Parish Profile - St. John`s Church, Thorold Go and make Disciples

Transcription

PARISH PROFILE
1.
Location and Membership
Location
The City of Thorold is centrally located in the Niagara Region, contiguous with the City of
St. Catharines. The church property of St. John the Evangelist is centrally located within
the Niagara Region. From the church distances are as follows:
Brock University
Niagara Falls
Niagara on the Lake
Peace Bridge (Buffalo)
Toronto
5 kilometres
15 kilometres
23 kilometres
40 kilometres
115 kilomtres
Thorold has a population of approximately 18 000 permanent residents, and many
seasonal Brock University and Niagara College students. The population is made up of
60% Italian heritage with the balance being multicultural in nature. There is a “double
peak” in the ages of the population with over 3000 seniors and 4000 individuals under
the age of twenty.
Geographically, the bulk of the population of Thorold is within seven minutes driving time
of The Church of St. John the Evangelist. The southern part of the City of St. Catharines
(population – 130 000) abuts the City of Thorold and is quite close to the church. There
are four new or expanding subdivisions being developed in 2016 with significant growth
potential. As a congregation, St. John’s draws its members from all over the Niagara
area. One of the advantages of this part of southern Ontario is its home affordability;
home prices currently (first half, 2016) are averaging near $280 000 in Thorold and
approximately $300 000 in neighbouring St. Catharines.
The downtown core of Thorold, two blocks away, is being revitalized with new
businesses. About 500 students from Brock University reside in the downtown core.
A new Seniors Centre is next door to the church property; the parking lot associated with
the centre is shared by the church.
There are four other mainline churches (Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Baptist, United)
within four blocks from St. John’s. There are also three contemporary churches in the
area.
There is a retirement home two blocks away, as well as several large affordable housing
residences for seniors nearby.
The manufacturing sector in Thorold and surrounding communities has been devastated
in recent years, particularly associated with the auto industry, but new businesses in
Information Technology, services and other types of entities are moving in, generating a
rebound in the local economy.
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Thorold
Parish Profile (2016)
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The city enjoys all the recreational, cultural, social, and historical aspects of community
life, but could use more diversity. The local transportation network, both locally and
regionally, is well developed. Bicycle and walking trails are part of the overall
transportation system. Highways 58 and 406 bisect the community. GO Train service
with connections to Toronto will be added within the next few years.
Thorold Secondary School is a few blocks away, and the Prince of Wales Public School
is nearby in the downtown core.
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Membership
The parish family of St. John’s consists of 74 families and 94 individuals; of this number,
130 are noted as identifiable givers within the parish. Of the approximately 100 regular
contributors, 65 use envelopes and 35 use the direct deposit process. These numbers
do not include families who are attendees at Messy Church and do not attend Sunday
services.
Average attendance at Worship Services (2009- 2016)
Sunday 8:00am:
20
Sunday 10:00am:
88
Thursday 10:00am: 6
Messy Church:
40
Summer attendance is usually lower due to parishioners on vacation and the fact that
communion may not be offered every Sunday during the summer.
Services that celebrate feasts are higher in attendance – Christmas averaging 200 and
Easter approximately 175 over the past few years.
At Christmas and Easter, church children and youth in the past have put on a pageant
but this has transformed recently into an intergenerational experience with readers,
theatre, drama productions and programs such as Bethlehem Bound.
Last year, the parish hosted 5 weddings, 5 baptisms, 1 confirmation and 10 funerals.
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2.
Worship
St. John’s conducts regular Sunday services at 8 a.m. and at 10 a.m. The 8.00 a.m
service is a communion service based on the Book of Alternative Service; The 10.00 a.m.
service also has communion and music, following the full liturgical calendar. Special
services are always included for each season including special children-inclusive
services.
St. John’s is very proud of the music associated with the 10.00 a.m. service; it consists
of piano, guitar and drums. Traditional hymns are mixed with contemporary and modern
praise music. The entire service, including words of the hymns, are projected onto a
large overhead screen, allowing freedom from traditional printed sources (prayer book or
hymnal). New arrivals seem to adapt easily to this format and are quickly comfortable
with this method of presentation of the service. In addition, the church is blessed with a
full pipe organ with a Casavant console which was fully refurbished after the fire in
2004. It enjoys use at special services, weddings, and funerals, but is available when
needed at any time.
The practice of laying on of hands for healing is practiced each Sunday – with healing
prayers; this is by invitation to all in attendance and is administered during communion.
During special services such as during the Lenten Season, individuals may request
laying on of hands or anointing with healing oil.
Lay and youth involvement is encouraged and acknowledged. Every special holiday, the
children are involved. The Sunday School staff work to involve the children in plays,
acting out parts of the bible and songs (often with actions) relevant to that particular
holiday. A Kid’s Fair in July – The Vacation Bible School - is a weeklong day campstyle event. A component of the program is a worship/praise celebration and lesson. An
Ascension Day Carnival is held in May; at this event, we extend the invitation to the
wider community to participate in a carnival-style celebration of the ascension of Christ.
Children Youth and Family Ministry provides contributions to help defer cost to the
Parish for our carnival.
Messy Church is a different way of 'doing church' for families that find Sunday mornings
too difficult for their schedules! Messy Church meets in the upper hall on the 3rd
Thursday of the month from 5:30-7:30. The program provides a meal, games and funfilled crafts designed around themes from the Bible as well as music and worship – all in
the same place! A planning group prepares craft materials with a Christian message for
Messy Church evenings. This service is the responsibility of the Children Youth and
Families Ministry Coordinator.
Sunday School classes are held and a staffed nursery is provided for babies under 2
years old. A Sunday School Summer Program for children is implemented every year.
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3.
Organizational Structure
The Corporation of St. John the Evangelist consists of the Rector, Rector’s Warden,
People’s Warden, Deputy Rector’s Warden, Deputy People’s Warden and the Parish
Treasurer. The Corporation meets on the second Sunday of each month following the
10.00 o’clock service. Interim issues are dealt with through email correspondence when
appropriate, but if urgent issues arise, special mid-week meetings are convened. The
Corporation makes decisions on day-to-day issues and funding for recurring types of
activities. The Corporation has final decision on finances, fund raising activities and
property usage and maintenance.
Parish Council consists of sixteen members including the members of the Corporation.
Parish Council meets on the third Sunday of each month following the 10.00 o’clock
service. The council reviews the activity of standing committees and the Family and
Youth Administrator and is updated on decisions and issues faced by the Corporation.
The Parish Council meetings also offer the Rector an opportunity to give guidance and
direction to our parish leaders. Major undertakings, exceptional or newly proposed
activities are discussed and voted on by Parish Council.
Parish Council consists of the rector, wardens (4), delegates to Synod and a group of
elected or nominated individuals with specific roles and interests in the parish – treasurer,
pastoral assistant, parish administrator, hospitality coordinator, and the Parish host and
Parish Council Chair, stewardship committee chair and fire and safety maintenance
person.
Vestry is usually held in February of each year. The agenda for Vestry is preset, but it
has been the tradition at St. John’s that as well as updates on financial and
organizational matters, an educational component (e.g. youth ministry, missions,
stewardship) is included. The annual budget is presented, discussed and approved and
official positions are voted upon at this time.
Staff
Paid Staff
Currently, the paid staff consists of a full time rector, full time youth coordinator, part time
office administrator, part time music director and a financial administrator who receives a
stipend. A volunteer cleaning team works in conjunction with a paid cleaner who works 5
to 7 hours a week. Yard maintenance and snow clearing are outsourced to a commercial
company.
Volunteer Staffing
There are many volunteers in the parish family; some assist with the administration of
the parish and some volunteer their time for specific tasks.
Parish Hosts – there are 6 teams of four persons that alternate as welcoming hosts on
Sunday mornings.
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Collection Counters – there are several two-person teams that rotate each Sunday to
count, record and deposit the weekly offering.
Altar Guild – five teams rotate the duties of preparing the altar for services.
Giving Records – a volunteer works with the administrator weekly to record personal
giving amounts for personal tax purposes.
Audio-visual Technicians – A small group of individuals operate the computer for our
projection screen during the service and act as sound technicians for music and voice;
their expertise is utilized at special events such as meeting and parish dinners.
Lunch Café – There are five teams of four to six persons that rotate weekly to support
the Lunch Café Program. This program provides an outreach lunch for the community
every Sunday from 11:15 to 12:15. Parish members are encouraged to stay for lunch as
well and provide fellowship opportunities for our guests.
St. George’s Breakfast – A volunteer group from St. John’s also participates on a
rotational basis with other churches to provide a daily breakfast program hosted at St.
George’s Church.
Strategic Investments – A volunteer has designated authority to manage our strategic
investments.
Fire Safety Inspections – A volunteer is committed to performing monthly fire safety
inspections of the buildings and keeping the records required by the Ontario Fire Code.
Hospitality Host - The group leader of the lunch café teams, along with a few
volunteers organize special event dinners throughout the year that include seasonal
celebrations as well as a yearly “Murder Mystery Dinner” as fund raising events.
Volunteer Screening and Management
The process of volunteer screening is guided by the Diocesan Safe Church Policy.
Background checks are conducted for all volunteers that have contact with children and
vulnerable persons. Within the parish there is a review process taking place involving
volunteer job descriptions. Corporation takes responsibility for ensuring that job
interviews and background checks are completed for high-risk positions.
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4.
Parish Programs
The emphasis within the parish is on the provision of all-ages ministry which offers
opportunities to experience discipleship through learning, serving, leading and sharing
our faith. We offer diverse learning programs on Sunday morning and mid-week during
the school year. We also celebrate in the local community with many events throughout
the year and annual retreats.
Our nursery cares for infants up age three; in recent times the numbers have ranged
between 2 and 5 infants and toddlers. There is always a team of two (trained in the safechurch policies and with police checks) to supervise the nursery.
Sunday school caters to children ranges in age from junior kindergarten (age 4) to grade
6 (approximately age 11). At present, all ages are together in one class with two
teachers. Youth in grade 7 and 8 share their faith and often mentor the younger children.
They often help in the nursery, set up the tech/computers and are often active in
planning and implementing presentations to the greater congregation. A Family Ministry
Advisory Group overseas the programs for younger people in the parish and provides
feedback and advice to the Children, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator.
We have a small Junior Youth group (young people in grads 5 – 8) that meets mid week
from September until the end of May. Attendance draws from both the congregation and
members of the greater community of Thorold. Participants engage in fun Bible-based
activities based on a theme for the week.
The youth group for those of high school age also meets once a week, usually on a
Friday night. The group engages in Bible-based learning designed to build teamwork,
develop leadership, and empower youth to live out their faith through action and
interaction with others. Our youth also supports our adopted Compassion International
child.
A bible study group for college/university-aged young adults called Roots of Faith, meets
twice a month on a day that works best for the group. Participants are encouraged to
bring their friends to discuss personal and social justice issues through the faith lens.
Recent topics have included boundaries in relationships, financial peace, and Campus
Alpha.
The parish is currently in its fourth year of operating Messy Church as both a family-funoriented service and an outreach program. Messy Church offers an alternate way for
families to do church together, sharing in a meal and engaging in a faith-based, themed
activities. Several families from outside our “regular Sunday congregation” join us. Out of
their Messy Church experience, several young people have connected with our Junior
Youth program, joined us on our float at the Christmas parade and in the Kids’ Fair
Vacation Bible School. Messy Church has also given our teens a chance to work on their
leadership skills in the craft-making events.
A group of Pastoral Visitors has completed workshops and training and offers visitation
to those who cannot make it to church for various reasons. These visitors take
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Communion to the shut-ins once a month and spend time visiting, reminiscing and
sharing fellowship with those who often get few visitors.
A “Parish Shepherd's program” is in place - the members of the congregation (the
sheep) have been divided up into groups under the "watch" of a member (the
Shepherd). The Shepherds keep in touch with their sheep and often send cards on
special occasions. If they notice that a member of their flock is away for a few
consecutive Sundays, they make a phone call to check in, connecting the parishioner
with Parish Visitors, the priest and making a commitment to pray for their well-being.
We work to encourage the sharing of the widest variety and greatest number of people
sharing their Time, Talent as well as Treasure. We have had Talent/Gift inventories,
monthly celebrations of the various ministries, and sermon series on generosity, spiritual
gifts and tithing. On the financial "nitty-gritty", the Corporation tends to our investments,
the parish Treasurer shares monthly budget reports, and we work out ways to meet our
financial needs.
Outreach and Missions
One of the strengths of the parish of St. John the Evangelist is the commitment by
members of the parish family to a large number of outreach opportunities in the local
community.
Sunday Lunch Café - Nutritious lunches are provided to the wider community as well as
our congregation on Sundays from 11:15 to 12:15.
Adopt-a-family Christmas program – The congregation helps give struggling families
in our community a wonderful Christmas celebration with food and gifts purchased from
a wish list via Community Care.
St. George’s Breakfast Program - Twice per month [one Sunday and one Monday] we
have teams who serve breakfast to homeless people at St. George’s Church, St.
Catharines.
Community Care Donations - Each week we welcome donations of non-perishable
food items, gently used clothing and money to assist Community Care (Thorold), to
provide for people in need.
Savoury Samples - A program that provides Community Care clients the opportunity to
attempt an easy recipe and receive a bag of ingredients with which to make the meal.
Collective Kitchen – “Come Cook with us” program for low income members of our
community . They learn to cook nutritious and economical meals as well as share
recipes and helpful hints on shopping and preserving food.
Easter Food Drive - Volunteers of all ages gather together and canvas the various
neighbourhoods for non-perishable items as well as clothes and cash to be donated to
the local food bank.
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Bazaar - As with other parishes, the annual bazaar involves just about everyone in the
parish in some way; the bazaar raises funds for the general account as well as
contributing to various outreach programs (e.g. Christmas families)
Christmas Cookie Sale - All proceeds are designated to the Rector’s discretionary fund.
Warming Tree - We collect donations of knitted hats, mitts, scarves and donate them to
Youth Unlimited, R.A.F.T., Women’s Place, Start me up Niagara and Community Care.
Card Ministry - A parishioner sends greeting cards on behalf of the parish to those who
are ill, in hospital, grieving, or in need of a pick-me-up.
Operation Christmas Child - shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse are sent to
disadvantaged children.
“Change is Good: Campaign - Between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, parishioners
collect coins to support the Niagara Life Centre.
Youth Unlimited (Youth for Christ) - Youth Unlimited provides a place where
underprivileged and homeless young adults can go to meet and get some much-needed
help. We support the local chapter (the majority of the clients live in Thorold) in a variety
of ways (e.g. Christmas care packages, sponsorship).
Soup for Outreach - A group of ladies make homemade soup and sell it. All proceeds
are designated for use in outreach programs such as Savoury Samples, Collective
Kitchens and the Lunch Café program.
Funeral Lunches - A dedicated team provides funeral lunches when called upon.
John Howard Society -The parish works closely with this organization which helps
people who need to serve community hours.
Fundscript – a volunteer purchases and resells cash cards of major stores through a
program that returns a percentage to the church when the cards are used.
Social Activities
Car Rally - Usually held in the month of August. Everyone is given landmarks to find and
upon completion everyone returns to the church or someone’s home for a barbecue.
Mystery Dinner - Members of our congregation act out the parts of the play and dinner
is served. Proceeds from this event goes to the general account and 10% goes to
Outreach.
Family Christmas Dinner - Open to our parishioners and their families.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - Open to the public.
Father’s Day Breakfast – an opportunity for members to come together to celebrate.
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Breakfast at Hana’s – a local restaurant is the focus for an “open invitation breakfast’
for members of the congregation.
Men’s Group This is a relatively new group – men of all ages have either a breakfast or
dinner together. It is mainly a social gathering but the group has helped in various ways
around the parish including assisting with the annual spring cleanup.
Ladies Night Out - held twice a year – a dining out evening for the female members of
the congregation.
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5.
Financials
For several years, St. John’s has managed to pay all its bills but has fallen short on its
commitment to the Diocese – the Diocesan Mission and Ministry (DMM) commitment. A
few years ago, after considerable deliberation, a decision was made to tithe the DMM so
as to retain sufficient funds within the parish to address the needs of the parish.
Meetings have been held with Diocesan staff and with the Bishop to discuss the situation
and plans are in the works to revisit this decision once a new rector has been appointed.
Over the past several years, funds have been donated in memory of deceased loved
ones and entrusted to an endowment fund; in addition, interest from the Rectory Fund is
used to cover specific items in the budget. The withdrawal of interest has also been
used to pay down the money owing to the DMM.
The parish has a number of bank accounts – operating/general, outreach and memorials
– to which the wardens and deputies have signing authority. Other accounts include a
capital account, several investment accounts (often related to a memorial donation) and
an altar guild account. The church treasurer manages the accounts and works closely
with the corporation and auditor to review accounting practices and ensure that simple
but accurate information is available to the parish.
A statement of revenue and expenses is included as Appendix 1.
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6.
Property
Our building is the third place of worship for this Christian community. Although it has
never been confirmed for certain, the architect was probably Kivas Tully, a renowned
architect of the middle 19th century in the Niagara region. The corner stone was laid in
1853; the first worship service was held on September 14, 1856. The spire was added
as a memorial addition.
The first Rector of St. John's was Thomas Brock Fuller, appointed to this parish in 1840.
He later went on to become the first Bishop of the Diocese of Niagara.
On November 20, 2004, our church sustained a tragic fire which damaged the church
proper and destroyed our administrative/program facility. A modern, two level facility was
reconstructed and opened in 2007. The new facility has an upper hall with a full
commercial-quality kitchen, a lower hall with a kitchenette, seven smaller rooms used for
offices and meetings, a nursery and Sunday school rooms. There are washrooms on
each floor. The new facility is joined to the church by an annex that is used as a
welcoming area by our volunteer greeters. There is also an enclosed courtyard garden
area for relaxation and meditation. Photographs of the church are included in Appendix 4
– Photo Gallery.
Our decennial property inspection was conducted on May 19, 2015, and the report was
approved by the Diocesan committee in September, 2015. The report contained 88
items for follow up repair or investigation. Of these, 35 were classed as high priority. A
committee was set up to address these issues and began work immediately on the high
priority repairs and deficiencies. As of April 2016, 57 issues have been addressed.
Except for two, the remaining items are minor or cosmetic in nature and can be deferred
to in-house repairs over the next 24 months.
The two remaining major repairs are in the construction stage at the time of preparation
of this Parish Profile. The removal of mold in the old basement will be completed by the
end of June, 2016 (Superior Building Solutions). The parapet wall above the east roof
has become porous and leaks in the front wall of the church. DF Brown Roofing is
providing a quote for the repair of the parapet wall; the actual work should be completed
over the summer, 2016.
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7.
Connections
The people of The Church of St. John the Evangelist regularly engage in building
relationships in the community. Some examples include:
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the many resources at the Diocesan; the parish appreciates the
guidance and encouragement of the Diocese in a variety of situations;
connections with Diocesan staff involving staff visitors to work along side
us in the areas of Social Justice, Stewardship, Visioning, Children Youth
and Families Ministry and Safe Church and Outreach;
community connections with Children and Youth groups in the LincolnBrock area, the Greater St. Catharines' Area Futures Conversation,
Social Justice Initiatives, Hands Across Niagara, Primates World Relief
and Development Fund (PWRDF) and Synod Council;
plans, this summer, to switch services with another local Anglican
Church to become more familiar with one another as parish families,
and to explore how we might co-operate in the future;
ventures with churches of other denominations within Thorold, offering a
few services throughout the year that are ecumenical;
building relationships with existing community service agencies.
Currently, we work closely with, among others, Thorold Community Care,
Youth Unlimited, The Niagara Life Centre, and Start Me Up Niagara. We
enjoy good relationships with city staff and City Council.
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8. Situational Analysis "The Church is the one society that exists for the benefit of those who are not its
members." --William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1942.
At St. John’s, we work to care for each other and to grow in faith and discipleship and
celebrate and encourage intergenerational relationships and offer many opportunities,
both social and faith-forming, for individuals to grow. Young leaders are encouraged to
talk with the “old guard”, especially those who have "handed over the reins", to say "this
is what we're considering, what do you think", both to glean advice and to keep them
informed so that they can in turn inform and advocate for those who continue to come to
them for information.
An inventory of the things valued most by the congregation indicated what the parish
values - love, faith and belonging, respect, innovation, and discipline as well as
leadership, integrity and candour. It was very heartening to see that the values that we
consider to be "core" are either already solidly evident in our attitudes and actions, or
nicely "on the way". The parish family strives to continue to stretch and grow in our
faith and discipleship, carrying out God's mission for the world. We cherish our
intergenerational friendships and their nurturing/encouragement.
The parish is friendly, outgoing, welcoming, and caring. Our leadership involves young
people and the music associated with the main Sunday service mixes both traditional
and contemporary styles.
We have revised the Anglican tradition to no longer use the vestments, or liturgy by the
book.
We have unique programs for the local community and the overall feeling of family and
willingness to help each other and others in the local community, accounts for the
exceptional number of volunteers working on numerous initiatives.
We work hard to be forward thinking, willing to take risks and to know when something
tried isn’t working.
The parish is blessed with a beautiful church complex combining the traditional and
modern in a facility that has been well-maintained, with technology and accessibility as
priorities.
A Children's, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator (Pastoral Assistant) is in place as
an illustration of our commitment to growing our church and we look forward to
consistency and encouragement in growth. Pastoral leadership is needed to encourage
people to follow Jesus as we move forward in carrying out God's mission and the
Niagara Anglican Vision for Ministry and strive for relevance in today's society where
God is not necessarily a priority.
One of the main issues of the parish is that our parish family is dwindling (and aging),
along with the monetary resources needed to maintain the facilities and fulfill our
diocesan commitments.
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Our main focus at this time is finding new ways to connect with the community in God's
work. We seek to not only give charitable help to those in need but to work on social
justice issues and to help people to make steps to improving their own lives. We hope to
actively, in concrete ways, teach and represent Jesus' teachings both inside and outside
the church's walls. To do so, we do our best to work in concert with other diocesan
churches, make ecumenical connections in the community and discern our mission in
national and global initiatives. We are looking to offer more Christian Education and
newcomer support. We want to actively teach and represent Jesus' teaching both inside
and out. We are trying to maintain a balance between struggling with finances and
investing in the future.
During the period of interim ministry, we continue to push the boundaries of change and
growth. We remind ourselves to not lose sight of our overall parish mission and regularly
support and encourage one another. We want to continue to spread the Gospel and to
build around the members young and old who are faithfully building the church.
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Appendix 1
Financial Situation and Statements
Introduction
St. John The Evangelist Church, Thorold aims to continue a path of innovation and
growth, doing God’s work in Thorold and the surrounding area. We are convinced that
a full-time clergy appointment is essential to pursuing that path.
The parish’s financial situation in 2016 reflects a reallocation of resources to complete
significant major maintenance projects identified in the recent decennial inspection.
These projects are substantially complete enabling us to restore support for staffing
needs in 2017. The parish has planned a “Stewardship Sunday” and also has in place
an intention card strategy for the fall of 2016, striving to return to pre-interim period
levels of envelope offering.
Building on past successes seeking grants, we have deputized an experienced parish
lay leader to explore and make applications for grants to support the parish’s community
ministries, including where possible, our outreach and Children, Youth and Family [CYF]
ministries. We are blessed in being able to resource those latter ministries through
dedicated givings equal to the salary of the CYF Ministry position.
Our leadership and congregation have worked diligently to see that our ministries
continue to carry out our church and diocesan visions. Our year-to-date actual
envelope givings are in line with the budget and just slightly under last year’s levels.
Growth in our Rectory Fund allows us to make a greater than usual withdrawal in 2017,
helping us to bridge to a new ministry team.
With a full-time rector and our new full-time young, energetic CYF Ministry person, we are
confident that our givings will increase. Budget and Actual Revenue and Expenditures, 2014 – 2016 (excerpted from the 2016 Vestry Report) St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Thorold
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Financial Statements 2014, 2015, Budgets, 2015, 2016
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Budgets – 2014 – 2017
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Appendix 2
Parish Survey, Parish Vision and Ministry
Covenant
During the interim ministry period, the parish family was asked to complete a survey
regarding what they would like to see in terms of a new rector--what qualities were most
important to each person in the parish. The survey was explained at two Sunday
services and individuals were asked to submit their completed surveys. Approximately
50 surveys were submitted and the most significant items were:
Preaches Homilies,
Pastoral Care,
Connects with the Community,
Administers Sacraments and
Models High Moral and Ethical Standards.
This data from the survey, along with email questionnaires, discussions with
parishioners and discussions within the Parochial Committee, have been significant in
helping us to develop an analysis of "where we are at this time in our spiritual journey"
and how the new rector can help us to move ahead.
Our Parish Vision
Imagine a vibrant, joyful, inviting congregation which seeks to nurture, challenge and
equip people in faith and for ministry. We seek to live God’s mission, reaching out to
care for and embrace others, especially those who are hungry for God and/or who are in
need. It is a community within the Anglican Diocese of Niagara in which all people feel
welcomed and included and loved; it is a community which offers ministries which serve
to meet people’s spiritual needs.
Everyone experiences a Spirit-filled atmosphere when they come in to St.John’s and
miss it when they are away. All are encouraged to describe themselves as disciples and
servants of Jesus Christ, to easily discuss the importance of their relationship with God
and the difference it makes in their lives.
Professional and volunteer staff are empowered to offer effective leadership through
functional structures, sufficient resources, effective communication, and respectful team
relationships.
Everyone is encouraged to envision themselves as stewards of God’s blessings, and are
able to describe the ministry to which God has called them. All know they are loved and
supported in walking the talk of their faith.
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Draft Ministry Covenant
The parish has been working with Diocesan staff in the development of a ministry
covenant; it is in draft form at this time. The current draft is an excellent resource (for the
Corporation, Parochial Committee and Interim Pastor) giving expression to some
important aspirations for the congregation in the short-term future.
The parish intends that this should be reviewed and eventually become a permanent
guiding document for the parish once a new rector has been appointed.
DRAFT MINISTRY COVENANT
FLOURISHING CULTURE OF INNOVATION
Goal: Establish a culture of reflection and innovation, open to new ideas and ways of
doing things
Objectives:
1) Continually review and evaluate ministry for effectiveness based on the Leadership
Framework through specific feedback tools such as program evaluation forms, Parish
Council discussions, quarterly congregational meetings, suggestion box
2) Invite suggestions for new initiatives via quarterly meetings, Parish Council, and
informal communication, making it known that such ideas are welcome
3) Affirm intelligent risk taking and offer permission to fail through modeling by leaders
(e.g. Wed Coffee House)
4) Seek partnerships with community organizations in order to bolster impact
GENEROUS CULTURE OF STEWARDSHIP
Goal: Increase people’s commitment to steward their resources for God’s purposes
Objectives:
1) Stewardship committee to be asked to seek and share resources with the wider
congregation
2) Offer a financial education program that moves people from indebtedness to living
within their means, including tithing as a first priority
3) Continue soft-sell stewardship education through weekly ‘Food for Thought’, sermons,
newsletter articles
4) Assess the time, talent, and treasure available in our parish to steward for our mission
(including grants and bursaries)
5) Work to function as a contributive, healthy member of the Diocese of Niagara
22
LIFE CHANGING WORSHIP
Goal: Engage in worship that empowers and inspires all generations to live out the
Gospel
Objectives:
1) People of all ages to take an active role in leading worship through drama, song, etc.
2) Experiment with art in worship (e.g. Good Fri mosaic cross, drama, etc.)
3) Provision of resources that connect worship messages with daily lived faith (e.g.
Advent activities, student prayer cards)
4) Embellish our music program, including recruiting more musicians and offering a
diversity of music styles
OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Goal: Empower and equip leaders for meaningful, transformative ministry
Objectives:
1) Complete a Leadership Framework to establish and clarify our structure, values,
culture and metrics
2) Transition Parish Council from a reporting formality to a team that navigates our
church’s mission and ministry
3) Resource and equip leaders to develop skills, including through education and
training events (e.g. Sticky Faith Retreats, Leadership Summit)
4) Encourage potential as well as current leaders to discern and pursue ministries to
which they are called (e.g. spiritual gifts workshop, ministry fair, etc.)
5) Update and maintain our Volunteer Screening and Management process to meet
diocesan requirements
6) Encourage youth participation in leadership development opportunities, including
Diocesan programs
PROPHETIC SOCIAL JUSTICE
Goal: Build our social justice ministry to include solidarity/community
organizing/advocacy efforts rather than limited to charity initiatives
Objectives:
1) Initiate ministries that will enable us to connect and learn with members of the
community with the intention of addressing social justice issues
2) Launch Greening and Outreach Committees
3) Support our Youth Synod In Action Delegates to commit and follow through on
motions and commitments made, on personal and congregational levels
23
Appendix 3
Photo Gallery
24
25
26
27
28
29

Parish Profile - St. John`s Church, Thorold Go and make Disciples

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