One result of the pandemic was the creation of new communities connected to us through virtual worship, fellowship, and formation initiatives. The bishop and the Council of Advice have identified as a priority in the years to come encouraging our congregations to continue to nurture these communities and to see them as organically connected to their ministries going forward.
The Convocation has therefore again created a separate pool of funds to encourage the further development of digital ministry among our congregations. Awards will typically be of amounts up to €1,000, and are intended to help congregations reach “stretch goals” for the development and strengthening of digital ministry. (Depending on the project you have in view, you may need to find additional funds from other sources.)
We invite all congregations in the Convocation to submit proposals to help strengthen their digital ministry capabilities.
Examples of Supported Requests
Systems to assure high-speed wifi connectivity in the church
Equipment to improve video and audio capture in the church
Display screens for the worship space
Training opportunities for digital worship leaders
Connecting online giving opportunities to a congregation’s digital presence
Evaluation
In evaluating these proposals, we will be especially attentive to how the proposed project will help congregations integrate virtual and physical communities; expand the reach of their ministries to new communities; and strengthen their ability to encourage support of both service and stewardship in the church.
Digital Ministry Enrichment
Exceptional (Emergency) Assistance
Realizing that congregations can at times encounter unusual and unforeseen circumstances, applications for Exceptional Grants will also be considered that assist individual missions or parishes directly, but that do not necessarily contain an explicit benefit for other parishes.
Normally, foreseeable events (for example, building maintenance, the cost of a rector search, or provision for a rector’s sabbatical) will not be covered.