Hamilton Conference Annual General Meeting
- Thread starter revjohn
- Start date
Welcome to Wondercafe2!
A community where we discuss, share, and have some fun together. Join today and become a part of it!
crazyheart
Rest In Peace: tomorrow,tomorrow
Someone here ( a new poster) wants to know someone from Halifax. You could ask around.
revjohn
Well-Known Member
And I likewise got to meet you sans sunglasses. Also memorable.
Delightful Life
M&M, Cascadian Lovers
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
swanky! UCC is LOADED. hot n cold running perrier with marmot scenery!
sorry for the extremely hot n muggy weather
the wet coast's thermostat is on the fritz
Seeler
Well-Known Member
I miss those people from the original WC.
revjohn
Well-Known Member
Sooooo. . . (revjohn - I have my notes handy, so have added some info to the bits in italics that were fuzzy for you 
- edit by Carolla )
Hamilton Conference's 91st Annual General Meeting highlights
10 proposals to the GC-42 in the pre-conference mailout and another 4 added to the docket over the weekend.
Proposal 1: The Establishment of a Nuclear Abolition Portfolio.
Discussion around the motion reveals that this portfolio is actually handled by a GC Staff person already. That combined with the fact that we will be reducing the number of GC Staff positions in the very near future made this proposal a bust. It was easily defeated despite the strongly stated opinion of a delegate to Conference (Younger than me and a first-timer at Conference) that we still need a nuclear deterrent.
A very large collective intake of breath and I started to pen this guy's eulogy. Self-discipline reigned and he survived to make many, many, many more trips to the mic (on separate matters). When he finally opined that we might be getting sick of hearing his voice the silence provided uncomfortable affirmation that some were rueing their earlier display of self-discipline.
Proposal 2: Setting the date for a Congregation or pastoral charge meeting to consider a Change in a Pastoral Relationship.
Sounded like a far-fetched premise, the minister leaves town on vacation and a meeting is called to terminate his position behind his back. Who'd play that dirty? Well, apparently more than you would suspect. Some interesting bits of minutia and then some handwringing about GC-42 already having so much on their plate.
It was such a hot issue that my memory is fuzzy. I believe we sent this proposal to GC-42 where it will probably be punted to the GC-Exec to deal with.
Proposal 3: Quorum for a meeting of the Governing Body of a Congregation or Pastoral Charge.
Again, sounded far-fetched at first. Further discussion indicated that it actually has been a festering mess for smaller congregations. Currently the Manual establishes quorum at 1/3 of membership for governing bodies of 60 or fewer members. For governing members exceeding 60 members quorum is set at 20 members.
So, for a governing body of 60 at least 20 need to be present to establish quorum and if your governing body is 600 at least 20 need to be present to establish quorum.
For a governing body of six only 2 members need to be present to establish a quorum.
I expect you see the potential for less than transparent leadership.
As with Proposal 2 my memory on the outcome for this proposal is fuzzy. I believe we did pretty much the same with this as we did with Prop 2.
Proposal 4: Change to congregation or Pastoral Charge governing body structure.
Not as far-fetched but certainly more dull than Proposals 2 and 3 combined. Most discussion revolved around the rational for such a proposal and many wondering what the heck has been going on in Waterloo Presbytery (which was responsible for Proposals 2, 3 and 4).
My memory is fuzzier on the outcome for this proposal. (edit by Carolla - yes - I think 2, 3, 4 were all transmitted with concurrance)
In all fairness it had already been a long day, tempers were somewhat short and there was considerable angst about sending stuff to GC-42 that would distract from the already important distraction that the comprehensive review represents.
Proposal 5: Recommend changing the name from "Chasing the Spirit" to "Understanding the Spirit."
Hint: If you really hate what something is called and you want the name changed, find a better name. Discussion revealed nothing terribly surprising. Everyone hates the name "tentatively" given to the New Mission Fund proposed in the Comprehensive Review. I think that the fact it is clearly noted the name is tentative suggests that even the authors of the Comprehensive Review know that the name sucks.
That said we defeated the proposal and will be transmitting it without concurrence and notes that indicate all of us think that the tentative name for the fund is an abomination.
Proposal 6: Regional Councils to set aside $100, 000.00 for a dedicated visitor to all Pastoral Charges.
In principle lifted up as a potentially wise idea. Defeated by the fact that there is no detail about how many or how large the Regional Councils will end up being and the fact that it could potentially deplete budgets before any other work is started.
This proposal was defeated.
Proposal 7 (1) Eliminate Conferences and not replace them with a regional court.
By this time there was little patience for proposals changing proposals that had not been dealt with.
Pretty quickly defeated.
Proposal 7 (2) Retain and Strengthen Presbyteries.
Defeated much faster than 7(1)
Proposals 8 and 9 were identical: Guarantee a place for the UCW in the new structures.
This represented perhaps the greatest embarrassment in the Comprehensive Review process so far. The fact that it all but ignores the presence and value of the UCW to the Greater Church. While it was pointed out that the UCW are actually mentioned in a backgrounder (the Comprehensive review of when the scroll speed on the credits accelerates) it is clear that they are an afterthought.
Defeated but transmitted with comments. (edit by Carolla - as best I can recall, the motion put forward was to NOT submit the proposal; but indeed this was defeated - so the double negative meant the proposal will be transmitted with concurrance)
Some stunning commentary on the current impact of the UCW suggests that they are begging to be thought of in terms of "that was then, this is now." Which is a little of the UCCAN biting the hand that has literally fed them these past 50+ years.
Proposal 10: The Impact of the Economic Action Campaign against Israeli Settlements.
Easily the most provocative proposal discussed and the one which proves that passionate people are deaf to the voices of people who think differently. Without being able to run an accurate survey I would also say this divides the Church along the faultline that exists between thinkers and feelers.
Defeated.
The following proposals I do not have on paper so I may be missing much.
Proposal 11: I can't remember. (edit by Carolla - 11 was mandatory membership in Assoc'n; 12 had to do with oversight & discipline, sorry I don't recall better detail! - defeated)
Proposal 12: Make participation in the Association of Ministers mandatory.
This is the only proposal that I rose to speak to. I questioned why we needed to force ministers to hang out with one another and if we really did think that was important why were we not forcing lay people to hang out with one another.
During discussion a ripple of laughter rolled through the court and I was directed to the large screens and the announcement which read:
While John Maich does not want anyone to feel that they have to hang out with him he really doesn't mind if they do.
This resulted in a small mob swarming me and offering hugs. Other hugs were offered throughout the rest of the morning. (Birthstone & Carolla reassured revjohn that we will hang out with him at GC in August, with his consent of course)
Proposal 13: Property assessment and review of all Church properties.
Apparently the UCCAN is the 10th largest property holder (in terms of actual properties not their value or size) in all of Canada. There is a concern that when congregations are given greater autonomy properties will start to disappear and slush funds will arise. I think this is actually more about poorer congregations believing that they are entitled to those dollars and that the richer congregations should be disbanded.
Conversation was kind of ideological. In principle it is something we should have a better handle on than we do at present.
Passed.
Proposal 14: Review of questions to ordinands and commissionands with respect to stated doctrine of the UCCAN.
References the Toronto Conference review (heard some interesting grapevine about that this weekend) currently in progress. Several at my table wondered what the heck that meant and as soon as the Reverend Vopser's name came up they lost interest.
Passed. Overwhelmingly.
Discussion was had about the Recommendations presented in the Comprehensive Review.
Recommendation 1 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 2 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 3 the court was cool to it.
Recommendation 4 the court was split on their feelings to that.
Recommendation 5 the court was cool to it.
Recommendation 6 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 7 (which is new) the court was cool to it. Recommendation 7 was asking GC-42 to wave the mandatory 24 month study period typically attached to all remits in light of the fact that the remits arising will be tied to the Comprehensive Review.
So, now all Commissioners know what Hamilton Conference thinks about the Recommendations in the Comprehensive Review. So what? Exactly.
We honoured several who have served the Church in ministry for 25 years and several who have given the Church 50 years of service. For some reason we chose to snub the 35 year and 40 year mark this AGM. Classy.
We ordained 6 during our Celebration of Ministry Service and received 1 from the Hungarian Reformed Church. The Sermon for the Celebration of Ministry Service was delivered by the Very Reverend Lois Wilson a former Moderator of the UCCAN and a former Senator, an order of the Companion of Canada and the Companion of Ontario and a recipient of the Pearson Peace Medal. A pedigree which is not that shabby.
The Very Reverend Wilson proclaimed that the centre of the UCCAN is Jesus and that in an effort to include all the denomination was in danger of losing the centre. A proclamation which gave some a moment or two of pause. In UCCAN circles you might think it is clever to take a slap at the current moderator, only an idiot would challenge the Very Reverend openly and unlike the Right Reverend Gary Patterson this Very Reverend has, at her advanced age a great deal of fight left in her. She probably gets a free pass on most things she says and during this weekend she was very much old school.
Not that you would hear me complaining.
The service for the Celebration of New Ministries was in the Chapel of Redeemer University College (my Alma Mater) and just as I remember the springs in the seats pops back when you stand up. Several wondered why there was a drum roll every time we stood to sing a hymn. Those next to me were entertained by my barely suppressed amusement. You'd think that after four years of worship in that chapel I'd have moved passed the humour of such a silly little thing. 22 years after graduation it still tickles my funny bone.
I managed to deliver my final Nominations Report without embarrassing myself too much. Rumour has it the Conference Staff had a pool running as to how well I would do. I think that I did rather well. I remembered to address the president, Executive Secretary and the Court as per etiquette (it is a respect thing),I was brief, offered minimal commentary or narration read the motion they put in front of me stood for the vote, was colour coordinated with the Nominations report contained in the docket (apparently my fondness for the colour green has been noted) and as soon as the vote was recorded I left the stage. (may I add that revjohn's wardrobe also featured green for the occasion)
It is a minor and trivial technicality that the second motion moved by me was not ever delivered to me.
Conference Staff are tight-lipped about who won the Office Pool and what it was that they won.
Along with the other Commissioners to GC-42 I was commissioned and blessed by the court and sent out to Cornerbrook, NL with their blessings and support.
Gord Dunbar was installed as President of Hamilton Conference and the Reverend Heather Lefler was named President-Elect.
A busy weekend but not a difficult one.
- edit by Carolla )Hamilton Conference's 91st Annual General Meeting highlights
10 proposals to the GC-42 in the pre-conference mailout and another 4 added to the docket over the weekend.
Proposal 1: The Establishment of a Nuclear Abolition Portfolio.
Discussion around the motion reveals that this portfolio is actually handled by a GC Staff person already. That combined with the fact that we will be reducing the number of GC Staff positions in the very near future made this proposal a bust. It was easily defeated despite the strongly stated opinion of a delegate to Conference (Younger than me and a first-timer at Conference) that we still need a nuclear deterrent.
A very large collective intake of breath and I started to pen this guy's eulogy. Self-discipline reigned and he survived to make many, many, many more trips to the mic (on separate matters). When he finally opined that we might be getting sick of hearing his voice the silence provided uncomfortable affirmation that some were rueing their earlier display of self-discipline.
Proposal 2: Setting the date for a Congregation or pastoral charge meeting to consider a Change in a Pastoral Relationship.
Sounded like a far-fetched premise, the minister leaves town on vacation and a meeting is called to terminate his position behind his back. Who'd play that dirty? Well, apparently more than you would suspect. Some interesting bits of minutia and then some handwringing about GC-42 already having so much on their plate.
It was such a hot issue that my memory is fuzzy. I believe we sent this proposal to GC-42 where it will probably be punted to the GC-Exec to deal with.
Proposal 3: Quorum for a meeting of the Governing Body of a Congregation or Pastoral Charge.
Again, sounded far-fetched at first. Further discussion indicated that it actually has been a festering mess for smaller congregations. Currently the Manual establishes quorum at 1/3 of membership for governing bodies of 60 or fewer members. For governing members exceeding 60 members quorum is set at 20 members.
So, for a governing body of 60 at least 20 need to be present to establish quorum and if your governing body is 600 at least 20 need to be present to establish quorum.
For a governing body of six only 2 members need to be present to establish a quorum.
I expect you see the potential for less than transparent leadership.
As with Proposal 2 my memory on the outcome for this proposal is fuzzy. I believe we did pretty much the same with this as we did with Prop 2.
Proposal 4: Change to congregation or Pastoral Charge governing body structure.
Not as far-fetched but certainly more dull than Proposals 2 and 3 combined. Most discussion revolved around the rational for such a proposal and many wondering what the heck has been going on in Waterloo Presbytery (which was responsible for Proposals 2, 3 and 4).
My memory is fuzzier on the outcome for this proposal. (edit by Carolla - yes - I think 2, 3, 4 were all transmitted with concurrance)
In all fairness it had already been a long day, tempers were somewhat short and there was considerable angst about sending stuff to GC-42 that would distract from the already important distraction that the comprehensive review represents.
Proposal 5: Recommend changing the name from "Chasing the Spirit" to "Understanding the Spirit."
Hint: If you really hate what something is called and you want the name changed, find a better name. Discussion revealed nothing terribly surprising. Everyone hates the name "tentatively" given to the New Mission Fund proposed in the Comprehensive Review. I think that the fact it is clearly noted the name is tentative suggests that even the authors of the Comprehensive Review know that the name sucks.
That said we defeated the proposal and will be transmitting it without concurrence and notes that indicate all of us think that the tentative name for the fund is an abomination.
Proposal 6: Regional Councils to set aside $100, 000.00 for a dedicated visitor to all Pastoral Charges.
In principle lifted up as a potentially wise idea. Defeated by the fact that there is no detail about how many or how large the Regional Councils will end up being and the fact that it could potentially deplete budgets before any other work is started.
This proposal was defeated.
Proposal 7 (1) Eliminate Conferences and not replace them with a regional court.
By this time there was little patience for proposals changing proposals that had not been dealt with.
Pretty quickly defeated.
Proposal 7 (2) Retain and Strengthen Presbyteries.
Defeated much faster than 7(1)
Proposals 8 and 9 were identical: Guarantee a place for the UCW in the new structures.
This represented perhaps the greatest embarrassment in the Comprehensive Review process so far. The fact that it all but ignores the presence and value of the UCW to the Greater Church. While it was pointed out that the UCW are actually mentioned in a backgrounder (the Comprehensive review of when the scroll speed on the credits accelerates) it is clear that they are an afterthought.
Defeated but transmitted with comments. (edit by Carolla - as best I can recall, the motion put forward was to NOT submit the proposal; but indeed this was defeated - so the double negative meant the proposal will be transmitted with concurrance)
Some stunning commentary on the current impact of the UCW suggests that they are begging to be thought of in terms of "that was then, this is now." Which is a little of the UCCAN biting the hand that has literally fed them these past 50+ years.
Proposal 10: The Impact of the Economic Action Campaign against Israeli Settlements.
Easily the most provocative proposal discussed and the one which proves that passionate people are deaf to the voices of people who think differently. Without being able to run an accurate survey I would also say this divides the Church along the faultline that exists between thinkers and feelers.
Defeated.
The following proposals I do not have on paper so I may be missing much.
Proposal 11: I can't remember. (edit by Carolla - 11 was mandatory membership in Assoc'n; 12 had to do with oversight & discipline, sorry I don't recall better detail! - defeated)
Proposal 12: Make participation in the Association of Ministers mandatory.
This is the only proposal that I rose to speak to. I questioned why we needed to force ministers to hang out with one another and if we really did think that was important why were we not forcing lay people to hang out with one another.
During discussion a ripple of laughter rolled through the court and I was directed to the large screens and the announcement which read:
While John Maich does not want anyone to feel that they have to hang out with him he really doesn't mind if they do.
This resulted in a small mob swarming me and offering hugs. Other hugs were offered throughout the rest of the morning. (Birthstone & Carolla reassured revjohn that we will hang out with him at GC in August, with his consent of course)
Proposal 13: Property assessment and review of all Church properties.
Apparently the UCCAN is the 10th largest property holder (in terms of actual properties not their value or size) in all of Canada. There is a concern that when congregations are given greater autonomy properties will start to disappear and slush funds will arise. I think this is actually more about poorer congregations believing that they are entitled to those dollars and that the richer congregations should be disbanded.
Conversation was kind of ideological. In principle it is something we should have a better handle on than we do at present.
Passed.
Proposal 14: Review of questions to ordinands and commissionands with respect to stated doctrine of the UCCAN.
References the Toronto Conference review (heard some interesting grapevine about that this weekend) currently in progress. Several at my table wondered what the heck that meant and as soon as the Reverend Vopser's name came up they lost interest.
Passed. Overwhelmingly.
Discussion was had about the Recommendations presented in the Comprehensive Review.
Recommendation 1 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 2 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 3 the court was cool to it.
Recommendation 4 the court was split on their feelings to that.
Recommendation 5 the court was cool to it.
Recommendation 6 the court was warm to it.
Recommendation 7 (which is new) the court was cool to it. Recommendation 7 was asking GC-42 to wave the mandatory 24 month study period typically attached to all remits in light of the fact that the remits arising will be tied to the Comprehensive Review.
So, now all Commissioners know what Hamilton Conference thinks about the Recommendations in the Comprehensive Review. So what? Exactly.
We honoured several who have served the Church in ministry for 25 years and several who have given the Church 50 years of service. For some reason we chose to snub the 35 year and 40 year mark this AGM. Classy.
We ordained 6 during our Celebration of Ministry Service and received 1 from the Hungarian Reformed Church. The Sermon for the Celebration of Ministry Service was delivered by the Very Reverend Lois Wilson a former Moderator of the UCCAN and a former Senator, an order of the Companion of Canada and the Companion of Ontario and a recipient of the Pearson Peace Medal. A pedigree which is not that shabby.
The Very Reverend Wilson proclaimed that the centre of the UCCAN is Jesus and that in an effort to include all the denomination was in danger of losing the centre. A proclamation which gave some a moment or two of pause. In UCCAN circles you might think it is clever to take a slap at the current moderator, only an idiot would challenge the Very Reverend openly and unlike the Right Reverend Gary Patterson this Very Reverend has, at her advanced age a great deal of fight left in her. She probably gets a free pass on most things she says and during this weekend she was very much old school.
Not that you would hear me complaining.
The service for the Celebration of New Ministries was in the Chapel of Redeemer University College (my Alma Mater) and just as I remember the springs in the seats pops back when you stand up. Several wondered why there was a drum roll every time we stood to sing a hymn. Those next to me were entertained by my barely suppressed amusement. You'd think that after four years of worship in that chapel I'd have moved passed the humour of such a silly little thing. 22 years after graduation it still tickles my funny bone.
I managed to deliver my final Nominations Report without embarrassing myself too much. Rumour has it the Conference Staff had a pool running as to how well I would do. I think that I did rather well. I remembered to address the president, Executive Secretary and the Court as per etiquette (it is a respect thing),I was brief, offered minimal commentary or narration read the motion they put in front of me stood for the vote, was colour coordinated with the Nominations report contained in the docket (apparently my fondness for the colour green has been noted) and as soon as the vote was recorded I left the stage. (may I add that revjohn's wardrobe also featured green for the occasion)
It is a minor and trivial technicality that the second motion moved by me was not ever delivered to me.
Conference Staff are tight-lipped about who won the Office Pool and what it was that they won.
Along with the other Commissioners to GC-42 I was commissioned and blessed by the court and sent out to Cornerbrook, NL with their blessings and support.
Gord Dunbar was installed as President of Hamilton Conference and the Reverend Heather Lefler was named President-Elect.
A busy weekend but not a difficult one.
Last edited by a moderator:
Carolla
wondering & wandering
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
On the more fun side - our Conference President (now Past Pres) Ted Smith is person who sports a long ponytail. He challenged the court to raise $5,000 - and if we did, then he would cut his hair, donate it to Locks of Love & the money would be split between Five Oaks & (I think) the M&S fund. So .... almost $5600 was raised ... and off it went!
Youth and kids programme seemed really active - with lots of fun being had by all. I think there were about 20 people in each group. Crazy selfies going on by the youth on Sat evening with all the tables. Executive Secretary reported going down to crushing defeat in Apples to Apples game with the youth. Kids made a great video & slide show. Both groups led worship services. The whole weekend had lots of upbeat music which I enjoyed.
Our witnesses/reps were commissioned for the Ottawa event marking the closing of the Truth & Reconciliation hearings.
David Armour from GC Stewardship told us there will be a "turn key" stewardship programme in the hands of all congregations in early July. It's a 5 week programme - fully loaded with materials (video, sermon, announcements, music etc.) for churches to utilize in stewardship campaigns. Should be interesting to watch for; sounded like it might be an annual release kind of thing to help us all.
Conference is in the Affirm process; there was a discussion with a 'case study' re events encountered by a transgendered person. At my table I commented on how much we had learned on WC2 through the generous offerings of RitaTG. Two of the ministers present said "Oh I thought WC closed down." I let them know our new address, and that indeed there is LOTS going on, despite the decision of the church - they were impressed
We also squeezed in a meeting of our Conference GC42 Commissioners - so we would recognize each other's faces - and had a bit of an overview for us newbies. It was good to be welcomed and feel supported.
Youth and kids programme seemed really active - with lots of fun being had by all. I think there were about 20 people in each group. Crazy selfies going on by the youth on Sat evening with all the tables. Executive Secretary reported going down to crushing defeat in Apples to Apples game with the youth. Kids made a great video & slide show. Both groups led worship services. The whole weekend had lots of upbeat music which I enjoyed.
Our witnesses/reps were commissioned for the Ottawa event marking the closing of the Truth & Reconciliation hearings.
David Armour from GC Stewardship told us there will be a "turn key" stewardship programme in the hands of all congregations in early July. It's a 5 week programme - fully loaded with materials (video, sermon, announcements, music etc.) for churches to utilize in stewardship campaigns. Should be interesting to watch for; sounded like it might be an annual release kind of thing to help us all.
Conference is in the Affirm process; there was a discussion with a 'case study' re events encountered by a transgendered person. At my table I commented on how much we had learned on WC2 through the generous offerings of RitaTG. Two of the ministers present said "Oh I thought WC closed down." I let them know our new address, and that indeed there is LOTS going on, despite the decision of the church - they were impressed
We also squeezed in a meeting of our Conference GC42 Commissioners - so we would recognize each other's faces - and had a bit of an overview for us newbies. It was good to be welcomed and feel supported.
Delightful Life
M&M, Cascadian Lovers
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
such delightful disciples of the Common Human Experience -- the WC experiment bears fruit, again & again :3
what next?
a WC conference?
a WC wikipedia entry?
a star cluster named after WC?
what next?
a WC conference?
a WC wikipedia entry?
a star cluster named after WC?
Carolla
wondering & wandering
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
Let me introduce Cassidy ... is an amazing young woman who spoke to us, telling us a bit about her journey ... she's from a non-church going family & said when she was 13 she realized she could probably get into a whole lot of trouble in her teens & better find some good mentors and a positive community ... so she decided quite intentionally to start coming to church ... by herself ... and has become a really solid believer now at the age of 16. She has been hired (along with other youth) by the GC to do a youth pilgrimage across the country this summer, leading up to GC42 August meeting where she will be a Commissioner. She & other youth on this pilgrimage will be meeting with many people across the country to understand issues and bring views to GC. She makes me smile in the reflection of her positive enthusiastic glow.
Delightful Life
M&M, Cascadian Lovers
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
now THAT's a gorgeous quilt
onward to UCC's Children's Crusade
(though this one will end better than the historical one)
onward to UCC's Children's Crusade
(though this one will end better than the historical one)
Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
A heartening story and I wish there were more like that. Getting and keeping teens involved in church is a struggle, even for UUs. To have one this active is at least a sign that it can happen.
revjohn
Well-Known Member
It is a routine in Hamilton Conference to hold Youth Forum and Children and Young Teen Conferences at the same time and in the same location.
Youth Forum runs a half in-half-out program which requires them to be present for parts of the Hamilton Conference AGM agenda where they participate in the table group discussion..
My table had two such youth. Both were from Erie Presbytery (Table 22) was significantly tipped towards Erie Presbytery. Apart from the two youth (Erie Presbytery residents there was myself and a lay delegate. 50% of our table was represented by Erie Presbytery. I don't know how the others got so lucky.
At any rate, Hamilton Conference has had Youth Delegates at the AGM since 1989 when a Youth Delegate moved that each Presbytery (six in the Conference) commit to sending at least one Youth as a Presbytery delegate with the power to vote.
The motion passed handily.
Today that former Youth Delegate is a widely known and mostly respected clergy person.
Youth Forum runs a half in-half-out program which requires them to be present for parts of the Hamilton Conference AGM agenda where they participate in the table group discussion..
My table had two such youth. Both were from Erie Presbytery (Table 22) was significantly tipped towards Erie Presbytery. Apart from the two youth (Erie Presbytery residents there was myself and a lay delegate. 50% of our table was represented by Erie Presbytery. I don't know how the others got so lucky.
At any rate, Hamilton Conference has had Youth Delegates at the AGM since 1989 when a Youth Delegate moved that each Presbytery (six in the Conference) commit to sending at least one Youth as a Presbytery delegate with the power to vote.
The motion passed handily.
Today that former Youth Delegate is a widely known and mostly respected clergy person.
Carolla
wondering & wandering
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
There was an interesting guy sitting next to me at my table group. He was from Bruce Presbytyry, in a community not far from where our cottage was. Making social chatter, I asked him what he does when he's not working etc. He grinned & replied quietly - "I'm a race car driver." I then learned he drives stock cars - late model. I mentioned that our family LOVED to go to the races at Varney Speedway every summer (a true cultural event!) - and turns out that's where he races almost every Friday night. He went on to tell me he has a pit crew of 10 young people - both male & female. "How do you select kids for your crew?" I inquired.
"Well, as I drive around town, I watch for kids that seem like they might need something to do & somewhere to go on Friday night. There's not much to do around here ... and doing something keeps them out of trouble. Then I invite them to join in." He went on to explain he's got just 3 rules - show up & get along, no cursing, no smoking. His car is #4 - so he told me he painted around it to say "Jesus died 4 you" - I think it probably stands out from the others!
I asked about funding ... he foots most of the cost himself, and gets a few donations. He's been at it for about four years now.
"Whatever inspired you to do such a great thing?" I asked. He told me he used to coach soccer, because he was really committed to helping youth live well. He recognized that "they 'age out' of soccer around age 17, so I started thinking about what I could do to interest & engage them & help them stay out of trouble beyond that age & decided to give racing a try."
Last season, two of his pit crew kids decided they wanted to get into racing themselves & formed their own crew to race 'trains' (a big crowd pleaser, those crazy train races!) So now they're there every week too, with their own crew.
So there you go. A definite Fresh Expression of faith, if you ask me.
"Well, as I drive around town, I watch for kids that seem like they might need something to do & somewhere to go on Friday night. There's not much to do around here ... and doing something keeps them out of trouble. Then I invite them to join in." He went on to explain he's got just 3 rules - show up & get along, no cursing, no smoking. His car is #4 - so he told me he painted around it to say "Jesus died 4 you" - I think it probably stands out from the others!
I asked about funding ... he foots most of the cost himself, and gets a few donations. He's been at it for about four years now.
"Whatever inspired you to do such a great thing?" I asked. He told me he used to coach soccer, because he was really committed to helping youth live well. He recognized that "they 'age out' of soccer around age 17, so I started thinking about what I could do to interest & engage them & help them stay out of trouble beyond that age & decided to give racing a try."
Last season, two of his pit crew kids decided they wanted to get into racing themselves & formed their own crew to race 'trains' (a big crowd pleaser, those crazy train races!) So now they're there every week too, with their own crew.
So there you go. A definite Fresh Expression of faith, if you ask me.
Faerenach
Friendly Neighbourhood GCO Worker
Now this... this would make an excellent story for the Hope Collection.
Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
A buddy of my brother raced back in the eighties and nineties (maybe still does for all I know) and I know Varney was one of the tracks my brother went to with him. Can't see him having the "no cursing and no smoking" rules, though. Or the "Jesus" thing for that matter, though I suppose he could have had a conversion experience somewhere along the line.
And that really is an innovative idea for engaging older youth.
to him for coming up with it.
And that really is an innovative idea for engaging older youth.
to him for coming up with it.