Your Synod Council at work

A meeting of Synod Council was held on Tuesday November 28, 2023 at St Mark’s, Barriefield.

The Synod Council began at 6:00 pm, with The Rev. Sandra Hounsell-Drover offering evening prayer from the corrymeela community (Ireland).  

Bishop William offered thanks for those who participated and celebrated with him his Installation on 21 October. He has successfully moved and is settling in his house, as well as traveling around the diocese making official visits, inductions, etc.

The bishop is looking forward to the ordaining Rev. Ryan Deyo to the priesthood on Thursday, November 30.

The minutes from the 19 September Synod Council were approved. The minutes from the Executive Board meeting on 10 November were approved. There was no business arising from the minutes.

DFO Alex Pierson presented the budget report through the end of October. Currently, the budget is on target with minor unexpected expenses. Alex presented a budget for 2024, counting for a 3.3% inflation factor and a 5% shelter inflation factor. The gift to the National Church has been reduced to 10% (from 20%), and there are fundraising projections for 2024. The 2024 budget has a proposed deficit of $51,000, down from $250,000 for 2023. Council passed the 2024 budget.

For allowances, Alex proposed a 3.3% increased for stipends, across the grid, which was approved. For housing, the proposal was 5.7 increase for the grid, which was approved. Mileage, using Revenue Canada was approved for 2024 at a rate of .68 per km for the first 5,000 km and .62 per km over 5,000 km.

The Ministry Allocation Fund for 2024, was approved at $50,000, which allows for six $5,000 reach grants and one $20,000 stretch grant.

Alex offered review of a diminishing list of properties in the diocese that need attention and work.

For insurance, for 2024, Alex speculated that the large increase in 2023 will not repeat itself and the diocese can hope that increases will be in the single digits.

Legally, the diocese has two active cases, plus negotiations in Prince Edward County over property.  

Archdeacon Wayne Varley reported on DOORS - the diocese has a high rating from Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada for the next five years. The Ministry Allocation for 2023 is complete, with a few applications held for 2024.

DEO David Selzer presented the report from St Paul’s, Kingston, and made the recommendation affirmed by the Executive Committee that the parish be removed from administration status. Council approved.

Synod Council adjourned at 8:15 pm. The next Synod Council will be a hybrid meeting on Tuesday January 23, 2024.