A Letter from Michael Bird, Bishop of Niagara

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE CHURCH OF THE INCARNATION
TO BE READ AT ALL SERVICES ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011

I am pleased to announce that, while continuing as Priest-in-charge of the Church of the Incarnation, the Reverend Canon Terry DeForest has accepted the offer of the half-time diocesan position, Vision Advocate and Coordinator for Excellence in Ministry, starting November 1, 2011.

This is a new position within the life of the diocese and I am very excited to have someone as capable and as dedicated as Terry to assist me in engaging with parishes in order to ensure that the vision and strategic plan for the diocese becomes a life-giving reality for all of us.

Although this is a half-time position, we have sought to minimize the impact of these developments on the parish and the good work you have been doing together. There are, however, some consequences for the parish. Terry’s position as Priest-in-charge will need to be adjusted from 60% of a full-time equivalent to 50% effective November 1, 2011

The Vision Advocate position will require some Sunday duties. It is expected that this would not be more than one Sunday per month. We will make plans for securing compatible and consistent clergy supply and/or other worship leadership for those Sundays when Terry must be absent from the Incarnation

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Terry for accepting this important role in the life of the diocese. I also wish to thank you, the members of the Church of the Incarnation, for your dedication, hard work and faithfulness over these last few years. I thank God for your Christian witness as part of our diocesan family and I look forward as we continue to share our ministry together in Christ’s service.

Faithfully,
Michael Bird
Bishop of Niagara