By Steve Matthews, Senior Missional Consultant, FaithX
We are increasingly talking about ecosystems these days. When we think about climate change, we know that no single species is impacted in isolation. Ecosystems are interdependent, and so when the weather is hotter or wetter or windier than normal for extended periods of time, ecosystems will shift. I live in what has generally been considered apple country, but now that spring is arriving earlier on a regular basis, we are now increasingly “peach country “as well! Unfortunately, our native dogwoods are not fairing so well in the warmer weather. These woodland beauties are struggling and dying from increased fungal damage. Adaptation is not a steady trajectory. Some species and varietals don’t make it.
The ecosystems in our communities are shifting as well. Consider St. Martin’s Episcopal church in the small town of Perry, Iowa (Pop. 7800). Perry developed along the train lines in Iowa. When the trains ceased to be the major method of travel, Perry adapted. When the trains ceased to be the major method for transporting goods, Perry adapted. But in the past year, Perry has had two major tragedies. In the fall of 2023, the Tyson pork processing plant in Perry announced that it was closing, leaving 1200 people out of work (almost 1/3 of all the jobs in Perry). This was devastating news for the town. Then, in January gun violence stunned Perry. On January 4, 2024 a 17-year-old boy went on a shooting spree, killing one sixth grader, the school principal and wounding six other children.
How do these kinds of tragedies shape a town? How does a community respond? What can one small Episcopal Church with a part-time priest do in the face of this kind of loss? Fortunately, St. Martin’s had reached out months earlier looking for partners in the work of revitalizing their church and community. In the fall of 2022, The Diocese of Iowa invited St. Martin’s to participate in an 18-month revitalization partnership with other churches in the diocese called “Genesis II: Revision and Renew” (sponsored by the Episcopal Church). Through Genesis II, St. Martin’s connected with five other churches and entered into a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the diocese. They had coaches and consultants working with them. The Diocese of Iowa also partnered with Iowa State University (ISU) in a program called the Rural Shrink Smart Initiative, so St. Martin’s is now connected to ISU. After the recent tragedies, and with the diocese’s encouragement, St. Martin’s reached out to “A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy” or AMOS. AMOS works with individuals, church, non-profits and other organizations to organize communities to work for the common good.
What a difference two years can make! In 2022 the small community gathered at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Perry, IA was living its mission faithfully in worship, fellowship, and outreach and wondering about what the future might look like for them. Today, they are hosting community conversations to help bring the community together to address problems and to help the community move through the present challenges in innovative and transforming ways. They are known and respected by the citizens and organizations of Perry in a new way.
St. Martin’s Episcopal Church is part of a vibrant ecosystem. They are adapting and becoming healthier because they asked for help and because they said yes to emerging opportunities and partnerships in the face of great challenges. In ecosystems when one part gets healthier everybody wins. Perry, Iowa is discovering a growing sense of interdependence, thanks in part to the small Episcopal church on the corner of 10th and Iowa Streets.
How might FaithX help your church and judicatory discern, connect, and develop life-giving strategies in the face of challenges…how are you connecting and deepening your relationships for the sake of our communities? Contact us at info@faithx.net.
