Shaping a vision for the future of the church and responding strategically to local needs is the focus of a proposed conference for the spring of 2010. The national long range planning committee is suggesting April 29 to May 2 at Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston, Ont., and has proposed the theme On the Road to Emmaus.
As convener Rev. Daniel Cho noted in his opening remarks at the Life and Mission Agency meeting in March: “Even in times like this, we have the potential to change things around in our attitude, our vision for the church, and our Christian faith.”
The event will permit 15 presbyteries to send up to five representatives each. Application forms are expected to circulate this spring and will be due by the end of October.
Renewing ministries given higher priority
Canada Ministries is looking to expand its renewing ministries grant category by adding capital grants, which cover hard expenses such as renovations and building projects. Currently, the category only offers operational grants, which cover the soft costs of ministry, such as salaries.
Several LMA members said renewing ministries are of increasing concern and should be reflected by the national church’s priorities, which are approved by General Assembly.
Political overtones dampen donor enthusiasm
People seem willing to respond to natural disasters but not politically charged situations, reported Ken Kim, director of Presbyterian World Service and Development. In 2008, most of the $190,000 the agency provided in response to China’s Sichuan earthquake and $170,000 to Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar came from donations designated for these causes. But a contribution of $60,000 to provide relief to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip garnered only $3,000 in donations despite an appeal on the main page of the church’s website.
Certain women authors continue to amaze us
Dr. Lois Klempa and Rev. Rosemary Doran, authors of Certain Women Amazed Us, a history of the Women’s Missionary Society, are working on a booklet detailing the WMS’ involvement with aboriginal people and residential schools – an involvement president Druse Bryan calls “a well-kept secret.” They hope to complete the work by May.
Meanwhile, Ann Taylor, president of the Atlantic Mission Society, reported an ongoing partnership or “sister act” with the WMS. The groups are considering a national joint conference in the future.
Little training for elders or evangelism
Of 554 requests the Vine received in 2008, only 11 dealt with elder training and 44 with evangelism and church growth, reported associate secretary Dorothy Henderson.
“I don’t know why the numbers are so low,” she said, but suggested that congregations may not be interested in these areas or may go elsewhere for resources.
Comparatively, the resource network received almost 200 requests for Christian education, and over 100 in the categories of worship and ministry with children and youth.
Reports to LMA included a mid-point review of the Vine. Review team members said they were very impressed with the network and encouraged the LMA to fill staff vacancies quickly. A more formal evaluation will take place at the end of the pilot project’s second year in operation.
