Grace Episcopal Church Profile

G r a c e E p i s c o p a l C h u r c h 1

Parish Profile

G r a c e E p i s c o p a l C h u r c hP r o v i d e n c e , R h o d e I s l a n d

October 20 09


A Prayer for the Search for the Rector of Grace Church

O God of patient and gentle strength

who knows our needs even before we ask,

may your loving presence guide us as we seek

the next Rector for the people of Grace Church.

Give us an open spirit, discerning hearts and clear minds

that we may trust your will for us and become

ever more united in your son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Inspire our conversation, deepen our prayer, and

make us a community of humility and grace.

Raise up for us, we pray, a priest and pastor who will

boldly proclaim your Gospel,

faithfully administer your sacraments, and

serve your people with love and compassion.

All this we ask through Jesus our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Sprit,

now and forever. Amen.

M i s s i o n o f G r a c e C h u r c h

The Mission of Grace Church is to build, by the grace of God, a loving and joyful community which lives the gospel through worship, proclamation, and service to each other, to downtownProvidence and beyond.


Grace Church Parish Profile

Section Page

Prayer for the Process ..............................................................................2

Mission of Grace Church .........................................................................2

Welcome to Grace Church ........................................................................4

Our Future at Grace Church ....................................................................5

What We Seek in a Rector ........................................................................7

Our Liturgy and Music ............................................................................8

Our Outreach Ministries ........................................................................ 10

Our Life at Grace Church ....................................................................... 11

Christian Formation at Grace Church .................................................... 13

Our Facilities .......................................................................................... 14

Grace Church Governance ...................................................................... 16

Our Finances .......................................................................................... 17

Our History in Providence ..................................................................... 20

The Providence Area............................................................................... 22

Leadership at Grace Church ................................................................... 24

NOTE:

The quotes in this document were collected from newcomers and

visitors during the past year as well as parishioners who offered

comments as part of the Self-Study process.


Welcome to Grace Church!There’s a special place in the heart of historic downcity Providence.

A place that offers food, shelter and a helping hand to the homeless

and hungry. A place of reverential beauty to those who enter in. An

enduring symbol of the city. A place that offers spiritual nourishment for

hundreds of people. A place whose young people have taken mission trips

to Maine, New Orleans, Alabama, Washington, D.C., and South Africa. A

place whose music touches listeners — and participants — profoundly.

And a place that has mirrored the neighborhood in enjoying good

times and surviving down times. The tower bells of Grace Church in

Providence have rung since Easter Day of 1861. In the 1950s, Grace was

one of the largest congregations in the Episcopal Church. And in the

1990s, like many urban churches, it barely survived. Now the church

and the neighborhood are in another time of renewal.

At Grace Church, we welcome everyone — whoever they are, what ever

they wear, wherever they are on their spiritual journey. We embrace

their presence. And we encourage their involvement. That approach of

radical welcome and our diverse community with its sense of mutual

caring have helped us become the fastest-growing parish in the Diocese

of Rhode Island.

This Parish Profile outlines who we are today at Grace Church and where we want to go in the future. It was developed

by a Self-Study Committee appointed by the Vestry in May 2009. The committee conducted surveys, parish meetings and

interviews with individuals and groups throughout the parish. It is one of the tools that will help us find our next Rector, the

clergy leader we hope will help us continue our growth and take the next steps toward an exciting future.

Grace Church Self-Study Committee

“I felt like I was ‘home’... It has been a long time since I went to an Episcopal church.”

“The most important part of Grace Church is the people — the Grace Church community.”

C o n ta c t I n f o r m at i o n

To nominate a candidate for Rector of Grace Church, please contact Betsy Fornal, Canon for Congregations and Clergy,

Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island: [email protected] or 401-274-4500, ext. 225.

If you have questions about any part of the transition process at Grace Church, please contact Dave Seifert, Senior Warden:

[email protected] or 508-779-0073.

Dave Seifert, Senior Warden: [email protected] or 508-779-0073.


Our Future at Grace ChurchGrace Church has experienced a remarkable turnaround during the past

decade, and yet we understand it’s only the beginning. As we look forward

the future, we continue to discern God’s call for us here in Providence and

adapt to changing circumstances.

For example, we have been blessed with two full-time clergy since merging

with Church of the Messiah in 2006. The pressures placed on our financial

resources from the current economic environment, however, have made

it clear that we must reallocate some of our resources and return to the

pre-merger model of a single Rector, without a clerical associate. As we do

that, we are increasing our part-time lay staff resources to help maintain

the momentum we have established.

In mid-year 2009, the Vestry and Self-Study Committee met to develop

an outline of where Grace Church wants to be in the future. This set of

ambitious goals will help guide our search process as we seek our next

Rector. We believe these goals are a refinement and enhancement of our

current practices, not a move in a new direction. They encompass, but

are not limited by, three guiding principles that seem part of the fabric

of this parish:

• Our practice of radical welcome that has brought so

many new people to our community.

• Our outreach commitment — to feed, clothe and

support the hungry and the homeless, especially in

downcity Providence.

• Our tradition of excellence in music.

“I visited Grace Church and heard a good sermon about Central America and peace, and I stayed around for the coffee hour outside afterwards. I ended up talking to a very outgoing member of the parish who had very good things to say about Grace Church, which confirmed my own impression. During the service, I sat among people who are probably homeless — a lady in front of me, a blond guy on the other side of the aisle and another homeless man, I think, in the pew next to mine, with whom I shook hands at the Peace. Grace Church’s welcoming the homeless is almost as impressive as Bishop Geralyn’s spending part of her sabbatical, in disguise, among the Providence homeless. Those are two very good things for the Episcopal Church in Providence to have done, I think. One of the homeless people that I saw in church, I later saw again in a coffee shop that’s one of my favorite places in Providence, so that was nice too.”


Parish Goals1. Double average Sunday attendance by 2015

We are a growing church. Practically speaking, however, our average Sunday attendance of about 160 is not large enough to

support our facilities or our mission. Although we know that church attendance is a measure of our growth, increasing our

numbers is not the goal itself. On a deeper level, we desire growth because we see ourselves as partnered with God in the

redemption of the world. We see Grace Church as a place of healing and comfort, not only for the poor, but for anyone on

a spiritual journey.

2. Develop stronger leaders

Churches typically have a shortage of leaders, and growth complicates this problem because there are more followers than

leaders. We propose to address this by being more intentional about developing leaders. We must first make our most

visible leaders — the Vestry — more fully aware of their leadership roles and equip them with the skills and confidence

they need to live out their roles. We also have increased staff resources with the creation of a part-time role for a staff

member as ministry leadership coordinator.

3. Offer rich and varied music and liturgical experiences

Liturgy and music are vital aspects that both draw people to Grace Church and nurture people once they’re here. Our

community is extremely diverse in age, gender, race, interest, ethnicity and sexual orientation, and is used to experiencing

engaging worship supported by a rich and diverse offering of music. That said, we believe there is opportunity to continually

strive to improve what we offer and to expand our worship experience in order to meet the needs of those present and those

who may be drawn to Grace Church.

4. Engage all parishioners in outreach ministries

Grace Church parishioners already maintain a strong commitment to living out their mission by reaching out in various

ways to each other, to the inner city of Providence and beyond. It is imperative that the church continues to sustain this

dedication of service to God and our neighbors. We believe the best possible outcome would be to find ways to involve every

parishioner in some kind of outreach ministry.

5. Practice proactive and transparent communication to the Grace Church community and key external audiences

We have effective communication vehicles in place at Grace Church, especially the monthly newsletter and our web site.

Communication has not, however, become an integrated process that can advance the parish’s priorities and goals. We seek to

strengthen internal communication to enhance people’s awareness of all parish activities and opportunities. We also believe

there are opportunities to practice external communication more fully to create visibility for the parish in the Greater

Providence area.


What We Seek in a Rector The community at Grace Church has been involved in prayerful reflection about what we discern that God has in mind for us here in Providence. The transition leaders have listened to parishioners who have offered their ideas about the experiences and attributes we need in the next Rector and to others who have shared their thoughts about what the next Rector should not be. Based on that listening process and a discussion involving members of the Self-Study Committee, Search Committee and Vestry, several themes emerged. Our highest priorities are: • Strong spiritual leader with a high-energy, collaborative style The Rector of Grace Church needs to be self-motivated, outgoing and forthright in dealing with parishioners and the community. This leader will need to be capable of and comfortable with taking on multiple tasks and delegating responsibility, particularly since we will not have an Associate Rector on staff in the foreseeable future. We envision someone who enjoys working with and developing lay leaders and who can facilitate and connect people with groups & ministries where their gifts can be effectively employed.

We also desire a spiritual leader who practices an active prayer life as part of a daily routine. We envision someone who has a “Rule of Life” to guide his or her spiritual commitment and who is comfortable sharing her or his faith story with people from a variety of backgrounds. • Personal leadership of or experience with a growing church community As stated elsewhere in this Parish Profile, it is vital that we continue the growth we have experienced in recent years. To do that, we are seeking a Rector who has not only studied the factors that lead to church growth but also has personally led or been involved in a parish community that is growing. Our urban setting adds a specific dimension that also might best be met by someone with experience in a downtown parish. We also will focus on candidates with the following skills and experiences: • Motivational preacher, capable liturgist & supporter of our tradition of excellence in music Our parishioners expect most sermons to be lectionary based and relevant to how we can live out those lessons during the rest of the week. We appreciate good scholarship but expect our Rector to preach with a “common touch” that can be understood by the diverse audience we attract. Although there is a low-church tradition in liturgy at Grace Church, we have moved to the middle of the spectrum in recent years, and most parishioners believe that is the right place for us.

The beautiful music produced by our pipe organ and choirs continually seems to touch both newcomers and long-time members. Excellent music has been at the core of Grace Church for many years, and we do not see that changing. Our Rector will play an important role by supporting and promoting this tradition. • Strong supporter of outreach, especially to the downcity community It’s been said that as soon as you step inside Grace Church, you can tell that outreach is a priority. We believe that’s due in part to our location in the heart of Providence and in part because of the nature of this community. We certainly would like to call a Rector with many capabilities, who can help us strengthen programs such as stewardship and Christian formation, but it will be vital for our future Rector to be a strong proponent of and participant in community outreach. • Passion for communication, combined with organizational and managerial competence Because we are reducing our staff to no longer employ an Associate Rector, it’s vital that our next rector be capable of & comfortable in overseeing parish administration — which must include financial competence — & ensuring follow-through of tasks that he or she may delegate to lay people. We also are seeking seek a Rector who believes passionately in the importance of communicating with us, who is visible in our parish community and who wants to engage in conversation, listening to our opinions and sharing his or her own thoughts. • Warm, caring pastor Although we are one of the larger Episcopal churches in Rhode Island, we continue to look to our Rector to oversee the parish’s pastoral care. We anticipate increased involvement from lay people in responding to pastoral needs but want that participation to occur through the leadership of the Rector.


Our Liturgy and MusicThe experience of worship at Grace Church is both awesome and intimate. The Gothic interior and beauty of the surroundings, the uplifting voices of the choir and the worshipful intent of the parish combine in service to God that many cite as the reason they were first drawn here. There is a spirit of welcome and community before and after services, which is inviting to first-time visitors.

Our Worship on Sunday We have two services each Sunday:

• 8 a.m. service. Some of the 15-20 worshippers at this service are regular attendees who have been long-term members, although some newcomers and other adult parishioners also attend. The service is held in the Bishop Henshaw Chapel of the Messiah and usually lasts about 45 minutes. There is a comfortable familiarity within this congregation, with the structure of the service and with each other.

• 10 a.m. service. Our primary Sunday service is a celebratory Eucharist based on the seasons of the church calendar. The service typically lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. In recent years the average Sunday attendance has risen to 160. Most sermons are lectionary-based and occasionally are offered by visiting clergy or invited speakers: a new member of the parish on Newcomer Sunday, a medical professional on St. Luke’s Day, etc. A ministry team offers healing prayers on the first Sunday of each month. Members of the congregation are encouraged to join the team in the chapel after receiving Holy Communion to request prayers for themselves or on behalf of others.

Other WorshipGrace Church looks for other opportunities to bring the community — and Providence people — together for worship. These services include:

• Wednesday noon Eucharist. This reflective service attracts a few members of Grace as well as persons from businesses and downtown merchant locations — employees, shoppers and a few street people.

“The music moved me to tears. It was very powerful. (the Rector) was very warm and down to earth when he gave his sermon and when greeting us.”

“People are welcoming, including clergy, and I was very happy to have gluten-free Communion wafers ordered for me … still can’t believe it!”


• Occasional services. Grace Church’s historical reputation for excellent worship continues to this day with the Christmas Eve (5 and 10 p.m.) and Holy Week services, which draw two to four times the typical Sunday morning attendance. For the past decade we have offered Sunday evening music-based services, including Choral Evensong. The Good Friday service, which extends from noon to 3 p.m., draws numerous people, many of whom come in for only a part of the service. We have a tradition of inviting a guest preacher for this service (for example, retired clergy or retired Bishops).

Worship Support. Lay support ministries are important to the spiritual efforts and life of the parish. The Altar Guild prepares the church and chapel for all of the services, tends to the cleaning of silver, brass and linens, and has charge of and works from the sacristy. Within the Altar Guild is the Flower Guild, which purchases and coordinates floral arrangements. Lay members coordinate assignments of Ushers and Greeters, as well as Lectors and Intercessors. Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest with distribution of the Sacraments. The Acolyte Ministry is directed by laity and clergy and staffed by youth and recently a few adults. Eucharistic Visitors bring the Eucharist to the homebound.

Music at Grace ChurchGrace Church has a rich tradition of music as ministry, featuring high standards of performance and dedicated choir members. Recognizing that regular participation in a choir as part of a service is an important form of Christian formation, the music program at Grace church strives to evolve in order to provide opportunities for participants of all age groups. There are generally 25 to 40 adults and children participating in the choirs at Grace in the following ensembles:

• The Grace Church Choir retains a commitment to the tradition of cathedral-style training of boy and girl choristers ages 7-18 who are accompanied by adult singers in the lower parts. Regular participants receive a small stipend in recognition of their commitment to a demanding rehearsal and service schedule. This choir sings regularly at the 10 a.m. Sunday service, Evensong, and a series of sequences of readings and music for Advent, Christmas, Passiontide, Eastertide and All Saints/All Souls. In the recent past, dedicated

members of the choir have sung a service of Compline, and there has been interest in reviving this service. These services retain the liturgical feeling of regular services with expanded musical offerings and lessons.

• The Grace Church Singers con-sists mostly of adults and sings at the 10 a.m. service on Sundays when the Grace Church Choir will be singing Choral Evensong. The Grace Church Singers sang their first evening liturgy in January 2009, and more events are scheduled for the upcoming season.


• The Summer Choir sings at the 10 a.m. service during the summer months. This non-vested choir rehearses Sunday mornings prior to the service. There are generally 15 to 30 people who sing throughout the summer in this group, some of whom sing in one or both of the other ensembles, and some are brave souls collectively dipping their toes into the Grace Church choral stream for the first time.

The choirs are supported by a large pipe organ (see more in Facilities section) that is being expanded and is receiving a new console. Other accompani-ment is provided by piano. Young members of the choir have also provided horn and/or wind accompaniment for Christmas, Easter and other special services, and occasionally the music is embellished with African drumming. Grace Church’s 16 tower bells have throughout the years sounded the Westminster chimes on the quarter-hour as well as carrying the tunes of popular hymns on the hour several times a day.

Our Outreach MinistriesOutreach is not only one of the most important ministries at Grace Church, but it’s a part of our soul! Our parishioners are actively involved in a wide range of outreach ministries, and the church supplements their donation of time and talents with financial support of key agencies and people in need.

You can see our commitment as soon as you enter our doors on Westminster Street any morning of the week. We welcome people from the downcity community with a warm cup of coffee and a place to rest.

Our commitment continues through encouragement from the Outreach Committee, which has expanded the par-ish’s efforts during the past 10 years. As an example, we place a giving cross in the rear of the nave during Advent and Lent with small projects or suggested donations attached — such as gifts or services to residents in a nearby low-income high-rise apartment building and Christmas gifts to local children. Parishioners sign up to complete the project or offer the donation.

We also support key ministries in Providence that include:

• The Providence Intown Churches Association (PICA), an ecumenical coalition of downtown churches we helped found. PICA funds and operates a weekly soup kitch-en/community meal, an emergency food pantry for Providence residents, and an outreach ministry that iden-tifies and serves people in the streets who need assistance and referrals.

• The George Hunt HELP Center, a nearby drop-in center that offers hospitality to people in the streets. The Diocese of Rhode Island founded and still supports the center, and Grace parishioners offer tangible financial and in-kind support.

• Shelter Services, Inc., which operates a transitional housing facility in Providence

• Habitat for Humanity

“The music is what I love most at Grace Church, not only because I love to sing, but because I learned many things about life while in the choir.”

“I still make the 26-mile drive to Grace twice a week because of the choir.”


Some members of the Grace Church community are Liberian by birth and heritage, and the Outreach Committee offers aid to their families and former communities in that country in the form of school supplies and other goods. During the summer, the Outreach Committee places piggy banks on the coffee tables after church so that members can contribute to the Heifer Project.

Each December, we hold a Silent Auction to raise funds for local charities. On average, $7,000 has been raised to support three charities each year. Past beneficiaries include St. Mary’s Home for Children, PICA and the George Hunt Help Center.

Our Life at Grace ChurchWe know that continuing to build the bonds of friendship is vital to our community. We try to live that out by welcoming new people, embracing them wherever they are on their spiritual journey and providing ways for them to get involved.

Welcoming

We believe it’s so important to be intentional about welcoming people who are new to our community that we have a dedicated Welcoming Team to reach out to visitors and new members, demonstrate that we love and accept them wherever they are on their spiritual journey and involve them in the community: Welcome ... Embrace ... Involve.

We invite visitors to share information with us by completing a pew card. In 2008 there was a 35 percent return on the cards placed in the pews each Sunday, and the follow-up resulted in 21 new households joining Grace Church with 45 individual new members.

To further enhance our commitment to radical welcome, we allocate resources for a staff member who works collaboratively with the Welcoming Team members and other parish staff, and collaborates with other committees. The team hosts brunches, conducts tours of the church, reviews and responds to first-impression cards, orders permanent name badges for parishioners and provides a warm welcome to everyone. It’s easy for visitors to learn more about Grace Church, in fact. All they need to do is locate the Welcoming Team members wearing their bright red “Ask Me” ribbons!

Fellowship

We offer fellowship opportunities throughout the year. During the summer, we move our coffee hour (after the 10 a.m. Sunday service) from the back of the nave outside to the Westminster Street sidewalk and share our gifts with visitors and neighborhood people who might need a cold drink or a plate of food.

“I have been to many churches seeking a spiritual community in which I’d feel connected. At Grace Church, I feel this con-nection. The good feeling here is made of many parts that matter to me. The music is beautiful. The service honors tradition. The friendly con-gregation is diverse, offering a spiritual home to different races, orientations and ages. The youth group is impres-sive. And the outreach projects Grace supports are meaningful to me: Heifer Project, Habitat for Humanity, AIDS work in South Africa and community projects in Providence. I am very grateful to have found Grace.”


We also sponsor parish picnics, invite newcomers to after-church brunches and stage other special opportunities that include a Shrove Tuesday celebration and an annual gathering of Christmas greens and “greening” of the church.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgendered & Friends

The LGBT&F community at Grace Church is loosely organized & meets socially from time to time. Events are usually organized by individual members of the community and are an opportunity to get together outside of the church. The group has organized activities such as displaying the AIDS QUILT in the church, assisting with a prayer service prior to the Gay Pride parade and walking in the Providence Pride parade. So far, these activities have been initiated by individual members and not a cohesive group; that’s both a strength and weakness. Members are fully integrated into the life of the parish in a wide range of activities — welcoming, outreach, Vestry, music and liturgy, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, etc. — and may not need to be a specific group. That involvement speaks highly of the warm, open, welcoming and diverse community that is Grace Church: not only believing, but actually living Christ’s call of inclusiveness to follow Him.

Health and Wellness

The health ministry provides support for the well-being and physical, emotional and spiritual health of individuals through the services and skills of the Heath and Wellness Team, supported by our parish nurse. We want to provide for the safety of all by planning for possible emergencies and preparing for response, not reaction, to any crisis.

The health and wellness team consists of volunteers, including the volunteer parish nurse, who are committed to assessing the whole health needs of the Grace Church community and putting in place educational or other programs to support those needs. One of the team’s first projects has been “Safety in the Church,” studyng exit signs (compliance), a safety kit and a written instructional guide developed by Joanne Calise, R.N. The team’s goal is to make sure we are prepared, so that in an emergency at a Sunday service, there will be response instead of reaction. Future projects should include the involvement of young people in the parish and examining their needs. Other possibilities could focus on issues such as nutrition, exercise and smoking/drinking.

“I happened to be walking by and decided to come in. It was a weekday and it was so nice to go into a church with open doors. I feel comfortable at Grace Church. There are several things such as the music, the sermons, the friendly people, and the open-ness Grace Church has to everyone.”

“My family came here from a church in another town. We stayed because it’s such a great loving community.”


Communication

The Communication Committee has worked to help fulfill the mission of Grace Church through delivering information multiple ways within the congregation and to the greater community. It has crafted a coherent, polished and cohesive message that identifies Grace Church as a dynamic, active and growing urban church.

Communication vehicles at Grace Church include:

• Monthly newsletter with information about church activities & profiles of parish members

• Web site

• E-mail newsletter that provides timely news and information

• Miscellaneous publications that describe Grace Church’s structure and the various opportunities offered for participation in worship and ministry, including Welcome, Christian Formation, Children’s Worship,

the Choir, the Grace Church Bells, the Stained Glass Windows & Opportunities for Ministry

• Welcome Kit with a response card and maps of Grace Church

The committee also oversaw the creation of improved interior and exterior signs, with clarity and consistency of design, and worked to develop and achieve the beautiful outside banners that identify Grace Church to the community. The committee also is responsible for press releases, public relations and outreach to news media for coverage of events and stories of religious and general interest.

In the future, communication at Grace Church must maintain the momentum it has achieved to ensure the visibility of the parish as a welcoming place of worship and active ministries. It will be important to focus on attracting the growing number of residents in downcity Providence, to increase outreach and interaction with community organizations (Providence Preservation Society, Gallery Night) and businesses, and to develop stronger ties to the media.

Christian Formation at Grace ChurchAt Grace Church, we try to help people in their lifelong journey to deepen their faith by offering a variety of Christian Formation programs designed to engage the minds and hearts of our vibrant and diverse congregation.

On Sunday mornings, we offer:

• Nursery for infants and toddlers, from 8:45 a.m. until the conclusion of the 10 a.m. service. The nursery is staffed by licensed caregivers incorporating “learning and exploration” of Bible stories.

• Sunday School between the two services (9 to 9:45 a.m.) for children from elementary school age through high school. We offer “Godly Play” for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The middle school & high school classes both offer age-appropriate, lectionary-based curriculums.


• Confirmation Class, for teenagers and adults in preparation for confirmation at the Cathedral of St. John (in Providence) each spring.

• Adult offerings that include Lectio Divina, an ancient monastic art of meditating on scripture; “Live It!,” a conversation about God in our daily lives; and a Bible Study Group that includes traditional Bible study & reading/discussion of other theological books.

During the week, Grace Church offers a Tuesday morning Bible Study.

A recent addition to our Christian Formation offerings is Centering Prayer, held on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. This group offers education and support for developing one’s own practice of centering prayer.

We have two active youth groups, one for middle school kids and another for young people in high school. These groups enjoy fellowship on Sunday evenings

twice a month and, most importantly, are active in mission trips to offer help to people in need — they’ve traveled to places including Maine; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans, and South Africa.

The Christian Formation team hopes to increase the number of volunteers helping to facilitate and coordinate programming, provide more publicity about the programs and gain more participants in the programs.

Our FacilitiesThe Building

Our present building was erected in 1846 and is an important historical site in downcity Providence. Designed by the leading American church architect of the period, Richard Upjohn, Grace Church is a splendid example of Gothic Revival architecture. In 1972, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 13,000-square-foot church seats about 700 and is a visible landmark, thanks to the spire (completed in 1860) that can be seen from many parts of the city. The parish completed several subsequent additions and modifications, notably the addition of a chancel, or choir, and parish hall in 1912 by renowned architect Ralph Adams Cram.

“I came to visit Grace Church and stayed be-cause of Sunday school.”“I was led to the dance here and found out Jesus worked through other people in my life and he asked me to use my gifts to do his work.”


When you enter the nave, the beautiful stained-glass windows are immediately apparent, as well as two groups of organ pipes — one in the chancel and the other in the gallery at the west end of the nave — that make the instrument one of the most versatile pipe organs in Rhode Island. The elaborate wood-work in the chancel appointments as well as the high altar, chapel altar and pulpit, all made of marble and set upon tile work by Grueby, help provide a conducive atmosphere for meditation and worship. Next to the nave is the chapel, which is used primarily for the 8 a.m. Sunday morning Eucharist and for healing prayers monthly during the 10 a.m. service.

The Parish Hall houses parish offices, an apartment for the organist and choirmaster, and rented office space as well as Gammell Hall, a meeting and performance space for the parish. It seats approximately 150 and has a kitchen and small stage. Because it can only be reached via stairs, however, Gammell Hall is not accessible for people in wheelchairs, which limits its functionality.

Parking

Parking is a valuable asset in downtown Providence. The parking lot adjacent to the church provides parking for parishioners during Sunday services and for people who have business in the church during the week. In addition, it is a valuable income-producing asset for the parish. It is currently leased to a parking management company and produces approximately $70,000 of revenue annually.

Grace Church Cemetery

In the mid-1800s, Grace Church purchased land for a cemetery in Providence, across town from the church building. This 9 1/2-acre cemetery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, remains irrevocably the property of the parish. A small Greek Revival caretaker’s cottage on the property has been partially restored. Church staff maintain the property, assisted by dedicated groups of volunteers at spring and fall cleanups.

Grace Church Apartments

In the 1970s, work began on the building the Grace Church Apartments, a federally subsidized apartment building for the elderly and disabled. The complex is located a few blocks from the church and was opened in October 1978. Grace Church is the managing agent of the property, which produces approximately $42,000 of revenue for the parish annually.

“I believe that it was the building itself that awestruck me. As I began attending services, I felt welcome from the beginning.”


Grace Church GovernanceVestry

The Vestry, made up of the Rector and 12 laypersons, oversees all property, assets and temporal affairs of the parish, working closely with committees and clergy. At the annual meeting each January, a nominating committee presents a slate of candidates for staggered three-year terms. The Vestry then elects a Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Clerk and Treasurer at its February meeting to serve as officers of the parish along with the Rector.

Sexton and Assistant

The full-time sexton’s main responsibilities include regular and long-term maintenance and repair of the church proper-ties, including the cemetery, as well as supervision of contract work being done in the church, such as cleaning. The sexton’s part-time assistant is responsible for helping as needed with maintenance and repair operations.

Organist and Choirmaster

The organist and choirmaster is a full-time position responsible for providing musical leadership at services, playing the organ and piano, training the choirs, selecting music and supervising maintenance of the musical instruments.

Leadership Development

We have recently increased our staff resources by establishing a part-time ministry leadership coordinator. This individual is charged with systematically identifying, equipping, empowering and nurturing volunteer leaders, especially our newer members, keeping in mind the mission of Grace Church.

Office Staff

Two full-time persons comprise the office staff:

• The Bookkeeper addresses the payroll and accountsof the parish, monitors and updates the church database(membership) and prepares the Sunday service bulletin.

• The Receptionist greets all guests during the week, collects data for the parish newsletter and prints all written materials that Grace Church issues. She schedules persons and groups for various spaces and times in the church, coordinates the narthex ministry and keeps records of attendance at the coffee sessions in the narthex and Wednesday lunches in the parish hall.


Parish Nurse

The nurse (part-time) acts as a referral agent, resource person, advocate health educator and — by reason of her role — will look at developing a Talent Directory listing parishioners who have special talents that could assist clergy or the nurse in areas of difficulty. The nurse focuses on assisting individuals, families, groups and the congregation as a whole in their quest for health, healing and God’s peace.

Our FinancesReport on Congregation Today

We have 630 communicants in good standing, based on the 2008 Parochial Report. We have 155 pledging units totaling $248,000 for 2009. The average Sunday attendance is about 182 people. Parishioners come from half (41) the 82 ZIP code areas in Rhode Island, as well as eight from Massachusetts, and five from various other states.

Finance

The finance committee monitors and provides oversight for the parish’s finances. Its responsibilities include recommending an annual budget for approval by the Vestry, monitoring budget performance (on a monthly basis, and advising the treasurer and Rector on financial matters. All committees share responsibility for expense management: clergy, staff and lay people responsible for church activities are expected to budget for the costs associated with those functions and monitor spending against those targets throughout the year.

Stewardship

The stewardship committee helps the members of the church deepen their relationship with God through the experience of prayerful giving. The committee also plans and executes the annual stewardship campaign, which occurs in the fall. We realize that giving is not just a matter of supporting our church but also a way of developing a sense of trust in God’s abundant love. Therefore, the focus is more on the relationship with God, because we believe that when people are right with God, generosity is a natural outflow from that.

Investments

The investment committee functions to preserve and increase the Grace Church endowment through policy principles, investment guidelines and oversight procedures that are consistent with the endowment’s long-term growth strategy and the congregation’s views of social responsibility. Committee members establish endowment goals, select and oversee the investment manager, and monitor investment performance. The committee holds quarterly meetings/conference calls with the investment manager and recommends changes to the endowment portfolio. The current value of the endowment is approximately $5 million.


Budget Narrative

Our financial position is generally strong, although the parish has been adversely impacted by the current recession and the resulting decline in investment values. We have operated at a deficit for many years, but the amount of the deficit in recent years was relatively small compared to the size of our endowment. Growth, rather than cost control, provided the best opportunity for closing that gap. In some cases, we made conscious decisions to increase spending to accommodate our growing congregation, recognizing that revenues would need to catch up to make that sustainable. The most significant of these decisions was to hire an associate Rector at the time of our merger with Church of the Messiah. That particular expense was funded for a set period of time by the monies that Church of the Messiah brought to the combined parish.

With the turmoil in the financial markets in late 2008, however, it became apparent that our current operating model would need to change. When the new Rector is called, we will no longer have an Associate Rector on staff. Our current revenues simply do not support two clergy positions. Many of our costs, especially those related to our physical plant, are somewhat fixed in nature and difficult to trim. Reducing the cost of clergy is a painful, but necessary, step. This, in turn, requires that the new Rector recognize that a new operating model will be required to ensure that the various duties previously shared by two priests be spread among the Rector, lay staff and volunteers.

2009 BudgetThe charts that follow illustrate the budget for 2009, which assumed two full-time clergy and the reduced endowment earnings caused by the decline in the financial markets. This level of spending is clearly unsustainable. Our endowment has recovered in 2009 and, with the decrease in clergy costs, our 2010 deficit will be smaller. A balanced budget, however, is still dependent on future growth of the parish.


Income Summary Expenditure Summary

Pledge and Plate Income $248,000 Administration $45,730

Rental Income 81,942 Diocesan Apportionment 119,712

Grace Church Apartments 42,000 Programs and Mission 57,440

Endowment Earnings 235,500 Buildings and Grounds 190,640

Deficit 242,912 Staff 436,832

Total $850,354 Total $850,354

Expenditure Summary

Administration $45,730

Diocesan Apportionment 119,712

Programs and Mission 57,440

Buildings and Grounds 190,640

Staff 436,832

Total $850,354

Pledge and Plate 29%29%

28%4%

10%

29% Rental Income 10%

Grace Church Apts 4%

Endowment Earnings 28%

Sources of Income - 2009 Budget

De�cit 29%

Administration 5% 5%Apportionment 14%14%

Programs & Mission 7%

7%Buildings & Grounds 22%

Expenses - 2009 Budget

22%

Sta� 52%

52%

Pledge and Plate 29%29%

28%4%

10%

29% Rental Income 10%

Grace Church Apts 4%

Endowment Earnings 28%

Sources of Income - 2009 Budget

De�cit 29%

Administration 5% 5%Apportionment 14%14%

Programs & Mission 7%

7%Buildings & Grounds 22%

Expenses - 2009 Budget

22%

Sta� 52%

52%


Our History in Providence

In 1636, Roger Williams, leading a group of banished religious/political dissenters, left Massachusetts

and came to Rhode Island. Williams named his new settlement Providence in thanksgiving for God’s

loving guidance. The city and area continued to grow and, in 1790, Rhode Island became the last of

the original 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Rhode Island became the birthplace of the

industrial revolution in America with the opening of Samuel Slater’s mill in Pawtucket, developed new

industries and grew to be a major industrial and banking center. The city has long been known for its

colleges and universities, a tradition that has continued today with the presence of Brown University,

Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, Providence College, Rhode Island College,

Community College of Rhode Island and Johnson & Wales University, as well as a branch of the

University of Rhode Island.

Providence continued to flourish until the second half of the 20th century, when its fortunes began

to diminish with the departure of many industries. The downtown area ceased to be a mercantile

center, yielding its merchants to the suburbs. In recent years, however, the city has been experiencing

a transformation. This has been marked by the rebirth of business and cultural activities, as well as

new construction downtown (including a convention center, a civic center, a downtown shopping mall,

hotels and an ice skating rink). Providence’s needs and resources are quite different from those of 60

years ago.

Grace Church’s first service was held in 1829, involving people from

the east side and what was then the new west side of the city. By 1835,

Grace Church had become the largest Episcopal Church in Rhode Island.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Grace became a leader in social

causes, establishing missions and organizations in the community. By

mid-century Grace was a large and prosperous downtown church. Dr.

Clarence Horner was a long-term Rector during this time, providing

strong leadership for Grace’s activities and outreach. After his death in

1961, Grace was served by a succession of Rectors, each with his own

gifts. During this time the membership of Grace Church dwindled,

along with that of many inner-city churches.

“I have been a member of Grace Church for more than 50 years. My parents were members. Grace church keeps me grounded.”“(I came here when) my church merged with Grace. I stayed because I feel welcomed.”


The past 10 years at Grace Church

In March 2000, the Rev. Robert T. Brooks was called as Rector of Grace Church. Bob inspired and

restored the Grace community to wholeness and new directions. New committees were formed and

drew members who undertook their responsibilities seriously. Christian education became more active,

and study groups for adults were formed. This growth has continued to the present. Church services

have attracted more people, many of whom have become members of the parish. All are welcomed,

with no individual or group excluded.

The most significant and exciting event during the past 10 years was the merger in June 2006 with

Church of the Messiah. Since then, relationships have emerged and grown, and it has been said that

the merger was a synergistic one, with the new, larger parish becoming greater than the sum of the

two groups.

One emphasis of Bob’s ministry was with the young people of the parish, recognizing that they

represent our future leadership. Our youth group has grown in number and is an active group,

having made mission trips that include journeys to New Orleans to offer restorative help after

Hurricane Katrina and to South Africa to participate in a conference about AIDS. More recently,

Grace has formed a middle school group and a high school group. Ministry to our youth is important

and must continue.

Our coffee ministry has grown, too, in a more conscious effort to reach our neighbors who are

homeless and/or impoverished. On weekdays we offer our hospitality in the narthex by providing

coffee, warmth and bathroom accommodations. On Wednesdays, a soup and bread lunch is available

to anyone who wishes it.

There are still concerns about Grace’s dependence on its endowment, particularly with the current

recession, but adaptive planning has been put into place.


The Providence Area

If you visited Providence in the 1980s and returned today, the difference would be striking. Thanks to

new construction; attracting shopping, hotels and other retail; and moving rivers and major highways,

Providence has been reborn. And Rhode Island — the Ocean State — may be the best-kept secret in

New England.

Here’s what the Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau says about the area:

“Providence is the only U.S. city to be named one of the ‘Top Ten Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations’

by the Wall Street Journal, and combines the accessibility and friendliness of a small town with

the culture and sophistication of a big city. With a thriving arts community, vibrant and diverse

neighborhoods and a renowned restaurant scene, Providence is the perfect place to visit. The city’s

compact size and convenient location make it easy to get to and hard to forget. Nearby Warwick

offers bountiful shopping and 39 miles of coastline, while the scenic beauty and rich history of

Rhode Island’s other regions are a quick drive away. Historic and hip, sophisticated and small-town,

Providence packs the best of New England into one convenient and colorful package.

“A Providence home does not demand difficult tradeoffs between lifestyles and environments. Living

in Providence can include expansive lawns, swimming pools, white picket fences, and a newly built

home. Providence can also provide the shops, activity, community spirit, and cultural richness of

downcity living. What sets Providence apart from the suburbs and other cities is the variety of choice

within its wide housing spectrum.”


Useful Links

Official City Website

http://www.providenceri.com/

Providence/Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau

http://www.providenceri.com/

Wayland Square Neighborhood

http://www.shopthesquare.com/About%20the%20Square.html

Downcity Neighborhood

http://www.shopdowncity.com/news/

Federal Hill Neighborhood

http://www.providencefederalhill.com/

Providence Waterfire

http://www.waterfire.org/

RI Historical Society

http://www.rihs.org/

Providence Restaurant Week

http://www.goprovidence.com/RestaurantWeek/

Connect Providence

http://connectprovidence.org/

Providence Monthly Magazine

http://www.providenceonline.com/providencemonthly/

Eastside Monthly Magazine

http://www.providenceonline.com/eastsidemonthly/

Providence Preservation Society

http://www.ppsri.org/

Photo Tour of Providence

http://www.providenceri.com/richardbenjamin/riverwalk-5-02.html


Leadership at Grace Church

StaffThe Rev. Dr. J. Gregory Prior, Interim RectorThe Rev. Richard Bardusch, Associate RectorJoyce Thorne, Sub-DeaconCathy Iacobucci, Ministry Leadership CoordinatorMark Johnson, Organist and ChoirmasterLisa Almada, Office Manager and BookkeeperCarolina Boyle, Office Manager and ReceptionistMeredith “Champ” Cooley, SextonAnn McCarthy, Parish Nurse

2009 VestryDave Seifert, Senior WardenMelody Ennis, Junior Warden Geneva Walker, ClerkMary Kesson, TreasurerLillian Bailey John Higginbotham Nancy Kendrick Dwayne Keys James Poder Liz RichardsEd Wing Liz Wheeler

Self-Study Committee Joan and Gordon Martin, Co-chairs Martha H. AmesMelody EnnisElaine GabellieriDwayne KeysJoshua KlempLois Lewis Jonathan RheeDebbie Robinson Virginia Stuart-Howard

Search CommitteeJim Mahoney, ChairPat Trosclair, Vice-chairJerry CliffordElaine Gabellieri Jola IloriJonathan RheeLuci ScanlanDave SeifertAndrew Shapiro-ZyskLiz Wheeler

The Diocese appointed Betsy Fornal, Canon for Congregations and Clergy, to serve as our consultant, and the transition committees are very grateful for her encouragement, expertise and wisdom.

G r a c e E p i s c o p a l C h u r c hP r o v i d e n c e , R h o d e I s l a n d

Prof i l e October 20 09

Documents

Grace Episcopal Church Profile