St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church 203 Highland Avenue Fort Erie, Ontario L4A 2Z5 INTERIM MODERATOR CHAIR OF THE SEARCH COMMITTEE The Reverend Douglas Schonberg Margaret Homewood Chippawa Presbyterian Church St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church 8280 Willoughby Dr. 203 Highland Avenue Niagara Falls, Ontario Fort Erie, Ontario L2G 6X2 L2A 2Z5 (905) (905) minister@chippawapc.ca standrewsknox@hotmail.ca

2 From the Interim Moderator On behalf of the congregation of St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church in Fort Erie, Ontario, I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to prayerfully consider this profile. Located at the head of the famous Niagara River, on the north shore of beautiful Lake Erie, this accessible and affordable town has all of the charm of small town Niagara life right alongside the amenities of city life which is just a short trip across the river in Buffalo; theatre, sports, shopping, etc. Hamilton is an easy hour drive. Downtown Toronto is an easy 90 minutes. Whether you are skiing in the winter, boating or hiking in the summer, Fort Erie is an ideal place to start out, raise a family, or retire. This congregation has Christ-centred, excellent, strong leadership and solid resources behind them. It has been an easy delight to work with them. Like many of our denomination s congregations, St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church has experienced a contraction in attendance and budget. They have adjusted to this reality and are financially sound. They are seeking a minister for whom part time hours will be a good fit. However, as shown in the congregational survey, they have no desire to coast. They want to grow as a community of engaged and empowered witness and service. Thus, they are seeking a visionary, initiating leader who will bring energy, momentum, and who can unlock their giftedness in Jesus name. I invite you to open yourself to the Holy Spirit s inspiration as you read the profile and see if God has perhaps placed a call on your heart to serve with this congregation. In Christ s service, Doug Schonberg Interim Moderator

3 AN INTRODUCTION St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church in Fort Erie celebrated 100 years young in Margaret Nelson wrote a poem for our Church s Centennial Celebration. Twenty-seven years later it still holds strong. One hundred years have come and gone, Knox Church now marks a milestone in time. It was International Bridge, a railroad town, Where our forefathers came together in The need for a Church to worship our Lord, From records collected, aged and worn. Found in Christ s diary of old Knox Church, We learn how and why our Church was born. Presbyterian families together unite, With vision, direction and talents abound, They answered God s call to build Him a home, Gave of their abundance and a Church was found. With the passing years the town had grown, And became Fort Erie as now it s known. In the late twenties, a new church was built, Away from the noisy railroad, smoke and silt.

4 Knox Church and St. Andrews joined together as one - Their growing congregation had set new sights. The spiritual union complied to God s call, St. Andrew s - Knox Church matured to new heights. We remember the saddest day of tears and pain, The Church fire had scarred a dream. Dear Lord, we prayed Sustain us now! Christ helped; we helped united on God s team. The Church rebuilt with togetherness, With love and labour and talents combined. God responded with Christ s supervision, Our faith renewed with peace of mind. Today April 9 th, 1989 Together, this Centennial event we celebrate God s measure of our Church s greatness, In service, witness and influence to date. Yes, Christ knows the hearts, which He had touched, He guides us as we carry on, Our heritage our starting place. Our Church is now a hundred years young, In a fast changing world with challenges to meet, To bequeath to our heirs, Christ s Church with great pride.

5 A SYNOPSIS OF THE CHURCH S HISTORY St. Andrew s Presbyterian Church was established on the corners of Bertie and Stanton Streets in the south-end of Fort Erie and was a joint charge with Ridgeway Knox Presbyterian Church Organizational Meeting held, to form a congregation covering the area of International Bridge and Amigari Services were held in the Oddfellows Hall, located on the north side of Courtwright Street - St. Andrew s congregation separated from Ridgeway, joined with the new congregation of Knox at International Bridge thus forming a single pastoral charge Knox Presbyterian Church was established in the north-end of Fort Erie on Courtwright Street First Manse was purchased, located on Niagara Street Excavation underneath the Church to build a basement to meet the needs for a Sunday School, Kitchen and other spaces St. Andrew s and Knox congregations voted to remain Presbyterian rather than join with the Methodist and Congregational churches in Canada Plans and building of a new church located at the corner of Highland and Central Avenues happened The new Knox Presbyterian Church opened their doors The church burned their mortgage St. Andrew s and Knox Presbyterian churches voted to become separate charges The congregations of St. Andrew s and Knox Churches amalgamate to become St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church (corners of Highland and Central Avenues) Fire destroyed the church building leaving a shell standing St. Andrew s - Knox Presbyterian Church was rebuilt St. Andrew s - Knox celebrated its 40 th anniversary as a combined congregation

6 Serving and revealing Christ in word and deed We are disciples who endeavour to live by Christ s example with joy and excitement being involved in various outreach works. Our Worship Service A one hour traditional service is held at 10:00 a.m. followed every other week by Fellowship Coffee hour. We have congregation members who participate in Greeting and Welcoming, Announcements, Scripture Reading and the receiving of the Offerings. Our Music Director leads our small but mighty choir on our Allen pipe organ. The Minister spends time with our Youth during the service after which the children attend Sunday School. We have special services throughout the year at Easter, Remembrance Day, Lenten and Christmas. At an average Sunday service, there are approximately 40 in attendance, while our Christmas Eve service reaches the mid to high 50 s. A Sample Bulletin 4 th Sunday after Pentecost The asterisk * invites you to stand as you are able. At the call of Christ the church gathers. Musical Prelude Welcome and Announcements... Carole Nelson Call to Worship All people that on earth do dwell *Hymn 65 Prayer of Adoration & Confession Lord s Prayer (debts and debtors)... Page 1476 Assurance of Pardon.... to hear God s Word.... Jesus, good above all other... Hymn 362 Time for our Youth Responsive Reading: Psalm Page 930 Prayer for Illumination Scripture Readings :.. Frank Gordon Old Testament: 1 Samuel 24:8-13 and Page 415 Ecclesiastes 3: Page 988 New Testament: Luke 6: Page 1570 «May the mind of Christ my Saviour»... *Hymn 644 Sermon: THE GOLDEN RULE... to respond in faith... Prayers of the People The Offering Ministry of Music *Doxology * Hymn 79 *Prayer of Dedication.... and goes forth to serve in Christ s name. Arise, your light is come... *Hymn 712 * Commissioning and Benediction * Go now in Peace.... Hymnbook backcover Musical Postlude Prayer Requests: Art Henry, (husband of Vi Henry), Ann Wood, Dr. Greg Sherwin (cousin of Lesley Kinghorn), Shirley Spurrell, Bert Schertzing, Linda Learn, and Bev Kooistra. Our Church Announcements WELCOME to all our guests. In order that we may acknowledge your visit, please fill out the visitors card found in the pew and place it in the offering plate or sign the guest book in the Narthex.

7 Our Ministries Our ministries are designed to provide a learning environment where the congregation is introduced to biblical knowledge and invited to grow in their faith, deepening their personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Bible Study and Prayer: There are two Bible study groups. Tuesday s Bible Study is By a Woman, for the Women and about the Women. Wednesday s Bible Study, which is currently on hiatus, is open to all. There is an active Prayer Chain, offering support and prayers to those in need. Our church has a Sunshine Person, offering support to those individuals of our congregation who are experiencing challenging life struggles through a written word, letting them know we care and that they are not alone. Women s Association: The Women s Association meets on the second Wednesday of each month during the months of September through June. Not only is it a wonderful time to share in prayers, laughter and a bit of tea or coffee, but also planning and strategizing as to how best support the church. Fellowship Hour: Fellowship Coffee hour is held every other week throughout the year at 11:00 a.m. immediately following the Church service. Celebration meals are also held over the course of the year. Donations are freely given which help to meet the needs of the church. Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Team, compromised of 7 Pastoral Elders keep in touch with members of the Congregation who are ill or grieving or struggling with daily life.

8 Communication: There is a quarterly newsletter The Epistle that is hand delivered by the Elders. The Epistle helps to keep the congregation up-to-date with up-coming events, success stories and recent happenings of the Church. We have a web-site which is currently a work in progress. Leadership: The Session and Board of Managers each meet monthly between September and June. Fund-raising events are held in conjunction with the Session, the Board of Managers, or volunteer leaders from the congregation. Outreach: St. Andrew s-knox continues to support missions both near and far. Our congregation continues to be strong supporters of PWS&D, Presbyterians Sharing and urgent appeals like the Syrian Crisis and the forest fires of Alberta. Closer to home we have an active Community Outreach Program Erie (C.O.P.E.) and the first Saturday, September through June our doors are open as we take our turn hosting a hearty luncheon and offering fellowship and a message of hope. We continually support our local food bank, and have a Mitten Tree in the Christmas Season. Our Staff and Committed Group of Volunteers The Session, is charged to provide for the spiritual growth of its members and to provide ministry through personal and pastoral care, education programs, and sharing in fellowship and mutual support. We currently have eleven Elders in total, sharing administrative and pastoral duties. There is an active Board of Managers of eight members that oversee the maintenance of the church property. The Church employs a part-time Administrative Assistant, Music Director, Cleaners and Grounds Keeper. We draw strength from our valued volunteers. No task is too large or too small; after all, many hands make light work! Our Sunday School is built on a Christian based foundation. We have a small group of children who love to occasionally take an active role in the Morning Worship. Every Sunday, the children are blessed with many loving grandparents and when the children share their arts and crafts with the congregation, love abounds!

9 Our Church Building St. Andrew s - Knox is a well established church in our community. We boast a seasoned, welcoming, committed congregation who prefer a traditional style of worship which is well suited to our beautiful sanctuary. St. Andrew s - Knox is situated on a large corner lot with ample parking. The building is two leveled, with dedicated accessible parking, double door flat entry with a six person lift or enter through our main entrance which leads either up, to the narthex and sanctuary or down to the many communal rooms. Downstairs, the Kirk Hall is centrally located and is commonly used for coffee hours, luncheons and dinners. The Sunday school room, separate nursery room and choir room are immediately off the Kirk Hall. Down a hallway there are two additional offices, which are currently used by the Army Cadets. There is also a well appointed kitchen and a two story gymnasium. At either end of the lower level is a set of washrooms. Upstairs, the sanctuary, decorated with storied stain glass windows, seats three hundred. Located behind the sanctuary is a large Minister s study, with its own washroom. The church office and the large upper meeting room complete this level.

10 Position Description Minister of Word and Sacraments Contract Position Following excellent worship leadership and preaching, our top three congregation-identified interests were developing programs, equipping church members and leadership development. Thus, rather than a chaplaincy style ministry, we seek a visionary leader who will work collegially with our leadership and congregation to develop and equip the congregation for an engaged ministry and witness to Jesus Christ in our community. We wish to grow in faith, in witness and in vitality. Thus the leader we seek will be entrepreneurial, creative, energetic and able to smoothly facilitate a transition to new ways of being the church and doing ministry together. Previous Ministers who have graced our Church The Reverend Raye Brown The Reverend Cameron Bigelow The Reverend Robert Docherty Compensation This is an annual contract position up to 19 hours per week, with compensation prorated to stipend levels set by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The committee may consider increased hours depending on the candidate. Participation in the Health and Dental Plan to be negotiated. 5 weeks vacation 1 week study leave with prorated study leave allowance

11 An Inventory of Pastoral Skill and Interests During the spring of 2016, the members and adherents of St. Andrew s-knox were asked to complete an Inventory of Pastoral Skills and Interest. The following is a summary of the inventory in which skills and interests were ranked from 1 to 18, where 1 was the area in which the congregation would most like a Minister to exercise. Rank Interest/Skill (Description) 1 Leading Worship and Preaching (Planning and conducting worship services) 2 Program Development (Establishing goals, and organizing programs in church and community) 3 Equipping Church members (For integrating Christian faith with life) 4 Leadership Development (Planning for and sharing in the training of leaders for the Church s program) 5 Crisis Visiting (Serving people at times of illness, death, trauma, family crisis, job loss) 6 Administration (Managing the affairs of the congregation and other organization) 7 Personal and Spiritual Development (Providing resources and guidance for people s devotional life, and for prayer groups, retreats and other small group experiences) 8 Home visiting on a Regular Basis 9 Stewardship (Faithful use of our time, gifts and money in response to the generosity of God in Christ) 10 Community Leadership (In areas like drug problems, schools, community, organizations) 11 Work with Youth 12 Evangelism (Relating the gospel to people outside the church and helping the congregation do the same) 13 Work with Seniors 14 Christian Education (Writing or selecting appropriate curricula for the educational ministry, and planning activities for groups of all ages) 15 Counselling on a Regular Basis 16 Mission Outreach (Evangelism and social justice in the community, the country and the world) 17 Inter-Church Co-operation (Working in inter-denominational programs and activities) 18 Denominational Service (Sharing in the work of all the courts of the church)

12 St. Andrew's - Knox Presbyterian Church 2015 Financial Report & 2016 Budget General Account Receipts Budget Actual Budget Envelope Contributions 48,000 47,138 48,000 Envelope Cost Contributions Loose Collection 1,500 1,171 1,200 Additional funds for upgrades (if available) 5,000-5,000 a Use of Building 1,000 3,661 1,600 Endowment Fund Principal - previous year request 40,000 18,000 22,000 b Endowment Fund Principal - current year request ,000 c Interest - Endowment Fund 5,000 1, ,700 71, ,000 a See corresponding expense below - item "d". b Endowment Fund principal draw authorized at February 8, 2015 congregation meeting still owed to General Fund. c Endowment Fund principal draw to be requested at February 14, 2016 congregation meeting. Amounts Received & Paid Out Presbyterians Sharing 9,056 Presbyterian World Serv. & Dev. 431 Presbyterian World Serv. & Dev. For Kids 309 Memorial fund 100 Benevolent fund 100 Endowment fund 5,000 Sat. Lunch ,496 Total Receipts 86,626 Change in Non-cash Working Capital Balances Year-end accrued liabilities (500) Due to Receiver General payroll deductions (58) Prepaid expense - GST recoverable 5 HST recoverable (43) (596) Bank Balance 20,624 20,624 Total 106,654

13 Adjusted Expenditures Budget Actual Budget Wages, Benefits, Honorariums Interim Moderator 5, ,586 6,000 Minister s Stipend Minister s Health & Dental 1,200 1,140 - Minister s Pension 3,600 8,111 5,900 Education Allowance Pulpit Supply 9,500 9,119 9,000 Music Director 10,000 5,164 6,000 Music Director (vacation) 300 2, Secretary 5,000 5,000 5,000 C.P.P. & E.I. (congregation s portion) 3, ,100 37,328 32, Budget Actual Budget Other Expenses Office Supplies 1,700 1,936 1,700 Christian Education 1, ,200 Search Committee / Moving Costs 1,000-1,000 Choir Music Advertising Sign rental Program expenses 1,000 2,880 1,000 Bank Charges Police Checks Presbyterian Record Presbytery / Synod Dues 2,400 2,256 2,400 8,350 7,764 8,350 Church Building Cleaning service 5,000 4,720 5,000 Heating (gas) 3,600 3,464 3,600 Hydro (electric) 3,100 3,079 3,100 Water & Sewer 1, ,000 Telephone Upgrades to building 5,000-5,000 d Repairs & Maintenance 6,475 1,549 16,050 Cogeco Grounds (grass & snow) 3,600 3,856 3,980 Cleaning Supplies Fire Alarm Monitoring & Repairs 2,000 2,109 2,000 Insurance (including manse) 5,000 4,902 5,500 36,545 26,543 47,000 d Will only be spent if funds are available. See corresponding revenue item above item a.

14 Manse Heating (gas) Hydro (electricity) Water & Sewer Telephone Repairs & Maintenance 2,925 2,209 3,000 Grounds 1,420 1,985 1,420 Fire Alarm Monitoring Property Taxes 3,100 3,053 3,150 10,655 9,828 10,380 Total General Expenditure 93,650 81,463 98,530 Amounts Received & Paid Out 11,069 e Total Expenditures 92,532 Bank balance 14,122 f 106,654 7,470 e Difference between total receipts for Amounts Received and Paid Out (page 1) - $15,496 and total disbursements (page 3) - $11,069 is $4,427, which relates is broken down as follows: Saturday lunch current year deficit $ (773) Owed to Memorial fund 100 Owed to Benevolent fund 100 Owed to Endowment fund 5,000 $ 4,427 f Bank balance at December 31, 2013 is broken down as follows: General fund balance 15,880 Saturday lunch balance cumulative deficit (1,758) 14,122 The Sale of our manse was finalized on July 5 th, 2016 at a final sale price of $247, Our trustees committee with the assistance of our clerk of session, treasurer and board of managers chairperson under the guidance of our Interim Moderator are working on developing a more comprehensive plan for our Church s financial resources.

15

16

17 Fort Erie Our Town Fort Erie offers a combination of small town values, a dynamic work environment, yet easy access to big city amenities and culture. Fort Erie is a Community of Communities. From Bridgeburg Historic District to Crystal Beach, from Ridgeway to Stevensville and everywhere in between, Fort Erie s hamlets offer unique attractions, distinct dining opportunities and a style all of their own. Fort Erie is located at the South East tip of the Niagara Peninsula along the Niagara River, just 20 miles south of Niagara Falls, Ontario and immediately adjacent to Buffalo, New York. Niagara in general and Fort Erie in particular are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. The drive between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls, along the Niagara Parkway, is one of the most beautiful in the world and a particular favourite of motorists and cyclists alike. Ready access to Buffalo, New York via the Peace Bridge allows Fort Erie to offer a unique blend of small town warmth and big city amenities. Buffalo, famous for its art deco architecture, offers visitors a number of cultural diversions including professional sports, art galleries, museums and concert halls. In addition, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport provides a convenient alternative for the traveller looking to avoid the chaos and congestion of Toronto s Pearson Airport. Toronto, which is just over 70 miles away, is easily reached via The Queen Elizabeth Highway. Highway #3 more commonly known as Garrison Road provides a quick get-around within the various communities of Fort Erie eventually leading you to Windsor Ontario. Garrison Road is home to most of our local shopping and dining establishments.

18 Pull up a chair and relax at Crystal Beach or visit one of their many quaint restaurants. Saunter through Stevensville s The Garden Gallery for your gardening enjoyment. Visit Bridgeburg Farmers Market to sample their wares. Love to golf? Fort Erie boasts a total of 6 golf courses. Take a leisurely walk or cycle on the Friendship Trail. This pathway is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers and bikers alike. Fort Erie offers a lot of natural beauty. We are a small town, with affordable housing with easy access to big-city life, the best of both worlds. Education Brock University, Saint Catharines - 30 miles University of Buffalo - 30 miles Niagara College in Welland - even closer Ridley College, Niagara Christian College and many other facilities within close proximity Health Care Fort Erie offers a top notch Urgent Care Centre, located in the former Douglas Memorial Hospital Greater Niagara Falls General Hospital - just 20 miles away St. Catharines General Hospital 30 miles History The war of 1812 happened right here in our midst come see The OLD Fort experience for yourself... take a Halloween tour.maybe have a picnic?

19 Recreation Fort Erie Race Track offers Thoroughbred Horse Racing, the oldest track (and most beautiful) in North America, home to the Prince of Wales Stakes. Join the Breakfast Club or tour the backstretch. Enjoy the Friendship Trail; take a walk or a bike ride. Soak up some sunshine, enjoy the fabulous scenery, and walk along the beach or the riverbank. Why not take a fishing pole or picnic lunch with you? Visit the many wineries or fruit and vegetable markets in the Niagara Region. Spend a day at Safari Niagara and see some exotic wildlife or take the family for a ride on the train. Visit Marineland just down the road, or any of the amazing Niagara Falls attractions. Fort Erie is sure to make a lasting impression and make you want to stay.

20 Thank you for taking the time to consider our invitation. If you feel that this indeed may be the call from God you have been seeking, we would like the opportunity to consider your profile. Should you have any subsequent questions, please don t hesitate to contact the Rev. Douglas Schonberg. Please send it to: The Rev. Douglas Schonberg Interim Moderator St. Andrew s-knox, Fort Erie c/o Chippawa Presbyterian Church 8280 Willoughby Drive Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 6X2 (905) minister@chippawapc.ca May God bless you as you seek discernment for your service to Jesus Christ.