Communion schedule 2017
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Meet your new COS Bill Pettit
Session has formally approved the Clerk of Session Mr. Bill Pettit.
Thank you to everyone (especially Bill) on the confirmation of the new Clerk of Session for St. Andrews Hespeler. I have enjoyed being your Clerk and know that Bill is a terrific choice. Once again, thank you for your support and patience with me as COS.
sorry about the resolution of the photo above - but I think the blurry haze makes both of us seem younger and smooths out the wrinkles.....
GOOD NEWS from Session
I'd like to announce that Bill Pettit will be the next Clerk of Session and I know you will treat him well like you always have for me. You are in good hands.
p.s. Meat pie sales will be renewed in April - talk to you soon!The Annual General Meeting February 26, 2017
THE 161st ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
ST. ANDREW’S HESPELER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Reverend McAndless constituted the meeting with a prayer, followed by a hymn sung by all.
Rev. Scott McAndless welcomes the congregation and opened the meeting.
Steve Marsh was introduced as the M.C. for the annual meeting. Rob Hodgson was introduced as secretary of the annual meeting.
Ray Godin moved and Karen Nixon seconded that Steve Marsh and Rob Hodgson be approved as M.C. and Secretary accordingly. CARRIED.
Allison Cann moved and Peter Moyer seconded that the minutes of the 160th annual meeting of St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church held on February 28, 2016, be adopted as with one correction. Page 5 of the 2016 Annual Report - “Cynthia MacDonald moved that 2015 budget, should read 2016 budget. CARRIED.
Rob Hodgson presented the report of the Kirk Session for 2016.
The congregation heard from representatives of church committees and groups about celebration achievements in 2016, special services, as well as valuable support that individuals/volunteers provided. Presentations were provided by:
· Music & Worship – Mary Forbes – M&W and Corey Cotter Linforth - Music
· Fellowship Video – Thank You
· Mission and Outreach – Peter Moyer and Elaine McLean -co/chairs
· Beth McIntosh Group – n/a
· Athalie Read Group – n/a
· Operations – Vern Platt – overview & Thank You
· Christian Education – Video
· Hespeler Place of New Hope – Karen Kincaid overview
· Report on Financial Review _ Vern Platt [acknowledgment of Vern Platt and Patrice Wappler] financial oversight
· Finance Committee Report
Bob Neath moved and Joanne Waugh seconded that the Finance Committee's Report for 2016 including the General Fund, Capital Purchase Fund, Hope Clothing, Christian Education Fund, Organ Fund, F.A.S.T. Fund, Mission Fund, Presbyterian Sharing, Endowments Fund and other funds be adopted as written and printed in the 161st Annual Report. CARRIED.
· Budget 2017 – Ray Godin
The 2017 Budget was presented at a separate financial meeting that was held on February 22, 2017. Ray Godin provided an overview of the Finance Committee Report for those people who were not able to attend the financial meeting.
Vern Platt moved and Carol Jones seconded that the 2017 Budget be adopted as presented in the Annual Report. CARRIED.
· Presbyterians Sharing - Video
Don Paddock moved and Bill Pettit seconded that the Congregation accept, but not guarantee the allocation of $18,200 as our fair share of Presbyterian Sharing for 2017. Inclusive of the proviso that periodic audits throughout 2017 be entertained. CARRIED.
· Appointment of Trustees for 2017
Vern Platt expressed appreciation on behalf of the congregation to the Trustees who have served in 2016 including Gary Stewart, Bill Winser and Glen Nixon.
Vern Platt moved and Patrice Wappler seconded that as a congregation, we accept Gary Stewart, Bill Winser and Glen Nixon, being members in full communion of the congregation, as Trustees of St. Andrews’s Hespeler Presbyterian congregation in 2017, to hold office until successors have been selected to replace them, to hold the property of the congregation, and to borrow money upon instruction of the congregation. CARRIED.
· Appointment for 2017 financial review
Joanne Waugh moved and Perter Moyer seconded that Vern Platt and Patrice Wappler be appointed to conduct a review of the financial records of the congregation and to report to the 162nd Annual Meeting. Carried
· Other Business
Rob Hodgson - expressed sincere appreciation for Ray Godin dedicated service to the church. Further, Rob expressed sincere thanks to Jane Neath, who came on board in 2015 to work closely with the Office Administrator, Treasurer, and Bookkeeper.
· A request to post the list of Deacons/Elders assigned to Districts be available a.s.a.p.
· No other business was brought forward.
· Memorial for those who have passed since the last annual meeting
Reverend McAndless read the list of names of those loved ones who passed away since the last annual meeting.
· Adjourn
Karen Kincaid moved that the 161st Annual Meeting be adjourned.
The Prayer and Benediction was pronounced by Reverend McAndless.
Every Session is required to have a Clerk.
APPOINTMENT
Every Kirk Session is required to have a Clerk. The appointment is not for life, but only during the pleasure of the Session. Particularly in a large Session a case can be made for making the appointment only for a specified number of years. It should be recognized that even a small Session may be depriving itself of valuable talent by leaving it to one person to hold this office for potentially a very long time. There are also those who, because of other commitments, might be more willing to act as Clerk if the appointment were to be for a definite, rather than an indefinite, number of years. The person chosen does not have to be an elder. Historically the Clerk was just that, no more than what nowadays might be called a minute secretary. Now all or nearly all Session Clerks are elders. Regrettably, it sometimes proves impossible to persuade anyone to be the Session Clerk. When this happens, the minister must act as Clerk as well as Moderator of the Session, but this is a most unsatisfactory state of affairs, and it should not continue longer than is absolutely necessary.
It would be in order for a Session Clerk to have the assistance of a secretary or typist in taking the minutes and attending to correspondence. It would be in order also for such a person to attend Kirk Session meetings for this purpose. If the Clerk is absent from any meeting of the Session, a Clerk pro tempore is appointed.
MAIN DUTIES
The main duties of a Session Clerk are:-
(a) with the Moderator or Interim Moderator to call and prepare for meetings of the Session;
(b) to keep Minutes of Kirk Session meetings;
(c) to attend to correspondence, including the issuing of Extracts; (d) to be responsible for all Records of the congregation;
(e) to submit the Records of the congregation annually to the Presbytery for attestation;
(f) generally to see to the functioning of the Session, to be concerned for the welfare of the congregation, and to have a working knowledge of the Church’s practice and procedure.
an excerpt from www.churchofscotland.org.uk/Revised October 2008
AGM Minutes February 28, 2016
Here's what happend last year.
THE 160TH ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
ST. ANDREW’S HESPELER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Meeting opened when Reverend McAndless welcomed attendees with a prayer, followed by a Hymn “Oh God our Help in Ages Past.”
Steve Marsh was introduced as the MC of the annual meeting. Allison Cann was introduced as secretary of the annual meeting. Motion to accept Steve and Allison in these roles was moved by Pete Moyer. Seconded by Rob Hodgson. CARRIED.
Jane Neath moved that the minutes of the 159th annual meeting of St. Andrew’s Hespeler Presbyterian Church held on February 22, 2015, be adopted as written and printed in the 160th Annual Report. Carol Jones seconded the motion. CARRIED
Rob Hodgson presented the report of the Kirk Session for 2015. The congregation heard from representatives of church committees and groups about celebration achievements in 2015, special services, as well as valuable support that individuals/volunteers provided. Presentations were provided by:
· Music & Worship – Mary Forbes
· Director of Music – Corey Cotter Linforth
· Mission & Outreach, Hespeler’s Place of New Hope – Pete Moyer
· Hope Clothing Video
· Christian Education – Joni Smith
· Operations – Al Craig
The 2016 Budget was presented at a separate financial meeting that was held on February 24, 2016. Ray Godin provided an overview of the Finance Committee Report for those people who were not able to attend the financial meeting.
Jane Neath moved that “That the Finance Committee's Report for 2015 including the General Fund, Capital Purchase Fund, Hope Clothing, Christian Education Fund, Organ Fund, F.A.S.T. Fund, Mission Fund, Presbyterian Sharing, Endowments Fund be adopted.” Pete Moyer seconded the motion. CARRIED.
Cynthia MacDonald moved that “That the 2015 Budget be adopted as presented in the Annual Report.” Brenda Holm seconded the motion. CARRIED.
Donald Paddock moved that “That the Congregation accept but not guarantee the allocation of $18,200 as our fair share of Presbyterian Sharing for 2016.” Motion was seconded by Rob Hodgson. CARRIED.
Paul Witmer expressed appreciation on behalf of the congregation to the Trustees who have served in 2015 including Gary Stewart, Bill Winser and Glen Nixon.
Paul moved “That as a congregation, we accept Gary Stewart, Bill Winser and Glen Nixon, being members in full communion of the congregation, as Trustees of St. Andrews’s Hespeler Presbyterian congregation in 2016, to hold office until successors have been selected to replace them, to hold the property of the congregation, and to borrow money upon instruction of the congregation.” Bob Neath seconded the motion. CARRIED.
An independent review of the 2015 financial records was undertaken in 2015. Bob Neath moved “That an independent review of church’s financial record continue in 2016, (consistent with the process that was followed in 2015).” Seconded by Donald Paddock. CARRIED.
Additional Motions:
That the Session create a task group to develop strategies to eliminate the deficit and to develop sustainable financial plans beyond 2016 (including opening conversations with potential ministry partners). Motion moved by Bob Neath and seconded by Rob Hodgson. CARRIED.
Jane Neath moved that Patrice Wappler be designated as the internal auditor for books and records of the church in 2016. Seconded by Elaine McLean. CARRIED
Patrice Wappler expressed sincere appreciation for Ray Godin dedicated service to the church. Ray expressed sincere thanks to Jane Neath, who came on board in 2015 to work closely with the office administrator and the auditor.
No other business was brought forward.
Reverend McAndless read the list of names of those loved ones who passed away since the last annual meeting.
Trent English moved that the meeting be adjourned.
The Prayer and Benediction was pronounced by Reverend McAndless.
hear ye hear ye the AGM is nigh
The Annual General Meeting will be held Sunday, February 26 after worship. During this celebration of accomplishments, you are invited to a pot-luck luncheon.
The annual financial meeting will be held Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 pm. You will be updated on the proposed 2017 Financial plan and detailed results from 2016. Plan to attend if you can. Session has responded to your call towards "financial sustainability" from last year's meeting. We are proud to unveil what has changed in one year's time.
Your participation in both of these meetings is vital to the sustainability of St. Andrews.
Session is looking for volunteers for: setup, serving and cleanup after the luncheon concludes. Please consider helping out by contacting; Rob Hodgson or Joni Smith. There will be a signup form at fellowship next two Sundays also.
Rob
you don’t know what you’ve got
“People say you don't know what you've got until it’s gone. Truth is, you knew what you had, you just never thought you'd lose it.”
Like the strength of a parent, sibling, friend or mentor.
Mom making your favorite meal.
oops no Wi-Fi.
Special Session Meeting Saturday January 21, 2017
Special Session Meeting Saturday, January 21, 2017
Rev. Scott outlined the priorities that Session needs to implement to raise the odds of
success. Rev. Scott has prearranged a structure to facilitate the discussion. A review “Worship Wars” Chapter 6 was used as a preamble to the planned workshop. The workshop was arranged in 7 stations. Groups of three were rotated through the stations leaving notes on what was important for St. Andrews. The next section defines each station and some salient points discovered by Elders. Don Paddock to transcribe comments from workshop to a digital copy and transmit to Elders – as available.
Re-engaging (revitalization) - renewed insight, interest and involvement.
“How to get the Useful Feedback from your Congregation”
1. Ask everyone a little
2. Ask select people more
3. Ask Leaders even more
4. Ask yourself and God
https://www.worshiptraining.com/module-1/how-to-get-useful-feedback-from-your-congregation/
• Gathering and communication of information is an important component – debated use of questionnaire
• Deacon/Elders need to poll their districts to understand why families are leaving
• Deacons/Elders to receive a scripted narrative to ask families in district
• Meeting w/families is the top priority but phone calls are useful for those who do not want to meet
• Ask the tough question why do you not come to worship anymore?
• Is it issues of transportation?
• Define what an engaging worship service is?
• The idea that passive worship may miss the idea that people want to be involved - that other people talking is just as important as the Minister.
• Session initiative – “Elders have agreed to visit as many families as possible between now and March 31st in their Districts.” Agreed to by consent. See scripted dialogue sheet in other sections. This is a critical communication of the changes envisioned here today.
· Critical we have a follow-up meeting to ensure we move forward with the entire plan. Suggestion that the further meetings occur on a week-night to make attending easier? Not for all though.
• Scripted narrative & receival of updated Elder/Deacon teams need to be in place a.s.a.p.
dialogue is important
• Must establish trust and open communication channels to all
• Session needs to gather trends and reasons for reasons families are leaving w/out names to ensure privacy
Outreach - is defined as reaching out to others, or becoming involved in a community or effort. When an organization reaches out to citizens in a community to help them find food and shelter, this is an example of outreach.
• Getting communications to Committees – every committee has a representative @ Session however, there are gaps evident
• Getting communications to Committees – every committee has a representative @ Session however, there are gaps evident
• Possibility of opening the gym to the community – volleyball, floor hockey etc.
• Welcome wagon like response to the condos being built next door – welcoming event for neighbours, BBQ fellowship, and family nights for Hespeler Village Core
- Important to reach out to inside the congregation - focus needs to be on both internal and external in an ongoing basis.
• Get Mission and Outreach Committee onside for all of the above
Communication - Human communication has the goal to invite another human being to feel something new or better, understand something or someone new or better, take a new or better position, develop new and better relationships, and make new or better decisions for the future.
• Need to always welcome those that worship with us. – “language is important”
• Need to understand that the way families feel about being part of the community (how they are vitalized by their role(s) in the church)
• Important- to have face-to-face conversations on significant issues with the congregation. Maybe, use a paper scripted dialogue that can be delivered and arrange to meet a week later to discuss. Alternative – member could anonymously drop filled script back to Office?
• Important- to communicate this workshop and share our discoveries
· In lieu of a face-to-face how can we dialogue with those that do not want to be
reached?
· How can we develop a continually effective communication strategy?
Christen Education - Christian Education Ministry involves the administration and coordination of programs or strategies to facilitate the spiritual growth or discipleship of believers into Christ-likeness.
· Deacons need to be informed, trained, and ready to act where required. They need resources and how to find them.
· Elder/Deacon orientation and printed hand-book needed to ensure understanding of role.
· Re-introduction of care group for Ministers spiritual and pastoral care. Perhaps, informal meetings to support Minister. Careful not to introduce more work for Rev. Scott.
· Critical to have current District Lists for both Deacons & Elders. Ensure the stricture is in place for March 31 deadline for Elder/Deacon teams to talk to all on their list.
Care – both pastoral care and spiritual care. "Pastoral care" is both encouraging their local congregation and bringing new people into the church. That is not to say that the congregation is not to be involved in both activities, but the pastor should be the initiator. “Spiritual Care” recognizes and responds to the needs of the human spirit when faced with trauma, ill health or sadness and can include the need for meaning, for self-worth, to express oneself, for faith support, perhaps for rites or prayer or sacrament, or simply for a sensitive listener.
· Time restraints – no information recorded
Worship Space - Most of our sanctuaries were built more than a few generations ago. Since architects at the turn of the century could not possibly anticipate how we would view worships today, the worship space they designed often conflicts with our worship today.
· worship space priorities of old buildings- designed for different needs
· adaptations have been enabled unconsciously e.g. back of church became a gathering space. The foyer was, probably designed for this use but is not the preference.
· gathering space used prior to worship is an important place – fellowship & care e.g.
· Congregational space – traditional spaces contain unmoveable fixtures. Current worship probably needs to be intentionally re-thought. maybe needs rejuvenation
· Movement space is where worship happens…..talk & singing traditional
· Choir space – dual role are they leaders or part of the congregation?
· Pulpit space – is important in symbolic representation…needs to be closer to people
· Baptismal space – important symbolically
· Table – placement and use
· Parking considerations – re: Spring St lot.
Worship Format – Historically this has been the purview of Music & Worship. It is important to keep relevant with congregational input. Kudos to Corey, Music Director for implementing an intentionally structured music format – “Blended Music for St. Andrews.”
· Introduction of the Story - 33-week program containing a chronological story
of the bible. Have both pros and cons, beside the considerable need to have regular attendance for 33 weeks. Continuity problems may ensure. Loose some context because New Testament sections will contain consolidation of some books of bible.
· Need to design a program designed to best meet congregation in Hespeler.
Other Miscellaneous Points
New idea – can we incorporate other members of the congregation in succeeding meetings? As outreach, communication, re-engaging portions of the plan.
· Reminder the upper parking lot is intended for the use of disabled parking, mobility challenged individuals and for new members.
· The Fellowship Committee is devoid of any members currently. How can we re-energize this committee? Some points on this included: strategizing on the nature of events (relevancy) Nancy & Randy have volunteered to try some functions that are family related.
· Need intentional rebuilding w/congregational input. Focus to be on forward-looking answers not on what was done before.