Assessment formula – focus of upcoming synod

by Marni Nancekivell

The 142nd Annual Synod of the Diocese of Niagara is scheduled to meet on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Christ’s Church Cathedral Hamilton. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., while Synod will be called to order at 9:00 a.m. This meeting of Synod will be completed in one day at Cathedral Place.

One particular focus of this Synod will be the proposal to revise the formula for the Diocesan Mission and Ministry (DM&M) assessment, which provides a common way for parishes in the diocese to contribute their fair share towards the work of the church beyond each parish. The aim of the DM&M Working Group has been to produce a formula that is simpler, clearer and more equitable.

We will also review the proposed Diocesan budget for 2017- 2018. It is the Finance/Budget Subcommittee (FBSC) which assists the Treasurer with the preparation of the Diocesan budget. In conjunction with the Financial Advisory Committee (FAC) it also monitors Diocesan financial operations, including parish loans, loan guarantees and debt repayment plans.

Synod will hear a report from Niagara’s delegates to General Synod which was held in July 2016. We will see a video of the Justice Camp, held in partnership with the Diocese of Cuba this past year. Outreach and mission will be highlighted as we review Walking on Water grants and Hands Across Niagara grants.

A major initiative of the Diocese in the past year has been the 140th Anniversary Refugee Sponsorship initiative, which will be reported on by the Reverend Scott McLeod. This Synod will also hear of the new ministries of the Venerable Steve Hopkins, Archdeacon for Ministry Leadership Development, and the Venerable Val Kerr, Archdeacon for Truth, Reconciliation and Indigenous Ministries.

We anticipate too, learning more about the proposed Cathedral Place Development Project.

The Incorporated Synod of Niagara Diocese is the legal entity (established by statute of the Legislature in the Province of Ontario) with responsibility for the dealings of the Anglican Church within its diocesan boundaries. At Synod we seek God’s intention for us as we pray, discern, talk, listen and work at being a Church as a diverse community under the leadership of our Diocesan Bishop, The Right Reverend Michael A. Bird.

The Reverend Canon Marni Nancekivell is Secretary of Synod (with Responsibility for Property).