Dear Fellow Sojourners
Attached to this introduction is a copy of a detailed report of the hard work that has been undertaken by members of our parish in trying to set a new strategy and vision for our future ministry in Sudbury. Some 35 members of the parish spent a weekend in March and an evening earlier this month sharing, discussing, dreaming and working hard with our Facilitator, Mr. Hugh Mackenzie of Huntsville, Ontario. This document is the result of all those working sessions.
Yes, it is a lengthy document, but a vital piece of information that I ask you to take the time to read through thoroughly. I ask you to especially note the four initiatives that make up the conclusion of the report. These initiatives will go to make up a proposed parish vision and plan for the future of our much loved Church of the Epiphany.
The Parish Council has adopted in principle this proposed vision for you to make a final decision at our annual Vestry meeting to take place in February 2010. In the meantime a "process committee" will be making every effort to present these initiatives to every member of the parish. In doing so the hope is that you will offer your impressions and opinion, positively or negatively.
Last winter The Rev. Deborah Kraft of Thunder Bay led us through an evening of sharing to establish a "motto" we could use to help us as a congregation focus our ministry and vision. The result of that effort was the decision that the Church of the Epiphany is "Led by the Light". Indeed, as we go forward in considering this proposed vision and in our parish life I pray that the light which is Jesus Christ will lead us ever more into his will for us and that our congregation will be that light shining out to Sudbury and beyond.
With every blessing, I remain,
Your fellow sojourner
The Venerable Thomas A. Corston