highlights....
Diocesan Communication update and the "Connection" Communication Strategy

At the March 6 meeting of the Diocesan Council, Herb Gunn explained that he is leaving the staff of the Diocese of Michigan and The Record after 19 years. He updated the Diocesan Council on a blueprint for a new communication strategy.
 
Under the guidance of a part-time editor (to be determined) and The Record Editorial Board, The Record will continue to reach every household with a now-quarterly publication. The Record Editorial Board meets on Tuesday, March 9, to discuss new initiatives.
 
The Record Weekly, which has emerged as a key administrative communication vehicle, will expand under the auspices of the office of the Canon to the Ordinary, Lisa Gray. Under a new name, The Weekly Connection, the Monday morning e-mail communiqué will continue to be a short, sign-up, weekly news blast that includes announcements, news, transitions, schedules, etc.
 
Canon Lisa Gray explained that the "Connection" communication strategy will also broaden to include and integrate electronic circulations for Clergy Connections, Whitaker Connections, YAYA Connections, RSVP Connections, and others as needed.
 
The publishing tool for the "Connection" communication strategy will be ChurchPost, which will also introduce other tools such as online surveys and discussion forums and numerous enhancements to the new diocesan Web site.

"Beginning next Monday, The Record Weekly will have a new name and a new look," said Canon Lisa Gray following the meeting. "The Weekly Connection will arrive in your e-mailbox just as The Record Weekly did this morning; no need to do anything different. The Weekly Connection will continue to provide news, event highlights and calendar reminders for the upcoming week.  Stay tuned...." 
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Bishop reviews Whitaker School role
 
Bishop Wendell Gibbs presented Diocesan Council with an overview of the history and role of the Whitaker School of Theology. The bishop introduced a conversation on the purpose, role and place of the Whitaker School of Theology in the Diocese of Michigan and he raised the question of whether it should be called a school at all since it is really best described as "an educational experience."
 
Gibbs also said Whitaker "need to be recognized as part of the Diocese of Michigan" and the budgeted funds to support education should not be called a grant.
 
"Whitaker School cannot and does not exist apart from the Diocese of Michigan," Gibbs said. "It is my desire to set up endowments that can help educational ministries in the diocese. But it has to be set up in ways that those moneys are being held in trust for the Episcopal Church. That is our polity."


Emrich Retreat Center Advisory Council announces reopening

Emrich Advisory Council announced that Emrich Retreat Center is open again this season. Program will officially begin on April 1 with its first group and the month of April is already booked..

"Last year was a learning experience; this year will determine whether this will really work," said Andrea Morrow, council member and chair of the Advisory Council. Future bookings and more information about the Emrich Retreat Center can be acquired by calling 810/231-1060.

Diocesan Council re-invests in the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund
 
Diocesan Council voted to renew a $200,000 investment in the Michigan Interfaith Trust Fund. The Fund supports affordable housing, community revitalizing, and small business development initiatives in Michigan.
 
Council agreed to renew the note at 3 percent for three years.
 
An investment in the Fund that was begun by St David's Garden City (a church later called Journey of Faith, which officially closed a year ago) in the amount of $500 comes due in June. Diocesan Council voted to make the $525 balance a permanent designation of the Fund.


FUTURE DIOCESAN COUNCIL MEETINGS:
May 22 at 9:00 AM;
June 22 at 6:30 PM;
September 11 at 9:00 AM;
September 22 at 6:30 PM.