Every time Cambrian Presbytery meets a document called "Cambrian Calls is put together to help carry news about the meeting back to our congregations. An expanded (with pictures) version is also put on the Presbytery website
The edition from our meeting last month is now available here
March 04, 2009
February 26, 2009
The Moderator Speaks on the Economy as a Pyramid Scheme
The Right Reverend David Giuliano, Moderator of the United Church has written letters. THis one is to the church (reprinted in full in the expanded post). This one is to the country as a whole. COverage of this has hit the national papers as shown by this article from Calgary.
Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Jesus, who came that all might have life abundant, and in the name of the Creator, whose breathtaking abundance has filled the earth with good things.
This month it was announced in the small town where I live that the mill is closing down. Everyone here—builders to bakers, teachers to preachers—works directly or indirectly for the mill or the already vanishing mines. A spirit of dread and anxiety is settling among us. It feels like a microcosm of what is happening to the economy across the country and around the world.
I have written an open letter about the economy to all Canadians. I won’t repeat those ideas here. I am now writing to you as family—brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. I am writing to you more personally because of this profound bond we share. The current economic challenge is calling us to be church in riskier ways than we are used to. I want to encourage you to trust your faith and to take those risks.
We follow the one who said that to serve him we need look no further than those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, lonely, or in prison. We will find Jesus among the many physically and spiritually homeless and hungry. Caring in practical ways for those wounded by this volatile economy is our first call. I am praying that we will respond with creativity, radical hospitality, and expansive generosity.
We are called to proclaim in word and action God’s dream for the world. Jesus called it the “kingdom of God.” All around the earth, people are beginning to question the logic of an economic system that values the rights of shareholders above the needs of human beings. We are awakening to the insatiable consumption that is destroying God’s creation. We are God’s witnesses for an alternative vision of a world where the needs of all prevail over the greed of a few. Times of great turmoil are also times of great opportunity for transformation. This is a time for prophetic and creative leadership.
Most of you are in some way already engaged in the ministry of Christ in the world. As communities of faith, we embody the Spirit and love of God. Our particular context and resources will shape our responses at this time. Maybe you will gather neighbours for a meal and talk together about local needs. Or host weekly “common table” meals. Add some storytelling or music to lift one another’s spirits. Provide office, personal, and job search support for those who are looking for work.
Food banks, shelters, and global partners need your help. Demands on our Mission and Service Fund are growing. Maybe you will visit or write a note of encouragement to someone working for change.
Congregations with property or trust funds may consider how they can best serve at this time. Make space for a think tank on the environment and economy, or invest in a green enterprise. Wealthier congregations could fund work in hard hit areas. Listen, dream, and act.
I will also ask the Executive of the General Council at its March meeting to consider how we can best help congregations and community ministries like yours reach out imaginatively and compassionately to Canadians hurt by the economic crisis.
When I first heard the news about our mill, my heart sank. As just one person against such powerful forces, it seems overwhelming. But we are not alone. We are connected to our brothers and sisters in our local congregation. We are part of a network of United Church communities across the country. As church, we can do more for our neighbours together. We are surrounded by countless others of faith and goodwill. God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
The peace of Christ be with us and through us,
The Right Rev. David Giuliano
Moderator
The United Church of Canada
Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings in the name of Jesus, who came that all might have life abundant, and in the name of the Creator, whose breathtaking abundance has filled the earth with good things.
This month it was announced in the small town where I live that the mill is closing down. Everyone here—builders to bakers, teachers to preachers—works directly or indirectly for the mill or the already vanishing mines. A spirit of dread and anxiety is settling among us. It feels like a microcosm of what is happening to the economy across the country and around the world.
I have written an open letter about the economy to all Canadians. I won’t repeat those ideas here. I am now writing to you as family—brothers and sisters in the body of Christ. I am writing to you more personally because of this profound bond we share. The current economic challenge is calling us to be church in riskier ways than we are used to. I want to encourage you to trust your faith and to take those risks.
We are called to risk compassion
We follow the one who said that to serve him we need look no further than those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, sick, lonely, or in prison. We will find Jesus among the many physically and spiritually homeless and hungry. Caring in practical ways for those wounded by this volatile economy is our first call. I am praying that we will respond with creativity, radical hospitality, and expansive generosity.
We are called to risk a new Way
We are called to proclaim in word and action God’s dream for the world. Jesus called it the “kingdom of God.” All around the earth, people are beginning to question the logic of an economic system that values the rights of shareholders above the needs of human beings. We are awakening to the insatiable consumption that is destroying God’s creation. We are God’s witnesses for an alternative vision of a world where the needs of all prevail over the greed of a few. Times of great turmoil are also times of great opportunity for transformation. This is a time for prophetic and creative leadership.
We are called to risk as the body of Christ
Most of you are in some way already engaged in the ministry of Christ in the world. As communities of faith, we embody the Spirit and love of God. Our particular context and resources will shape our responses at this time. Maybe you will gather neighbours for a meal and talk together about local needs. Or host weekly “common table” meals. Add some storytelling or music to lift one another’s spirits. Provide office, personal, and job search support for those who are looking for work.
Food banks, shelters, and global partners need your help. Demands on our Mission and Service Fund are growing. Maybe you will visit or write a note of encouragement to someone working for change.
Congregations with property or trust funds may consider how they can best serve at this time. Make space for a think tank on the environment and economy, or invest in a green enterprise. Wealthier congregations could fund work in hard hit areas. Listen, dream, and act.
I will also ask the Executive of the General Council at its March meeting to consider how we can best help congregations and community ministries like yours reach out imaginatively and compassionately to Canadians hurt by the economic crisis.
We are not alone
When I first heard the news about our mill, my heart sank. As just one person against such powerful forces, it seems overwhelming. But we are not alone. We are connected to our brothers and sisters in our local congregation. We are part of a network of United Church communities across the country. As church, we can do more for our neighbours together. We are surrounded by countless others of faith and goodwill. God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
The peace of Christ be with us and through us,
The Right Rev. David Giuliano
Moderator
The United Church of Canada
February 24, 2009
Looking Ahead to March 1, 2009 -- 1st Sunday of Lent
This Sunday marks the beginning of our Lenten sermon series The C's of Stewardship. Also, as it is the beginning of a new liturgical season we will celebrate the sacrament of Communion. We will also hear a report from last weekend's meeting of Cambrian Presbytery.
The Scripture Readings this week are:
Early Thoughts: What is the best way to deal with the gift of the earth? How do we balance the needs of our society with the limits of the environment around us? Is growth always a bad thing? Does being "green" have to mean limiting the economy?
It is a hard thing to do. Trying to figure out how best we can live with respect in Creation. Because in the end it is a balancing act after all.
In the Creation story God gives the care of the earth into the male and female that were Created in God's image. Some have seen in that story a license to shape the earth to meet the needs and wants of humanity no matter what the cost. Some have seen in as an act of trust (a trust that has often been broken in many minds). As an issue of stewardship this distinction is of great importance.
There is a Native American saying that we do not own the land, but rather we hold in in trust for our grandchildren. If we see our care of the earth in this way how does that shape our decisions? DO we strive to pass on a great inheritance of wealth and prosperity even if it leaves a natural world in tatters? OR do we bankrupt our economy to ensure we pass on a pristine world? Or is there a third option???
We need to find the third option. we need to find the balance between human wants/needs in the present, what we need to leave for the future, and the needs of the rest of Creation. The covenant of the rainbow is with all of Creation. We need to find the way that we can help all of Creation thrive in order to keep the covenant.
And yes it will come at a cost. Moving from flawed stewardship to healthy stewardship always has a cost. So we will need to talk about the cost of change, and the cost of refusing to acknowledge the need to change. And maybe we need to talk about what the real costs of both are - as well as the real benefits.
Anyway, come on Sunday and join in the discussion.
--Gord
The Scripture Readings this week are:
- From the Jewish Scriptures: Genesis 1:26-31
- Psalm 148 (VU p.871)
- From the Jewish Scriptures: Genesis 9:8-17
- 111 As the Sun with Longer Journey
- 303 For Beauty of Prairies
- 307 Touch the Earth Lightly (tune #409)
- 481 Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
Early Thoughts: What is the best way to deal with the gift of the earth? How do we balance the needs of our society with the limits of the environment around us? Is growth always a bad thing? Does being "green" have to mean limiting the economy?
It is a hard thing to do. Trying to figure out how best we can live with respect in Creation. Because in the end it is a balancing act after all.
In the Creation story God gives the care of the earth into the male and female that were Created in God's image. Some have seen in that story a license to shape the earth to meet the needs and wants of humanity no matter what the cost. Some have seen in as an act of trust (a trust that has often been broken in many minds). As an issue of stewardship this distinction is of great importance.
There is a Native American saying that we do not own the land, but rather we hold in in trust for our grandchildren. If we see our care of the earth in this way how does that shape our decisions? DO we strive to pass on a great inheritance of wealth and prosperity even if it leaves a natural world in tatters? OR do we bankrupt our economy to ensure we pass on a pristine world? Or is there a third option???
We need to find the third option. we need to find the balance between human wants/needs in the present, what we need to leave for the future, and the needs of the rest of Creation. The covenant of the rainbow is with all of Creation. We need to find the way that we can help all of Creation thrive in order to keep the covenant.
And yes it will come at a cost. Moving from flawed stewardship to healthy stewardship always has a cost. So we will need to talk about the cost of change, and the cost of refusing to acknowledge the need to change. And maybe we need to talk about what the real costs of both are - as well as the real benefits.
Anyway, come on Sunday and join in the discussion.
--Gord
February 12, 2009
2009 Lenten Sermon Series
(since we had to cancel worship on MArch 1st the readings and themes have been juggled slightly. this list is now updated)
This year during Lent we willl have a Sermon series called The C's of Stewardship. If you expand this post you'll see the sermon titles and Scripture passages we'll be using
Lent 2 – March 8, 2009
Sermon: Creation – Care, and Choices
Sermon: Consumption – Cultural Contagion
Sermon: Cash or Credit??? -- Tool, Scorecard or Goal??
Sermon: Charity or Community – What's It All About
This year during Lent we willl have a Sermon series called The C's of Stewardship. If you expand this post you'll see the sermon titles and Scripture passages we'll be using
Lent 2 – March 8, 2009
Sermon: Creation – Care, and Choices
- Genesis 1:26-31
- Genesis 9:8-17
- Psalm 148
Sermon: Consumption – Cultural Contagion
- 2 Samuel 12:2-6
- Luke 12:22-34
- Exodus 16:14-20
Sermon: Cash or Credit??? -- Tool, Scorecard or Goal??
- 1 Timothy 6:1-12
- Luke 12:13-21, 34
- Psalm 146
Sermon: Charity or Community – What's It All About
- Deuteronomy 14:28-29; 15:7-11
- Psalm 41 (VU p.765)
- Acts 4:32-37
- Matthew 19:16-26
BIble Study Group
Have you ever wondered what to do with the book of REvelation?
THe last book of the Bible is a plan for the future to some, frightening to others, and confusing to many. Here at Riverview we will be gathering to talk about the book. The study will meet Thursdays at 1:00 in Boyle Lounge starting February 26. We will be using a study created by a retired United Church minister as our resource.
For more information give Gord a call.
THe last book of the Bible is a plan for the future to some, frightening to others, and confusing to many. Here at Riverview we will be gathering to talk about the book. The study will meet Thursdays at 1:00 in Boyle Lounge starting February 26. We will be using a study created by a retired United Church minister as our resource.
For more information give Gord a call.
February 09, 2009
Looking Ahead to February 15, 2009 -- 6th Sunday After Epiphany
The Scripture Readings this week are:
Early Thoughts:How do we bring people back into the fold? What does healing mean? How do we make each other clean?
These are stories about people being allowed back into the community. In the Scriptural world leprosy meant you were unclean and unsafe. It really doesn't matter what the skin disorder was (Scriptural leprosy covers a great deal more than Hansen's Disease or "true leprosy"). If you were declared a leper you were no longer allowed to be part of the community. Ostracism in the name of preventing contagion.
To be healed in such a circumstance was far more than a physical act. To be cured would mean that the skin was clear. But healing meant that people accepted you back in. It is suggested that Naaman was stridently trying to avoid being discovered to have leprosy so as to avoid being ostracised. The leper who meets Jesus is so overjoyed at his healing that he can not keep silent. Ostracism, well it sucks, after all.
In Jewish Law the world is divided into clean/pure/acceptable and unclean/impure/unacceptable. Most of the commandments are focussed on keeping oneself clean and acceptable, or returning to a clean state when uncleanness is unavoided (or unavoidable). But as the Christian tradition developed something strange happened. People started to believe that God really didn't care so much about these divisions. Maybe the divisions themselves were human creations rather than divine ones?
Now let us jump to the present. Who are the lepers among us? When do we ostracise in the name of protection? ANd how do we heal the "unclean" we meet? The challenge of faith is to bring healing into a fractured world. The challenge of faith is to put aside the fears of contagion. What do we need to wash away? How do we show the outsiders that they are welcomed in?
--Gord
- 2 Kings 5:1-14
- Psalm 30 (VU p.757)
- Mark 1:40-45
- #222 Come, Let Us Sing
- #365 Jesus Loves Me
- #266 Amazing Grace
- #245 Praise the Lord with the Sound of Trumpet
Early Thoughts:How do we bring people back into the fold? What does healing mean? How do we make each other clean?
These are stories about people being allowed back into the community. In the Scriptural world leprosy meant you were unclean and unsafe. It really doesn't matter what the skin disorder was (Scriptural leprosy covers a great deal more than Hansen's Disease or "true leprosy"). If you were declared a leper you were no longer allowed to be part of the community. Ostracism in the name of preventing contagion.
To be healed in such a circumstance was far more than a physical act. To be cured would mean that the skin was clear. But healing meant that people accepted you back in. It is suggested that Naaman was stridently trying to avoid being discovered to have leprosy so as to avoid being ostracised. The leper who meets Jesus is so overjoyed at his healing that he can not keep silent. Ostracism, well it sucks, after all.
In Jewish Law the world is divided into clean/pure/acceptable and unclean/impure/unacceptable. Most of the commandments are focussed on keeping oneself clean and acceptable, or returning to a clean state when uncleanness is unavoided (or unavoidable). But as the Christian tradition developed something strange happened. People started to believe that God really didn't care so much about these divisions. Maybe the divisions themselves were human creations rather than divine ones?
Now let us jump to the present. Who are the lepers among us? When do we ostracise in the name of protection? ANd how do we heal the "unclean" we meet? The challenge of faith is to bring healing into a fractured world. The challenge of faith is to put aside the fears of contagion. What do we need to wash away? How do we show the outsiders that they are welcomed in?
--Gord
February 03, 2009
Looking Ahead to February 8, 2009 -- 5th Sunday After Epiphany
The Scripture Readings this week are:
Early Thoughts: What does it mean to be a role model or example? Why do some people have authority while others only have (or crave) power?
Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and the people are amazed. They say he teaches like one with authority (in an apparent contrast to other teaching). Moses teaches about true prophets with a warning to listen to them for they have God's authority. Paul teaches about being an example to others, to be careful not to lead others astray through your actions. This too is a question of authority.
So what does it mean to have authority? Does it mean being powerful? Perhaps. Power is the ability to get things done. Authority means you have been authorized to use your power. (Idiosyncratically some people have lots of power but no formal authority and some have lots of authority and no actual power.) Jesus, we are told, has both power and authority. Moses had lots of authority. Paul had lots of authority. And the interesting thing about authority is that it has to be given (and accepted) it can't be grabbed. Power, on the other hand, can be both given and grabbed/stolen. Most often authority is given by the gathered community. In the church we formalize this giving of authority by electing leaders in our groups, by covenanting with them in agreements of mutual accountability, and by designating some to roles.
To have authority or to have power means that our actions serve as an example. This is what Paul is talking about with meat. Certainly he could be clearer (he seems to come down on both sides of the "should I eat meat" discussion). But what he is wrestling with is what the "weaker in faith" may find as a path to error. Paul knows that those who are seen to be strong in faith are used, rightly or wrongly, as exemplars by others. And so Paul is counselling us to use our authority and power wisely or carefully.
Who has authority in our world? How and why do we give them that authority? Who has power over our decisions? Who are our exemplars? These are the sorts of questions we will explore on Sunday. Come and join us won't you?
--Gord
- Deuteronomy 18:15-20
- Psalm 111 (VU p.833)
- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
- Mark 1:21-28
- #264 Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- #605 Jesus, Teacher, Brave and Bold
- #326 O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
- #427 To Show by Touch and Word
Early Thoughts: What does it mean to be a role model or example? Why do some people have authority while others only have (or crave) power?
Jesus is teaching in the synagogue and the people are amazed. They say he teaches like one with authority (in an apparent contrast to other teaching). Moses teaches about true prophets with a warning to listen to them for they have God's authority. Paul teaches about being an example to others, to be careful not to lead others astray through your actions. This too is a question of authority.
So what does it mean to have authority? Does it mean being powerful? Perhaps. Power is the ability to get things done. Authority means you have been authorized to use your power. (Idiosyncratically some people have lots of power but no formal authority and some have lots of authority and no actual power.) Jesus, we are told, has both power and authority. Moses had lots of authority. Paul had lots of authority. And the interesting thing about authority is that it has to be given (and accepted) it can't be grabbed. Power, on the other hand, can be both given and grabbed/stolen. Most often authority is given by the gathered community. In the church we formalize this giving of authority by electing leaders in our groups, by covenanting with them in agreements of mutual accountability, and by designating some to roles.
To have authority or to have power means that our actions serve as an example. This is what Paul is talking about with meat. Certainly he could be clearer (he seems to come down on both sides of the "should I eat meat" discussion). But what he is wrestling with is what the "weaker in faith" may find as a path to error. Paul knows that those who are seen to be strong in faith are used, rightly or wrongly, as exemplars by others. And so Paul is counselling us to use our authority and power wisely or carefully.
Who has authority in our world? How and why do we give them that authority? Who has power over our decisions? Who are our exemplars? These are the sorts of questions we will explore on Sunday. Come and join us won't you?
--Gord
January 26, 2009
Looking Ahead to February 1, 2009 -- 4th Sunday After Epiphany, Annual Meeting Sunday
Following our worship this Sunday all are invited (and encouraged) to stay for our Annual Congregational Meeting.
The Scripture Readings this week are:
Early Thoughts: Sometimes we all feel faint. Sometimes exhaustion seems right around the bend. We could stand being lifted up on wings as of eagles.
On this Sunday when we celebrate the ministry of our congregation it is worth reminding ourselves where our strength and energy come from. Isaiah reminds us that when we rely on and trust in God we will renew our strength.
As we look forward to a new year of ministering together may we rise up as on wings of eagles. May we run and not grow weary.
--Gord
The Scripture Readings this week are:
- Isaiah 40:21-31
- Psalm 147:1-11 (VU p.869 Part 1)
- Mark 1:29-39
- 221 Sing Praise to God
- 579 The Church is Wherever God's People
- 79 Arise, Your Light is Come
- 424 May the God of Hope Go with Us
Early Thoughts: Sometimes we all feel faint. Sometimes exhaustion seems right around the bend. We could stand being lifted up on wings as of eagles.
On this Sunday when we celebrate the ministry of our congregation it is worth reminding ourselves where our strength and energy come from. Isaiah reminds us that when we rely on and trust in God we will renew our strength.
As we look forward to a new year of ministering together may we rise up as on wings of eagles. May we run and not grow weary.
--Gord
January 20, 2009
Looking Ahead to January 25, 2009 -- 3rd Sunday after Epiphany
The Scripture Readings this week are:
Early Thoughts: What do you do when the world falls apart? When your leader has been taken away? Do you panic or do you look for hope?
You could understand why some of them would be afraid. John, the leader of their movement, the one who had baptised them in the Jordan, had been arrested. That his ministry and life were effectively (if not literally) over was in no doubt. What happens now?
It is into this wondering and possible panic that Jesus comes, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is high. In the midst of a crisis Jesus brings new hope. ANd this, it seems, is often how God acts. In the times of crisis God finds away to bring new hope to those who are ready to see it.
As I write these early thoughts I am listening to the inaugural address of the 44th President of the United States -- Barack Hussein Obama. President Obama is, for many people both in the US and around the world, a eacon of hope and promise. Indeed hope is a common theme in the commentary around the events of this day. ANd part of that is because we find ourselves in crisis. How is God acting in our world today? Where are the signs that the Kingdom is nigh?
To be honest I don't know. I am not really sure that the new president is the sign of hope, a sign maybe but not the sign. But I believe sincerely that in the darkest times GOd is laying out crumbs that will lead us to the kingdom. The reality is that life for some of us may yet get darker, we may go deeper into crisis but in the midst of our crises God sends hope.
President Obama mentioned in his address that the challenges facing us are real. On Sunday he reminded people that these challenges will not be overturned easily or quickly. BUt as long as there is hope there is possibility. In the midst of life's crises we have but one real antidote -- the hope that conquers fear. In the midst of our crisis-riddled, chaotic world GOd brings out a new hope. The Kingdom of GOd is nigh. But how do we find it?
--Gord
- From the Letters of the Early Church: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
- Psalm 62 (VU p. 779)
- From the Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
- 374 Come and Find the Quiet Centre
- 117 Jesus Christ is Waiting
- 562 Jesus Calls Us
- 649 Walk With Me
Early Thoughts: What do you do when the world falls apart? When your leader has been taken away? Do you panic or do you look for hope?
You could understand why some of them would be afraid. John, the leader of their movement, the one who had baptised them in the Jordan, had been arrested. That his ministry and life were effectively (if not literally) over was in no doubt. What happens now?
It is into this wondering and possible panic that Jesus comes, proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is high. In the midst of a crisis Jesus brings new hope. ANd this, it seems, is often how God acts. In the times of crisis God finds away to bring new hope to those who are ready to see it.
As I write these early thoughts I am listening to the inaugural address of the 44th President of the United States -- Barack Hussein Obama. President Obama is, for many people both in the US and around the world, a eacon of hope and promise. Indeed hope is a common theme in the commentary around the events of this day. ANd part of that is because we find ourselves in crisis. How is God acting in our world today? Where are the signs that the Kingdom is nigh?
To be honest I don't know. I am not really sure that the new president is the sign of hope, a sign maybe but not the sign. But I believe sincerely that in the darkest times GOd is laying out crumbs that will lead us to the kingdom. The reality is that life for some of us may yet get darker, we may go deeper into crisis but in the midst of our crises God sends hope.
President Obama mentioned in his address that the challenges facing us are real. On Sunday he reminded people that these challenges will not be overturned easily or quickly. BUt as long as there is hope there is possibility. In the midst of life's crises we have but one real antidote -- the hope that conquers fear. In the midst of our crisis-riddled, chaotic world GOd brings out a new hope. The Kingdom of GOd is nigh. But how do we find it?
--Gord
January 15, 2009
Minister's Annual Report
It is Annual report season. Expand the post to see Gord's submission
Here we are again at Annual Report time. As I sit down to write this year I find two words on my mind: sustainability and viability. Often over the past year I have had occasion to wonder what in our world has both of those qualities. It is my opinion that we need to highlight and build on those things we do that are sustainable and let go of the things that are not. We also need to find ways to increase our viability both by encouraging our strengths or opportunities and by counteracting our threats or weaknesses.
As I look at it this congregation has many strengths. We have a committed core group of people who are willing to help us live out our mission in the community. We have a building that allows us to host groups large and small. We have people who are passionate about our life together. A source of pride this year in particular was our hosting of the Community Kids Christmas Party in December. These are things that show our viability.
Then there are things we need to sustain. We provide not only a place but a supportive family with which we can celebrate life’s joys and sorrows. And so we join with our friends and neighbours to say farewell in memorial services, and to celebrate births and marriages. As individuals we provide a supportive presence in the community at large. In 2008 we marked 55 years worshipping and living together as a congregation. 55 years of ministry in Atikokan. This is a great gift.
And what about the future? After all that is really what discussions about sustainability and viability tend to focus on. What will keep us thriving? What can we keep doing and what do we need to give up? These are the hard questions we need to face.
And let us be totally honest. They are questions which easily could leave us wanting. As mentioned in a letter from the Board earlier this year our financial sustainability is highly questionable. From a strict financial perspective we are simply either spending too much or not taking in enough. At the same time a ministry perspective makes me wonder if we are spending enough. Would one of the signs of a viable, sustainable congregation be that our spending actually increased? (I have a dream that someday we would be doing so well that we as a congregation could offer half our Christmas Eve offering to another charity in town as our Christmas gift to the town.)
But that lies solely in our future. Right now the only quick fix to our financial situation would be if your clergy person decided to work for free (and no that is not an offer). And so we have to seriously search what our options are both in terms of money and in terms of how we do ministry.
The other question about our sustainability/viability lies in our people. Many of us are tired. As wonderful as our volunteers are it seems that we recycle the same ones all the time. If we are to be viable in the long term we need to infect other people with a passion for the work of the church. (As it happens that same infection would help with our financial viability too.)
A new year is beginning. With a new year comes new possibilities. As we move forward we celebrate the past and wonder about the future. What choices will we make to highlight our strengths and build on our opportunities? How will we counter our weaknesses and threats?
Here we are again at Annual Report time. As I sit down to write this year I find two words on my mind: sustainability and viability. Often over the past year I have had occasion to wonder what in our world has both of those qualities. It is my opinion that we need to highlight and build on those things we do that are sustainable and let go of the things that are not. We also need to find ways to increase our viability both by encouraging our strengths or opportunities and by counteracting our threats or weaknesses.
As I look at it this congregation has many strengths. We have a committed core group of people who are willing to help us live out our mission in the community. We have a building that allows us to host groups large and small. We have people who are passionate about our life together. A source of pride this year in particular was our hosting of the Community Kids Christmas Party in December. These are things that show our viability.
Then there are things we need to sustain. We provide not only a place but a supportive family with which we can celebrate life’s joys and sorrows. And so we join with our friends and neighbours to say farewell in memorial services, and to celebrate births and marriages. As individuals we provide a supportive presence in the community at large. In 2008 we marked 55 years worshipping and living together as a congregation. 55 years of ministry in Atikokan. This is a great gift.
And what about the future? After all that is really what discussions about sustainability and viability tend to focus on. What will keep us thriving? What can we keep doing and what do we need to give up? These are the hard questions we need to face.
And let us be totally honest. They are questions which easily could leave us wanting. As mentioned in a letter from the Board earlier this year our financial sustainability is highly questionable. From a strict financial perspective we are simply either spending too much or not taking in enough. At the same time a ministry perspective makes me wonder if we are spending enough. Would one of the signs of a viable, sustainable congregation be that our spending actually increased? (I have a dream that someday we would be doing so well that we as a congregation could offer half our Christmas Eve offering to another charity in town as our Christmas gift to the town.)
But that lies solely in our future. Right now the only quick fix to our financial situation would be if your clergy person decided to work for free (and no that is not an offer). And so we have to seriously search what our options are both in terms of money and in terms of how we do ministry.
The other question about our sustainability/viability lies in our people. Many of us are tired. As wonderful as our volunteers are it seems that we recycle the same ones all the time. If we are to be viable in the long term we need to infect other people with a passion for the work of the church. (As it happens that same infection would help with our financial viability too.)
A new year is beginning. With a new year comes new possibilities. As we move forward we celebrate the past and wonder about the future. What choices will we make to highlight our strengths and build on our opportunities? How will we counter our weaknesses and threats?
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