We find ourselves in a difficult economic period. In all probability, our present Diocesan budget allocations will continue to reflect approximately the same distribution ratio. Budget economies will have a greater impact on our lower level budget activities then upon our major program operations. Mission and Program group budgets will continue to be lean until current economic pressures ease. Accordingly, what we are looking for as Program and Mission groups is a unifying and self sustaining way to carry our spiritual message beyond our churchyards. It would seem that attraction is the key.
People have an instinctive need to learn and understand. Consider that our Diocese web site may be utilized as an educational platform and that online donations may be suggested for free courses. What message do you think that each of our Mission and Program groups would chose to send?
The idea is to build gradually. We might select an initial educational offering to test the concept and response. Perhaps it could be something that is developing from the great work that our Nature & Spirituality group is doing. Maybe the Native American group could put together a story of our parallel spiritual journey. Either or both of these courses would be attractive to people who may not presently be Episcopalians.
Practical courses in computer skills, finance, legal issues, preventative medicine, English and mathematics would be of value to people who need a basic education and lack the time and/or the money to get one. This type of course is true outreach. Our churches and missions could begin to become true community centers again. Experience reflects that once newcomers become involved in weekly sharing and learning activities there will be those who chose to join us on Sundays.
Education for Ministry (EFM) is in the process of becoming a billable online course with credit card payments to the Diocese. Take it one step further to identify other current courses which are suitable for use on the web. For example, how about checking copyright considerations with St. Phillip's in the Hills and other Diocesan parishes who have excellent adult study programs to see if any if their course offerings would be suitable for web use? The lectures and course materials could be recorded on DVDs for use on the web and also shared throughout the Diocese.
Our electronic and community educational outreach programs can become a magnet for prospective parishioners. Donations could eventually make our Program and Mission group efforts self sustaining at the same time that an educational outreach focus will help to unify both our group efforts and our spiritual message.
The 2009 budget request for the Adult Education program group takes into account a $2,500 annual fee to Sewanee for our EFM program and another $2,500 for electronic and local ministry development activities. The total Adult Education Group budget request for 2009 is therefore $5,000.
Faithfully submitted,
John Hurlburt
Convener, Adult Education
