Looking to a Future: Faithful, Vital, Sustainable

A Listening Year

In

Alberta and Northwest Conference

Summary of Responses to Phase 1 Conversations

“Tilling the Soil”: Theological Reflection

Thank you!

Many thanks to all individuals, committees, Congregations, groups and Presbyteries who engaged in the Phase 1 conversations which invited deliberation from a theological perspective. These conversations have “tilled the soil” making ready for the planting of new seeds of possibility as the people of this Conference engage in Phase 2 conversations toward a renewed vision for our Conference. (See the cover letter accompanying this report for opportunities to engage in Phase 2 visioning conversations.)

Each, group, committee, Presbytery and individual who engaged in the Phase 1 conversations and submitted a response has received a summary of all of the input from those conversations. If you did not have an opportunity to participate in Phase 1 and would like to read the summary, please send an e-mail request to the Conference Office at coffice@anwconf.com and a summary report will be provided.

What we Heard:

1. There was a significant expression of gratitude among respondents for this opportunity to reflect theologically and a desire expressed for more of these opportunities in their Congregations, Presbyteries, groups and committees.

2. The Listening Year is very important because there is a strong need for better communication and the building of relationships among the Conference, Presbyteries and Pastoral Charges in Alberta and Northwest Conference. There is a yearning for connection by many in the Conference and a sense of “Alberta independence” among some.

3. Many faithful people in Congregations have very little knowledge or awareness of the work of Conference. Those who do have an awareness of the work of the Conference give high praise for that work, and particularly for the skill and commitment of the Conference Staff. (See page 5 of this report for information about Alberta and Northwest Conference purpose, vision and mission as it is currently expressed.)

4. There are differing perspectives among respondents as to who and what the Conference is. Some identify the Conference as the Meeting of Conference when all delegates, both ministry and laity, assemble to network and do the “business” of Conference. Others see the Conference as an administrative support to the mission and goals of Presbyteries and Congregations.

5. There is ambiguity among some respondents between a desire for the Conference to meet annually and the need and means to finance these large meetings in a region that covers a vast geography.

6. Respondents reported being sustained by a variety of spiritual practices. Some said that the invitation to reflect on their spiritual practices showed them that they need to deepen their spiritual practice. The people of the United Church in our Conference are strongly sustained spiritually through: meaningful worship, prayer, Bible Study, the practice of hospitality, music, engaging spiritual questions, and interfaith activities. When asked how the Conference might assist them in developing spiritual practice, respondents said they look to the Conference to model good spiritual practice and to provide leadership that helps them to prioritize their thoughts and ideas into a clearer sense of purpose.

7. When asked what gives them HOPE, respondents identified these sources of hope: “We are fuelled by love and respect.”; “God is with us. We are not alone.”; all are honoured; knowing that others share the journey and are supportive; signs of the ‘emerging church’; commitment to Spiritual Practice and to God’s call; knowing that the Spirit lives in and around us; willingness to learn and grow; changes in other parts of the church.

8. When asked what vision they believe God has for Alberta and Northwest Conference, respondents said: “Vision has to do with community and communication, not with structures.” “Conference is about connecting people and resources, and facilitating conversations with our neighbours in and beyond our church.” “A vision of justice for all people, especially those on the margins.” “Be a unifying presence.” “Connect a diversity of contexts.” “Mentor leadership.” “Liaise between General Council and the Presbyteries and Pastoral Charges in the region.” “Support Congregations and ministries.”

9. When asked how their God-given gifts might be shared in the Conference visioning process, respondents said they would share in this work, bringing their skills and committing time to participate. Some offered to provide hospitality. All of these commitments will be essential to the visioning process because the vision must come from the collective wisdom of the people of the whole of the Conference, guided by the Holy Spirit.

10. Finally, when asked what they need to see in order to trust this Listening Year Process, respondents said: we need to know that there will be respect for our input; we want to see the responses from others to this conversation; we need to see the process focus on mission, not finances; and, we need the assurance that the Conference has the capacity to make space for change and to let go of the way we do things now.

What next?

During the Autumn and Winter 2011-2012 there will be a number of opportunities to join a Focus Group conversation. These conversations will provide opportunity to: explore our history as Alberta and Northwest Conference; work with some facts from Environics reports for our Conference, the three regions and the nine Presbyteries; identify areas of need and opportunities for growth; and develop our dreams and hopes for the future.

The coordinating group will take the abundant results of these conversations and develop options, or, if there is a dominant vision, a plan for consideration by the 83^rd Meeting of Alberta and Northwest Conference which will take place at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) May 31-June 3, 2012.

About Alberta and Northwest Conference

Alberta and Northwest Conference is one of thirteen Conferences in The United Church of Canada. Its basic operations are governed by the doctrine and policies of The United Church of Canada as outlined in The Manual. Our Conference serves Congregations in the Province of Alberta, north eastern British Columbia, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. It supports and coordinates the work of the nine Presbyteries within its bounds in their oversight of both Pastoral Charges and ministry personnel.

(Alberta and Northwest Conference Handbook of Policies and Procedures, p.1)

The Mission of Alberta and Northwest Conference

Purpose: to fulfill the requirements of Section 420 of The Manual(2010) of The United Church of Canada by engaging Congregational leaders, ordered and lay, and denominational structures in the support and furtherance of the mission of Jesus Christ in both the church and the world.

Vision: a church, locally and regionally where:

· Congregational life is vital and inviting

· Ministry Personnel and Congregations are in creative and productive pastoral relationships

· There is prophetic and caring response to the needs of individuals and communities

· Communication among the various constituencies of the church is open and effective

Goals: Healthy Congregations

Effective Ministry

Strong Public Witness

Open Connections and Communication

(Alberta and Northwest Conference Handbook of Policies and Procedures, p4)