Parish Profile

Our Mission

Becoming a reconciling presence within the community,
Celebrating the Risen Christ, embracing all people
and building a family of faith.

St. Clement of Alexandria Church
A Parish of the Diocese of North Carolina
2009

 What is Clemmons like?

Clemmons is a bedroom community just southwest of Winston-Salem, NC.  The immediate area is the home to four institutions of higher learning.  About 68% of residents in the immediate area (of 25,000) are either somewhat or strongly involved in some time of faith-based activity.  The average household income is over $85,000, with 34% of households contributing more than $500 per year to churches.  Eighty-six percent of families are either affluent or middle-American.  Population is expected to grow by 9% over the next five years. The area is somewhat traditional in its preference of church style with interest focusing on theological and Bible study, youth social programs and enrichment groups.

Who are we?

St. Clement’s is a church family and a church of families.  A high percentage of our members are married and live within 10 miles of the church.  Children are evenly distributed between ages 3 to 18 and are welcomed and treasured.  Though the majority of the adults range from 35 to 55 years, about 15% of the parish are seniors.

St. Clement’s is a congregation of ministers.  Most members participate in some form of outreach or parish activity on an average of 1-5 hours weekly with many regarding this as a significant component of their spiritual and social life.

St. Clement’s people are thinkers.  We maintain an open and supportive environment and a variety of opinions on critical subjects with the traditions of the Episcopal Church.  The lively discussion reflects the high level of undergraduate and graduate degrees of this parish as well as differences in backgrounds, theology and careers.  There is no shortage of good leaders.

St. Clement’s parishioners are hearers and doers.  We listen for God’s message to us in Scripture and seek to live out our faith in the world.  Using an assortment of gifts and talents, we seek to do God’s work in His Kingdom.

St. Clement’s people are visionaries.  Though recently challenged by a loss of clergy leadership, we continue to look forward to the future of St. Clement’s, aiming for growth over the next five years, the resurgence of our building plans and the development of additional outreach and educational programs.

Above all, St. Clement’s is a community of faith.  Whatever our age, income, education or personal status, whatever our theology or spiritual tenure, we are grounded in love for each other and for our Lord.  We believe we are all made in God’s image, called God’s children, ordained as ministers and chosen to be God’s servants, assigned to carry on God’s creative activity. 

Where do we want to be 3-5 years from now?

St. Clement’s vision is one of a moderately-sized, program church of about 250 families with an expanded sanctuary and activities space on our current property.  We envision St. Clement’s as a comfortable, welcoming gathering place for its members as well as civic groups, energizing our spaces with life and activity seven days a week.  As our youth have always been a centrally important part of our parish life, we look forward to knowing them as adults who will return with their families.  For this reason our program of continued guidance in community and instruction might grow into sports leagues, ministry teams or a forum for youth from other denominations.  Finally, as our current seasonal and sporadic music programs have been a source of joy, with proper facilities and space, we anticipate regular performances by both adult and children’s choirs.

What are our primary gifts as a parish?

St. Clement’s is blessed with a highly gifted and educated congregation.  Among our family are talented musicians, scholar/teachers, business people and leaders.  Our members are not only planners, they are doers.  Parishioners regularly identify a need in or around the parish and move to fill it, many times without even being asked.  When asked, they respond.  The parish is blessed with thoughtful and dedicated members, many only waiting to be invited to contribute.  Our capacity for study and teaching is large and we have only begun to tap our abilities in the area of outreach.

What skills do we seek in our next rector?

We are seeking an interested and enthusiastic person who will be energetically involved in church activities.  We seek a competent and compelling preacher who leads us effectively and spiritually in worship.  Our rector should lead by example, being hard-working, focused but not high-strung.  Our rector should be a direct, skilled communicator who is also a good listener.  Our rector should be an innovator with a clear vision and feet firmly planted.  Our parish also needs an effective and caring pastor, involved in the individual lives of the congregation both as minister and friend.

Our financial situation

St. Clement’s has not been immune to the current financial crisis in the country.  Our area and our state have been hit hard by lay-offs and business slow-down.  Our budget had suffered as a result.  Further, the lack of a permanent leader since November, 2008, has contributed to the budget shrinkage.  Our history as a parish has, however, been one of come-backs.  As the parish experiences new vitality, enthusiasm and energy from a new rector, the family will respond as it has in the past.  Even without the leadership of a rector, the parish has continued adult education over the past two summers, continued various programs and insured continuity of worship through a long-term supply priest.  Details of our budget and balance sheet are attached.  Currently our budget is funded by 65 pledges and additional plate offerings.