Redeemer Review
The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer
June, 2008
From our Interim Vicar:
Dear Friends,
On Saturday May 3, I met with the Bishop’s Committee to lead a retreat for them at St. Stephen’s, Belvedere. We
gathered to use the Appreciative Inquiry process to interview each other to learn what we value about the Redeemer
community and discover what are the dreams for the future of Redeemer. Appreciative Inquiry is, to quote Jane Magruder
Watkins, “an articulated theory that reinforces the habit of mind that moves through the world in a generative frame,
seeking and finding images of the possible, rather than scenes of disaster and despair.”
Most of the day we spent working with images of the possible and acknowledging the blessings of the Redeemer
community. The Bishop’s Committee discovered the Redeemer Community Positive Core Values:
1). Inclusive/Accepting --- Whoever you are, and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.
2). Committed to serving youth and children.
3). Warm, welcoming and caring community.
The thoughts, ideas and goals that we gathered during the day will be helpful information to weave into the parish profile
which is a necessary part of the search process for a permanent vicar. It was a productive day that was spent with
fellowship, prayer and hard work. Thank you to the members of the Bishop’s Committee.
On Saturday May 10, there was a Special Convention of the Diocese of California at Grace Cathedral. Our delegates,
Liesje Blank, Jon Nakamura and Paula Zand joined me in representing Church of the Redeemer that day. Please read
Jon’s notes further along in this newsletter. Of special note, Bishop Marc’s “Beloved Community” vision, after much
work on the part of numerous people over the past year, commits the diocese to:
Embodied Justice, intentionally working against racism and sexism; standing in solidarity with the poor and marginalized;
and caring for God’s creation with reverence.
Church Vitality, encouraging evangelism, growth, new expressions of church; adopting missional practices of worship
and outreach; collaboration between congregations; and expressing creativity and joy in the proclamation of the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
Rooted Spirituality, through vital education and renewal ministries, communities of Christian discipleship, and formation
in the Episcopal tradition with informed respect for other traditions.
Organizational Development, emphasizing transparency and accountability for all diocesan leaders and structures;
leadership that encompasses all orders, sorts and conditions; improving communication throughout the diocese; and
revitalizing deaneries.
Inclusive Community, incorporating all people without regard to race, class, gender or sexual orientation; including
meaningful participation of all ages—children, youth and elders; and being attentive to the prophetic voices among us.
A primary goal of the Beloved Visioning Process is collaborating with neighboring congregations and the community to
embody the diocesan vision. How will Redeemer collaborate with the neighboring congregations in Marin County and
the community of San Rafael? I think that this is an important question to consider as we move through the year together.
Blessings!
Father Mark
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