 Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Mail: George Henaut |
Wardens |  Dedication of St. Augustine's Room Mail: Debi Wadden |
| St. George's and ACPC What is God calling us to be? The Options The Process The Deadline |
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The Decision: January 20, St. George's voted on its status within ACPC. In any decision-making process using ballots, the hope is: 1. Members will be involved in the process; the vote will not reflect apathy. 2. The results will be decisive, leave no doubt as to the intentions of the majority of voters. When we made a crucial decision to continue as a Church Family in 2005 we had 55 Church Family members who attended our Congregational meeting, plus others who contacted us by phone or e-mail voicing their support. January 20's Results: Number of votes cast: 140 Number of spoiled ballots: 1 Number of YES votes to remain within ACPC: 22 Number of NO votes for St. George's to withdraw from ACPC: 117 % of YES votes: 15.8% % of NO votes: 84.2% We begin the transition stage! The Transition Stage What did we decide on January 20th? Survival/Renewal: We have voted to withdraw from ACPC indicating that St. George's will no longer be part of ACPC as it has been structured in the past. We will have full responsibility for the expenses of a rector, rectory and office. We have decided that the best way to continue our renewal is to be on our own: Our renewal has been Christ centred, Spirit driven, leadership empowered, church family encompassed. We will probably require an additional $10,000 to $12,000 to ensure all our ministries are funded and enhanced. Support: We have decided to continue to support and be involved with our sister churches but not within the confederation arrangement. We will share programs such as Alpha, Bible Studies, Marriage Encounter, etc. We will share such ministries as RAY and the Men's Choir. We will continue to participate in joint services. Our Resource Centre will continue to be available to all ACPC members. Our leadership team is available to share our renewal strategies with others. Leadership: We have decided to continue with the leadership team in place subject to the Annual Meeting's approval. Most of your 2007 Church Council will continue to provide leadership. At least two new members will be joining the 2008 Council. When do we withdraw from ACPC? ACPC has its Annual Meeting on February 24th. It will be at least several months before we could possibly have a new rector in place. We will enter a transition stage with ACPC that will last until a new rector is appointed. During this transition stage, both St. George's and ACPC need to plan for a changed relationship and seek ways to ensure we continue to share in ways that will support each other. Realistically, we might expect the transition stage to end by early summer. What are immediate steps that need to be taken? We continue in prayer! Letter to Dave Harrison with the result of our vote. Work with ACPC re the transition stage. Assure ACPC we intend to continue to share with them. Letter to Bishop Sue with the results of our vote, requesting advice regarding the process to obtain a Rector for St. George's. Begin the Search process ASAP. Archdeacon John Clarke from PEI who has already visited with ACPC in December will probably be a valuable resource for us. Contact St. Alban's to assure them that should they wish to remain as part of the parish of St. George's, we welcome them to do so. If they wish to remain within ACPC, we support them in their continued journey. Provide a note for the bulletin with the results and assurance that St. George's will seek ways to continue supporting ACPC. Continue planning for the Annual Meeting on February 3rd. Non-Stipendiary Priests: We will enter dialogue with Aidan and Bill to see if they will have a renewed relationship with us after the transition stage concludes. Rectory: ACPC has set a budget for $5000 for roof repairs to be done in the spring. St. George's Property Committee will investigate the cost of insulation, new windows and replacing any doors that might need attention. Office: We assume the ACPC office will relocate to an ACPC church. Marilyn Raynard will continue as our secretary. We hope to have the office staffed by volunteers for several hours at least four days a week. We will be responsible for our own bulletin with a section to highlight ACPC ministries, events. We still have our photocopier and a computer. St. Augustine's Room and Offices: We need to review our present office space to see how best we can utilize the empty office (Reverend Cathy's office) and the present ACPC office space. We have focused considerable energy on the ACPC decision process. We now need to focus on St. George's ministries so that our established ministries can be enhanced and new ones developed. We need to also ensure that our transition stage is well-planned and supportive for all concerned. In 2003, we began our renewal journey. There were challenges and risks! With your dedicated commitment we experienced the blessings of dry bones taking on life! After our Congregational meeting in 2005, we committed ourselves to continue our renewal journey. We have enjoyed the rewards of a Christ-centred, Spirit driven renewal! Today, January 20th, we decided to continue in renewal as a separate church from the ACPC Confederation. With your renewed commitment, St. George's will continue in renewal to become more fully a welcoming, worshipping, and dynamic community so that we celebrate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in witness and service. We will continue to support our sister Anglican churches. "We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-3 On Sunday, January 20 we will have a Congregational meeting to decide the option we select (after the 10 am service). We have scheduled the Annual Meeting for Sunday, February 3 (after the 10 am service). This will give us an opportunity to have the Annual Meeting reflect the option selected and for those wishing to be on Council to decide if they wish to provide leadership as St. George's continues its renewal. For our forums, two concepts have emerged, survival and support. How can we ensure St. George's continues in renewal? How can St. George's continue to support ACPC? St. George's within ACPC : The Decision: Its Implications for St. George's There is general consensus that since 2003 St. George's has been involved in a prayerful, comprehensive renewal effort. Our renewal has been Christ centred, Spirit driven, leadership empowered, church family encompassed. As a result of information shared with our Church Family through newsletters, wardens' oral reports and our two forums, we have established two key words to reflect our decision making process as we examine our ACPC options: survival and support. It is clear that our Church Family wants to ensure that we not only survive but continue in our renewal process and we do want to continue to support our sister Anglican churches. How best can we accomplish those two goals? St. George's Church Council encourages all Church Family members to make a prayerful choice. No matter what decision is made, St. George's will continue to exist as a worshipping community; and either choice will result in us paying more. It will be a minimum of several months before a new rector is appointed, either to serve as associate rector of ACPC or as rector of St. George's. Your wardens have indicated that they are willing to continue to provide leadership should the Church Family decide to function as a separate parish from ACPC; they will not be in leadership roles should the Church Family decide to continue within ACPC. There is general consensus that ACPC needs to more clearly define how it can best serve Anglicans in Pictou County. Whether St. George's remains within ACPC or withdraws, supporting our sister churches will remain a priority. The ballot indicates: I wish our church to remain in ACPC YES NO circle one If you vote YES: If you vote to remain in ACPC, you are indicating that it is time for the five year ACPC experimental stage to conclude,that St. George's will officially become part of the larger ACPC parish unit and that St. George's renewal will best continue within ACPC. ACPC has developed a Vision Statement and now wishes to create an action plan to realize that vision. The structure and operation of ACPC may well change as ACPC identifies what it is to become. It has still not been decided if there will be a power shift from the individual church councils to the larger ACPC unit. With the realization that St. George's percentage to the ACPC allotment has increased steadily in the past months from 30 to 36% and if we had retained 2 rectors for the 12 months of 2008, we would be paying ACPC $16,000 more than we did in 2006. Our percentage will continue to increase in the next year. Should you vote to remain in ACPC you will need to replace your two wardens and others within the leadership team. If you vote no: If you vote to withdraw from ACPC you are indicating that St. George's will no longer be part of ACPC as it has been structured in the past. We will have full responsibility for the expenses of a rector, rectory and office. The diocese suggests that a church requires an income of approximately $120,000 to function as a parish unit; our income for 2007 was $126,000. We have projected that should we decide to be a separate parish from ACPC we would still require an additional $10,000-12,000 each year to ensure that all ministries are properly funded; with your help, we do not anticipate a problem raising that money. St. George's has capable leaders in all ministries to ensure that our progress continues. If you vote no, your Church Council will need to plan the transition stage for us to have our own rector and how best we may continue to be involved with and support ACPC. Still Need More Information? The wardens will be present following all services until January 20th to answer questions, copies of our newsletter that focused on the Options is still available, or you may check our web site. Decision Day: January 20th is the day for our Congregational Meeting to decide our option. If any members of the Church Family will not be able to attend the Congregational meeting but wish to cast your vote, contact one of the wardens. To help clarify the options, here is a summary of information that has been gleaned from recent Church Council discussions and answers to questions raised at Council meetings. The lists of advantages and disadvantages are incomplete; with your feedback they will be revised. St. George's Renewal In September your Church Council was divided into three groups to discuss the following: We claim that in recent years St. George's has experienced modest renewal. Excluding all financial concerns, what are the BEST outward and visible signs of that renewal? Summary of the group discussion: The church is friendlier, sense of family, a friendly relaxed atmosphere The church is welcoming New ministries have developed, other ministries have been enhanced Sunday School is expanding, a variety of programs Youth Group is solid Bible Studies, Alpha are nurturing Men's Group is a positive influence Choir continues to increase in numbers More baptisms Increased attendance More people involved in more ways The property has had numerous improvements Emphasis on prayer, the number involved in prayer support Infectious enthusiasm of the wardens Transparency: open communications, oral reports, newsletters, posting of minutes Priests: Variety of approaches in ministry Pastoral approach: mentoring, training for hospital visits, Primate's support, Outreach One group felt St. George's was experiencing more than "modest renewal" Fundraisers do more than raise money, community building ACPC ~Why was it formed? The six churches involved did not request a confederation; that direction came from the Diocese. The Marshall Report (A review of ACPC after our first three years) states: "Financial sharing is an integral part of ACPC. People see that the confederation was born of financial necessity; there was no other choice. Not one of the congregations in 6 can sustain their own priest. It's common sense. It's cut down our costs. We're paid up. We don't want to be a burden. We don't want our church to be a burden on its members." Ideally, it was hoped that there would be benefits that cannot be measured in dollars and cents. ACPC ~Has it been financially successful? In the first full year of ACPC, St. George's Diocesan allotment was $19,844.23. We paid nothing, leaving a balance of $19,844.23. We owed ACPC $7,100 in allotment arrears. We were the only ACPC church that could not pay its full ACPC allotment. In 2007, St. Augustine's closed! As we near the end of 2007, some of our sister churches are struggling to meet their monthly expenses. The Marshall Report revealed that ACPC's fifth Sunday services were one of the positive features of sharing; however, the services have been discontinued because the five churches experience a loss of income on those Sundays. ACPC has used all its investments to pay its monthly operations. This year St. George's is paying over $10, 000 more to ACPC than last year, part of the increase to cover rising costs, part due to the closure of St. Augustine's. St. George's Council has indicated to ACPC that it will be unable to pay any further increase in allotment for 2008. If the budget increases in January, St. George's wants ACPC to trim its budget rather than raise the allotment payments. (If the budget is to be trimmed, the largest expense is rectors' salaries.) ACPC ~What is its Vision? To Honour Christ (An Interim Report from the ACPC Vision Committee ~Accepted by St. George's Council) The Anglican Churches of Pictou County "As we move forward together" "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3: 16) Because all people matter to God, all people should matter to us. It will be the ministry of the people of the Anglican Churches of Pictou County to provide opportunities for others to hear and to share the word of God, in as many ways and means as possible and to help them to respond in Faith. This ministry will see those who are committed to Jesus Christ put their faith into action. They will live their faith in the community, working together within the Anglican faith to encourage greater fellowship through retreats, Bible study, Alpha programs, special services, church choirs, Men's Choir, Pastoral and Eucharistic Ministries, and other congregational initiatives all in mutual support of each other so that we may grow in love and fellowship, joining together to build God's kingdom in this place. Because we believe that others will hear God's Word presented clearly and creatively in an atmosphere of acceptance, this ministry will see friends bringing friends to share in corporate worship. This ministry will be dedicated to encouraging former members to return to worship in the Anglican faith, by sharing our enthusiasm, and providing encouragement to others at the workplace, at home, or in any public place, confidently praying for each other. We desire that the Holy Spirit will fill all our hearts with a desire and conviction to achieve those things which can make the Anglican Churches of Pictou County living and growing, each congregation being a necessary part of the wider body, and presenting a positive example to the broader community, because people's lives have been changed by God's grace. This ministry envisions a network of healthy church congregations, meeting regularly, and joining together for special occasions, committed to the Love of God, and the love of each other. St. George's within ACPC At its October meeting Council examined two financial questions related to St. George's within ACPC. Can St. George's sustain itself financially within ACPC? Can St. George's sustain itself financially as an independent parish apart from ACPC? From the information shared at the meeting, it appeared that St. George's is $10,000 short of having its own rector and becoming an independent parish. Council did not think that $10,000 annually was an impossible goal for the Church Family to reach. Council also discussed that church finances can rise and fall easily; healthy congregations are susceptible to many influences. It was not that long ago that we were struggling financially. Can we sustain our renewal? Council examined the cost of remaining within ACPC: For all churches who are experiencing an increase in their income, they will pay a higher percentage to ACPC. Churches with declining income will obviously pay less. If current patterns continue, we can expect that our percentage allotment to ACPC will continue to increase as our income increases (we do not yet receive income from former St. Augustine's members who are attending St. George's) and some of the other churches continue to have a decreased income. At some point in the near future, we may well be paying more than 50% allotment to ACPC. What are some of the advantages of belonging to ACPC? We share two rectors and two non-stipendiary priests. People are happy they have more than one priest. We share a central office. We share programs such as Bible studies, Alpha Courses, Marriage Courses, etc. Some of our lay readers and eucharistic ministers are shared among the churches, used for outreach to homes of special care, hospitals, etc. "Positively, the ministry team is seen to be enabling. It gives permission for laity to take leadership. Specific examples are the strong and capable lay readers and Eucharistic ministers"" (Marshall Report) We have combined services. "It's the full Anglican experience that some of our churches just can't provide."(Marshall Report) People enjoy the sense of an enlarged community - the broadening of the family. (Marshall Report) The ministry team appreciates the relationships that are formed within the team to support their personal ministries. (Marshall Report) The bulletin and newsletter were identified as helpful sources of information for people, helping them to keep up-to-date and connected. (Marshall Report) The Marshall Report (March 2006) stated that ACPC provided financial stability. "It's cut down our costs." Rectory costs are shared by five churches rather than one or two. Churches should be more able to appreciate and support each other as their leaders meet at Council, their members worship together and they participate in joint ministries. What are some of the disadvantages of ACPC? It is difficult for many parishioners to develop a meaningful relationship with a rector whom they may only see occasionally at a worship service. ("With 8 services to cover, the priests are spread thin and people note that any one church may not see a priest for a month or more." ~Marshall Report) The number of services on a Sunday can vary. Rector team ministry: When it works it is productive, when it doesn't it is counter-productive. Duplication: Both rectors often attend the same meetings. ACPC is not financially stable. After four years, attendance at combined services has steadily decreased. Overload: Many of the leaders in specific churches are the representatives on ACPC committees. ACPC has just recently developed a Vision Statement, but the operation of ACPC has yet to evolve into an effective support system. The ACPC Council which meets once a month is the decision-making body, the executive functions only to arrange the monthly agenda. The administrative function suggested by the Marshall Report never materialized. Specific ACPC committees can be an asset to churches that do not have a counterpart, often an interference where such committees exist at the church level. Churches with increasing income bear a higher allotment, thus carrying the burden of those with declining income. "People also note that the heavy organizational and administrative workload, managing 6 churches and participating in Diocesan leadership, leaves less time for activities that build relationships such as visiting and socializing. Others note that when taken together, ACPC is the same size as a large church. It is normal in large churches for the clergy to not know parishioners unless they are involved in leadership." (Marshall Report) "There is a sense that there are unreal expectations on the stipendiary and non-stipendiary priests. They are always on the run. "(Marshall Report) "Communications is a big challenge for ACPC given the size of the confederation and the number of people involved and number of things to be communicated. People note that meetings, where information is shared, are not well attended. There are significant concerns about the administration and organization of ACPC. This includes everything from the planning, coordination and preparation of services and meetings, to the production of the newsletter and other reports, to office tasks."(Marshall Report) "People note that in many congregations, all changes are fought"; equally difficult to accept ACPC changes. (Marshall Report) After four plus years, the ordinary member does not really understand how ACPC functions. When a rectory is used by a rector, ACPC covers the cost, when it is not used it becomes the responsibility of the church. "Some members are concerned that the lack of programs in their church is significantly reducing their growth and development." (Marshall Report) "When taken together ACPC is the size of a large church and has need of a large church's administration and support structure." This has not taken place.(Marshall Report) What are some advantages of being an independent parish? A rector would have more opportunity to become familiar with his/her congregation. Scheduling of services would be easier. Less duplication of services More control of finances, ministries Members would have a better sense of ownership Easier to keep all stakeholders informed What are some disadvantages of being an independent parish? Less clergy involved Parish bears complete financial responsibility for rector, rectory, office, etc. Sharing with sister churches becomes more difficult We have no one to support us; we sink or swim on our own Questions To A nswer: Can we sustain our growth, our renewal? Depending upon the option we select, do we have the leadership required to guide us? Will our choice result in some members opting out? 80% (?) of our income goes to pay our allotments to the Diocese and ACPC. As other churches within ACPC have a decline in income and/or our income increases, the percentage we pay to ACPC increases. Once there were six ACPC churches, now there are five. Can ACPC survive the loss of another church? What is our obligation to our sister churches? Whether we return to an independent parish or remain within ACPC, we can expect to pay substantially more next year. Where would our finances best ensure we remain a healthy congregation? Which option allows us to be true to our Mission Statement, to ensure that renewal at St. George's continues and at the same time provide support for other Anglican Christians within ACPC? We believe it is the responsibility of your Church Council to provide you with relevant information; to establish a process that allows for your voice to be heard, an opportunity to obtain more details and clarifications; and ultimately to discern God's will for us. We trust that this newsletter has been useful. If you have any questions, contact the Wardens. It is your responsibility to decide with God's help the path that we will choose. It is crucial that everyone who is a part of St. George's Church Family be part of the process. We celebrate the renewal we are experiencing, we give thanks for your support and involvement, we remain in prayer! St. George's Church Fact Sheet: ACPC, The Options 1. 2003, the first year of ACPC, was the worst year for St. George's in recent years, lowest attendance, paid no Diocesan allotment, in arrears to ACPC for $7000. 2. In 2004, renewal began with the following serving as the prime ingredients: focus on Mission Statement, bathed in prayer, strong leadership, commitment by Church Family, improved communications, transparency. 3. In 2005, the Congregational Meeting made a decision and a commitment; a decision to continue as a church, a commitment to support the leadership in renewal efforts. At the Congregational meeting, the Church Family reviewed 30 things they had done in the previous 18 months to foster renewal. They accepted an action plan that outlined some of the ways the Church Council would continue addressing poor attendance and the lack of young families, the two major concerns. The action plan outlined 12 things that the Church Council would do to promote renewal and 34 things for individual members to do. 4. In 2007, St. Augustine's closed. 5. From experience, we know what it is like to be in debt; we know what it is like to have empty pews, we know what it is like have a nursery without children, a Sunday School with few students and a Church Family with few young families. We know that renewal is fragile, it ebbs and it flows; it must never be taken for granted. 6. During the current year, St. George's continues to enjoy renewal: Our Sunday attendance has increased dramatically (many former members have returned, new families are joining us), our traditional ministries are being enhanced, new ministries are being created, our outreach program is expanding, our properties are well maintained, we are meeting all our financial responsibilities. We have an increasing number of young families attending church. We are truly blessed to have so many families from St. Augustine's who are now part of our Church Family. 7. We know that ACPC was born of financial necessity and has struggled to maintain financial stability; one church has closed, no church has abundant funds, some are struggling to meet monthly expenses, one cannot make its full ACPC commitment. 8. We know that some members of St. George's believe the best solution for ACPC is to have one building; we also admit that at this stage in our evolution few are ready to support the reality of that ideal. The Congregational meeting in 2005 confirmed that. 9. ACPC was intended to be a three year experiment with a review and a decision made to continue or return to our former status. ACPC is not a legal entity. 10. From the meeting of ACPC representatives with Bishop Hiltz, the Chair of ACPC summarized our meeting: Bishop Hiltz also indicated that we must decide whether we are to formalize the ACPC arrangement or continue as we have been. "Our understanding of the two clear choices is that we must decide if ACPC Council is to be the parish council with the three parishes being integrated in some fashion, or not. At no point did we hear him say we are to decide if we want just one church building. At no point did we hear him say the diocese has a preconceived idea of what our ACPC arrangement should be. We did understand clearly that what ACPC becomes is to be decided by us." 11. We know that we are at least $10,000 short annually of being an independent parish; that is $833 monthly. Legally we are still the parish of St. George's with St. Alban's. 12. Approximately 80 cents of each dollar we claim as income, goes to pay our allotments both to the Diocese and ACPC. 13. When St. Augustine's (their allotment was 6.9%) closed our allotment increased by $430 a month; if another church closes the monthly increase will be at least $1000. St. Augustine's closing did not result in a decrease in expenses for ACPC; it did result, in increased expenses for the other churches. 14. As our income increases, we pay more ACPC allotment; if other ACPC churches have a decline in income, our allotment increases. The reverse is also true! 15. Whether we select to be an independent parish or continue in ACPC, we will pay more. 16. Since its inception, ACPC has balanced its budget by increasing allotments; the only way to not increase allotments is to reduce expenses; the three biggest expenses are: salaries for two rectors, upkeep of two rectories, maintaining a central office. 17. Whatever our choice, we need a strong leadership team in place to guide us. 18. Whatever our choice, we need to know what is ACPC's action plan, what is the action plan of the five churches, what is the financial situation both for ACPC and the participating churches? What steps have ACPC and the participating churches taken to promote healthy congregations? 19. There are basically two choices: remain with ACPC, be an independent church/parish. 20. The four official choices are: a) We create one parish (one council) comprised of five churches. Each church could have an optional council, power shifts from individual churches to ACPC. b) We continue with 4 independent parishes. (No ACPC) c) We continue as we are, 4 parishes, with an ACPC structure for some shared resources. d) Some churches continue in an ACPC arrangement, some do not. 21: There is the choice that St. George's Church must make and the choice of the parish of St. George's. Discerning God's will for us: How can St. George's Church: Continue to live out its Mission Statement, Continue its renewal, Continue to be financially stable, Support our sister churches within ACPC? Choices: Pay Now? Pay Later? Be Proactive? Be Reactive? St. George's Forum 2: ACPC: The Options Discerning God's will for us There are basically two choices: remain within ACPC, be an independent church/parish. The four official choices are: We create one parish (one council) comprised of five churches. Each church could have an optional council, power shifts from individual churches to ACPC. ob We continue with 4 independent parishes. (No ACPC) We continue as we are, 4 parishes, with an ACPC structure for some shared resources. Some churches continue in an ACPC arrangement, some do not. We have been reminded that many churches of all denominations across Canada face aging populations, empty pews, financial instability, closures, amalgamations, etc. ACPC is not unique! Whether we select to be an independent church or remain within ACPC: a) The Church which is the Body of Christ will continue to exist! b) Anglican Churches will continue to exist in Pictou County. c) We will take a risk and face a challenge; things will change. d) We will pay more financially. e) We can continue to share with our sister Anglican churches in some form. f) We require a strong leadership team at St. George's. ACPC requires a strong leadership team. g) Some St. George's members will be disappointed and that might influence who supports the church through: attendance, financial giving, leadership. In reference to St. George's within ACPC, what are some of our members saying? a) Some are advocating for a stronger, more vital ACPC. b) Some are indicating that ACPC as it is working well. c) Some are suggesting ACPC originated because of finances and should be strictly a financial arrangement. d) Some are suggesting ACPC's financial record indicates it is not working. e) Some are suggesting our attempts at sharing beyond finances are superficial at best; citing the failure of fifth Sunday services as but one example. f) Some are suggesting we have a moral obligation to assist our sister churches as they in return assist us. g) Some are suggesting that St. George's faced its crisis in 2004, some of the other churches are now facing a similar crisis and wanting to move into renewal. h) Some are suggesting that at least one church needs to be strong to be a haven and a support for others if they close. i) Some have reminded us that St. Augustine's has closed, wondering what we have learned from that experience. j) Some voices are suggesting that ACPC renewal efforts after four years is too little too late. k) Some voices suggest that one building with a combined congregation is the solution; it is not, however, one of the options being considered at this time. What have we not yet heard? 1. How will St. George's find $10,000-$12,000 to finance next year, if independent, or in the near future to support rising ACPC costs? 2. What is ACPC's action plan to fulfil its vision? 3. What are the action plans of our sister churches who are attempting to enter renewal? 4. Are all churches wanting renewal? 5. Is there an option that allows for a more vital ACPC without a diminished local church control of its finances, property, ministries? Which option? 6. Is it possible to be an independent church within ACPC? 7. Who will provide leadership for us as we continue within ACPC? Results from St. George's Church Council Meeting on August 9th, 2007 Council met in small groups for an hour to discuss St. George's within ACPC: The Options, The Process, The Schedule' (Date for decision before from Annual Meeting?) There were three discussion items. The following is a summary of those discussions, it represents individual comments within each group although there was a general consensus in each group. Discussion 1: Renewal We claim that in recent years St. George's has experienced modest renewal. Excluding all financial concerns, what are the BEST outward and visible signs of that renewal? Summary: The church is friendlier, sense of family, a friendly relaxed atmosphere The church is welcoming New ministries have developed, other ministries have been enhanced Sunday School is expanding, a variety of programs Youth Group is solid Bible Studies, Alpha are nurturing Men's Group is a positive influence Choir continues to increase in numbers More baptisms Increased attendance More people involved in more ways The property has had numerous improvements Emphasis on prayer, the number involved in prayer support Infectious enthusiasm of the wardens Transparency: open communications, oral reports, newsletters, posting of minutes Priests: Variety of approaches in ministry Pastoral approach: mentoring, training for hospital visits, Primate's support, Outreach One group felt St. George's was experiencing more than "modest renewal" Fundraisers do more than raise money, community building Discussion 2: Allotments The Marshall Report said: "Financial sharing is an integral part of A.C.P.C. People see that the confederation was born of financial necessity; there was no other choice." 2001: Diocesan allotment was $11,027.24. We paid $5000, leaving a balance of $6,027.24 2002 Year before ACPC: Diocesan allotment was $11,119.92. We paid $8104.48, leaving a balance of $3,015.44. 2003 First year of ACPC: Diocesan allotment was $19,844.23. We paid nothing, leaving a balance of $19,844.23. We owed ACPC $7,100 in allotment. 2004: Renewal begins: Diocesan allotment was $18,841.68. We paid $8,400, leaving a balance of $10,441.68. ACPC Paid arrears from 2003 ($5,024.00) ACPC allotment paid in full ($40,268.24) 2005: Diocesan allotment for 2005 $16,778.72 paid in full. ACPC allotment paid in full ($33,223.48+ ACPC arrears from 2003 $2,075.00) 2006: Diocesan allotment for 2006 $12,740.03, paid in full. ACPC allotment, paid in full ($38,456.13) 2007: Diocesan allotment $12,767.52, will be paid in full. ACPC allotment $48,582.64, will be paid in full. Question: What do the above stats tell us about St. George's within ACPC? Summary: We are honouring our allotments ~uncertain if it was joining ACPC that helped us make our financial commitments or our own renewal (the first year of ACPC was a financial disaster for St. George's, we were worse off than the previous years.) ACPC needs to get in control of its spending. Are all expenditures necessary? Is there duplication within ACPC? There is no question that St. George's must pay its fair share but how much is too much? Our finances have greatly improved in the last four years. Our renewal is evident in our spiritual and pastoral growth but also in our finances. Discussion 3: Allotments Continued In 2005 ACPC balanced its budget by using its $10,000 reserve fund. In 2006 ACPC balanced its budget by raising the allotment for each church. In 2006 our income went up $4,160.42 in 2006 and we paid an extra $3,494.08 to ACPC giving St. George's $666.34 and we have to pay the Diocese allotment on the total of $4,160.42 In January of 2007 St. George's allotment increased by $413 a month, our allotment percentage was 30.5% In 2007, St. Augustine's closed, our allotment increased by $436 a month, our allotment percentage rose to 34.1%. (St. James income decreased significantly, ours increased, thus we are paying 50% of the allotment that St. Augustine's would have paid. In 2007, our total allotment to ACPC increased by $10,000. As each church's income increases, its allotment increases. As each church experiences a loss of income, other churches have their allotment increase. Question: What implications do the above stats have for St. George's and ACPC? Summary: Our percentage (allotment to ACPC) increases if our income increases and also increases if other churches have a decline. When do we reach a point when we can't pay? All ACPC churches need to be in renewal. If the individual churches are strong, ACPC will be strong. Major concern regarding the impact if another church closes. Where did the ACPC investments go? Why is ACPC always in a deficit budget? We are the breaking point in our budget to support ACPC. We are moving backwards at a time when we want to support growing ministries. We moved away from worrying about finances to expanding ministries, now we are back to a concern about finances. ACPC knows what its income for the year will be, St. George's does not. With St. Augustine's closing, we are paying 50% allotment to ACPC to cover St. Augustine's share ~ we have expanding ministries with increased attendance and our allotment percentage is increasing dramatically, are we getting our "fair share" from ACPC? Where did the ACPC investments go? Why is ACPC always in a deficit budget? Recently ACPC representatives met with Bishop Fred Hiltz regarding the status of ACPC. Some facts that were established as a result of the meeting with the Bishop are: 1. ACPC is a confederation of 3 parishes, not five independent churches. 2. At the end of our first three years of experimentation, we should have reviewed our ACPC Confederation and decided what we intended to be. 3. We now have an extension, by the end of three years we must decide what we are to be, individually and collectively. St. George's Council discussed the four possible options for ACPC being reminded: "If we continue to do what we are doing NOW, we will obtain the same results. Is that what we want?" a) We create one parish (one council) comprised of five churches. Power shifts from each church to the parish unit. Each church could have an optional council. Amalgamation rather than confederation. Will St. George's be better served without its Council? Will St. George's be better served having its authority transferred to the unit? Would amalgamation lead to one church? Would amalgamation reduce duplication, promote harmony, provide more stability? b) We continue with 3 parishes. (No ACPC) We return to what we had over 4 years ago; a structure that apparently was not financially viable. Currently we have 2 rectors, 2 rectories, 1 central office. Percentages paid by each church to ACPC: St. George's ~35% (Our % will increase when members of St. Augustine's have our envelopes.) Christ Church ~29% St. James' ~ 22% St. Bees'~ 14.8% Parish of Stellarton with Westville ~ 43.8% St. Alban's pays $1000 a year to ACPC. St. George's % will go up as our income increases and also if any of the other churches experience a decline in income. One of six churches has closed, if another closes, what will our percentage be? Can we continue if the percentage increases significantly? Have we shared enough in recent years to continue some form of co-operation even if the ACPC structure no longer exists? c) We continue as we are, 3 parishes, with an ACPC structure for some shared resources. Is what we now have working? If ACPC is in a deficit position, it can balance its budget by increasing allotments or decreasing expenses. In the last two years the ACPC budget has been in a deficit position, in 2006 ACPC used its investments, in 2007 increased allotments. What happens in January 2008 if we are in a deficit? Can ACPC survive without 2 rectors? Is the next step a rector and a half? What does that look like??? Can we survive without 2 non-stipendiary priests? What does our attendance at recent ACPC services tell us? What does St. Augustine's closing tell us? How healthy are the five remaining churches? Can ACPC provide the support needed to help the remaining churches survive? Are we more or less co-operative than we were 2 years ago? What are the real benefits of ACPC? d) Some churches continue in an ACPC arrangement, some do not. In the current year, St. George's has begun paying an additional $10,000 a year ACPC allotment. A rough estimate suggests that with $10,000 more income we could support one priest. An option? Is our congregation growing sufficiently to sustain one priest? St. George's Council has approved the following process for the Church Family to consider the options: a) Continue to discuss at Council meetings b) Oral Reports to Church Family c) Fall newsletter and perhaps one prior to January d) Information sessions in November, December for the Church Family e) Seek ongoing feedback from the Church Family. f) Keep the web site up-to-date with information regarding the process g) Be ready at the Annual Meeting to discuss options, make a decision. |