Hiding in Plain Sight

I am no mystery writer but sometimes I wish I was. Over the summer I found myself reading a wonderful mystery novel by British author Jeffrey Archer. The bad guy steals a priceless piece of art—actually a Rubens: The Descent from the Cross. No other word than, “priceless” describes what is at stake. We learn the original is hanging in his New York flat while the forgery is hanging in the art gallery. Of course, it all works out in the end, but it certainly takes some time before the Rubens is brought back to its proper place.

I’m certain that there is a parallel to be observed here when I acknowledge something that I think is hiding in plain sight – the Anglican Church Ministries Foundation, Niagara [ACMF].

As the stewardship and campaign advisor for the diocese, I am profoundly struck that so few are even aware of this ‘masterpiece’ in the life of the diocese. It is as if the Foundation is hiding in plain sight.

An established foundation can change lives whether it is attending to poverty issues, helping the disadvantaged and marginalized to securing the future of the faith through education and spiritual formation.

In fact, the ACMF has done exactly that through its ‘Survive & Thrive: Education & Training’ campaign. With the inspirational giving of Anglicans across this diocese we have raised over 2.5 million dollars directed toward such goals. That endowment provides funds to support education and training initiatives within the diocese, such as the Clergy & Licensed Lay Workers Conference and anti-racism training. Another endowment holds more than one million dollars called, ‘Survive & Thrive: Outreach in the Name of Christ Endowment Fund’. It provides funds to create and strengthen responsible relationships that promote justice, peace, and the stewardship of creation. This endowment held within the Foundation also supports local poverty initiatives, and recently funded annual grants to university and seafarer chaplaincies, and the Migrant Farmer Worker’s project.

The ACMF was established back in 1999 and has grown substantially over the last 25 years. Today, with generous donations by Anglicans across the diocese, the Foundation not only supports the initiatives mentioned above, but other creative initiatives that are sometimes just beyond the scope and capability of the local parish. For example, under the steady eye of our Bishop and the financial commitment of Anglicans like you, an endowment called ‘The Bishop’s Company Fund’ provides financial assistance to clergy and others who need some extra ‘compassionate’ help. Even I who write this article needed some help on a personal level while serving in a parish early in my ministry. I don’t need to share the details other than to say I could not afford certain dental work on a clergy salary. It was the Bishop’s Company Fund that allowed the bishop to help me through a particularly difficult time. Until now, no one has ever known my story. All I know is I was grateful, and it serves as an example of how the Foundation is hiding in plain sight.

Whether the Foundation is helping parishes with refugee support [that was the focus of the 140th Diocesan project] or assisting parishes to provide adequate housing for their clergy, the Foundation is quietly working to ensure that the legacy of our faith tradition is preserved for future generations. In fact, it is difficult to describe how the Church, through its many ministries and services, plays a vital role in building social cohesion and the fostering of a sense of belonging —something more desperately needed today than ever before.

Supporting a diocesan Foundation like the ACMF is not just about meeting immediate needs—it is about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Church. The work of the ACMF is only limited by our imagination. The work of the Foundation is ongoing and requires our support and resources—financial, human, and material. By giving to the ACMF donors help sustain the work of the Church, and the essential programs that empower us to proudly call ourselves—The People of God. Actually, the Foundation holds several parish endowments and with the help of our Foundation board you may want to consider establishing an endowment fund to mark an anniversary or special occasion for your local parish.

The opportunities are as plentiful as our vision. I know Bishop Susan wants to establish something significant to honour the 150th anniversary of our diocese, something that will support our local parishes and leave a legacy for future generations.

I hope I am wrong that the Anglican Church Ministries Foundation is hiding in plain sight. Maybe it is time I write a novel called Best Kept Secrets: The Anglican Church Ministries Foundation – Niagara.

If you or a group within your parish or region are interested in knowing more about the ACMF- Niagara or want to know more about the unique tax advantages and ministry opportunities your financial gift can make, please be in touch with Canon Drew MacDonald at the diocesan office (905) 527-1316 x550 or at drew. [email protected]