Bishop Michael was at a House of Bishops meeting in Niagara Falls, ON. Dean Peter Elliott was Chair of the Meeting.
AGENDA
1. Opening Remarks
Dean Peter Elliott focused his opening remarks on the funeral of the Reverend Dr. Harry Robinson which took place that afternoon, 1pm at St. John’s Shaughnessy.
Peter said that Harry was one of the great figures of the Diocese of New Westminster and at the forefront of the Evangelical movement in Anglicanism.
Harry retired as the Rector of St. John Shaughnessy. There were many people from the D of NW at Harry’s funeral. In retirement, Harry attended a number of diocesan churches including St. Mary’s Kerrisdale and Christ Church Cathedral and for a number of years celebrated Morning Prayer at St. Mary’s. Up until his death Harry remained a Priest in the Anglican Church of Canada.
2. Extra Item – The Reverend Dr. Lynne McNaughton report from Council of General Synod (COGS)
Lynne is one of 27 representatives on this National Church body and the only representative from the Diocese of New Westminster.
AGENDA
1. Opening Remarks
Dean Peter Elliott focused his opening remarks on the funeral of the Reverend Dr. Harry Robinson which took place that afternoon, 1pm at St. John’s Shaughnessy.
Peter said that Harry was one of the great figures of the Diocese of New Westminster and at the forefront of the Evangelical movement in Anglicanism.
Harry retired as the Rector of St. John Shaughnessy. There were many people from the D of NW at Harry’s funeral. In retirement, Harry attended a number of diocesan churches including St. Mary’s Kerrisdale and Christ Church Cathedral and for a number of years celebrated Morning Prayer at St. Mary’s. Up until his death Harry remained a Priest in the Anglican Church of Canada.
2. Extra Item – The Reverend Dr. Lynne McNaughton report from Council of General Synod (COGS)
Lynne is one of 27 representatives on this National Church body and the only representative from the Diocese of New Westminster.
This, the March 31st-April 3rd meeting was Lynne’s second meeting.
The first meeting in November was largely orientation and process driven due to the change in size of the Council. COGS was 42 members now due to contraction down to 27.
The four day meeting was one day longer that usual. COGS met along side the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) meeting. Some meetings were held in common.
The common meetings and worship celebrated the 10 years of Full Communion.
The two groups are still looking at a number of initiatives on the National Level, for example the proposal to have shared National Offices in Ottawa. This discussion is ongoing.
The Lutheran meetings concentrated on the restructuring of that organization.
There was considerable discussion around the streamlining of COGS and how the tone of the debate has shifted to an energetic focus on mission that is shared and less about differences.
The Primate’s sharing and leadership was greatly appreciated.
The Anglican Journal was dis-incorporated as it is no longer necessary to protect the AJ with a corporate entity. This will save considerable expense.
Lynne thought the report of those involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was significant.
Lynn pointed out that the D of NW is well represented on the support team for COGS. The preacher at the opening March 31st worship was the Reverend Dr. Richard Leggett, Emeritus Professor, Vancouver School of Theology and currently Priest-in-charge of St. Faith’s Anglican Church in Kerrisdale who has a leadership role on the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission (JALC).
The Very Reverend Peter Elliott, Dean of the Diocese and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral has succeeded Suzanne Lawson in a key role as chair of the Planning and Agenda Team for COGS.
Suzanne stepped down after being hired by the National Church for the half-time position of national campaign liaison working with Communications and Resources for Mission (formerly the Department of Philanthropy).
Following an election and two appointments by the Primate, the Diocese of New Westminster’s Jane Osler is now a member of the national church Vision 2019 transition team.
3. 2018 Action Group
The chair of the group Rev. Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles directed council’s attention to a document called
The first meeting in November was largely orientation and process driven due to the change in size of the Council. COGS was 42 members now due to contraction down to 27.
The four day meeting was one day longer that usual. COGS met along side the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) meeting. Some meetings were held in common.
The common meetings and worship celebrated the 10 years of Full Communion.
The two groups are still looking at a number of initiatives on the National Level, for example the proposal to have shared National Offices in Ottawa. This discussion is ongoing.
The Lutheran meetings concentrated on the restructuring of that organization.
There was considerable discussion around the streamlining of COGS and how the tone of the debate has shifted to an energetic focus on mission that is shared and less about differences.
The Primate’s sharing and leadership was greatly appreciated.
The Anglican Journal was dis-incorporated as it is no longer necessary to protect the AJ with a corporate entity. This will save considerable expense.
Lynne thought the report of those involved in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was significant.
Lynn pointed out that the D of NW is well represented on the support team for COGS. The preacher at the opening March 31st worship was the Reverend Dr. Richard Leggett, Emeritus Professor, Vancouver School of Theology and currently Priest-in-charge of St. Faith’s Anglican Church in Kerrisdale who has a leadership role on the Joint Anglican-Lutheran Commission (JALC).
The Very Reverend Peter Elliott, Dean of the Diocese and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral has succeeded Suzanne Lawson in a key role as chair of the Planning and Agenda Team for COGS.
Suzanne stepped down after being hired by the National Church for the half-time position of national campaign liaison working with Communications and Resources for Mission (formerly the Department of Philanthropy).
Following an election and two appointments by the Primate, the Diocese of New Westminster’s Jane Osler is now a member of the national church Vision 2019 transition team.
3. 2018 Action Group
The chair of the group Rev. Andrew Wilhelm-Boyles directed council’s attention to a document called
The 10 Strategic Priorities and the Five Marks of Mission that was distributed that evening. (Click to download).
Experts have done research that shows that more than 7 items is too many to be remembered and to be workable.
The 10 Strategic Priorities are all good but they might be more manageable and more effectively compartmentalized by blending them into the 5 Marks of Mission.
Andrew asked council to read the document and think about its content for further discussion.
Andrew promoted the pre-Synod Day, May 7th at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale and gave thanks for the hard work of the Synod Program staff in preparing the day.
He then introduced Director for Mission and Ministry, the Rev. Douglas Fenton who gave a quick outline of how the day will unfold, Saturday, May 7th, 10am-3pm. For PROGRAM DETAILS and REGISTRATIONS click the links
4. The Minutes of the March 14th, 2011 DC Meeting.
Registrar Don Paul pointed out that Item 6.5 to do with the deadline date change around submissions for nominations to the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster as recorded in the Minutes needed to be corrected. An amended set of Minutes will be set out in the next Diocesan Council package for the May 10th meeting . The Minutes as amended by the Registrar were adopted unanimously.
Experts have done research that shows that more than 7 items is too many to be remembered and to be workable.
The 10 Strategic Priorities are all good but they might be more manageable and more effectively compartmentalized by blending them into the 5 Marks of Mission.
Andrew asked council to read the document and think about its content for further discussion.
Andrew promoted the pre-Synod Day, May 7th at St. Mary’s Kerrisdale and gave thanks for the hard work of the Synod Program staff in preparing the day.
He then introduced Director for Mission and Ministry, the Rev. Douglas Fenton who gave a quick outline of how the day will unfold, Saturday, May 7th, 10am-3pm. For PROGRAM DETAILS and REGISTRATIONS click the links
4. The Minutes of the March 14th, 2011 DC Meeting.
Registrar Don Paul pointed out that Item 6.5 to do with the deadline date change around submissions for nominations to the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster as recorded in the Minutes needed to be corrected. An amended set of Minutes will be set out in the next Diocesan Council package for the May 10th meeting . The Minutes as amended by the Registrar were adopted unanimously.
5. Correspondence for Information from the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.
Click on the link.
6. Council went IN CAMERA to discuss some Real Estate issues.
Council came out of camera to vote on a resolution around the wording of a property listing document. The resolution passed unanimously.
7. No Debate
6. Council went IN CAMERA to discuss some Real Estate issues.
Council came out of camera to vote on a resolution around the wording of a property listing document. The resolution passed unanimously.
7. No Debate
8.1 Financial Statements – January 31st and February 28th, 2011
Diocesan Comptroller, Mark Beley directed council’s attention to the Executive Summary as contained in the Financial Statements package. In the first two months of the year everything seems to be on track. Investments are doing better.
Treasurer Ian Robertson pointed out that although the current increases in investment returns is over 27% if we go back three years the overall increase is just over 10%.
A brief discussion was initiated by the Chancellor, the Comptroller and the Business Administrator around Balanced Funds and Money Market funds and the choices parishes make around investments
Diocesan Comptroller, Mark Beley directed council’s attention to the Executive Summary as contained in the Financial Statements package. In the first two months of the year everything seems to be on track. Investments are doing better.
Treasurer Ian Robertson pointed out that although the current increases in investment returns is over 27% if we go back three years the overall increase is just over 10%.
A brief discussion was initiated by the Chancellor, the Comptroller and the Business Administrator around Balanced Funds and Money Market funds and the choices parishes make around investments
Peter welcomed the Rev. Paul Strudwick to this first Diocesan Council Meeting. Paul is now chair of the Communications Committee (CommComm).
Peter also congratulated the Reverend Christine Rowe, Regional Dean of North Vancouver and the Venerable Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of Fraser on their Silver Wedding Anniversary, April 5th, 2011 celebrated by both the parish of St. Catherine's Capilano and Church of the Epiphany, Surrey in grand style, Sunday, April 10th
Peter also congratulated the Reverend Christine Rowe, Regional Dean of North Vancouver and the Venerable Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of Fraser on their Silver Wedding Anniversary, April 5th, 2011 celebrated by both the parish of St. Catherine's Capilano and Church of the Epiphany, Surrey in grand style, Sunday, April 10th
8.2 Ad Hoc Committee on Property Development – Interim Report
There was a great deal of discussion around process and what needs to be addressed by the Ad Hoc Committee in order to establish guidelines for parishes that wish to sell land, develop land, rent space, develop rental space or consider applying for Heritage designations.
The Committee was hoping to table a report for the May 2011 meeting but that will not be possible and Dean Peter Elliott as Chair of the Committee asked for an extension to September 2011. The Chancellor composed a resolution for council to vote requesting an extension. Council agreed unanimously to the extension.
Following this, Treasurer Ian Robertson gave a report on the ongoing public meetings concerning gathering lands in Richmond.
The growing ecumenical community uniting around this issue in Richmond has enabled the churches in Richmond (owners of gathering lands) to raise public awareness of Richmond Council’s plan to place considerable restrictions on re-zoning of gathering lands which may decrease the value of church-owned properties up to 80 or 90%.
There was a great deal of discussion around process and what needs to be addressed by the Ad Hoc Committee in order to establish guidelines for parishes that wish to sell land, develop land, rent space, develop rental space or consider applying for Heritage designations.
The Committee was hoping to table a report for the May 2011 meeting but that will not be possible and Dean Peter Elliott as Chair of the Committee asked for an extension to September 2011. The Chancellor composed a resolution for council to vote requesting an extension. Council agreed unanimously to the extension.
Following this, Treasurer Ian Robertson gave a report on the ongoing public meetings concerning gathering lands in Richmond.
The growing ecumenical community uniting around this issue in Richmond has enabled the churches in Richmond (owners of gathering lands) to raise public awareness of Richmond Council’s plan to place considerable restrictions on re-zoning of gathering lands which may decrease the value of church-owned properties up to 80 or 90%.
Click the link to read the April 16th Article in the Richmond Review
The Chancellor encouraged council to be on the look-out for similar actions in their local communities.
Restrictions on rezoning is one component and what may be on the horizon is a growing desire of municipal politicians to bring churches into the revenue stream as taxable businesses.
9.1 Three nominees were elected to the Board of the St. Michael’s Centre Burnaby
- Janet Coghlan
- James Bennett
- Brenda Bailey
9.2 Rob Dickson was nominated and appointed to the board of Camp Artaban Society
9.3 Captain David Batchelor was nominated and appointed to the Board of the Mission to Seafarers
9.4 Registrar, Don Paul put forward his list of nominations to the Credentials Committee that he will chair:
Nominees: Legal Assessor, Jennifer Dezell, Reverend Christine Rowe, Reverend Paul Guiton.
All three were appointed.
The meeting was adjourned 9:13pm
Next Meeting is May 10th, 2011 at St. Catherine’s, Port Coquitlam
The Chancellor encouraged council to be on the look-out for similar actions in their local communities.
Restrictions on rezoning is one component and what may be on the horizon is a growing desire of municipal politicians to bring churches into the revenue stream as taxable businesses.
9.1 Three nominees were elected to the Board of the St. Michael’s Centre Burnaby
- Janet Coghlan
- James Bennett
- Brenda Bailey
9.2 Rob Dickson was nominated and appointed to the board of Camp Artaban Society
9.3 Captain David Batchelor was nominated and appointed to the Board of the Mission to Seafarers
9.4 Registrar, Don Paul put forward his list of nominations to the Credentials Committee that he will chair:
Nominees: Legal Assessor, Jennifer Dezell, Reverend Christine Rowe, Reverend Paul Guiton.
All three were appointed.
The meeting was adjourned 9:13pm
Next Meeting is May 10th, 2011 at St. Catherine’s, Port Coquitlam
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.