We all share a desire for our churches to be better. Many of us also share the frustration of working harder and harder and seeing nothing change. We certainly have had both at All Saints'. In November 2004, after many meetings and much prayer, we decided to do something to tackle both issues. We set ourselves a demanding, exciting goal and created a highly detailed, very intentional plan to make it happen.

The Goal: To transform All Saints' into a sustainable Great Church, one that not only has done an outstanding job of living out its mission in the making of disciples for Jesus Christ, but has also helped other churches become Great as well.

At the first annual Great Church Conference, my colleagues from the clergy, staff and the lay leadership (our 'Expanded Staff') will share our insights, experience, mistakes and advice. We've assembled a truly inspiring slate of guest speakers, guaranteed to deliver challenging views, unique perspectives, a high level of individual expertise and much food for thought.

I believe this will be a life-changing conference and I strongly encourage you to bring your key leaders to share the experience and carry the vision back to your church.

Rev. Carol Anderson, Rector of All Saints'.