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Wascana Presbytery Highlights
…the United Churches of Regina & surrounding area…
November 20, 2010 at St. Andrew’s United Church, Lumsden
“The Church is called to make a difference”; [see item below] and, on a recent snowy Saturday, members of Wascana Presbytery both celebrated the inspiring contributions of others and, through worship, discussion, fellowship and action, helped continue Presbytery’s tradition of making positive differences.
PRE-ADVENT CHORAL WORSHIP, featuring the Lumsden Community Choir, launched our day and warm hospitality from the St. Andrew’s people provided ongoing nurture.
THE BRORA FARM PROJECT (“the little church that wouldn’t say ‘no’)
An inspiring and often humorous commentary by Karl Langmeier told the story of an amazing difference made by a congregation of committed, hard-working folks, with community and local business support, and how they furthered mission in a unique way. Leasing a quarter-section of land, seeding and harvesting canola (with volunteer labour) in such a weather-challenged year as 2010, was itself a feat. The project should clear approximately $42,000 to go to the Canadian Food Grains Bank, the Mission and Service Fund and to Brora. Gifts to the CFGB with resulting Canadian Government matching grants will result in $106,000 to that cause! Thanks to Jim Atcheson, Dave Barnes, Karl and Jayne Langmaier who joined us to tell the story!!
VISIT FROM PRESIDENT OF SASKATCHEWAN CONFERENCE: Faye Ford of Saskatoon, Conference President 2010-11, brought greetings and shared the theme of the May 26-29, 2011 meeting: ‘Called to Make a Difference’. In these times of change, with Mission & Service givings at the same level as 1990 and other budget challenges, “No matter what happens to the United Church of Canada, the people are still called to make a difference,” she said, and asked presbyters 2 questions:
- When you think back over your life, what comes to your mind, of how you experienced a significant difference/blessing, from the church or church people? And:
- Think of a time in the last 5 years when the church in Wascana Presbytery made a difference in the community, province or the world.
The many responses of the 44 presbyters in attendance were testimony to the positive influence individuals had felt and acknowledgement that the difference that the local and wider church is and has made. Long many it continue! CONSIDER addressing these questions yourselves.
MINISTRY PERSONNEL PASSAGES
Presbytery mourns the death and celebrates the life of Walter Logan, long-time retired minister who was very active in RAPM and other volunteer endeavours.
Presbytery also:
· endorsed Heather Rogers, a candidate for ordination and forwarded this recommendation to SK Conference Education/Students Committee;
· recognized, as Designated Lay Minister: Lee Tennyson at the South Sask. Hospital Chaplaincy (Sept. 25); and, Peter Gilmer and Bonnie Morton (Nov. 20) at the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry; and
· approved the transfer of Rev. Dawn Rolke (to Plains Presbytery) and Rev. Robin Osborne (to Quebec-Sherwood Presbytery).
PRESBYTERY OVERSIGHT of pastoral charges, asks that each Pastoral Charge identify two persons who would take part in a 2011 oversight visit. What’s involved? See the link through Resources – SK Policies & Guidelines at www.sk.united-church.ca
NEW! WASCANA PRESBYTERY website: www.wascanapres.org
NEWS from General Council Executive: The national church has expanded the Corporate Directors’ & Officers’ Insurance into its general insurance program. Watch for more info coming to each Pastoral Charge soon. This is important coverage and can result in better overall rates and terms.
2011 BUDGET and other FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR MISSION
Presbytery set its 2011 budget at $129,329. It includes grants to the Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry and South Saskatchewan Hospital Chaplaincy totalling $24,300 and the SK Conference assessment of $70,704. Revisions to Presbytery’s budget-setting process are planned for fall 2011.
Presbytery endorsed a Church Modernization & Improvement grant of $5,000 for Gray United Church.
Wascana Presbytery will meet next on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at St. James: Regina.
For further information on these or other Presbytery matters, please speak to your representatives, whose names & phone #s are: