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Bishop's Charge to Synod 2011
130th SESSION OF THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF OTTAWA
OCTOBER 20 - 22, 2011
"Hear Then the Parable of the Sower... (Matt. 13:18)
Proclaiming, Nurturing and Growing Together
I am delighted to welcome you to the 130th Session of our Diocesan Synod! It is a weighty responsibility that you carry. Synod is the most significant council of our diocese, your voice is important, and your full participation is encouraged.
This is my fifth opportunity to address the Synod of the Diocese of Ottawa and may I say that each time I stand before you I am honoured and humbled. It is an awesome responsibility that you have placed upon me and I thank God that with your constant support and your faithful prayers, working as your bishop continues to be a rich, rewarding and enjoyable task. I thank God for your prayers and I praise God for the faith that fills our hearts and the hearts of those people in the parishes from which we come.
Again, I am grateful to the Dean, Vicar, cathedral staff, music directors, musicians, greeters, servers, altar guild and those hosting the reception following, for helping us begin our deliberations with a fulsome celebration of our shared faith and common mission around the table of the Lord - there is no better way for us to begin our work together.
There are two significant changes to the Charge this year. First, the verbal presentation will be presented in an abridged form. While there are a number of pro-forma matters that must properly be included in a Charge, I do not think they necessarily need verbal mention tonight. These items will be included in the written document which you will receive tomorrow morning. Second, I have called our last two Synods to consider or attend to a number of substantive ministry initiatives. Each of these initiatives is of such significant weight and importance that it is inconceivable that we might complete them in only one year. To this end, I committed to you in my 2010 Charge that this year I would offer a "report card" reflecting how well we have attended to these initiatives. I will be faithful to my promise tonight.
I am delighted to welcome as our theme speaker, The Rev. Canon William (Bill) Cliff
B.A., M.Div., M.A. Canon Cliff is currently serving the Church in a variety of ministries. He is the chaplain and incumbent of the Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at Huron University College, London Ontario and the Anglican Chaplain to the University of Western Ontario. As well, he is a welcomed, and may I say celebrated speaker and preacher throughout the Canadian and American Church. Bill possesses an amazing capacity to render our sacred scriptures accessible to the people of God and those searching for a relationship with Jesus. Most especially, and most recently, he has been the highlight at a variety of youth events including the Ask & Imagine programme for youth leadership and joint Anglican and Lutheran youth conferences. Bill has the capacity to engage all generations. Some of you may also remember him as one of the Three Cantors. These talented singers ably entertained many of you at last year's Friends of the Bishop dinner. But most importantly, he is my friend. Whenever I am with Bill, either talking informally, discussing ministry and theology, or sharing in worship, Bill's words and passion for ministry are contagious. He gets people excited about their ministry whether it is the ministry of the baptised, deacons or priest or indeed, the ministry of a bishop. Bill's theology is lively. It is relevant, current, faithful to tradition and reason, and rooted in the scriptures. I commend him to you.
As well, it is my pleasure to welcome into our midst a number of new clergy. May I extend on your behalf a warm welcome to The Rev. Beth Bretzlaff from the Diocese of Dunedin, New Zealand. She is currently serving as chaplain to Ashbury College and the incumbent of the school chapel. We also welcome our new deacons, The Reverends Kerri Brennan serving as assistant curate at Trinity Church, Cornwall, Di Jaggassar, serving as chaplain to the Ottawa Hospitals - Civic/General Campus, Carolyn Sharp, serving as assistant curate at St. James Church, Carleton Place, Monique Stone serving as deacon in charge of the parish of Huntley, and Linda Wheeler serving as deacon in charge of the parish of Stafford-Whitewater. These deacons, God willing, will all be ordained priest on the Feast of St. Andrew, November 30, 2011, 7:00pm at Christ Church Cathedral. Welcome to your first synod as ordained ministers of God's Word and Ministry.
I granted The Rev. Robyn Cuming permission to transfer to the Bishop and Diocese of Fredericton with our thanks and gratitude for her ministry in the parish of Franktown-Innisville.
We also thank God for the work and ministry of the clergy who have retired from full time stipendiary work in the diocese. These include The Rev. Bill Byers, The Rev. Canon Michael Fleming, The Rev. Kay Richardson and The Rev. Dana Fisher. These clergy have all exhibited exemplary priestly ministry for many years. I am grateful for their past and current commitment to faith, ministry and the church.
And, it is with a sad but grateful heart we thank God for the priestly ministry of those clergy who have died this past year: The Rev. Canon Borden Purcell,
The Rev. Jack Truman, and The Rev. Arthur Brewer.
May the souls of the faithful departed and by the mercies of God rest in peace, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.
It is not a secret kept only by sociologists and philosophers that we have moved from a society of production to a society of consumerism; from a society that once sought primarily to produce food for sustenance, and goods and services that will serve and sustain our basic human need for shelter and safety; to a society that consumes for the sake of consumption. This radical evolution has not been subtle or quiet. This is not something that we have missed or overlooked, rather we have shared and contributed toward this transition that is, quite frankly, not of God. When the Word of God is planted in this kind of soil, the soil cannot sustain growth or vitality.
Listen to the parable of the sower read this evening ....
We are called, as our theme states clearly, to proclaim, nurture and grow together in witness to the teachings of the gospel.
As the society changes, our mission, teaching and ministry change and adapt so that the voice of Jesus is never silent. This is an onerous challenge. A consumer society is not poised to hear words that promote mutual care, guardianship of the vulnerable, generosity, sacrifice, healing, nurture, or for that matter, the notion of a holy death.
I believe that we as a diocese do hear this call of the Spirit beckoning us to be faithful, filled with the hope of Jesus. I believe that we long to be faithful stewards of God's riches and gifts to us. I believe that we long to claim the ministry that is focused so clearly in the five marks of mission placed before our Anglican Communion in 1990.
To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom; To teach, baptize and nurture new believers; To respond to human need by loving service; To seek to transform
unjust structures of society; To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
Last year I asked Synod to attend to the first three of these "marks:"
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;
- To teach, baptize and nurture new believers;
- To respond to human need by loving service
Clearly, these marks call us to not just consider growth, but to begin planning and working toward growth - growth in our capacity to witness to the faith, cultivate new believers in Jesus and respond to the deep need of the people of God, most especially the marginalized and vulnerable. This was the mandate that I held before you last year and this is the mandate that we need to evaluate and critique tonight.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Before I begin this important task, I need to say something about our ongoing relationship and struggle with the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC). We cannot be faithful stewards of Word, Sacrament and Ministry if we do not also attend to our difficulties and struggles. These matters may, on the surface, not seem "spiritual" or "prayerful" enough to warrant our attention and our resources - but they do. God is present in all of our activities, in our weakness, confusion and anger as much as in our prayers.
In this spirit, I am thrilled to be able to announce to you that, in short, our legal issues have concluded. Of course there are and will continue to be pastoral concerns and community problems that will continue to need attending, but our legal issues are resolved. I am grateful to everyone who shared in this process on both sides. It was our will from the very beginning that even in the midst of some very frustrating times, we would negotiate a peaceful resolution. You need to feel very proud of your negotiating group and the many who assisted behind the scenes include among others, Glenn Lockwood, Michael Herbert, David Selzer and Jude Green. They all served you well and represented our beloved diocese in a manner that was smart, compassionate and generous in spirit and intent. Our formal negotiating group included Chancellor Robin McKay, Steve Williams and Porter Heffernan from the firm of Emond Harnden, Dean Shane Parker, Solicitor Alan Winship, Vice-Chancellor Ann Bourke, the late Archdeacon Ross Moulton and me. We did our very best to act in a manner that would be consistent with what we presumed would be the wishes of this diocese.
While we compromised in some areas, we were at least able to establish title to our lands hence sell the property of St. George's to ANiC and resume diocesan activity in St. Alban's Church. Albeit whenever this kind of conflict arises, they do not conclude with a winner or loser. Rather, these are tragic times in the life of the church. There is so much more we could have been doing. I do however take some comfort and solace in the fact that given the circumstances that unfolded, we did our very best to be faithful witnesses to the faith that sustains us and, we intentionally took leadership from the Holy Spirit whom we sought in our prayers and actions. I also take comfort in being able to say to you that representatives from the "other side of the table" did likewise - thanks be to God.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Now, I will continue with an evaluation of our response to the first three marks of mission.
The Stewardship Sub-Committee continues its ongoing ministry in the Diocese under the careful leadership of Francis Christensen and Jane Scanlon. Among their many events and training activities, the Diocesan Stewardship Conference, offered in partnership with the Diocese of Ontario, was a huge success.
Consistent with our call to exercise faithful stewardship, our most exciting response was that we realized, and continue to realize, that if we are to respond responsibly to our baptism, we need to intentionally solicit human resources and fiscal resources more than ever before. We can survive with the financial resources we have, no doubt. I have said this before and I believe it to be true. In other words, we can maintain the status quo. But if we expect to increase our ministries and our outreach and, if we expect to be faithful sowers of the Gospel, then it is time that we ask the people of the Diocese to step forth and respond with generous and hope-filled hearts. This is the call that went out to the diocese last year at Synod and you responded with GIFT, Growing in Faith Together. This is the call placed before you by our Strategic Plan launched in 2007. Already, our response to GIFT has been tremendous - thanks be to God for generous hearts and determination. It is time my friends, it is time! To let this moment pass, this perfect moment in our collective history, without a gracious and generous response to our baptism would indeed be negligent.
We have hardly begun and I am already able to thank many many people for their faithful response. The Pilot is full and underway, other parishes are poised to begin and the excitement and energy is intense and welcomed. I would like to single out our GIFT Campaign Cabinet for their leadership and inspiration. Thank you Monica Patten, Chair of the Campaign, for your wise, sensitive and inspirational leadership. And, Don Newman, honourary Chair and active in speaking and nurturing generosity, thank you. PJ Hobbs for his leadership on so many levels. Michael Herbert and Peter Martin for their unbridled enthusiasm and ability. Grant McDonald who is carefully nurturing major gifts. Derwyn Sangster for his wisdom and persistent work and support. Jamie Tomlinson without whom we would not be able to communicate clearly the awesome intent of this great venture, Ron Chaplin for coordinating our speakers bureau, and of course Jane Scanlon our staff leader, counselor, cheering section and guide, without whom this venture would never have begun. As well, Jane Waterston and Cathy Kent for their Web creativity and expertise. M&M International (Murray and Martha) have left an indelible mark upon our diocese. If I may speak plainly here, they "get" the mission of the church. They know what our mission is and what it is supposed to embrace, so thank you, both of you. You bless GIFT with your faith and work.
Most importantly, thank you to the hundreds of parish volunteers who have heard the call of GIFT. Your parishes and your diocese are grateful to you and my response to you is, Amen.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Congregational Development
Last year in my Charge I mentioned three initiatives related to Congregational Development. First, that we continue to support and encourage the work of the Parish Growth and Renewal Committee; second, that we address small church development with a parish coaching programme; third, that we begin to engage a proper and comprehensive analysis of our land so that we might "... realize the greatest possible potential from our real estate holdings."
The Parish Growth and Renewal Committee (PGRC) a sub-committee under Archdeacon Selzer as Chair and supported by Ron Brophy who continues to travel the diocese helping and supporting parishes and deaneries as they evaluate their current mission and focus upon an appropriate future. The work of this committee has been invaluable to the diocese as we position ourselves for the next decade of ministry and mission.
Small Church Coaching is a matter that has been carried forward for two years now. It is a programme that has yet to materialize not for want of desire or need, but rather resources. The Strategic Plan strongly encourages the development of this programme and it is my hope that as GIFT monies become available, this will be one of the new ministries that will take root in our diocesan outreach to support parish ministry.
Responding to the charge that we begin to address our current real estate holdings, I asked Glenn Bloodworth to chair a Real Estate Working Group (REWG) joined by Jim Lynes, Ron Brophy representing PGRC, Archdeacon Selzer and myself. Fortunately these able volunteers accepted this onerous task and began their work shortly after Synod 2010. While their mandate is not fixed it is focused. The Working Group is attending to those various issues that are specifically related to real estate. They do not ask the simple question, "Should this parish close or remain open?" Rather, questions are posed that ask what might be the most creative use for this property. Solutions may include the status quo, partnerships, reconfigurations or a variety of other notions that may not be typically considered by parishes. These questions are supported by research. To support the Working Group's work with 10 parishes in the diocese, Jim Lynes solicited the assistance of a graduate student in Urban planning, Kyle Gonyou, to provide appropriate research that will support planning. Thanks in part to the Canada Works Student Employment Programme, Kyle spent the summer months collecting data and other relevant information relating to the Churches in Ottawa West. He then presented to the Deanery a comprehensive report, which is available to you if you would like to see it. His work was well received and useful as Ottawa West dreams dreams as to how they might best use the real estate in their care to support future ministry. The Real Estate Working Group intends to offer their assistance in other parts of the diocese upon request.
It is important to mention one particular project that the Working Group has supported, in the parish of All Saints Sandy Hill.
Next month the parish of ASSH will host a Charette. A Charette, in this instance, is a weekend gathering of creative people including,
parish leadership, architects, engineers, heritage planners, urban planners, social service agencies, community associations, tenants,
real estate advisors and those who understand development economics. They will divide into appropriate groups and work all weekend pulling
together ideas and proposals as to how the buildings and land at ASSH might be used to support ministries and outreach in the Sandy Hill area.
This is a very exciting project and I look forward to the process and the result. It is the working group's hope that this particular style of
Charette might in fact become a model or template that could be used in other parts of our diocese. I applaud this creative effort and extend my gratitude to the working group for their capacity to (if I may use a tired, yet still appropriate expression) think outside of the box. This is the kind of work I imagined, yet lacked the expertise to identify, when I charged Synod to begin working creatively with our real estate holdings.
As well, the Christ Church Cathedral and Diocesan Joint Venture Group, under David Caulfeild's able leadership, have achieved a significant milestone. Lease agreements have been signed and construction can be expected to begin early in 2012. This is a wonderful and responsible achievement that will forward the mission and ministry of the Diocese. David Caulfeild, will present the details to you later on in Synod. I will add that this venture, long in the making, is a responsible and reasonable use of our property. Land has not been sold. The Diocese retains title to all of the lands that will undergo development while also creating a revenue source that will fund future ministry and outreach. May I congratulate this very hard working group singling out, if I may, David Morgan for his work (with others) negotiating the lease agreement.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
The Bishop's Child Poverty Initiative
I once heard this story told of two women caring for a large group of orphans hiding in a bomb shelter below ground during the battle of Britain. Clearly, the shelter was wrought with fear, and anxiety. Conversations were few but when they occurred, voices were tense, filled with worry. Needless to say, the children did not sleep. One of the women had this bright idea. She took loaves of bread from the provisions store and each night gave every child a loaf of bread to take to bed. Holding loafs tightly under their blankets the children slept, confident that tomorrow would come and tomorrow they would eat.
In 2009, I asked the Community Ministries Development Committee to offer a response to the recurring issue of child poverty in our diocese. A task force was created under the able chair of The Rev. Brian Kauk in January 2011. I am thrilled to be able to report to you that much has happened.
The Episcopal Office, with the assistance again of Service Canada, hired a Community Development Assistant, Matthew Brown who is a parishioner
in the parish of Gatineau and a Master's student at Queens University. His work was exemplary. He produced for us a comprehensive report, Labour for Learning that is posted on the web and can be found on the diocesan child poverty page - check it out. In addition, the report proposed a project that would begin attending to the problem of child poverty - the task force approved both the report and the proposed project.
The project includes a nutrition education programme for young children working in partnership with the Western Quebec School Board. The Serving God's World Fund approved a 10,000.00 grant and the project begins this fall. May I extend my deep gratitude to the task force and Matthew Brown. This marks only a beginning, but it is a hopeful beginning. I am pleased to say that throughout the school year Matthew will continue working one day each week with the child poverty initiative.
Listen to the parable of the Sower ...
Clergy and Lay Leadership Development
The Parish Ministry Development Committee continues to serve the Diocese well. While the Clergy Leadership Institute, Post-Ordination Programme, Fresh Start, the Bishop's Clergy Conference, Clergy Days, Sabbath and Sabbatical leaves, now come under the oversight of the Episcopal office, this standing committee continues to oversee baptismal ministry, youth and young adult ministry, diocesan conferences and all new and emerging projects. Thank you Lisa Chisholm-Smith, Andrew Stephens-Rennie and an army of volunteers.
I have consistently addressed the matter of leadership development in my last four Charges. I am pleased to be able to report to Synod that this ongoing work continues as we hoped - it is focused, thoughtful and now part of our regular business in the diocese.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
As this charge is intended to be a "report card" of sorts, reflecting on the ministries and initiatives called for in the previous two Charges, I would like to comment upon one omission that falls within the mandate of leadership development. It is the Spirit of the living Christ working through us and in us that calls women and men to the sacred order of priests. I have asked congregations, and I do so again, that they remember to include in their intercessory prayers, that young women and men will hear the call to the sacred order of priest. The work of our priests is absolutely critical for the well-being and growth of our Christian communities and ministries. Please my friends, when you return to your parishes, remind your intercessory leaders to include these critical prayers in your Sunday offering. As well, consider speaking to those whom you might feel are called to ordination. You are the church filled with the Holy Spirit. It is your voice too that calls.
Listen again to the parable of the sower ...
Government Relations Panel
In my previous Charge, I asked that we become more intentional in our relations with government. It is appropriate, in fact it is our responsibility as the Anglican Diocese located in the nation's capital, to consider carefully how our Christian voice contributes toward the formation and support of social, national and international policy; those policies that impact our longing for a just and compassionate society. To this end I called together an episcopal panel of advisors including David Humphreys, The Rev. Laurette Glasgow, Peggy Morgan, and Jamie Tomlinson. These people serve the Diocese well. Their expertise and counsel allow me to begin building relations with some key government departments: most especially, those departments that concern themselves with issues that we Christians value. These often include issues that impact the marginalized, poverty reduction, aboriginal rights, literacy and education to name a few. I am grateful that this ministry continues and I anticipate greater success in the years ahead.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Cultural Issues
This is a matter that has not received much attention this last year but I would encourage you to attend to it this year. Last year I wrote ...
It is as apparent to me, as it is to you, that our communities within the diocese are comprised of a variety of races and cultures. Yet as we know, white Anglo-Saxon people occupy most of our pews, with only a few exceptions. God calls us to reach out to all peoples. To this end, I am asking each parish in the Diocese to place on their parish council agenda time to research and study the demographic in which they serve. If these studies reveal a diverse demographic, then I encourage you to begin to put in place a strategy that will foster outreach into these various cultural communities extending the hand of holy hospitality. If the membership of our diocese is not visibly diverse within the next five to ten years, then our attempt to evangelize and minister to all peoples has failed; we will have opted to exist as a closed community and this is not our vocation or our call.
I request each parish to consider again placing this very important matter on your regular council agenda.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Environmental Working Group
Last year at Synod, I mentioned that, in the spirit of ACC Resolution 180A which publicly documents the Anglican Church's concern and desire to address global warming, as well as other environmental concerns, I asked Diocesan Council to form an environmental working group to address this matter. Council did respond and formed a working group under the Chair of Randal Goodfellow. Throughout the year this group has been extremely active. They have consulted extensively, engaged research and planned appropriate events in the diocese. It is my hope that next year, through workshops and presentations, we might highlight the environment in our response to the Marks of Mission. The working group will have completed enough work by then for Synod to consider a response and course of action.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Community Ministries
A few matters to report but it is sufficient to say at the outset that all goes very well for our Community Ministries including The Well, The Ottawa Pastoral Centre, Centre 454 and Cornerstone. Welcome back Dr. Bill Prentice. Bill has been off sick for the better part of a year and I am thrilled to see him back providing leadership and encouragement of these critical ministries.
Since our last Synod, Cornerstone Housing for Women opened the doors of their new 314 Booth Street building on May 25th cheered on and supported by Mayor Jim Watson, Counselors, members of Parliament and the Legislature as well as people from the diocese and community. Forty-two units are now occupied; senior women in need of housing occupy twenty-two units and women of any age who are in need occupy the remaining units. What a monumental achievement. Congratulations to Carol Burrows, the committee, fundraisers and director Sue Garvey.
Centre 454 is making all the appropriate structural changes at St. Alban's in anticipation of their move "back home" scheduled for 2012. This move required delicate negotiating on the part of the board, Bev Jensen, Dean Parker and Mary-Martha Hale. Congratulations to all of you for work well done.
The Well and The Ottawa Pastoral Centre while not moving or expanding facilities, continue to meet and surpass ever-increasing responsibilities. While it is too early to announce at this Synod, they too have new plans in the works - more to tell next Synod.
We are always proud of our community ministries. Their work continues to expand and thanks to our ongoing support of prayer and resources, and our Directors' dogged ability to receive grants from all levels of government, their work continues to make a significant contribution toward the alleviation of poverty and promotion of health and dignity for all.
For the first time in many years, Anglican Chaplaincy has been restored at the Ottawa Hospitals. In May of this year, I appointed The Rev. Di Jaggassar to this position. It is my hope and dream that GIFT funds raised for Serving God's World will help finance this position so that never again are we without Anglican hospital chaplains.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
The International Church
Very briefly, I continue, with five Canadian Episcopal Colleagues, to take part in the ongoing Dialogue with a number of Bishops from Africa. We have met twice, once in Lambeth and this past year in Dar es Salaam. These continue to be fruitful conversations that affirm and reinforce our common mission and our shared commitment to the worldwide
Anglican Communion. I would encourage you to go to this link and read the communiqué that was released following our most recent deliberations.
http://news.anglican.ca/news/stories/2337
We will meet again in 2012 in Toronto.
Our partnership with the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem continues, as does Catherine's and my relationship with Bishop Suheil Dawani and his spouse Shafeeqa. I believe that the work of our visiting team last year and our meeting in Halifax last summer secured a warm and Spirit-filled union. Shortly following this Synod, eight members of the Diocese will be travelling to Jerusalem. These include, Canon John Bridges (our coordinator) and his spouse Gail, Catherine Chapman, Sue Garvey, The Venerable Chris Dunn, The Rev. Jan Staniforth, Monica Patten and me.
Our intention is two fold. First, Gail, Catherine, Monica and Sue will be meeting with Shafeeqa and exploring ways we can partner in our ministry with women. While this work is unfolding, John, Chris, Jan and I will be exploring various parishes willing to form a deep relationship with parishes in the Diocese of Ottawa. My prayer is that this work, on your behalf, will forge a visible sign of our mutual faith and shared ministry together. It is my hope that our brief visit will be the precursor to many visits that Anglicans of Jerusalem and Ottawa will enjoy and share.
The Diocesan Refugee Working Group continues to work hard on our behalf. The Group is already making preparations to welcome to our community a Palestinian family of eight. Our hearty congratulations are in order and our thanks for the hours of work required by so many so that even one family can enjoy peace and safety.
It is also important that I thank on your behalf David Chisholm for his work as Chair of the Primate's World Relief and Development Committee (PWRDF). The Diocese of Ottawa has provided strong and generous support to the PWRDF programme for over fifty years. Thank you David for your ongoing work and leadership, which has most certainly kept the work of PWRDF before the people of the Diocese. We welcome Valerie Maier to the Chair. I am confident that she will continue the tradition of strong fiscal and prayerful support of the Primate's Fund over these next many years.
Listen to the parable of the sower ...
Sabbath Leave
In my thirty-four years of ministry both in parish and the academy, I have yet, for various reasons, been able to take a sabbatical or sabbath leave. I believe that it is important that I do so in 2012 in order for me to look after myself properly so that I may continue to provide Episcopal leadership in this diocese with the same level of passion and enthusiasm that I currently enjoy. This opportunity is an important gift to the clergy of the Diocese of Ottawa. I am proud that this proactive practice has been in place for many years and that our clergy avail themselves of the opportunity. I do not take it for granted. I am grateful to you for your encouragement that I take this time to read, study, rest and pray and return refreshed and ready.
I will be away from the Diocese from mid April 2012 shortly following Easter to mid August. Depending upon available time and workload, the Dean or Executive Archdeacon will function as Commissary during my absence.
A New Cathedral Canon
While all leadership in this Diocese is exemplary, our tradition does allow me, from time to time, to call from our midst certain individuals to be recognized in a special way. While there are many I would like to acknowledge in this way, there are only a limited number Cathedral Canonries available. Tonight, I have the honour and opportunity to name one individual who will be raised to the office of Canon in God's Church. Shortly, I will ask Dean Parker to recognize The Rev. Christine Piper, and install her in her rightful seat in our Cathedral Church as Canon of St. Andrew.
Deo Gratias
Before I begin my prayer of gratitude for those who support the work of the Episcopal office and Synod office, I must say something about Andrew Stephens- Rennie. As you may know, Andrew's spouse Ericka, also a vibrant contributor toward the work of the Diocese, has taken a position in Vancouver. Sadly, this of course means that Andrew has left us. May I echo your gratitude for his work and ministry? In the words of one of his colleagues in youth ministry, "Andrew gets it, he understands what youth ministry should look like and how it should unfold. He is a rare find in our church." I couldn't say it better. Thank you Andrew for your faith, your commitment to the ministry of our youth, your faithfulness to the church and to this Diocese of Ottawa. You will be missed. We will keep you and Ericka in our prayers and wish you well in the Diocese of New Westminster.
I would like to thank on your behalf our Episcopal and Synod Office staff. Archdeacon David Selzer, thank you for your astute pastoral and administrative gifts. Your presence and your work have freed me more fully to do the work of a Bishop. While you have been with us for a relatively short time, it feels like you have ministered among us for many years. You are the perfect fit for this position - thank you for your work, your ability and your friendship and your trust. The territorial Archdeacons for the endless hours they offer to me, and their devotion and care for the diocese, thank you. Dean Shane Parker continues to provide the Episcopal office with wise counsel and untiring support. Jude Green, without whom my day would never start or conclude, thank you. Michael Herbert not only manages and oversees our financial and real estate resources admirably, but exercises calm and effective leadership. Welcome back Dr. Bill Prentice. Bill, as you know has been away on sick leave for a significant period of time. I am grateful that he has returned and shoulders again leadership of our community ministries. Bill Gilbert, Sandra McDonald, and Beverly Skelton in finance, and Jane Scanlon in Stewardship, thank you for your careful work. Dr. Glenn Lockwood and his army of volunteers continue to keep our archives in good order and accessible. May I also thank Lisa Chisholm-Smith and Leslie Worden whose imagination and love for church continue to serve our parishes and diocesan programmes. Art Babych and Brian Sarjeant continue to ably ensure that our ministries and issues are made known and understood in the wider community. Our Crosstalk publication is truly the finest diocesan paper in our land - well done Art! Wendy FitzPatrick at our front desk carefully supports a variety of ministries and work - thank you Wendy. As well, Pat and Trudy Hammond continue to support Temple Pastures under the careful leadership of the new director, John Geiger. Thank you Archdeacon Gordon Worden for your able oversight of this ministry these last number of years. May I extend our gratitude to the Directors of our Community Ministries, Mary-Martha Hale, Sue Garvey, Pat Connolly, Janet McInnes and coordinator Sharon York of the pastoral centre and all their respective staff. We also welcome Catharine Johannson and Rachael Pollosel, Administrative Assistants, to our staff. Finally, may I thank our new committee chairs. Each has patiently ushered in our new governance structure with patience and dare I say forbearance. Thank you Jim Carruthers, The Rev. Mark Whittall, Dr. Linda Privitera, The Rev. Cathy McCaig, Linda Morrison and Garry Smith.
I would especially like to single out Joyce Couvrette. Not only are we indebted to her for the work she offers this Synod, but I am pleased to announce that there has been a significant change in her position. She will no longer provide office support for Synod and Diocesan Council she will in fact be our Synod and Council Administrator. With this new position comes the responsibility and authority to manage the affairs of Synod and Council and ensure that all is well with these two chief governing bodies of our Diocese. I know as you do that Joyce is up to this task. Congratulations and thank you for assuming this position and responsibility.
Hundreds upon hundreds of wonderful Christians, in the name of our Lord are giving of their time and talent toward God's mission - far, far too many to name, unfortunately. You know who you are and I thank you in the name of our diocese. Your generous spirit and deep faith have contributed toward the faith and well being of so many.
Finally, but by no means least, my deep gratitude to our secretaries to Synod, Canon Judy Darling and The Rev. Jessica Worden-Bolling and as well, Rob Hamilton and the Synod Planning Work Group.
My friends, our faith is truly the source of all light and joy. We gather these days in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I implore you all to welcome these holy days of deliberation, sacred conversation and the exercise of our baptism.
Thank you and may God bless you, may God bless our Synod and may God bless the Diocese of Ottawa.
♰ John Ottawa
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