A very personal appeal. St Columba s Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 A very personal appeal Stewardship 2013 NEC TAMEN CONSUMEBATUR St Columba s Presbyterian Church St Columba s is a community where the best of Presbyterian tradition courageously embraces inclusivity, innovation and open-minded conversation in Christian service. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us Romans 12:6a From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48b 1

2 What St Columba s means to me O n the morning of Sunday 20 January 2013, I was overwhelmed by the dedication service for all our volunteers. The sight of our three ministers serving communion to the children of the Church was something I thought I would never see in a Christian church. And to hear from the pulpit a declaration that all were welcome at St Columba s black, white, male, female, young, old, regardless of sexual orientation, confirmed for me that I was at the right church. It means much to me that a homeless person has never been escorted out of the Church because s/he was dirty and smelly. I have never heard homosexuality demonised from the pulpit. I have never picked up that only Christians had the right to a relationship with God, excluding people of other faiths. I have never experienced that children had to stay in their little boxes at Sunday School, the crèche or the cry room. I have never felt that my own doubts and questions were condemned from the pulpit. I appreciate the sermons that challenge us, the willingness of our ministers to say we don t know for sure from time to time, for the supreme inclusiveness of their approach, for never being afraid to tackle the issues of the day, for being open-minded, and for being unafraid to question the notion that we are to take every word in the Bible literally, as though God himself wrote down, and then proof read, every page. Most of all, I thank our ministers for being the fallible, real, grounded, down-to-earth people that each of them are it really is a rare and wonderful thing, in my church experience. I hope that others in the congregation realise just how fortunate we are to have the (unholy) trinity that these three make up! Mandy Collins 2

3 A caring ministry in a hurting world T he Rev Dr Alan Maker describes the creed driving St Columba s as based on the belief God created all humanity out of love and placed in each human something of the divine, whether each person realises it or not. St Columba s, over more than 90 years, has delivered on this in numerous ways feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, healing the sick, remembering the forgotten and embracing the marginalised. Guided by the leadership of our ministers and fuelled by our collective passion for professing our faith through practical action, the extraordinary story of St Columba s that continues to unfold has only been possible because of the contributions of the ministers, members and staff of the Church. For us to continue to achieve even more together, positively shaping the world around us and making a difference in other people s lives, we need every member of the Church to give as they are able to. This brochure is a direct appeal to you to give perhaps as you ve always done or perhaps for the first time of your talents, time and money. In a hurting world, St Columba s stands out with a caring ministry where we do good things, beautifully. Everybody is warmly invited to do what they can to ensure that this legacy not only remains but grows over time, with ever increasing impact and reach. Much of what we do is centred on a concept of on-going, open and honest dialogue and conversation both within and outside of our immediate community. Even this brochure has been styled as a conversation piece for engagement with every one of St Columba s members and friends. To read more about the history of St Columba s, the impact that this Church has had, life at St Columba s today and how we see our vision for tomorrow, there is a rich, 240 page, full colour coffee table book available for purchase from the Church office (contact Elvina Steward; details are on the outside back cover). 3

4 It s all about having a plan T here is very little that simply just happens. A key challenge is always in securing relevant sustainable outcomes, ideally leading to still greater things. Knowing and understanding the needs is the precursor to finding and implementing solutions. Having a plan, energised by a compelling common vision, allows us to achieve so much more collectively and it s so much more fun! Above everything else, St Columba s is a place of Christian worship and fellowship. Taking this practically into the world around us, through our ministry, helps us meet the call of fulfilling Christ s programme of love in the world. While the Church undoubtedly needs and values your talents and time, this brochure is specifically aimed at the appeal for money. In so doing, however, sharing some of the ministry and activities of St Columba s may also encourage you to consider other areas for you to be personally involved. St Columba s is a planned giving Church and all members and friends are invited to pledge an amount of their choosing each year. These are not binding commitments but rather an indication of what each donor plans to give during the year. The balance of our income comes from the open plate offerings each Sunday and sundry income. The main uses of funds raised are to furnish the infrastructure and facilities to worship and to develop Christ s Kingdom on earth, allowing our members to continue to expand their efforts in providing: V pastoral care to those who need it V support to the many outreach projects identified by St Columba s. Knowing how much is coming in allows us to plan in support of what are we are committed to doing. You are warmly invited to remain or possibly for the first time become a direct part of this. Mike Lovell Convener: Stewardship Committee 4

5 Embracing change A tremendous advantage we have at St Columba s is that our congregation has many gifted people whose talents range across just about every spectrum of life. In a recent meeting of the Executive Committee, one elder noted, Whatever St Columba s does, it does so well. We, the ministers, acknowledge that the only reason we are able to do what we do is because of all of you who are so supportive in all we do. One of our elders, the Late Keith Comins, took it upon himself to ensure that St Columba s would always have exposure to the outside world. Through a very generous endowment, a facility was created to ensure that we are able and do invite an international guest to speak to us on matters of modern and changing thoughts in theology and spirituality. This has helped enormously, as no one thought pattern should ever remain static. What we do and what we believe should always be challenged, as we know the face of the world and the way the world thinks is changing. This change is brought about through dialogue and conversation. I really believe that St Columba s is a congregation that seeks to dialogue and be in conversation with many different people within our community. We have already commenced this process and have introduced the theme of St Columba s in conversation with into our Stewardship Programme for You ll see aspects of this reflected in this brochure. Thank you for your belief and trust, and through your generous donations, your demonstrable commitment to what we believe is an appropriate, honest and robust response to fulfilling Christ s programme of love in the world. The Rev Dr Martin Chunky Young 5

6 St Columba s is our cement L ast year, Graham and I lost our son, William James. It was the one thing we were never expecting. The one thing we will never understand. The thing that made us doubt almost everything we thought we knew about ourselves and our understanding of this life. It was very messy. And occasionally still is. For the month-long rollercoaster of William s premature birth, his illness and his passing, Chunky never left our side. Or at least that is how we felt. He never judged us, and was always there for us. In the sixth months since William s passing when the numbness wore off and things started to look quite ugly, we have been guided, counselled, cared for, cried with and laughed with, all through St Columba s. In the deepest, darkest pit of despair those days when we felt (and sometimes still do) that this world is too dark a place in which to be St Columba s has never left our side. They have been, and remain, as Graham so aptly described, our cement. The glue that has kept us, our family, our hearts together. The glue that has given us hope. William will always be in our hearts, we now know. But we have found a special spot for our William at the garden in St Columba s it is so lovely to visit and sit with him there. And Chunky and St Columba s too are forever in our hearts and in our lives our cement. Aimée Girdwood 6

7 We want you to V First and foremost, embrace St Columba s as a fitting place of worship and to feel part of the St Columba s family: to have a sense of belonging and associate with St Columba s as your spiritual home driven by a community spirit, a camaraderie of fellowship and with a purpose. All of this is built on a premise of inclusivity and love and underpinned by the call to Christian worship Worship and fellowship in Christ V Know and feel that you re cared for. That you are loved. That you are not alone. We call this pastoral care that aspect of our Christian service and worship that is explicitly focused on our people. Reaching out to our congregation V Know and be proud of the fact that we care for so many others, in so many different ways. We call this outreach. It s the other side of the same coin of Christian service and worship this time focused on organisations and individuals outside the congregation. Caring for our communities V Enjoy a journey of continuous learning and growth being challenged, leading to adventurous exploration and discovery. This is driven through our Christian Education Department. Growing in our faith We also want you to know that your gifts to the work of the Church are being appropriately used. Rev Stephen van Schalkwyk 7

8 Wor Fellowship I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord. Psalm 122:1, KJV 8

9 ship in Christ Three traditional services of worship are held every Sunday, consisting of prayers, reading of the scriptures, singing of hymns (to the accompaniment of our magnificent pipe organ played by our musical genius organist, Kevin Kraak), and the preaching of intellectually stimulating sermons by our team of dynamic and highly qualified ministers. Communion is served at all three services on the third Sunday of each month. Various additional services are held throughout the year, including to mark Christian holy days and, once a month, a Taizé communion service. One of our long-standing members, Prof. Ann Andrew, remarked: Our worship services provide a better understanding of scriptural texts that are difficult to follow, give inspired interpretations of biblical passages relevant to today s life and guidance for many aspects of life in addition to helping us maintain a strong Christian faith. Lorna Thomas, another long-standing member, echoes the views of Ann and adds: Born and raised in a Scottish manse, I naturally have respect for the great Presbyterian traditions which include a structured form of service with prayer and the reading and study of the scriptures, but most of all, for me, to sing with a joyful voice. I do enjoy the warm and friendly atmosphere of St Columba s. Worship services provide great opportunities to keep up with what is happening in the Church and in the world around us, to meet different people and to be with friends. Regular attendance at services of worship is one of the cornerstones of our Church membership, always warmly welcomed. Ron Timm Convener: Worship Committee 9

10 Pastoral Reaching out to I would just like to say how wonderful Chunky, Stephen and Stan Hayden-Smith were to me and my family when my husband Leslie was so ill. And to Stephen for all he did at the funeral for me and my four children. Words can never repay the warmth I get from St Columba s. Nancy Kelly Over the past 25 years or so, the Ministers and people of St Columba s have always been there for me and my family in our times of sorrow, trauma and, of course, joy. I thank God for the privilege of being part of this great community. Jenny Mansfield Why do our members get involved in Pastoral Care? To demonstrate in meaningful ways that ours is a caring church and to do something for my church that does so much for me. I believe that what I do is pleasing in God s sight and enjoy receiving feedback from someone who has been supported, helped or comforted especially the lonely. I get a good feeling of having been of assistance. The Women s Fellowship group meets at 10:00 on the second Monday of every month at Dalziel House. We come together for devotions, a time of fellowship and tea. The fellowship is important to all of us, regardless of our age. We feel we fulfill an important pastoral and outreach function by helping with funeral teas and wherever else we can, the net proceeds of which are ploughed back into various outreach / charitable programmes. 10

11 Care our congregation S t Columba s prides itself in its reputation as a caring church where individuals are invited to worship as part of a closely-knit congregation. The tangible demonstration of this is founded on our pastoral care which spreads across the full range of social interaction from the close personal support in times of crises to the provision of fun, camaraderie and relaxation. The focus of the work is on assisting our ministers in caring for the pastoral needs of the congregation. People who themselves feel cared for typically find it easier, in turn, to care for others and are often better equipped to do so. Whilst the quality and meaningfulness of pastoral care is usually assessed through feedback from those members in receipt of this care, it is useful to understand the motivations and spiritual satisfaction gained by the providers. In addition to managing its usual on-going care programmes, the committee is always looking for more suitable and practical ways of welcoming visitors in a warm, hospitable way, as well as improving the interaction between its many, often widely located, members. Ron Schreuder Convener: Pastoral Committee 11

12 Out Caring for I ve been involved in outreach for about 15 years. Every month, my team and I (all of us over 70) cheerfully pack the generous donations of groceries so freely given by the congregation. In my many experiences through outreach, a most humbling moment was to understand something about a 14 year old boy who lives with his parents in a tiny flat, has never been on holiday nor played with friends outside. The parcel donated to their family by St Columba s is made to last for a whole month. Through their own circumstances, they missed the St Columba s Christmas lunch the only time in the year that they would have had a proper meal with meat and potatoes. Iris Fair, pantry We have a lot of fun through outreach! The funniest incident I recall was when Ed Jordan came to play the organ for the Christmas gift presentation and he pulled Chunky up to help sing the Hippo song. On the more serious side, we cannot discriminate nor be prejudiced when doing this work. Our hands may get dirty but soap and water solves this problem. It s the Thank you and God Bless from those who are the most down and out that fills one with a sense of gratitude. Penny Shaddock, clothing distribution and more! For over 40 years, the Dorcas Society has made and distributed articles of clothing to the needy. The knowledge that we are able to help keep others in need warm, to provide some comfort to the premature AIDS babies, and to share in the fellowship at group meetings all make this society very significant to me. Yvonne Anderson, Dorcas Society 12

13 reach our communities T here has always been, at the very centre of St Columba s, a large beating heart of caring and compassion and action. At St Columba s, our evangelism is our outreach, and vice versa. A formal outreach committee for St Columba s ministry was established in February The central theme of the committee then and now is social concern. Over several years, St Columba s through her amazing ministers, elders, congregation and contributing non-members (friends) has made a real difference to thousands of fellow South Africans and to many needy people in Zimbabwe. There are over 20 projects in the outreach programme. A number of these are 100% funded and staffed by members of the Church, including The Pantry, The Daily Soup Kitchen and Thusano. In others, our involvement varies from Board representation and committee involvement through guiding, motivating and counselling, to giving money, food, clothing and many other goods donated to us for these purposes. Thank you for allowing us to do the wonderful work we do and make a difference, however small, every single day, for which St Columba s is known and respected around the world. Michelle von Benecke Convener: Outreach Committee 13

14 Christian Growing The Sunday School provides a wonderfully nurturing, yet exciting environment that has helped my children grow in their faith and knowledge of scripture. They look forward with enthusiasm to each lesson rotation and all the activities used to reinforce what they have learnt. Marinda Vivier Starting out as a little kid going to Sunday School was the coolest thing alive. Kenja I like Sunday school because it is very fun and you can do nice activities. Jason As a child I remember being at our annual Fun Club. During this week you will learn, play, paint, draw, go to the park, do many more activities and mostly HAVE FUN! This all revolves around the Bible. Kenja As young adults, we have many questions about God, Jesus and the Bible. The Alchemist Youth group is a place where we can share God in a more comfortable environment. It s a place where you can say how you feel in front of other teens who don t judge you. I love meeting new people every week and just having fun. Loran and Katherine Confirmation is much more than simply agreeing to believe in God. Discussions and debates made me question every aspect of my religion and beliefs. Being confirmed was a most enlightening experience and a wonderful way to connect with my faith and the Church. Jessica and Dominique The lively Wednesday Night Live discussions show that St Columba s is a place where people feel they can ask questions and debate issues in a completely open way. Kate Abbott St Columba s library holds a delightful expectation for me. I know there will be quality reference books to help me better understand and appreciate the Bible, church history and doctrines. Donna Wyckoff-Wheeler 14

15 Education in our faith The Christian Education Department is an umbrella term for exciting activities, such as the Sunday School (to teach our children to know, love and serve God, through a vital and effective programme), Wednesday Night Live (a series exploring the Bible in relation to modern day living and interpretations) and the Library (a world class resource facility for personal growth and development). Very importantly, it is through this arm of the church with the ministers that parents wishing to bring their children for Baptism are supported, through a formal seminar to better understand the theology of Baptism as well as their associated responsibilities. The Alchemist Group, for our youth, weaves together the moral fibre of a strong and courageous community in the context of the world today. Questions of right and wrong action, justice and ethics are at the forefront of young adults minds. Faith and the community provide a way to understand a complex and diverse world. When young adults (usually between the ages of 16 and 19) begin to wrestle in their own minds with the paradoxes and flaws in life and faith, a series of Confirmation classes empowers each person to write their own statement of faith as a milestone on their own very personal journey. In our creative writing workshops, Donna Wyckoff-Wheeler enthusiastically presents a literary smorgasbord with broad appeal and application. Whatever your starting point or writing goal, her lively mind, backed by well-earned credentials, brings humour and insight to the courses she guides. Through the combination of initiatives, an understanding and the blessings of the cycles of God s gracious compassion are handed on, from generation to generation. Hansie Wolmarans Convener: Christian Education Department 15

16 Ensuring a sustainable The Board of Management is tasked with establishing and managing: V the Church s financial affairs to ensure its long-term viability by growing contributions from members, growing donations and containing expenses V measurement and delivery of its subcommittees covering stewardship, property, human resources, office management and finance. There is a great awareness and strong appreciation for how much members of the Church already give, throughout the year, in several ways. Undoubtedly there is therefore a certain measure of reluctance to ask for more, particularly in tough economic times where everybody is hurting even if each in their own relative way. Following global economic trends, there has been a significant decrease in the rate of growth in our pledge income where we now find ourselves experiencing a deficit ie, expenditure is growing faster than our income. At the same time, our facilities need to be maintained to befit being God s house and a place of dignified worship and related activities, our members want and deserve tangible care, our outreach beneficiaries oftentimes rely on us especially in tough times and our Christian Education programme also requires financial investment. Notwithstanding the reduction in the rate of growth of our pledge income and our current deficit, we have been most fortunate in terms of specific donations and alternative financial arrangements that we have been able to make. These have provided us with sufficient income to meet the expenditure incurred where our ordinary income has been insufficient, including through the St Columba s Trust and the Nicarela Charity, which runs the Christmas Market and the Potjiekos Competition each year. All Looking to the major maintenance is now met by the future with an Memorial Fund, originally established optimism and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of an unashamed the Presbyterian denomination. ambition 16

17 economic outlook The St Columba s Trust has agreed to meet any deficit in the Church s income and expenditure account until 30 June 2013 just around the corner. A major challenge remains as to how to compete with commercial salaries within the office. Where many tasks were previously handled voluntarily, this has changed as more congregants have their own professional careers and now a full time team is running the affairs of the Church on a professional basis. The pressures on St Columba s finances go significantly beyond our own Church and immediate programmes. Because of our standing in the greater Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa (UPCSA), St Columba s makes a sizeable regular contribution to the on-going work of the UPCSA. Doug Anderson (an Elder and former Session Clerk) is the Chairperson of the denomination s Finance Committee. Financially, we are therefore looking to the future with a cautious optimism and an unashamed ambition. St Columba s is a Church and community of substantial reach and expectation. Much of what we do has been run for several years now and would be difficult, if not practically and ethically impossible, to simply stop. While we also need to cut our own cloth to match our income, our first prize remains to continue finding sufficient sources of income to allow us to do what we ve always done plus more. Your contribution, to whatever extent you are able, goes towards the collective strength of this incredible community. Thank you. Ken McArthur Chairman: Board of Management 17

18 The audited annual financial statements are presented to the congregation annually. The tables and charts below present a high level summary of our current financial highlights. The Church Income anticipated Rand Expenditure budgeted Planned giving by pledge Central office & presbytery assessment Offerings at church services Office & administration costs Weddings & funerals Pastoral and caring Hall & tower rental Motor & travel Outreach specific donations Outreach specific contributions Interest received Staff & minister costs & benefits All other items Property services Total income Total expenditure Rand Outreach through Nicarela Charity Surplus from Parkview Christmas Market Potjiekos Competition & Halloween Sponsorships Rand Interest received Total income Applied to Rand St. Columba s outreach projects Educational support & bursaries Homes & shelters support Total expenditure

19 The Memorial Fund Rand Applied to Opening balance at 1 July 2012 Funds available Kitchen refurbishment balance Donations & bequests General renovations Interest received Electrical repair & compliance Stonework consultant Dalziel House storage area Chapel storage cupboards Roofing & facias For future maintenance work Total Rand Total Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity and responsibility to give something back by becoming more. Anthony Robbins 19

20 Physical Address 45 Lurgan Road, Parkview Johannesburg, 2193 Postal Address P O Box Parkview, 2122 Church Office Fax admin@stcolumbas.org.za Website Staff Members The Rev Dr Martin Young Chunky@stcolumbas.org.za Rev Stephen van Schalkwyk Stephen@stcolumbas.org.za Rev Prof Hansie Wolmarans HansieW@telkomsa.net Andy White Elvina Steward Emily Monwanetse Grace Makoe Kevin Kraak Nicci Hutton Pauline Shelver Phillemon Ramadzuli Sarah Taylor Spine Sibanda Admin Manager Admin@stcolumbas.org.za Office Manager and PA to Ministers Elvina@stcolumbas.org.za Church Domestic Worker Receptionist Grace@stcolumbas.org.za Organist Kevin.Kraak@yahoo.co.uk Counsellor Website and Database Manager Pauline@stcolumbas.org.za Caretaker Counsellor Caretaker Banking Details Account Name St Columba s Presbyterian Church Bank The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited Branch Rosebank Branch Branch Code Account No