“We’re all in this together. We’ll see where the Holy Spirit is calling us to be in the weeks, months, and years ahead.”
This was the opening message from the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan, in her visit to St. John’s on February 11. The Vestry invited Bishop Ahrens and the Rev. Tim Hodapp, Canon for Mission Collaboration, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of St. John’s. About 60 parishioners and friends attended this gathering, held in the church sanctuary.
Canon Hodapp began the meeting by reviewing the work the parish did together with the Rev. Amy Welin, St. John’s Priest-in-Charge from September 2012 through January 2016. He stated that some of the roles of a Priest-in-Charge are to stabilize a parish and to help it discern a future mission. He commended the Vestry for having the courage to explore repurposing the Parish House as a way for the parish to stay in its current building. He also commended the Vestry for proposing that the parish consider selling its historic, iconic building to move to a more affordable, sustainable location. Canon Hodapp affirmed that St. John’s is not alone – Christian churches from mainstream denominations are experiencing declining, aging membership and find themselves in buildings they can no longer support.
Senior Warden Jay Anthony reiterated the news that St. John’s endowment funds are rapidly depleting and can no longer fund the difference between pledges and the actual cost of running St. John’s Parish. (Click here to read more.)
Canon Hodapp explained that the choices facing St. John’s include selling the building to move elsewhere, selling the building but renting it back from the new owners, and merging with another parish.
Bishop Ahrens stated that the diocesan office will work with the Vestry to select a new Priest-In-Charge, with an assignment based on what the church can afford. She said it is unlikely St. John’s can support a full-time priest. She also understood the importance of serving both the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities who together are part of St. John’s Church.
Canon Hodapp and Bishop Ahrens opened the meeting for questions, appreciations, and regrets. The overwhelming sentiment was that St. John’s is a community of people bound to a beautiful, sacred space that has tangible meaning in the lives of its congregation and the City of Waterbury.
Those in attendance expressed strong emotional ties to the congregation and the building. Their devotion to the church was felt regardless of age, gender, race, or national origin.
Judith Kellogg Rowley commented, “I was born 82 years ago. I was baptized here, I was confirmed, had communion, and was married here. My parents before me had their wedding here. This church has been part of my life and that of the Kellogg family. Coming here tonight, I feel uplifted and optimistic as we all move forward together.”
Wonder Barratt noted, “I’m from Ghana. We DON’T sell churches there.”
Darren Richards, age 15, said, “No other St. John’s is better than this St. John’s. This is the best church I’ve ever come to in my life. Back when I lived in New York, St. Luke’s was good. But when I came here, this became my ‘number one’ church and I want to keep it that way, and I want to keep on coming here for the rest of my life.”
Toward the end of the gathering, Canon Hodapp said, “You, as the community of God under this roof calling yourselves St. John’s are the community who gets to decide what’s next. We do that faithfully by listening very carefully to what God wants.”
Those in attendance pledged to work together to hear what God has in store for our ministry.
