Your Synod Council at Work

The Diocese of Ontario Synod council met Tuesday evening September 23 at St. Paul’s Church, Kingston and online.

Dean Doug Michael led devotions, first reading from Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus, and inviting members of council to visualize their own walk with Jesus as companions on the journey. The group silently reflected on what they would want to say during such a walk with Jesus and prayerfully listened to what Jesus would say to them.  After individuals shared in a word some of what they heard Jesus say, the dean closed devotions with a prayer.

Bishop Cliff welcomed Valerie Smith from the Diocese of Ontario Green Group who introduced Mr. John Cartwright, chairperson of the Council of Canadians. John spoke about the human right to water and thanked the Diocese of Ontario for committing to being a Blue Community. A certificate was presented to the Bishop who received it on behalf of the Synod Council and diocese. This certificate will hang in the foyer of the Diocese of Ontario Synod Office.

The bishop remarked on his activities since the last meeting of Synod Council including a trip to speak in the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. He shared that the staff at the Synod Office is managing in Wendy Pierson’s absence and that she is very much in our prayers as she undergoes treatments. Her husband Alex was also assured of our prayers. The bishop informed council members that Dr. Tony Ashworth has resigned from the council for personal reasons.

In business arising from the minutes, the book ‘To Love and Serve,’ published by Forward Movement was presented as a possible resource for the whole diocese to study together. Council moved to support this plan. A format will be prepared and shared at the upcoming clergy day on November 13. In response to the bishop’s request for members to identify individuals for ‘the way forward’ committee none were mentioned but members were invited to send suggestions directly to the diocesan executive officer. The hope is to have this committee formed in early October so that plans put forth in the Bishop’s Charge to Synod may begin to take shape.

Guests from St. John’s, Bancroft presented a plan with preliminary drawings to improve accessibility to their building and plans to expand their community engagement. Council approved their request for permission to apply to the Anglican Foundation for a grant.

Alex Pierson gave the property report updating council on the latest changes from the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO). The diocese has just over 40 cemeteries with 10 of them in active discussions about transferring their care over to municipalities and several more with discussions beginning. He shared with council that with increased time, management and financial demands cemeteries will be a draw on the diocese going forward.

The Q2 finances were presented by Alex with a projected deficit of $40,000 mostly driven by increased audit fees. He shared there have been a greater number of draws on the investment fund recently by parishes withdrawing for both capital projects and for shortfalls in operations. This trend is raising concerns. The investment fund itself is doing well. The council was reminded that the next Wardens & Treasurers meeting will be held online October 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm.

Wayne Varley gave the Mission and Ministry report and provided information from the Green Group’s 3rd annual conference which was held on September 20. It was a very good day with those attending enjoying the speaker from A Rocha Canada. He also updated council on the evolving immigration policy changes and how they may impact Diocese of Ontario Refugee Support (DOORS). Mimi Merrill, the DOORS co-ordinator, is also the vice chair of the Sponsorship Agreement Holder (SAH) Council, and she is monitoring the situation very carefully.

The next Synod Council meeting will be on Tuesday, October 28 from 6 to 8 pm at St. Paul’s, Kingston and online.

The approval of the minutes of the September 23 meeting are pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact the Ven. Jane Humphreys, Diocesan Executive Officer, by email at jhumphreys@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone at (613) 777-0540.