At a time when church memberships are declining, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Windham is expanding, growing and inviting the community to come celebrate with them. Starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, the family fun and activities start outside at the church on the corner of Windham Center Road and River Road.
“We
want to celebrate all that God has done. It’s worthy of a party and a
celebration,” said Rev. Tim Higgins.
St.
Ann’s has been recognized by the prow window on the church, but in recent years
it has been better known for the “ladybug playground” built in memory of one of
the church’s youngest members.
“We
have all new stuff going on,” said Higgins. New landscaping, courtesy of
Grondin Construction, who has been working on River Road, provides a field for
playing and additional space to expand the playground. “Mike has been a
blessing to us,” said Higgins.
When
Higgins became the rector for St. Ann’s the church began to grow. With the
addition of a vibrant Sunday school program, more families joined and suddenly
more space was needed.
The
addition expanded the downstairs area of the church. There are two new
classrooms, a new nursery and two new offices. There are also two handicap
accessible bathrooms and the entire building was brought up to code with fire
safety regulations.
“It
was five years of planning. It’s been a long process,” said Higgins. In
addition to the physical additions to the church, St. Ann’s is also revealing a
new strategic plan, a new logo and a new website. There is also a new community
program called “Living Compass” which is a program that addresses needs for a
whole person.
“It’s
in response to people craving more, Seeking, wholeness and wellness in all
aspects of their lives,” said director of faith formation Emily Keniston.
Keniston and two others spent three days in Chicago training to become
“congregational wellness advocates.” “This will help people articulate where
they’re doing well and where to pay attention. It’s beyond the scope of
spirituality. It’s care for the body, vocational wellness, financial wellness
and organizational planning,” Keniston said. The program is open to anyone in
the community. There will be online academy classes, classroom setting classes
and one time events. The classes are in six week sessions.
“All
of the new stuff is about honoring who was are in a new and intentional way in
our relationships with one another and with God,” Keniston said.
On
Saturday, there will be a DJ, a bounce house, ice cream, face painting and a
visit from Sparks’ Ark at 4 p.m. Visitors will also be invited to tour the new
space and learn about the church community, if they wish.
“The
kids will be excited about the fun and adults can come explore the space and
talk with the ministers,” said Keniston.
“It’s
not threatening,” said parishioner Robyn Dionne.
On
Sunday, visitors are invited back to the church services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. This
will also be the opening of the Sunday school year and the beginning of the new
youth group.
“We’re
coming out of the need to know church differently. The old idea of church is
stifling. That’s not what we are. We’re a vibrant, rich, deeply committed
community,” said Keniston. “We had to reimagine a new way to be together to
celebrate our God.”
St.
Ann’s believes that churches have to compete with all of the other
organizations and activities children are involved with. Society has changed,
so St. Ann’s is changing to better meet the needs of the community. “We offer
unique things kids can’t get in school,” Keniston said. The Sunday school
program has 105 students registered as of the middle of August.
St.
Ann’s is very kid friendly. From Vacation Bible School programs to playing on
the playground, St. Ann’s has activities for the children so the mom’s and
dad’s can enjoy church, according to Mike Dionne.
“You
come as you are. We love you and we take you where you are,” said Keniston. The
church is open. Some people dress up, some don’t. Children are never shushed
and everyone bends over backwards to make people feel welcome, said Jamie
Dickson.
“We
want to be a resource center for people who worship here and beyond,” said
Higgins.
“It’s
the 21st century – Where do you put God in your life?” Dickson
asked.
St.
Ann’s can be found online at www.St.AnnsEpiscopalChurch.com, on Facebook,
on Twitter @St.AnnsEpiscopal or call them at 892-8447.
No comments:
Post a Comment