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By Bishop Todd Townshend

After a very helpful consultation and improvement process, which happened across the whole diocese, our common statement and plan entitled “Turning to Grace” is now being prepared for the next steps.

There will be a final draft, a very condensed “summary” version, and the website is being prepared so that it can be easily accessed in its various parts. Diocesan Council will have the opportunity to see the final version and, in September, to decide a way forward.

One of the things we are learning is that the phrase “turning to grace” is loaded with meaning. It can be one of the first things, perhaps the best thing, to discover: what is grace and why turn to it?

Grace, ultimately, is God-happening. Grace is what happens when God ‘moves’ and we recognize, receive, and respond to God. Grace is often a fleeting experience and yet we are surrounded by grace in every moment, everywhere. It’s a gift and a mystery that we can come to know more and more. I trust in the grace of God, and when there are moments when I don’t see it or feel it, I have to remind myself of it as the sovereign reality. Or, even better, someone else finds a way to remind me of it. They must trust in God’s grace, too.

The three pillars of the plan continue our focus on being a Learning church for discipleship, a Just church for all, and a Diverse church across many languages and cultures. This plan will, if fully approved, guide diocesan work for several years to come.

But what about parishes?

The Anglican church’s primary “unit” is the diocese and there are many strengths to this inherited wisdom. At the same time, local communities, what we usually call “parishes”, are where almost everything good happens, and needs to happen. The people who give of their time, energy, gifts, and resources in these communities have somehow been touched by God in their lives and their discipleship response is gratitude and commitment.

Each parish has a history and a future based on what God has done, is doing, and will do in their lives. This is the most beautiful thing about “church” for me. Seeing people faithfully and generously participating in the work of God the Creator as Christ and the Holy Spirit lead us. Making Jesus the centre of our life together, and following in his ways, is the core of everything - and the best gift we could ever hope for. I am very grateful for every single person in this diocese of Huron.

It is not an easy time to lead (or follow) in parish life. We are definitely experiencing many strains. My ministry is dedicated to following God’s lead on how to best serve this “network of parishes” called the Diocese of Huron - and to support and enable the best life possible in each location. I pray that some of what has been said and planned in “Turning to Grace” will resonate positively with you. I pray that it will provide direction and encouragement, especially encouragement. I know that each parish community is perfectly capable of deciding for themselves the best ways to respond.

Over the next few months in this written column, I’ll come back to the themes of the plan and I will record some short videos that point to the places that may help parishes engage in taking some new directions. Thank you to all those who have contributed so strongly to life in the church and to those who contributed to the improvement of our diocesan plan. May the grace and peace of Christ be with you all.

+Todd