Anglican Diocese of Perth

Northern Region

Parish Councils' Gathering
Notes of the Meeting

A Vision for Parishes | Practical side to the Vision |
Photos from the Gathering

The event was attended by approximately 120 Parish Councillors from all over the Northern Region. Bishop Farran began the afternoon by sharing his vision for the region (see links above).

John Clapton gave a presentation on the success of the Network which covers Balga, Ballajura, Beechboro and Mirrabooka.

Bishop Farran then gave some ideas on the practicalities of achieving the vision and ensuring that all resources are used to their fullest advantage. Handouts were circulated re leadership plans for 2005. 

A Q&A time was then held with a panel which comprised of Bishop Farran, Michael Wood (Mediator), Anne Atkinson and Ray Huges-Odgers.

The questions were:

• What is the process of formation of TEAM?
  
  There are 4 major parts

  a) Theological Study – diploma course via some campus study,  and Saturday Seminar attendance. It is planned to bring in distance Ed for 2005.
  b) TEAM summer week – intense residential at Wollaston
  c) Theological Field Education – meet with supervisor once per month
  d) Spiritual direction.
  
  Candidates need to be discerned by the parish community.
   

• Why is EFM not on the handout sheet?
  
  EFM is a good source of learning but is not part of the TEAM program.  EFM can gain credit for the Diploma
   

• Much talk about theological learning – what about learning community networking skills?
  
  There is a programme that has been used at Bellevue entitled “creating new things” which looks at the connections that are not known within parish and community. The purpose is to discover resources / connections that can be utilised to the benefit of all. There are already lots of connections within congregations it’s a matter of finding out who connects to who or what.
   

• The Accident at Swan – was there support from TEAM?
  
  There was no TEAM at that time however a pastoral assistant programme was in place and Stuart Fenner worked very hard and was extremely good. The Rev Dr George Trippe also supported the parish which was invaluable and he helped to set up the Enabler Group.
   

• (Directed to Anne) – What were the major joys and challenges of developing the TEAM structure?
  
  Joys – discovering the gifts that people had but hadn’t known themselves.  Strengthening relationships with peers.
  
  Challenges – the parish is small and therefore not always enough people to draw from.
   

• What form do the Seeker services take at Darlington?
  
  The 10am service is an ‘all age’ worship, there is a theme for the day and it has an interactive style. There are no books, everything is printed onto a simple pew sheet including the hymns. Eucharist is included.
   

• How do you ensure that people act vocationally rather than just doing ‘favours’?
  
  It is in the use of the language used, ensuring that there is congruence with the Vision, use of intentional language of mission. Symbols, behaviour etc all work together to construct a vocational sense rather than a sense of duty or kindness.
   

• The word Worship has not been mentioned – are we keeping people out by being too formal with our services? Is one holy communion service not enough?
  
  Some Seeker services are not Eucharist and Mirrabooka hold monthly services that have no communion content. Therefore these alternatives are on offer to those that want them.

• Has there been any analysis on the congregation’s view of how the church is changing?
  
  The best feedback at this time is via the NCLS website where you can, for a fee, get information on all aspects of your local parish. It would be interesting to commission such a survey but costs would be restrictive.

With no more questions from the floor Bishop Farran led the commissioning service for Parish Councils and the gathering finished at approximately 5.20pm.