It seemed like a good idea

Published: November 2009

Related Topics: Ecclesiology, Leadership

It seemed like a good idea at the time and it seems like a good idea now. The Diocese needs $750,000 to cover all those costs incurred, in part, when the four parishes left the Anglican church for the Network, together with other shortfalls. Bishop Michael has transformed the whole matter into the greater concept of a Passion for Justice, together with Excellence in Ministry.

Certainly the four departing churches and the attending legal costs have brought forth courage and caused stress at the top level of the diocese.

So it cost the diocese reserves $750,000 in lost revenue and investment income, in continuing pastoral care and operating support for the four departing churches. Stewardship consultant Jim Newman suggests that if 750 people could feel passionate enough to come up with $1,000 each, the diocesan resources would be replenished and all would be well.

Which sets one thinking. If 1,000 people came up with $750 each, the same sum could be raised. If 10,000 gave $75 each, the passionate gift would be the same. I ran this idea past Elaine Hooker at the Bishop's Company dinner and like a bolt from above we took a stab at the number of Anglicans in the whole Niagara diocese—100,000—which would mean $7.50 each. "I'd go for that", said Elaine, "and add a couple more to it." Except that Karen Nowicki who knows about these things sets the figure at 14,000 Anglicans in the Diocese of Niagara, working out to $53.57 per person.

Plainly, a little creative thinking was in order. It came, soon enough, in the form of Lynne Corfield, the master of ceremonies and animator of the dinner itself: a lottery, the winning ticket worth a solo standup performance by La Corfield herself.

Assuming, of course, that Ms. Corfield would be willing to perform at an appropriate function of her choice, or perhaps at the next diocesan synod, steps would move up, or down, from there. Bishop Michael might be prevailed upon for the winning ticket of a lesson in curling, or in bagpipe playing. A third winner might enjoy a dinner for four cooked by Bishop Spence, with culinary comment to follow in the Niagara Anglican. And for a truly exciting thrill, Jim Newman, a secret racing driver and enthusiast, would surely oblige, with goggles and helmets.

Minor details and ticket prices, sales, and oversight would naturally be forthcoming from the financial offices of the diocese, who presumably provided the facts and figures to date. If not, then I myself, and possibly Elaine Hooker, might offer my little black book method of daily entry of expenditures that has served me well for some twenty five years.

As I have said, it seemed like a good idea at the time. It still does.

It seemed like a good idea

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