presented at the annual general meeting report 2016.pdf · biskup, linda stead, rev. pamela scott,...

Strathmore United Church

2016 Annual Report

Presented at the Annual General Meeting

February 5, 2017

Strathmore United Church 410 Fourth Street, Strathmore, AB, T1P 1B4

Tel: 403-934-3025 Fax: 403-934-3081

Strathmore United Church exists as a welcoming community of faith, to

equip people for Christian discipleship and to support each other in our

faith journeys as we go into the world to make a difference for Christ.

Strathmore United Church Annual Report 2015


Proposed Agenda

1. Lunch 2. Call to order 3. Opening prayer 4. Recognizing members & friends deceased in 2016 5. Nominate AGM Chair & Recording Secretary 6. Motion to extend voting privileges to adherents for temporal matters only 7. Approval of Agenda 8. Approval of 2016 AGM minutes 9. Business Arising

a. 10. Receive Reports 11. Finance

a. Receive Auditors Report ( 2015) b. Receive 2016 Financial Report c. Receive proposed 2017 Budgets

12. New Business: a. b.

13. Proposals and motions for 2017 a. Nominations b.

14. Motion to adjourn 15. Closing prayer and hymn


Strathmore United Church AGM Minutes – February 7, 2016

1. The meeting was called to order at 12:45 PM.

In attendance: Karen Wilkie, Don Janzen, Christene Howard, Peggy McLean, Peter McLean, Beverly Hermanson, Lynne

Fair, Linda Derksen, Betty Hilton, Laura Jenzen, Russell Drummond, Brad Ludlam, Doug Lewis, Jennette Lewis, Susan

Biskup, Linda Stead, Rev. Pamela Scott, Charles Watson, Geoff Scott, Ruth Radway, Irene Dougan, Joan Tripper, Henry

Derksen, Eileen McMorris, Carolyn Steeves, Donalda Ledene, Wanda Hartall

2. Opening Prayer was read by Geoff Scott.

3. There was a moment of silence in remembrance of the members that passed away in 2015. A list of all that

passed away is on page 8 of the annual report.

4. Nomination of AGM Chair and recording secretary – Charles Watson nominated Don Janzen as AGM Chair and

Karen Wilkie as recording secretary, Betty Hilton seconded. Nominations ceased. Carried.

5. Lynne Fair moved that we extend the voting privileges to adherents for temporal matters only. Donalda Ledene

seconded. Carried.

6. Russell Drummond moved we approve the agenda as presented. Laura Janzen seconded. Carried.

7. Charles Watson moved we approve the 2015 AGM minutes. Lynne Fair second. Carried.

8. Business arising from the 2015 minutes. None

9. Reports attached: No reports submitted:

a. Clergy Report a. Trustee Report

b. Clerk of Session b. Fundraising Report

c. Council Report c. Legacy Gifts or Planned Giving

d. Ministry and Personnel Report

e. Worship Committee Report

f. Building and Property Report

g. Christian Education Report

h. Koinonia Report

i. United Church Observer Report

j. Mission and Service Fund

k. Envelope Administrator Report

l. Foothills Presbytery Representative Report

m. Quilters Report

n. United Church Women – Agape Ladies Fellowship Group

o. UCW Annual Report

Lynne Fair made a clarification that the carpet to be replaced is in the foyer not downstairs as stated in

the Building and Property Report. Also Karen Wilkie cleared up some questions in regards to the

envelope report.

Donalda Ledene moved that the reports be accepted as presented. Ruth Radway seconded, Carried.

10. Finance:

a) Auditors Report – Laura Janzen moved we accept the Auditors Report as presented, seconded by Susan

Biskup. Carried

b) 2015 Financial Report – Linda Stead presented the 2015 Financial Report and the proposed budget for 2016.

Reports attached.


c) Donalda Ledene moved we accept the 2015 Financial Report as presented, seconded by Beverly Hermanson.

Carried.

d) Betty Hilton moved we accept the 2016 Budget as presented, seconded by Wanda Hartall. Carried

11. New Business:

a. Carolyn Steeves presented a proposal for Strathmore United Church to purchase a Grand Piano. Proposal

attached. Our current piano was purchased in 1985. The piano would add sound to the church. It would put

the church forward as a venue for concerts. There are only 2 Grand pianos in Strathmore one at the

Mormon Church and one at the Alliance Church. We have a welcoming space, adequate acoustics, large

foyer and a large parking lot. MOTION: Donalda Ledene moved we set up a committee to pursue Carolyn

Steeves proposal to purchase an Acoustic Piano – Grand Piano. Lynne Fair seconded the motion. Carried.

Carolyn and Bruce Steeves, Janet Bolinger, Linda Derksen, Lynne Fair, and Donalda Ledene have volunteered

to be on the committee, a presentation will be made to the congregations and others will be given the

opportunity to join the committee. A discussion was had about putting funds from the Memorial Fund, and

Special Projects towards the purchase of the piano.

b. New Church Structure – Rev. Pamela Scott explained the new proposed church structure within the United

Church of Canada. General Council will stay with a new name, what was Presbytery will now be Regions,

there will be less of them, and next is the Local Congregation. Local congregations will be more

autonomous and have more responsibility. The funding structure will change as well. When they have all

the wrinkles ironed out they will send it out to all churches and it will have to be voted on by the

congregation.

c. Betty Hilton asked if it could be possible for the parking lot, drive ways be sanded to help with the ice.

Property team will look into that.

d. 50th Anniversary Story Book – It went to the printers, we had sample copies but found a spelling error so

have to get that fixed before we print anymore.

12. Proposal’s and nominations for 2016:

a. Chair - Charles Watson will stay on for another year.

b. Chair Elect – no nominations

c. Pastoral Care – Wanda Hartall nominated Donalda Ledene, Laura Janzen Second. Nominations cease –

Carried

d. Worship Committee – Donalda Ledene nominated Christene Howard, Janet Bolinger Second. Carried

e. Presbytery Rep. – Janet Bolinger nominated Art Eels – Eileen McMorris second. Carried

f. Sunday School, Christian Ed. Bev Hermanson nominated Karen Binns, Susan Biskup Second. Carried.

13. Irene Dougan moved the meeting adjourned at 2.25 Carried.


Table of Contents Proposed Agenda .......................................................................................................................................... 3

Strathmore United Church AGM Minutes – February 7. 2016 ..................................................................... 4

Clergy Report ................................................................................................................................................ 7

Clerk of Session Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

Baptisms ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Weddings ..................................................................................................................................... 8

Funerals and Burials .................................................................................................................... 8

New Member by Confession ....................................................................................................... 8

Transfer of Membership’s ........................................................................................................... 8

Council Report ............................................................................................................................................... 9

Ministry and Personnel Report ..................................................................................................................... 9

Trustees Report ............................................................................................................................................. 9

Worship Committee Report .......................................................................................................................... 9

Buildings and Property Report ...................................................................................................................... 9

Christian Education Report ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10

KOINONIA Report ........................................................................................................................................ 10

United Church Observer Report ................................................................................................................. 10

Memorial Book Report ................................................................................................................................ 10

United Church Archives .............................................................................................................................. 10

Pastoral Care Team Report ......................................................................................................................... 11

Stewardship Report .................................................................................................................................... 11

Guatemala Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12

Legacy Gifts or Planned Giving………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Grand Piano Report………………………………………………………………………………………………………………13

Mission and Service Fund ........................................................................................................ 114

Envelope Administrator Report…………………………………………………………………………………………….15

Treasurer Report……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16

Auditor's Report………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…..22

Foothills Presbytery Representative Report ............................................................................................... 30

United Church Women ............................................................................................................................... 31

Agape Ladies Fellowship Group ................................................................................................ 31

Quilters Report……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..31


UCW Annual Report .................................................................................................................. 32

UCW Financial Reports .............................................................................................................. 33

Clergy Report Eat Pray Love was a book made into a movie starring Julia Roberts. I only recently rented it and although most of us will

not spend a year travelling in order to eat and pray and love, all are spiritual practices that I would encourage.

Certainly in the church we eat. We partake in coffee after church –often sweets are enjoyed too. We share soup and a

bun. If we want to raise some funds offering a feast is often the route we take. Different groups have potlucks with

meetings; the church enjoys a potluck lunch with the annual meeting. As a church gathered, we ‘eat’.

There is biblical foundation for sharing a meal together. The ‘Emmaus incident’ is the first reference that comes to mind.

Along the road, a man joined the two disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus. They spoke of recent events

and at the end of the day, the disciples encouraged the man to stay for the evening. When they were at the table, the

man took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. In this act, the disciples recognized the man to be Jesus. In

sharing a meal, we recognize Jesus to be among us.

As a church, we pray. Each week we gather and offer many prayers to God. The service is formatted in ‘conversational’

style. God calls us to worship, we answer. God speaks through the reading of Scripture. We respond in the giving of our

gifts. We offer prayers of Thanksgiving and Concern, we leave with God’s blessing. Many of us partake in daily devotions

which include, among other practices, prayer. There is a group that meets monthly to pray for the church and the world.

We pray.

In this we are following the example of Christ. Jesus prayed. He went off on his own to pray in solitude; he prayed with

his disciples and with the crowds gathered. His disciples asked him to teach them to pray and they learned the ‘Our

Father.’ Throughout the biblical story, people pray to God, and God answers.

And we love. We gather each week to worship and to encourage and bless each other. We send cards. We visit. We

prepare meals and trays of goodies and take them over. We phone to chat. We express our love to the community by

providing the service of the Thrift Sale. We support the Women in Solidarity Clinic in Guatemala. Many among us are

M&S supporters. We love.

The Bible tells us to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and

with all your mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself.’ We love.

Why say all this? As your minister I have a responsibility to maintain your spiritual health –and to grow it. But how do

you measure ‘spiritual health’? My answer today would be Eat Pray Love. These are visible manifestations of what the

invisible, interior life holds.

I ask for God’s good blessing as we continue, as individuals and as a community, to Eat Pray Love. May these spiritual

practices deepen our relationship with each other and with the most Holy One.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Pamela Scott


Clerk of Session Report

Baptisms

March 13, 2016 Plunz, Jake-Lynn Joyce June 19, 2016 Kugler, Callie Julianne July 3, 2016 Peoples, Annabeth Iris October 16, 2016 Homan, Justin Gordon October 16, 2016 Homan, Emily Suzanna

Weddings

March 19, 2016 Scout, Clayton Corby and Many Bears, Lisa Lyn July 9, 2016 Wahl, Robert Josiah and Hughes, Emily Elizabeth October 1, 2016 Turtle Good Eagle, Joey Randal and Big Tobacco, Samantha Kay

Funerals and Burials

March 29, 2016 Smith, Ruby Luella May 15, 2016 Penner, Mary Anne May 22, 2016 Seitz, Katherine May 3, 2016 Schindeler, Albert Richard July 16, 2016 Prescott, George Jones September 1, 2016, McNair, Dorothy September 27, 2016 Cardiff, Brent William November 2, 2016 Cummings, Charlotte Anne November 6, 2016 Kirkham, David William November 20, 2016 Hudson, Marion

New Member by Confession

May 29, 2016 Geldenhuys, Heinrich and Carolina

Transfer of Membership’s

March 23, 2016 Tipper, Joan to Red Deer Lake United.


Council Report No Report

Ministry and Personnel Report No Report

Trustees Report No report.

Worship Committee Report No Report

Buildings and Property Report Narrative Budget for the Property Committee:

The Property Committee exists to provide a physical environment that promotes fellowship and that supports

ministerial and administrative support activities. Our activities include custodial care; building and equipment

repairs and maintenance; grounds maintenance, needs assessments; signage maintenance; and making

recommendations on capital expenditures.

2016 was a productive year for the Property Committee. In additional to regular repairs and maintenance, we

replaced the rug in the Narthex, added a storage shed behind the church to provide storage for the Thrift Sales

and replaced a large section of the eaves trough in order to minimize the amount of ice building up beside the

church.

In 2017 we see re-shingling the church roof as our top priority and we hope to replace the upstairs rug as well.

In the longer term we hope to make improvements to the parking lot, insulate the church and continue to

consider improvements to the elevator.

Narrative Budget for Property Committee

Category 2016 2017 Utilities $11,500 $11,500 (increase by $500 to cover increase in utilities prices) Caretaker Supplies $ 1,000 $ 1,200* Church Maintenance $8,000 $ 8,000** Grounds Maintenance $ 8,500 $ 8,500 *Accountant’s budget suggested $1,000 but we’re requesting additional $200 in anticipation of replacing upstairs carpet. **$8,000 was suggested by the Accountant. Property Committee fine with that amount under the assumption that $7,000 has been allocated for replacing upstairs carpeting


Christian Education Reports A Sunday School class has been available to all children of the congregation and visiting children during the morning worship. We are using the curriculum “Feasting on the Word” which follows the scriptures that are used in the congregational service. We have 4 regular attending children and up to 12 children who make each Sunday a delight as they share their observations and insight. Support for this program is shared by several adults who take turns being responsible for leadership of the class. A huge thanks to: Laura Janzen, Karen Wilkie, Melody Ludlum, Randi Ludlum, Eileen McMorris, Linda Derksen, Donalda Ledene, Gwen Moggey and Linda Freeman. The children contributed to the Mother’s Day service in May and on Dec 11th led the service and presented a pageant for the enjoyment of all. They also presented Mrs. Pinchbeck with a cheque to help with the Christmas toy drive. Respectfully submitted, Karen Binns

KOINONIA Report No Report

United Church Observer Report We do not have a current Observer Rep. I have been handling all inquires and correspondence from the

church office. If you would like the magazine delivered to your home monthly, please come see me in the

office prior to March 1. The annual subscription cost is $25.00 per year/taxes included.

Submitted by Susan Biskup

Memorial Book Report No Report

United Church Archives No Report


Pastoral Care Team Report

The Pastoral Care Team 2016-2017 included: Anne Godsman, Wanda Hartall, Jo Wilson, Eileen Dugan, Ellen

Helfrich, Eileen Appleyard, Peggy McLean, and Donalda Ledene

The Pastoral Care Team has strived to provide support, encouragement, and fun to our congregation. We have

organized or helped with events such as: card night in April, lunch out in June to the Country Kitchen, and in

November to Humpty’s, a coffee party at Sagewood in November, and a family night pasta supper in November.

Our team have supported Rev. Scott at services held at Wheatland Lodge and Sagewood during the year.

We thank Wanda Hartall for the care and attention she provides in our card ministry. She sends words of

comfort, encouragement and celebration to our church families throughout the year.

Peggy McLean has enthusiastically led the Book Club which meets the first Tuesday each month. The group

share their recent readings and gain inspiration for new titles and authors.

We thank Anne Godsman for her leadership in co-ordinating the Christmas Caroling on Dec 18th, and other

events during the year.

As you may notice Pastoral Care, for our team, means connecting with our congregation, providing opportunities

to socialize, supporting one another, and giving life to the term “care”.

We thank you for your support, we invite you to join our team, share in our experience, and we welcome your

ideas of inspiration as we work to live life as a caring community of faith.

Respectfully Submitted,

Donalda Ledene

Pastoral Care Team Chair

Stewardship Report

Welcome everyone and may God’s Blessing be with us in the year ahead.

What are the Stewardship responsibilities?

1 Corinthians 9: 17- For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship

entrusted to me. (against my will does not indicate that we are unwilling to obey but that it is God’s sovereign

choice and call, a “stewardship” (a valuable responsibility or duty to be carefully managed.)

The church is using the Congregational Giving Program “Salt and Light” which is rooted in Matthew 5:13-16a.

Inspiring + Asking + Thanking are the foundational elements of our congregational giving program.

We want to Inspire generosity, giving, gratitude and ways of living our faith.


We have recently had two members of our congregation share their perspective on what inspires them to be

stewards of this church. They shared their feelings about Why they come to church; why they give to the

church, community, and the Missions of the church. They also spoke of the history connecting them to

Strathmore United church. We are all Stewards of our faith.

Asking is the next step in our work as stewards. We invite everyone to support the ministry of the church. We

extend an invitation to everyone to express their gratitude for all of God’s generosity in our lives by supporting

God’s mission in the world. We are the Salt to give this ministry flavor and Light to shine the way.

Matthew 5:13-16 New International Version (NIV)

Salt and Light

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer

good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and

put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same

way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We begin and end with Thanks. Thanks for your support working with the church and congregation. Thanks

for giving your time, talents, and gifts in supporting the local church needs, community at large and Mission &

Service Fund. Thanks also for supporting our Guatemala mission and the fund raising for the grand piano.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Janzen

Chair of Stewards

Guatemala Report

An outline of Rossa Esobar and her work with A.M.E.S. in Guatemala is mounted on the back table and easel.

Some pictures are also available. We encourage everyone to get acquainted with the mission project that we

chose. The work and the tireless hearts of Rossas team need our support and prayers.

We have emailed a contact message to Rossa but as of yet have not heard back from them. New information

will be posted when we do receive messages.

Also Ellen and I are planning another small fund raising event in the near future.

Thankyou on behave of Women In Solidarity for your gifts and prayers.

We respectfully submit this report as written.

Linda and Ellen


Legacy Gifts or Planned Giving

No Report

Grand Piano Report At the Feb 2016 AGM a committee consisting of: Janet Bolinger, Linda Derken, Lynne Fair, Carolyn Steeves and Donalda

Ledene was struck to research the potential of purchasing a grand piano for the church. Our research led to the

recommendation that we purchase a 6’1” Yamaha Grand Piano at an anticipated cost of $38,000.00

A congregational meeting was held in June at which time approval was given to fundraise for the piano, with the

understanding that the piano would not be purchased until all required funds have been raised. Approval was given by

the Official Board to designate funds in the memorial fund toward this purchase.

A fund raiser “Buy a Key” was initiated in Sept inviting the congregation to contribute $100.00 per key. We also welcome

donations as gifts toward this purchase.

The current financial position of this project as of Jan 1, 2017 is:

Revenue:

Memorial Fund 9069.31

Buy a Key Fundraiser 6025.00

Donations 9000.00

Total Revenue 24,094.31

Expense:

Cost of Piano 38,000.00

Short Fall (13,905.69)

Our goal is to have all the funds raised by June of this year. We have applied for several grants and as yet have not been

approved for any. Our fundraising efforts will continue and we invite your participation.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all who have contributed to this project, your support is greatly appreciated.

Respectfully submitted,

Donalda Ledene


Mission and Service Fund The work of the National Church falls into six main categories: Global Peace & Justice; Community Support

& Justice; Developing Leadership; Faith Formation; Theological Education & Ministry Support; Support to

Local Ministries; and Conference Leadership. The M & S Fund supports work with 101 global mission

partners as well as work within all the 13 Conferences across Canada.

One of the ways we learn about the vast scope of our church's work is through weekly MINUTES FOR

MISSION readings. Each year these MINUTES focus on a specific theme. In 2016 we were called to be light,

bringing out the God-colors in the world. (Matthew 5:14-16). God’s light shines through us, and there are many

ways we can reflect generosity in our lives. The MINUTES FOR MISSION tell very personal stories of how

our gifts make a difference in people’s lives throughout the world.

Each year we set a goal for our M & S Fund and in 2016 we exceeded our $18,000 goal for the first time in

several years! We raised $18,353.50 – a reason to celebrate and offer thanks. This total amount includes

$2000.00 from the United Church Women and $810.00 from our special Thanksgiving Appeal. This all

expresses our faith in action and our good stewardship.

Whether your weekly offering is given in envelopes or through PAR, I urge us all to specify a portion for the M

& S Fund. Our congregation receives support from the fund in many ways, such as our Sunday School

materials; the "Fresh Start" Program we participated in; the Narrative Budgeting Workshop our Council

attended; the MANDATE Magazine; the “Gifts with Vision” Program; the education from a theological training

centre that our Minister received; and many more.

For a look at the scope of Mission & Service work, I urge you to read the MANDATE magazines which are

placed on the table in the Narthex. The August 2016 edition has a special focus on M & S, telling you exactly

where your dollars are spent doing God's work throughout the world.

As we start a new year and work towards our 2017 M & S goal of $18,000 may we all remember God's call to

be the Church and to share our gifts. I thank you all for the great support you contributed last

year. Stewardship is everything we think, say, and do after we say “I Believe”

Respectfully Submitted, LYNNE FAIR


Envelope Administrator Report Envelope Administrator Report

Submitted by Karen Wilkie, Assistant Treasurer 2016

2016 2015 2014

Number donating by envelope 59 58 72

Number donating by PAR (Pre Authorized Remittance) 30 31 30

Occasional Donations ( No Envelope) 22 13 9

Total 112 102 111

Range 2016 2015 2014

Over $5001 5 3 1

$4001 - $5000 3 4 3

$3001 - $4000 4 2 2

$2001 - $3000 7 9 9

$1501 - $2000 9 7 11

$1001 - $1500 14 17 16

$ 701 - $1000 14 11 14

$ 501 - $ 700 7 13 9

$ 301 - $ 500 14 13 15

$ 101 - $ 300 16 11 9

$ 1 - $ 100 19 12 21

TOTAL 112 102 111

Includes occasional donations

Fund Totals Does not include $17,000.00 given to Local Fund by the UCW

Category 2016 2015 2014 2013

Local Fund $95,466.50 $96,390.90 $93,120.64 $97,784.40

M & S Fund $18,353.50 $15,837.50 $16,723.50 $16,636.85

Special Projects All put to Guatemala $31.25 $143.75 $346.25

Memorial Fund $150.00 $1,550.00 $2,070.00 $1,340.00

Piano $15,325.00

Other (in kind, misc., loose) $6,028.11 $8,178.39 $7,165.89 $5,399.22

Initial Offering $130.00 $100.00 $185.00 $101.00

Send a Kid to Camp $150.00

African Relief $20.00 $13.00

Food Grains Bank $300.00 $500.00 $600.00 $650.00

Observer $50.00 $105.00 $120.00

Guatemala Project $4,673.95 $1,811.25 $50.00

Bottle Recycle All put to Guatemala $14.70

Sunday School $219.45 $66.80 $71.75

TOTAL $140,646.51 $124,516.09 $120,270.23 $125,215.72


Treasurers Report


Auditors Report


Foothills Presbytery Representative Report


United Church Women

Agape Ladies Fellowship Group

The Agape Group meet once a month for fellowship and fun. We meet on the first Tuesday of the each

month, gathering in the Lambert Village common area at 7:30. We extend an invitation to any ladies who

might like to join us. We have a group of 10 to 15 who share responsibility for the planning of each month’s

meetings. We have enjoyed group discussions, games nights, information evenings, Christmas pot-luck supper

and craft night, report of travel to Guatemala, going to school theatre productions and more.

If you would like to join us please do not hesitate to contact Donalda Ledene at 403-934-5871 or

[email protected] for more information.

Quilters Report

Another very productive year for the quilting group. We now have 21 on our phone list.Sue Nielsen and Suzanne Bowden are new to the group, and are both very experienced quilters. We had 3 quilt kits donated to the group and 3 rolls of batting. Thank you and very much appreciated. In March we donated 7 quilts to the Syrian family, new to Strathmore. They were thrilled to receive them, and it was nice to meet the young couple in person. Quilts given out this year: Crisis shelter –10 Victim services –24 Growing Opportunities –27 Rev. John Snyder –1 Ft. McMurray fire victims-73 Mental Health –3 Syrian family –7 TOTAL – 145 Thanks to the UCW and members of the congregation for your support and encouragement. Submitted by Ruth Radway


UCW Annual Report


UCW Financial Reports

presented at the annual general meeting report 2016.pdf · biskup, linda stead, rev. pamela scott,...

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