BLACKIE-GLADYS PASTORAL CHARGE

Transcription

1 BLACKIE-GLADYS PASTORAL CHARGE United Church of Canada ANNUAL REPORT 2017

2 Table of Content A Prayer of Promise... 2 In Memoriam... 3 Message from Susan Wilkinson-Matticks... 4 Annual meeting minutes March 19, Review of the year at Blackie-Gladys... 9 Ministry and Personnel Committee Blackie and District Food Bank Manse Committee Blackie Financials Blackie Budget for Gladys Financials Gladys Budget for Pastoral Charge Financials Pastoral Charge Budget for Mission Statement The Blackie and Gladys congregations find our churches to be the right size in which to love and serve God, love and serve each other and our neighbors. 1

3 August 31, 2013 Written with Love, Faith & Hope by the Blackie Gladys Pastoral Charge A Prayer of Promise We promise to be welcoming, to respect, honor and care for each other We promise to listen, discuss, debate or disagree openly and to view these discussions as opportunities for growth and learning We promise to be supportive in a loving manner so our church will come together in God's presence Lord we promise to do our best; and to recognize that we are all individuals, each with unique ideas, feelings and personalities We promise "to do unto others as we would have others do unto us". Amen 2

4 In Memoriam Elsie Earl (Green) *Richard Percifield Mildred Tarasoff Baptism None Statistics Members 44 Non-attending members - 40 Non-Residence 110 Deceased 1 Total confirmed membership

5 From the Minister s Desk Well, as we tend to say each time we find ourselves in a new year ~ What happened? Where did the time ~ the year ~ go? And it is no less true this year, 2018, as we look back on However in that looking back, I d like to share a story I came across this past Christmas season. During WW II an air strip was built on a small tropical island in the South Pacific. The chaplain and others had tried to tell the natives about the Christian faith, but the natives responded slowly. Orders came to move on at Christmas The departing Americans gave a farewell party with make-shift gifts, and several tried to explain the origin of Christmas and the true meaning of the Christmas spirit. A few years later the same chaplain stopped at the island en route to a Far East assignment. He was greeted with excitement and taken to see the beautiful Church which the natives had built. Over the doorway was crudely lettered ~ This is our Church, built on faith and brotherly love. The chaplain stayed for a service of worship in the church. There were no seats and the songs were all Christmas carols because those were the only ones they knew. One native explained to the chaplain ~ After you left, we built the Church to worship Jesus. We worship Him with the only service we know, Christmas, the Day He was born. Every day is Christmas here. Every day the Christ child is born anew. Our gift to give is love. Our Church, we call it, the Christmas Church. So, here we are in a whole new year, with Spring to come early according to the reliable source we know as Balzac Billy, and yet I m writing a Christmas-flavoured Annual Report. To put it in the vernacular, What gives? Well, just as we can t have Christmas without Easter, nor Easter without Christmas, we cannot have a Church without two things ~ God and people ~ and I d like to take this time to acknowledge and celebrate both of those necessities! First, the people. I could take the time to regale you with the events of this last year. However, I believe that those of you reading this know what we have done, what we ve shared, celebrated, enjoyed and accomplished, for you have been a part of it in one way or another. Thank you for that. Each Sunday, as I stand in the pulpit and see your faces, I am truly overjoyed to be with you. You are a vital part of our Church family. And should you be away for some reason or another, there is a void, you are missed. So it is I celebrate the gifts you share each time we gather ~ smiles, hugs, laughter, handshakes, help, questions, thoughts, ideas, care ~ and cares ~ as well as concern, food, cards ~ and a multitude of other things ~ sometimes even tears. So it is from the bottom of my heart I say ~ Thank you for sharing the gift of yourself!! And now, for God! We could not gather and we could not accomplish any of the things we do, nor be who we are, if not for God. God is like the hub of a wheel ~ the center of our Church, our lives, our hopes, our dreams ~ and in and through God nothing is impossible. We know that. We have lived it, and we will continue to live it and so it is we say Thanks be to God. 4

6 Yet, what might any of this have to do with the story about the Christmas Church? Well, I m focusing on the line which says ~ This is our Church, built on faith and brotherly love. This is our Church, built on faith and brotherly love. I believe those to be words which could be said of both Blackie-Gladys and Nanton United as well. The tragedy of our time, is that people are both pulling and being pulled in so many different directions, that the concepts of faith and brotherly love have fallen by the wayside in ways beyond measure. Yet, I believe that in a world tossed and torn, we are a church which strives to bring Christ s grace and vision to life. And I believe, like the Christmas Church, that every day the Christ child is born anew, and our gift, both as individuals and as a Church family, is to give love. I see that happen day after day and time after time through each one of you. Yet, if I were to write a final line to the story I shared, it would go like this Oh, how the world needs a Christmas song and a Christmas Church. During the Advent and Christmas seasons we celebrate with songs of hope and peace, joy and love. Throughout Lent we remember the past with grace and faith. And during Easter we look to the future with strength and promise. Each of these is not only a gift, but also cause for rejoicing, as is each one of you. And while we may not know what tomorrow holds, we do know the world needs that reflection of God s goodness and love ~ your reflection of God s goodness and love. It needs it before it will be able to sing a new song. It needs it before it will be able to bring about peace in our time and our own backyard. It needs it even as we worship and journey, both alone and together. It needs it even as we pray ~ May it be so. May it be so. So as we give thanks for the year which has passed, and all its many blessings, and as we look to the year which lies ahead, in all its mystery and wonder, let us truly take these words into our hearts and lives - Every day the Christ child is born anew. Our gift to give is love. Whosoever lives in love lives in God and God in them ~ 1 John 4:16b ~ May our living be our loving May our loving be our living. In Grace and Strength Susan 5

7 Blackie Gladys United Church Joint Annual Congregation Meeting March 19, 2017 Attendance: Irene Milton, Jim Sewell, JoAnne Sewell, Lou Ross-Johns, Marlene Bruneau, Susan Wilkinson-Matticks, Bob Matticks, Judy Spangler, Robert Milton, Flores Groeneveld, Leanne Percifield, Rick Percifield, George Groeneveld, Judy Groeneveld, Janet Goodwin Irene opened the meeting with a welcome. Susan shared a reading by Carl S. Dudley, excerpt from, Effective Small Churches in the 21 st Century. Irene read the names of those in memoriam named in the annual report; a moment of silence followed. Baptisms and statistics were reviewed as in the annual report. A Prayer of Promise was recited together. Irene declared a quorum for this meeting. Motion 1 March 19, 2017 Moved by Rick, seconded by Judy S. that all members and adherents present have voting privileges. Carried. Agenda item correction: Minutes of Meeting should read March 13-Annual Meeting, Sept 18- Congregational Agenda item addition: Manse report. Motion 2 March 19, 2017 Marlene moved, seconded by Jim the approval of the agenda as amended. Carried. Motion 3 March 19, 2017 Moved by Flores and seconded by Lou to accept the minutes of March13, 2016 and Sept. 18, 2016 meetings. Carried. Motion 4 March 19, 2017 Moved by Joanne, seconded by Judy G that Janet oversee the Food Bank for the next year. Carried. Minister s Report Susan reviewed her report Review of Annual Reports Motion 5 March 19, 2017 Moved by Jim and seconded by Leanne, the acceptance of all the non-financial reports as presented. Carried. 6

8 Jim took over as Chair momentarily. Treasurer s Reports Presented by Irene and JoAnne. Motion 6 March 19, 2017 Moved by Irene, seconded by JoAnne, the acceptance of the financial reports as presented. Carried. Irene returned to Chair. No changes to Joint Board positions. Jim took over as Chair momentarily. Budgets Motion 7 March 19, 2017 Moved by Irene and seconded by Marlene that the proposed budgets for Blackie, Gladys and the Pastoral Charge be accepted as presented. Carried. Irene returned to Chair. Other Business: Blackie Trustees Jim spoke on behalf of the Blackie Trustees; proposal for consideration to explore the subdivision of the Blackie Church and the manse property. Discussion. The congregation will be kept informed. Gladys Trustees Recommend proceeding with the title change from Methodist to United Church. Worship Motion 8 March 19, 2017 Moved by Jim, seconded by Rick we purchase 20 copies of More Voices (words & music, coil-bound with plastic cover). Carried. Schedule: April 2, 1 Gladys April 9, 10 Blackie Palm Sunday, Communion April 14, Good Friday 10 Gladys by Worship Team April 16, Easter Sunday 10 Gladys by Worship Team July 2 a@ Gladys July Blackie (Picnic?) Statistics: Membership lists given to each congregation for review. 7

9 Remits: Four Remits requiring votes by the end of June. Meeting set for Thursday, April 6:30 pm at the Gladys church Memorandum of Agreement: All is well. Motion 9 March 19, 2017 Moved by Marlene, seconded by JoAnne. to request Presbytery to approve the license renewal for Irene Milton as a LLWP in Foothills Presbytery. Carried. Letter attached Motion 10 March 19, 2017 Moved by Jim on behalf of the Manse Committee, seconded by Flores that effective April 1, 2017 the manse rental be increased to $1450 per month (Rent $950 and Utilities $500) (presently Rent $950 and Utilities $350); to be reviewed in one year. Carried (one opposed). Presbytery Assessment is paid. Copy attached. Motion 11 March 19, 2017 George moved for adjournment at 2:15 pm. Attachments: 2017 Combined Assessments from ANWC and Foothills School Division Irene Milton LWL in Foothills Presbytery Annual Report 2016 Irene Milton Chair Janet Goodwin Secretary 8

10 2017 in Review Mission Statement and Strategy The Blackie and Gladys congregations find our churches to be the right size in which to love and serve God, love and serve each other and our neighbors. Fulfilling our Mission involves: 1. Providing meaningful worship services 2. Providing fellowship opportunities 3. Providing Pastoral Care/caring for others 4. Reaching out to our neighbors and connecting with our communities. On reflecting on the past year there have been many positives as we live fulfilling our Mission. We may be small but as we keep repeating at the Celebrating Small Churches events, Small is strong. Under the guidance of our minister shared with Nanton-Cayley, Susan Wilkinson-Matticks we continue to worship and share fellowship together and continue to use both church sites honoring the strong tradition of the United Church in our communities where there are no longer any other denomination present. The Blackie and District Food Bank continues to use our phone number as its contact point and just approved in December the High River Parent Link will be using the Blackie building for their program. The Gladys building also saw community use with the Meadowbank 4H held their public speaking program there. It was also used as a polling station for the M.D. election in October. Our Ministry Sharing Agreement with Nanton-Cayley Pastoral Charge continues to work well. The Joint Worship Committee (Marlene & Irene) and Joint Ministry and Personnel Committee (Irene Chairs) means the interaction between the two faith communities keep both focused on working together for the betterment of both. In order to accommodate Susan s schedule through the Ministry Sharing Agreement Blackie-Gladys continue to hold Sunday afternoon services once a month, again alternating sites. This does not affect our attendance at all, in fact our attendance average has increased over the past year. We are no longer one of ninety come churches with attendance of 10 or less. Our new Board Structure, where everyone attending is now on the Joint Board allows for much flexibility as to when we hold meetings, following worship has become the preferred time. There are some positions that are still needed so here are the positions and those who fill them: Irene Milton, Chairperson for a 3 year term (2019) Janet Goodwin, Secretary for a 3 year term (2019) Wayne Wilderman for Blackie-Gladys; Irene Milton for the Joint Nanton-Cayley & Blackie-Gladys Ministry and Personnel Jim Sewell & Flores Groeneveld, Manse Committee Joanne Sewell & Irene Milton, Treasurers 9

11 Lynne Ellice, Flores Groeneveld, Robert Milton, Trustees Gladys Rick Percifield, Jim Sewell, Wayne Wilderman, Trustees Blackie On reviewing our activities over the past year there has also been opportunity for fun, fellowship and meaningful worship some of these were Lenten Study Ragamuffin Gospel with 6 attending. Communion on Jan. 8th, March 5th, April 9 th, June 11 th, Oct. 1st, and Dec. 3 rd. Started the New Year with a pot-luck luncheon Jan. 8 th. March 19 th pot-luck luncheon followed by Annual Meeting. Good Friday at Gladys conducted by the Worship Team Easter Sunday service conducted by Irene Milton while Susan was at Nanton April 20 th Board meeting to vote on Remits 1-4, all were yes votes. May 1 st Rogation also known as Rural Life Sunday Mother s Day service when carnations were given to all the ladies in attendance. Volunteer Appreciation also took place this day with special cakes for dessert. July 9 th picnic at the Blackie Church site No services from the third Sunday in July to the last Sunday of August October 1st World Wide Communion service conducted by Susan October 9 th Thanksgiving also conducted by Susan Remembrance Day service conducted by Susan December 10 th mini-choir presented music during worship, followed by a potluck luncheon with everyone wearing their ugly sweaters. A beautiful Christmas Eve service at Gladys conducting by Susan with a full sanctuary of family, friends and neighbors. The mini-choir presented two musical offerings, Lou presented another piece and Marlene offered one of her pieces of poetry. Thanks to all the readers assisting in worship services. Thanks to musicians Judy Spangler, Lou Ross-Johns, Judy Groeneveld and Alison Milton for adding your gifts to make worship a meaningful experience. Also thanks to the mini-choir which forms for special occasions and always adds much to our services. Thanks to Robert and Irene Milton and all the people who regularly help conduct worship on the 3 rd and 4 th Sundays when the Minister is at Nanton-Cayley. You make a great Worship Team sharing the load. A very big thank you to those who serve our faith communities by keeping the parking lot and ramp clear at Gladys, shovel the sidewalks and cut the grass (Janet & Kirk at Blackie), repair and maintain the buildings, clean and decorate the buildings and do the many other things that always seem to need doing. Thanks to Joanne Sewell and Irene Milton for keeping our finances in order, the Manse Committee for looking after that, and in case I ve missed someone thank you all, you are what 10

12 makes our faith community such a welcoming and caring community serving God using your God given gifts to the very best of your abilities. Everyone is welcome and everyone is appreciated. Submitted on behalf of the people of the Blackie-Gladys congregations Irene Milton, Chairperson of the Joint Board MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Another year has passed and because of our Ministry Sharing Agreement most of the work this committee would do is done through the Joint M & P with Nanton-Cayley which renewed the contract for Susan Wilkinson-Matticks as Retired Supply and also approved her study leave during which she studied Celtic spirituality. We would like to thank Susan for her insightful and though provoking messages, the love and care in providing Pastoral Care, and providing leadership for the Lenten Study. Also, your guidance during the past year as we dealt with the Remits and other church governance matters is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Irene Milton who continues to act as Administrator and checks the s, phone messages, gets the mail, copies the bulletins, compiles this Annual Report, does accounting for the Pastoral Charge, and makes sure the statistics and charitable tax returns are completed and submitted on time. Previous office experience is definitely an asset. And it goes without saying that the biggest thanks go out to the people of Blackie-Gladys who step forward week after week to keep our community of faith moving forward fulfilling our mission statement. Beginning with Robert and Irene Milton who along with the Worship Team volunteer their time on the 3 rd and 4 th Sundays to provide worship services while Susan isn t with us. To those who share their musical gifts musicians Judy Spangler, Judy Groeneveld, Lou Ross-Johns and Alison Milton and the mini Choir members who gather to offer choral anthems for special occasions. And also to Lou who gladly raises her marvelous voice to praise God with special music. And we continue on to thank the other unsung heroes who do the many things that keep our buildings and grounds in repair and tidy including the snow angels, those who decorate for special worship occasions, and those prepare and clean up after Sunday fellowship time. We are a small but active and faithful community serving God and our communities in our place and our time. Respectfully submitted Wayne Wilderman, Blackie-Gladys Irene Milton, Chairperson of the Joint Nanton-Cayley/Blackie-Gladys M & P 11

13 Blackie and District Food Bank Financials Opening Balance January , Income 3, Expenses Closing balance December , The Blackie and District Food Bank serves Blackie and the surrounding communities. We provide short term assistance in the form of gift cards. The program is administered by Karen Hall and Janet Goodwin using the Blackie United Church as our communication point. This food bank is supported by donations from individuals, Blackie Lions, Blackie Ag Society (skating party), Blackie Community Association, T.O.P.S., the Fairview Rebekah Lodge and Blackie School. We are so grateful for the support our community provides. The Food Bank assisted 3 families this year with gift cards, or a Christmas Hamper. There were a total of 6 Adults and 4 children served. The Blackie and District Food Bank continues to be an important form of outreach for our United Churches. Respectfully submitted by, Janet Goodwin, Treasurer & Director Manse Committee Report It has been another quiet year for the Committee except for a call from our renter that the furnace stopped working Christmas Eve which they dealt with and the bill was paid by us. The increase in utilities payments collected this year covered not only this year s increases but also the shortfall from last year so that balances out with only about $100 surplus. Otherwise there were no maintenance issues and nothing the tenant indicated is pressing. Respectfully submitted by the Manse Committee Jim Sewell and Flores Groeneveld 12

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