Board of Directors. Board of Trustees. Staff. Our MISSION: To know Christ and make Him known.

Transcription

1 Wellington Square ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2 Our MISSION: To know Christ and make Him known. Board of Directors Jeremy Cox (co-chair) Lindsay Foster (co-chair) Penny Bailey Larry Couse Diane Delano Board of Trustees Lindsay Foster Margaret Ingram Ron Harper Michael Morgan Rev. Orville James (ex-officio member) Greg Buxton-Forman Jan Hillyer Tony Wilson Rev. Orville James Rev. Katie Southon Staff Rev. Orville James Rev. Katie Southon Joy Magwood - Adult Faith Heather Mackey Children and Family Ministry Adam Cresswell - Youth (Interim) Karen Guyatt - Outreach Lisa Lunski - Friday Night Community Juanita Maldonado - 11am Music Tim Watson - 9am Music Karen Dobson - Finance Catherine Wagg - Admin Jennifer Erbiceanu - Admin Terry Beck - Custodian Raul Guetteriz - Custodian

3 Message from Our Ministers A Message from our Ministers for Written reports can t tell the entire story, but they can give us something to smile about, or feel satisfaction, pride, hope, grief, curiosity, and more. The printed word doesn t convey emotions shared in a pastoral care visit, or compassion given during mealtime on Friday Night, or the pride and satisfaction of participating in building a house in Mexico, or bubbling joy of a teen in the midst of a youth group adventure, or blinking back of tears in a spiritual moment in worship, or so many other examples. It s true the printed word can t convey all those feelings and experiences. And yet written reports tell a story. This year s reports tell a continuing good story, of stable congregational life, of challenges met, of new ventures launched. So we hope you ll read through this skim some parts, carefully study others. All of the reports have interest and value. The thoughts from our Music Leaders sparkle with fun and creativity. The report from Property will give you satisfaction and relief to know how pro-actively well our leaders are managing and maintaining our facilities. The Youth report might inspire you, to know that having had 3 staff leaders in one year, there are still some 25+ young people who have gone through Youth ALPHA and are moving toward Confirmation. The Finance report can give both joy, hope and caution because our givings jumped by about 12% for the year; yet it took a energized push and some sacrificial giving by some generous donors to achieve a surplus, after threatening to carry a big deficit that loomed through the fall months. To all who stepped up and dug deep near yearend Thank You! And the M&P (Ministry and Personnel) report reminds us that this multi-staffed congregation is a complex organism, yet deals well with growth, and challenge. There were changes in staffing in Youth, custodial and music. And the year ahead promises to include transition in ministry leadership, as a retirement looms. So please read this through, and then take an interest: find a way to thank some volunteers, or staff. Find a time to pray for and support some volunteers or staff. Let God s Spirit open your eyes to the place where you can become active, or contribute with your energy and resources. And in a year leading toward transition, recognize that this is a Very strong, healthy, stable faith community. Christ is at the center, so when we partner with Him, all changes are under His divine guidance. Grace & Peace to you all Rev. Katie Southon Rev. Dr. Orville James

4 ...from the Board As we look back on this past year, we are grateful for all of our blessings. We welcomed Juanita Maldonado as our Music Leader at the 11am service and Tim Watson as Music Leader at the 9am service. We also welcomed Adam Cresswell as interim Director of our Youth Ministry. We have welcomed new members at both our services. The Friday Night Community is doing well and meeting the needs of many. They have added an afternoon program call the Hub which is well attended. It is a warm and caring place for all. GraceLand was recognized in the Observer magazine as the largest and best Sunday School in the United Church of Canada. The Church has been given a bit of a face lift, the 52 year old furnace and boilers have been replaced. We are very grateful for new air conditioning in the Sanctuary which made summer worship much more comfortable. A big thank you to all who support the ongoing work of Wellington Square. And thank you also to those who were able to make a special gift to the work of our faith community. With God All Things are Possible. Blessings, Lindsay Foster, For the Board

5 Trustees The Trustees are a small group who monitor the finances of the church, and ensure the long-term safety and viability of the congregation. This involves checking on bank accounts, investments & savings, and also insurance coverage. In 2017, all was well; it continues to be so. A major focus of the year past was on reducing the mortgage. The renovation and expansion project (completed in 2010) cost just over $2 million. This year, having paid down another $100,000, there is about $87,000 remaining to be paid. That s very commendable, and we hope to eliminate the last of that before the mortgage is to be renewed in early July. The Trustees also wish to acknowledge with appreciation donations made to the church through the Gifts and Memorial Fund. Many people are wisely choosing to continue to support God`s work through their estates. This year we received bequests from the estates of June Bristow, and Phil Connell. Our `Wellington Square Saints` are those who have gone before us, many of whom have had their remains interred in the Memorial Gardens. They were remembered on `Gifts & Memorials Sunday`, November 12 th. Rev. John Pentland, from Calgary was our guest preacher at both services, and he delivered a message titled `Saints Among Us` in which he recalled saints in his life, including growing up in Burlington, and as a teenager, listening to `Saint Hugh`(Dr. Pritchard). Presently the Trustees include Margaret Ingram, Lindsay Foster, Ron Harper, Michael Morgan and Rev. Orville James (as an ex-officio member). We thank John Lewis, and John Durdan for their faithful service as Trustees. As they move from their role with Trustees, replacements are being recruited.

6 Minutes from Wellington Square United Church AGM Wednesday February 22, 2017 Welcome Jeremy Cox Opening Prayer read by Rev. Katie Southon In Memoriam read by Rev. Katie Southon Motion that Jennifer Erbiceanu be appointed recording secretary Made by Jeremy Cox. 2 nd by Larry Couse. Motion passed. Jeremy advised on the agenda of the meeting and reviewed the requirements by the United Church for a quorum. We have more than 20 members in attendance. Therefore we have a quorum. Motion to accept the minutes of last year s AGM Made by Michael Morgan. 2 nd by Michael Southon. Motion passed. Financial Results and Budgets Jeremy Cox presented the financial results from 2016 and the budget for There was a deficit of $3,620. It was explained that this was due to the cost of the extra required financial audit. The next full audit/financial review will be in The closing balance on the mortgage is $194,984, with remaining pledges of $21,625 to collect. Question: Rollie Steed: We have a beautiful facility. Who strategizes rental income? Jeremy Cox: Anyone who wants to use the facility goes to the office for queries. As long as the requirements for use are in line, the requests are approved. If questions arise, the request goes to the Board for further discussion. There is a vetting process in place. We are not advertising at present for facility rental. Financial Summary Jeremy Cox reviewed the financial summary and explained the various lines, funds and programs. Jeremy Cox reviewed the mortgage statement and advised of the intention and hope that the remaining mortgage would be paid off in Budget Jeremy Cox reviewed the amounts to be added to the budget for various programs. Question: Rollie Steed: I have a question aligned with Christian development. How was that number arrived at? It seems a little low. Joy Magwood: It is low. We try hard not to overspend. With all small groups, many of the adults pay for the programs and they also help out those who are unable to pay by donating a loonie or a toonie when we ask. It has been unbelievable how generous people have been and we have been able to cover our expenses that way. Rather than taking it out of our budget, it has come out of small groups. In every small group that we do, we promote that. Motion to accept the financial statements for 2016 Made by Rollie Steed. 2 nd by John Butler. Motion carried. Annual Report 2016 Motion to accept the Annual Report for 2016 Made by Tony Wilson. 2 nd by Penny Bailey. Motion carried.

7 New Board Members Presented by Jeremy Cox. Alvin Kiers stepped off the Board and was thanked for his services. A nominating committee comprised of Jan Hillier, Steve Gray and Jeremy Cox received two nominations for Board vacancies. They are Greg Buxton-Forman and Tony Wilson. The candidates were interviewed and have been recommended to the congregation by the nominating committee. Motion made that the two recommended candidates for 2017 be elected to the board for Made by Larry Couse. 2 nd by John Butler. Motion carried. Trustees Presented by Lindsay Foster. Ron Harper and Michael Morgan have been nominated to become members of the Board of Trustees. Motion made that the two recommended candidates be elected to the Board of Trustees. Made by Lindsay Foster. 2 nd by Alvin Kiers. Motion carried. Music Ministry Task Force An overview of the work and mandate of the Music Ministry Task Force, which was formed in June 2016, was given by Anne McFarlane. Recommendations submitted by the Task Force to the Board were accepted and as a result, the current staffing level will be expanded to hire a second paid staff member for music ministry at Wellington Square United Church. It is planned that the search to hire a second paid staff member for music ministry will begin sometime in May Friday Night Community Lisa Lunski presented the Vision for Friday Night Community, a recap of 2016, and where we are going in 2017, including the plan to apply for funding in the short term to buy a new range and warming oven and in the long term to renovate the kitchen. We plan to offer more community resources and referrals, continue with mental health seminars and there are plans to start a community garden at the church. Jeremy Cox advised that there the three big goals for the Board this year are to finish paying the mortgage, install Air Conditioning for summer 2017 and revisit the Vision statement. Floor was opened for General Questions: Pam Butler What is the status of the new Photo Directory? Penny Bailey A book binding machine has been purchased. We are going to figure out how to use it and plan to have the Photo Directory out within the next month. All of the information has been put into the computer. The Photo Directory will be printed in colour and there will be a small charge of less than $10. Rollie Steed To Lisa and her team, I don t think she gets enough credit for the work her and her team do. My question is, if a representative from the Ministry showed up to look at fire safety, are we secure to say we are following the rules? Lisa Lunski Yes we are. We are in compliance. Alvin Kiers Regarding the Music Ministry Task Force, was children s ministry considered? Anne McFarlane Yes, absolutely. The survey was sent to GraceLand and Youth ministries. Children s ministry and GraceLand absolutely were considered. Courtesies Penny Bailey presented courtesies thanking the staff and volunteers for all of their efforts this past year. Closing Remarks Penny Bailey Closing Prayer Penny Bailey

8 In Memorium Walsh, Martin Dysart, Helen Hendry, Gordon Sutherland, Kenneth Cornick, Donald Stevens, Dominique Charlton, George Hadley, Phyllis Vennema, Gerald Logan, Catherine Plumb, Nancy Mullett, Clarence Campbell, Paul Quinn, Carol McCaul, Redvers Caswell, Lillian Davidson, Deborah Baptisms Garneau, Cadan, / Child of Robert Garneau and Aspen Dash Armstrong, Georgia / Child of Victor Armstrong and Jennifer George James, Lucas / Child of Eric and Sarah James Meisenheimer, Abigail / Child of Adam Meisenheimer and Julie Hafenbrack Ferry, Hendrix / Child of Timothy Gerry and Kristin Ferry Brooks, Lyla / Child of Mitchell Brooks and Hannah Fletcher Francis, Lachlan / Child of Timothy and Heather Francis Smitko, Calvin / Child of Michael and Alexis Smitko Jacobs, Devon / Child of Fitzroy and Melissa Jacobs Caldwell, James / Child of Robert Caldwell and Jaclyn Pritchard Phillips, Avery / Child of Reginald Phillips and Brittney Klack Brown, Kayla / Child of Stuart and Amanda Brown Miller, April / Child of Steven and Laura Miller Pearylal-Maharaj, Lenya / Child of Randy and Christine Pearylal-Maharaj

9 Marriages Peter Polimeneas and Robin Mead February 14, 2017 Ryan Miller and Lauren Repei June 30, 2017 James Black and Sarah Morris July 15, 2017 Cameron Robb and Breann Crusoe July 22, 2017 John Hay and Breanne Facey July 22, 2017 Johannes Fourie and Melissa Bera July 29, 2017 Samuel Humphreys and Natasha Lacroix September 1, 2017 Mathieu Poirier and Margaret Turnbull September 2, 2017 Justin Dobson and Laura Duffy September 16, 2017 Stephen McFarlane and Fernanda Damiao December 9, 2017 New Members Taylor, Russell Chin, Nancianne Markham, Clayton Richards, Paul Richards, Terry Richards, Joanne Komer, Margaret Komer, Larry Barlow, Ethna Barlow, Bob Manley, Jackie George, Jennifer Allardyce, Sharon Young, Peter Johnston, Linda Dykstra, Tilly Thrasher, Wendy Moore, Joyce Williams, Barry Williams, Ruth Norman, Nancy Sohier, Patrick Couture, Deb

10 Ministry and Personnel Joshua 1:9 This is my command be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Seen on a billboard The most effective way to cope with change is to help create it In 2017, the M&P Committee accepted the joy and the challenge of dealing with new and exciting chapters for Wellington Square! This year, our congregation participated in a music survey that encouraged us all to vision beyond what we were used to. And that vision brought us Juanita Maldonado and Tim Watson to guide us in seeking new ways to worship. Thank you to these two for sharing their spirit and their imaginations as we journey down new pathways together! As many of you are aware, our youth ministry director Spencer Edwards continues with physical rehabilitation and we steadfastly hold both he and his family in prayer for continued healing. We were very blessed and grateful to Heather Mackey for doing double-duty as both Children and Youth director for several months. In October, we welcomed Adam Cresswell to the role as interim youth ministry director and Adam brings energy and a deep sense of call to this most vital role. God opened that door right when we needed it opened! Our friend and daytime custodian Randy Taylor said goodbye to us in early December and we wished him well in his next steps. We were very thankful to Terry Beck for filling in the gap as we continued to work on our custodial role description and needs. Thank you to ALL our amazing staff Orv, Katie, Heather, Adam, Catherine, Jennifer, Karen D and Karen G, Lisa, Joy, Juanita, Tim and Raul. Thank you for the unique way that you care for us all as individuals, and as the great staff team that God has gifted us with! You are absolutely remarkable, resilient and faithful in each of your roles. We are SO appreciative for all you do each and every day! Our M&P team said a heartfelt so long to long time team member Heather Germain with many thanks for all her faithful service. And, we welcomed Anne Macfarlane and Pam Butler to our devoted crew of Sue, Greg, Bruce and Mardi. We continue to share joys, growing pains and life as we serve our church in what is mostly a behind the scenes way! And so, a new chapter is set to unfold for us in the year ahead what and who it will bring is known only to God at this point. May we rest in the knowledge that He remains faithful in every change and in every season! Thanks be to God!

11 Property Report 2017 brought in many improvements and modifications. The most significant improvement was the replacement of the 50+ yearold boilers, originally installed when the church was built in The new boilers are significantly more energy efficient thus reducing the natural gas consumption and lowering the churches operating costs. Along the line of energy reduction, the 300-watt bulbs in the sanctuary were replaced with 29-watt LED lights. This energy reduction equates to a savings of $11 every Sunday. These improvements were made possible because of the insight the Board made many years ago to create a Capital Reserve. For every offering dollar, 2% is directed to the Capital Reserve. In 2016, this value was increased to 3%. The sanctuary was retrofitted with air conditioning for comfort during Sunday services and other events. The air conditioning also creates an opportunity to increase sanctuary rentals during the summer months. The McMillan Room kitchenette was replaced with a smaller more modern servery. The servery was a collaborative effort between Volunteers, Property, Friday Night Community (FNC) and Gifts & Memorials Fund. The main kitchen also went through some improvements to help with output, workflow, safety and hygiene. This project was a FNC initiative and Lisa Lunski was instrumental in seeing it through from start to finish. New commercial flooring and backsplash were installed and a new eight-burner range and cook and hold cabinet were added. Funds were a joint effort from Property, Capital Reserve, FNC and a grant that was received by the Halton Region Community Investment Fund. Many projects were completed by volunteers, including a Saturday cleanup in April and several evenings (in Spring and Fall) tending the grounds. Thanks to all those who had a hand in maintaining and improving the overall church facility - gardening, landscaping, tree pruning, painting, constructing, cleaning, leaf blowing and snow shoveling. Each hour is greatly appreciated.

12 We have so much to celebrate at the Friday Night Community as we approach our tenth year of welcoming friends into share food, friendship and faith. Whether we come in need of a meal or to volunteer our time in serving, we all want to be included and part of a community of people who care. Last spring we began inviting folks into our Hub of Kindness and Purpose on Friday afternoons. This is a safe space where people come to play games, chat with a friend, have a healthy snack, knit, read or just rest in a warm and caring space. We are thankful that we can open up our doors to give some folks a little reprieve from the daily challenges that they are facing. Our community gardens are a place where friends meet, share, grow and learn together. We look forward to our second harvest which is open to folks from all over the community. In early spring we will be putting up some inviting park benches and our garden sign. It costs approximately $800 each week to provide the meal to feed over 250 friends every Friday night. Our Friday Night Community depends on the financial support and partnerships of many different churches, organizations and folks in our community. We routinely receive large weekly contributions of food donations from Food For Life, but are always in need of securing financial sponsorship going forward. In early December we had over 80 ladies join us for our third Ladies Brunch. We worshipped, heard a message of hope, made a fun Christmas center piece and shared a delicious meal together. It was an opportunity for our Friday Night Community women to grow together in friendship and in their faith.

13 ADULT FAITH MINISTRY LIFE THROUGH THE SPIRIT Jesus said Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to LIFE and only a few find it. (Matt 7:13,14 NIV) At Wellington, we are so pleased that many are choosing the gate that leads to the abundant life through Jesus. Our VISION for our ADULT FAITH MINISTRY is to have everyone connected into a healthy small group. It is through our group life that we move from sitting in rows to sitting in a circle of friends & move closer to Jesus! Christian life is a path and God meant for us to be in relationship with HIM & others. (Matt. 18:20) Our Mission Statement for AFM is to LIVE OUT THE GREAT COMMANDMENT (Matt. 22:37-39) and the GREAT COMMISSION (Matt. 22:37-39). BIBLICAL PURPOSES OF OUR SMALL GROUPS FELLOWSHIP (Acts 2:46) DISCIPLESHIP (Acts 2:42, Matt. 28: 20) SERVING (Acts 2:45, Matt. 22:39) OUTREACH (Matt:28:19) WORSHIP ( Acts 2:42,47; Matt. 22:37) During the past year, Jesus has been with us every step of the way. We pray that God will open our hearts & minds to all that HE has accomplished for us through Jesus death & resurrection. May He continue to GROW our desire to LIVE a HOLY LIFE through HIM!! GROWTH Men s, Women s, interest & Serving Groups Global Leadership Summit ( 20 attending Discipleship Cafes April Exceptional Leadership at Every Level November Kingdom Thinkin vs Stinkin Thinkin Lenten & Advent Studies/Devotionals (Bad Boys of Easter/Advent Conspiracy Alpha Leaders & Volunteer Appreciation Spiritual Health Assessment Tool (ongoing) Jesus Calling Series CONNECTION Small Group Fair Connection Point Greeter 9 & 11 Meet & Greet (may 2017) Newcomers I am a Church Member - 23 new members Welcome cards

14 Children and Family Ministry GraceLand Our Sunday morning ministry provides babies to grade 6 a joyful way to learn about Jesus and how to shine His light every day. Connectin time, live band praise songs, creative intro messages, prayer, involved story time, inter-active scripture reading, age-appropriate activities and crafts are all a part of our morning time! Our Leader Team are eager to teach the word of God in relevant and engaging ways all while building strong and trusting friendships that challenges kids to live out their faith. Family Ministry Sharing life with families in their faith walk encourages us to live out the truths of Jesus. We seek to strengthen our culture of discipleship with prayer and relational ministry. We eagerly provide opportunities that promote faith growth in the home, fellowship through special events as well as worship with intergenerational services. The following events and services are provided to nurture faith growth with families: Faith at Home Event: How to read the Bible Monthly Communion Blessing prayer and books given at baptisms 10am services Advent & Christmas 4:30pm Family Service Meet & Greet/Seasonal Events Faith at Home Family Activity Sheets Devotionals Parents and wee ones drop-in group Creative Art Ministries We encourage and equip children/youth to use their Godly gifts to honour and give praise to Him GraceNotes Singers & Dancers GraceLand Band Puppet Ministry Intro Messages/Drama Outreach Spreading the good news of Jesus to others here at the Square and beyond these walls is a joy! We support other churches Children s Ministries and United Church Camps with resources, sponsorship and on-going support as well as sponsor a child from Thailand through World Vision. In the summer, our Vacation Bible Camp week has a grand time ministering to over 160 children, youth and adults from the community. We teach the word of God with faith-filled music, stories, crafts, activities, games, friendships and more.

15 2017: The Journey with God For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11 If I had one word to describe our Youth Ministry in 2017 it would be the word: With. This past year God had big plans for Wellington s Youth and so Jesus called us to lay down our own plans, so we could align with those of Holy Spirit. We have had 3 youth ministry leaders in 1 year & yet through these unexpected transitions we have still seen growing discipleship & faith development in our youth, powerful worship nights, a vibrant Youth Alpha series & more! This points us to the truth: That no matter what the world brings us God is with us and we are with each other in the body of Christ. After an injury forced Spencer Edwards to take a leave of absence for surgery and recovery Heather Mackey stepped in and continued leading our fabulous Children and Family Ministry while steering the ship for our youth and creating a score of opportunities for our youth to grow in Christ. When you see Heather in the hallway ask her how she packed more than 24 hours into a day and share your gratitude for the incredible job she did this year. In October I came in on a part-time basis as the interim Youth Director & I have been humbled by the encouragement of the staff, youth, their families and this entire congregation. I love to connect in person so send an anytime to acresswell@wsquare.ca to set up a time to for us to chat. God was so with us in 2017 and I m so honoured to be with you all. Shoulder-to-Shoulder with Each Other: Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands. This isn't so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way. -2 Cor. 8:12-13 This year we saw great strength when youth ministry partnered with other communities. One of our visions for this coming year involves deepening these partnerships: Exploring New Territory with Jesus: As we look to the future our youth continue to engage in discussions such as: How can we dive deeper into the heart of Christ in our daily life? Where can we pour-in, in new ways to our local community? What does God have in store for the future of youth missions? Partnering with other youth groups in our wider Church family Partnering with young adults inside and beyond our congregation to pour into our youth

16 continued... New Seeds and Old Growth with our Community: Youth Ministry at the Square has a heart for growing our traditional programming while breaking new ground with programs such as: EDGE ROCKPILE SALT Class (Sunday Mornings) Youth Worship Services All-Youth Games Nights & Dinners Multi-Church Youth Group Events Squarebucks Youth Drop-in Cafe YOUTH ALPHA Series VBC Leadership GraceLand Leadership Confirmation - Spring 2018 Faith Studies that ROCK at ROCKPILE Youth Alpha dives deep with Holy Spirit: Our pilot project of the Youth Alpha series was an incredible success. Under the tremendous leadership of Shelly and Greg Buxton-Forman and their team of leaders; over 25 youth (familiar faces as well as new ones!) packed into the youth room for food, fun, and faith on Sundays in November and December, culminating in a significant time of growing in Holy Spirit at their weekend retreat hosted right here in our church. Through the Youth Alpha series our youth got the chance to: Explore deep questions about life, faith and God Worship with other youth AND Young Adults Break bread together weekly Form new friendships & deepen old ones Receive mentorship from adult & young adult leaders Serve at the Friday Night Community Begin teachings for the spring 2018 Confirmation program Rejoice in and with Everything: This past year, like any journey alongside God has come with surprises, challenges, opportunities, blessings and the growth of new fruit. Growth comes with challenge but as scripture teaches us: We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. -Romans 5:3-4

17 Footsteps Library Footsteps Library continues to be a popular ministry at Wellington Square United Church within our congregational family. Weekly reviews in the bulletin, which are also on the church website, have proven to be very successful in highlighting material available to borrow for the congregation. We strive to have a balanced selection that not only provides information but also entertainment as well as material which addresses trends in current Christian thinking. In July and August the fiction and biography collections were weeded to make room for new acquisitions and those items which were withdrawn were donated to Friday Night Community attendees. We also continue to receive with gratitude many generous donations from members of the congregation that positively augment what is already on the shelves. Thanks goes to the wonderful financial support of Wellington Square United Church Board which allows us to maintain an up to date library but also to purchase requested items by our library users. Our appreciation also must go to our committed volunteers who assist on Sundays and who review books they would recommend. When visiting Footsteps Library please remember that our collection encompasses not only the display unit in the hall but also the shelves on the wall in the Chapel. We are available to help you with your borrowing between services on Sundays but access to the collection during the week is self directed by asking for the key at the church office. Please return material in the Dropbox provided by the Library unit during church open hours. Stewardship Stewardship is a spiritual concept. Our gifts to the church are both a thank offering, and a partnership. This church has a pretty good track record of doing much in mission and ministry. Our treasurer Karen, tells us that givings increased by nearly $80,000 (or 13%). That came from a great response to a special ask near yearend. Bless you for your generosity. We hope that level of giving can continue. And yet the world is changing. Our congregation is changing. Last years report noted, People are giving more, but there are slightly fewer people giving. That was true again this year. While attendance has remained pretty stable, there has been a decline in the number of registered givers (through envelopes, and PAR). Many newcomers like the church and continue to attend, without signing up for PAR, or taking offering envelopes. They may give cash when they come, often, whatever they have that day. What the Stewardship team has realized is that there is a generational shift happening in both the handling and distribution of money. One generation (Boomers and older) paid with cash or cheque, so they were comfortable with boxes of envelopes, for weekly giving. Then a shift happened and people began to pay or give automatically through PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance). Now another shift is taking place using on the spot money terminals to pay with debit cards. We are investigating this for Wellington Square. We are hearing that for many millennials (born after 1980) this is their preferred way to handle money. Maybe it s better for you? So going forward, the Stewardship team wants to continue to educate and inspire about where your money is going, and how it makes both an earthly and heavenly difference. And we want to adapt our systems so that all who worship and belong here can find a comfortable way to give thanks to God with their resources, and partner with God in the work of maintaining this spiritual community to serve the world around us. The Stewardship Team (Linda, Tony, Brian, Dave, Orville)

18 Pastoral Care is something we do for one another. Together, we strive to care for one another and encourage the entire community to engage in caring for each other. During the year, we have people making: Home Visits Hospital Visits Nursing Home and Long Term Facility Visits Personal conversation & prayer takes place regularly Opportunities to connect over coffee after church services and Fellowship Lunches Support is provided in Crisis Situations Meals are delivered when needed Cards are sent If you would like to be part of this ministry in some way, please contact the church office x 10 or office@wsquare.ca. Look after yourselves and everyone the Holy Spirit has placed in your care. Acts 20:28

19 reaching out making a difference Your generosity makes it possible for us to make a difference in the lives of many people, both here and in other countries. This year, under the leadership of Gwen Vernon and Rob Crawford, a team of eight embarked on a mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. Although the main focus is the home construction project, our hope is to expand into sustainable community projects and to strengthen ties through our Beyond the Build initiative. In Sierra Leone, we were able to ensure that the children living in the Wellington Orphanage, received an early Christmas when our donations of educational and medical supplies, sports equipment, toys, bedding, mosquito nets and tools arrived in late October. In addition, we were able to support the replacement of a roof and many new sponsors from our congregation stepped forward to help the orphanage meet the basic needs of the 210 children who are living there. In June, we had the privilege of meeting Rodrick Zalimba, the director of Prison Fellowship, Malawi. This organization aims to empower released prisoners with vocational skills and the counselling necessary to help them re-enter society. Also in Malawi, our donations are helping to bring water from the Shire River, turning barren land into food for hundreds of families. Closer to home, grow projects in rural Ontario provide help for the hungry through the work of the Canadian Food Grains Bank. We are associated with Seeds of Life, a grow project near Alberton and have made a payment toward growing a crop of winter wheat to be harvested in July. The Canadian government matches local donations, increasing the resources available to fight hunger. We started a new initiative this year and are now offering a monthly lunch at a seniors residence in Aldershot. This offers residents, some of whom have mobility issues, an opportunity to socialize within their own community. Our Dot Gow group of dedicated sewers, cutters and stuffers continue with the amazing work of making 1,000 dolls a year to help young patients at McMaster s Children s Hospital. Much was accomplished during 2017 and we thank you for your generous support, both through your regular givings and additional donations.

20 9am Music Ministry Hello Friends, This is Timothy Watson writing to you. I would like to start off by saying a huge thank you to all of the volunteers that make music at the 9:00 AM service possible. The service wouldn't be much without the musicians, sound team, PowerPoint team, Worship Planning, announcement team, greeters, and prayer team. I really appreciate everything you do to make the service awesome. I started at Wellington in August and since then we have seen lots of exciting change. We have implemented the new roster system for the musicians. This means musicians can be scheduled based on their availability, and we get a different musical sound every week. We've had some new musicians join the music team in the last few months. It's been great to have some new perspectives and sounds thrown into the mix. We've also recently trained some more people on sound. You can expect to hear their work over the next few months as they start making appearances on Sunday mornings. As I've gotten to know Wellington Square's unique style I've been trying to strike a balance of new songs and the classics we know and love. Thank you to everyone who's suggested songs to me over the last six months. If there's a song you used to love singing, that we haven't sang since I've arrived chances are I just don't know it. Feel free to make suggestions. Looking forward, I would like to see the music ministry continue to grow. I'm hoping our team will continue to grow in musical excellence and keep experimenting with new songs and styles. Another goal is to continue to plan interesting and challenging services that will draw all of us closer to God and each other. I'm interested in keeping things contemporary and experimenting with new and old ways to worship God. Here's a look at how we average our time in the 9:00 AM service. I would love to hear your thoughts. Is there something we should spend more or less time on? As always, I am looking for new members of the 9AM team. If you are interested in singing, playing an instrument, helping pick songs, learning sound, or Power Point send me an ! I'm always happy to hear feedback about the service. You can talk to me after the service on Sunday or send me an at twatson@wsquare.ca. Thanks for reading all the way to the end!

21 11am Music Ministry In the spring of 2018, I was called to serve Wellington Square United Church as a permanent member of the Worship Team and follow in the footsteps of organists such as Bev Jarvis, Gordon Douglas, Faye Grinberg, Gaye Kimpton, James Bretzler and countless others who have cultivated the Worship Music program to create a reputation of excellence throughout the wider faith community. Words cannot describe how much this appointment meant to me and I thank you for your confidence. As Director of Music for the 11 am service, together with Handbell Choir Conductor, Sandra Jean Bedford, 2017 proved to be a year of "firsts" and there is much to look forward to in 2018 and beyond. Collaboration between musicians from both services resulted in a smashing performance of an excerpt from Jesus Christ Superstar on Palm Sunday presented at both services. This level of possibility can only be attempted because of the exceptional musicians, singers, and guests who came together to make this happen. Congratulations to all involved! Of a different era, was the sold-out, standing-room-only Stagedoor Canteen undertaken by the Chancel Choir and other special guests to commemorate Remembrance Day. Congratulations to all of the singers, performers, guests and Chef Extraordinaire Diane March for putting on an afternoon to remember. The Lessons and Songs of Christmas Concert had a special guest appearance this year with Pere Noel handing out candy canes and gave our Rev. Orville some valuable advice about his "sandwich cutting" practices. See Orv for details. The Handbell Choir has continued to thrive under the baton of Sandra Jean, and put forth a meaningful Christmas solo fundraising concert this Advent with several members showcasing their other musical talents. Kudos to this wonderful bell ministry. The Music Scholarship Committee awarded scholarships for the year 2017 to Alex Graham, Doug Robson and Eva Ohata. Stay tuned for these bright stars at a worship service near you. Thank you to members of the committee: Lindsay Foster, Jane Kops and Klaus Drost. Our end of season Choir parties at Nancy Smith's house are a feast worth writing about in Chatelaine where one might even get a special card creation from Klaus, our baritone and artist-in-residence. One ministry that may go overlooked if I am not intent is the Powerpoint and Sound Teams. Not because they are unimportant, but because they are rather invisible at times, but ever so critical. Their commitment to preparation, skilled presentation and delivery on a Sunday morning allow worship to be seen and heard. Thank you tech team for your ministry. This church is blessed with faces that have supported and encouraged my work at the Square, and I want to especially thank Orville, Katie, Catherine, Jennifer, Raoul and Randy from the bottom of my heart. Your cooperation and patience does not go unnoticed and it has made our successes possible. Another first this year was the arrival of our Worship Leader Tim Watson. His strong faith, quiet confidence, and commitment to excellence are a blessing as we move into the future. Welcome, Tim. There is wonderful exciting change on the horizon at Wellington Square and the best part is that we get to shape it. Some things will change in our shared future, and as we pray to God, sing to God, believe in God and act in God, our church will continue to transform lives and change the world. This Easter will hear the music of Heather Sorenson in the arrangements of several praise songs like: Beautiful One and In Christ Alone. You are all invited to join the choir for this special Easter Sunday presentation. I will close with the chorus from Keith and Kristyn Getty song The Lord is My Salvation which has become one of the choir's favourite pieces: Who is like the Lord our God, Strong to Save Faithful in Love, My Debt is paid and the victory won, the Lord is my Salvation. Be Calm and Sing On! Juanita Maldonado

22 Worship and Planning Team The closer you get to the truth, the clearer become the beauty, and the more you will find worship welling up within you. N.T. Wright The Worship and Planning committee gathers to shape and develop worship experiences for the congregation at Wellington Square. Our spiritual, music ministry and youth leaders, in addition to congregational volunteers representing both service styles, work collaboratively to create compelling, meaningful, faith-driven worship experiences. Utilizing scripture combined with personal knowledge, the team discusses and synthesizes ideas that enable our congregation to praise God. The Worship and Planning team brings together people with a diverse set of skills and backgrounds and encourages them to imagine exciting, authentic and organic worship experiences. Through collaborative brainstorming the team develops effective and high-impact worship experiences that enable the congregation to draw closer to God. As services are created, the team works through the three components of our service development plan: reflecting on past services, developing upcoming messages and examining service organization. The intent of all three components is to develop the best possible worship opportunity for all. Throughout 2017, the Worship and Planning committee has collaboratively integrated congregational initiatives into the worship service. It has also connected creative elements within our services to relevant service themes. Our goal has been to purposely and directly make these connections between God s word and God s work. During our upcoming transition period, which will bring our church family new spiritual leadership, your Worship and Planning team will be committed to developing a positive vision designed to enable exciting, vibrant and meaningful worship for all members of the Wellington Square family.

23 Wellington Square, of course, is part of the nation wide, United Church of Canada. There are some 2900 congregations (declining each year!), and they are clustered into 85 Presbyterys. There are 35 congregations here in Halton Presbytery who collaborate together for the work of Christ in this area. Katie & Orville are both members of Presbytery, along with two lay-volunteers, Cathy Stephenson, and Jane Kops. Each of them fulfill different assignments for the work of the wider Church. Cathy and Jane work with Pastoral Relations, helping other congregations as they seek to find a new minister after theirs has retired or moved. Katie works with the Oversight Team, visiting other congregations and assessing their health and their needs, and offering advice or support wherever possible. At present Orville is in the last months of a 2 year term as co-chair of Halton Presbytery. In the year past, there has been discussion and decision to radically change the organizational structure of the United Church. Presbytery`s are being eliminated, and gathered into `regions`. There are numerous other implications to the changes that our denomination is undertaking. While some processes are being streamlined, there may be some increase in direct costs. Until now, much of the denominational system of the United Church has operated using a combination of money voluntarily donated to the `Mission & Service Fund`, AND a presbytery `assessment`. Last year, Wellington Square gave approximately $35,500 to M & S, and also paid an assessment of $24,500 to Halton Presbytery. In the new system, W.Square will be assessed some $40,000. The new system begins on Jan. 1 st, 2019, and it may be a few years before most congregations, and most ministers get completely comfortable with the changes. Meantime, the work of the local churches in our area carries on, and we at Wellington Square seek to work collaboratively, and support and encourage all our sister congregations, in Burlington, and in the wider Church.

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