Making decisions for 2006 and beyond

New Brunswick Anglicans have an opportunity to refresh the vision of the diocese at regional forums later this month. Parishes are invited to send teams of up to five members to offer input to the Diocesan Council in its development of ministry and budget priorities. The series of meetings Regional Forums - Refreshing the Vision will be held throughout the diocese and the feedback will help Diocesan Council make decisions for 2006 and beyond.

We continue to focus on the results of our visioning synods in 2000 and 2001, says Canon Fred Scott, diocesan treasurer. Youth, parish support, clergy and lay leadership development, stewardship: these issues remain important and parishes continue to support the efforts and programs Council has put in place to see that vision moved forward. It is time, however, to evaluate the priorities and the work being done in these areas of ministry.

Today's business culture of downsizing and right-sizing is economically driven. The church in this diocese faces a shortage of clergy and the number of parishes served by full-time clergy has dwindled significantly in recent years.

We look at the business model of downsizing and economically it is viable and appealing in the short term, says Canon Scott. But what are the long-term effects of downsizing on ministry? Is the business model appropriate to serve the Church?

The clergy shortage is just one of several challenges faced by the diocese. Others include the upward pressure on diocesan and parish budgets, a reluctance to venture out into the area of specific programs around stewardship and financial development.

While we have had annual stewardship education events in recent years, we need to take the next steps, says Canon Scott. We are hopeful that local forums will help us take the pulse of parish communities as Council develops its plans.

Regional members of Diocesan Council will host the meetings. Each will begin with a brief overview of the current situation with its challenges and realities. Following the general presentation, members of the forums will break into smaller groups for directed discussion. Each group will report in a plenary session, and each individual will also have the opportunity to respond to the questions and discussions on paper.

At press time the regional forums were tentatively scheduled for Saint John on Sept. 19, Woodstock and Fredericton on Sept. 20, Chatham and St. Andrews on Sept. 26, and Moncton and Kingston and the Kennebecasis on Sept. 27. All meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9. Specific locations from the Diocesan Web Calendar of Events.

Diocesan Communications
06 September 2005