Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga

With the Intensive Phase of the Planned Growth Mission just completed it was pleasing to receive a letter from the Rector the Venerable John Stead.

Dear Ron,

Thank you for the significant contribution to the life of the Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga in the preparation and implementation of the Planned Growth Mission.

The material provided in the PlannedGrowth CD was very useful as we prepared the Parish Directory, and the Vision Budget. It assisted us to keep on track as we prepared for the intensive phase of the Mission; as did the prompts, in relation to tasks that need to be undertaken that are included in the guidelines. The process that has been developed is tried and reliable and I am aware that you are continually refining it as each Planned Growth Mission is completed.

Over the weeks of the intensive phase your presence was a great motivator to keep on track and to put in the effort necessary to achieve a significant result. The involvement of members of the parish in visiting to pass on a personal invitation to the Thanksgiving Dinner as well as delivering copies of the Parish Directory and Vision Budget resulted in a very pleasing attendance at the dinner. The feedback that I received about the evening was very positive and I would like to think that we would make it an annual event as we recommit ourselves to the Parish Vision and Mission Statement and our commitment to growth. A particularly pleasing aspect of the dinner was the attendance of members of the various congregations of the parish and the opportunity for people to see the diversity of the congregation and to realise that there are many more people involved than they see as part of the congregation that they attend.

The material and the process will not only benefit the ‘bottom line’ but also will; I believe most significantly, impact the life of the parish - the sharing of vision, the growing commitment for parishioners to take a more significant place in the pastoral role, and a greater willingness to engage in mission and ministry. I expect to see a great degree of enthusiasm for ministry and mission, which is an area that I have been committed to over the last four years - the Planned Growth Mission has been part of that process of setting a new course.

It is my intention, along with the members of the Continuation Committee, to ensure that we maintain the momentum and build on what has been achieved over these last few months and particularly these last few weeks.

I wish you God’s blessing for your ongoing work.

Yours in Christ

John Stead
Rector Anglican Parish of Wagga Wagga
Archdeacon for Continuing Ministry Development

The Anglican Parish of Bega

The Anglican Parish of Bega has just completed the intensive phase of their Planned Growth Mission - ‘Sharing the Future’.

The Rector, Rev’d Chris Short wanted an emphasis on making connections with the people of the Bega Valley with a vision of enlarging the mission and ministry of the parish.

It is always heartening to receive a commendation of our work especially from a lay person.

The Chair of the Mission - Allen Collins had this to say about the program. “I wish to convey my congratulations and thanks to Ron & Marie Cameron from Planned Giving Counsellors for the absolute professional way that they conducted our Planned Growth Mission.

Right from the very commencement of the programme to the very end, Ron gave both in writing, GrowthPac CD, electronic and written form a clear path-way for our Mission.

Of course each Parish is slightly different, but that is no trouble to Ron, he quickly adjusts to suit that special need of the Parish, but in no way deters from the main principle of the programme.

Ron, whilst on the ground with us in the intensive part of the Mission was with Marie always acting as a team, advising, guiding us along the track, thus enabling the Parish to obtain the best result from the Programme.

We have just completed the mission with our Thanksgiving Dinner and Services but from this early stage the results are extremely positive on both the financial and increased numbers attending services; I would say, above my expectations, I have not the slightest hesitation in recommending Ron and Marie to you, if you are considering such a programme.

Blessings

Allen Collins
Treasurer,
Chair, Planned Growth Mission

‘Stand By’ Program

The concept of offering ’stand by’ discounts for travel and/or accomodation is well established and thrifty people look for cheaper options if they are available.

It has been our practice to offer a ’stand by’ consultancy fee when there is a need to fill and empty slot. So if your church is in need of a program and is flexible as to timing it could be useful for you to contact us.

At the present time we have ’stand by’ programs available for July and November/December 2008. Give me a call on free-call 1800 334 140 and check out the saving.

A Second Mile Property Development Appeal

Planned Giving Counsellors conduct Second Mile Property Development Appeals on behalf of churches planning on extending an existing property, a restoration appeal or planting a new church. Important features of a Second Mile Appeal are subscribed gifts over a period of three to four years and the opportunity of Designated or Memorial Gifts.

We use the term ‘Second Mile Appeal’ to distinguish it from your regular planned giving or stewardship program. All active and inactive parishioners are listed and receive a visit from a member of the Appeal Group. We test the feasibility of such a venture at the time of our intitial presentation.

If you have a need to raise capital funds for a project that can be demonstrated as being urgent and complusive then a meeting with Planned Giving Counsellors will help you to make the right decision. Contact Ron Cameron on free-call 1800 334 140 to discuss your project.

We are available to churches overseas

Planned Giving Counsellors is based in Victoria Australia and conduct Planned Growth Missions throughout Australia and New Zealand.

We have a number of ‘unique visitors’ each month on our website from the United States, the United Kingdom and various other countries around the world.

(The term ‘planned giving program’ in Australia refers to stewardship or sacrificial giving programs).

Give us a call on free-call 1800 334 140 (Australia only) +61 3 5988 9975 (International)
email: roncam@bigpond.net.au to find out more.