church of the epiphany oakville, ontario · epiphany has a rich history of ministry and service to...

CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

OAKVILLE, ONTARIO

Parish Profile

Prepared by The Parochial Committee of Church of the Epiphany

with the Diocesan Transitional Ministries Program

December, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome to Church of the Epiphany 3 Transition Prayer 3 Preparation of the Parish Profile 4 Location 5 Demographics 6 History 7 Membership 9 Worship 12 Organizational Structure 14 Programs and Organizations 15 Property 22 Wider Church 24 Situation Analysis 26 Appendix A—Financial Information 28 Appendix B—2017 Vestry Report Attachment Appendix C—2016 Vestry Report Attachment

Church of the Epiphany Parish Profile, December 2018 3

WELCOME TO CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY

Welcome to our parish! We hope that this Parish Profile will both inform and enrich your

understanding of our church and the parishioners who are dedicated to continuing their ‘journey in

faith’ in our local community and beyond.

We hope that within the pages of our profile, we can provide you with a sense of who we are at

Church of the Epiphany. At our core is a group of very capable, hard-working, faithful disciples who

perform the many duties that support our organizational structure, ministries and programs and

make possible the unique mission that God is calling us to fulfill.

They say that “a picture paints a thousand words,” so we have included photographs within the

profile that reflect our parishioners in their many roles and activities, carried out with great

dedication to the glory of God.

TRANSITION PRAYER

We begin each meeting of our Parochial Committee with this prayer and it is prayed by the entire

congregation at each service on Sundays at the close of the Prayers of the People.

Good and gracious God, who knows our needs even before we ask, we come to you in a time of transition as we seek a new Rector for the Church of the Epiphany. Give us an open spirit, discerning hearts and clear minds that we may be guided by the Holy Spirit as we go forward with this undertaking. May we, working together in love and humility, use all the graces and talents that you have given us to seek and find the person who will nurture us and enable us to become the people

you are calling us to be. All this we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.


PREPARATION OF THE PARISH PROFILE

This Parish Profile was prepared by the members of our Parochial Committee:

Lynn Bonham, Wayne Chevalier, Linda Kelloway, Heather MacDonald, Keith Spicer,

Sarah Thompson.

The Profile is the result of meetings, reflection and review by the congregation over a six month

period. Input from parishioners was gathered primarily at the following events:

On September 29, 2018, during our ‘Celebrating Our Heritage’ event, parishioners shared their

memories and experiences of Church of the Epiphany over the decades, and significant events in

the life of the surrounding community and the nation.

On October 28, 2018, during our ‘Envisioning Our Future’ event, using Appreciative Inquiry

principles, parishioners reflected on their special experiences at Church of the Epiphany, talked

about the core values of their church, the things that they value deeply and their hopes and dreams

for the future. In the light of these discernments, they identified the characteristics of the person God

is calling to be our new Rector.

Envisioning our Future, October 2018

http://www.appreciativeway.com/appreciative-inquiry/appreciative-inquiry-church.cfm


LOCATION

Church of the Epiphany is located in Oakville, Ontario, a town of approximately 200,000 people,

situated to the west of Toronto on the north shore of Lake Ontario. It is approximately 40 km from

downtown Toronto and 30 km from Hamilton, the location of our Diocesan cathedral and the

Bishop's Office.

Oakville is considered an attractive place to live and has much to recommend it – appealing natural

surroundings; a safe community with excellent schools and health services; plentiful recreation and

sports facilities and an active arts and culture scene. It is home to several large corporations and,

due to its proximity to Toronto, many Oakville residents commute there to work. Our town has been

recognized as a very desirable place to reside, as demonstrated in 2018 when Oakville was rated

by MoneySense magazine as the #1 place to live in Canada and the best place for new Canadians.

Our church property is located at the west end of Oakville on the east side of Bronte Road, south of

the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW), between Rebecca Street and Lakeshore Road West. Access to

the parking lot is gained off East River Street, just east of Bronte Road. Our parish boundaries are

from Fourth Line in the east to Burloak Drive in the west; the QEW to the north and Lake Ontario to

the south.


DEMOGRAPHICS

Population Data Within Our Parish Boundaries (source: Stats Canada provided by Town of Oakville)

Population: 30,170

Average Age: 44

- 0 to 14 4,800 (16%)

- 15 to 65* 18,700 (62%)

*6,995 between 45 and 55

- Over 65 6500 (21%)

Male: 14,600 (48.3%)

Female: 15,610 (51.7%)

Average Persons Per Household: 2.8

Average Income Per Household: $128,000

Ethnicity (Top 6):

- Canadian 5940

- British 8020

- Irish 5665

- Italian 2650

- German 2755

- French 2430

When comparing our congregation to the demographics within our parish boundaries, we have

estimated that the:

Average age of our congregation is higher, as a significant number of our parishioners are retirees over the age of 60.

Male/female percentages are similar.

Average persons per household in our congregation is slightly lower.

Average income of our congregation is slightly lower, given the number of retirees in our congregation.

The ethnic diversity of our congregation generally reflects that of our local community and in

addition we are blessed with a number of parishioners whose origins are in the Caribbean and

African countries.


HISTORY

Church of the Epiphany has been a vibrant, active parish in the heart of Bronte (southwest Oakville)

for over a century. Parish services first began in 1904 in the farmhouse of John Wilson and

continued for a number of years in the Orange Hall, the Baptist Church and the school in Bronte, as

the new church family continued to grow. In 1929, John Wilson donated the land that was to house

the church’s permanent home and in 1931 a white clapboard church was constructed. In September

1931 there was a dedication of the new church, Church of the Epiphany, with consecration

occurring five years later.

Our church continued to grow and prosper and in 1949 a basement church hall was added. The

rectory and present day church proper were added in 1956. In 1969 a large parish hall was built and

was named ‘Dan Wilson Hall’ in honour of John Wilson’s son, who served Epiphany faithfully over

many years.


In 1993, a north wing was added comprised of a meeting room (including a small kitchen), an office

area, a washroom, a nursery area and a basement hall. In 2001, the meeting room was renamed in

memory of John Feeney, who served Epiphany faithfully in many capacities for more than forty

years, including twenty-seven years as a Lay Reader.

Since its inception in 1931, eleven Rectors have served our church. They have faithfully led several

generations of our congregation in their spiritual growth and have contributed to enhancing the

church building by making it more accessible in order to accommodate parishioners and local

groups and organizations using our facilities.

Epiphany has a rich history of ministry and service to its parishioners and the local community and

as we shared our stories during the 'Celebrating Our Heritage' event in September 2018, we were

reminded that we have a solid base from which to write the next chapter in Church of the Epiphany's

remarkable story.


MEMBERSHIP

Currently, there are 238 members of the parish, comprised of 141 households of which

approximately 54% are located within the parish boundaries and 46% outside.

Epiphany Sunday Service Attendance

In 2017 attendance at the 8:30 a.m. service ranged from a monthly average of 25 to 37 people and

attendance at the 10:30 a.m. service ranged from a monthly average of 55 to 96 people. The total

average Sunday attendance for 2017 was 101, with an average attendance of 30 at 8:30am and 71

at 10:30am.

2017 Monthly Attendance*

*Christmas Eve 2017 fell on a Sunday and Christmas Eve services are included in the Sunday totals for this year.


2016 Monthly Attendance

2015 Monthly Attendance


Total Average Sunday Attendance

High Feast Services Attendance

Special Services


WORSHIP

Worship is at the heart of our church family and provides the opportunity for us to come together

and experience the joy of celebrating our sacred fellowship with Jesus Christ. Whether we are

participating in a said or sung liturgy, our worship services help bind us together in a common

spiritual journey.

Our regular Sunday services take place at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. throughout the year. Also, we

have a mid-week service on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. (except during July and August).

Worship at Epiphany could be described as broad church - neither high nor low - but with some

mixtures of both. For example, at the 10:30 service the sursum corda (preface to the Eucharistic

Prayer) is usually chanted, but we don’t use incense or sanctus bells. Worship at the Wednesday

and Sunday Eucharist is normally centred in the Book of Alternative Services (BAS), with occasional

use of other authorized sources.

Prior to the interim period, the Sunday 8:30 service usually used the 1962 rite from BAS, whereas

the 10:30 service normally used the contemporary language BAS liturgy. During the interim period,

we started using the same page 185 of BAS liturgy at both services, with the only difference being

that 8:30 is normally a said service, whereas 10:30 has hymns and sung service music, supported

by organ or piano and the choir.

During the interim period we have also started using the same bulletins at both services. One

bulletin, normally an eight page stapled booklet, contains the “fixed” parts of the liturgy and is used

for a month or a season. A shorter, four page folded leaflet, is printed weekly and contains

announcements and the scripture readings, prayers and hymn titles and numbers for the particular

Sunday. Initially begun as an experiment, the change was well-received by the 8:30 congregation

and has been continued. This had reduced the work necessary to prepare resources for the Sunday

worship services.

The 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist service includes a mixture of traditional and contemporary music

supported by the choir under the direction of the Music Director. Instrumental accompaniment is

provided by the Music Director using a two-manual electronic Galanti organ and a piano. The

Common Praise Hymnal (1998) is used for the singing of hymns and, on some occasions, other

resources are used and inserted in the service bulletin.


In addition to the regular Sunday and Wednesday services, other services are held during the year

on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In recent

years we have held two services on Christmas Eve (4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.), but in 2018 we have

decided to hold an additional service at 10:30 p.m. (returning to a format that was in place prior to

2013), to see if there is sufficient demand to support a third service. Also, in December, we normally

hold a traditional Carol Service, which has been a combined service with St. Elizabeth’s,

Burlington’s congregation and choir, for which we alternate the venue. For December 2018, the

clergy and music directors of our church and St. Elizabeth’s decided to take a year off from the

usual joint service, which may return in 2019.

Worship at Epiphany is dignified and respectful, yet relaxed and uplifting. There are many lay

participants in the liturgy, and congregational responses, whether sung or said, are hearty.

Parishioners play an integral part in many aspects of worship including serving, reading lessons,

leading the prayers and acting as chalice bearer. Our Verger plays an extremely important role in

assuring that everything and everyone is in place for all worship services, lifting a large burden from

the priest, who can be assured that all of the details have been addressed.

Children are also encouraged to take an active role in special worship services such as Christmas,

Epiphany Sunday and the last service of the Sunday School year, when they hand out bulletins,

help take the collection, read the lessons and lead the intercessions. On Palm Sunday the children

process around the church with the choir, carrying palms. Some of the children become servers as

they get older, but still occasionally help out in the Sunday School.


ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Our parish is headed by the Corporation, made up of the Rector, the People’s Warden and the

Rector’s Warden. Decision-making is undertaken by the Corporation, with input from the Parish

Council and the Treasurer. The Corporation normally meets monthly and more often when required.

The Parish Council is comprised of the members of the Corporation, the Treasurer, Vestry Clerk,

Lay Delegates and Alternate Lay Delegates to Synod, as well as the Chairs of the Property,

Christian Education, Fund Raising, Outreach, Stewardship, Sidespersons, Social Events and

Greening committees. The Parish Council meets monthly, except during July and August.

Staff

In addition to the Rector, the church employs an Administrator who provides office support to the

parish. Currently, from September to June the Administrator works Tuesday to Friday from

9:30am—1:00pm and during July and August works Wednesday to Friday, 9:30am—1:00pm.

We have a paid Music Director, who is contracted to work an average of 8 to 10 hours per week. He

is responsible primarily for the music at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service and the supervision of one

choir practice per week. He performs additional duties, when required, such as the special services

at Easter and Christmas and provides musical and audio visual support for special events.

We are blessed to have a volunteer Verger who serves at virtually all services. This person does

more than the traditional Verger function of leading the procession and serving as “traffic cop”

during the liturgy. She makes certain that all lay persons participating in the service are present,

arranges last-minute substitutes if necessary, assures that the sidespersons have all of the

handouts, and is available behind the scenes during the services in case any problems arise. This

individual also serves as the head of the Altar Guild, so she provides seamless oversight of all

aspects of the liturgy, before, during, and after each service. Currently, there are no Licensed Lay

Readers, Deacons or Honorary Assistants at the church.

Volunteer Screening and Management of Staff and Volunteers

Church of the Epiphany operates in compliance with the terms of the Diocese of Niagara’s policy for

the screening and management of staff and volunteers.


PROGRAMS AND ORGANIZATIONS

MINISTRIES

Christian Education

We believe that providing regular Christian education to our congregation is a vital part of our

mission. Whether children or adults, we believe that education is key to the nurturing and

development of our spiritual growth. This growth is a journey rather than a destination and while our

individual progress may vary within the congregation, we journey together as a family of God,

always ready to help each other along the way.

Our Sunday School accommodates children between the ages of three and fifteen years of age.

Presently the attendance numbers are small, with approximately five regular children and

four leaders. On some occasions the number of children increases, e.g. when there are visitors

(family and newcomers) and during special services such as baptisms.

The children leave the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service for their classes following the Collect and return

during the passing of the Peace. In December, at one of the 10:30 a.m. services, the members of

the Sunday School normally perform a pageant, directed by the Sunday School teachers, with

musical accompaniment provided by the Music Director. In 2018, instead of a pageant, we will be

experimenting with giving our young people a greater role in the 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service.

Adult education includes group study and discussion sessions, usually during Lent and in the fall.

The sessions run for several weeks and may include the study of a book and/or DVD by a Christian

author. These sessions are normally led by the Chair of Christian Education and the Rector.


During September and October 2018, a group of parishioners engaged in a three week study

session of the book ‘Tattoos on the Heart’ (The Power of Boundless Compassion) by Gregory

Boyle. Also, during October and November 2018 parishioners participated in a four week program

exploring the highlights of the Gospel of Luke.

A lending library is located in the John Feeney meeting room, which contains a variety of

Christian-themed material for adults and children, in the form of books and DVDs.

Stewardship

Epiphany has a strong culture of responsible stewardship, which is demonstrated by the many

parishioners who give generously of their time, talent and treasure. Our Stewardship Committee

supports ongoing stewardship initiatives, culminating in Stewardship month in October each year,

during which parishioners make personal pledges for the coming year.

Our 2019 Stewardship campaign was guided by this vision: “Our goal for the Church of the

Epiphany is to encourage an abiding passion for God’s mission. We are motivated by grace and

abundance, not scarcity and survival.” We recognized that, in a time of transition, the financial

commitments made by parishioners for 2019 and beyond will be crucial in maintaining and growing

the financial health of our parish. We see responsible Stewardship as offering a portion of our

income in grateful thanksgiving for all that God has given us - in the past, the present and what we

believe we will need in the future.

We are grateful for the generous offerings of our congregation, as evidenced by the positive

financial response to our 2019 Stewardship campaign. Currently we have 116 identifiable regular

givers. Included in that number are 54 who give by pre-authorized debit from their bank account.

These ongoing commitments will be instrumental in helping us continue the life-changing missions

and ministries of our people.

Our responsible Stewardship also looks beyond the lives of our existing parishioners and in 2017

the Stewardship Committee designed and distributed a brochure on legacy giving.

The brochure laid out several options for remembering Church of the Epiphany in a parishioner’s will

and these options were further explained in a presentation by our Diocesan representative


responsible for legacy giving. The brochure and presentation were well received by our

congregation, as evidenced by several legacy gifts made to the church in 2018.

Outreach

We believe that Outreach is an opportunity to share the time, treasure and talents that we give

generously to our church through effective Stewardship. Church of the Epiphany has a long and

proud tradition of community involvement, working in partnership with many local charitable and

service-oriented organizations. We welcome many groups that use the church facilities for regular

meetings and other gatherings and we support programs and initiatives beyond our church walls.

Our Outreach work is an important commitment to fulfilling God’s mission in the local community

and beyond.

We are a member of the Bronte Village Business Improvement Area and were a founding member

of the Bronte Village Stakeholders, which is composed of three local churches (Epiphany, Walton

United and St. Dominic’s Catholic Church) and local community organizations. We have

undertaken joint initiatives with these organizations, e.g. each year, as part of the Bronte Village

Stakeholders’ ‘Out of the Cold’ coat drive, we help to distribute coats and scarves (knitted by

members of our parish) to the needy.

We provide space at the church for a variety of local groups including Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

(including the Halton Service Office of AA); Adults in Motion - a non-profit day program for young

adults with developmental challenges; music instruction; Girl Guides of Canada (Sparks and

Pathfinders); a Zumba exercise group; a book club and the All Nations Full Gospel Church. In

addition, our facilities have been rented out on a one-time basis for events like corporate meetings

and receptions for wedding, baby showers and baptisms.

In 2018 we contributed to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), the

Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief, which makes financial

and human resources available to partners around the world working to improve health, food

security and livelihoods for vulnerable people. Also, we have supported a number of other outreach

initiatives, including Halton Women’s Place; Halton Fresh Food Box (for which we serve as a

distribution centre); Operation Christmas Child; the Fareshare Food Bank; Kerr Street Ministries (a

non-profit agency that helps the Oakville community care for low-income and at-risk families a


and youth); St. Matthew’s House (a non-profit, multi-service agency in Hamilton, Ontario that

focuses on child care, emergency food and seniors); the Halton Trauma Centre; Halton Family

Services and Samaritan’s Purse (a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization providing

spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world).

Music

Singing praises to the Lord has always been an important component of our worship services.

Whether we are sitting in the church pews or the choir stalls, we come together and combine our

vocal talents to ensure that on a Sunday morning, heaven rings with the joyful sounds

emanating from Church of the Epiphany!

We are blessed with an active music ministry led by our Music Director, who plays the organ, piano

and guitar and directs the choir. The Music Director is proficient in a number of music genres,

including classical, jazz and modern Christian popular music.

There are currently ten members of the choir and anthems are performed on a regular basis

during the 10:30 a.m. service. On certain special celebrations, such as Easter and Christmas,

a Festival Choir is formed, with additional voices from the congregation and community. Our music

ministry includes occasional special performances by visiting musicians, such as the singing groups

Praise Unlimited and Infinitely More. Also, for certain special services and occasions a trumpeter,

other brass players, vocal soloists and a guitar ensemble have performed.

Altar Guild

Our Altar Guild has ten dedicated members who prepare the church for all services and care for the

linens. They decorate the church for all festivals and make Palm Crosses for Palm Sunday. After

Sunday services, the altar flowers donated by parishioners are taken to parishioners who are sick or

shut-in. Also, following the annual Thanksgiving service, produce is donated to local social support

agencies such as Grace House (a non-profit charitable agency operating a group home for adults in

Oakville), the Salvation Army Lighthouse and a Women’s Community Living Home.


OTHER GROUPS Fundraising Fundraising at the church consists primarily of two main events, the Spring Extravaganza in May

and the Hollyberry Fair in November. These events are organized and staffed by a dedicated group

of faithful disciples and are well supported by the congregation and the local community.

These two fundraisers form an important component of the church’s annual income. Other

fundraising events are held at the church during the year, e.g. the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

and in recent years there have been dramatic readings of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol.’

Men’s Group

Our Men’s Group meets for fellowship each month (on Saturday mornings), with a break

during the summer. Meetings sometimes include a guest speaker or a trip to a local place of

interest. In addition, the members are active in other areas, such as completing a clean-up of the

church property in the spring and fall, prior to the church’s two main fundraising events. They also

organize and staff the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and provide assistance to nearby Walton

United Church for their annual Turkey Dinner in November.


The Men’s Group is committed to playing a role in the outreach at Epiphany and provides

ongoing financial support to a child through the World Vision organization and periodically makes

other charitable donations to the church and other organizations. There are currently about 18

members who participate regularly in the activities of the Men’s Group.

Craft Group

Our Craft Group meets weekly to work on crafts that are mainly sold at the church’s spring and fall

fundraiser events. In addition, selected items are donated to charitable organizations, e.g. in 2017 to

a women’s shelter and St. Matthew’s House. Currently, there are six to eight regular members of the

Craft Group.

Epiphany Classic Book Club

Our Epiphany Classic Book Club meets monthly (on Sunday afternoons), with a break during the

summer. The club reads and discusses a wide range of books that are generally considered to be

classics. There are 14 members of the club, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018.


Social

The main activities of our social group are to arrange the roster of parishioners who organize and

run the coffee hour, following the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services, and to organize and support

occasional parish lunches, e.g. a spaghetti lunch, and the annual Parish picnic, which is normally

held in June.

Sidespeople

Our Sidespeople provide support during all services held at the Church. They carry out the

traditional responsibilities during services and complete the counting and banking of the

collection. They are divided into five teams and work according to a roster under the direction of the

head Sidesperson.

Servers

Our dedicated group of servers is an integral part of our worship services, representing the Epistle,

Gospel and Crucifer positions, with juniors normally taking the Crucifer position.

(See also the ‘Wider Church’ section.)


PROPERTY

Our church property is a parcel of land located on the east side of Bronte Road, between

Rebecca Street to the north and Lakeshore Road West to the south (see map in ‘Location’

section).

The buildings include the church building and a rectory. The remainder of the property consists of a

parking lot to the east and south of the church building, a driveway on the west side and green

space between the church building and the rectory.

Within our church building is the church proper, a Narthex, the Dan Wilson Hall,

meeting rooms, administration offices, a basement area used primarily by our Sunday School,

storage areas, a furnace room and washrooms.

In recent years we have endeavored to improve accessibility within the church building. In 2015, a

lift connecting three levels within the building and new barrier-free washrooms were installed. Other

renovations at that time included expanding the existing air conditioning system, replacing two

furnaces and refurbishing the kitchen in the Dan Wilson Hall. In 2017, the John Feeney Room was

also completely refurbished.

The rectory is a small bungalow situated to the north of the church building. This was not used by

the previous incumbent and it is currently rented out by the church.

The church property is designated as a heritage property by the Town of Oakville. This

designation dates back to the original white clapboard church, even though this no longer

exists.

Current Condition

The church property is in good condition and we have an active property committee that takes pride

in maintaining the buildings and grounds.


Decennial Inspection

The last Decennial inspection of the church property was completed during November 2008 and

January 2009. All material findings from that report have been addressed and we are awaiting

direction from the Diocese regarding the next Decennial inspection.

Licensing of Space

At each annual Vestry meeting, the requisite motions authorizing the Corporation to enter into site

user agreements of three years or more (conditional upon the approval of the Synod Council and

Bishop), and authorizing the Corporation to enter into site user agreements of under three years’

duration are adopted.


WIDER CHURCH

Our relationship with the Diocese has been an active one in recent years. Our previous

Rector was Archdeacon of Trafalgar, which gave the parish a special connection to the

Diocese and the congregation was honoured that she was selected by the Bishop for this

important role.

A number of our dedicated and long-serving parishioners have had their work at Epiphany

recognized by their appointment to the Order of Niagara. This award, instituted by a previous Bishop

of Niagara, recognizes the faithful dedication of lay people, honouring substantial

contributions to ministry in their communities.

Also, some of our congregation are members of the Bishop’s Company, which is a community of

members that raises money for the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund to assist Anglicans in need in the

diocese, with a primary emphasis on clergy and lay workers and their families.


We are delighted that one young man who has served at Epiphany is a member of the Diocesan

Servers Guild and participates in special diocesan services at Christ's Church Cathedral such as

ordinations, confirmations and the Order of Niagara awards. The Diocesan Servers Guild provides a

sense of belonging and fellowship for those who share in this ministry and helps to deepen their

understanding of the server’s role.

Three members of our parish serve the Diocese in other roles—two serve on the Volunteer

Management and Screening Committee and one serves on the Safe Church Committee.

On a more local basis, we have also hosted and participated in the World Day of Prayer in our area

and have participated in local interfaith groups.


SITUATION ANALYSIS

As a response to the Gospel within the context of a Sunday Eucharist, fifty-six members of our

congregation participated in an Appreciative Inquiry exercise designed to illuminate, through story-

telling, the core values of our faith community and to identify the desirable characteristics of our new

Rector.

Core Values

From this exercise we identified that the two great commandments are at the heart of our lives

together:

Loving and worshipping God.

Following the teachings of Jesus Christ within the context of our shared Anglican faith.

Sharing that love through the care of and service to neighbours, within both the church and the

broader community, is the cornerstone of how our diverse community understands its mission. Our

deep love for God and our neighbour reverberates through our commitment to

acceptance, inclusivity and an attitude of respect for all.

This “everyone is welcome” sentiment pervades our worship, our outreach and our fellowship

activities. We delight in meaningful worship with accessible preaching that uses scripture to speak

into our daily lives, renewing our faith.

http://www.appreciativeway.com/appreciative-inquiry/appreciative-inquiry-church.cfm)


Desirable Characteristics Of Our New Rector

We hope and pray that God is stirring the heart of someone (age and gender are not significant)

who has a joyful and vibrant faith, fed by a strong personal prayer life, to join our church as our

priest and leader. We are eager to partner with a priest who:

Brings energy and inspiration to a community excited to renew its sense of vision and discern

a path forward that values our traditions, while gently moving us to new ways of living out the

Gospel that connect us more compellingly with the people and culture with whom we are not

yet connecting.

Demonstrates strong leadership skills alongside an ability to empathetically listen and

develop strong relationships which complement an appreciation for and confidence in lay

leadership and an orientation towards recruiting and mentoring new lay leaders.

Inspires and teaches us to integrate the meaning of scripture into our everyday lives.

We would respond enthusiastically to someone who could focus on three key areas:

Faith renewal and worship.

Developing community partner relationships that would magnify our capacity to love our

neighbours.

Supporting us in our desire to grow our congregation to share with others the profound and

sacred sense of being loved by God and one another, that draws us into community regularly.

Finally, our hopes for the priest that God is calling to our church would be completed with a new

Rector who has strong communication, administration and financial skills, combined with a good

sense of humour.


APPENDIX A

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

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