Dear Good Samaritans,

First of all, I want to thank all of you that participated in our Summer Worship Schedule Survey. We received 37 responses, which is over double the response rate, I am told, of the last time such a survey went out.

You also provided some clear data. Of those that voted for a single service time 8% voted for 8am, 8% for 10:30am, and 24% voted for 9:30am. An obvious winner.

Additionally of the respondents (including those who voted for multiple services times), 77% of you would be pleased with a service at 9:30am as compared to 48% who would be pleased with a service at 10:30am. So, of those two times, either of which would have music and Children’s Formation, the 9:30am option for the summer is the definitive winner.

Interestingly about 30% of those that responded said that they want a single service. The most common comment I heard regarding that is that they like seeing people they don’t regularly worship with. That is a very true thing. It can seem like two different parishes sometimes.

Of those that wanted one service in the summer, 45% prefer a service with music. But, overall nearly a quarter of the respondents prefer a quiet service. Having a single service with music is not giving ear to nearly a quarter of the people represented in this survey. That coupled with the fact that 70% of the respondents do not care about there being a single service, it seem to make the most sense to also offer a quiet service at 8am.

The option of a quiet service at 8am and a service with music and Children’s formation at 9:30am will meet the needs of the greatest number of people in the parish.

I am very excited that we are able to offer Children’s Formation every Sunday even in the summer. It is just as important to keep up a rhythm for our young ones just like it is for ourselves. There is a reason that we call it ‘practicing’ our faith. It requires work and regularity to get closer to God and to grow in community.

So, that is what we will try. I know that this won’t please everyone, but please know that this is an experiment, it is not etched in stone. If it works and more people are able to attend and be fed by our services then it will be a great success. But if not, we can change it. I just hope and pray that you will go into our summer schedule with an open heart.

I would also encourage any and all of you to try out both services. They are distinct from one another and each has a different vibe. Also trying out a different service will give you an opportunity to worship with those you might not get to regularly.

So, when is our summer schedule starting? It will start on the first Sunday in July, July 6th. And, it will run through the end of August. So, we’d start back with an 8am and 10:30am service on Sunday, September 7th.

I’m looking forward to a wonderful summer with you.

Peace,