> In May 2010, the Executive of the General Council directed the General
> Secretary to develop proposals that simplify church processes and move
> of some or all pastoral relations processes to the jurisdiction of the
> Conference.  The Executive received these proposals at the November
> 2011 meeting, and directed the General Secretary to take them out to
> the wider church for consideration.  The Permanent Committee Ministry
> and Employment Policies and Services will tender a report to the March Executive meeting.
> The Executive will also be deciding what recommendations from the
> report, if any, to forward to take to the 41st General Council 2012 in August.
>
> This is the fourth opportunity for consultation in the development of
> these proposals.  The first was in the summer and fall of 2010 when
> hundreds of individuals, pastoral charges, presbyteries and
> Conferences responded to an invitation to say what needs to be simplified and how.
> The second was a major research project which surveyed 1,700 ministry
> personnel and leaders of pastoral relations and oversight committees
> in winter 2011. The third was a focus group to test the conclusions of
> that research project.
>
> One of the vehicles for this round of consultation is an online survey.
> You are invited to review the proposed model described in the survey
> and offer your insight and comments!  Is there wisdom in the direction
> proposed?  Is it sustainable?  Does it address the concerns and issues
> you identified in the summer and fall 2010?
>
> Feedback received before mid-February will assist in revising the
> proposals in preparation for the March Executive of the General
> Council meeting.  Feedback received after mid-February and before that
> meeting will be shared with the Executive in presentation time.
>
> You can access the online survey at the United Church of Canada Website.
> The survey announcement is accessible online at
> http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/general/111130
>
> Getting started:
> *       Please begin by reviewing the article, which explains how
> constituency feedback will be received.  Then, proceed to the online
> survey and follow the instructions. At the survey website, you will
> find additional resources and full-reports which carefully detail the
> proposed changes.
>
> Questions or Concerns:
> *       If you have any questions or concerns about this online survey,
> please feel free to contact Philip Isard, Program Assistant Ministry
> and Employment Unit
> (Ministry@united-church.ca<mailto:Ministry@united-church.ca>).
>
> In addition to the online survey, we invited Conferences and
> presbyteries to initiate discussions and consultations on the
> proposals.  Congregations and committees are also encouraged to study
> the proposals and provide comment.  A package of resources is
> available by contacting Philip Isard (Ministry@united-church.ca<mailto:Ministry@united-church.ca>).
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Alan
>
> The Rev. Alan Hall
> Directeur, ministères et emplois, L'Eglise Unie du Canada Executive
> Officer Ministry and Employment, The United Church of Canada
> www.united-church.ca<http://www.united-church.ca>
> 1 800 268 3781 x 3141   /   416 231 7680 x 3141
> 3250, rue Bloor ouest, bureau 300, Toronto, Ontario  Canada M8X 2Y4
> 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario  Canada M8X 2Y4
>
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