Thoughts and words from the Bishop:

The Bishop has been reviewing the vestry reports from the various parishes across the Area.  She is both encouraged by the great diversity of ministry and mission in the area.  She is discouraged by some of the financial concerns in many of the parishes.  Bishop Linda recognized that in many places, while finances are a problem, ministry is continuing.  She also knows very well that this is a concern for all leaders in our parishes.

The Area Day in St. Peter's Cobourg went very well.  Almost 300 people attended and the workshops and speakers were full of energy and life. 
The Bishop was very grateful.

The Trent-Durham Area Funspeil will be held January 14, 2012 at the curling club in Lindsay.  So, mark your calendars and bring out members of
your parishes to the exciting event.  The money this year went to support the ministries of Faith Works in the area.

The Bishop shared some of her hopes and expectations around her involvement with the international dialogue with the Roman Catholics.  Bishop Nicholls is the only North American representative on this commission. 

  And finally, the Bishop shared some good news about her conversation with members of the Government about poverty issues and attended a rally at Queen's Park.

There was a brief discussion about how the Area allocates funds. Do we provide on-going support for Area staff positions such as the Youth Co-ordinator and University Chaplains?  How is this different from smaller local seed money for parish initiatives?  Do we need more specific parameters about how we make these decisions?