Blenheim United

Church

Annual Report

2014

“Care and Compassion for All”

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OUR MISSION

We, the people of Blenheim United Church, being part of Kent

Presbytery, London Conference, and the United Church of

Canada, are a family that is committed to the ministry of

Jesus Christ and the mission of care and compassion to people

everywhere at all stages of their lives.

AGENDA FOR THE 2015 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Call to Order

Opening Prayer

Election of a Secretary for this Annual Meeting

Election of Chairperson for this Annual Meeting

Motion re Voting privileges

Motion to approve the Agenda as Distributed

Additions/Changes

In Memoriam

Consideration & Adoption of the

2014 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes

Business arising from the 2014 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes

Consideration and Approval of Reports found in the 2014 Annual Report

2015 Budget Recommendation from Council

Mission and Service Fund Recommendation from Council

Motion to Appoint Auditor for 2015

Nominating Recommendations from Council

New Business

Date of next annual meeting

Adjournment

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Letter from the Council 2014 Blenheim United Church has continued on with its many challenges in 2014 and has started an emergence into a bright future. We continue to have strong leadership from within our membership. We are blessed to have these people to lead us in prayer and reflection as well as teach us new ways to praise God.

A Search/Interview Team was implemented and they have been working diligently to find a new Minister for Blenheim United Church. We look forward to the arrival of a new Minister.

The new Council structure continues to evolve. Committees have been defined and in some cases are holding regular meetings and are working together to promote the vision of our Church. Volunteers for membership on these committees are always welcome.

The next year will be exciting for Blenheim United Church. New direction with a new Minister will provide new life.

May we all continue to be blessed. Nancy Rumble Council Chair

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Memorials Age Date of Death Margaret Rose (Rodger) STOVER 70 February 3, 2014

William Stanley WRIGHT 80 March 15, 2014

Shirley Leona (Rae) BROWN 82 April 7, 2014

Rena May (Bentley) EASTMAN 103 June 21, 2014

Yula Beryl (Lampard) HOUGH 92 July 13, 2014

Ethel (Beck) CLENDENNING 92 August 14, 2014

Jean Elizabeth (Rumble) (Cowlan) SCHELL 90 November 22, 2014

Donna “Zelma” CUDNEY 69 December 30, 2014

Baptisms Date Rebecca Lynn VANDER PRYT March 2, 2014

Claire Elizabeth LOBBESTAEL September 7, 2014

Hadley Kate DIETRICH September 7, 2014

Weddings

Date Gerald Alan SWANCE

Claudette RODRIGUE

August 2, 2014

Christopher James KIRWAN

Kelley Elizabeth ANDERSON

September 6, 2014

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2014-01 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes Sunday, February 23, 2014 Following the morning service, a total of 45 members and adherents of Blenheim United Church remained in the sanctuary for the annual meeting. Shane McDowell presented a short video on giving and receiving a compliment followed by the congregation turning to their neighbour and sharing compliments. Pastoral Charge Supervisor, Pastor Ed Nicol, from Kent Presbytery welcomed all to the meeting and opened with prayer. Election of Secretary

MOTION: 14/01/01: "That Barb Ferren be the secretary of the annual meeting" Moved Anne Gammage Seconded Dena Anderson CARRIED Election of Chairperson

MOTION: 14/01/02: "That Roger Kellam be the Chairperson of the annual meeting" Moved Dena Anderson Seconded Paul Leidl CARRIED Motion regarding voting privileges

MOTION: 14/01/03: "That all members and adherents present at the annual meeting of Blenheim United Church be given voting rights." Moved Judie Vsetula Seconded Jennifer Richmond CARRIED Motion to Approve the Agenda Additions

Under “New Business” add the Ministry and Mission profile results MOTION: 14/01/04: "To approve the agenda with additions" Moved Carol Kellam Seconded Shane McDowell CARRIED Moment of Silence observed for the members of the congregation that passed in 2013.

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2014-02

Motion to adopt the minutes No errors or omissions noted MOTION: 14/01/05: "To adopt the minutes from the 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting as presented." Moved Wendy McDowell Seconded Don Watts CARRIED

Business Arising From Minutes At the 2013 Congregational meeting,

MOTION: 12/01/12: "that council receive the audit for the funds managed by the Board of Trustees by the end of May 2012 from Johnson, Feduk, and King."

Moved Judie Vsetula Seconded Don Giffin CARRIED

Wendy McDowell, Chair of Council verified that no report was received. Ed Nicol, Presbytery representative to the Board of Trustees, stated there was $125850.92 in the Endowment Fund that had gained interest over the past year through the investment in Skyline Investments. He confirmed the $30000.00 loan and had no explanation why it was not shown in the financial report.

Reports received from the Trustees were deemed to be incomplete and not current and therefore could not be included in the 2013 report. Trustee position is that year end balances are not available as a completed audit until May. The Annual Report does not require the audited statements. There is no reason investment balances cannot be obtained for December 31 of each year and be included in the annual report.

Judie Vsetula explained there is a standard operating loan as the church runs at a deficit at times through the year. The line of credit limit is $25000.

Barb Robbins verified that funds from the sale of the manse must be invested and only the interest from that investment could be spent. Manse Fund is currently managed by the Trustees. Jim Clark explained that $6825 of the $8000 expenditure from the Manse fund was carried over from 2012. Currently Manse Fund income is invested. However, the Manse Fund report should have been included and will be shared with the congregation as soon as possible.

Kelly Wright gave a brief explanation of the auditing procedure followed by Christine Muckle for BUC.

Consideration and Approval of Reports in the 2013 Annual Report MOTION: 14/01/06: "To approve the 2012 Committee Reports as presented" Moved Nancy Rumble Seconded Dena Anderson CARRIED

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2014-03 Financial Statements

Judie Vsetula presented the financial statements and proposed 2014 budget. Amendments were made to the statements to reflect the $30000.00 loan and to correct an error in the statements.

MOTION: 14/01/07: "That the Financial Reports of Blenheim United Church for 2013, be approved as amended with the exception of the Blenheim United Church Endowment Fund and the Manse Fund as their reports have not been provided" Moved Judie Vsetula

Seconded Bev Warriner CARRIED

2014 budget was presented. The loan payment to the Endowment Fund will be added under General and Administration Expenses. The church will be operating with a $22783.66 deficit for 2014.

MOTION: 14/01/08: "That we accept the budget for 2014 as amended." Moved Judie Vsetula

Seconded Wendy McDowell CARRIED

MOTION: 14/01/09: "That the Congregation Life Fund will not be demonstrated as a separate budget item but will be included in the General Fund."

Moved Judie Vsetula

Seconded Barb Simpson CARRIED

MOTION: 14/01/10: "That we agree to an Objective of $20000 to the National Mission & Service Fund for 2014."

Moved Judie Vsetula Seconded Don Watts CARRIED

MOTION: 14/01/11: "That we accept the Memorial Fund report as presented."

Moved Judie Vsetula Seconded Carol Kellam CARRIED

Discussion: The Memorial Fund is separated in the Budget for bookkeeping purposes. All the money is in one account. Money is borrowed from the Memorial Fund for other purposes. The rules surrounding the Memorial Fund were explained by Barbara Robbins, Pastoral Charge Supervisor.

MOTION: 14/01/12: "That we accept the Capital Fund report as presented."

Moved Judie Vsetula Seconded Carol Kellam CARRIED

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2014-04

MOTION: 14/01/13: "that Christine Muckle be retained as the Annual Auditor of the Blenheim United Church Funds and that her audit report be received by Blenheim United Church Council by the end of May each year. This audit to include General Fund, Memorial Fund, Capital Fund, Frank & Bernice Coatsworth Fund, Benevolent Fund, UCW Fund, Senior Choir Fund and Manse Fund."

Moved Wendy McDowell Seconded Judie Vsetula CARRIED

Discussion: Kelly Wright, Office Administrator, gave a brief explanation of the church’s charitable numbers, auditing procedures and reporting processes to United Church of Canada and Canada Revenue Agency. The Manse Fund, while managed by the Trustees, must be reported through the Blenheim United Church charity number.

Nominations for council Current council members with remaining time are:

Wendy McDowell 1 year Nancy Rumble 1 year Jennifer Richmond 1 year Anne Nanni 2 years (second term) Sandy Ryall 2 years

Diane Leider has stepped down leaving a 2 year vacancy in addition to three 3 year positions.

Nominees who have accepted are

Bev Warriner 2 years (second term) Barb Ferren 3 years Carol Kellam 3 years Jared Oliver 3 years

Discussion: Concern raised related to conflict of interest with Jared Oliver a Council member and his mother Kelly Wright the Office Administrator. It was determined that when a conflict arises it will be stated and Jared will be removed from voting on that Issue.

MOTION: 14/01/14: "That we accept the candidates to the Blenheim United Church Council"

Moved Wendy McDowell Seconded Carol Kellam CARRIED

Hans Weisshaar was recognized for his years of service on Council.

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2014-05

New Business Hans Weisshaar encouraged participation in the Blenheim United Church outreach

program. This can be accomplished through the Mentoring Program with the Blenheim Youth Centre, Loads of Love, Habitat for Humanity, Neighborhood Link, or Blenheim Neighborhood Watch and more.

Dena Anderson requested a written response from the Board of Trustees to a letter she presented to them in 2013. Her letter was presented to Council and then forwarded by Council to the Trustees. As not all Trustees received a copy of this letter, it was suggested it be resubmitted to Council who will again forward to the Trustees. Trustee response can be delivered in writing to the Council and they will forward to Dena.

Money in the Endowment Fund is not intended for use in the General Funds. Depending on the terms of the endowment, some of the money may be used for more costly expenditures if needed. Under church law, council and the congregation can instruct the Trustees accordingly.

Worship and Sacraments Committee recommendations MOTION: 14/01/15: "That Blenheim United Church partner with Fourth Line United Church for worship for the months of July and August."

Moved Jennifer Richmond Seconded Judie Vsetula CARRIED

MOTION: 14/01/16: "That Terry McConnell chair the Worship and Sacrament Committee and liaise with Council from March 2014 to May 30, 2014 replacing Jennifer Richmond while she takes maternity leave.”

Moved Jennifer Richmond Seconded Kelly Wright CARRIED

Shane McDowell reported the results of the Ministry and Mission survey. A profile will be compiled and made available shortly, both in the library and on web site. The top 3 priorities identified by the congregation were Leadership, Worship, Discipleship. Now Presbytery will need to approve a vacancy and the process will move forward to fill the position. 3 people have come forward to be part of the interview team. We can take up to 5 on that team.

MOTION: 14/01/17: "That we review our Ministry Profile every two years to ensure we remain current.”

Moved Shane McDowell Seconded Kelly Wright CARRIED

Roger Kellam recognized and thanked Jim Berry, Jennifer Richmond, and Shane McDowell for their contribution to our church and our Sunday services.

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2014-06

MOTION: 14/01/18: "The date of the 2015 Annual Congregational Meeting be February 22, 2014."

Moved Roger Kellam Seconded Judie Vsetula CARRIED

MOTION: 14/01/19: "That the congregation be advised monthly, through our bulletin, of the financial position of our church and that there be a quarterly newsletter.”

Moved Don Giffin Seconded Shane McDowell CARRIED Meeting adjourned _____________________________ __________________________ Roger Kellam, Barb Ferren, Chairperson Secretary

Nursery Roll We had eight members graduate in 2014. We registered four new members and now have 24 members on our roll. Expenses for 2014 Stamps 21.36 Printing of Cards 13.47 Total Expenses $ 34.83

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BLENHEIM UCW HIGHLIGHTS 2014

We meet five times per year for fellowship, worship and a brief, fun or learning, activity.

February is our first meeting of the year and we set our M&S goal at $1,000.00.

Our second annual Victoria Day weekend bake sale was held Thursday, May, 15, 2014. Due to the weather conditions we were indoors this year but still made a profit of $500.00.

In June, we had our annual pot-luck supper, with one guest attending.

Under the leadership of Bobbi-Jo Ferren, a bake table was set-up during the Cherryfest Bacon Burger/Fish Fry event in July and several UCW ladies donated baked goods and/or helped in the kitchen for that event as well.

August is UCW month to usher but this year, due to vacations, we had to recruit other folks to assist.

September is our planning month for the upcoming activities to end the year. After seeing the presentation during a church service that month from “Mission Aviation Fellowship,” from Kelly and Marcel Boers, we agreed to donate $100.00 for fundraising efforts towards their expenses in Angola in 2015. Everyone was reminded of the ‘Angels and Snowflakes Bazaar’ on Saturday, November 8, 2014. Items are needed for the bake table, craft table and for the lunch. Any assistance would also be appreciated.

In November we had our 5th annual ‘Angels and Snowflakes’ Bazaar. New this year were a few venders who paid a fee for their table and donated a gift to the silent auction. Attendance was down slightly this year due to the inclement weather, as well as, other community activities. After receiving the final donations, a profit of $1,077.31 will be sent to the ‘Chatham-Kent Hospice.’ We have some new ideas for next year, so please plan on supporting us once again! Also in November, rather than have a catered meal, we decided to invite the whole congregation, along with other churches, to a slide presentation of Malawi, given by Eric and Annette Skillings. It is always interesting to see how God is working among Christians around the world. Tea, coffee, dessert and fruit were served afterwards. Approximately 25 people attended this event, including the young student who gathered 50 soccer balls for Eric’s grandson to gift to the different churches and schools in Malawi.

We wish to express our gratitude to the congregation and the community for their continued support in all UCW endeavors. With thanks and blessings, Sandy Ryall, President

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. . . Cont’d on page 15

LONDON CONFERENCE ANNUAL MEETING FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014

CHANGING THE LANDSCAPE

Opening with the usual upbeat music, President Phil Newman then made a presentation of tobacco to Matthew Stevens, commenting that we are still working on living out the apology. Matthew accepted, and wished us blessings for the meeting. Invited to come with kindness and compassion, brokenness, hope, with dreams, to holy space, to remember whose we are and how we want to live, we began worship. God was asked to awaken our senses to new possibilities, as soil brings new life to the world. Help us shake off the dust of our barren lives; loosen clenched fists; shape us in your image. God was asked to reconcile and make everything new; to guide us in respect for creation, to seek justice and resist evil. Jesus, accompanied by the Spirit, changed the landscape through those he meets. Let us live in a landscape of faith now, not passively but as participants with God. Acknowledge the Spirit when it sweeps into our lives and our churches. Historian and author, Diana Butler Bass was the guest speaker for the weekend. In her message on Friday she commented that as a speaker she helps people see familiar things in new ways, similar to how we want to see the landscape in different ways. Congregations and conferences have these challenges of doing things in new ways.

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Even language is changing around us. As an example, Diana

mentioned a sign in an airport, “religious reflections room” has replaced “chapel.” Being spiritual or religious has been the subject of different surveys and studies, especially in the USA. Since language affects communication, are members experiencing God in our liturgy; is spirituality encompassed in our worship? We have to look at how we’re worshipping, what we’re doing. Do we put up walls; are we creating sacred spaces; is the Spirit moving us? In order to encounter God in new and unexpected ways, both the spiritual and the religious should be part of our elements of faith. Thinking intentionally, will affect what we do as a congregation. Even though this can bring fears-loss, change, transformation, when we listen to a variety of voices we can create open institutions willing to move ahead but still called to be people of God who are showing justice in our neighbourhoods. God’s spirit is alive around us, this will not change. Globally, there is a huge spiritual change from the Age of Belief – Age of Spirit. Illustrating this concept, Diana presented the 3 B’s. First is believing (understanding): what do I/we believe? This is from our ancestors and involves our creeds and dogmas. Second is behaving (action): how do we pray? This involves our rituals. Third is belonging (identity): are you protestant, Jewish, Hindu etc. This was about membership. Now, believing changes from what to how do I/we believe that? This involves our experience and reason. Does reciting something every week lose its’ meaning? Behaving changes from how to what should I/we do now? Belonging changes from who to whose am I/are we? This builds our relationships and our community. Inheriting not such wonderful things from the past, such as, colonialism, degradation of the planet, people like Hitler, it is time to move ahead and what is good with us to the future. The question Diana posed for this renewal was, “What is God asking of us now?” which gives us a deeper journey of faith without scaring people. Just as we are called to love everyone, even those who do not like us, which can be difficult at times. Fears of congregations can be similar. On the Emmaus road, “eyes were kept from seeing Him,” they stood still feeling the sadness of their friends’ death. People and congregations sometimes stand still because they are grieving about the past and the future. Instead, focus on the path with us, breaking bread together. We should ask ourselves, can we see each other with love then, not worrying about specifics, just follow Christ. Table groups then focused on discussion of the Comprehensive Review package, “Trust God; Trust the Body.” It was noted that “Fishing on the Other Side,” is a ‘what if’ proposal. Going through some of the questions, mostly related to finance, the groups were asked to rate them on an ‘agree or disagree’ scale. Many questions arose from the discussion points but one thing seemed clear: we need to live within our means no matter the outcome of restructuring. Dan Benson, Executive Minister for Communications at the General Council office, gave a brief reflection. There was to be a meteor that evening, all we had to do was look up to see the sky changing. Dan challenged whether the sky was changing or just our perception? He reiterated Diana’s comments of being mindful of those around us; God in the here and now; look every day for Christ sightings – lead to gratefulness. The spiritual and religious can be blurred together which is seen as both asset and liability, strength and weakness, our understanding vs outside understanding. Despite this we still sing the Lord’s song in a strange land. God’s mysteries can seem illogical even though they are true. Change is part of God’s plan – how we ask? God says, “look up.” Concrete decisions have not been finalized regarding any changes to church structure. This will continue to be discussed at the General Council annual meeting this summer in Newfoundland. As you have just read, there is much hope for our future if we look to God for guidance in discerning our next path. Thank you to Blenheim United’s Council and the M&P committee for approving financial support for me to attend the Friday portion of this meeting.

Shalom, Sandy Ryall

. . . Cont’d from page 14

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FRANK & BERNICE COATSWORTH FUND

The Frank & Bernice Coatsworth Fund was established in 1974 to assist in related expenses

incurred by members of Blenheim United Church who participate in leadership training and de-

velopment programs available through church related organizations. All funds are controlled by

the Church Council. Dr. Ron Allingham and Roger Kellam administer the account on the Coun-

cil’s behalf and direction.

Financial Report

Balance Forward as at January 1, 2014 $ 9,453.34

Income

BMO GIC Interest 71.84

Misc Donations 77.00 $ 148.84

$ 9,602.18

Disbursements

London Conference Registration Expenses 237.07

Bank Service Charge 20.00 $ 257.07

Balance December 31, 2014 $ 9,345.11

BMO Bank Balance $ 345.11

BMO GIC (matures Sept 8, 2015) $ 9,000.00

C. Roger Kellam

Treasurer

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BENEVOLENT FUND

The Benevolent Fund of Blenheim United Church is a fund to assist persons and families in

particular need. Specific details of this Fund and its operation are generally maintained

confidential. However a portion of the balance were donated in Memory of David Cook and are

disbursed under the name “Kids at Risk”. Our fund at Blenheim United Church is administered

by Roger Kellam, Judie Vsetula & Kelly Wright and normally overseen by the Minister.

Financial Report

Balance Forward as at January 1, 2014 $ 7,066.37

Income

Misc Donations 1,300.00

Donations to Kids at Risk 375.00

Investment Interest (re-invested) 30.91

Interest earned in Account .12 $ 1,706.03

$ 8,772.40

Disbursements

Food Vouchers 209.31

Bank Service Charges 20.00 $ 229.31

Balance December 31, 2014 $ 8,543.09

Account Balance $ 4,636.32

BMO Investment $ 3,906.77

Benevolent Fund Portion $ 4,257.53

Kids at Risk Portion $ 4,285.56

C. Roger Kellam

Treasurer

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Actual 31-Dec-2013

Actual 31-Dec-2014

Budget 2014