May 2019 Staff Meeting

On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 “MAY DAY” the Synod staff of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster met in the Trendell Lounge under the guidance of meeting chair, the Reverend Dr. Tellison Glover. Following Tellison’s verbal acknowledgment that the staff was meeting on the unceded territory of Coast Salish First Nations: Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam; upon which the Diocesan Offices are located, it was time to celebrate the May birthday of Indigenous Justice Coordinator, Nii K’an Kwsdins (aka Jerry Adams). Birthday Cake Coordinator extraordinary, Michele had asked Jerry what kind of cake he would like, he happily requested a Torta Diplomatica from an East Vancouver bakery and she complied. An excellent choice!

Archbishop Skelton and Rachel Taylor were absent as they were attending meetings in Montreal, however, the staff welcomed Chair of Synod Planning, Frances Fagan, ODNW to the meeting.

As the cake was served, the staff check-in continued. This is the point in the meeting where each member provides a short summary of current work. Archdeacon Douglas Fenton reported that the work to update the Diocesan Constitution, Canons & Rules of Order continues with a second draft now published for Synod delegates to review. (Please follow this link to the page on this website with these documents.) It is anticipated one further revision will be made prior to Synod. Rev. Tellison Glover, Director of Mission and Ministry Development reported that the Parish Development Grants team has reconfigured the process for 2020 and beyond – the year long process will instead become a 90 day one. Stay tuned for more information about this toward the end of summer 2019.

As the staff is now preparing in earnest for Diocesan Synod, Frances distributed the current working agenda and updated staff on the work to finalize content and presentations. Bishop Sidney Black (the Indigenous Bishop of Treaty 7 territory, within the Diocese of Calgary) and our Primate Fred Hiltz will attend the Synod. It is hoped that Bishop Black will preside at the opening Eucharist and engage in a structured dialogue with Jerry Adams to introduce the motions around Indigenous ministry which will be considered by General Synod, taking place in Vancouver July 9-16, 2019.

There was a quick debrief of the 2019 edition of the annual Wardens and Treasurers Training held at the Synod office on Saturday, April 27. Phil Colvin and Tasha Carrothers reviewed the evaluations gathered on the day and reported back that reaction to the day was very positive. The “case studies” component of the day’s training was very well received.  The one major suggestion for next year was to look at introducing stretch breaks or more interactive moments in programming to break up the day a little more.

Director for Finance and Property, Rob Dickson announced that Richard Gardner, currently Building Manager for the 1410 Nanton Avenue property will complete his appointment with the diocese on May 10. The staff thanked Richard for his excellent work helping to transition the role of Building Manager in the two months he has been at the Synod office.

(prepared with files from Phil Colvin)

IMAGES

• Synod Staff wait for Nii K'an Kwsdins (Jerry Adams) to cut the cake
• May Synod Staff Meeting Chair, the Reverend Dr. Tellison Glover
• Now wearing the Staff Meeting Hat, presented by Jerry, Tellison asks Jerry to cut the cake
• The cake is cut