Anglican Church of the Incarnation

Report to Parish Council -- Jan. 15, 2012 -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- Nov. 6, 2011 -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- Sept. 11, 2011 -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- June 12, 2011 -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- Apr. 10, 2011 -- Link

Ministry Covenant -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- Jan. 16, 2011 -- Link

Report to Parish Council -- Nov. 14, 2010 -- Link

Terry's First Missive -- Oct. 28, 2010 -- Link

Canon Terry DeForest

Priest-in-charge.

Who am I? The bald facts are I was born and baptized in Toronto; raised in Oakville from the age of one as the eldest of four siblings; attended Morden Public School and (the now closed) Purdue High School; liked Scouting, softball, and school; worshipped, learned, was confirmed, served, led and preached (at 13) at St. Aidan’s, Oakville; got excited about my faith at Niagara Youth Conference (although back then it was “Leadership” rather than “Youth”); studied Philosophy at Huron College; wed Connie; graduated with a M.A. (Philosophy) from Western and an M.Div. from the Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, MA; was ordained deacon and priest; served in Burlington; Guelph; Hamilton; and Ancaster; began doctoral studies at Trinity College, Toronto in philosophical theology; trained for and took up Interim Ministry where I have served several parishes in Hamilton, Oakville, Fort Erie, Burlington and Stewarttown; and, quite recently, chaired the coalition which led the Community Justice Camp 2010. Somewhere in there Connie and I became proud parents of two (now adult) daughters and one recently and happily acquired son-in-law! Also along the way I have enjoyed the privilege of engaging my passions for and interests in social justice ministries, spirituality, visioning and strategic planning, pastoral ministries, teaching and learning, preaching, worship renewal, facilitating baptismal ministries, fostering the ministries of children and youth…. My story continues as I enter into partnerships in ministry with the people of Church of the Incarnation, Oakville, write my doctoral thesis on the truth of religious narratives, and engage the specific adventures into which those vocations lead. Terry can be reached at 905-825-2851 or 905-802-8295 or rector@incarnationchurch.ca

Mission

We at the Church of the Incarnation are called by God to a life of worship and service. As an Anglican community, we provide a contemporary, family-oriented parish for Christians of diverse ages and backgrounds. We nurture faith and promote spiritual growth in an inquiring and thought-provoking environment, at the same time looking beyond ourselves to fulfill needs in the wider community.

Core Values

Our core values describe who we are and who we want to be. They are a thread linking our past, our plans and all of the activities described throughout this web site.

Inclusiveness of all People
Family Oriented
Presence of Children and Young People
Informal Atmosphere
Outreach to Others
Involvement in the Life of the Parish
Close Relationship with our Clergy
Support of People in Need
Stewardship

Vision Statement & Objectives

Our vision statement and our objectives help us focus our ministry:

Use our gifts to express our individual ministry.
Welcome new people and nurture each other.
Put into practice "Give till it feels good."
Celebrate!

Governance

The parish "business" and decision-making is conducted by the Corporation, which consists of the rector, two wardens, and two deputy wardens, who are all members of the church. Wardens are appointed for two-year terms (one as deputy and one as a "full" warden").

Parish Council consists of up to 16 members: our priests, the wardens, deputy wardens, the treasurer, 2 youth representatives, and up to 10 other adults. Most members serve a two-year term. Parish Council meets bi-monthly and acts in an advisory capacity to the Corporation, as a ‘think tank’ and as a visioning group. Meetings are open and anyone may attend; to have something added to the agenda, please contact the chair.

We elect or appoint members to Parish Council each year at vestry, which is the annual business meeting of the church. People who have been active members, contributing financially to the work of the church for the previous six months, each have a vote at vestry. Other committees and groups develop, as needed, to do the work of the church.