Video to help celebrate first fruits

of Nicodemus Project

by Ana Watts
Jared Morrison is a videographer, photographer, artist, musician, journalist, historian and a student summer employee of the Diocese of Fredericton. His job is to produce a 20-minute digital video celebrating the first fruits of the Nicodemus Project to debut at the 131st Diocesan Synod in Fredericton Oct. 29 and 30. “I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to see a position in my chosen field posted on the student job board,” says Jared, a senior multimedia studies major and history minor at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. “This isn’t just a summer job, this is an opportunity to work at what I love and gain valuable experience. It will look great on my resume and I will have a quality piece of work that will impress future employers as well. This is wonderful.”

The diocese is grateful for a grant from the Canada Student Employment program to fund Jared’s position.

Vicki Hachey, chair of the Diocesan Human Resources Committee, is nearly as excited about the appointment as Jared. "Synod 2009 called for transformational change and the Nicodemus Project is about supporting our diocese as we re-learn Anglicanism, prepare our leaders for change and support our struggling parishes. All this, while examining our mission, ministries and priorities. We are so thankful to have had many qualified candidates apply for this video opportunity. With Jared's knowledge, skills and experience, I have no doubt that the video he will produce will help us all to celebrate the First Fruits and enthuse the diocese to move forward, continuing our mission and vision."

Parishes have worked through the self-assessment portion of the Nicodemus Project. With this better understanding of their strengths, weaknesses and priorities many have embarked on new mission and ministry appropriate to their situations. Some of these new initiatives were made possible by grants from Foundation for Life, also a Nicodemus Project initiative. Clergy days, colleges and conferences have focused on project initiatives, clergy and lay leaders have also benefited from workshops and information sessions on stewardship and congregational development. Many have also been introduced to Fresh Expressions of Church, new forms of church that accommodate Christians of many denominations in a fast-changing world.

A team of volunteers will work with Jared to identify stories, supply contact information and generally support him in the work. Jared will set up a shooting itinerary and travel throughout the diocese to record interviews and events. He also welcomes story ideas at jared.morrison@anglican.nb.ca. His eight-week position began July 4. The Diocesan Communications Committee recently purchased a digital video camera, cordless microphone, lights and other accessories in order to produce bishop’s messages and document other events. Jared is using this hardware. He brings his own specialized digital video software as well as a Macintosh computer to the project.

The Nicodemus Project name reflects Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus’ in John’s Gospel. Nicodemus learned he must be born again in order to live a new life focused on God. As a diocese we seek a renewal of our own that will better able us to fulfill our mission to proclaim the Gospel for the making of disciples, and our vision to be a diocese of mission-focused, healthy, welcoming and growing parishes.

 

Diocesan Communications

July 5, 2011