Challenge to us in our diocese—Autumn and beyond!

“God does not want us to do extraordinary things; He wants us to do ordinary things extraordinarily well.”
The Right Reverend Charles Gore, fifirst Bishop of Birmingham, Church of England.

Another helpful quote as we think carefully about our vocation as disciples of Jesus Christ to be faithful and responsible, year-round stewards of our blessings:

“Father, enliven the Church for its mission that we may be salt of the earth and light to the world.” – A New Zealand Prayer Book

Those who know me well know I love helpful, thought-provoking quotes. I used many from various sources for 21 years as senior national gift-planning officer of the Anglican Church, in synods, diocesan executive meetings, parishes, and special conferences, which of course includes serious thought about stewardship 101 in all its twelve-month a year focus…and so did our devoted, energetic lay and clergy stewardship officers who worked so very faithfully with me across the country—with significant, encouraging results in many diverse communities, dioceses and life-changing programmes.

Once again we are preparing for a “new church year or season” in real life…plans for autumn programming, renewed focus on ministry with and for the elderly, youth choirs and gatherings of all sorts, and (hopefully and realistically, from what I gather other interesting and creative gatherings) and special interest in the sharing of one’s gifts, energies, talents, resources, and frankly, a new sense of togetherness, of community…now that (hopefully) the pandemic is for the most part behind us…and we have learned much from that experience…including a renewed sense of searching for community, of family, of the importance of streamed services and outreach to the most vulnerable in our communities. It’s time to re-group and give thought to what God is calling us to do as a diocese, our parish communities, and ourselves.

St. George’s Cathedral, for one example, our mother church, has planned a “Fall Fair of September Volunteer Recruit Event” in September, following a choral Eucharist…an opportunity to meet and learn about various groups and guilds…with the hope that everyone may find a way to share our God-loaned gifts for the well-being of others. It’s a time to welcome and re-welcome and encourage people to think creatively about their own ways of participating…given, perhaps, new time commitments, ideas, searching for community…the list goes on, as we grow in our commitment as disciples and changes in life’s circumstances. Then, later in the autumn, we will have an opportunity to look at our annual and life-long fifinancial plans and commitments…including reviewing our annual pledges, pre-authorised giving (which has been proven to be very efficient and successful for everyone in Canada…and especially helpful when, annually, parishioners are given the opportunity to renew and perhaps increase their commitment in 2025—as Thanksgiving for God’s gifts. A good time to do this is planned for All Saints time, including Remembrance Day, and in preparation for Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical (and budget-planning time and re-evaluation of life’s priorities).

Early in October, a diocesan-wide estate planning series of seminars will be held with valuable regionally-based events! Check with the Wednesday eNews Weekly for details…a welcome addition to the three very helpful articles prepared for our Anglican Diocese of Ontario Foundation by our solicitors for personal, parish and diocesan use readily available from the Diocesan Foundation and Synod offices.

One of our guest speakers some years ago in our diocese and the Cathedral was Kennon L. Callahan, a well-respected author and champion of congregational growth and development. Here is a quote we might want to consider as a diocesan family: “The congregations who do the best in church finances have a rich, full, abiding compassion for mission. They are motivated by a theology of service, not a theology of survival. Their compelling, driving spirit is one of striving, serving, loving mission.”

Here is a good summary of what Christian stewardship (in all its forms) really means: “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received–only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage.” St. Francis of Assisi.