"There is a wonder in Christ that we are a part of something larger and greater. Imagine the possibilities, if we hold to the intensity of hope."
I used this statement when I answered a series of questions to the Bishop's Search Committee. This depth of Hope was profoundly present during our last two Diocesan Council meetings. It is no coincidence that this past Saturday, we met at Emmanuel Resurrection, which is one of many parishes where such Hope is fueling a rebirth.
In my years as Canon to the Ordinary and Bishop, I have attended many meetings and found this one to be truly inspirational. We reviewed the 2018 budget and reviewed in detail the many ways in which we are aligning it with our mission. As we discussed previously, the budget will be transparent, reflect the values of our community and will empower congregations for growth.
At the meeting, we agreed by vote and acclamation to move forward on two important initiatives:
ASSISTANCE
The first initiative arose out of the recognition that many of our congregations have great ideas but need that added "boost" to assist them in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we resolved to explore a variety of options in order to assist parishes with grants designed to help with outreach and growth. For example, a congregation may need to build a parking lot, renovate a classroom, or purchase a refrigerator. This potential new program from your diocese will allow them to make such improvements without impacting their programs, administration or outreach. We are on this journey together, and there is a need to give the congregations that added "boost" to assist in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Budget Committee, the Finance Committee, and the Finance Office are charged with this new ministry formation.
MISSIONS
Our mission congregations are an essential and critical part of our diocese. They plant the seeds of faith and proclaim the voice of Jesus Christ. As a community we are committed to helping them hold on to the intensity of hope. To fully support their work and to encourage growth, a commission was formed to review and renew our collective mission strategy. The commission is composed of members of Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Finance, Mission Vicars, and the Office of the Diocese. We are working as a community to inspire the "intensity of hope".
The charge of the Commission is the following:
Use existing and past documents to examine the historical perspective
Review criteria for becoming a mission and the mission application process
Create goals, standards, outreach, and impact once a congregation becomes a mission
Set standards for reporting
Assist in the sacred stewardship of resources
Establish standards governing the length of time a congregation would remain a mission
Ensure parity among the missions
Account for all other essential information and criteria to empower missions for growth.
We are doing good foundational work in the Diocese, which will touch the world in the name of Jesus Christ. I am blessed to serve as your Bishop.
"See, how good and how pleasing it is for brothers and sisters to live together as one." Psalm 133
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Daniel G. P. Gutiérrez
XVI Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania
