Our Bishop had suggested initially that July 2002 would be a good target for a report detailing a comprehensive project plan for future ministry in the Lower Saint John River Valley. The Steering Group will work toward the July goal. Each task team at work will be looking for membership, preferably representative from the four parishes. Anyone with an interest in a particular area should speak to the specific team leader.

TASK TEAM REPORTING:

A. Existing Facilities. Craig Patstone
An inventory of the present property assets of the four parishes will be necessary, including not only the actual buildings but also items such as stained glass windows, vessels and hangings, church fixtures and appliances. An evaluation standard will be needed to assist with choices regarding the stewardship of our possessions. The Team plans to be in consultation with the Historic Properties Committee of the Diocese.

B. Community Building. Jackie Lohnes
It is proposed that groups such as layreaders, bible study participants, the ACW’s, other groups, and vestries meet together across parish boundaries to discuss their share in the future as a way of building community. Since planning has begun for annual parish picnics, one large picnic is probably not possible, however, each parish could invite the other parishes to their picnic. A corn boil for all the parishes later in the summer might be a good alternative. Individuals from all parishes will be needed help organize events and activities.

C. Financial Visioning. Andrew Logan / Keith Lane
A financial plan will be needed. Three areas suggested: 1) New building (capital budget); 2) Ongoing operation of a new parish (operating budget); 3) Fund-raising initiatives. K. Lane has volunteered to coordinate fund-raising initiatives. One of the immediate needs is to identify funds for project start-up costs available from the liquidation of current assets ie the sale of either rectories or churches. The issue of asset disparity among parishes was discussed. Does the largest control? A projected amount for the Project is $500,000 (considering the total cost less our identified current assets). All will need to be involved in the efforts of fund-raising. Creative ideas are welcome.

D. Communications. Cindy Price
The Communications Task Team has been formed with representatives from the four parishes. By motion, a common weekly notice bulletin insert will be included in all the parishes. Also by motion, the "Parish Partnership in Ministry News" will be circulated following Steering Group meetings sharing a concise summary of those meetings. Planning is underway for a preliminary four parish newsletter to be designed and ready for distribution by the end of June. Other considerations include the management of media, news releases and telephone communication initiatives.

E. Parish Vision. Debbie Black
The transition of small individual parishes to one "programme size parish" 250+ was discussed. With a larger parish comes significant changes in dynamics and relationships. The book, "Raising the Roof" (Alice Mann) from Alban Institute is recommended reading for all Steering Group membership in order to provide some theoretical basis for planning. The issue of the opportunity for input from all parish membership and groups to determine facility needs (what will a new church look like?) and, most importantly, a vision of ministry (what do we plan to do?) was discussed.

F. New Facilities. Gordon Brown / Wanda Porter
Perspective sites for a new Anglican facility are being explored. The property for a new facility will probably have to be 4 to 5 acres to permit grounds around it and a parking area. The cost of site development was discussed since considerable site preparation raises the overall cost of property significantly. The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield will be contacted regarding current municipal planning. Some conceptual drawings might be requested once a short-list of sites has been made. A conceptual drawing is "a vision with lines around it" ie not a "plan" or even a "preliminary sketch."

GOALS FOR NEXT MEETING
For the next meeting the task teams will be refining and further developing plans in their areas of emphasis. Several of the teams may be looking to recruit membership.

The next meeting of the Stage 4 Steering Group will be 21 May 2002 at St. Peter's Church, Public Landing, 7:30 p.m..