Due to a number of scheduling conflicts, attendance at this meeting was considerably lower than usual.
Many clergy were absent due to Shrove Tuesday activities at their churches. The evening of March 8th was also the Chancellor’s Dinner at Vancouver School of Theology where the Dean of the Diocese, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott was welcomed as Chancellor of that institution.
(In the image on right we see Clerical Secretary the Rev. Karin Fulcher in her "ears" as she had just returned from Orlando, FL hours before the meeting. On the left Rev. Douglas Fenton returns to DC)
The Agenda for this meeting consisted largely of the Audited Financial Statements for 2010 and the Revised Budget of 2011 and 2012's Vision Budget
Opening Remarks
Bishop Michael highlighted the fact that numbers were reduced at this meeting but assured DC that there was a Quorum.
Bishop Michael began his opening address by welcoming the Reverend Douglas Fenton back to the Diocese of New Westminster after 9 years in New York City working for The Episcopal Church. Douglas is now Director for Mission and Ministry for the Diocese.
Bishop Michael continued his opening remarks with a description of his recent trip to Africa the last two weeks of February.
His first stop in Africa was in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, a country that still suffers from the terrible wars in that part of the world. Burundi borders Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and Congo to the west.
Upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport, Bishop Michael was welcomed by two clergy who helped with his luggage and took him to meet his host, the Right Rev. Pie Ntukamzina (image on right below), the Bishop of the Diocese of Bujumbura one of six dioceses in the Province of Burundi.
Bishop Michael preached at the Cathedral in Bujumbura. It was not a Eucharist but a “Choir Service” involving 6 different choirs leading the music in worship. Very much like a Gospel Service more commonly associated with worship in the United States. Bishop Michael reported that there was great singing and variety; children’s choirs, A Mother’s Union choir, male voice choir etc.
Bishop Pie advised Bishop Michael to preach 15 minutes and that would include the time necessary for the translation. The official languages of Burundi are Kirundi and French with many Burudians fluent in Swahili.
The translation of +Michael’s sermon turned out to be very succinct, so the sermon took about 10 minutes. After he finished preaching the congregation burst into applause, in appreciation of the conciseness of his message.
Bishop Pie commented that the congregation was not used to a sermon of that brevity and they would’ve enjoyed hearing more.
During their time together the two Bishops spoke about evangelism, church planting and congregation building. Congregational development is different in a place like Bujumbura. Emerging neighbourhoods are not so much like planned settlements but are places where people have gathered to live. The church begins its presence with mission: childcare education, healthcare, the building of a well etc. Where there are missionary services there will eventually be a church built as the next stage of that mission. Evangelism and Mission are not separate, they take place at the same time.
Bishop Michael’s next stop was Dar es Salaam for the Bishop’s Dialogue February 24-27th.
It was quickly discovered that the usual topics that are perceived as the topics of division in the Anglican Communion did not interest the group of Bishop’s gathered in Dar es Salaam. Their discussion was about mission and ministry, the sharing of stories (the Africans prefer the word testimony to stories).
Dar es Salaam is predominantly a Muslim city but as in Bujumbura the majority of social services are provided by Christian Churches.
Many clergy were absent due to Shrove Tuesday activities at their churches. The evening of March 8th was also the Chancellor’s Dinner at Vancouver School of Theology where the Dean of the Diocese, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott was welcomed as Chancellor of that institution.
(In the image on right we see Clerical Secretary the Rev. Karin Fulcher in her "ears" as she had just returned from Orlando, FL hours before the meeting. On the left Rev. Douglas Fenton returns to DC)
The Agenda for this meeting consisted largely of the Audited Financial Statements for 2010 and the Revised Budget of 2011 and 2012's Vision Budget
Opening Remarks
Bishop Michael highlighted the fact that numbers were reduced at this meeting but assured DC that there was a Quorum.
Bishop Michael began his opening address by welcoming the Reverend Douglas Fenton back to the Diocese of New Westminster after 9 years in New York City working for The Episcopal Church. Douglas is now Director for Mission and Ministry for the Diocese.
Bishop Michael continued his opening remarks with a description of his recent trip to Africa the last two weeks of February.
His first stop in Africa was in Burundi, one of the poorest countries in the world, a country that still suffers from the terrible wars in that part of the world. Burundi borders Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south and Congo to the west.
Upon arrival at the Bujumbura Airport, Bishop Michael was welcomed by two clergy who helped with his luggage and took him to meet his host, the Right Rev. Pie Ntukamzina (image on right below), the Bishop of the Diocese of Bujumbura one of six dioceses in the Province of Burundi.
Bishop Michael preached at the Cathedral in Bujumbura. It was not a Eucharist but a “Choir Service” involving 6 different choirs leading the music in worship. Very much like a Gospel Service more commonly associated with worship in the United States. Bishop Michael reported that there was great singing and variety; children’s choirs, A Mother’s Union choir, male voice choir etc.
Bishop Pie advised Bishop Michael to preach 15 minutes and that would include the time necessary for the translation. The official languages of Burundi are Kirundi and French with many Burudians fluent in Swahili.
The translation of +Michael’s sermon turned out to be very succinct, so the sermon took about 10 minutes. After he finished preaching the congregation burst into applause, in appreciation of the conciseness of his message.
Bishop Pie commented that the congregation was not used to a sermon of that brevity and they would’ve enjoyed hearing more.
During their time together the two Bishops spoke about evangelism, church planting and congregation building. Congregational development is different in a place like Bujumbura. Emerging neighbourhoods are not so much like planned settlements but are places where people have gathered to live. The church begins its presence with mission: childcare education, healthcare, the building of a well etc. Where there are missionary services there will eventually be a church built as the next stage of that mission. Evangelism and Mission are not separate, they take place at the same time.
Bishop Michael’s next stop was Dar es Salaam for the Bishop’s Dialogue February 24-27th.
It was quickly discovered that the usual topics that are perceived as the topics of division in the Anglican Communion did not interest the group of Bishop’s gathered in Dar es Salaam. Their discussion was about mission and ministry, the sharing of stories (the Africans prefer the word testimony to stories).
Dar es Salaam is predominantly a Muslim city but as in Bujumbura the majority of social services are provided by Christian Churches.
(Click BISHOP MICHAEL'S REPORT to go to the story about the day in Dar es Salaam)
The clear priority of African Bishops is poverty and malaria (a disease that kills more people than HIV/AIDS). Mosquito netting that could protect a family can be purchased for one dollar, but even that one dollar is hard to come by.
The Bishops have agreed to meet for dialogue in Toronto next year.
The Bishops finished their dialogue by praying and singing together. During this worship they were asked to bless themselves with Holy Water and then bless someone else in the room. Bishop Michael left the meeting confident in the fact that the Anglican Communion is strong and that the ongoing disagreements and boycotts are kept active by a small group of Primates.
(Please click A TESTIMONY OF GRACE to read the official statement issued by the Bishops
The clear priority of African Bishops is poverty and malaria (a disease that kills more people than HIV/AIDS). Mosquito netting that could protect a family can be purchased for one dollar, but even that one dollar is hard to come by.
The Bishops have agreed to meet for dialogue in Toronto next year.
The Bishops finished their dialogue by praying and singing together. During this worship they were asked to bless themselves with Holy Water and then bless someone else in the room. Bishop Michael left the meeting confident in the fact that the Anglican Communion is strong and that the ongoing disagreements and boycotts are kept active by a small group of Primates.
(Please click A TESTIMONY OF GRACE to read the official statement issued by the Bishops
at the Dialogue)
The Minutes of February 8th were accepted unanimously.
6.1-6.3 - The Audited Financial Reports and Budgets of the Diocese
(In the image on left Ian Robertson and Rob Dickson present the financial information. Image on right Treasurer Ian did not wear new shoes to present the Budget)
Diocesan Comptroller Mark Beley began the process by explaining the basic content of each page of the audited statments, reminding DC that this material is regularly reported on a monthly basis but in more detail in this audited version.
Treasurer Ian Robertson moved and Reinhard Rhudersdorfer seconded that the May 2011 Synod approve the following motion:
That the audited Financial Statements for year ending December 31, 2010 be received and approved as printed and circulated.
The Treasurer then introduced Business Administrator Rob Dickson who guided DC through the 2011 Revised Budget. Rob began by pointing out that the 2010 budget showed a surplus of $18,685 which was a pleasant result considering that the projected budget shortfall for 2010 was in excess of $90,000.
Rob went through each line item in the budget giving a thumbnail sketch of each line including background about how the money is resourced.
Rob reminded DC that the Diocese forwards 26% of operating budget to General Synod. The 2011 Revised Budget indicates a projected shortfall of $6,000.
East Vancouver Deanery Lay Rep., Bob Tipping asked if the total budgeted cost for the Ministry Assessment Process could be made available to DC. The finance team agreed to look at the figures and have it prepared by the time that the minutes for this meeting are available.
Treasurer Ian Robertson then led DC through the 2012 Vision Budget and more discussions took place around the future of ministry as the Ministry Assessment Process winds down. Ian and Rob reminded DC that items in the 2012 Vision Budget could certainly be changed as we move closer to 2012 if the Synod and Diocesan Council so wish.
There was no discussion or questions so Ian moved, seconded by Jane Osler (this was Jane's last DC meeting as she is the outgoing chair of the Communications Committee, image on left) that the 2011 Revised Budget as presented be approved and forwarded to Synod for information and review; and THAT Diocesan Council receive and recommend to Synod the, 2012 Budget. Unanimous assent.
6.4 - Proposed sale of property of St. Richards, North Vancouver.
At its meeting Feb 10th the MAP implementation team of North Vancouver recommended that the property of the now closed parish of St. Richard’s be placed for sale and the proceeds from the sale be put into the new development fund. The Memorial Garden will need to be moved to an appropriate Memorial Garden location.
A motion was put toward DC containing details of how the sale will be carried out.
Passed unanimously
6.5 - Nominations for recipients of the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster be extended from March 31st to April 30th.
(Click to download the new forms and information: ODNW Nomination Form.doc,
ODNW Nomination Form.pdf, Nomination Information 2011)
6.1-6.3 - The Audited Financial Reports and Budgets of the Diocese
(In the image on left Ian Robertson and Rob Dickson present the financial information. Image on right Treasurer Ian did not wear new shoes to present the Budget)
Diocesan Comptroller Mark Beley began the process by explaining the basic content of each page of the audited statments, reminding DC that this material is regularly reported on a monthly basis but in more detail in this audited version.
Treasurer Ian Robertson moved and Reinhard Rhudersdorfer seconded that the May 2011 Synod approve the following motion:
That the audited Financial Statements for year ending December 31, 2010 be received and approved as printed and circulated.
The Treasurer then introduced Business Administrator Rob Dickson who guided DC through the 2011 Revised Budget. Rob began by pointing out that the 2010 budget showed a surplus of $18,685 which was a pleasant result considering that the projected budget shortfall for 2010 was in excess of $90,000.
Rob went through each line item in the budget giving a thumbnail sketch of each line including background about how the money is resourced.
Rob reminded DC that the Diocese forwards 26% of operating budget to General Synod. The 2011 Revised Budget indicates a projected shortfall of $6,000.
East Vancouver Deanery Lay Rep., Bob Tipping asked if the total budgeted cost for the Ministry Assessment Process could be made available to DC. The finance team agreed to look at the figures and have it prepared by the time that the minutes for this meeting are available.
Treasurer Ian Robertson then led DC through the 2012 Vision Budget and more discussions took place around the future of ministry as the Ministry Assessment Process winds down. Ian and Rob reminded DC that items in the 2012 Vision Budget could certainly be changed as we move closer to 2012 if the Synod and Diocesan Council so wish.
There was no discussion or questions so Ian moved, seconded by Jane Osler (this was Jane's last DC meeting as she is the outgoing chair of the Communications Committee, image on left) that the 2011 Revised Budget as presented be approved and forwarded to Synod for information and review; and THAT Diocesan Council receive and recommend to Synod the, 2012 Budget. Unanimous assent.
6.4 - Proposed sale of property of St. Richards, North Vancouver.
At its meeting Feb 10th the MAP implementation team of North Vancouver recommended that the property of the now closed parish of St. Richard’s be placed for sale and the proceeds from the sale be put into the new development fund. The Memorial Garden will need to be moved to an appropriate Memorial Garden location.
A motion was put toward DC containing details of how the sale will be carried out.
Passed unanimously
6.5 - Nominations for recipients of the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster be extended from March 31st to April 30th.
(Click to download the new forms and information: ODNW Nomination Form.doc,
ODNW Nomination Form.pdf, Nomination Information 2011)
The motion to change this date was passed unanimously.
Trudy Lebans then spoke briefly about how the parish of St. Laurence, Coquitlam is developing a process to select that parishes nominee as it was proving to be a major problem for the rector to make an arbitrary choice from among many who are worthy of consideration. Trudy asked if anyone else had experienced that issue.
Rob Dickson told the group that he had heard that some parishes and priest are troubled by the difficulty of choosing just one nominee from the parish to receive consideration each year so he asked that Trudy consider sharing the details of the St. Laurence process, once it is estasblished.
Trudy Lebans then spoke briefly about how the parish of St. Laurence, Coquitlam is developing a process to select that parishes nominee as it was proving to be a major problem for the rector to make an arbitrary choice from among many who are worthy of consideration. Trudy asked if anyone else had experienced that issue.
Rob Dickson told the group that he had heard that some parishes and priest are troubled by the difficulty of choosing just one nominee from the parish to receive consideration each year so he asked that Trudy consider sharing the details of the St. Laurence process, once it is estasblished.
The meeting was adjourned by Bishop Michael at 9:20pm following "The Grace"
Diocesan Council is the decision making, governing body of the Diocese of New Westminster consisting of:
- the Diocesan Officers (Bishop, Dean, Executive Archdeacon,Chancellor, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer)
- the Archdeacons of the five Archdeaconries
- the Archdeacon who is the Director of Deacons
- two additional Diocesan Legal Officers, (Registrar and Legal Assessor)
- a Lay Secretary, a Clergy Secretary,
- the chairs of the Diocesan Standing Committees
- there are two Deanery reps either Ordained or Lay. Sometimes Deaneries have two lay reps and sometimes two clergy reps, sometimes one of each. A Deanery is a group of churches, geographically affiliated and the reps are elected at the Annual Synod Meeting.
- Synod Staff also attend meetings but are not members of Diocesan Council. They include: Business Administrator, Director of Planned Giving, Comptroller, Youth Coordinator and Communications Officer (and other staff as required).
Diocesan Synod consists of all the active clergy in the Diocese of New Westminster and 2-6 lay people elected from each diocesan parish proportionate to the size of the parish community.
Diocesan Council functions as the Synod between Synods, it is a representation of the large group that meets annually.
Diocesan Council and Diocesan Synod are both chaired by the Bishop.
Diocesan Council meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month usually at St. Augustine, Marpole at 7:30pm. Diocesan Council is adjourned for the months of July and August.