Our Transition Year
Small Group Data Summary
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Dear friends,
The search committee has reviewed data received from the small group discussions held during the month of January. Below is a brief outline of the outcome of those discussions and major themes we identified. This information will be used in developing our parish profile and used throughout the search process. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak with a member of the committee. Thank you again for your continued support.
Task 1: “Personality words describing the congregation”
You were asked to describe our congregation using the personality words worksheet. Major themes include our emphasis on building strong bonds and maintaining a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. We also identified our congregation’s strong dedication to spiritual practices and religious devotion. Additionally, there was a strong focus on service, action, and mission-focused efforts.
Task 2: “What do we do well?”
You were asked about what our congregation does well. The responses revealed major themes of worship and music, inclusivity and hospitality, and maintaining our core Anglican/Episcopal identity.
Task 3: “What is God calling us to?”
You were asked about your hopes and desires on what’s next for our congregation. Many responses referred to financial stability and financial health. Other responses included reaching beyond our walls and engaging more actively with the local community – indicating a desire for outreach and mission. Finally, spiritual renewal and deepening faith opportunities were also discussed.
Task 4: “What might be holding us back?”
You were asked what might be holding us back from going where we want to go (referring to the question above). Major themes here revealed volunteer burnout, mindset issues/concerns (such as fear of change and concerns over limited resources), and lack of leadership structure- hinting at stagnation.
Task 5: “What skills and characteristics are needed for our next Dean?”
Major themes include strong preaching that is both bible-based and inspirational, spiritual guidance, approachability and trust, and strategic leadership to help navigate challenges and changes.
-The CCSP Dean Search Committee
An Update from the Small Group Discussions
February 2, 2025
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Search Committee Small Group Discussions! We heard from many of you and appreciate your input, and for voicing your hopes and aspirations for our next Dean.
The information received is currently being gathered together and will be used to assist us in building our parish profile and other written materials.
Once these materials are drafted, they will be shared with the vestry and the bishop’s staff for approval prior to posting.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the committee. We thank you for your continued prayers and support.
-The CCSP Dean Search Committee
Town Halls and Small Group Discussions
January 5, 2025
Congregational Conversation Town Halls
These hour-long meetings will take place over five Wednesdays in Barth Hall, at 7:00 p.m.
January 8: Overview
January 15: History and Identity
January 22: Financial Picture
January 29: Mission and Vision
February 5: Our Next Dean
Small Group Discussions with the Search Committee
The search committee invites your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions as we work to develop our parish profile. This information will assist the committee in creating written materials needed to identify our next Dean. Please consider attending a small-group meeting on a Sunday in January. These small group meetings will be held at the Cathedral. A Zoom option will be available, too. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the gallery. Please email Emery Dumas at emeryja21@hotmail.com or call 231.590.6720 with any questions.
An Update from the Search Committee Chair
December 4, 2024
The search committee is beginning their work! Members of the committee include Alan Cooper, Bren O’Connor, Emery Dumas (chair), Gail Busby, Mary Grahame Hunter, Steve Ott, and Wes Fishwick. We will officially be commissioned during the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, January 26, 2025 – The Feast of St. Paul.
Throughout our work, we will strive to keep you informed as much as possible with frequent, open, and transparent communication. Please note that confidentiality is of the upmost importance to all involved in this process and so specific details may not be communicated. For up-to-date information, please see the bulletin board in the gallery. Additional updates and communications will be shared through the Cathedral social media pages, the Cathedral website, Cathedral Windows, and our weekly e-newsletter Living Stones.
How can you help? The search committee invites your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions as we work to develop our parish profile. This information will assist the committee in creating written materials needed to identify our next Dean. Please consider attending a small-group meeting on a Sunday in January. These small group meetings are in addition to the Town Hall meetings, which we hope everyone will attend. Smaller groups give us a chance to hear more thoughts from more people. The meetings will be held at the Cathedral, in person, with one Zoom option, too. As space is limited to ten, sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the gallery. Please email Emery Dumas at emeryja21@hotmail.com or call 231.590.6720 with any questions.
We thank the Vestry and the congregation for their continued prayers as we embark on this next part of our journey together.
Emery Dumas
Search Committee Chairperson
Search Committee Nominations have closed
October, 2024
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations! We had a great response, and the committee is being finalized in the next few weeks. Please check back for an update soon.
Administration of the C.A.T.
October, 2024
What is our congregation’s present identity? How might we revise or enhance our vision? What should our mission be to get us there? The vestry wants your input. Look for a link to the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT) in your newsletter, Living Stones. Set aside 30 minutes or so to complete it before the window closes on October 31. If you consider the cathedral to be your spiritual home, please participate. The more participants, the more accurate our picture will be. The link was sent by email on Sunday, October 13, at 9:00 a.m. If you do not have the link, and it is not in your spam folder, please write to the Cathedral office at info@detroitcathedral.org. Computer stations will be available during Coffee Hour for those who require them.
