Last Sunday, we shared with our congregation the next steps in our partnership with Grace Church, unanimously approved by both Corporations and Parish Council. On Monday December 4th, the Corporations of St. George and Grace sent a letter to our Bishop asking that our two parishes be formally amalgamated. On Tuesday December 5, that amalgamation received the support of our Diocesan Synod Council. This means that we will be one congregation, with one set of books, one ministry team, one budget, one parish list, beginning January 2018! It is an incredible joy to reach this final goal in our partnership. (If you have any questions about this amalgamation, please contact a member of clergy . We also have hand-outs available outlining the ‘whys’ and ‘wherefores’ of our next steps).
In this amalgamation, all of our assets and liabilities will be shared. The question was raised about the assets that Grace is bringing with them. A huge round of applause was shared when we noted that, of course, the greatest asset that Grace brings with them is their people. I would add to this assertion that the people who come to us from Grace also bring with them an incredible faith, a willingness to serve, a generosity of spirit, a gracious friendship, and a rich history of ministry in
St. Catharines.
They also bring a number of special items that represent this history and ministry. There are things that we are using across our church and in our worship: linens and Eucharistic vessels, powerpoint equipment and furniture for our renovated Bear’s Den, beautiful hangings that will go into our gymnasium, war memorial plaques that now hang in our sanctuary, and any number of other practical items that we use for coffee hours, community dinners, outreach and fellowship. One of Grace’s beloved stained glass windows, the “Pentecost Window” is going to arrive at St. George’s in the new year and will become part of our chapel space in the east transept.
While it is of great value to all of us to have these things in use, we also recognized the need to specifically designate space at St. George’s for some of the other memorial and historical pieces that have been meaningful to the Grace community, particularly the Memorial Boards and the plaques and pictures remembering past leadership of Grace.
We have therefore created the Grace Meeting Room. It is beside the Asbil Lounge (and was formally called “The Board Room”). A generous parishioner is donating appropriate furniture for this room, and our volunteer group – under the direction of our Property Manger, Jim Streadwick – has been painting and brightening and cleaning up the room. A lovely picture of the Grace Church building is going to be framed and hung on the wall, along with the plaques.
We expect that this room will soon be ready for use. It will be a place where various committees will meet, where counselling, visioning and planning will take place. The room will be open on Sundays and through the week for those who want to find a quiet space for remembering and giving thanks.