Dreaming Our Future St. Mary's Episcopal Church Introduction to the Process In 2019, St. Mary’s began a process of discerning our future that we are calling Dreaming Our Future. It’s not a new endeavor, really; every ten years or so, the vestry and congregation have embarked together on a period of reflection and discernment about who we are as a faith community, and where God is calling us. Stepping back from our usual flow of work and ministry gives us an opportunity to reflect on our history as the people of God in this place. We recall who we have been throughout the many phases of our seven decades as St. Mary’s. We name what has sustained us, kept us strong and vital, and where our ministries in the world have shown the love of Christ to the wider community of Anchorage, and even to the wider world. Visit the Site Development Site Boundaries Long Range Planning Updates The Dreaming Our Future Committee is continuing the effort to understand the potential for our beautiful site. Watch the latest congregation update and view the presentation below. View the PowerPoint April 14, 2024 presentation and recording coming soon. Process STORIES—This is where we are, telling the story of St. Mary’s in our own words. As we recall our collective and individual histories, we celebrate what has gone before, and look toward a future that arises out of our shared calling and values. CHOICES—Here, we identify our strengths, and invite input from others to explore the needs of the wider community. What are our dreams for the future? Where is God leading us in the decades ahead? What possible ministries feed DECISIONS—And then we, acting through our Vestry, make decisions. We decide which of the proposals, if any, make sense for us at the present time. We bring our vision of the possible into the present. We may choose to pursue a program, or a project that involves building, or to stay the course with our current flourishing ministries.

STORIES This is where we are, telling the story of St. Mary’s in our own words. As we recall our collective and individual histories, we celebrate what has gone before, and look toward a future that arises out of our shared calling and values. Dream Book St. Mary's Values Stories Sessions and Videos

Our Team Long Range Planning Committee Duane Heyman, Co-chair Sarah Stanley, Co-chair Al Alvarez Maggie McKay Michael Burke Nancy Burke ​ Consultant Team SALT Michael Fredericks ​ Agnew : Beck Thea Agnew Bemben Shanna Zuspan ​ DOWL LaQuita Chimielowski Kate Silber ​

St. Mary's Values The people of St. Mary's ... Welcome Everyone Strive to love others as Christ loves them Celebrate God and God's creation together Walk with eachother in good times and bad Seek to serve the most vulnerable Find God in service together Are restored by God and God's creation Challenge themselves to be a voice for the voiceless Bring God's love into the community through their lives and witness

DECISIONS And then we, acting through our Vestry, make decisions. We decide which of the proposals, if any, make sense for us at the present time. We bring our vision of the possible into the present. We may choose to pursue a program, or a project that involves building, or to stay the course with our current flourishing ministries.

CHOICES Here, we identify our strengths, and invite input from others to explore the needs of the wider community. What are our dreams for the future? Where is God leading us in the decades ahead? What possible ministries feed our souls, serve God, and are possible now? Due Dilegence Study Choices Congregation Presentation Summary