Be a Part of Strategic Visioning 2023

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has called on the diocese to begin a new Strategic Visioning process that will take place between now and Diocesan Convention in November 2023. The next step in the process will be listening sessions that will take place throughout the month of May and into early June. Watch the video about Strategic Visioning 2023, with a special invitation from Bishop Ruth, at the video linked above.

The bishop, diocesan staff, and diocesan leadership have worked to assemble a Strategic Visioning Team, appointing Ray Sabalis (Christ Church, Denmark) and Deb Harris (Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island) as co-leaders. They are working with an outside consultant, Katie Ong, who with her experience helping other dioceses in similar initiatives is helping guide our team through the process. Together, the team has established a timeline for our process that will begin with listening sessions.

As we approach the month of May, the team is entering into the phase of collecting information and input from members of the diocese about our common hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. What do you see as an important area of focus for the diocese in the next five, 10, 15, or 20 years?

In May and June, listening sessions will be held for each deanery of the diocese and other special affinity groups. Those special sessions will invite a variety of groups including our recently returned congregations, congregations still seeking a permanent home, and our historically Black congregations. There will also be special sessions dedicated to LGBTQ+ people, women in the church, and creation care. 

Each session will be held on Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7 pm. These sessions will be facilitated by members of the Visioning Team, recruited from a diverse and enthusiastic cross-section of lay leaders in our diocese, and the purpose is for you to be able make your voice heard as they draft our Strategic Vision.

Please plan to attend at least one session, and help us get the word out! If you know of a fellow South Carolina Episcopalian who would be interested in one of the sessions, please make a point of inviting them to join in this important effort. The full schedule of sessions, Zoom link, and other information is available at the following link: www.episcopalchurchsc.org/strategicvisioning2023. If you have any questions, please contact the Rev. Canon Ryan Currie at [email protected].