SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2009
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION SUDBURY
9:30 a.m. - Meet and greet.
David Stamp called the meeting to order at 10 a.m. He noted that there was a sign in sheet to be filled in and he would appreciate email addresses also to be included. We are looking for parish council members and their email addresses if not in attendance today.
Regrets: Stephen Andrews, Hank Willems(Nelson asked that we remember Hank's wife in prayer as she is very ill), Ralph Montor, Pat McNally, Dave Cains, Ursala Paxton, Vivian Anzil, Gilles Tessier, Frank MacKinnon, Chris Franklin
Archdeacon Tom Corston then opened in prayer.
David presented the agenda and noted he is hearing impaired and asked for folks to speak up.
Paul Walmsley moved the agenda be accepted, seconed by Anne Germond, all in favour , carried.
Previous minutes had been circulated and it was asked if there were any errors or omissions with none noted. Beth Topps moved that the minutes be accepted, seconded by Glen Miller, all in favour, carried.
Archdeacon Tom advised that they are working very hard in the deanery. Harry Huskins is having to see all in preparation for the consecration of Bishop Elect Stephen Andrews. It was also noted that there are a number of Clergy vacancies coming up and retirements, primarily in our larger parishes and recruitment is underway. Harry is working on stabilizing the budget.
Appointments for summer are Jeff Cooper at McGregor Bay, Doug Preboe at Biscotasing. Manitoulin's future is under consideration.
The Diocesan archives are moving from Laurentian University to the University of Saut Ste. Marie. This will give easier access to the Synod office and for the Dioceses as a whole.
Consecration at the cathedral will be at 1 p.m., June 29th. All the Canadian Houses of Bishops have been invited and will have priority seating. Two buses from Sudbury/Manitoulin will be running. One is almost full as the Epiphany choir will be on duty. There will be a pickup at the Ascension, Copper Cliff and Espanola. A stop for refreshing at Blind River and then on to the
Soo. One bus will be express leaving at 8:30 and return between 4 & 5 p.m. Cost will be $40 return. Registration through Epiphany's office and payment must be made by June 15th or you will loose your seat. The service will be from the Book of Common Prayer.
September 25th and 26th will be a Layreaders Conference to be held in North Bay.
The National Synod for all native Anglicans will be held August 9th to 14th at Port Edward(Near Kincardine). All expenses paid for those attending. Go to the Anglican Church of Canada website for more information.
Report from Glen Miller Regional Dean - Why we are here today is that it gives congregations the opportunity to have a voice in the Diocese and Synod. Representatives from congregations are mandated by Canons to meet 3 times/year to work with Deanery officials. The council has responsibilities as well as the Deanery officials. Acting as a glorified property inspectors, we should be made aware of any capital expenditures to buildings in the Diocese and all the proper paperwork should be submitted for review so that all the proper processes are followed. Inform Deanery officials first not after the fact. Repairs are required at Biscotasing and there is need for help from the Dioceses. Next meeting of the Diocesan Executive will be June 10th & 11th. So any paperwork should be given ASAP to the Deanery officials so that it can be addressed at that meeting. It is needed at least 10 days or 2 weeks prior. If we are doing capital projects and borrowing from the Bishop's fund these projects are included. Anything that changes the appearance of our worship space needs to be addressed.
Anne Trimmer reported on the ACW noting that 11 parishes have groups meeting. The executive will meet May 7th at 1 p.m. to plan for the fall Deanery ACW and to obtain a new executive. Current executive has been active for 4 years. It is recommended that they rotate on a 3 year term. Prayer is requested for the ACW in the Soo May 25th to 27th which will be their Annual Conference.
Warden Marilyn Usher reported that they are hoping for a good turnout for the Layreaders' Conference in North Bay September 25th to 26th. Training course for Lay readers are done periodically. Allison Cline Gaines from the Epiphany is available for instruction.
Deanery Program Association/Thornloe University - no reports presented.
Doctrine/Worship - John Harvey reported that he, Ed Swazy, Richard White and B. Ward are addressing this as it is in the Anglican Covenant. The same sex issue is being monitored also twice a year. Looking at reality and the Windsor Report. It seems unAnglican to sign something but it also seems necessary as we need to maintain unity. Some groups are making decisions and are going ahead of the Anglican Consultative Council. There are some asking that a new province within a province be formed for those with conservative views on the matter. If any group decides to move they have to leave their churches as these are held by the church authorities.