by Kirsten Radivoyevitch, Membership Engagement Coordinator
School picture day is a cherished, annual tradition that captures a student’s journey through their school years. Many of us have held onto this material evidence illustrating the awkwardness or sweetness captured in our own school photos. I, personally, have experienced more than my fair share of school picture days, but from a few different angles, so to speak.
As a mother of four boys, I pledged not to interfere with their outfit or hair styling choices on picture day, but I do remember tucking a comb or an extra shirt in their back backs “just in case you want it later.” Having been a preschool teacher for many years, picture day meant that I would spend the morning herding cats (figuratively) and spot cleaning human facades (literally). Once the photo was taken, though, all bets were off.
The time-honored purpose of picture day is to preserve memories and witness a child’s growth during their school years. It also fosters a sense of belonging within the school community, whether you are looking at the elementary school class photo or at the high school yearbook. The same is true when it comes to our church directory.
I recently blanked on the name of one of our young parish regulars. When I consulted the most recent St. Paul’s photo directory, I discovered that it was from 2017. My goodness! Our parish community has changed considerably since then! Turning to Realm, the database we use at church, was of no help either since very, very few of us (myself included) have uploaded or posted our photos.
According to the Congregation Assessment Tool (CAT survey), St. Paul’s has a strong desire to create a culture of togetherness and a sense of belonging. The photos gracing the south wing gallery walls are visual evidence of parishioners enjoying shared experiences centered on church life. They capture moments of connection and foster a sense of identity as the people of St. Paul’s. However, those photographs are not inclusive of our entire church family and can only be viewed when the building is open. Making updates to our photo directory and our database will significantly boost our sense of community. It will also be of substantial help to our new Rector as he joins our church family.
Therefore, we will be scheduling photo shoots for everyone the week of September 14-21. The photos will be taken in the Reception Room* by our talented staff, who will also help to update the contact information on file for you and your family. Your photo will then be updated in Realm to help Rev’d T.J. learn your faces and names. You will be able to purchase prints of your directory photo or download the high resolution image for your digital archives (or to upload to family members’ “smart” photo frames). Finally, all the photos will be compiled with contact information into our new Parish Photo Directory. Since we are producing the directory in-house, it will take a few weeks, but each household will receive a physical directory.
So, now is the time to schedule your haircut, choose your outfit, select your sitting time, and practice your smile. September will be here before you know it, as will our new photo directory and our new Rector and his family!
If you are unable to make any of those slots but would like to be included in the photo directory, please email St. Paul’s Communications Manager, Laurel Steinetz.
*Parishioners who live at Judson will have the photography studio brought to them for a “Senior Picture Day” on September 12!