Minutes

Meeting of the Saint John Deanery Greater Chapter, Monday, May 11, 2009

Saint John’s (Stone) Church
Chair: The Venerable David Edwards

Appointment of Greater Chapter Secretary:  Rev. Terence Chandra

Feedback from Vestries re 3 Reports:

  • some churches were unable to discuss the documents.
  • one church vestry support 10-10-10 System completely.
  • some thought that the reports were overwhelming.

Report of the Sharing Ministry Task Force & Synod Motions:

  • Where is the report on Stem Cell Research? Answer: the Councl was supposed to obtain expert help on this it it was very difficult to find specialists as consultants.
  • Gerry Laskey pointed out that there were brochures on embryonic stem cell research and non-embryonic stem cell research given to delegates at last Diocesan Synod.
  • Have there been further disccusions on same-sex blessing between previous Synod and this one? Faith, Worhsip & Ministry Committee has been working on a document on this. The document is almost complete and will form the basis of future discussion.
  • Some expressed the fear that Synod would be exhausted by debates regarding same-sex blessings motions.
  • Regarding vision-sharing stated of Sharing Ministry Report, it was said that this should come from grassroots level. There needs to be greater fire and passion. We cannot focus slimply on survival.
  • Some feel that the terms “shared ministry” and “sharing ministry” are not properly defined.Some of the GC members felt that time management  was a major issue at the last Diocesan Synod. We need time to talk about the motions. If guest speakers speak for too long, discussion becomes problematic.
  • There comes a time when we must stop talking and actually take action on Mission & Outreach.

Will transportation be provided to the supper at RCS Netherwood? No. As far as Archdeacon Edwards knows, transport will not be provided.

Motion to adjourn: 8:30PM