A dynamic crowd of over fifty people turned up at St. George’s, Maple Ridge, Saturday, January 28th to begin designing the Ministry Assessment Process for Anglican parishes from Maple Ridge to Mission. Lay leaders and clergy shared their values and discussed their hopes for their parishes. What do they value about their parishes? Among other elements, people value their parish’s level of acceptance, diversity and fellowship; expressions of care and concern for the broader community; and the opportunity to grow in faith. People’s hopes include financial stability, more young people, and higher attendance.
Participants were realistic about the challenges facing their parishes and the church in general but full of energy and commitment to finding a way forward. The excellent snacks and energetic conversations suggest that this crew will have a good time getting there.
Participating parishes are St. George’s, Maple Ridge, St. John the Divine, Maple Ridge, Church of the Holy Spirit, Whonnock, and All Saints, Mission. Facilitated by Tasha Carrothers, MAP Resource Associate, this meeting begins Stage 2 of MAP. Soon parish teams will host Storytelling events and engage The Parish Study. The Parish Study includes an in-depth look at parish ministry, community demographics, financials, and buildings. In about a year, the four parishes will have ministry plans for themselves and for regional Anglican ministry.
Participants were realistic about the challenges facing their parishes and the church in general but full of energy and commitment to finding a way forward. The excellent snacks and energetic conversations suggest that this crew will have a good time getting there.
Participating parishes are St. George’s, Maple Ridge, St. John the Divine, Maple Ridge, Church of the Holy Spirit, Whonnock, and All Saints, Mission. Facilitated by Tasha Carrothers, MAP Resource Associate, this meeting begins Stage 2 of MAP. Soon parish teams will host Storytelling events and engage The Parish Study. The Parish Study includes an in-depth look at parish ministry, community demographics, financials, and buildings. In about a year, the four parishes will have ministry plans for themselves and for regional Anglican ministry.
Images: Above left, St George's Interim Priest-in-Charge Rev'd Denise Doerksen and Connie Schmid of Holy Spirit Whonnock listen intently. Below, enthusiastic discussion at St. George’s Maple Ridge