A letter from the Standing Committee
May 7, 2009
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Oregon has reviewed reports of the financial health of our congregations during this difficult economic time. These reports clearly point to significant financial stress in many (though not all) congregations. The Standing Committee is well aware of this stress, and has been working with other bodies for creative ways to respond, both practically and pastorally.
However, the people of the diocese should be aware that at this very juncture in our common life new and very promising developments in mission for the long term are arising. These developments include renewal of existing congregations, extensions of ministry to new communities, and looking at the future of our entire mission focus. Both our challenges and our opportunities require a high degree of faithfulness to the basic Gospel imperatives of discipleship, service, and sharing the faith.
Based on these imperatives we are being called to look in very new directions for regional and diocese-wide mission. We encourage Convocations and Clericuses to take up this conversation in a lively and future-oriented manner. In Christ, we can do all things. Of this we are – and must be – certain.
Receptionist, Administrative Assistant & Events Registrar
Episcopal Diocese of
503-636-5613
Fax: 503-636-5616
1 comment:
I've read this a couple of times now, Catherine. But what does it say? What's the call? I don't see the usefulness of this statement.
Mind you, I say this as a member (and recently retired vestry member) of a parish that pays its full diocesan assessment, even if that means our parish runs a deficit.
[The verification word is "stations." How cool is that?!]
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