In Mission for Others: - BC Synod

Canada. In view of the financial shortfall it is unlikely that in the new fiscal year the synod we willbe in a financial position to continue with a full time Assistant to the Bishop.Also, it is with sadness that I note also that Rev Tyler Gingrich, Mission Developer for t All SaintsLutheran Mission, due to a lack of funds, has been reduced half-time.Mission congregations such as All Saints Lutheran in Kelowna and Emmanuel in Surrey dependupon our support. More and more people are making BC their home – it is therefore imperativethat we remain a church that is in mission for others.In our 2008 convention I encouraged congregations to review their proportionate Benevolencegiving to the church. If we want members of our congregations to give proportionately to theircongregation, then congregations need to set the example by supporting the work of the widerchurch proportionately. Therefore I encourage congregations to prayerfully consider supportingthe mission and ministry of the synod with a faithful proportion of their annual budget.‣ One of our challenges, as I reported in our last convention, is the increasing number ofcongregations with declining membership. Several congregations in our synod have an averageSunday morning attendance of between 25-50 worshippers. Although the members of thesecongregation are faithful and committed, tasks such as ushering, serving on church council andcommittees can become onerous. The creation of Spirit of Life congregation is an example of twocongregations, Augustana Lutheran and Christ Lutheran, taking the issue of dwindlingmembership seriously. It is my hope and prayer that by sharing their resources the members ofthis new congregation will be more effectively in mission for others. It is important to rememberthat our church buildings are a gift from God to serve the mission of God. At times this may meanusing the resources of our congregation to do ministry elsewhere or give birth to a new missioncongregation.‣ The Campus Ministry Board for UBC continues to explore options for the renewal of the campuscentre. Since it appears more likely that we will need to do so on our own, the Board hasestablished a sub-committee to develop a business plan for this scenario.‣ The BC Synod council is looking at ways we can improve and expand our use of the electronicmedia in our synod i.e. for Synod Council and Committee meetings, and Communications forRostered Ministers and Congregations.‣ People sometimes ask what does the synod do? I could speak passionately about this for hours.First of all it needs to be emphasised that the synod is all of us. The work and ministry of thesynod is that to which God call us as a church. Perhaps I should qualify that by saying, the workand mission of the BC synod is that portion of God’s mission in the world that we are willing toagree to in convention. If you want to learn more about the day to day activities of the synod hereare some suggestions Ask your pastor Invite the Bishop to visit your congregation Invite the Dean of the conference or a member of synod council to speak to thecongregation If distance is not a factor bring your confirmation class to the synod office for a meetingwith the Bishop Congregations may also consider holding a church council meeting at synod office andmeet with the Bishop.We do have many challenges in our synod and church, however, there are far more signs of hope. Icontinue to be enthused and energized knowing that God has called us to be in Mission for Others. I amBritish Columbia Synod Section A | 4