Diocese of New Westminster Mission Conference
May 14, 2016 marks the first diocesan-wide Mission Conference.
This event has three purposes:
- For the diocesan community to gather and connect in a less formal way than Synod, with more of the community present. This goal developed out of the Reconnect Task Force’s work in 2012-2013.
- To be an opportunity for the diocesan community to think about mission – what is it that God is doing in our Diocese (through individuals, parishes, and groups outside of the Diocese) and how are we participating?
- To energize and strengthen Anglicans as they are sent into the world (in their homes, schools, workplaces, community and civic organizations) to participate in God’s mission in this time and place.
All members of the diocesan community are invited to participate – registration is now open and will remain open throughout the month of April. Unlike Synod where delegates are elected by parishes and each parish is assigned a number of delegates based on the size of the parish, the Mission Conference can be attended by anyone. The program is designed to welcome clergy and lay people, adults, youth, and children.
The day will include a plenary session with Dr Andrea Mann, Director, Global Relations, Anglican Church of Canada and others. The program will also include a plenary session with Bishop Melissa Skelton, Diocese of New Westminster and Bishop Brent Alawas, Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines. Being present at the Mission Conference will be part of a longer official visit by Bishop Alawas as our Companion Diocese Relationship continues to develop. The two bishops will share time discussing what mission looks like in our different contexts and wondering together about what we might learn from one another about being sent into the world as participants in God’s mission.
Following the plenary sessions, there will be three opportunities for Mission Conference participants to attend workshop sessions. As of April 4, workshop titles and leaders are still being confirmed. Anticipated workshops include sessions such as:
- an opportunity to learn more about the Musqueam on whose land we will be meeting
- time for parish leaders involved in or hoping to provide community meal programs to gather and exchange ideas
- reflections on how our baptismal identities shape us in secular vocations
- skills-building offerings around welcoming and supporting individuals with mental health challenges in our communities.
Mission Conference 2016 will conclude with a celebratory salmon dinner. Although the dinner is optional to accommodate those with Sunday morning commitments and long drives, the Planning Team hopes many people will stay and that some from the Diocesan community might join us just for dinner. The dinner will include a special guest speaker and offer opportunities for fellowship within and across parishes.
The Planning Team has been led by the Rev Ruth Monette, Director for Mission and Ministry Development, and the Rev Helen Lingham, deacon at St Andrew’s, Langley, whose professional work is in organization and leadership development.
Details:
Who: All members of the Diocese are welcome – clergy and lay people from all parishes and of all ages.
When: Saturday, May 14, 2016, 9:00am to 4:30pm with a dinner option
Where: Musqueam Community Centre and Cultural Education Resource Centre, 6735 Salish Dr, Vancouver, BC
Cost: $25 per person. Dinner – a Wild Salmon BBQ is $30 per person and requires separate registration.
If you'd like to register for the dinner only and not the Mission Conference, you do not need to complete the registration form. Instead, please e-mail Phil Colvin at the Synod Office.
REGISTER NOW!
Images:
1. The Rotunda meeting space at the Musueam Centre
2. Bishop Alawas and Bishop Skelton, March 1, 2016 at Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines.
Below you can download a copy of the Mission Conference 2016 poster to display in your parish.