In 2014, we adopted our diocesan vision of Renewed Hearts, Renewed Spirits and Renewed People after several months of consultation, discernment and prayer. One of the strengths of our shared vision is that it offers us a common language —a shared lense through which to express what God is calling us to on these islands and inlets. Over the years that language has started to find its way into our common vernacular, and in turn, has begun to shape our identity as the diocese of islands and inlets.
Renewal is dynamic process, not a state to be realized. It is a commitment to a journey rather than a destination. It invites us into the ongoing work of discovering, understanding and animating of our faith.
Our vision is lived out at every level of our diocese, but no more so than at the community level. Local initiatives give expression to two of our vision’s areas of focus: faith in formation and faith in action. These are the ways in which we participate in the work of renewal that God is already up to in our midst. At the synodical (regional) level, staff and other leaders work together to support local vision efforts.
In 2021, the diocesan council approved the formation of a single vision implementation team (previously there was one for each of six vision directions). Th team includes the diocesan vision animator and six leaders from across the diocese. Each member of the team has a particular giftedness, passion and skillset for one of the vision directions: Engaging God’s World, Emerging Communities, Reconciliation and Beyond; Youth and Family Life, Worship Resources, and Lay Ministry and Leadership Formation.
The team is tasked with highlighting local efforts and facilitating initiatives best engaged at regional or diocesan levels.
The team:
Lon Towstego – Parish of Central Saanich
Ruth Macintosh – St John the Divine, Victoria
Craig Hiebert – St Mary, Oak Bay
Elizabeth Northcott – St Mark, Qualicum Beach
Sulin Milne – St Mary, Nanoose Bay
Sandra Leigh – St Paul, Nanaimo
For more information or to share ideas about our vision and how it is being lived out where you minister, please email Brendon Neilson, diocesan vision animator.