The new general secretary of the life and mission agency says communication is at the heart of the agency's work. "We have to put out a message that is uplifting, fulfilling and gospel-based, but do so with images that appeal. We have to be careful not to turn off very faithful members, but present the Presbyterian Church to the next generation," said Rev. Rick Fee.
The agency held its annual meeting Nov. 7-9. Among issues discussed were:
- New terms of reference for the Dr. E.H. Johnson Memorial Fund, established in 1982 to honour outstanding contribution to world mission, were adopted. Strengthening of the relationship between the LMA and the E.H. Johnson committee was a main concern, ensuring that the program of the E.H. Johnson Fund is complementary to the mission of the church. Terms of service on the committee were clarified. Twelve members will be named to the committee – six chosen by the committee, three chosen by the LMA and three will be ex-officio voting members. They will sit for a three-year term. A re-commitment was made to the fund's short-term exchange program, something that was somewhat forgotten. The program enables Presbyterian lay persons and clergy to exchange time with people in partner churches.
- Responding to a request from General Assembly to consider more funding for native ministries, Canada Ministries said this already ranks second in program funding. Gordon Haynes, associate secretary for Canada Ministries, said unless givings to Presbyterians Sharing increases, the department is unable to devote more monies to native ministries (without taking money from existing programs or limiting the support of new ministries).
- Web traffic to the church's website has been steadily increasing since it was launched 10 years ago, when it attracted less than 500 visitors for the entire year. Today, the site averages almost 2,500 visitors each day, making it a primary resource centre for the church.
- Rev. Uma Onwunta, a former principal clerk of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, was in Canada to interview missionaries and conduct research for his doctoral thesis. Sponsored in part by the Presbyterian Church, he is studying theology in South Africa. "Mission is not so much about answering questions as it is about asking questions," said Onwunta. Despite Africa's problems, he said, Christianity is flourishing. "The mission into which we are called is a journey we need to take seriously. We need to ask questions about who we are, what we are doing, about our neighbour, about our friend. How are we making a difference in people's lives?"
- Of healing and reconciliation Rev. Jean Morris said, "There is fertile soil for discussion and what possibilities there are for people to help," she said. "It's on their hearts and minds."She also mentioned the disconnect she senses between the people in the pews and church offices. "What can we do to minimize that disconnect?" she asked. She sees people struggling faithfully to find ways to connect with mission and evangelism. She noted that PWS&D is one of the main ways parishioners feel connected to one another.Morris also spoke of the need to value seniors in the church. "We are often embarrassed by the age of our church," she said. "It distresses me." She said the greatest number of volunteer hours in Canada comes from seniors. "Is the church being a good steward of that resource?"
- Rev. Joe Reed, who stepped down from his post of 20 years as area liaison in Central America, received a moment of appreciation during the meeting. Several committee members expressed their gratitude for his dedicated service, recalled poignant moments they have shared with him, and wished him well in his future endeavours. – AM
