The Diocese of The Arctic
PO Box 190, Yellowknife, NWT, Canada
Anglican Church of Canada
Contact Administrator
Today is: Saturday,04 February,2012 09:35:36 AM

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SEPTEMBER 2011
        

The following are highlights of some of the issues discussed by the Executive Committee at its recent meeting in Yellowknife.

Yukon Proposal Update
The Executive wishes to continue conversations with the Yukon Diocese to clarify issues regarding boundaries and finances. This item is to be considered for inclusion on the Synod 2012 agenda. It was noted that pastoral/Episcopal ministry is taking place now without difficulty – is there a need to go further at this point?

Episcopal Report
Bishop Andrew presented his report of events that occurred over the past year. He highlighted his Episcopal visits and the issues he faced personally over the year. He also indicated his decision to retire early and that at the next synod there should be an election for a coadjutor bishop and a suffragan bishop. Bishop Andrew said he has no definite date for his retirement yet and he may commit to doing parish ministry or doing ministry training once he retires.

Translation
Bishop Ben,  even though he retired last November, continues to work with the Bible translation project. In his report Bishop Ben indicated that a great deal of the translation work is now completed and it is hoped that a complete Inuktitut Bible will be presented at Synod 2012.

On Eagle’s Wings Training - Rev. Canon Jonas Allooloo provided an update on the training session that took place in Puvirnituq in February or March. AnnE Zimmerman, the Executive Director of On Eagles Wings, was contacted and she agreed to  come to do Sunday school training. A notice was put in Let’s Talk to let parishes know that this training was taking place. People from Akulivik, Puvirnituq, Inukjuak and Umiujaq and one from Kuujjuaraapik attended the workshop. AnnE held a 5 day workshop and on Sunday the trainees practiced with the children. A good time was had by all. AnnE’s way was paid by the parish from Montreal to Puvirnituq and free accommodation was provided by the Coop hotel. The airlines allowed AnnE to bring excess baggage (training material). Sunday school material is provided by On Eagles Wings and they provide Vacation Bible Study (VBS) during the summer. He went on to indicate that AnnE Zimmerman can be contacted if anyone would like training in their area. He also said that the trainees are continuing to teach Sunday School.  This is a great success story!

Clergy Family Gathering  This gathering is being set up for any clergy and their families from  any areas – gathering to deal with issues of clergy work i.e. moves and treatment of children in new communities. There needs to be closure to some of these issues. It was suggested that this gathering take place next September. Bishop Andrew said he will put this information out so that people know he supports the event. He felt that this event should start with clergy kids.


ATTS Report
The Executive Officer contacted NCC nearly a year ago in respect to the ATTS in Pangnirtung.  The Diocese is seeking a quotation to have the ATTS re-opened and ready for occupancy. Discussions were held via email and telephone between Debra Gill and NCC Development Limited in respect to the scope of work and a quotation to complete the work.  NCC Development Limited felt that there were too many unknown items and felt they could best provide information if they took a visit to the site.  NCC Development also notes that others in Pang have mentioned in the past that the building was in poor condition but felt that they would have to see it first hand to best understand the needs and requirements of the Diocese.  On May 12th, 2011 they headed to Pangnirtung for the inspection. After inspecting the building they feel that there is a substantial amount of work to bring this building back to state where it can be occupied.  It is estimated that demolition of existing facility will be $100,000.00 to $150,000.00. The new facility is to include walls with R-27 insulation, Canexel siding, 26 gauge metal roofing, R-40 in the walls and ceilings. ($3.2 and $3.8 million would cover the complete move in cost).~A floor plan was provided for review.  It was decided that the project will not begin until the new Cathedral has been completed. It was also decided that the demolition of ATTS with cleanup of area be done next year so that the site is ready for construction once we can begin.

Plans for Synod
Plans are underway for our next synod. The event will take place in Iqaluit from May 28 to June 6, 2012, with May 28 and June 6 being travel days. Accommodation has been arranged at North 40 (also known as the “Old Res”) at a rate of $210 a day each. The Synod Chaplain and devotion leader will be Bishop Mike Warnke and some guests include Susan Warnke, Archbishop David Ashdown, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Bishop Michael Hawkins, and Bishop Mark McDonald. We have also entered into a rental agreement with the Department of Recreation, City of Iqaluit, to use a number of their chairs and tables for our conference.  We have arranged to rent 50 tables and 160 chairs, at a combined estimated cost of $3213.00 (G.S.T. included). Thanks to the New England Company and to the Nunavik Vestry Council the translation equipment which we have had to rent in the past has been ordered and we expect it to arrive in 6 to 8 weeks. Ground transportation from the airport and to and from the new cathedral has to be arranged.

After a great deal of discussion a theme for Synod 2012 was reached. It will be  “One in Christ – Sowing Together”.  

Rev. Lucy Netser accepted the appointment as Diocesan Youth Coordinator and as youth caucus coordinator at Synod 2012.

Next Executive Committee Meeting
As this is the last meeting of the current committee, the next meeting will be with the newly elected Executive during Synod 2012 in Iqaluit. The date of the full fall meeting will be set at that time.