Moderator’s Update – Rev. David Plant
Some Up to the Minute Reporting
In this strange season of COVID 19, many of the ways we have done the work of ministry has taken on new forms. Certainly, this is true for our work throughout the Heartland Conference. There are several important updates about which I want you to be aware, including some links to important reports about our visioning process.
Vital Work on the Vision Plan Through the “One Heart Working Group”
Late last year, an idea was forwarded that the best way to move our Vision Plan forward was to have key players involved in concrete decisions regarding the implementation phase of the vision document. As a result, the executive teams of each Association and Conference met several times to talk about the need to look at the original plan in detail, do necessary reframing, and begin a clear path toward implementation. The executive teams (made up of the Association and Conference officers, and Association Ministers and Conference Minister) then moved to form a working group called “The One Heart Working Group” charged with bringing back a full report in 90 days, outlining a clear plan forward as well as continuing progress of cooperative ministries across all the various settings within our Conference/Association boundaries. They are two months into their efforts and the report will be the culmination of the original hard work of the vision team along with new thoughts that will lead us into our future together. The working group is facilitated by Rev. Cheryl Lindsay. A summary of the work so far may be found by clicking on this link here.
New Accounting Arrangements Will Save the Conference $30-40,000
As a cost saving measure, the Heartland Conference is now using the services of United Church Homes Management for our booking responsibilities. We are thankful to UCH and their CEO, Rev. Ken Daniel for this generous offer which will strengthen our life. Other settings will soon also be engaging this service and reaping savings.
At the same time we so appreciate all the work that Carolyn Cobbien has done these last years as our Business Manager. Thank-you Carolyn for your years of service!
Camp Was Virtual This Year
A big thank you to Jill Frey and all our volunteer camp directors for the excellent Camp 2.0 program. Considering the Covid19 challenges, roughly half those who attended camp on site last year, were able to join in via our virtual camping program. The camping program is moving forward with a site study approved earlier in the year for camp enhancements to the central portion of Templed Hills, and we have continued to support our on site manager through additional compensation when UCCR needed to cut all their staff to half time. We have a strong commitment to our camp and while this year is, without question, a major cost set back (loss of about $200,000 in revenue) we are looking to rebound next year. See our Outdoor Ministry Director’s report for more info on camping opportunities available.