LinkWELL Wellington Diocesan Electronic Synod News 29 and 30 September 2012

Transcription

1 LinkWELL Wellington Diocesan Electronic Synod News 29 and 30 September 2012 May our Diocese be fruitful. We are family. Dear God, hurts sometimes. involves forgiving and being forgiven often. If together we eat Your bread, And drink from Your cup, But, We will never be hungry, we will never thirst ever. Amen. A Prayer for the Crown Nominations Committee on 26 and 27 September 2012 as they consider the appointment of the new Archbishop of Canterbury Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the Church to lead us into all truth: bless with the Spirit's grace and presence the members of the Crown Nominations Committee. Keep them steadfast in faith and united in love, that they may seek your will, manifest your glory, and prepare the way of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen. God is always present. Bishop Justin s Charge to Synod: Our Diocese is in the midst of a perfect storm! Bishop Justin began his charge by making us face the fact that Yesterday is no longer the norm. We have to change. There are so many questions. How to deal with the reality of earthquakes? How to strengthen our buildings? How to afford the sky-rocketing insurance premiums? Money is so tight: since 2009, our investments have given us negative returns and the Diocesan family has been living beyond its means. This cannot continue...financially we must change. When we view our population profile, most of our Diocesan family members are older than 50 years. Total annual attendances in churches are falling. However, Good News, said the Bishop. As people grow older, so Anglicans increase in number! And we have a huge resource base in those over 60 years who have retired. These are our missionaries and we have to work out how to mobilise this resource of passion and experience. Bishop Justin then urged the young people to work alongside these missionaries, providing energy and enthusiasm. Only one fifth of our clergy are in stipendiary ministry, one fifth are part-time, and three fifths are nonstipendiary. How lucky we are to have this big proportion of self-supporting leadership! This is a real strength and a resource that can help us move forward. Unfortunately we are averse to change; change is what happens to other people or to things, not to us. But in this storm, we have to bond as a family, moving beyond our my ministry mentality into an our God s ministry mentality.

2 The Synod Service was held outside in The Square More than 300 people from Synod and the Palmerston North community gathered to celebrate Eucharist outside in The Square. A pageant styled cart provided a raised sanctuary and the congregation sat or stood on the grass in a deep semi-circle. The weather was warm and still, the setting so appropriate, that an extra perspective was added to the spirituality of that Eucharist. Finance This encompassed Motions 21 to 23, and included thanks to Finance Manager Ian Frater, and Diocesan Administrator Archdeacon Bernard Faull. It was noted that some Mission Units are having difficulty in coping financially. Help is available from the Finance Committee, especially in assisting Parish treasurers and calculating what actually is assessable income for a Mission Unit. The Finance Committee said the challenge in setting the budget was to achieve a nil increase in the levies rate. This has been achieved through the good stewardship across the Diocese. The formula used in assessing the levies took into account any reduction or increase in assessable income. Some hard decisions have had to be made in the setting of the 2013 budget, and the 3M s (Mission Council, Ministry Group and Management Committee) were thanked for their keeping to the limits set by Finance Committee. Motion 20 established a task team to identify methods of raising funds to support mission and ministry initiatives in Parishes and Mission Units. This may include, but is not limited to, the possibility of establishing a Funding Manager position. There was a lot of support for this motion. The general discussion was vigorous, highlighting the need to decide where our priorities lie, and how these priorities might be funded. Bishop Justin commended Synod for being family in the way financial issues were debated. 2

3 Hot Spots These were many and varied, and together showed the diversity of activities pursued across the Diocese. Small Dogs Playgroup at Stokes Valley: St Philip s runs a playgroup for dogs (and owners). How innovative is this in connecting with the community! Onslow Anglicans also connect with the community, supporting and caring across generations. Life at St John s College: This DVD, made by Alan Burnett and St John s College Students gave us a rare glimpse of the scope of this theological college. St Luke s Greytown also practices community outreach, and fund-raises to support their work with the young, old, needy; and for special events and festivals celebrated there. The Anchorage Ministry Centre in Lower Hutt employs a manager who works with 26 volunteer staff. This is a co-operative ecumenical outreach venture that provides a drop-in centre, shoppers crèche and Life Skills Courses. Rev Richard Noble s video showed a White Ribbon Race to combat violence against women, which some clergy participated! Kidsgames at Tawa was collated by Archdeacon Julie Rokotakala a fine example of children s ministry. Finding Their Voices Wendy Scott and Kaz Yung led the report on the General Synod of the three Tikanga, held this year in Fiji. The seven days of meetings and worship included opportunities to experience Tikanga Pasifika. The Synod came to grips with fundamental issues challenging our churches: the Anglican Covenant, same-sex relationships and their place in marriage and in the discernment of candidates for ordination, the St John s College Review, Anglican schools in general, and resource sharing. Dunedin and Christchurch Dioceses face challenging situations. Dunedin faces the question of viability, an issue that we all need to grapple with. Christchurch is coping with an enormously harrowing journey and the realisation that their landscape is now so different. How can we help these Dioceses to sustain hope for a fruitful future? The only difference between these two Dioceses and Wellington, is a matter of time: we have the time to make strategic decisions about resources. Perhaps acting as a three Tikanga family would be a start! While listening to input from other Dioceses, to their challenging ideas and dealing with the inevitable fallout, it came apparent that each Diocese had found its own voice, which was listened to. The Association of Anglican Women s display (above); the Caring for Creation display (below). 3

4 Hot Spots Ohariu Archdeaconry went to Tonga to renovate a school; an example of a community helping a community. Before... Motions Motion 11: This motion allows for the Earthquake Standard for Church Buildings in the Diocese to be set now at a minimum of 67% (currently 34%) of the new building standard. Anywhere this standard is not met, a plan of process and action is to be developed by Parishes and Mission Units within timelines that will be set for them. Strategic planning and remedial work can now be done, and we can move forward by acting before something disastrous happens. Motion12: The Diocesan Emergency Administration Canon provides for immediate senior leadership when an emergency is declared under the Civil Defence Act. It has the authority to make immediate decisions, while key personnel are being gathered together to manage the area where the emergency has occurred. These special powers would be in place for two-month segments. Further work will be done on emergency planning in the coming year. Motion 13: From now on the Annual Reports Book will include a glossary of acronyms used which should make these reports more user-friendly....and after. Motion 15: The Overseas Mission Group urged Parishes and Mission Units to gather as much money as they can for overseas missions, rather than merely aiming for their target sum. A video clip showed how well our money has been spent in Papua New Guinea. The Parish of Pahiatua- Eketahuna and Rural Dean provided two hotspots, giving us a good idea of a typical week in that place, and a survey of the very wide connections they have across all spectrums of the community. This area is really alive and well. St Matthew s in the Paddock on the outskirts of Masterton, is another vibrant place. The Parish outgrew its worship place so the paddock provided room for the overflow of vestry and morning tea. (The loo was in its own little shed!) The video recorded Parish and community working together to build a new worship place which is to be officially opened on 14 October. Motion 16: This acknowledged the sterling efforts of John and Mary Rowan, and EdAid, towards the provision of the Good Shepherd Secondary School in our partner Diocese of Kagera. It was passed with spontaneous acclamation. Motion 17: Synod requests the Bishop to appoint a task team of at least five people to review the conduct of business at Synod and at Archdeaconry Regional Meetings, and to make recommendations as soon as possible to the Management Committee. Bishop Justin told Synod members to expect s in the near future requesting feedback on this important issue, to assist the task team in making an effective review. Motion 18: This motion calls on Synod to express publicly grave concern for the growing level of inequality in New Zealand. It urges Parishes and Mission Units to work together to reduce social inequity; it calls on Government to consider the impact on social inequality within their policy making; and it will take the sentiment of this motion to General Synod. There was good debate generated on just how effective Synod, as a body, can be in the effecting change, and the motion will go to the next BAM (Bishop and Archdeacons Meeting). 4

5 More Hotspots Motions Continued Esther de Waal, one of the world s foremost scholars and writers in the Celtic and Benedictine traditions, is visiting the Wellington Diocese in December She will conduct two Open Advent Quiet Days and two retreats on the theme Living with a Monastic Heart Today. There is no registration or fee for the Quiet Days: 9.30am-3.30pm Tuesday 11 December at St Peter s Church Palmerston North; 9.30am-3.30pm 15 December at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul. For further information on the Retreats please contact Rev Lynda Wards, e- mail: TheShieling@xtra.co.nz ph (04) Community Service Workers Newlands worked with St Michael s Parish to maintain their buildings and gardens. Together they have achieved much and this has led to reciprocal partnering in other areas of the community. Other Hotspots were received representing the work of Deacons in our Diocese, the Milson Girls Brigade, and the Lower Hutt Family Centre. The subject of making bequests in wills was also referred to. It was emphasised that bequests to Parishes and the Diocese should be general in nature, rather than being tied to specific projects that may or may not be carried out. It is through activities as shown in the Hotspots that the Diocese is cultivating the principle of. The next step is to foster reciprocal partnerships across Mission Units as is happening in the Rural and Urban Deaneries. Motion 19: Climate Change is accelerating. Parishes and Mission Units are urged to promote and practice activities which will mitigate global warming, such as tree planting, recycling and reduction of carbon fuels. The Rev Dr John Flenley, Diocesan Deacon for the 5th Mark of Mission is a resource and enabler available to Parishes; there are also DVD s that can be accessed. Motion 24: The Bicentennial year of the coming of the CMS Missionary, Rev Samuel Marsden to the Bay of Islands was given substance by the Rt Rev Richard Randerson s multimedia presentation. The motion was passed. Motion 25: This motion affirms that all should care for their Mission Units archives, and that those no longer in use should be deposited in the Alexander Turnbull Library in accordance with Diocesan policy. Rev John McCaul is the Diocesan Archivist and contact person for the Diocese. Motion 26: Synod 2013 will be held at the Palmerston North Convention Centre Palmerston North on the weekend of 21 and 22 September Motion 27: An hilarious and most appropriate vote of thanks was moved by Archdeacon Monty Black. He missed out nothing! And his scoring of aspects of Synod was in the best tradition of Masterchef!! The motion was passed with many outbursts of spontaneous acclamation. The Final Worship of Synod included the singing of a song composed especially for the occasion by Rev Silvia Purdie of Milson Co-operating Parish. The chorus follows: Who will stand with me Be a family? In the bonds of affection The arms of connection, In love we are held and free, In love we are held and free. 5

6 Archdeacon Monty Black It was with regret that Synod farewelled Monty, who is retiring in the New Year and has moved to Whitby. Monty will continue as Archdeacon of Ohariu and of some other groups. Monty, you have done so much for the Diocese in so many ways that have enriched us, and Synod will miss you and your incorrigible sense of humour. May your retirement be long and satisfying. Our Blessings go with you and your wife Hilary as you begin this new journey. Reports These were spoken to and received. The Mission Council report contained pages of careful documentation. The Ministry Group report had been discussed at the regional pre- Synod meetings, and paid tribute to those who work so hard in so many ways to develop diverse ministries in liturgy, and in community and Parish groups. The Management Committee report included a tribute to the Resource Centre and Janet Hughes; the Resource Centre is closing at the end of this year as it is no longer financially viable. Tributes were also paid to David Chapple (Diocesan Property Manager), for his leadership in property and insurance matters; Archdeacon Robert McLay for his oversight of the Diocese during the Interregnum; and to the Management staff of Archdeacon Bernard Faull, Karen Stewart and Alayne Ringrose, who have been everything to everyone this past year. Janet talks with a client.. Archdeacon Robert McLay enlarged on procedures for Co-operative Ventures where Anglicans combine with other denominations to provide ministry in some Mission Units, such as Milson, Hataitai-Miramar and Brooklyn. Hospital Chaplaincy s growing costs are being covered by Government; it was noted that the Diocese s contribution still stood at $93,000, the figure set in 2007! A Chaplaincy at Wairarapa Hospital is being established at the Government s request, and the Synod Service collection raised $1,250 for this worthy cause. Motion 10 called for annual reports from the Prison Chaplaincy which does such sterling work in our Diocesan prisons, so that what they achieve is more widely recognised. The Education for Ministry display (left); and right, the Hospital Chaplaincy display that celebrated 40 years of ministry. 6

7 An activity to try...appropriate for all ages. Instructions: Let the group face one another across the room and let each person make a mental note of two persons across the room from them. Then: A) Go, walking, to put oneself equal distance from both people until the facilitator calls Stop. [This illustrates how life is held together by bonds of affection that we cannot fathom.] B) When touched by the facilitator, put your hand up, count to 5, then scream and crouch down. Do the same if one of your two persons is touched. [Facilitator Bishop Justin touched only one person, yet in 40 seconds this touch had rippled out to affect all others. We are linked by bonds of affection; we are family.] C) Repeat B), but when you see someone else crouched down, touch them and say, Jesus loves you, join the family. They then stand up again. [Adding in this factor illustrates that God can resurrect us.] Now ask yourself these questions: 1 How can I personally grow God s family around me? 2 How can my Mission Unit build family? 3 How can my Mission Unit build family across the Diocese? 4 What is my Mission Unit s gift to the body of Christ? The Powerhouse of Synod: From left to right: Alayne Ringrose, Rev John McCaul and Karen Stewart are kept hard at work all Synod. The Resource Centre held its last Synod Book Sale 7

8 The Process of Synod Members sign in. The stage is set! Passionate Speakers and patient timekeeper! Last minute consultations made. The Rev Andy Eldred leads the worship. The Bishop presides! Profound issues are considered, and decisions made. Networking. From the Editor: This was a vibrant Synod, alive with laughter, wisdom and debate that kept us all fully engaged. Thank you Bishop Justin, your team of advisers, and our inspiring Synod Chaplain The Rev Andy Eldred (Greytown), for such a worth-while weekend. Our Diocese is certainly in good hands. I wish to thank Diana Newbery for her wonderful photography that so enhances this edition of Electronic Synod News; also all those who took time to provide material, and to proof-read sections of the text for accuracy and content. If you would like to comment on any issues that have been raised, please send them to me rmhouston@clear.net.nz I shall follow up on them and report back in the November issue of LinkWELL. Till then, God Bless. Mary Houston 8