Report. of the. Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee. on the. Current Status. and. Future Ministerial Needs.

Transcription

1 Report of the Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee on the Current Status and Future Ministerial Needs of the Congregation May, 2016 Sydenham Street United Church Page 1

2 Table of Contents Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report May 2016 Part A... 3 Parties to the Needs Assessment... 3 Part B... 3 Introduction Community of the Pastoral Charge Ministry of Pastoral Charge Resources... 5 Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses Ministry Personnel Position Description... 7 Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel... 9 Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC Terms for the Ministry Personnel Summary Recommendation FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey APPENDIX II Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE

3 Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report May 15, 2016 Part A Parties to the Needs Assessment Name of Pastoral Charge: Presbytery: Conference: Sydenham Street United Church Four Winds Presbytery Bay of Quinte Part B Introduction In the United Church of Canada, a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) examines and reports on the ministry personnel needs of a congregation on the retirement of a minister. The congregation of Sydenham Street United Church appointed our committee upon the notice of retirement, effective June 2016, of The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald. Reverend Macdonald has served the community, the wider church, and this congregation from our pulpit for the last 14 years. The JNAC consisted of Barb Carr, Susan Doerksen, Barb Landon, Jim Leake, Cathy Purcell, Murray Rielly, Don Robinson, Vicki Ruthven, and from Presbytery, Reverend Mike Bohler and Mary McColl. On January 13, 2016, in light of Chalmers United Church ongoing Jubilee process, SSUC Executive Committee appointed Ms. Juliet Huntly, Chalmers moderator, as an observer. Our task was to describe the congregation in terms of its position in the community, its demographic and financial status and to discern its ministry needs and collective wishes for its future. We had presentations from The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald and Juliet Huntly. We consulted documents, records, and conducted a member survey (see Appendix I). We processed 82 survey returns from members or adherents, plus comments from 2 others. We also collected feedback on the survey results by means of table discussions with those attending worship on April 17. Based on all this information, we considered options for the future and hereby provide our report and our considered recommendation. 1. Community of the Pastoral Charge Kingston is the second largest city in Eastern Ontario and is comprised of an urban area, growing suburban areas and a large rural area. Kingston is a community of 169,000 people of which 18.6% are aged 65 yrs. or older. Sydenham Street United Church is located at 82 Sydenham St., in Kingston s downtown. 3

4 Kingston is a public services community. The five largest employers in descending order are: Queen s University, The Canadian Armed Forces, Kingston General Hospital, Limestone District School Board, and Correctional Services Canada. Kingston is promoted as having an excellent style of living with close access to high quality health care, university education, and cultural amenities. While the quality of life can be high, greater needs in health care, housing, and food are experienced by many. The second annual food providers report shows that Kingston service agencies supply over 3000 meals per day and others receive food hampers, food vouchers and snacks. Affordable housing is a problem; the City/County housing strategy report found that 20% of all households are not able to afford rental units and this is a greater problem for lone-parent families. 2. Ministry of Pastoral Charge SSUC documents claim 158 resident members and adherents under pastoral care. Financial records show that in 2015, SSUC had 111 donors. The JNAC survey (Appendix I) shows that over half of our respondents were aged 70 years or older and 83% were 60 years or older. The members of the congregation are old and the congregation is not being sufficiently renewed by younger people. Sydenham Street United Church s Vision Statement reads: As an Affirming Congregation, we seek to be a vital faith community within The United Church of Canada: engaged in spirituality, justice and creativity; informed by Jesus Christ and the Bible; and discerning the call of the Trinity; as we celebrate diversity, inclusivity and abundant life. Our worship style is imaginative and flexible. The services from Easter to Pentecost incorporated the poems, music and images from our Light Into Light reflection series. During April (2016) as part of the worship services, we have had: Mr. Jeff McLaren, a city Councillor, engage in a dialogue on basic income guarantee; and a table discussion on the findings of the JNAC survey. We also have been joined by members of five other congregations, who are part of the Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP), to worship with members of the Inshallah Choir, based at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Waterloo. We also had one traditionally ordered service. We have an active Social Justice and Outreach program. In 2015 we supported the UCC M&S fund with $51,300. We supported a local nursery school and share in the operation of a child outreach program in partnership with Frontier College and Queen s University students. We operated a Christmas food basket program for 44 families and a voucher program that, in 2015, provided nearly $24,000 in food vouchers to needy individuals and families. We dedicate a large portion of our front lawn space for a community garden which Queen s students tend. We are a staging area for congregants and neighbours to deposit fresh foods which are collected and distributed to families in need by Loving Spoonful. We 4

5 are also a strong partner in the Inter-Church Refugee Project (ICRP) which is on track to bring 5 families of refugees to Kingston. Included in our vision for social justice was the decision, taken over 15 years ago, to become an Affirming Congregation. This publicly proclaims our strongly held value that we should welcome all, regardless of sexual or gender orientation. The Circles of Companionship program operates to offer pastoral care to members, adherents and some others. The Congregation has been divided into seven geographic districts, each containing roughly the same number of people, in order to facilitate pastoral care. Each group has a facilitator/leader who helps to pull the group together for activities that promote friendship and pastoral care among group members. While not all participate, the Circles include 163 households and 231 people. Figure 1 shows the percent distribution of the 231 people within the seven geographic circle districts. Our children s programing, Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) offers activities and Christian Education during the worship service to young people in the congregation. The program has recently lost the leadership (due to graduation) of a talented and much-loved Queen s student who is a strong United Church member and a leader of our shared community garden project. The MGOS program will need support in order to continue as the number of children is small. For a number of years the congregation has offered the use of the building to self-help groups, such as Al Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous, and arts groups, such as Cantabile Choirs of Kingston and the Kingston Choral Society. Four not-for-profit groups and one music teacher rent office space in the building which helps offset building operational costs. Other groups rent from time to time for their events and as a result of these and the congregation s activities, we estimate that more than 1000 people pass through our building each week. 3. Resources The congregation worships in a heritage-designated, limestone building. The original structure was built in 1852 in the Gothic Revival style, by the architect/builder, William Coverdale. In 1885 John Power added two large wings to the exterior and rebuilt the interior including adding balconies. In the 1950s space was added for Sunday School use. Trends in the congregation s recent financial status are shown in the following tables. Note the dramatic fall in donors between 2010 and 2011, and the continuing drop-off over the last 5 years. Still, between 40% and 60% of those fewer donors continue to support strongly the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church and the congregation s Benevolent and Christmas Basket programs. 5

6 Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s) *From preliminary year-end report not audited Table 2 shows the operational revenues and expenditures for the same six years, again in thousands of dollars. It is telling that despite increasing revenue from rentals, donations for the operation of the congregation and the maintenance of the building have not met expenses over this whole period. Year Year Identified Donors Number of Identified Congregational Donors Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses Number Rent Special Events Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s) Revenue for operations ($000s) Total Givings (excludes and Xmas other Bskt, BF, revenues M&S) Congreg Program Expenses ($000s) Property Deficit ($000s) * (Planning project) *From preliminary year-end report not audited Non-budgeted donations Benevolent Fund and Mission and Christmas Service Baskets Fund ($000s) ($000s) Percent of identified donors contributing to M&S (%) * The continuing deficits have been covered by withdrawals, mainly from the endowment fund, which at the end of 2015 amounted to $316,000 of which $107,000 are restricted as to their use. 6

7 In recognition of the decline in numbers and ageing of the congregation and the continuing operating deficits, previous congregational meetings have approved taking action to: 1. increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building more self-supporting; 2. create a group of Friends of the building, with congregational and community membership, to raise funds from the community in order: to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation for building accessibility; and to build an endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area to fund maintenance projects; 3. reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which could mean less ministerial and other staff time; and 4. explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston. Actions 1. and 2. are interconnected and depend on a potential capital campaign to have the building renovated to meet legislated standards for accessibility and thereby allow increased access to the second story. In regard to Action 4., the opportunity for reducing expenditures yet continuing a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston hinges on sharing resources with other congregations. Four United Church congregations (Chalmers, Princess St., Zion, Calvary) are located within an eleven-minute walk of Sydenham Street United Church. Information derived from the United Church of Canada year book on two of these shows they are experiencing similar trends in demography and financial health. Towards this end, we are in active discussions with leaders of Chalmers United Church, and have had early discussions with one other congregation. The survey results (Appendix I, Question 14), supported by the results of the table discussions on April 17, demonstrate strong support within Sydenham Street United Church for such sharing initiatives. 4. Ministry Personnel Position Description The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald has served the congregation since A February 2013 document shows her time distribution for 2012 (see Table 3). The actual hours added up to considerably more than 40. Nearly 2/3 of her time was spent on the work of Engaging the Spirit mostly planning and preparing worship services. 7

8 Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February 2013 Activity Annual Percent Engaging the Spirit 65.6% Social Justice & Outreach 5.7% Art & Soul 3.3% Administration 6.6% Wider Church Responsibility 4.1% Continuing Education 4.9% Holidays 9.8% TOTAL 100% The focus of the ministry of SSUC is encompassed by the three streams of our operations. They are: Art and Soul - incorporating artistic experiences into worship and nurturing the arts community; Engaging the Spirit - deepening our spiritual relatedness through worship and caring for one another; and Social Justice and Outreach - promoting fair treatment for all in our community and the world at large. Each stream has a committee chair and working members. Reverend Macdonald spent 75% of her time on the activities of these streams. The purpose and roles of the streams are well or very well understood by 55% - 77% of the respondents to the survey. Among the very few written comments in this area, respondents to the survey advocated for the continuing focus on excellence in the arts and fulfilling our social justice commitments. SSUC also has a Worship Committee, a Ministry and Personnel Committee, a chair of property and a Treasurer. SSUC also has a Building Use Task Group which focuses on renewing the building for wider community use. As shown during April (see pg. 4), creativity in our worship services is common. In addition, we have original visual art and poetry surrounding the sanctuary and poetry and music part of many services. The Art and Soul stream of the congregation continues to find creative means to enhance the congregation s experience throughout the church year. In addition to the ordered minister, our staff-team consists of an (Administrative) operations manager (30 hrs/wk) and office administrator (18 hrs/wk) along with a contract bookkeeper plus 2 part-time maintenance staff. The position of operations manager was created following a 2010 staffing 8

9 committee report. That position is responsible to the Building Use Task Group to maximize the rental income of our space. 5. Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel Our survey asked respondents to indicate how important were seventeen qualities, gifts, or abilities in a new minister. As seen by the results (Appendix I, Question 17), ten of these were ranked as important or very important by 90% or more of respondents and another three were ranked similarly by 80% - 90% of respondents. The questions that had the highest percent of people indicating important or very important were: Question 17.1 the ability to work with and relate to people of different ages (100%); Question the ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way (98.7%); Question the ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the congregation, the community and the world (98.7%); Question the ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of discernment, challenge and change (97.4%); and Question the ability to work with and guide and support congregational committees and church staff (97.4%). Based on the above and from the report on time-distribution of the incumbent`s work, we propose the following position description. Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC Duties 1. The minister, in consultation with the Worship Committee, is responsible for: a) preparing all aspects of regular Sunday worship including: delivering appropriate prayers and reflection; conducting communion services at regular intervals and baptisms as requested; coordinating the music in conjunction with the music director; facilitating lay involvement; encouraging baptism and special recognition events; and in addition b) preparing and providing special services such as funerals, weddings, and joint worship services with other congregations. 2. The minister will support the work of the three streams of SSUC operations by: attending meetings of the three streams to provide information to coordinate their operations; and supporting, occasionally with her/his own time and effort, their initiatives and programing, e.g., Christian Education for children (MGOS), small group ministries, Affirm United. Hours per 40 hr week 18 hrs 10 hrs 9

10 3. The minister will support the development of, and partner with, lay leadership by: reporting relevant information to Executive, Worship and Ministry and Personnel Committees and The Board of Trustees and working to implement the decisions made there. 4. The minister will provide pastoral care by: meeting and welcoming newcomers; meeting and supporting individuals and families in crisis (some of whom may be drop-in individuals); visiting critically ill members and friends of the congregation; and supporting lay endeavours for pastoral care through the Circles of Companionship. 5. The minister will participate in the management of staff and congregational resources by: presenting staff perspectives at meetings of Ministry and Personnel and Executive Committees; and providing input at regular or ad hoc staff meetings designed to coordinate events, building use and resources. 6. The minister will represent SSUC in the wider community and the courts of the church by: supporting community initiatives aimed at developing a better community (e.g., poverty reduction; food security; housing interest groups, ICRP); attending regular meetings of Presbytery, Conference and, if selected, General Council; and continuing close liaison with leaders of downtown United Church congregations and other Kingston faith groups and denominations. 7. The minister will maintain competence by: taking, and using appropriately, allocated study leave; enrolling and participating in locally presented or country-wide webinars or live streamed events addressing religious and social issues of the day; and taking allocated holidays as a time of renewal and refreshment. 2 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 3 hrs 2 hrs 40 hrs 6. Terms for the Ministry Personnel We propose the following terms: Salary commensurate with training and experience as per the UCC Document Minimum Salaries for Ministry Personnel (2016) ; Basic residence telephone service and Church-related long distance charges will be covered; Travel Expense Reimbursement at 41 cents per kilometre, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, with mileage statements submitted to the Ministry and Personnel Committee; One month vacation, including five Sundays within each Pastoral Year (July 1 to June 30), scheduled in consultation with the Ministry and Personnel Committee; Study Leave of three weeks per year (including Sundays) as per United Church Guidelines; Education Allowance up to a maximum of $1,359 per year; CPP, EI and WSIB Benefits, in compliance with Government programs; Time off for sickness, disability, parental leave, compassionate leave and sabbatical leave will be in accordance with the United Church Policy; and Secretarial services are provided as required. 10

11 7. Summary 1. We note the continuing decline in numbers, increasing age, and financial deficits of Sydenham Street United Church. We understand that these trends are consistent with many other United Church congregations in Kingston and across Canada. 2. We note the Congregation s previous directions to its leaders to vigorously explore options in order to maintain its building and service heritage for the benefit of the community. 3. We understand that the results of these explorations are not yet apparent but the congregation needs an ordered minister during what, we expect, will become a period of transition. 4. We realize that the congregation desires a minister who relates well to people, who prepares a meaningful worship service and who can support the congregation through a time of discernment, challenge and change. 5. We note, as revealed by the survey and the table-discussions held on April 17, the congregation s strong support for seeking to share resources and programs in order to maintain a strong United Church of Canada presence in downtown Kingston. 6. We feel that a full-time minister would be best able to support the congregation through the expected period of transition. 8. Recommendation The Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee hereby recommends: That the congregation of Sydenham Street United Church (SSUC) request that Four Winds Presbytery accept the Joint Needs Assessment report of SSUC and declare a vacancy at SSUC effective July 1, 2016, for an ordered, full-time ministry personnel in a supply appointment, and that it disband the Joint Needs Assessment Committee and authorize a Joint Search Committee. 11

12 FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship Although the church is located in the downtown core, members are widely distributed around the city. The west zone (14%) includes some people who live west of the city. An additional 4% live a considerable distance from the city. 12

13 APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey Results of the Sydenham St. United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee s Survey on the Current Status and Future Needs of the Congregation March,

14 Frequency of responses to the 2016 SSUC JNAC survey Note: The n = ## provides the number of respondents. The numbers in front of the response categories, or in the boxes, gives the percent of valid responses, i.e., omitting from the denominator those who did not respond to that question. 1. Are you: n= Male 70.7 Female 0.0 other 2. How old are you? Are you: n= years-old or under years-old years-old years-old years-old years-old years-old years-old or older 3. How long have you been a member or adherent of Sydenham St. United Church? n= less than one year years years years years or more 0 don t know 4. How long have you been a member or adherent in the United Church of Canada? n= less than one year years years years years or more 0.0 don t know 5. About how often do you attend worship services? n = times a month time a month times a year times a year 4.9 seldom 2.4 never 14

15 6. In the text-boxes below are two statements on how people view the Bible s truths. The row of 10 small boxes represents the continuum between these two statements. Please mark with an X in the position on that continuum which most closely aligns with your own reading of the Bible. n = 73 The Bible is the literal, Divinelyinspired Word of God the authors' pens were guided by the hand of God, and thus the Bible is in a sense perfect In order to correctly understand and interpret the Bible, you must place the Bible in proper historical and theological context 7. Here are two views on the way to live out God s word: a) through personal spiritual growth; b) through reaching out to help others. Which of these statements most closely represent(s) your view? n = a) 17.5 b) 78.8 both a) & b) 2.5 neither a) nor b) 0 don t know 8. What aspects of worship services are, or would be, important for you? Aspect of Worship 1) Singing traditional hymns. n = 79 2) A thoughtful sermon. n= 80 3) Choir anthem. n= 80 4) Singing more contemporary hymns n= 78 5) A jazz or rock/pop music service n = 80 Not at all important Not important Important Very important Don t know

16 Aspect of Worship (cont d) Not at all important Not important Important Very important Don t know 6) Meaningful prayers. n = ) Conversation and coffee. n = ) Having a time for contemplation and renewal n = 78 9) The organ as the main musical instrument. n = ) Lay participation. n = ) Use of language which is accessible, inclusive and affirming of the beliefs and lives of diverse groups of people. n = 79 12) Alternative worship in lower hall. n = ) Creativity in presenting different ways of worshiping and approaching the Christian message. n = 79 14) Congregational art creation as part of worship n = 79 15) Silent meditation as part of worship. n = ) Use of modern spiritual texts. n = ) Rituals or gestures such as candle lighting. n = ) Opportunity for conversation with others during sermon. n =78 19) Use of art forms such as dance and drama in worship. n = ) Use of multi-media techniques to project hymn/prayer words. n= 76 21) The setting of our historical sanctuary. n= ) Use of name tags n=

17 9. If you do not attend services, do you maintain contact with SSUC through: Note: For question 9 only, the number reported is the number of people who marked that choice. Number 7 Circle(s) of Companionship (neighbourhood groups, pot lucks, etc.) 11 Participation in small group(s), e.g., book groups, Just Lunch etc. 6 Web site 6 Committee work 4 Outreach work 5 The minister 7 A friend 1 I m not feeling in contact with SSUC 10. In the last 12 months have you, or members of your household, contributed money to the following programs of Sydenham St United Church? Program No Yes Don t know 1) General operating funds n = ) Benevolent fund for food vouchers or Christmas baskets n = ) Mission and Service Fund n = ) Refugee family n = ) Endowment or Memorial Fund n = ) Star Campaign n = ) Other n = If your household received a charitable donation receipt from SSUC for 2014, are you the one who claimed it on your income tax return? n= No 71.4 Yes 5.2 Don t know 12. How well do you understand the purpose and roles of the three streams of SSUC s organization? Stream Not at all Somewhat Well Very well 1) Engaging the Spirit n = ) Art and Soul n = ) Social Justice and Outreach n =

18 13. In the past 12 months have you personally participated in/as? SSUC program or activity 1) An after church study group n = 81 2) A small group activity, e.g., movie night, Just Lunch, walkers, Prayer Shawls, book club, Fixers, etc. n = 80 3) A member of Engaging the Spirit, Social Justice and Outreach, or Art and Soul Committees n = 76 4) The work of those committees, e.g., choir, food vouchers, ushers, Helen Tufts programs, reading scripture, coffee hour n = 77 5) The Executive Committee or Board of Trustees n = 74 6) A Circle of Companionship n = 77 7) The men s joint congregation lunch meetings (with Chalmers men) n = 75 8) The building use task group (BUTG) n = 74 8b) Friends of 82 Sydenham St., also known as The Spire on Sydenham n = 76 9) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP) n = 77 10) Representing SSUC in outside activities, e.g. Pride Parade, Queen s sidewalk sale, Princess St. UC Christmas Dinner. n = 74 No Yes Don t know Now we seek your views on our future, but first some context. Along with most other traditional Christian congregations, the people in our congregation are getting older and shrinking in number. Over the last several years, this has resulted in a deficit in the operating budget which, so far, has been covered by the endowment fund. To avoid depleting the endowment fund completely, we must balance our operating budget. Thus, previous congregational meetings have approved taking action to: increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building more self-supporting; create a group of Friends of the building, with congregational and community membership, to raise funds from the community in order: i. to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation for building accessibility; and ii. to build an endowment fund at the Kingston Community Foundation to fund maintenance projects; 18

19 reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which will mean less ministerial and other staff time; and explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston. All of these options are currently under discussion. No immediate resolutions are at hand, but it is clear that we can t continue as we have been. Question 14 seeks to learn of your support for some of the possible directions we may take. 14. Please indicate the extent to which you favour these possible directions by marking an X the appropriate box. Possible direction 1) Sharing ministerial staff and costs with other congregation(s) n = 77 2) Sharing custodial and/or administrative staff and costs with another congregation n = 78 3) Worshiping at a different time n = 74 4) Appointing an interim, or supply, minister until we determine our direction n = 78 5) Alternating worship sites with other congregation(s) n = 76 6) More lay-led worship n= 77 7) Sharing music ministry with other congregations n = 77 8) Having a building management group, with representation from the community, responsible to the congregation for the budget and for the management of the building n = 79 9) A long-term, part-time minister of our own n = 76 10) Formal amalgamation with another congregation n = 77 11) Merging some of our programs with those of other congregations n=77 Strongly not in favour Not in favour In favour Strongly in favour Don t know ) Closing the congregation and selling the building. n =

20 Possible direction (cont d) 13) Expanded use of the building by arts or other types of community groups. Note: This would require the installation of an elevator with funds raised from sources external to the congregation n = 78 14) Joining other congregations or community groups in outreach or mission programs. n = 77 Strongly not in favour Not in favour In favour Strongly in favour Don t know Please share (please print) your suggestion(s) for a program or plan that would meet your hopes for SSUC s future (You may attach a separate page). 32 (39% of 82) people made comments 16. For the more immediate future, say to the end of 2017, how strongly do you support continuing with the following (See detailed examples in question 13)? Current programs Strongly Oppose Oppose Neither oppose nor support Support Strongly Support Don t know 1) After church study groups n= ) Small group activities n = ) Food voucher program n = ) Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program (with Queen s students as mentors) n = 79 5) Christmas baskets n = ) Helen Tufts Nursery School subsidy n = ) Circles of Companionship for pastoral care n = ) Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) for the Christian education of the children n =

21 Current programs (cont d) 9) Stewardship campaigns n = 79 10) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership. n = 79 Strongly Oppose Oppose Neither oppose nor support Support Strongly Support Don t know How important, to you, are the following qualities, gifts, or abilities in a new minister. Qualities of a new minister 1) Ability to work with and relate to people of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities n = 78 2) Ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way. n = 78 3) Ability to support people who are ill, shut-in; grieving or celebrating n = 78 4) Ability to develop and encourage leadership of Christian Education for people of all ages n = 75 5) Ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the congregation, the community and the world. n = 76 6) Open and affirming for people of diverse social classes, sexual and or gender orientations, people living on the margins. n = 78 7) Being creative and an advocate for the arts. n = 77 8) Interested in seeking new ways to be a vital Christian community n = 75 9) Open to carrying on the traditions of the congregation n = 76 Not at all important Not important Important Very important Don t know

22 Qualities of a new minister (cont d) 10) Willingness to get involved and work with the congregation and other faith groups and community organizations on worship or on social justice issues n = 76 11) Ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of discernment, challenge and change (such as options outlined in Question 14) n = 77 12) Interested in helping the congregation connect with other United Church congregations n = 76 13) Commitment to serve in the organization and work of the wider church. n = 74 14) Ability to work with, guide and support congregational committees and other church staff n = 75 15) Willingness to consult with the congregation re sacraments (baptism & communion) and rituals like funerals as per United Church policy n = 74 16) Having a gift for planning and facilitating alternative worship services, study groups and congregational events n = 74 17) Willingness to speak honestly and plainly about current scholarly interpretations of the Bible. n = 76 Not at all important Not important Important Very important Don t know

23 APPENDIX II Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA L EGLISE UNIE DU CANADA BAY OF QUINTE CONFERENCE Financial and Demographic Profile (BQ FD ) PURPOSE: To collect information about the local ministry and community If you are preparing a vacancy for an outreach or other non-congregational ministry; please contact the Conference Personnel Minister regarding a more appropriate Demographic, Financial and Community Profile. For multipoint charges, please complete this profile for each point. PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE: Number of congregations: 1 Sydenham St United Church _158 resident_ 50 + choir (Name of Congregation) ( # on roll) (Avg. Sunday attendance) We think of ourselves MAINLY as: Urban Most of us live: In single-family homes The rest of us live: In apartments Our congregation includes (approx. number in each group) Infants and pre-school 4 Children (5-12) _5_ Teens (13-19) 1 Young adults (20-30) _6 Adults - (35-50) 10 Adults- (51+) 130 Young retirees (51-64)_32_ Older Retirees (65-70)_33_ Seniors (over 70) 65 Most of us : (choose one) Grew up in this area X Moved to this area for work Moved here to be close to family or other resources Moved here for other reasons 23

24 Many of us work in the following industries or sectors: (check all that apply) X Health or social services X Education Manufacturing Transportation Agriculture and food production Tourism/Hospitality Retail Environment Mining/Forestry Information Technology Government Professional Services X Other = retirement Our congregation is like: (choose one that best applies) A family where we all know each other, many members are related to each other; A medium sized church with some people very involved and others participate mostly by attending worship; A church with an ethnic identity or diverse inter-cultural mix A big church with a staff team and lots of different programmes and small groups. X A medium sized church with some people very involved and others strongly supporting the work of the congregation but do not often attend worship; Other description: We think of our local ministry unit as in the following way: (choose one that best applies): We have a new vision and are really excited; still working out how to live into that vision We are clear about our vision and purpose and have/are developing the skills and gifts to bring it about; we are excited and optimistic about our vision. X Our congregation is changing and it is clear that we can no longer continue as we have been; we are working on how to go forward and have some anxiety. We believe that we have a future but it s not yet clear. We see that the ministry within this community is probably winding down after many positive and productive years of faithful ministry, mission and service; we want to celebrate what we have been as we intentionally and graciously end this ministry. 24

25 PART B: ABOUT OUR TANGIBLE ASSETS Governance structure: How many people are on your Governing Body? non-voting staff How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? 8-10 Our Church Building(s): (include information for each building if more than one) We don t have a church building. (if you check this one, please comment briefly on where you worship and what other spaces you use for your ministry.) Is your church fully wheelchair accessible? Yes Tell us how: X No Is it mostly accessible? X Yes Tell us how: Ground floor of Sanctuary, conference room, meeting hall, and kitchen are accessible. We have a full-size wheel-chair accessible washroom No What other measures of accessibility do you provide? (e. g. Assistive Hearing Devices, Large Print) We provide hearing devices and occasionally large print orders of service Do you have plans for improving accessibility? X Yes Tell us how: We have engaged consultants to provide plans for new washrooms and elevator. We lack funding but the vision is to gain funds through a public appeal to further develop the building into a recognized community resource. Sanctuary holds ~ 850 people No Seating/set up in sanctuary (pews, chairs, choir loft etc) Pews for congregants, chairs behind the screening for choir members Is the sanctuary used other than for Sunday Worship? If so, how? Yes, Sanctuary used for fundraising concerts, special readings and commercial concerts by Cantabile choirs 25

26 Are there meeting (multi-purpose) rooms? X Yes No What are they used for? AA, Al Anon, Congregational Committees, food voucher program, Christian Education (MGOS) Is there a nursery? Yes X No Are the nursery toys/furniture compliant with current safety standards? Yes No Are there Sunday Schools rooms? Yes X No How many? Are they also multipurpose use? Are there activity rooms? (i.e., quilting, gym, library) X Yes No The lower hall and the conference room are used for prayer-shawl knitters, after church study groups and occasional pot luck dinners by Circle of Companionship groups Where is the office located for the minister? Is it shared? Describe it: In the church building, beside church office: not shared Approximately 10 X12 on an outside wall with natural light; close to customarily used entrance What computers/telephones are provided at the church? Church office, minister and director of operations have computers Is internet provided at the church? X Yes No if yes X High Speed Dial-up What Social Media accounts and Webpages does the church hold? Who maintains, updates them? Web page operated by a member of the congregation as advised by a committee of two or three Is there a photocopier in the church? X Yes No Is the building used by outside groups as well as ministry activities? X Yes No 26

27 Brief descriptions (tenants, occasional rentals, frequency of use) Rooms are permanently leased to Bev Porter (piano teacher) and various non-profit organizations e.g., Cantabile Choirs (office and shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Choral Society (shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries, and Historic Sites,, Reel Out Arts Project (film festival), and Kingston Canadian Film Festival. Administrative Support: What administrative support is provided? Director of operations (part-time -30 hrs) and congregational administrative officer (part-time- 17 hrs) and contracted bookkeeper (1 hr). How many hours per week? (see above) Is this X paid or volunteer? Ministry and Personnel Committee: How many members? 5 How often does the committee meet? ~ every 2 mos Has one or more of the committee members attended a M&P Committee Training event in the last three years? X Yes No PART C: ABOUT OUR FINANCES Attach the previous two years financial information, including: Balance Sheets (assets and liabilities) Revenues and Expenditures Charity Tax Returns (T3013) Also include the current year s budget. The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is: Abundant Adequate Not meeting expenses but optimistic X Not meeting expenses and relying on bequests and reserves to fund operating budget. Other (describe) 27

28 Our Revenue Sources are (please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget ($ ) that comes from each source: Congregational givings $179.0 = 51.7% Congregational Fundraising Activities _(Star) 2.6% Rental of building/services _22%_ Bequests/Reserves/Investments _23.6% Other (please briefly describe): Our Financial Reserves: We have sufficient reserves in the bank that we could cover three months of expenses if we had an emergency. X Yes No Our Financial Accountability: Our financial statements are reviewed by an external person each year: X Yes: a formal third-party review. No. Our Statistics from the last five years of submissions to the United Church of Canada show: Average weekly attendance Sunday Identifiable givers (local) $ expended for pastoral charge operations # households under pastoral care Line # in the Yearbook Current year 2015 One year ago Two years ago Three years ago Four years ago PART D: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY This is what we love about our community. This is what makes it unique. Its history, geography, and cultural (40 choirs, orchestras, live theatre) resources The three economic, demographic or political challenges facing our area are: 28

29 Employment for youth, ageing, inequality in incomes Here are two or three websites that offer detailed information about our community: Vital signs Kingston at: Wikipedia at: City of Kingston at: Kingston Economic Development Corporation Other faith communities represented in our community/region are: Islam, Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic, We have close ties with the following faith communities: Islamic Society, Lutheran, Presbyterian & other United Church congregations 29

30 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014 Statement of Financial Position Statement of Changes in Fund Balances Statement of Operations Schedule of Operating Expenses

31 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH Statement of Financial Position as at December 31, 2014 General Benevolent Total Total Fund Fund CURRENT ASSETS Cash $ 45,291 $ 11,388 $ 56,679 $ 54,113 A/R and HST recoverable 9,622 9,622 9,325 $ 54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 6,412 $ $ 6,412 $ 7,878 FUND BALANCES Internally restricted (note 1) 3,122 11,388 14,510 22,079 Unrestricted 45,379 45,379 33,481 48,501 11,388 59,889 55,560 $ 54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 Note 1 Internally restricted General Fund Christmas Basket 1,000 1,000 Memorial fund 2,122 13,423 3,122 14,423

32 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH Statement of Changes in Fund Balances as at December 31, 2014 General Benevolent Trustee Total Total Fund Fund Funds Fund balances, beginning $ 47,904 $ 7,656 $ 0 $ 55,560 $ 74,759 of year Surplus (deficit) General Income ( 80,602) ( 80,602) ( 84,571) Benevolent Fund ( 5,533) Christmas Basket 3,372 3,372 2,606 Trustee funds 1, , Memorial Fund ( 11,301) ( 11,301) 2,714 ( 87,531) ( 87,171) ( 84,350) Interfund transfers ( 3,372) 3, Transfer from trustees 92,500 92,500 65,585 Transfer to trustees ( 1,000) 0 ( 1,000) ( 434) Increase (Decrease) in Year 597 3,732 4,329 ( 19,199) Fund balances, end of year $ 48,501 $ 11,388 $ 0 $ 59,889 $ 55,560

33 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH Statement of Operations Year Ended December 31, 2014 CONGREGATIONAL INCOME Envelope contributions $ 174,420 $ 174,638 Loose Collections 3,286 4,321 Anniversary and Initial Observer Interest (Trustee restricted funds) 0 2,703 MGOS 420 2,270 Rent 76,201 68,739 Special events 103 3,487 STAR 8,927 9,670 Lightintolight Other , ,758 CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES - Schedule Outreach 14,804 15,602 Program 8,690 7,522 Administration 10,215 9,620 Special events 1, Employment 221, , , ,572 OPERATING SURPLUS 7,781 12,186 PROPERTY EXPENSES Church maintenance 18,227 18,283 Organ/Piano maintenance 655 3,072 Utilities 20,144 25,128 Insurance 10,151 10,151 Major maintenance projects 31,931 25,284 Rental expenses 6,438 14,069 Grounds maintenance ,383 96,757 SURPLUS (DEFICIT) $( 80,602) $( 84,571) INTERIOR RESTORATION $ 1,000 $ 434 BENEVOLENT FUND Contributions $ 21,608 $ 16,507 Expenses ( 21,248) ( 22,040) $ 360 $( 5,533) CHRISTMAS BASKET Contributions $ 4,548 $ 3,800 Expenses ( 1,176) ( 1,194) $ 3,372 $ 2,606 MEMORIAL FUND Contributions $ 800 $ 3,545 Payouts ( 12,101) ( 831) $( 11,301) $ 2,714

34 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH Schedule of Operating Expenses Year Ended December 31, 2014 CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES Outreach Helen Tufts Nursery School $ 7,200 $ 7,200 Outreach discretionary fund Presbytery assessment 7,040 7,606 $ 14,804 $ 15,602 Program support Observer Worship - Choir/Music/Honoraria 2, Anniversary/Pulpit Supply MGOS supplies 734 2,728 - Candle/Worship supplies Affirm - net Newspaper Notice/Public Relations 3,029 2,371 Art & Soul 381 Hospitality Other $ 8,690 $ 7,522 Administration & Supplies Stationery $ 139 $ 127 Postage - net Office supplies 1,958 2,073 Photocopy supplies - net Konica Minolta Supplies 1,103 1,085 Konica Minolta rental 2,923 2,569 Telephone - Office 1,720 1,686 Bank charges PAR charges Computer support $ 10,215 $ 9,620

35 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH Schedule of Operating Expenses Year Ended December 31, 2014 cont. Employment expenses Salaries/Housing $ 170,326 $ 160,929 Travel 1,080 1,033 Books - Minister 1, Contract services 3,699 25,074 Casual employment 8, Spiritual direction - Minister Staff development Communications 736 1,124 Employment levies 35,119 31,801 $ 221,817 $ 221,745 Special events $ 1,000 $ 83 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH MISSION AND SERVICES Year Ended December 31, 2014 Mission and services Mission and service contributions $ 49,801 $ 48,138 Mission and service payments ( 49,801) ( 48,138) $ 0 $ 0 SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH TRUSTEE ENDOWMENT FUND Year Ended December 31, 2014 Opening balance $ 415,821 $ 423,669 Donations received by church 0 0 A/R from general fund (interior & organ) 1, Dividends & Interest 18,906 13,323 Increase (decrease) in Market value 36,482 46, , ,109 Less: Transfers ( 92,500) ( 68,288) ( 92,500) ( 68,288) Year end balance $ 379,709 $ 415,821

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42 Treasurer s Report for Executive Meeting January 13, 2016 *2015 Revenue to Budget -$20,400 *2015 to 2014 Revenue -$898 *2015 Expenses to Budget -$26,822 *2015 to 2014 Expenses -$29,550 *OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$1,678 *OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$42 *CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS -$4,039 *CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS +$421 SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$0 SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$50 ADMINISTRATION -$1,941 ADMINISTRATION -$226 EMPLOYMENT -$5,597 EMPLOYMENT -$4,843 PROPERTY -$8,599 PROPERTY -$21,784 RENTAL -$985 RENTAL +$958 *totals do not include monies for feasibility study or refugee program Trustees Transfer $62,544 $91,500 Note: Giving through envelope and PAR were up slightly from last year but other areas of giving were down ie: loose collection, observer and the star campaign etc. This meant that total congregational giving s were down from last year by $4,832. This total does not include the generous one time donation by members of the congregation of about $11,000 to the feasibility study.