by Janice Seto
Spring 2010
In the movie “Sabrina”, the title character says, “I have learned to be in the world and of the world.” I believe that quotation summarizes the Diocesan Transition Team (DTT) Report. Issued in January this year, the report proposes ways in which our diocese becomes relevant in the context of a changing environment. The goal is not to survive but to evolve as society changes, as Seth Godin might say.
The DTT report proposes a shift in the “mission, structure, and culture” of the diocese and each parish from a pastoral focus to proclamation and service. “Shift” sounds innocuous. However, a shift in tectonic plates in Haiti and China resulted in catastrophe.
Plans for implementation of change fail about 80% of the time for two predictable reasons: (1) bad planning, and (2) lack of participation in the planning by those charged with doing the implementation. In the past, loyal parishioners who felt hurt or disenfranchised or devalued simply put up with the hurt feelings. Now, people choose to withhold financial support or simply drift away.
My fear is that some of us at St. John’s will find it hard to see ourselves in this new deal and choose to fade away. What I hope to help clarify is that the new emphasis on proclamation and service can take place around the familiar core of Anglicanism, decorum.
To me, decorum is at the core of what you can count on in the Anglican tradition, regardless of whether the parish is in Deer Lake or Dubai. Admittedly “decorum” can conjure up rigid obsession with rules, judgmentalism, and various other negative overtones. I use the word in its best sense of graciousness and thoughtfulness. There is a sense of forethought and insight in what we do. We mark the seasons of the church year by colour for good reason and there is comfort in an honourable tradition. Although Anglicanism cannot be described as laissez-faire, I find this fundamental decorum at the core of the Anglican culture incorporates flexibility and responsiveness to local issues. It gives space to each and every one, even us introverts.
The scariest words in the DTT Report to me were “extrovert” and “evangelistic.” Visions of my standing at the back of the church acting like a Walmart greeter put me into an apprehensive fit of the giggles. As Marcus Buckingham points out in his research on aligning with your strengths, sometimes you have to do what is not natural. It helps me to quantify this task as “welcome at least 3 new faces in church.” I am comfortable with this way of being evangelical.
If each parish has to deal with change, and if St. John’s at 150 years old is taking part in this change, then Aspire is taking the time now to do the same. Aspire is grappling with “status quo is not an option.” Our crew wonders how Aspire can keep up with the times. Now I am asking you.
Our original intention was to be the journal for parishioner thoughts and artwork around the three themes of the congregation, community, and communion. We planned to have two issues a year in print. The Aspire team was to publish in print and on the website the material that others create. In reality, we are multitasking in writing and publishing, often feeling overwhelmed and alone, and experiencing very much the labour in this labour of love. I know that if Aspire does not attract more contributors and editorial members, we might very well have to embrace a new model to live the risen life sustainably.
In short, throw us a lifeline.
I hope that you will reflect on the role of the print version of Aspire in your life here at St John’s. We invite you to consider Aspire as a place for you in the new St John’s world. Please share your thoughts on Aspire We strive to be your source of sober second thought and intellectual decorum, an outlet for your artistic creativity, and a respite from the world of instant text messages, flaming emails, and screaming blogs.
We appeal to you to send us photos and memories of St John’s during its sesquicentennial year. Let that be a way to be evangelical.
Neither St John’s nor Aspire ever want to be an exclusive club; we are a team in Christ. Join us in thought, word, or deed; and come home.
Shalom,
Janice Seto
For the Aspire Team