MORRIS UNITED CHURCH Morris, Manitoba

Transcription

1 MORRIS UNITED CHURCH Morris, Manitoba Our Mission Statement Morris United Church is a Family of Faith called by God As a Family of God... we are challenged to walk with God and each other in a spirit of openness, friendliness and joy! We are further challenged to grow in faith and to reach out in love to our community and the world, to seek justice and peace for all. ANNUAL REPORT 2016 January 31,

2 Index Agenda Page 3 Annual Meeting Minutes February 14, 2016 Page 4 & 5 Congregational Meetings April, June and August 2016 Page 6 & 7 & 8 Board Report Page 9 & 10 Presbytery Report Page 10 Ministers Report - Jack Page 11 Ministers Report Leslie Page 12 Ministry & Personnel Report Page 13 Pastoral Care Committee Page 13 Worship Committee Page 14 Clerk of Session Report Page 15 Card Report Page 15 Decorating and Plants Page 16 Property Committee Report Page 17 Joint Needs Assessment Committee JNAC Page 17 Fellowship & Outreach Committee Report Page 18 Living Memorial Fund Financial Report Page th Anniversary Service Page 20 Caterer s Financial Report Page 21 Youth Report Page 22 Manor Board Page 22 Red River Valley Food Bank Page 23 Community Garden Page 24 Donation Summary Page 25 & 26 Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM) Report Page 26 Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM) Report Financial Page 27 Planned Giving Report Page 28 & 29 Financial Statement (Endowment/Planned Giving Accounts) Page 30 Letter from Auditor Page Annual Financial Report Page 32 Financial Statement (General Account) & Budget 2017 Page 33 & 34 January 31,

3 Annual Congregational Meeting Agenda Morris United Church February 26, Call to order and prayer 2. Appointment of Chairperson and Secretary for meeting 3. Approval of agenda 4. Motion to extend voting privileges to adherents 5. Motion to approve minutes of 2015 annual meeting held on February 14, Business arising from the minutes 7. Board and committee Reports (excluding 2016 Financial Report and 2017 Budget) 8. Motion to accept reports Financial Report and 2017 Recommended Budget 10. Mission and Service Fund 2017 Objective 11. Motions to accept 2016 Financial Report and 2017 Budget 12. Old Business: New Business: 13. Nominating committee Report 14. Motion to accept Nominating Committee Report 15. Courtesies 16. Adjournment January 31,

4 MORRIS UNITED CHURCH ANNUAL MEETING DRAFT MINUTES FEBRUARY 14, 2016 The Morris United Church Annual Meeting was held following regular worship service on February 14, There were 22 people in attendance including the minister. 1. Call to Order and Prayer Rev. Jack Ballantine-Dickson opened with a prayer at 12:30pm. 2. Appointment of Chairperson and Secretary for Meeting Motion: moved by Larry McCrady and seconded by Marlene Buhler that Ted Swift be appointed Chairperson. The motion was carried. Motion: moved by Fred Kelesnik and seconded by Allan Dickson that Debbie Swift be appointed Secretary. The motion was carried. 3. Agenda Correction to the date - should be February 14 th as we changed the day of the meeting due to weather and additions to the agenda are JNAC Report and 100 th Anniversary Service under New Business. Motion: moved by Allan Dickson seconded by Pat Rempel that the agenda be accepted with the change of date and the additions under new business. The motion was carried. 4. Voting Privileges Motion: moved by Ruth Coates and seconded by Rosalie Fulford that voting privileges be extended to adherents. The motion was carried. 5. Minutes Motion: moved by Larry McCrady and seconded by Frank Goertzen that minutes from the 2015 Annual meeting be accepted with the correction the meeting was adjourned by Ted Swift. The motion was carried. 6. Business Arising from 2015 Annual Report None declared. 7. Board and Committee Reports Ministry Report Highlights were the joint services Board Report Ted reviewed his report with highlights of Jack s ministry and everyone s help in keeping the church running. Worship Committee correction in the last paragraph should be Also on the list of Funerals where there is not a date of burial that means that burial will be at a future date. Plants and Decorating Hillbillies Garden Centre for donation of the outside plants. Red River Valley Foodbank The total cost should read $9, Community Garden highlighted that they would like to have a water line brought to the gardens that would go underground from the church to the gardens and they would be paying for this. January 31,

5 8. Accept Reports Motion: moved by Marlene Buhler and seconded by Frank Goertzen that the reports be accepted as submitted and, as needed, corrected. The motion was carried Financial Report and 2016 Projected budget: Ruth Coates reviewed the financial statement from The Financial Statement was reviewed by Chris Janke. 10. Mission and Service Fund 2016 Objective There was a discussion about how much and what we thought was a realistic goal. Motion: moved by Terry Howie and seconded by Rosalie Fulford that the Mission and Service Objective remain at $5,000 for The motion was carried. 11. Motions to accept the 2015 Financial Report and the 2016 Budget Motion: moved by Allan Dickson and seconded by Pat Rempel that the 2015 Financial Report be accepted as presented. The motion was carried. Motion: moved by Ruth Coates and seconded by Marlene Buhler that we accept the 2016 Budget as presented. The motion was carried. 12. Old Business: None New Business: JNAC Report Larry McCrady talked about how other churches have joined together. Larry hopes that the Committee will have a recommendation to bring to the Board and Congregation after the March 3 rd meeting. 100 th Anniversary Service Sunday June 12 th we will be holding a special church service to celebrate the Morris United Churches 100 th Anniversary. Members are being asked to submitted photos for the displays. 13. Nominating Committee Report Report submitted by Curtis Evenson that Amanda Evenson and Heather Hamblin be considered for the Morris United Church Board. 14. Motion to accept Nominating Committee Report Motion: moved by Larry McCrady and seconded by Ruth Coates that Heather Hamblin and Amanda Evenson be accepted as Board members. The motion was carried. 15. Courtesies Rev. Jack Ballantine-Dickson closed with a prayer. 16. Adjournment Ted Swift adjourned the meeting at 1:35 pm. Ted Swift, Chairperson Debbie Swift, AGM Secretary January 31,

6 Morris United Church Congregational Meeting Sunday April 10, 2016 In attendance Elaine Hancox, Dave Martens, Helen Martens, Bruce Third, Dolores Third, Bill Fulford, Fred Kelesnik, Sharon Kelesnik, Bill Howie, Jean Lewis, Lorne Lewis, Barbara Stevenson, Del Stevenson, Evelyn Watt, Brian Watt, Ian Anderson, Patricia Rempel, Rosalie Fulford, Ted Swift, Debbie Penner, Heather Coates-Hamblin, Shelley Johnston, Allan Dickson, Joy Dickson, Ruth Coates, Pat Evenson, Curtis Evenson, Marlene Buhler, Tina Goertzen, Frank Goertzen, Grant Klassen, Sharon Eadie, Debbie Swift, Cathie Waldie. Cathie Waldie called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm. Cathie Waldie is the Presbytery representative who chaired the meeting. This meeting was called in order to discuss the Joint Needs Assessment Committee Report (further referred to as the JNAC Report). Cathie gave a brief description of the JNAC Report and also reported that the motions that we would be voting on were amended as recommended by the United Church Conference Personnel minister. 1 st Motion: That Morris Pastoral Charge requests Agassiz Presbytery to receive the JNAC Report acknowledging the needs and resources for the support of halftime ministry position on the Morris Pastoral Charge effective July 01, Barbara Stevenson moved and Rosalie Fulford seconded motion. Carried. 2 nd Motion: That the Morris Pastoral Charge recommend that the ministry needs of the pastoral charge be met through an Ecumenical Shared Ministry Covenant with Morris Lutheran Church of the Cross and St. Paul Lutheran Church of Rosenfeld and that the pastoral charge empower the Board to name representatives to work with the representatives of the wider United Church (Agassiz Presbytery or Conference of MNWO) and The Lutheran congregations and denomination to finalize this Ecumenical Shared Ministry Covenant and present it to the relevant parties in each denomination as soon as possible for discussion and approval. Ted Swift moved and Pat Evenson seconded motion. Carried. This second motion was voted on by ballot by the request of members in attendance. There were 27 approvals, 3 against, 1 abstained. 3 rd Motion: That the Joint Needs Assessment Committee be disbanded. Allan Dickson moved and Debbie Penner seconded. Carried. Note that there was a thank you given to the members of the JNAC Committee. Members of the Committee were Rosalie Fulford, Ruth Coates, Larry McCrady, Amanda Evenson, Ted Swift from the Morris United Church and Cathie Waldie and Allison Halstead from Agassiz Presbytery. Meeting was adjourned at 1:10 PM. Cathie Waldie Chair Person Debbie Swift Secretary January 31,

7 Morris United Church Congregational Meeting Sunday June 19, 2016 In Attendance: Ian Anderson, Jean Lewis, Fred Kelesnik, Sharon Kelesnik, Bill Howie, Terry Howie, Frank Goertzen, Tina Goertzen, Rosalie Fulford, Bill Fulford, Del Stevenson, Barb Stevenson, Grant Klassen, Larry McCrady, Kathleen Jorgenson, Sharon Eadie, Michelle Braun, Clayton Braun, Allan Dickson, Joy Dickson, Doug Brown, Carol Brown, Pat Evenson, Curtis, Evenson, Ruth Coates, Heather Coates-Hamblin, Helen Martens, Dave Martens, Dolores Third, Bruce Third, Melissa Simard, Joel Simard, Michelle Smith, Allison Swift, Ted Swift, Debbie Swift, Ken Thomas. Ken Thomas called the meeting to order at 11:50 am. Ken Thomas was the Chairperson for the meeting and Debbie Swift was the Secretary. Ken Explained that he was a minister at Roland United Church and that he will be the Pastoral Charge Supervisor for the Morris United Church starting July 1 st after Jack Ballantine-Dickson s retirement. Ken gave a brief description about what has been happening with this process so far and he also stated what our options would be at this meeting. Ted Swift talked about the Shared Ministry Agreement that the congregation is to vote on. He went over several of the pieces of the agreement. Ted and Ken both talked about how the Morris United Church will not be losing its identity and that the Ecumenical Shared Ministry Agreement (ESM) is just about the sharing of the ministry between the churches involved. One of the noted pieces was that our service time would be changing from 10:30 to 11:00 am. Motion: Moved by Ted Swift. Seconded by Allan Dickson: Morris United Church accept the Ecumenical Shared Ministry Agreement as Revised on May 25, Carried Voting was done by ballot and the scrutineers were Larry McCrady and Heather Coates-Hamblin. Motion: Moved by Barb Stevenson. Seconded by Tina Goertzen. That the ballots be destroyed. Carried. Motion: Moved by Barb Stevenson. Seconded by Bill Fulford. To accept the following nominations to the Shared Ministry Council Heather Coates-Hamblin, Ted Swift, Allan Dickson and Michelle Smith. Carried. Larry Thanked the Committee that has been working on this process for all of their hard work. Motion: Moved by Larry. Seconded by Del: That the meeting be adjourned at 12:45 pm. Carried Ken Thomas Chairperson Debbie Swift Secretary January 31,

8 Morris United Church Congregational Meeting Sunday August 21, 2016 Attendance: Lorne Lewis, Jean Lewis, Ian Anderson, Ruth Coates, Del Stevenson, Barb Stevenson, Tina Goertzen, Audrey McCrady, Larry McCrady, Michelle Smith, Adam Smith, Allison Swift, Vi Skoglund, Grant Klassen, Fred Kelesnik, Sharon Kelesnik, Pat Rempel, Bud Stupinsky, Shelly Stupinsky, Heather Coates-Hamblin, Shelly Johnston, Debbie Penner, Brian Watt, Evie Watt, Helen Martens, Elaine Hancox, Eleanor Wilkinson, Ted Swift, Debbie Swift, Ken Thomas. Ken Thomas called the meeting to order at 12:17 pm. This meeting was called for the purpose of voting on the hiring of the minister. Motion: Ted Swift/Fred Kelesnik: That Rev. Leslie Poulin be called as Pastor of Morris Rosenfeld Ecumenical Shared Ministry, for a 3-year term, with compensation in accordance with the terms of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod. Carried Vote was 20 for and 6 against. Vote was conducted by ballot. Ted also asked for any volunteers to sit on the Ministry and Personnel Committee for the Morris Rosenfeld Ecumenical Shared Ministry. Meeting was adjourned at 12:30 pm. Ken Thomas Chairperson Debbie Swift Secretary January 31,

9 Board Report 2016 This year has had a lot of excitement. Reverend Jack announced his retirement. We celebrated the 100 th anniversary of our church. And we entered into an Ecumenical Shared Ministry with the Morris Lutheran Church of the Cross and Rosenfeld St John Lutheran Church. June was especially busy with both the 100 th anniversary celebration and Jack s retirement party. Rosalie spearheaded the anniversary and with lots of help did a wonderful job showcasing what the United Church has been doing for the community since We started as a local Union Church and through the hard work and dedication of its member has become the place we all love today. June was also a time of change for the church. We had to say goodbye to Reverend Jack and we all wish him the best in his retirement. His leadership will be missed by us all. Pastor Leslie Poulin was hired as a part of the Ecumenical Shared Ministry and we have been joined in worship by the Morris Lutheran Church of the Cross. This change has been challenging at times as Pastor Leslie comes from the Lutheran faith, but with ongoing guidance from our presbytery and the support of both our congregations I believe our church will continue to be a guiding light for us all. I would like to thank all the people that make our Church a place where everyone is welcome to celebrate God, and are treated as one of God s children. Thank you and May the peace of Christ be with you all. The following is a list of current board members Chair Ted Swift Vice-Chair Finance Ruth Coates Property Larry McCrady Worship Debbie Swift Fellowship & Outreach Ted Swift Memorial Fund Barb Stevenson Pastoral Care Edna Dreger Manor Board Leslie Poulin Presbytery Larry McCrady United Caterers Margaret Gluck Stewardship Curtis Evenson Clerk of Session Del Stevenson Board Secretary Barb Stevenson Christian Education Sunday School & Youth Ministry & Personnel Rosalie Fulford, Larry McCrady Member at Large Sharon Kelesnik, Rosalie Fulford, Mandy Evenson, and Heather Hamblin Ecumenical Shared Ministry committee Ted Swift, Allan Dickson, Heather Hamblin, and Michelle Smith We currently need to fill the Chairperson, the Vice Chairperson, the Board Secretary, Christian Education, and the Sunday School & Youth. Anyone interested in helping on any of these committees would be greatly appreciated. Current Trusties are: Larry McCrady, Curtis Evenson, and Brian Watt. January 31,

10 A partial list of all the activities of the Church: Thanks to all who worked and contributed to the Soup and Pie Luncheons, Love Morris campaign, Advent brunch, coffee and tea before church services, funeral services for members of our congregation and our community, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and Youth, as well as projects that take care of the maintenance and beautification of our Church building and grounds. We are also thankful for those who represent Morris United Church in the broader community. Music is an integral part of our worship thanks to all who share their talents with us! Thanks to all who conduct the day to day operations of Morris United Church and Board we can t do it without you! This list is by no means complete, but a sample of all the events/happenings/chores /duties/celebrations that make up a year in the life our Church so many things to be grateful for, along with the people that make them happen! To all the members of our Morris United Church congregation thank you for serving, attending, sharing, participating, and giving and for being a part of our community and family! Respectfully submitted by Ted Swift on behalf of the United Church Board Presbytery Report 1. I was able to attend 2 meetings. 2.Presbytery appointed Rev Ken Thomas to over see the operations of our church because we do not have an United Church licenced minister This is the procedure followed when two different churches join in worship. 3. Presbytery was busy studying and making recommendations as to the remits regarding suggested changes to the operations of the National Church. 4. Rock Lake Camp has new washrooms but the cabins have no means of being heated for fall meetings. Plug-in heaters blow the circuits. 5. Presbytery is still working on a policy to handle G & L concerns. 6. I can assure you that the budget and actions of Presbytery are closely monitored by delegates. Some of the issues dealt with are quit controversial. 7.There were 6.5 clergy positions open in this Presbytery this past fall. Finding clergy is not easy! Submitted: Larry McCrady January 31,

11 Minister s Report January 1-June When is the right time to party is the title of a sermon Will Willoman wrote reflecting on the prodigal father parable and the censure Jesus received for feasting with tax collectors and sinners. It was also a question I should have asked before announcing that my retirement from Morris United Church and active ministry would take place during the year of Morris Union/United Church s centennial. I hoped that by announcing my retirement last September all the heavy lifting would be done by the time centennial planning started. I should have known better. My exit interview [which I thoroughly enjoyed] took place at the end of January and the Joint Needs report came after. This was happening just as Rosalie Fulford was being asked by the board to shepherd all things related to the 100 th anniversary through the church. Larry McCrady was kept crazy busy through the spring right up to the last minute before the 100 th anniversary getting the physical space looking great and helping with the time line which, as I write, is still on display downstairs. Complicating this work was the realization that the theoretical decision to share space with Morris Lutheran Church of the Cross after they had sold their building was about to become a very real and immediate responsibility. The Lutheran church held its church closing service on February 29 and by March 6 [the Lutheran statue of] Jesus was in Morris United Church along with the church members. Because of a time conflict with Rosenfeld Lutheran Rev. Leslie Poulin wasn t able to take a regular part in worship until May. I wish we had given that more thought and sought more creative ways to trade worship times. So much of ministry is of a Lone Ranger activity that it helps the creative process when two can be involved in planning and presentation of worship. During our limited time together I had great fun planning and leading worship with Leslie. But this meant that the customary Joint Needs Assessment/Search process took on the added complexity of laying the groundwork for an ecumenical parish which would allow the three churches to function together while remaining separate entities. I m writing this on June 22, and the first meeting of the three church oversight committee takes place this evening. Oh wait I forgot to talk about the Remits that have come from General Council that need to be voted on which, if approved, will change the structure of the National Church, our very understanding of ministry, how we educate and discipline clergy. The earliest votes have to be held by February The Board has promised me they will work through them this fall. [Remember you promised!!!] The anniversary/retirement service held on June 12 was a great success. I hope a separate report of the anniversary will be included. I want to take this opportunity to say again how appreciative and thankful I am for the retirement part of the service. Thank you so much for the jersey, and for the books I will buying from McNally Robinson. More than that, though, thank you again for the 13 very good years we shared together in Morris. I am sure you will extend to Rev. Leslie the same courtesy, kindness and compassion you have shown me over the years. I trust that everyone understands that my non-involvement in any Morris events is a function of following Conference policies on respecting boundaries. I will always carry part of you with me in my heart. Yours in Christ Rev. Jack Ballantine-Dickson January 31,

12 PASTOR S REPORT 2016 Psalm 100: 1 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth. 2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come into his presence with singing. 3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. 5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. I would like to thank all of you for your support over the past year and for the privilege of serving you as your pastor. I have appreciated the prayers and words of encouragement. It has been a very busy year! It has been a year of letting go and moving forward in trust. Thanks be to God! My deepest gratitude goes to the Morris United Church for allowing the members of Church of the Cross to worship with you under your roof and to all those involved with the formation of the Ecumenical Shared Ministry and all the planning, struggling, questioning and patience involved. My thanks also to the members of Lutheran Church of the Cross for letting go of their building, its contents and plunging into a whole new world of shared ministry! Thank you to the members of St. John who have been so gracious in accepting the reality of a 9 AM worship service every Sunday and driving to joint functions! To our youth and their parents, I would like to say, Thank you! I have so much fun on our outings and it is good to see the older youth welcoming the newer, younger children. I believe it is important to have fun together and support one another. We all need to take time out and laugh heartily! I feel blessed knowing that in coming together we have new life! No doubt there will continue to be hiccoughs along the way, we would not be human otherwise. I am confident that we can overcome and continue to worship and celebrate an awesome God! In Christ, Pastor Leslie January 31,

13 Ministry and Personnel Committee Report January June 2016 Our M & P Committee met five times between January and June, usually meeting for lunch in a local restaurant. We met with Jack four times and discussed his minister s report, the card report, the minister s expense report, visiting, worship with the Lutheran Church, the JNAC, and the 100 th Anniversary. We met once without Jack to discuss his retirement on June 12 th. In May Jack took two members of our church: Barb Stevenson and Allan Dickson to do a Pastoral Oversite Visit of Knox United Church in Oakville. We were welcomed by the minister Rev. Shirley McLaren and her Board and had an enjoyable afternoon of discussions following the Agassiz Presbytery visit guidelines. June 12 th was our 100 th Anniversary celebration and Jack Ballantine-Dickson s retirement service. Presentations made to Jack on behalf of our congregation in recognition of his 13 years of service were: a plaque, a gift certificate to his favorite book store, and a Riders jersey with REV JACK on it. In January and February a new JNAC was put together for our church, as required when a new minister is hired, or a call is changed. Thanks to Ruth Coates, Ted Swift, Amanda Evenson, Larry McCrady and Rosalie Fulford for serving on that Committee. I wish to thank the other members of my committee: Marlen Buhler and Debbie Penner, for their years of faithful and thoughtful service to our congregation. Submitted by Allan Dickson Pastoral Care During 2016 I made 93 visits to shut-in members of our congregation. There are less people to visit now as no many have moved to places where they get more care. One such member responds to my letters. I post these where others can read them Submitted by Edna Dreger January 31,

14 Worship Committee Committee Members are Debbie Swift Jack Ballantine-Dickson (Minister) Del Stevenson (Clerk of Session) Leslie Poulin (Minister) The Worship committee has the responsibility to ensure that worship is carried out in a respectful, meaningful and stimulating manner. To do this we work with our minister to plan each season of the church year (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent Easter, and Pentecost). We are also responsible for ensuring there are greeters at the door for all services, scripture readers, communion servers and collection takers. This committee is also responsible to oversee the worship services at the Red River Valley Lodge. I would also like to thank everyone who helped the worship committee by being readers, greeters or serving communion. Rosalie Fulford and Larry McCrady have been taking turns leading the services at the Lodge. If you have any interest in helping with any of these tasks please let one of our committee members know, it would be greatly appreciated. Starting in August of this year we have joined with Lutheran of the Cross church to hold joint services every Sunday with Pastor Leslie Poulin leading. We have tried to incorporate both the Lutheran and the United ways of doing Sunday Service and as a result we have started serving communion once a month. Our annual Hanging of the Greens service was followed by the Advent Brunch. Submitted by Debbie Swift Baptisms QUINN LILLIAN HAMBLIN APRIL 17, 2016 JANE LAUREN HAMBLIN MAY 15, 2016 CARLY GRACE BRAUN JUNE 26, 2016 CALEB JACOB SMITH NOVEMBER 13, 2016 IN MEMORIAM EVAN SABOURIN MARCH 23, 2016 RONALD JOHN UNRAU MAY 23, 2016 JACOB G. FRIESEN JULY 22, 2016 CAROL ETHELYN BROWN NOVEMBER 8, 2016 January 31,

15 Clerk of Session Report Resident Non- Resident Total January Added by Baptism/Conf Added by Transfer Removed by Death Removed by tsf/other December 31, Submitted by Del Stevenson Card Report Welcome Home 1 90 th Birthday 1 Sympathy The year has not been a busy one for card writing. I only wrote five cards and none since May 17th. (As I had not heard from anyone where cards were require.) At this time, I also am resigning from card writing, as much I enjoy it, I feel someone who is more active within the church community would be better suited. Respectfully submitted Deb Penner January 31,

16 Decorations and Plants Committee After an amazing, but much too long winter, our little team welcomed Spring and Easter with beautiful lilies on the altar table. May and June were marked by a flurry of activities, meetings, plans, changes of plans and more plans as we prepared to celebrate the 100 th Anniversary of our church. So many volunteers took on various special tasks that our job was made much easier. We couldn t have succeeded without the help and expertise of Rita Covernton (decorator extraordinaire ) and the generosity of Helen Kopp at Bloomin Scents. Thanks also to the Kitchen ladies (United Church Caterers) for their donation of not one but two boxes of cups and saucers for our birthday loot bags (Claudia lost the first box somewhere in the church we re still looking for it!) Our special thanks to Carolyn and Trevor Thiessen of Hillbilly Garden Centre for donating the flowers for our outdoor planters for the 100 th celebration and the summer months. We re still looking for some good idea for the shrubs that need to be replaced on the east side of the church. Claudia and David planted a few 150 th Anniversary red and white tulips which may or may not bloom in the spring of Thanks to David Schmidt and Blair Friesen for their help watering the planters all summer and fall and to Larry McCrady for all the repairs. It s always a joy to decorate the church for Thanksgiving. The lovely greens, oranges, yellows and reds of fruit, pumpkins, leaves and candles give a warm and cozy feel before the onset of winter. David again was on cattail and wild grasses detail and managed not to end up in swamp water this year. Christmas the most beautiful decorating event of the year involved a flurry of activities and many helpers. Through the years a number of people have donated items to our treasure chest of décor. We especially are grateful to Evie and Brian Watt for the gift of poinsettias for the altar. Thanks also to Ted Swift for heroic efforts to get the lights working on out outside Christmas trees and the replacement trees (a temporary fix ). It has been a special year with lots if little surprises and even more successes. Thank you to all who assist us, offer ideas and especially those of you who notice the décor and express your appreciation. We look forward to a fabulous 2017! Pat Rempel and Claudia Schmidt January 31,

17 Maintenance & Property Committee 1. We had considerable painting done to the outside, entrances, and interior basement wall prior to the 100th birthday of the church. 2.A major upgrade to the kitchen taps, walls, and counter tops was completed in early June. 3. The minister's office was updated. 4. We have had to replace numerous ballasts in the basement lights. Because of the age of the existing lights al need replacement. 5. The chimes have not worked since June and the individual repairing the unit is having difficulty getting parts because of the age of the unit. The organ was repaired. 6.Several of the coloured windows in the basement need to be replaced or repaired because of cracking. The process has started. 7.Our church is used most days and this results in some minor repairs weekly. 8. The church insurance policy was reviewed with Rempel Insurance because of the increased usage by outside groups and the need to comply with updated fire codes. 9. Thanks to Grant Klassen for his regular cleaning etc.. Submitted by Larry McCrady Joint Needs Assessment Committee - JNAC The Joint Needs Assessment Committee was formed to determine where we would need to be heading with the church for the future. This committee consisted of the following church members: Mandy Evenson, Ruth Coates, Larry McCrady, Rosalie Fulford, and Ted Swift. We went through a process with the help from Presbytery to determine what type of minister was feasible for congregation for the next few years. At the time that we started this process we were paying one 2/3 time minster salary. After looking through our options we decided to request to change our ministry from one 2/3 time position to one 1/2 time position. As our ministry was changing we also look at the possibility of joining with another pastoral charge and sharing a minister. We were also approached by the Lutheran Church of the Cross. As we looked into the possibility of joining with them in an Ecumenical Shared Ministry. The committee brought the proposal to the congregation on April 10 th and it was approved. Submitted by Ted Swift January 31,

18 Fellowship and Outreach 2016 Annual Report This past year the Fellowship and Outreach Committee consisted of Ted Swift. I have been kept busy with getting coffee and tea ready before Sunday services. I would like to thank everyone who has pitched in this year to keep the coffee going when I have been away. We had several events this year including a Valentine s Day supper, a 100 th anniversary of the Morris United Church, Pastor Leslie s covenanting service, and our annual Advent brunch. All the events were very well attended and with lots of help were a great success. Thanks to all who helped organize, set up, and did dishes along with all who attended. I couldn t have done it without all of you! Because of all the support we receive from all of you I was able to donate the silver collection from the Advent Brunch to the M&S fund. A total of $ If you are interested in helping out with any of the events or would like to volunteer for the committee please let me know. Financial Statement: Bank balance as of January 1, 2016 $ Income: Valentine s Supper $ Coffee $ Advent Brunch $ Total Income $ Expenses: Valentine s Supper $ Covenanting Service $33.52 Advent Brunch $91.40 Donation to M&S $ Coffee Supplies $ Total Expenses $ Bank Balance as of December 31, 2016 $ Yours in Christ Ted Swift January 31,

19 Morris United Church Living Memorial Fund Financial Report, Jan. 1 Dec. 31, 2016 BANK BALANCE AT January 1, 2016: Chequing $ 4, Savings 10, Share 5.00 Total Bank Balance $ RECEIPTS IN 2016 Contributions to Memorial Fund $ Interest Total Receipts $ DISBURSEMENTS IN 2016 Chairs purchased from Lutheran Church Kitchen renovations 4, th Celeb Banner Service charge.65 Total Disbursements $ 5, NET $ 11, BANK BALANCE AT Dec. 31, 2016 Chequing $1, Savings 10, Share 5.00 Total Bank Balance $ 11, Barbara Stevenson January 31,

20 Morris United Church 100 Year Anniversary The year 2016 was a challenging year for the church family. Despite all the changes quickly thrust upon us as a church, we had one wonderful highlight the celebration of the 100 th Anniversary of our church held June 12 th. To prepare for this momentous occasion many in the church rallied to the tasks at hand. The church got a facelift a touch of paint here and there, new kitchen counters and sink. There were hands to put up and take down tables, chairs, decorations and hands to prepare an impressive luncheon. At the worship service, we even had extra people join us for the choir with Margaret Gluck, Jean Lewis and Keven Stevenson contributing the music during the worship. In February, we assembled a team to plan the special event. Pat Evenson and Sharon Kelesnik planned the luncheon menu and oversaw the food preparation, Claudia Schimdt and Rita Covernton planned and created the decorations, Sharon Eadie, with the help of many pictures lent to her, created an impressive pictorial display of church events and activities over the past 100 years, Rosalie Fulford researched and prepared a historical outline and with Larry McCrady s help oversaw the vision come to life with an impressive banner depicting the 100 year time-line of our church. Special notices were sent to the congregation, posted in our regional newspapers and Presbytery was informed. Amanda Evenson donated her time and talent to preparing wonderful posters and special invitations to past ministry. Preparations were made to accommodate 130 people at the luncheon and we comfortably met that target in attendance. Allan Dickson was our greeter and host at the celebratory lunch, introducing the visiting past ministers present. Rev. Jerry South, Rev Carol James Unrah, and Mary Rance were in attendance and all graciously spoke to the assembled. A wonderful letter from Rev. Paul Currie was read at the worship service. The icing on the cake was the cutting of the 100 th Birthday cake by Mildred Dickson and Verna Earl. It was by all accounts a terrific event. It was an example of what a church family is all about working together for the common good and for the betterment and service of the church. Those who attended the 100 th celebration came from near and far sharing fond memories and best wishes. Through it all we experienced God s guiding hand and blessing. May He continue to guide us and hold us in the Palm of His hand. Rosalie Fulford Coordinator January 31,

21 Morris United Caterers Financial Report 2016 Bank Balance on Dec. 31/2015 $ Bank Balance on Jan. 1/ 2016 $ Deposits Soup and Pie lunch April 2016 $ Funeral Lunch (Kaminsky) $ VGH Lifeline Lunch $ Soup and Pie October 2016 $ Funeral Lunch (Carol Brown) $ Total Deposits: $ Food/Kitchen Expenses: $ To Morris United Church: $ Total Cheques written**: $ Bank Balance: as of December 31, 2016 $ **Cheques written: Chk# 8 Groceries/supplies Chk#9 Morris United Church Chk#10 Groceries Supplies Chk#11 Supplies Chk#12 Groceries/Supplies Chk#13 Groceries/Supplies Chk#14 Groceries/Supplies Cheques written: Respectfully submitted Margaret Gluck for the Morris United Caterers January 31,

22 Youth Report 2016 We have a wonderful youth group who met, on average, once a month, to have adventures and break bread together. We encourage friends to come along! Our events included: curling, trampolining, Vermette s Farm yard, Go-karting, mini putt, Marine Museum in Selkirk, Escape rooms. We may be small in number but we are big on energy! Thanks to our devoted parents who chauffeur the youth and join in the fun! As coordinator, I strive to find new venues for adventures. Thanks to Sondra Recksiedler who surfs the web for innovative ideas! As long as the youth want to get together, I will keep planning! In Christ Pastor Leslie MORRIS MANOR 2016 This year has been a quiet one for the Morris Manor. There have been no renovations or repairs this year. The Board is keeping a close eye on this aging building. So far, it is holding its own. 11 suites rented 1 suite open to rent 8 suites unsuitable to be rented at this time Peter Wall is our new maintenance person. He is also a tenant so it is handy for him to get jobs done promptly. Purchased this year were 2 new water heaters and a snow blower. There were no rent increases this year. In December, we held a Christmas dinner for the tenants and Board members. It was catered by the Loewens. We enjoyed singing Christmas carols after our excellent meal! Thank you to our administrator, Rhonda Friesen, for all her hard work and patience! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Leslie January 31,

23 2016 Red River Valley Food Bank In 2016 we saw an increase in food bank users, an increase in food costs and a decrease in food and monetary contributions. There were 651 visits to the Red River Valley Food Bank in That is an increase of 9 from Our annual Fall Town Wide Food Drive saw a shortfall of food donations but a increase in monetary donations. In 2016 we received cash donations of $9, Expenses were: Groceries Insurance Office Supplies Total Expenses Travel Expenses $ 7, $ $ $ $ 8, List of Food Donations: Morris SchoolScare Away Hunger St. Jean School FCC Food Drive J.A. Cuddy School Scare Away Hunger - Ben Briggs Hayden Peters Birthday Party Lowe Farm Sunday School Rosenort Awareness Club Kim Kroeker Christmas Party Westfield Brenda Brodeur - Meat Donation Church Rotations Many Individual Drop Offs List of Cash Donations: Morris Volunteer Fire Fighters Stampede Church Service MCC Store Many Private Individuals The Board meets 4 times a year to advise and provide support for needed decisions to steer the Red River Valley Food Bank responsibly through its ups and downs. We are deeply appreciative of our local surrounding area for its support and the loyal yearly Church donations. Patricia Rempel January 31,

24 2016 Morris Community Garden Report It was decided that 2 more garden beds would be built, bringing the total number of garden beds to 12. The Youth for Christ once again built the 2 garden beds. The 12 garden beds were used by Food Bank Clients and Seniors. In 2016 a water line was trenched making it a lot easier to water the gardens. The board of five took turns monitoring the gardens to see that the participants were looking after their boxes, including weeding and watering. The board hired David Schmidt to trim around the garden boxes. The Community in Bloom visited Morris again in 2016 and highly praised the gardens. The participants enjoy being able to watch their gardens grow and to pick and eat fresh produce. Patricia Rempel January 31,

25 MORRIS UNITED CHURCH 2016 DONATION SUMMARY FUND AMOUNT COMMENTS GENERAL 56, MISSION & SERVICE 5, INITIAL OFFERING MISCELLANEOUS UPPER ROOM, GIFT FOR MINISTER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CHEER BOARD DONATION RANGE $61, # OF DONORS $ VALUE OF GROUP AVERAGE PER GROUP $ $ (4) $ $27.22 $ $ (5) $ $86.00 $ $ (9) $ $ $ $ (9) $3, $ $ $ (2) $3, $ $ $ (4) $2, $ $ $ (11) $9, $ $ $ (6) $8, $ $ $ *10 (9) $24, $2, $ and over 2 (4) $8, $4, TOTAL 61 (63) $61, * Includes the anonymous cash donations from throughout the year. () Number in each donor category in previous year. The above report is as of January 14, The 2016 receipts will be issued in early February. The number in each category in 2015 is listed in brackets (). Donations were down by about $ for the General fund and essentially unchanged for Mission and Service as compared with 2015 donations. We met our pledged amount of $ to M&S. There were 2 fewer donors in 2016 compared with The * indicates that one donor in this category is actually not a donor but the Open envelope to which all anonymous donations are allocated the total of the unallocated donations in 2016 was $2, (as compared with 2015 was $ ). In 2016 we continued the process of counting funds before weekly donations leave the church in order to comply with United Church of Canada recommended processes. My sincere thanks to Ruth Coates for her time and effort with this weekly commitment. January 31,

26 Weekly and Year To Date Totals are updated on the Donation board in the Narthex. In the fall donors were provided with a record of their givings to that point in time. This can be requested of the Envelope Secretary at any time for anyone wishing to know their Year to Date total. In 2011 an Information Sheet on Donations was prepared and approved by the Board. It was distributed to the congregation in the fall of 2013 and is available upon request. The document is provided to anyone who is new to the congregation. Thank you to all for your support of the ministry of Morris United Church. Sharon Eadie, Envelope Secretary Ecumenical Shared Ministry (ESM) Report The members of the ESM are Ted Swift (chair), Len Shieman (vice chair), Larry Skoglund (treasurer), Heather Hamblin (secretary), Harold Janzen, Michell Smith, and John Dueck. The ESM s responsibility is to ensure that everything is done in accordance with the faith and practice of the partner churches and to provide support for the clergyperson. Prepare a budget for the ESM, and secure the monies to support the budget along with promoting unity and good will within this ESM. Encourage the congregations to participate in and support the life and ministry of the partner churches. Submitted by Ted Swift January 31,

27 January 31,

28 PLANNED GIVING SHARING THE BLESSINGS 2016 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PLANNED GIVING PLANNING COMMITTEE We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give. Winston Churchill What is planned giving? Planned Giving is a term that refers to one of the ways in which folks make gifts to others, in this case to Morris United Church. Some of the ways we give through the church include: Regular donations divided between the General fund to support church operations and to Mission and Service to support the United Church of Canada coordinated local, national and international projects Emergency Appeals issued by the United Church of Canada to support people affected by disasters around the world Special projects such as the MCC school and health kits Capital giving for such things as our new sound system or air conditioning, for e.g. our Energy Fund. Memorial fund Planned giving usually involves thoughtful preparation regarding a gift that will be received by the church sometime in the future through such means as a bequest in a will, an annuity, an insurance benefit. The United Church of Canada has moved to referring to such programs as Legacy Programs. What does Morris United Church do with planned gifts? Management of planned gifts is guided by the Morris United Church Planned Giving Fund Plan of Operations (2010) approved at the 2011 Annual General Meeting. Gifts to Planning Giving are allocated as follows: One half (½) of each gift is saved and endowed which means that only the income from the investment will be used; $ of this investment income (interest) goes toward the Lewis Music Fund and the balance of the interest goes into the project part of the planned giving fund, rather than into the general operating account, divided equally into the 3 project categories or as determined by the Board. The Project Part of the planned giving fund is the other half of all gifts received. This half (½) is split equally three (3) ways between outreach work, Christian Education, and building maintenance/projects. This formula was approved at the 2004 February Annual Meeting of Morris United Church. There was one Planned Gifts received in A plaque acknowledging all gifts to the Planning Gifting Fund can be found in the sanctuary. How are the planned giving fund used? At times fund requests are straight forward and are dealt with directly by the board. Other times the board requests Planned Giving Committee input. January 31,

29 2016 Activity During 2016 the committee there were no requests for use of the fund considered by the committee. The following Planned Giving Committee recommendations received Board approval in 2014 and cover the period of For the next three years (with chance of renewal after that) the Planned Giving Fund will support Rock Lake United Church Camperships - $1000 per year to support $ of each camper s camp registration. Visit to learn more about registration.(christian Education) Youth Retreat Registrations - $750 per year to support Youth Event Bursaries; to attend retreats such as Zeebu, ALF, Conference, etc.; full registration costs for a first time attender; half the registration costs for all others. Youth retreats generally have a registration fee of $70.00.(Christian Education) Vacation Bible School - $ per year for 3 years to enhance Vacation Bible School; (Christian Education) Love Morris - $150. to support the local Love Morris campaign.(outreach) Discretionary Gifts: Family Support Campaigns - the Board has the ability to contribute $ to campaigns to support Morris and Area residents in need when a community campaign of support has been arranged. (Outreach) The renewal of the above commitments will be considered by the committee early on in 2017 for the period of Since the inception of the fund the following is some of the activity: Gifts to Fund (all years) Disbursements (all years) Interest Earned (all years) $89, Trf to Choir Account $13, Outreach Christian Education Building Fund 14, TOTAL: $27, Please refer to the Treasurer s Planned Giving Report regarding interest earned and for further detail regarding funds that were dispensed. The committee plans to highlight the fund during the coming year including acknowledgement of the most recent gift. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Eadie on behalf of The Planned Giving Committee (Sharon Eadie, Audrey McCrady, Ruth Coates, Pastor Leslie Poulin) For more information please contact Sharon at January 31,

30 Morris United Church Planned Giving Fund Activity 2016 Planned Giving Endowment Plan Interest GIC $13, $ GIC $13, Interest Transferred to Project Sav Acct -$ Endowment Savings Account $20.03 $0.27 Interest Transferred to Project Sav Acct due from Project Fund $17, Total Endowment funds $44, Planned Giving Project Plan GIC Balance forward Jan 1/16 $12, Interest $ GIC Closing Balance Dec 31/16 $12, Interest Transferred to Project Sav Acct -$ Project Savings Account Balance Forward Jan 1/16 $1, Income Interest transfer in from endowoment GICs $ total interest Interest transfer in from project GICs $ income from Monthly interest from Endowment Sav Acct $0.27 Planned Giving Plan Monthly interest $5.55 $ Deposit Dec 30/16 donation $35, due to Endowment -$17, Expenses / Donations Love Morris -$ Building Fund LEAF fund -$ $8, Transfer to Choir Acct form earned interest -$ Outreach Fund Balance as of Dec 31/16 $19, $8, Christian Ed Fund Total Project Funds $31, $14, Total Total Planned Giving Funds $76, $31, January 31,

31 January 31,

32 Morris United Church 2016 Annual Financial Report This has been a year of many changes. Our shared services with the Lutheran Church of the Cross have been ongoing since March, becoming a new venture in August when we joined together with Pastor Leslie Poulin as our worship leader. I began as treasurer in January In that first year our donations were in the $91, range and we had 85 identified donors. Here we are at the end of 2016 with donations in the $61, range with 61 identified donors. Our ministry time has gone from full to half time and our church pews are sparsely occupied. The table below shows the number of contributors and their donation range for the past 8 years. If you refer to Sharon s 2016 report, the 12 donors in the $2, range provide over one half of the income. Just losing several of those donors, could close our doors. We should all check our position on the scale, try to move up to a higher category and actively work toward keeping this church open. If your attendance is sporadic, Sharon accepts and manages post-dated cheques. These could be monthly, quarterly, whatever works for you. That relieves the Sunday morning hunt for cash, and if you pay by cheque, you will get a charitable receipt. If you are giving cash, please be sure to place it in an envelope and mark it as United Church. Envelopes are available at the greeting table. The Lutheran and United churches are two separate congregations and maintain separate financial records. Contributors according to Levels of Giving DONATION RANGE $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ and over TOTAL We closed 2016 with a shortage of $1, The Lutheran Church of the Cross is helping out, paying 30% of the expenses of running the church building, the office and the cost of worship. Leslie is paid by the joint church board and we contribute $3, monthly for her salary, housing, mileage, professional development and pulpit supply. In order to break even on a monthly basis, we need an income of around $5, A lot to ask, I know, but less than it was a year ago. We also have the Parent Child Centre using the building and they pay us a rental fee. The 100 th anniversary in June, caused us some extra expense, but it also brought in some exceptional donations as well. I think we probably broke even. Kitchen upgrades were paid for by the memorial fund. In order to maintain our charitable status, a charity return is filed with CRA every year after the books are closed and approved at the general meeting. You can review these reports on the CRA website. Thank you so much for your continued support of the Morris United Church. Respectfully submitted, Ruth Coates, Treasurer January 31,