Synod harvests first fruits

and looks forward to more

by Ana Watts

Synod 2011 delegates did indeed celebrate the First Fruits of the Nicodemous Project when they gathered in Fredericton Oct. 28 and 29. It may be early days to evaluate the fruitfulness of the wide-ranging strategy to improve the spiritual, numerical and financial growth of our diocese as prescribed by Synod 2009, but a progress report [Full slide PDF | Handout for print PDF] itemizing the myriad actions and activities in support of the project’s five priority areas — re-learning Anglicanism, preparing leaders for change, support of struggling parishes, self-assessment and a commitment to transformation — was impressive and Ann Fairweather at synod podium appreciated. As was a 20-minute video produced by the diocese featuring feedback and glimpses of the project throughout the province.

A Nicodemus Project survey circulated among the delegates by administration team chair Jim Morell also revealed a positive attitude. Jim Morell at synod podium Respondents generally agreed that parishes are improving in their abilities and efforts to proclaim the Gospel for the making of disciples in accordance with our diocesan mission. They also saw their parishes as more healthy, mission-focused and welcoming; and their leaders better prepared for the future. As individuals the delegates also felt they had grown spiritually over the past two years.

The progress report offered by Ann Fairweather, vice-chair of Diocesan Council and a member of the Diocesan Administration Team that oversees the Nicodemus Project, itemized dozens of initiatives undertaken in several quarters over the past two years in support of the spirit of the Nicodemus Project. Diocesan clergy met with several national and international speakers at their clergy colleges and conferences to explore transformational ministry, congregational development, evangelism and spiritual renewal. Lay leaders concentrated on the goals of the Nicodemus Project and financial stewardship at the wardens’ days sponsored by the Parish Development and Support Team. And the Parish of Coldbrook and St. Mary organized several events that they opened to the diocese, like the Mobilize God’s People for Ministry event earlier this fall. The recent diocesan youth leader workshop was also held in that parish.

Clergy and lay leaders alike have travelled to conferences on Fresh Expressions/Messy Church and attended the Every Member Visitation workshops held in November of 2010 and May of 2011. A newly developed network of Parish Communications Officers throughout the diocese met for a workshop in September.

And of course the appointment of Archdeacon David Edwards as Parish Development Officer is a major accomplishment and will bring tremendous support to the project.

Statistics included in the progress report document looked at diocesan trends between 2006 and 2010 as revealed by parish reports to the Diocesan Information Management System (DIMS). Four parishes — Simonds, Sussex, East Saint John, and Cambridge & Waterborough — saw their annual offerings increase by 10 per cent. Lakewood, Sussex, Cambridge & Waterborough and East Saint John, also saw the average offerings of givers increase between 11 and 18 per cent respectively. However, the diocesan average weekly offering per giver remains stagnant around the $20 mark and the number of identifiable givers has declined from 6,250 in 2006 to 5,916 in 2010.

Along with the Nicodemus Project, Synod 2009 also voted to adopt a 10-10-10 stewardship model that calls for parishioners to tithe to the parish, the parish in turn will tithe to the diocese and the diocese to the national church. It was introduced as a way to more equitably provide support to the diocesan shared ministry budget. The statistical report shows that although parish offerings did rise by nearly three per cent in 2009, they fell one per cent in 2010. With average weekly offerings reflecting an unrealistic parishioner annual income of about $11,000 it is clear that most New Brunswick Anglicans have yet to move significantly toward a tithing model.

“The degree of change in individual giving will determine the success of this stewardship model,” said Ms. Fairweather. “Fruitfulness equals commitment plus action toward tithing, toward giving 10 per cent of our income back to God.”

In his report to synod in the convening circular, finance committee chair Gerald McConaghy also addressed the 10-10-10 issues under the heading Shared Ministry Budgets. “The committee has spent a great deal of time discussing the Task Force Report on Budget support and that discussion has also involved Diocesan Council. A specific and effective plan for implementing the 10-10-10 stewardship model remains illusive.

“The committee is deeply concerned that the 10-10-10- model is being viewed as a way to reduce parish support for the Diocesan Shared Ministry Budget. The report, which was accepted by Synod 2009, was clear that this giving model is firmly grounded on the first ‘10’, i.e. the need for Anglicans to grow in our personal response to God’s generosity and a commitment to the tithe as our standard of giving.

“The committee feels that unless there is a concerted will throughout the diocese to increase giving at the personal level, moving towards the tithe, the viability of 10-10-10 will be seriously compromised.”

Ms. Fairweather echoes his concern. “Our statistics show that the average offering of $21.08 per week represents an annual income of about $11,000 for the people in our parishes and that is clearly not realistic. So while many people across our diocese have embraced the Nicodemus Project and positive things are happening in our parishes, statistics show that we remain in decline. We can’t let up. We need to stay committed to spiritual, numerical and financial growth.”