Life,Life,WorshipWorship

andandGovernanceGovernance

Vestry School 2011The Rev. Wilson Roane

Mr. Matthew P. Payne

OverviewOverview

Opening Prayer For the Mission of the Church

Book of Common Prayer, p. 816 Introductions

Mr. Matthew P. PayneLay Canon for Administration

The Rev. Wilson RoaneRetired & Interim, Intercession, Stevens Point

The Catechism, “Outline of Faith” Book of Common Prayer, page 844-862

OverviewOverview

What is the ministry of the laity? …to represent Christ and his Church; to bear

witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry

on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and

governance of the Church.” Church

People of God Institution

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Life Growth Reproduction adaptation to change in the world around us

How does the vestry take its place… Grapples with the big questions

As a Christian community, do we live our life for God?

As a Christian community, who are we before God?

As a Christian community, are we what God wants us to be?

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Approaches challenges differently: conflict Secular world, force or authority of superior

over subordinate The church, discernment of God’s will,

embracing others in love. Same goal…spreading the Gospel

Secular world, conflicts of interest from many goals

The church, one goal, no conflicts of interest

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Assess the life of the congregation

Bob Honeychurch’s vital church tool

YES = indicator of good health NO = indicator of need to improve health MAYBE = indicator of poor health

What’s the answer for you congregation?

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Are we Baptizing? Confirming? Welcoming new members? Adapting in appropriate ways to change? Gathering together regularly? Intentional about evangelism? Intentional about outreach?

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Do we reflect demographics? have purpose? connect gifts with needs? care for the sick, hurt, elderly, shut-ins? access resources needed? have a strong, broad-based leadership? develop lay leaders? give opportunities? offer strong spiritual development? know how to speak to others about faith? offer corporate worship? act responsibly with money? deal with conflict

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

Leads in moving forward.

envisioning – look to see where we can go. engage – ask others to help empower –use tools to help energize – coordinate efforts with positive

attitude exemplify –model what needs to be done

Life of the ChurchLife of the Church

No perfect program, plan, formula “grapple with big questions” “to approach challenges” “to assess life” “take the lead”

Lots of programs, plans, formulas to use Talk to others Internet Resource Center

It’s not about what or how, but that you are

Worship of the ChurchWorship of the Church

We are called to worship God You are…a people belonging to God, that you

may declare the praises of him… (1 Peter 2:9)

We are called to come together weekly for corporate worship Catechism, Book of Common Prayer p.855

Worship of the ChurchWorship of the Church

Corporate worship is uniting Catechism, Book of Common Prayer p.857 acknowledge God’s holiness hear God’s Word offer prayer, and celebrate sacraments

Worship of the ChurchWorship of the Church

Form and pattern from variety of sources The Holy Bible

all necessary for salvation publically declared

Book of Common Prayer forms of divine worship, rites, ceremonies standard forms

Supplementary materials (hymnals, etc…) broaden or deepen corporate praise; Procure reverence, exciting devotion

Worship of the ChurchWorship of the Church

Preparation Incorporate variety of purposes Homework to get ready “decently and in order, ” not on a whim

Helping make worship happen clergy have authority laity work with clergy orderly worship and

proper administration

Worship of the ChurchWorship of the Church

Striving for excellence Show up Visit another congregation Pulpit exchange Video of a worship service Take notes “Mystery Worshipper” Become intentional about analyzing worship

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Institution governed or managed for God’s glory

…serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received…so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Relationships. Structure

general, broadest most specific, narrowest

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Catholic,UniversalCore Doctrines

West and East

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

CatholicUniversal

DenominationSectsHistory

Traditions

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

CatholicUniversal

DenominationSects

Anglican CommunionHistory

Church of England

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

CatholicUniversal

DenominationSects

Anglican Communion

EpiscopalChurchGeneral Convention

Canons

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the ChurchDiocese of

Fond du LacDiocesan Convention

Bishop

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Diocesan Convention sets general policy and direction two classes of members

Clergy canonically resident Elected lay delegates

Diocesan Bishop chief pastor sets general vision with direction

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Executive Council oversees operations acting for Diocesan Convention

Standing Committee oversees ecclesiastical issues

Trustees oversee legal issues, especially property

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Diocese ofFond du Lac

Congregation

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Unorganized Mission established by the Bishop

Organized Mission established by the people and the Bishop govern own affairs unable to support place of worship or priest by its own

means

Parish established by the people, the Bishop and Diocesan

Convention govern its own affairs able to support place of worship and priest by its own

means

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Diocese ofFond du Lac

Congregation

Member

Core Doctrines

West and East

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Communicants received Holy Communion in this Church at

least 3 times minimum standard

Communicants in Good Standing faithful in corporate worship Working Praying Giving for the spread of the Kingdom of God

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Organized two wardens 3 to 9 elected vestry members Clerk & Treasurer Committees / Teams / Task Forces

Responsibilities Legally Good stewards Holy people Members

Governance of the ChurchGovernance of the Church

Pray For the church For congregational members For those who do not know God’s love

Life,Life,WorshipWorship

andandGovernanceGovernance

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