcoming parish with an open, friendly, and receptive approach to visitors and newcomers. They also observed that Trinity provides strong pastoral care, both clergy and lay, for its members. In addition, positive mention was made of “Hogwarts” Sunday school and the annual High Street Faire. Another church program that the majority of survey respondents believed was excellent was the Altar Guild. This highlights the service that these dedicated volunteers provide—caring for the altar and brightening the church with flowers at every service.

There were several areas, however, in which the largest number of respondents indicated that improvement is needed. Of first-rank importance, more than 70 percent of survey respondents indicated that increasing parish membership is a top priority. When given an opportunity to express themselves in a sentence or two, survey respondents again reiterated the need for increasing membership and church attendance. They also expressed a desire for the reinvigoration of parish life. As one respondent put it, the “bottom line is that the church needs new energy to reach out and grow.” Parish growth was also a common theme at our house meetings, where participants suggested that additional efforts are needed at “robust outreach” to attract new members and to increase attendance at services. Some suggested that recruiting younger families should be given special emphasis and that the practice of introducing of visitors in the worship services should be reinstated.

Other items on the survey where “needs improvement” was the most frequently selected response were stewardship and participating in activities with other churches in Sonoma. Improved stewardship also was frequently identified in the house meetings as a prime area needing improvement. (As noted above in the section on finances, we have begun to make improvements in this area.) Other participants in the house meetings noted that the lay leadership needs broadening, most especially to avoid exhausting existing lay leaders. Along that line, participants frequently expressed the desire for a general revitalization of parish life, a boost in the parish’s “energy level,” and a new and invigorating sense of vision and purpose.

WHO WE WANT TO BE – TRINTY CHURCH IN THE FUTURE

What we would like to see at Trinity...

In both the parish survey and the house meetings, parishioners were asked for input on priorities for Trinity’s future.

Worship services ~ The survey asked parishioners if they would enjoy having various items included in future worship services at Trinity. Respondents could indicate whether they would enjoy having these items included regularly, occasionally, or not at all. Approximately 80 percent of respondents indicated they regularly would like to have visitors introduced during services and prayers offered for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. The majority also indicated they would enjoy the use of the Sanctus bell and gospel procession on a regular basis. Items that the majority indicated they would enjoy occasionally included Morning Prayer, variations in the Rite II liturgy, alternative services (such as folk or Celtic), and family services.

Parish life & programs ~ The survey also asked parishioners about the importance of various activities in the allocation of Trinity’s resources during the next few years. Respondents were asked to indicate whether each activity was very important, important, or not important. The majority of parishioners reported that all the listed activities are either very important or important. The items, however, that received the highest number of “very important” responses were worship services, increasing membership, maintaining church facilities, youth group, Sunday school, and choir. Likewise, participants in the house meetings stressed priorities such as church growth, improved stewardship, and an upgraded music program. They also frequently mentioned expanding existing programs (including more opportunities for adult education). When asked to look to the future, house meeting participants expressed a desire for a new parish vision so that Trinity might become a more “powerful, vibrant church.”

The ideal new rector we would like to see called to Trinity...

The parish survey presented parishioners with a list of personal qualities, abilities, and interests that a new rector might have. Respondents were asked to rank the five they believed were most important.

Personal qualities ~ The largest number of parishioners, by far, identified their number-one priority as having a rector who is spiritually grounded and a visionary leader. This was followed by such qualities as being warm, caring, and dedicated. Parishioners also prefer a rector who is a good listener and has a sense of humor.

Abilities & interests ~ Once again, the most important ability identified by parishioners is providing leadership and vision for the parish. About 60 percent of parishioners ranked this as their number-one priority and 80 percent identified this as among their top five priorities.

Sermons ~ The parish survey also listed qualities parishioners might hope for in sermons given by our new rector. It asked respondents to rank the five they believed were most important. Parishioners responded that it is most important that sermons have a clear take-home message, are effectively delivered, and are relevant to their personal life. Parishioners also expressed a preference for sermons that make a connection to social issues, are well organized, and educate about the context of scripture.

In our own words ~ In the parish survey and house meetings, parishioners were asked to describe, in their own words, who they believed would be an ideal new rector. As might be expected, the responses varied widely. Yet a consistent pattern emerges from the many voices: The people of Trinity are looking for a priest who is firmly grounded in the Christian faith and has “a strong spiritual life.” They want a preacher who is an outstanding communicator and an accomplished liturgist. They recognize the need for a proficient administrator who is “able to make hard decisions” and effectively manage the operation of the parish. In personal qualities, they seek a pastor who is “compassionate and caring for individuals of all ages” (reaching out, most particularly, to the youth). Above all, they want a person with strong leadership abilities and “a clear vision for growing the parish.” To meet the very real challenges that Trinity faces, they believe the parish needs a rector who is enthusiastic, vibrant, and energetic. They seek a spiritual leader “to breathe new life into the church,” an energetic leader who has “a vision of healthy growth for this parish,” a person with “vision and a road map how to get there,” someone who has the “leadership and vision to grow the parish,” and a person who is “fresh, enthusiastic…and excited to be here.”

It is our prayer that all who read this profile will be richly blessed in their current ministry and may give careful consideration to the needs and concerns of our parish. “O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light rises up in darkness for the godly: Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in your light we may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”