Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan Structure Team s Report to the 143rd Diocesan Convention

Transcription

1 Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan Structure Team s Report to the 143rd Diocesan Convention Includes the following: Full Structure Report Resolution on Restructure (p. 11) Map of Regions (p. 10) Canon Changes (pp ) Amendments made to the proposal following pre-convention meetings (p. 19)

2 EDWM Structure Team Report to the 143rd Diocesan Convention Restructuring for Mission The goal of this restructuring process is to engage every member of every congregation in the Diocese in ministry, so that everyone is actively participating in "the Jesus Movement," in helping to build the Kingdom of God, through worship, formation, evangelism and service. At the heart of the Jesus Movement is an understanding of mission, and of the vocation of the Church, that has been articulated for us by our Primate, Michael Curry. During his sermon, at his installation as the 27th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Curry said this: God came among us in the person of Jesus of Nazareth to show us the Way He came to show us the Way to life, the Way to love." "Follow me, JI he said, "and I will make you fish for people. JI Jesus came and started a movement. We are the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. Jesus articulated, embodied and catalyzed the movement that was serving God's mission in this world. That's what is going on in the Acts of the Apostles! This movement was perceived as somehow reordering the way things were, turning the world upside down... because members of the movement gave their loyalty to someone named Jesus and committed themselves to living and witnessing to his way above all else. Now is our time to go! To go into the world to share the good news of God in Jesus Christ. To go into the world and help. Our Baptismal Covenant gives particular shape to these actions to which we have all been called: Continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers; Persevere in resisting evil and whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord; Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ; Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. The Jesus Movement takes place within and beyond the walls of our churches, across and beyond our local, regional and diocesan boundaries, in our homes, and within our communities. We are called to gather in worship and to go out into the world as servants, agents and instruments of God's love, reconciliation, and gift of hope. The Jesus Movement is, therefore, 2

3 inherently relational, meaning that we form bonds with those whom we serve and serve with. It's something we participate in together, inspired and fully engaged as God's people. Summary of Our Team's Process Background of the EDWM Structure Process In January 2016, The Rt Rev Whayne Hougland, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan commissioned three clergy, three lay representatives, and one lay person serving as consultant to fulfill the requirements of Substitute Resolution Two as approved at the November 2015 EDWM Diocesan Convention, i.e., to study the structure and function of the current deanery model and recommend restructuring as deemed appropriate. The Rev. Jennifer Adams, Rector, Grace, Holland chaired the committee, comprised of The Rev. Adams of the Lakeshore Deanery, The Very Rev. Brian Coleman of the Eastern Deanery, The Rev. Stephen Holmgren of the Grand Valley Deanery, Ms. Freya Gilbert of the St. Joseph Deanery, Ms. Jill Budzynski of the Traverse Deanery, Mr. Bill Fleener, Jr, Diocesan Chancellor, and Eastern Deanery Ms. Connie Remenschneider, Consultant In short, the Substitute Resolution called for the following: The Diocese of Western Michigan will maintain the current Deanery system as outlined in the canons and given shape in current practice, while also exploring other models for diocesan structure and administration. The Bishop will appoint a team to explore possibilities for restructuring that take into account: the new Diocesan vision and the call to "be the Jesus movement here in Western Michigan" the strengths and weaknesses of our current systems best practices that exist throughout The Episcopal Church, learning from other Episcopal Dioceses that have recently done this kind of work and are experiencing new life and growth. The Structure Committee formulated its project plan, which began with research into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the current EDWM Deanery model. The first input was primary research in the form of a diocesan-wide survey (with 80 responding) and questionnaire and phone interviews with the Deans and Chairs who currently lead all Deanery meetings and interactions. The Bishop was also interviewed. Through these processes, the Team had input from over 100 members of the Diocese. 3

4 Following the interviews and diocesan-wide survey, committee members summarized survey results and each interview session and then met as a group to review common threads and draw conclusions regarding strengths and weaknesses. The findings can be summarized as follows (full survey responses are available on request): High inconsistency and concern exists among Deaneries re. effectiveness of purpose, leadership, structure, use of time and resources. This means that Deaneries are not helping to engage every member of every congregation in the EDWM in mission. The challenge of improving upon the existing model is not just a matter of structural {form) change, but also functional change. The current model needs to be redesigned, with new definition of role/functions, allocation of resources, leadership and purpose, interface with diocese and parishes. A number of expressed needs not currently being addressed at a regional level may be able to be addressed by a new model. Changes to the deanery model also need to reflect enhancements in Communication, Collaboration, Coordinated Ministries and an awareness of our role in the Jesus Movement. The Structure Committee also identified Best Practices Models across numerous Episcopal dioceses in the US. Secondary analyses of 50+ dioceses revealed that at least 34 still use the traditional deanery model, structure and language, while the dioceses of Minnesota, Washington DC, Connecticut, Spokane, Chicago, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Vermont have moved away from the past approach to adopt innovative models. Many other dioceses are currently undergoing similar exploration and/or engaging change. The committee also conducted Interviews and more in-depth consideration of those models, to help rethink how to implement both form and function changes that would improve the effectiveness of region-centric collaboration, missions and ministry. In summary, the Structure Team observed that the Minnesota and Connecticut Dioceses came closest to implementing new functions and forms that could invigorate growth, improve effectiveness and offer better support and leadership for our parishes and their full engagement with missions. However, neither offered a full blueprint that the EDWM could adopt in its entirety. What we present is a model similar to both, yet fitting the particular context of EDWM. The report was then shared with Diocesan Council for basic review and input with the understanding that the Team would meet with Council and Standing Committee in early 2017 for further revision and establishing time-frames and plans for implementation. The report was shared at the 142nd Diocesan Convention and another round of feedback was received from about 75 delegates to that Convention. 4

5 Following the 142nd Diocesan Convention, a second phase of developing the proposals began with representatives from Diocesan Council, the Structure Team, and Standing Committee appointed by Diocesan Council to integrate feedback received, work out the budget ramifications of the proposals, and refine the proposals themselves for presentation to the 143rd Diocesan Convention. Members of that team were The Rev. Jennifer Adams, The Rev. Val Ambrose, The Rev. Brian Coleman, Ms. Joan Smith, Mr. Dave Creal, Mr. Bill Fleener, Diocesan Chancellor and The Rt. Rev. Whayne Hougland, Bishop. Their work included participating in conversations and planning at two joint meetings of Diocesan Council and Standing Committee, making budget recommendations to Council, developing a timeline for implementation of the proposed structure changes, making Deanery presentations (June 2017) and integrating feedback from delegates, meeting with representatives from the Whittemore Foundation, summarizing the structure proposals, and submitting the Structure Resolution to the 143rd Convention of the Diocese. Foundational Principles and Goals Supporting these Proposals 1. People feel a part of the church, connected to the Church when they are doing something for the good of the Church and its mission in the world. 2. Engagement takes place within and beyond the walls of the church building. A vital congregation is concerned with its own well-being, as well as that of the surrounding community (local, regional, and global). Its members are active in ministry individually and collectively. 3. Structures enable and serve the work of the people and the mission of the church (not the other way around.) 4. Collaboration takes many different shapes - sharing ministries, sharing resources, sharing clergy, sharing members, sharing ideas, sharing struggles, sharing solutions. 5. Connection happens in many ways - in person and virtually. 6. Partnerships and shared ministries between and among parishes help to facilitate the breadth of ministries in which the people of God are called to engage. Members of a congregation can participate in more than one parish, letting go of the expectation that individual parishes can be all things to all members. 7. We are called to be open to new models for congregations and for lay and ordained ministries. Challenges as Reported via Surveys and Interviews 1. While the parish is the local context for ministry and often the starting point for an experience of the church, we need more experiences that invite us beyond those contexts. Many survey respondents indicated that we are "too parochial." 2. Our metrics are almost entirely parochially/congregationally based. In order to "hit the mark" we have to care primarily for our own parishes. This often fosters competition rather than collaboration. 5

6 3. Our Diocesan definition of "healthy parish" has historically been limited to a parish's ability to pay its apportionment and to keep up its Sunday attendance. Intervention {i.e. "direct support") happens only in instances of not paying an apportionment or some form of misconduct. 4. Deaneries often meet with very little business, action, or connection to what we can or should (or want to) do; some are challenged to come up with any meaningful agenda; few have any ideas about how to spur spiritual growth. There is a lack of inspiration and energy so people find themselves "going through the motions." 5. We need to move beyond a "maintenance" or "survival" mode and ask how best to organize for worship and mission as we seek to move toward being a diocese composed of flourishing congregations. 6. We need to consider a variety of options and tools for moving forward when it comes to discerning models for sustainable congregations. 7. We are overly clerical in our operations to the detriment of lay people and clergy alike. 8. We aren't skilled at engaging people in ministry {regardless of the size of our parish.) 9. As a Diocese we have not thought strategically about mission, ministry or long-range vision and planning. This is a necessary step, but even the language is new to many. Purpose of Diocesan Structures The purpose of diocesan structures is to support the work of the people and congregations, to motivate and equip the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement here in Western Michigan, to support communication, enable collaboration and resource formation and ministry efforts. 1. To Support Communication - announcing, listening, learning, discovering opportunities, and discussing how to change 2. To Enable Collaboration - sharing assets and playbooks, incubating experiments, encouraging "entrepreneurial" opportunities, providing coaching in new ministries by those who are doing them, borrowing insights from other dioceses 3. To Provide Ongoing Formation Opportunities for Spiritual Growth: a. Forming disciples in processes of Lifelong Learning - basic catechetical and ongoing Christian education; education in basic Spiritual Practices; content for spiritual growth; preparation for Confirmation etc. b. Forming Healthy/MatureNibrant Congregations - congregational development programs, forming church leaders, providing tools for evangelism, stewardship c. Forming Healthy/Mature Clergy who are faithful, accountable, collegial 4. Enabling/Empowering Ministry - providing people and parishes with tools to identify calls {discernment) and to carry out those calls, if not in one's local parish, then in another Proposed Diocesan Structure 1. Bishop 2. Bishop's Staff a. Diocesan Administrator {Part-time) 6

7 b. Communications Person ( Full-time) c. Finance Person (Full-time) d. Bishop's Assistant for Children and Youth Ministries e. Canon Missioner (3) (at 2.5 full-time positions to be determined by the Bishop) Each Canon Missioner will coach, encourage, and help to equip congregations to fulfill the mission and vision of the Diocese. The Missioners serve in one of three regions of the Diocese, and in this capacity, they engage parishes in areas of: Congregational Development, Regional and Diocesan Participation, Collaboration and Relationship Building, Mission and Ministry. (See Appendix 1 for a basic description of their role.) 3. Canonically Required Commission/Committees a. Standing Committee b. Commission on Ministry c. Diocesan Council d. Title IV Board 4. Congregations One of the next steps being taken to support these proposals is consideration of a significant revision to Diocesan Canons with regard to parishes and missions. Members of Diocesan Council have begun this process. 5. Regions: Geographic Units of Ministry {An Evolution of the Current Deanery) a. Northern Region - Traverse City b. Central Region- Grand Rapids c. Southern - Kalamazoo See Appendix 3 for Map of Regions Function of Regions:Engagement in Ministry, Communication, Collaboration.Formation A. Regional Gatherings (minimum of twice per year) 1. Spring Assembly - Bishop's Town Hall 2. Fall Assembly- Pre-Convention Meeting including elections to Diocesan Council 3. Winter Virtual Gathering? Ministry Area Gatherings? Others? 4. Possible Agenda for Spring/Fall Gatherings (see Appendix 2) B. Governance in Relation to Mission Each Regional Assembly is composed of elected delegates from each congregation (per the current Canon on delegates). 2. Each Regional Assembly elects 4 members to serve on Diocesan Council in staggered 3 year terms. Council will consist of 15 members, 4 elected from each Region with each member serving a three-year staggered term, and 3 nominated at-large, at the Bishop's discretion and approved by Council, each serving a 1. 7

8 one-year term. Ex Officio Members of Council will remain: the Bishop, the Bishop's Assistant for Finance, the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, the Chair of Finance Committee, the Chancellor of the Diocese, the Clerk of Council (non-voting unless a member of DC) 3. In addition, Canon Missioners will be Ex Officio members of Council. 4. The Canon Missioner serves as facilitator and convener of Regional meetings. 5. Each Region will elect a Communications Secretary and Treasurer. C. Total Cost for Restructuring (for detail see the Proposed 2018 Diocesan Budget and Structure PowerPoint Presentation - both available on the Diocesan Website) Staffing $220,934 Available Funding $194,564 Total unfunded $23,370* Sources for Additional Funding Whittemore Foundation, $10 to $30,000 ( up to three years) Additional Davidson Funds $5-10K Additional Budget Reductions $10K 6. Ministry Networks: Non-Geographically Based Ministry Units Purpose: A network is a group of people with a passion about a particular ministry. We have several already in our Diocese. The purpose of the Networks is to connect people and ministries to each other for information/resource sharing and action. These groups gather formally and informally, in-person and virtually around a particular ministry. The Diocese provides the platforms on which the Networks gather, share information and invite others in. Examples: Campus Ministry Leadership Group, Small Parishes, Clericus Groups, The Order of Naucratius... 8 Proposed Transition Process The initial phase will involve restructuring to physically enable the transition, providing agenda for Regions to begin their work, and staffing for support of the Jesus Movement in Western Michigan. 1. Eliminate the Diocesan Canons on Deaneries and replace with Canons on Regions including an accompanying process for the election of members of Diocesan Council

9 2. Approve a Diocesan Budget reflective of this new Regional Structure and Diocesan Staff configuration 3. Begin to Meet as Regions -(this is already happening in PreConvention and Town Halls) 4. Consider moving the "Bishop's Office" to Grand Rapids potentially using space that the Diocese already owns. Standing Committee is exploring this possibility. 5. Transition Canon to the Ordinary to Canon Missioner for the Southern Region 6. Add Canon Missioners to the Northern and Central Regions 7. Ensure that Canon Missioners have office spaces in a parish in their Region 8. Begin the transition process for Diocesan Council election and membership Appendix 1 Proposed Canon Missioner Role Build strong relationships with parish representatives (i.e., those who attend the Regional Gatherings), lead them to identify and clarify their communities' unique identities, gifts and passions, as well as regional and Diocesan wide partnership opportunities; help representatives learn how to use networking tools; Help plan, invigorate and host Regional Gatherings; guide parishes' abilities to strategize for the future, and to build understanding of the Missional Church; Model the prompt, effective, transparent and enabling communication processes that are to be the hallmark of the EDWM going forward; e Be the Bishop's ear on Regional needs, successes and opportunities Facilitate prioritization of Diocesan funding requests among Region's needs; Structure, network and systematize the Region's discernment, deployment and transition efforts; ease and speed parishes' access to the data and processes they need to carry out their search and transition efforts; Provide leadership coaching to Regional teams and support the governing bodies of EDWM; Regularly visit each parish to learn their needs, vital signs and outreach, broadly communicate successes, key activities and programs to them; be a catalyst for parishes to partner; help parishes avoid lapsing into crisis mode 9

10 Appendix 2 Possible Regional Gathering Agenda Opening prayer and Canon Missioner meeting kick-off Election of Diocesan Council Reps (Fall) Group speaker or all-attendee activity (could be a ministry fair, a parish sharing details of its success with a new outreach; regional non-profit who wants to sponsor outreach; how to do community organizing; new visions for worship, how to manage volunteers; new strategies for youth programs) Breakout Sessions Lunch Sharing of opportunities or challenges where parishes need or want to partner with others Wrap-up, commitments to action and key learnings Appendix Three Map of the Proposed Regions- Northern, Central, Southern 10

11 Resolution on Diocesan Structure Be it resolved that this 143rd Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan: 1. In the place of our current Deanery structure, establish three geographic Regions those being the Northern Region, based in Traverse City, the Central Region, based in Grand Rapids, and the Southern Region, based in Kalamazoo. 2. Populate these Regions according to the map included in this resolution giving Standing Committee authority to adjust Regional boundaries and membership as deemed necessary. 3. Recommend to the Bishop the addition of three Diocesan staff positions, those being one Canon Missioner for each Region. 4. Recommend to the Bishop the expansion of the Diocesan Communications position to full-time. 5. Recommend to the Bishop that the current Canon to the Ordinary transition to the Canon Missioner for the Southern Region, if he wishes. 6. Transition the Diocesan Council to a membership composed of: a. 15 members, 4 elected from each Region with each member serving a three-year staggered term, and 3 nominated at the Bishop's discretion and approved by Council, each serving a one-year term b. Ex Officio Members of Council will remain: the Bishop, the Bishop's Assistant for Finance, the Treasurer or Assistant Treasurer, the Chair of Finance Committee, the Chancellor of the Diocese, the Clerk of Council (non-voting unless a member of DC) Canon Missions as added will also be Ex Officio Members of Council This resolution includes the following changes to the Canons of the Diocese of Western Michigan. 11

12 Constitution and Canon Changes As proposed by the Structure Committee (Plain Text Version) CONSTITUTION CHANGE Composition of Convention Article IV, Section 2h Youth delegates shall be selected as prescribed by canon. Canon Changes Canon 3.04 (a)one youth delegate and one alternate from each of the three Mission Regions shall be selected by each Region, at its first meeting following the preceding Diocesan Convention. The Region shall have the authority to fill any vacancies that occur in these two positions. Canon 7 Section COMPOSITION Canon 7 Section COMPOSITION The Diocesan Council shall be composed of the Bishop, a designated youth representative, 4 persons selected by each Mission Region, and 3 persons nominated by the Bishop and approved by Council. The Bishop shall have the authority to appoint the designated youth representative on an annual basis or as vacancies arise. The representatives from each Mission Region must include at least one lay person and at least one member of the clergy. Representatives of Mission Regions may serve up to two consecutive terms. If a Mission Region certifies to the Bishop that it is unable to fill their allotted positions, the Bishop shall fill the position with the approval of Standing Committee. If a Mission Region representative is elected to serve an unexpired term that person may then serve two consecutive full terms following the completion of the unexpired term. Any appointed members serve a one year term and may be reappointed for up to three terms. The Chancellor, the Canon Missioners, the Chair of the Finance Committee, the Clerk of Council ( unless a member of Council), the Bishop's Assistant for Finance, and the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer shall be exofficio members of the Diocesan Council without vote. Section ELECTION 12

13 Each year at the meeting preceding Diocesan convention, each Mission Region will submit to Convention the names of members to fill all expiring terms and any open but unexpired terms. Diocesan Convention shall approve the members submitted by each Mission Region. CANON 8 MISSION REGIONS AND MISSIONERS Section 8.01 COMPOSITION The Diocese shall be divided into three Mission Regions, the composition of which will be determined by Standing Committee. Section PURPOSE AND POWERS The Mission Region provides a vehicle for Parishes and new congregations in proximity to each other to undertake projects and activities in furtherance of their respective missions and the mission and vision of the Diocese, which would be too difficult for one Parish or new congregation to undertake alone, or which would so drain the resources of one Parish or new congregation as to make the effort impracticable. The Mission Region shall be responsible for carrying out the following duties: (a) Promoting and aiding in the implementation of cooperative ministries among the congregations in the Region; (b) Identifying and communicating program and ministry ideas to the appropriate Diocesan Commission; (c) Aiding Diocesan commissions in the implementation of programs and ministries in the Region; (d) Raising funds as necessary for its activities; ( e) Providing a forum for discussion of upcoming Diocesan Convention business and disseminating and responding to Diocesan communications relating to Convention concerns; (f) Proposing names as required for membership on Diocesan Commissions and Council; and (g) Performing such other duties assigned by these Canons or the Constitution. Section MEMBERS The clergy and members of the congregations in the region are members of the Mission Region. Section MEETINGS Each Mission Region shall meet not less than TWO (2) times each year and such additional times as may be deemed necessary by the Missioner at the request of not less than 4 members of the region. Section OFFICERS 13

14 Each Mission Region shall elect the following officers: (a) The Chairperson shall be the Canon Missioner. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the Mission Region, and shall carry out such duties and communications as the Mission Region or the Bishop may assign. (b) A Vice-Chairperson, who shall preside at convocation meetings in the absence of the Chairperson. (c) Either the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must be a member of the clergy. ( d) A Secretary and a Treasurer, who each shall perform the customary duties of their respective offices. Diocesan Council members from the Mission Region shall be nominated by the members of the Mission Region, as provided by Canon 7, at a meeting held no more than 60 days, and no less than 30 days, prior to the annual Convention. Canon (a) (2) By petition, the form of which shall be determined by the Standing Committee, signed by no less than three (3) clergy members canonically resident in no less than two (2) Mission Regions and by no less than three (3) lay members in good standing of at least two (2) Mission Regions. The person nominated must indicate such person's willingness to be nominated and consent in writing to the normal background checks no later than the date specified by the Standing Committee. Canon 40 Section AUTHORITY The Diocesan Council, which is representative of the Mission Regions of the Diocese of Western Michigan, shall create such commissions, committees, and departments as shall be deemed appropriate to the mission and ministry of the Diocese. Each shall have a stated Mission, membership, and program and, when necessary, budget, which collectively shall be deemed the Administrative Plan for that year. 14

15 Constitution and Canon Changes proposed by the Committee on Structure (Strike and Cap Version) CONSTITUTION CHANGE Composition of Convention Article IV, Section 2h Youth delegates shall be adult communicants in good standing, bet... een ages 16 and 21 years. Each deanery shall select one (1) youth delegate and an additional five (5) youth delegates SHALL BE SELECTED AS PRESCRIBED BY CANON. Canon Changes Canon 3.04 (a) One youth delegate and one alternate from each of the five Deaneries THREE MISSION REGIONS shall be selected by each Deanery REGION, at its first meeting following the preceding Diocesan Convention. The Deanery REGION shall have the authority to fill any vacancies that occur in these two positions. Section COMPOSITION Canon 7 Section COMPOSITION COMPOSITION The Diocesan Council shall be composed of the Bishop, a designated youth representative, the Chairperson of each Deanery Convocation, and two additional persons nominated by each Deanery and elected by annual Convention FOUR PERSONS SELECTED BY EACH MISSION REGION, AND THREE PERSONS NOMINATED BY THE BISHOP AND APPROVED BY COUNCIL The Bishop shall have the authority to appoint the designated youth representative on an annual basis or as vacancies arise. Each Deanery Delegation to Diocesan Council must include at least one lay person and at least one member of the clergy THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH MISSION REGION MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE LAY PERSON AND AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE CLERGY. REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSION REGIONS MAY SERVE UP TO TWO CONSECUTIVE TERMS. IF A MISSION REGION CERTIFIES TO THE BISHOP THAT IT IS UNABLE TO FILL THEIR ALLOTTED POSITIONS, THE BISHOP SHALL FILL THE POSITION WITH THE APPROVAL OF STANDING COMMITTEE. IF A MISSION REGION REPRESENTATIVE IS ELECTED TO SERVE AN UNEXPIRED TERM THAT PERSON MAY THEN SERVE TWO CONSECUTIVE FULL TERMS FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM. ANY APPOINTED MEMBERS SERVE A ONE YEAR TERM AND MAY BE REAPPOINTED FOR UP TO THREE TERMS. The Chancellor, THE CANON MISSIONERS, THE CHAIR OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE CLERK OF COUNCIL (UNLESS A MEMBER OF COUNCIL), THE BISHOP'S ASSISTANT FOR FINANCE, and the Treasurer AND ASSISTANT TREASURER shall be ex-officio members of the Diocesan Council without vote. 15

16 Section ELECTION In the years in which a full term for Chairpersons of Deanery convocation begins, no other three year term members.viii be elected to Council. In every other y ear, each convocation of the Deaneries shall nominate and the annual Convention shall elect one person, lay or clerical, to serve a three year term on Diocesan Council. Members so elected to a three year term shall not be eligible to succeed themselves more than once. Vacancies between annual Conventions shall be filled for the remainder of the unc>cpired term by election of the same Deanery convocation from which the member causing the vacancv '#as nominated. All persons elected to fill vacancies shall be confirmed by election at the ne)(t annual Convention. EACH YEAR AT THE MEETING PRECEDING DIOCESAN CONVENTION, EACH MISSION REGION WILL SUBMIT TO CONVENTION THE NAMES OF MEMBERS TO FILL ALL EXPIRING TERMS AND ANY OPEN BUT UNEXPIRED TERMS. DIOCESAN CONVENTION SHALL APPROVE THE MEMBERS SUBMITTED BY EACH MISSION REGION. C, A.NON 8 DEANERIES,".ND CONVOCATIONS MISSION REGIONS AND MISSIONERS Section COMPOSITION The Diocese shall be divided into five Deaneries THREE MISSION REGIONS, the same to be determined by the Diocesan Council STANDING COMMITTEE. Section PURPOSE AND POWERS Section PURPOSE AND POWERS The Deanery THE MISSION REGION provides a vehicle for Parishes and new congregations in proximity to each other to undertake projects and activities in furtherance of their respective missions and the mission and vision of the Diocese, which would be too difficult for one Parish or new congregation to undertake alone, or which would so drain the resources of one Parish or new congregation as to make the effort impracticable. The Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION shall be responsible for carrying out the following duties: a) Promoting and aiding in the implementation of cooperative ministries among the congregations in the Deanery REGION; (b) Identifying and communicating program and ministry ideas to the appropriate Diocesan Commission; (c) Aiding Diocesan commissions in the implementation of programs and ministries in the Deanery REGION; {d) Raising funds as necessary to its activities; 16

17 (e) Providing a forum for discussion of upcoming Diocesan Convention business and disseminating and responding to Diocesan communications relating to Convention concerns; (f) Proposing names as required for membership on Diocesan Commissions AND COUNCIL; and (g) Performing such other duties assigned by these Canons or the Constitution Section MEMBERS Section MEMBERS The membership of each Deanery Convocation shall consist of the canonically resident clergy in that Deanery, the lay delegates to annual Convention from each congregation contained 'Nithin the Deanery and the 1 y<outh delegates to the annual Convention from congregations contained.vithin that Deanery'. Each Deanery Convocation may determine additional Deanery membership as desired. THE CLERGY AND MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATIONS IN THE REGION ARE MEMBERS OF THE MISSION REGION. Section MEETINGS Each Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION shall meet not less than three times each year and such additional times as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson MISSIONER or at the request of not less than 8 FOUR members of the convocation REGION. Section OFFICERS Each Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION shall elect the following officers: (a) A Chairperson -t&-sewe for a three year term beginning immediately after the conclusion of the annual Convention commencing in The Chairperson may be lay or clerical, and shall be elected by secret ballot by the Deanery Convocation. In case of a vacancy, the Deanery Convocation shall fill the vacancy in the same manner for the remainder of the unexpired term. SHALL BE THE CANON MISSIONER. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION, and shall carry out such duties and communications as the Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION or the Bishop may assign. (b) A Vice-Chairperson, who shall preside at convocation meetings in the absence of the Chairperson. (c) Either the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must be a member of the clergy. (d) A Secretary and a Treasurer, who each shall perform the customary duties of their respective offices. Diocesan Council members from the Deanery MISSION REGION shall be nominated by the Deanery Convocation MEMBERS OF THE MISSION REGION, as provided by Canon 7, at a meeting held no more than 60 days, and no less than 30 days, prior to the annual Convention. 17

18 Canon (a) (2) By petition, the form of which shall be determined by the Standing Committee, signed by no less than three (3) clergy members canonically resident in no less than two (2) Deaneries MISSION REGIONS and by no less than three (3) lay members in good standing of at least two {2) Deaneries MISSION REGIONS. The person nominated must indicate such person's willingness to be nominated and consent in writing to the normal background checks no later than the date specified by the Standing Committee. Canon 40 Section AUTHORITY The Diocesan Council, which is representative of the five dean-efi :5 MISSION REGIONS of the Diocese of Western Michigan, shall create such commissions, committees, and departments as shall be deemed appropriate to the mission and ministry of the Diocese. Each shall have a stated Mission, membership, and program and, when necessary, budget, which collectively shall be deemed the Administrative Plan for that year. 18

19 Amendment to the Structure Proposal The Constitution and Canons Committee offers the following amendments to the structure proposal as published in the pre-convention materials. Canon 7.01 THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM EACH MISSION REGION {SHALL SERVE STAGGERED 3-YEAR TERMS AND} MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST ONE LAY PERSON AND AT LEAST ONE MEMBER OF THE CLERGY. This addition maintains the current requirement that Council members will serve staggered terms to allow for carryover of a significant amount of the membership. Canon 8.05 Each Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION shall elect the THE following SHALL BE THE officers OF THE MISSION REGION: (a) A Chairperson to serve for a three-year term beginning immediately after the conclusion of the annual Convention commencing in The Chairperson may be lay or clerical, and shall be elected by secret ballot by the Deanery Convocation. In case of a vacancy, the Deanery Convocation shall fill the vacancy in the same manner for the remainder of the unexpired term. SHALL BE THE CANON MISSIONER. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION, and shall carry out such duties and communications as the Deanery Convocation MISSION REGION or the Bishop may assign. THE MISSION REGION SHALL ELECT THE REMINING OFFICERS INCLUDING: (b) A Vice-Chairperson, who shall preside at convocation meetings in the absence of the Chairperson. c) Either the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must be a member of the clergy. (d) A Secretary and a Treasurer, who each shall perform the customary duties of their respective offices. Diocesan Council members from the Deanery MISSION REGION shall be nominated by the Deanery Convocation MEMBERS OF THE MISSION REGION, as provided by Canon 7, at a meeting held no more than 60 days, and no less than 30 days, prior to the annual Convention. This addition corrects a drafting error in the original proposal that called for the Canon Missioner to be elected by the Mission Region. That of course was never the intent, it was always clear that the Canon Missioner is an employee of the Diocese thus naming this person is the prerogative of the Bishop. 19

20