Life, Worship and Governance Vestry School 2011 The Rev. Wilson Roane Mr. Matthew P. Payne

Overview Opening Prayer For the Mission of the Church Book of Common Prayer, p. 816 Introductions Mr. Matthew P. Payne Lay Canon for Administration The Rev. Wilson Roane Retired & Interim, Intercession, Stevens Point The Catechism, “Outline of Faith” Book of Common Prayer, page

Overview 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Church Catholic, Universal Core Doctrines West and East

Governance of the Church Denomination Sects Catholic Universal History Traditions

Governance of the Church Anglican Communion Denomination Sects Catholic Universal History Church of England

Governance of the Church Episcopal Church Anglican Communion Denomination Sects Catholic Universal General Convention Canons

Governance of the Church Diocese of Fond du Lac Diocesan Convention Bishop

Governance 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 Church Executive Council oversees operations acting for Diocesan Convention Standing Committee oversees ecclesiastical issues Trustees oversee legal issues, especially property

Governance of the Church Congregation Diocese of Fond du Lac

Governance 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 Church Member Congregation Diocese of Fond du Lac Core Doctrines West and East

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

Life, Worship and Governance Questions Comments Ideas