Church of the Holy Spirit

4150 Old Post Road - PO Box 241

Charlestown, RI 02813

401-364-8946

HolySpirit47@verizon.net

http://members.cox.net/church_holyspirit

INTRODUCTION

The Church of the Holy Spirit is located in the town of Charlestown, Rhode Island. As we celebrate our 59th birthday in 2007, we move forward with a commitment to share God’s love in our community and with the world beyond.

Charlestown is 35 square miles with 5 square miles of fresh and salt-water ponds and 7 miles of beaches. The small winter population of approximately 8,400 people swells to over 30,000 during the summer months. By 2010 the population is expected to be over 8,900, growing faster than the national average.

The town of Charlestown includes Shady Harbor, Quonochontaug, Charlestown Beach, Cross's Mills, Carolina, Columbia Heights and Kenyon.

The elementary school (pre-K through 4) is located in Charlestown. Older students attend Chariho Regional Middle and High Schools, operated jointly by the towns of Charlestown, Richmond and Hopkinton. A regional vocational technical school is also located on the Chariho campus.

It is a rural area, spotted with farms and wildlife management areas, including Ninigret Conservations area, Ninigret National Wildlife Refuge, Burlingame Wildlife Management Area, Kimball Wildlife Refuge, Burlingame State Park and Kettle Pond Visitor Center. The Narragansett Tribal Lands encompassing approximately 900 acres, including the Royal Indian Burial Ground, are also located in this township.

Tourism is clearly the dominant industry. There are abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, clamming and fishing as well as other outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, bicycling, riding, hiking and bird watching. The North South Trail begins at the coastline and heads north, all the way across Rhode Island.

The Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Big Apple Circus and an Annual Seafood Festival. A nationally acclaimed Rhythm and Roots Festival as well as a Reggae Festival are privately organized and also hosted at Ninigret Park. Nearby Westerly offers The Chorus of Westerly, theatrical productions at the Granite Theater, summer concerts and Shakespeare in Wilcox Park, and seasonal Luminaria and River-Fire Festivals along the Pawcatuck River. The main campus of the University of Rhode Island is in nearby Kingston and also offers many entertainment and sporting events.

We are 30 minutes from T.F. Green airport, 50 minutes from Providence, less than 2 hours to Boston and 3 to New York, all of which are accessible from Amtrak in Kingston and Westerly.

CHARLESTOWN

Where Nature Surrounds and Tranquility Prevails!

Charlestown Breachway Quononchontaug Breachway

Boat From Ninigret Pond and Quonnie Pond to the Atlantic Ocean!

Looking at Block Island from One of Several Boat Launches

Charlestown Beach

Ninigret Park Wildlife Refuge Kettle Pond Center

Just a Few of the Recreation Areas in Charlestown

OUR CHURCH

Located on Old Post Road in the Cross’s Mills community of Charlestown, the Church of the Holy Spirit is situated on 2.9 acres. Ninigret Pond, a large coastal salt pond with access to the Atlantic Ocean, lies to the south. Nearby are farmland, open space and small businesses reflecting our coastal New England setting.

Our main building is simple and lovely. It has been in its present location since 1963. Recent improvements to our church, which seats 125, include two beautiful stained glass windows and a wooden cross. Located behind the altar, they were designed and crafted by family members of parishioners.

The undercroft is a multi-functional space of approximately 1900 Sq.Ft. It includes a kitchen and open social gathering place. In addition to Christian formation classes, we use it for parish meals, holiday bazaars, and larger congregation meetings. Additionally, community groups such as AA use the space.

An elevator, making the church handicapped accessible, services both floors. Clergy and administrative offices, a meeting room and an additional teen classroom are located in an adjacent modular office.

Outside we have an area for play and a summer garden plot where our teens grow vegetables for a local food pantry. The centerpiece of our grounds is a memorial garden used for meditation and prayer, and is also the site of our summer Wednesday morning prayer group and special activities, including our Annual Silent Auction, Arts and Craft Fair, Chowder Cook-off and Yard Sale.

The Diocese of Rhode Island owns land adjoining the church, doubling the size of the property. It is currently undeveloped, but offers the opportunity for expansion.

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday Morning Services

8:00 AM Rite II

10:00 AM Rite II (with music)

10:00AM Church School for Youth (September-May)

Wednesday AM Prayer Group

OUR CHURCH

Front Sign Stained Glass Windows & Cross

Crafted and Designed by Family Members of Parishioners

The Future Nativity ~ Made by Parishioners

Baptism Families

OUR CONGREGATION

Through our most recent process of self-assessment, it was made clear that the parishioners of Church of the Holy Spirit consider our love for each other to be our greatest asset. We define our congregation as an extended family, striving to create an environment that is inclusive and supportive of all members of our community:

Our services, fellowship activities and church meetings are well attended and are accurate reflections of our genuine appreciation for each other.

Our Christian education programs challenge participants to deepen their spirituality and relationship with God. We follow the precepts of Godly Play and Seasons of the Spirit in our Christian Formation curriculum and welcome youth participation in our services. In particular, one Communion service a month involves our children, who participate in the liturgy by choosing the music, singing, and serving as lectors, ushers, greeters, oblation bearers and acolytes. Our Family Choir, made up of teens, “tweens” and a few adults, sing at the first Sunday of the month service.

Opportunities for adult education include an ongoing book discussion group. Lenten studies and weekly prayer circles. Book discussions have included works by authors Christopher Hedges, Marcus Borg and Bishop John Shelby Spong.

The list of books studied in the last 18 months includes The Heart of Christianity, Meeting Jesus Again For The First Time, Why Christianity Must Change or Die, and The Sins of Scripture. This discussion group demonstrates the participant’s willingness to be stretched theologically.

Average combined Sunday attendance in 2006 at the two services was 62 including children. Our oldest member will celebrate her 96th birthday in 2007; additionally our recognized church historian will be 93. Our youngest member was baby Jesus in the Christmas pageant. At present we have 18 children enrolled in our church school. Family celebrations at Holy Spirit in 2006 included 3 baptisms and 2 weddings. We are sad to report one of our parishioners has passed away.

Most of our parishioners live in Charlestown, though we draw also from the Washington County (aka South County) towns of Richmond, Hopkinton, North and South Kingstown and Westerly. Because area beaches are recognized as some of the best in New England, we attract a large number of summer visitors and residents. As these visitors retire, many move to Charlestown as permanent residents. Our congregation is representative of the entire Washington County area.

Our congregation has not had a permanent long-term vicar since April 2000. We have had the benefit of excellent supply priests and two interim priests. We did call a Vicar, who served as permanent full-time priest from February 2004 through February 2005. The relationship did not prove successful.

The past seven years have brought changes in direction, disappointments, and rekindled hope. Challenges have been faced and overcome due to our dedication to stay together as a church family. Strong and skilled leadership by our wardens, and two gifted and caring interims, have guided us through this period.

STEWARDSHIP

At this time there are 63 pledging families of which 11 are new this year. Of the 52 previous pledging families 77% increased their pledge for 2007. These numbers do not include most summer residents or other visitors with a more casual relationship with the church. The latest stewardship campaign goal of eighty thousand dollars was exceeded.

A diverse array of fundraising activities has increased participation by more members and provided additional income and great camaraderie. Discretionary funds for Outreach and caring for local families in need increased eight-fold in 2006 to $2600.

Our operating budget in 2006 was approximately $94,000. Total income for 2006 exceeded total expenses by $1300. This was due primarily to the loss of our paid part time Parish Administrator. A skilled and energetic group of eight volunteers now staff the office five days a week resulting in a broader base of administrative support for the entire parish. Our operating budget for 2007 will be $100,019.

A resident of a local group home does cleaning of our buildings. The Men’s Group accomplishes upkeep of the grounds and outside of the building on Special Work Days where many members of the congregation turn out to help. Services are hired to cut the grass and remove snow.

MISSION

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a Christ centered community. We are committed to encouraging one another to discern our gifts of ministry in order to act as witnesses of Christ’s love within our parish family and to the broader community.

VISION for the FUTURE

Through worship, prayer, education, fellowship, and mission outreach, every member of the Church of the Holy Spirit will reach a deeper spirituality and discipleship. We are all called to share God’s love.

We are all ministers through baptism. The grace received through this sacrament is a gift and a responsibility; it requires us all to carry out the ministry of the whole Body of Christ.

This concept is commonly referred to as Total Ministry. The Church of the Holy Spirit is committed to exploring the role of lay ministry and we are moving forward to support and encourage each other in the discernment and use of our gifts and skills in the service of God, our neighbors and ourselves. We believe that living into the Good News, to show forth the Gospel, to carry out ministries, and to act in the community in Jesus’ name can enrich and transform lives. We are working to define ways to see and name the presence of God in our midst through this lay ministry.

We envision our parishioners continuing to be engaged in:

Social Ministry, including

· Works of compassion and justice with the elderly, the sick, the poor, the homeless, the disabled, those addicted to alcohol and other drugs along with their families and numerous others in need.

· Involvement in civic and business affairs, culture, and community development.

Pastoral Care, Including

· Visiting the sick infirmed and newcomers

· Taking communion to the hospitalized and homebound

· Supporting parish visiting committees (newcomers and absent members)

· Supporting ministry to specific parish/mission groups (youth, singles, seniors)

Liturgical Functions, including

· Altar Guild

· Leading the Prayers of the People

· Receiving the offerings

· Administering Communion

· Administering Healing

· Training acolytes

We will encourage every member of our parish family to participate according to the gifts given to them. We will create opportunities for discernment to help us to become engaged in serving our dynamic and growing community. We will continue to be a welcoming presence in Charlestown, embracing the individuality and rights of each person.

GOALS

We are an Episcopal Church who seeks:

• Worship that is dynamic, life-giving and where we encounter God.

· Christian fellowship based on the principal of love where there is room for everyone.

· Total ministry of all baptized persons, with Christ at the center, shared leadership and defined responsibilities among ordained and lay members.

• Christian education and formation programs that enhance the spiritual growth of our members and lead to discernment of individual gifts.

• Outreach where every member serves the local and global community in Christ’s name based on his or her unique skills and personal calling.

• Facilities that are welcoming and meet the needs of all, including the physically challenged, for worship, fellowship, education and outreach.

• Stewardship that enables us to expand our spiritual objectives, outreach and education endeavors; improve our facilities and meet our financial requirements.

• A vicar who joins with us in carrying out the mission and vision of our church.

CORE VALUES

The following were identified as being very important to the church’s congregation in our 2006 Self Assessment workshops.

Worship – services that focus on our spirituality and personal relationship with God; an ordered and structured liturgy with the flexibility to meet the needs of the church.

Christian Education and Formation – spiritual education and formation opportunities for all ages that facilitate personal spiritual growth and the discernment of individual unique gifts; encouraging participation by youth in all areas of church life.

Outreach – a broad base of activities that encompasses community and world needs and allows all members to use their gifts in serving others.

Fellowship -- a warm welcoming atmosphere where all share God’s love, respect individual differences and support and minister to each other and our community.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Children’s Nativity Pageant

Pentecost – Our Church Birthday

Blessing of the Animals

Agape Supper

Tenebrae

Ukrainian Egg Decorating

Easter Egg Hunt

Memorial Garden Clean Up and Planting

Spring Yard Sale

Church Picnics

Golf Outing

Summer Fair, Craft Sale & Silent Auction

Chowder Cook Off

Paw Sox Baseball Game

Apple Picking

Apple Pie Baking

Holiday Faire

Advent Wreath Workshop

Stewardship Canvassers Dinner

ANNUAL EVENTS

Apple Picking Ukrainian Egg Workshop

Preparing For Silent Auction Advent Herbal Wreath Workshop

Easter Egg Hunt Rummage Sale

Our Ministries

Godly Play

Seasons of the Spirit

Family Choir

Eucharistic Visitors

Altar Guild

Intercessory Prayer Group

The Spirit Newsletter

Office Volunteers

Men’s Group

Chartered Organizations Sponsor of:

Cub Scout Pack 15 (since 1972)

Boy Scout Troop (since 1973)

Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings

Food & Clothing Donations to the

Jonnycake Centers

St. James/St. Mary’s Food Pantry

Warm Shelter

Welcome House

The Memorial Garden

Summer Flower Ministry, Summer Vegetable Garden

Fellowship Coffee Hour Following Church Services

World Outreach

Church World Services: Kids to Kids Kits, Infant Care Kits, Health Kits,

Clean Up Buckets, Plan USA School Supply Kits for children in China and

Iraq, Heifer Project, Alternative Giving Program, African Team Ministries, Hurricane Katrina Kits

MINISTRIES

Memorial Garden Food Pantry Garden Food Pantry Donations

Family Service Altar Guild Season of the Spirit

School Kits Godly Play African Ministries

Relay For Life Team Prayer Group Scouting

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Our church had its beginning in February, 1947, when the Mission of the Holy Spirit was established. The earliest services were held at the Memorial Hall in Shannock. Deaconess Susan McNulty conducted weekly services of Morning Prayer. The first service of Holy Communion was held in March 1947. The Reverend Arthur W. Leaker, involved with churches in Wakefield and Arcadia, also served the mission until 1950.

A parcel of land in Shannock was purchased and a groundbreaking ceremony was held in May 1948. A basement church was built and the first service was held on January 16, 1949.

In October 1949 a home was purchased for a vicarage for the clergy who served at that time Church of the Holy Spirit, St. Thomas in Alton & St Elizabeth’s in Canonchet until the Diocese sold the Vicarage in March 1970. Since that time, a housing allowance has been provided for our Vicars.

In 1950 the Reverend Charles Gilson, who had been a missionary with his wife in China, became our first fulltime Vicar. Under his leadership the church grew and construction began on the main portion of the church; a service of dedication was held May 1955.

From 1953 -1965 we were served by 4 full time Vicars. It was during this period that the Diocese purchased our present land on Old Post Road, Charlestown, to provide services for more people. The church itself was moved by truck in three sections to its current location in April 1963.

Over the next 21 years we had the privilege of experiencing the fine ministry of 3 long-term part time Vicars and 3 Interim Vicars. During their tenure more improvements to the church were made and our outreach to the community expanded. We celebrated our 30^th Birthday in 1977. The memorial Garden was dedicated in 1979. The Charlestown Early Learning Center, a pre-school, used our facilities from 1981 – 2002. The Modular Office Building, our administrative office, was purchased in 1983.

In 1988 the Reverend Philip Devens accepted our call for a full- time Vicar. Due to budgetary constraints, he went to part-time in 1994. During his 12-year tenure many physical changes were accomplished. It was also at this time that we stopped accepting financial aid from the Diocese except for major projects: underground oil tank removal. We celebrated our 40^th & 50^th Birthdays. We began a “Blessing of the Animals” service. Phil was instrumental in bringing many churches together to support the Narragansett Indian Church after the fire that destroyed their place of worship. We were also blessed to have Deacon Lois Neilson from 1988-1994.

The Reverend Pam Rannenburg came to us in September of 2000 and stayed with us until February 2001 when she was called back to the Diocese. She encouraged us to reclaim the undercroft of our church in order to expand our Sunday school and offer us more flexibility with this space. A small group of women began meeting for Spiritual Readings, book study and fellowship. This is now the Book Study Group and is open to everyone.

The Reverend Daryl Stahl joined us as Interim in April of 2001 thru January 2004. We were sparked to examine ourselves and the direction of our church. We held Gifts Discovery workshops. We sent a team to the “Start Up Start Over” Workshop. Our Sunday school teachers attended Godly Play workshops and decided this was a wonderful program to begin at Holy Spirit. We developed Ministry Teams to conduct the business of the church and as a process to involve more people. We began our search for a new fulltime vicar.

In February of 2004 we called a full time Vicar, The Reverend Patricia Sheppard. During this time, a team attended the Transforming Congregation Workshops sponsored by the Diocese. Our relationship with the new vicar ended in February 2005.

Since May of 2005, with the spiritual guidance of the Reverend Susan Stiles, our Interim vicar, we have been on a journey of healing and rediscovery of who we are and what we want for the Church of the Holy Spirit.

***Interested Candidates should contact:

Betsy Fornal

Deployment Office

Diocese of Rhode Island

401-274-4500 x229
betsy@episcopalri.org

Revised 6/12/07