Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery
Annual Report - 2012
for Maritime Conference United Church of Canada
Change,,,new people at Presbytery meetings; new people in manses; farewells to long-time faithful participants; new challenges for congregations and communities.
And yet amidst the many changes, the meetings of the members of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery have continued with regularity and orderliness and fellowship and moments of inspiration and times of good humour.
The annual reports of the twenty congregations within eleven pastoral charges reveal that the people are continuing to hear and respond to the words of the hymn “will you come and follow me, if I but call your name?” and to the challenging words “yes, here I am; send me.”
As well, the annual reports confirm that sacraments are regularly performed; committees meet; services are held on schedule; financial statements are in order and generally properly audited; special events bring people together for learning and inspiration and fellowship; contributions to the Mission and Service Fund are generous and continuing as part of several outreach ministries.
New ministers are now resident in the Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, Baddeck/Middle River/Baddeck Bridge, and Margaree Pastoral Charges. Joint Search Committees have been thanked for their diligent and successful work.
The West Bay Pastoral Charge expects to welcome its new minister after ordination ceremonies at the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference. Thus, another Joint Search Committee has fulfilled its mandate and will shortly be relieved of further responsibilities.
The people of River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge continue to work with and benefit from the developing ministry of a half-time student intern in the Summer Distance Program for Ordination. It is a learning site with many opportunities for training.
With the other pastoral charges of the Inverness-Guyborough Presbytery under the care of their continuing ministers, three full-time and one half-time clergy, it is a time of deep appreciation in the Presbytery for the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in its undertakings.
The assistance of retired clergy, Rev. Boyce Elliott and Rev. Robert Lockhart, and Rev. David MacLean and his wife Catherine, is noted in the minutes of pastoral charges and of the Presbytery. Lay people of the area as well have often been service leaders.
New challenges and an awareness of coming changes are evident in many conversations and noted in many annual reports. The continuing out-migration of young people to economic opportunities in other parts of Nova Scotia and in Ontario and Alberta means fewer people to undertake tasks, contribute time and money, and participate in church activities.
The closing of the pulp mill at Port Hawkesbury and the lay-offs at the gypsum mine and marble quarry in Inverness County has increased the already high unemployment rate and has created challenges for social agencies as many people feel much stress.
For members of the West Bay Pastoral Charge and for the members of Presbytery, the death of Wayne Yorke, D. L. M. (2011) occasioned the need for changes in responsibilities as well as the undertaking of the work of the Pastoral Charge by lay people – all with good success and willingness. An unanticipated change was calmly and effectively met by all concerned.
For several congregations in the district, expenses for the continuation of the services and the maintaining of buildings are met only by the cashing in of savings account and investments. These congregations are aware that some new approaches to their financial needs must be considered. In anticipation of some type of reorganization in the near future, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has initiated special conversations for visioning in each of the pastoral charges. The intent has been to build closer relationships between the people of the congregations and Presbytery, and to start serious discussions about new approaches to rural ministry.
Twenty-two churches are still being used on a regular basis and three for just seasonal and special services. During the past year, two churches in one area (Port Hood's St. Stephen's and Port Hood Island's Jubilee) have amalgamated their resources and governance. The respect and affection for all of these structures continue to be high in the pastoral charges. But the costs of maintaining and heating are coming to be increasingly challenging.
The image of Abram and Sarai being called to new lands and new ways of living is one that may identify the sense of coming change in this Presbytery with its aging and diminishing population in a rural area with a declining economy.
As part of its awareness of the wider world, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has had special sessions concerning the proposed drilling for oil in the area; the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Meetings; and the importance of the UNESCO Biosphere designation for the Bras d'Or Lake.
The Presbytery continues to be grateful to the staff of Maritime Conference for helpful and prompt responses to queries and requests for advice.
Change... visioning... new voices...willingness to look at the future of rural ministry . . . still willing to “come and follow me”...the faithful people of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery of the United Church of Canada.
Dr. James St.Clair
for Pastoral Oversight Committee
March, 2012
