Ever since I was a student in seminary I have kept a small poster above my desk. It says, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." You might have to read it a few times to really get it, once you do you might agree with me that it is important.

What is the "main thing" for you? There will be a lot of different answers to that question as we consider what the main thing is in our lives. But now think about your parish. What is the "main thing" in your parish? The challenging reality is that there are many different answers to this question in the parish — and it is something we don't talk about enough.

For some the main thing is that they can come to church and find an island of peace and safety where they can recharge their batteries for the week ahead. They might be surprised to learn that some people think the main thing about church is community and a sense of belonging. And they would be surprised that some believe the main thing in the church is doing good works — locally or overseas. These are only three examples of what people believe is the “main thing” about the church. There are many, many more.

Of course there is no good reason why the church can't be "many things to many people," but it can't be all things to all people. This is a lesson that we find very difficult to accept because there are so many worthy things to do.

When I served an urban parish a generous hearted woman came forward and said that she thought we should join a program that linked people in the community who had various needs, with volunteers in the churches who could, for example, fix a dripping faucet or move a heavy piece of furniture. The problem is that the folks in this particular parish had been working very hard and the most active — and the most likely volunteers were getting pretty burned out. It was my job to help them to find a way to affirm the cause but to say no to getting involved at that moment. They did and it was the right thing to do, they were then able to focus on a major outreach project that was already underway and that needed new life and energy. Without that decision that major project might have withered for lack of energy.

Each year I encourage the active leaders in the parish to gather and to plan for the year. This helps us to focus on what we feel particularly called to do in our parish context. It means discerning the call of God and being responsible stewards of the available gifts and energy. It helps the parish and the leaders to keep the “main thing” the main thing.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 2008

BY THE REV. HEATHER KARABELAS

Bishop's report:
The Task Force on Ministry has been meeting monthly, and will have a report for the Diocesan Council in February. Recommendations will be made re: what needs authorization and at what level; needs and support for training; and a schedule for implementing changes.

Retired Clergy gatherings were held in Westbank and Nelson.

• The Synod Planning Committee is meeting, chaired by Michael Karabelas, and includes Allan Reed, Cathy Hall, Harvey Mazinki, Ken Watts, Cathy Haig, David Irving and John Privett, with Kathryn Lockhart taking minutes. The proposed theme is "Steward's of God’s Mission."
• Kokanee region is looking at new configuration and realignment.

Cathedral Site Development Update
The project ( St. Michael’s House) will cost $1.5 million, and currently the Cathedral has over $600,000 in cash and pledges. Percy Tinker reported later in the meeting that the Cathedral will need help raising the cash.
DFB Task Group to be formed whose mandate will be:

1. to identify and assess those parishes, congregations, or shared ministries that continue in difficulty and require attention;
2. to develop a process wherein those identified will be asked to formulate a two year stewardship plan that will enable them to meet their expected fiscal and program responsibilities;
3. In consultation with the Bishop and Executive Archdeacon, to determine and communicate to the Diocese and the congregations the fiscal and pastoral consequences that may result if the goals of such stewardship plans are not met after two years.

New Business
The 2009 Diocesan Synod will be held in Kelowna, May 17-19, 2009.
Parish Insurance: The Diocese received a $15,000 reduction in insurance premiums for the 2008-2009 term, and the corresponding savings will be passed on to parishes.
Upcoming Events:
New Clergy Orientation — March 11, 2009 - David Irving and Derrick Smith have been asked to organize this event.