Post on 04-May-2022
Annual Reports 2016
To be presented to Vestry Sunday, February 26, 2017
Please bring this booklet with you. We encourage all members of St. Matthew’s church over the age of 16 to be present at this meeting. Those who are in leadership positions should encourage as many members of your group as possible to attend.
217 First Avenue, Ottawa ON K1S 2G5 Tel: (613) 234-4024 Fax: (613) 234-4790
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2016 Vestry Report
VISION STATEMENT
St. Matthew’s is a welcoming Christian community committed to growing in Faith,
offering joyous Worship and
reaching out in loving Service
Parish Council, not all members present. Bottom row, left to right: Leonard Surges, Paul Tweedale, Gregor Sneddon, Valerie Needham, Virginia Lindsay. Top row, left to right: Judy Maxwell, Walt Draper, Christopher Wilkie, John Proudfoot, David Bournes, Mary Glen, Tony Maxwell.
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2016 Vestry Report
Table of Contents Statistics............................................................................................................................................ 5
Minutes of Annual Vestry March 1, 2016 .................................................................................... 6-8
Annual Reports ................................................................................................................................. 9
The Rector .................................................................................................................................... 9
The Wardens ........................................................................................................................ 10-11
The Strategic Plan 2012-2016 ............................................................................................... 11-12
Spiritual Core ..................................................................................................................................12
Worship and Prayer ....................................................................................................................12
Altar Guild ......................................................................................................................... 12-13
Servers’ Guild ..........................................................................................................................13
Prayer Chain ...........................................................................................................................14
Healing Prayer Team ........................................................................................................ 14-15
Sidespersons and Greeters ............................................................................................... 15-16
Christian Education.........................................................................................................................16
Christian Education for Adults .......................................................................................... 16-17
Children and Youth ........................................................................................................... 17-18
Music .............................................................................................................................................18
Music Committee ................................................................................................................. 18-19
Music Ministry ...................................................................................................................... 19-20
Community .....................................................................................................................................20
Community Activities .................................................................................................................20
Coffee Hour .......................................................................................................................... 20-21
Open Doors ........................................................................................................................... 21-22
Marmalade .................................................................................................................................23
Outreach .................................................................................................................................. 24--26
Cornerstone Meal a Month ....................................................................................................24
Angels with Backpacks ............................................................................................................24
Out of the Cold Suppers .........................................................................................................25
CCSAC / Centretown Emergency Food Centre .......................................................................25
Harmony House ......................................................................................................................25
Annual Report on 2016 Activities at St. Matthew’s
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2016 Vestry Report
FACES ................................................................................................................................ 25-26
Parish Stewardship ................................................................................................................... 26-27
Stewardship Committee .............................................................................................................27
Finance Committee ....................................................................................................................26
The Role of Finance Committee .............................................................................................27
Counters .................................................................................................................................28
Contributions Coordinators ....................................................................................................28
2015 Parish Financial Results and 2015 Budget .....................................................................28
Fundraising Committee ........................................................................................................ 28-29
Nominating Committee ..............................................................................................................29
Communications Committee ................................................................................................ 30-31
Property Committee ............................................................................................................. 31-32
Roof Replacement Project .................................................................................................... 32-33
Annexes ..........................................................................................................................................34
Budget ............................................................................................................................................
Financial Statements ......................................................................................................................
Acknowledgements: Thanks to all the authors who contributed to the Annual Report , and to our pho-tographers: Gord Metcalfe, Ian Glen, and Steve Reid. And thanks to the publishing team: Joan Law-rence, Steve Reid, Judith Maxwell and Jean McCarthy
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2016 Vestry Report
Statistics for 2016
Marriages So they are no longer two, but the one flesh.
Matthew 19:6
Jillian Bardsley & Shawn Chhabra Eveline Callupe & James Oulton
Baptisms Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
Ruairi Lennox
Funerals and Memorial Services For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Corinthians 15:51
Robert Armstrong
Joan Harrison
Muriel Brown
Yfke Wefers-Bettink
Frank Ferris
Mary Henderson
Wesley Nicol
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2016 Vestry Report
Minutes of Annual Vestry of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church
11:45 a.m., Sunday, February 28, 2016
1. Opening Prayer:
Territorial Archdeacon Peter Crosby was presiding in the absence of an incumbent for St. Matthews. Arch-
deacon Crosby explained the process of vestry, mentioned he was pleased to be at St Matthew’s and opened vestry
with a prayer. The agenda, list of appointments and elections, and copies of the minutes of the November 2015
Special Vestry were handed out. Attendance book was passed around.
2. Announcements:
Archdeacon Crosby announced that Jean McCarthy had been appointed as Vestry Clerk. Claudia Sanmartin
and Walt Draper were appointed scrutineers should a ballot be required on a vote. To vote at Vestry, one must be
at least 16 years of age, support the Parish, be a regular worshipper and not vote at any other Parish Vestry meet-
ing. Rules of a motion are that a person may speak once on a motion and when speaking to be concise.
Archdeacon Crosby commented on the fabulous work of the church which is noted in the annual report.
3. Adoption of 2015 Vestry Minutes (pages 6-9):
Motion: Leonard Surges/Peter MacKenize: to adopt the minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting held on
March 1, 2015.
Carried
4. Adoption of 2015 Special Vestry (pages 55-56 or handout)
Motion: Rick Trites/Tony Maxwell: to adopt the Minutes of the Special Vestry Meeting held on Novem-
ber 15, 2015.
Carried
5. 2015 Business:
a) Reception of Annual Reports (pages10-48):
Motion: Don Wilson/ Janice Sonnen: to receive the Annual Reports for 2014.
Carried
Comments:
Refugee family has landed and the husband of the family will be starting English language classes. Work
is proceeding to unite more of their family.
Quality of the report presents well the work of the church with much appreciation for the work. Encour-
age new people to come and work on various committees.
Please keep up the givings.
b) Adoption of 2015 Reviewed Financial Statements (pages 49-54):
Motion: Peter Mackenize/Mike McDermott: to adopt the Reviewed 2015 Financial Statements.
Carried
Finance Committee Chair Jim Lynes made a PowerPoint presentation outlining the financial results for
2015.
At its 2015 meeting, Vestry voted unanimously to support stewardship initiatives to raise an additional
$40,000 in annual undesignated offerings in order to overcome a projected budget deficit. Although St. Mat-
thew’s fell a little short of the $40,000 target for increased undesignated offerings, the Church had higher than ex-
pected income in every other category. There were also reductions in expenses in such areas as music, Christian
education and capital expenses. The year finished with a surplus of $14,000.
2015 saw large expenditures on the roof replacement. $150,000 was withdrawn from the Consolidated
Trust Fund to offset some of the costs. A major new outreach program, FACES, raised funds for refugee support
bringing in $85,000.
By year end, available operating reserves stood at $44,000, more than twice as much as at the end of
2014, but still far less than the $140,000 that would be desirable.
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2016 Vestry Report
6. 2016 Financial Plan
a) 2016 Budget Presentation, (page 47)
Motion: Colin Lay/Leonard Surges: to adopt the 2016 Budget as presented.
Carried
While things have improved from last year, the forecast is still for a deficit of $7,000, (or $17,000 after
considering an anticipated unrealized loss on our investments). The budget assumes that offerings will increase by
2% over and above the amounts received in 2015, which includes the amounts raised in our 2015 Stewardship
campaign. Total income is estimated at $567,000, which includes an auction to raise money for the roof and to
support refugees.
On the expense side, there will be the completion of the roof restoration project, a new and simpler con-
cert program and major refugee sponsorships using new donations and funds donated in 2015. Total operating
expenses are estimated at $583,000.
Jim was cautiously optimistic about the financial situation for 2016 but noted that expenses still have to
be managed carefully and, if necessary, take steps to meet the target of a 2% increase in offerings.
b) Appointment of accountants for review
Motion: Colin Lay/Leonard Surges: to appoint Parker Prins Lebano as the accountants to review
St. Matthew’s financial affairs for the fiscal year 2016 at a fee approved by the Corporation.
Carried
c) Spending authority before a new budget
Motion: Colin Lay/Leonard Surges: to authorize the Corporation to approve spending in 2017,
pending approval of the 2017 Budget at the 2017 meeting of Vestry.
Carried
7. Appointments and Elections
Motion: Judy Maxwell/Aindrea Proudfoot: to approve appointments and Elections
Carried
Judy Maxwell noted two more members are needed for the Strategic Plan Task Force. The plan is also a
good way for a potential incumbent to get to know the Parish. Chair of the Outreach Committee is still vacant as
the current chair’s term is up. Vestry recognized Judy Maxwell for her work for the nominating committee.
8. Designation of Signing Officers
Motion: Jim Lynes/Bruce Miller: to authorize the following as signing officers for St. Matthew’s:
Treasurer, Rector’s Warden, People’s Warden, Deputy Warden, Lay Delegate.
Carried
Signing officers are: Sarah Martin, Val Needham, Leonard Surges, Paul Tweedale, John Proudfoot, Lay
Delegate
9. Other Business: Parish Committee Update
John Proudfoot discussed the timeline of appointing a new incumbent to the position. Timeline follows:
The Parish profile should be finished by April 30. Hopefully the new incumbent will be in place by Au-
gust or September.
Comments:
Who will be on the appointment panel? It consists of Archdeacon Peter Crosby, Peter John Hobbs,
Bishop John and 3 lay people. Panel looks at clergy and suggests names of those thought to be qualified. Also
look at qualities of those who have expressed interest in the position. St. Matthew’s should also feel free to sug-
gest names of clergy they think might be a good fit for the church. After panel discussions, the only names that go
forward are those that the Bishop would be willing to appoint. St. Matthew’s will interview three possible clergy.
Sometimes the process can be extended if the three names don’t suit.
Does a potential appointment do a service? No because the process is confidential.
How available are the interviewees and is the timeframe long enough to for the process? The time frame
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2016 Vestry Report
is realistic and the process should work so that there will be someone in place by September.
Will there be a member of St. Matthew’s on the panel? Panel membership is set by the Bishop, however,
Peter John Hobbs is a member of St. Matthew’s.
A thank you was given to everyone for all the positive work.
10. Closing Prayers and Adjournment
(All page numbers above refer to the document “St. Matthew’s Annual Reports 2015”)
Respectfully submitted,
Jean McCarthy
March 7, 2016
Appointments and Elections Vestry, March 1, 2016
Appointment by Rector
Rector’s Warden
Val Needham 1 year term
Elections
The following nominees have agreed to let their names
stand for election.
People’s Warden
Leonard Surges 1 year term
Deputy People’s Warden
Paul Tweedale 1 year term
Synod Members
John Proudfoot 1 year term
Val Needham 2year term
Walter Draper 2 year term
Dawn Gregory 1 year term
Alternate Synod Members
Heather Sheehy 1 year term
Helen Griffin 1 year term
Congregational Representatives to Parish Council
David Bournes 2 year term
Chris Wilkie 2 year term
Leslie Jones 1 year term
Frances Berkman 2 year term
Nominating Committee
Helen Griffin, Chair 2 year term
Strategic Plan Task Force
Mary Glen, Chair
(Two members have volunteered: Daphne Ducharme
and Claudia Sanmartin, two more are needed)
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2016 Vestry Report
ANNUAL REPORTS The Rector “Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything.
People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to
our knees.” -Gregory of Nyssa
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the
whole staircase.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.
It has been a great privilege to be with you these
past four months. We Sneddons have enjoyed
feasting at the banquet of worship and Christian
community that St. Matthew’s has laid before us. In
particular, working with Kirk and our choirs has
been a great inspiration. Our Administrator, Joan
Lawrence, leaders and volunteers across the com-
munity have been pouring themselves into the life
of this parish with heart and dedication. Our war-
dens have been outstanding and committed lead-
ers, and I would particularly like to thank Valerie
Needham, whose term as the Rector’s Warden is
drawing to a close at this Vestry . Valerie has far
exceeded the call of duty, and I know we are all
going to miss her as she takes a well-deserved
break.
September already seems like a distant dream.
Thank you for your patience in allowing your Rec-
tor’s particular cocktail of eccentricities, tastes,
leadership style and personality to “land” among
you. There have been a number of changes, and I
thank you for dancing with me as we find our way
into an exciting future.
As you will be discovering, I am passionate about
lifting up the dignity and sacredness of the baptized
and seeking experience for all in our liturgy, prayer,
music and formation. We have expanded our staff-
ing to include a Children’s Ministry Coordinator,
Canon Christine Piper, and a Youth Ministries Coor-
dinator, Becky McCoy. Finding opportunities to en-
gage in our liturgy, formation and ministry across
generations is always the mark of healthy Christian
community. Another important quality is nurturing
a posture of wonder, inquiry and awe as we attend
to the mysteries of creation, of our own person-
hood and love: crucified love. I am committed to
deepening our questions, rather than building our
certainties. How are we to yield to the divine invita-
tion, and what space do we need to make in our
hearts to do so? We have introduced Christianity
101 for all, and the beginnings of the catechu-
menate in welcoming those to be baptized into the
People of God. I hope to continue to encourage our
entire community to welcome the newcomer, build
new relationships, and choose a path of formation
and Christian discipleship. New opportunities of
service are on the horizon, and I am excited to take
this journey with you.
The Holy Spirit is moving among us, and we, along
with all our fellow Anglicans, are finding a new way
to be the Church in a new world. These are un-
charted waters. Thank you to the strategic planning
project team for their outstanding work and dedi-
cation to reach out to the parish and beyond. The
foundation they have built with your input is set-
ting a new direction for the future, and in 2017 we
will chart a course for the next five years. Your par-
ticipation in the process has been invaluable, and I
encourage you to remain engaged.
So I invite you as we journey together to encourage
one another. Choose hope. Lift up our leaders and
trust, even if you cannot see the staircase. Make
room in your hearts and minds for wonder and pos-
sibility. These are exciting times for the Church as
we listen again to God’s call. What does it mean to
be the baptized in 2017, and to claim the glorious
future we are promised?
Gregor +
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2016 Vestry Report
The Wardens
“And all shall be well. And all shall be well.
And all manner of things shall be exceeding well.”
Julian of Norwich
As we reflect on the year that has passed, we are
amazed at all that has been done and accomplished
at St. Matthew’s during 2016. Last year at this time,
we were preparing to bid Canon Pat Johnston fare-
well after ministering to us for nearly nine years,
saying goodbye at a Parish luncheon on February
14 and at a Diocesan-wide gathering on March 31.
Bishops John Baycroft, Peter Coffin and John Chap-
man joined us to reflect on Pat’s 30 years of minis-
try. Bishop Baycroft brought chuckles when he said
that now Canon Pat would be working just as hard
as ever for the Bishop, but for free! And this predic-
tion has come to pass, with the Venerable Pat
Johnston being appointed Archdeacon of the Dean-
ery of Lanark/Arnprior. We wish her well in her
very busy retirement. The Reverend Jim Beall
joined us for three weeks at the beginning of Lent.
His warmth and wisdom and kindness supported us
as we became accustomed to Canon Pat's absence
and moved on to discern a new rector.
On March 13, 2016, we welcomed the Reverend
Rhonda Waters, appointed by Bishop Chapman as
Interim-Priest-in-Charge. How we appreciated her
ministry with us. How we learned from her ser-
mons, trusted her guidance, loved her laughter. On
Sunday, August 28, 2016, we worshipped together,
presented her with gifts and shared a cake as we
said goodbye and wished her well as the newly ap-
pointed Incumbent at the Church of the Ascension.
Throughout this period, the Parish Committee com-
posed of Chair John Proudfoot and members Dawn
Gregory, Walt Draper and Val Needham, joined
after Vestry by People’s Warden Leonard Surges,
worked unceasingly to develop the Parish Profile
and the one-page synopsis that presented St. Mat-
thew’s to the wider Anglican community as we dis-
cerned the call of a new Rector. Inputs to these
documents came from the parish meeting of March
6, ably facilitated by Mary Glen, written submis-
sions from St. Matthew’s many Committees and
the Annual Reports to Vestry. On June 16,
2016, Parish Committee members, along with Arch-
deacon David Seltzer and lay representative to the
Diocesan Appointments Panel Keith Keyes, met
with the Reverend Gregor Sneddon for an inter-
view, and came to the decision to recommend the
appointment of Rev. Sneddon Incumbent of St.
Matthew’s. And thus, Bishop Chapman appointed
Rev. Sneddon to St. Matthew’s, effective Septem-
ber 1, 2016.
Reverend Gregor, his wife Amanda and their chil-
dren William and Eliza bring energy and joy to us.
Gregor is a man of creativity whose ideas will un-
doubtedly change the shape of St. Matthew’s. He is
active on many committees and brings his interest
in communication and social media to this work. He
is committed to nurturing us as a community of the
baptized and will offer a ‘Christianity 101’ opportu-
nity during Lent, something that had been dreamed
about in the Parish Profile.
This report would not be complete without our
extending, on behalf of the Parish, our profound
appreciation to Leonard Surges for his expertise in
managing the large, complex and demanding roof
project for St. Matthew’s. For over five years, from
beginning to completion, he has met with the ar-
chitects and contractors, managed the budget,
overseen the work as it progressed, performed
troubleshooting as needed and provided wise
counsel to members of ECPC and Corporation when
decisions were required. Thank you, Leonard!
Throughout this year of transition, the Wardens
also wish to thank Joan Lawrence, our Parish Ad-
ministrator, for her willing assistance and unflappa-
ble presence in the office, Kirkland Adsett our
gifted Director of Music and Organist for his dedi-
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2016 Vestry Report
cated skill and creativity, and our Committee Chairs
and the host of volunteers for their indefatigable
and joyful service. We are deeply grateful for the
participation of our Honorary Assistants, Canon
Allen Box, Archbishop Barry Curtis, Father Kevin
Flynn and the Venerable Dr. Peter John Hobbs for
leading worship with grace and depth and for shar-
ing so deeply in the life of the community.
We commend to you the committee reports that
follow in this Vestry Report, which capture the es-
sence, the energy and faith-filled service of St. Mat-
thew’s. We look forward to the report of the Stra-
tegic Plan Project Team to be presented at Vestry
that will offer a vision for the future of St. Mat-
thew’s to 2032. And so, with all that is past and all
that is to come, we can confidently say with Julian
of Norwich, “All manner of things shall be exceed-
ing well.”
Respectfully submitted, The Wardens
Val Needham, Rector’s Warden
Leonard Surges, People’s Warden
Paul Tweedale, Deputy Warden
The Strategic Plan Project (SPP):
Activities in 2016
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Strategic planning was introduced formally at St.
Matthew’s in 2007. Since then, two Strategic Plans
(2008-11 and 2012-16) have set out the vision, di-
rection, goals and activities of the parish in a docu-
ment intended to guide its forward progress. In
February 2016, the final year of the current Plan,
Vestry requested the development of the parish’s
next five year Plan (2017-21), to be presented for
approval at Vestry 2017.
The planning environment was unusual. With the
(planned) departure of our then-serving Rector
shortly before Vestry 2016; the interim leadership
of a succession of two priests-in-charge prior to the
appointment of our new Rector in September
2016; the attendant focus on attracting a strong
priestly leadership match; and the subsequent set-
tling in of Rev Gregor Sneddon commencing Sep-
tember 1, the SPP team needed to pace its work so
that it could both support and challenge the parish
through a time of disruption and adaptation. The
parish responded with enthusiasm and thoughtful-
ness.
A team of five worked with its mandate from Ves-
try and, in the course of the Project’s research
phase, assessed the medium and longer term fu-
ture for the parish and the wider Church and con-
cluded that the Parish must look past a five-year
and aim instead for a fifteen-year planning horizon.
We posed the question: “What does God see at St.
Matthew’s in 2032?” Corporation agreed that a The Wardens, left to right: Leonard Surges, Valerie Needham, Paul Tweedale
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2016 Vestry Report
report to Vestry on that 15-year vision would be
the first order of business after which the team will
guide the development of a five-year plan (by June
2017) setting out necessary first steps toward that
vision.
The team further developed the elements of the
Project and formally launched its work with the
Parish on October 16. A Backgrounder and a Case
for Change set the context for a series of initiatives
to both inform and engage all parishioners. A Par-
ish Survey; opportunities for parish-wide learning
and discussion including a Chapel Chat (“Widening
the Horizon” with Rev Sneddon), a Visioning Day
(introducing a new way to look at the process of
change), a second Chapel Chat (Embracing God’s
Future and St. Matthew’s, with Rev P J Hobbs); ex-
tensive consultation conversations (inside the Par-
ish, with churches in our neighbourhood, and with
secular community groups); and a continuously
enlarged array of relevant documents on the web-
site http://www.stmatthewsottawa.ca/index.php/
files-resources/strategic-plan, have given
effect to our commitment to a process that is open,
transparent and collaborative. We have sought
participation and expression of views throughout
the Parish, striving to include voices from all cor-
ners.
Our work continues in 2017. Guided by the Holy
Spirit, the team believes it is positioned to offer a
considered and inspired report to Vestry on the 15-
year Vision at its meeting in February 2017 and
then guide the work of developing Strategic Plan
2017-21.
“May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.”
Psalm 20:4
Respectfully submitted by Mary Glen on behalf of
Rob Coleman, Daphne Ducharme, Charles Nixon
and Claudia Sanmartin.
SPIRITUAL CORE
Worship and Prayer ALTAR GUILD
Over the past year, the altar guild has experienced
many changes. Each new rector and interim rector
brings their wisdom and the depth of their under-
standing to the liturgy. This wisdom and under-
standing can be reflected in different ways of doing
things. Many of the altar guild members have been
preparing the vessels and linens for the commun-
ion services for many, many years. This year our
ways were challenged. We had to learn new ways
of preparing, new places for some of the furniture,
new icons and hangings were received and have
been placed and stored. Some things have been
put away for a time. Wonderful new and grand
celebrations have sent us scouring the church,
looking for water containers for the blessing of the
water on the day of the blessing of the Lord; extra
candles were ordered to bring light out of the dark-
ness during Advent, and this year on Christmas Eve
as well.
Our altar guild teams have been reformed slightly.
Some members have withdrawn, some returned,
and we have also welcomed new members. Overall
our numbers have decreased, and we hope that
new members will be drawn to join us this year.
SPP, left to right: Charles Nixon, Claudia Sanmartin, Mary Glen, Daphné Ducharme, Robert Coleman
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2016 Vestry Report
We continue to prepare the communion trays for
the weekly services, fill the oil candles in the
church, and replace the wax candles that are
burned at the icon table and in the chapel, polish
the brass, water and arrange the flowers and keep
the chapel and sanctuary dirt- and dust-free. Many
of our linens were no longer useable and have been
replaced this year. Many thanks to the family of
long-time altar guild member, Mary Henderson, for
the donation of a new nave altar cloth in memory
of Mary.
And a huge thank you to everyone who has con-
tributed to the work of the altar guild this year.
Volunteers are Frances Montgomery, Jan Robar,
Ann McCormack, Marianne Goodfellow, Mavis Hill,
Debbie Mallalieu, Judy Billingsley, Marolynne
Capstick, Jane Oulton, Wendy Pullan, Cathy Simons,
Dawna Moore, Janice Sonnen, Dale McKenzie, Ruth
Frayne, John and Cynthia McBride — all of whom
make up this great team.
Respectfully submitted, Elizabeth MacMillan and
Robina Bulleid, Altar Guild Co-Chairs
Servers’ Guild
The Servers Guild is an active, dedicated, small
group of parishioners who assist the clergy at all of
the Sunday services (8:00am Said Eucharist,
10:00am Choral Eucharist and 4:00pm Choral Even-
song) throughout the year, as well as additional
services. Sometimes servers may be asked to
serve at weddings and funerals. The roster of serv-
ers grew in 2016 with several new servers joining
—welcome to Noah Hofstatter, Megan Hofstatter,
Rebecca Laffin, Tyler Laffin, Leslie Jones, and Becky
McCoy. They join Patrick Martin, Rick Trites, Amy
Heron, Bruce Miller, Wande Ogundare, Rachel
Hobbs, John Merritt, and Cathy Simons. Dennis
Cole is nearing the end of an extended 18-month
work assignment, and we look forward to his re-
turn in early 2017. There are some servers who
have taken extended leave: Sylvia Logan, Karin
Lindsay, Kevin Atkins, Hazel Atkins, and Howard
Banks. We have a saying "once a server, always a
server" and that is evident as server alumni help
out from time to time. I would like to thank Peter
Mackenzie and Jan Robar for their assistance and
support in the past.
Looking forward to 2017, there will be an induction
service to officially welcome the new servers, and
we continue to welcome and train new members
to the Servers’ Guild. The time commitment for
this ministry is the length of the liturgy plus 20 min-
utes prior and 20 minutes after. This ministry can
complement many other worship volunteer oppor-
tunities. Training is ongoing throughout the year.
Please contact Fr. Gregor through the office or
Cathy Simons (613-237- 7652, cfys@rogers.com) or
the office for further information.
I would like to express a sincere "thank you" to the
clergy for their support of the Servers’ Guild. I
would also like to thank the members of the Serv-
ers’ Guild for their dedication, support and commit-
ment throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Simons, Head Server
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2016 Vestry Report
Prayer Chain
“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18)
Through 2016, the St. Matthew’s Prayer Chain has
continued to be one of the Parish’s focal points for
prayer ministry. It directly supports the Parish Stra-
tegic Plan’s Spiritual Core goal, “to strengthen our
faith as we grow and welcome other seekers to this
spiritual home”. In its offering of prayer on behalf
of our parish community for the needs of individu-
als and those they love, the Prayer Chain contrib-
utes to one of the Spiritual Core goal’s objectives,
“nurture, grow and share our faith with others”.
Consisting of a dozen individuals, the Chain contin-
ued to daily offer petitions to God based on a list of
requests for prayer received from parishioners and
others. The list, still numbering between 50 and 70
petitions at any given time, is updated quarterly to
ensure petitioners are consulted on the substance
of each prayer. Between full updates, new re-
quests are added as received. Confidentiality and
complete discretion firmly govern our work and
new members are always warmly received.
Requests are submitted through the Rector, the
Coordinator, or a member of the Chain and by
means of written requests placed in the prayer
boxes at the two entrances to the church. Every-
one is welcome to submit requests for oneself or
others in the knowledge these will be fulfilled
through prayer for as long as the requestor indi-
cates.
During 2016 we continued to link the work of the
Prayer Chain to other ministries, activities and
needs in the parish, for example, the Anglican
Church of Canada’s Suicide Prevention Program,
the relationship with the Parish of St. Thomas,
Moose Factory, the work of Parish Council and its
leadership recruitment team, and the needs of our
clergy.
We were saddened in 2016 by the death of Mary
Henderson, a valued Prayer Chain member of many
years’ standing whose contribution will be missed.
Mindful of our praying responsibilities, we give
thanks to God for the following members of the
Chain and as always, pray for the addition of new
ones in the year ahead. Please consider joining us.
The members are divided into three groups, rotat-
ing each semester and this year, they included:
Marjorie Lay, Mary Henderson, Janet Carson,
Wendy Pullen, Randi Godard, Janice Sonnen, Cathy
Simons, Ruby Daley, Judith Caron-Sabourin, Ange-
lina Cacciato, Dennis Cole, and Susan Harris. The
latter was appointed as Coordinator in April, re-
placing Mary Glen who has so ably and faithfully
steered both prayer ministries for ten years.
Healing Prayer
Healing Prayer ministry has been part of St. Mat-
thew’s worship services for more than 10 years.
During 2016, the Healing Prayer Team carried out
its weekly ministry (except during the summer
months), supporting the Spiritual Core goal in the
Parish Strategic Plan through witness, example and
encouragement. That goal, “to strengthen our
faith as we grow and welcome other seekers to this
spiritual home” and the related objective “to nur-
ture, grow and share our faith with others” inspires
our team members as they pray each week for and
with others in affirmation of our community of
faith.
Susan Harris, Marjorie Lay, Janice Sonnen, Cathy Simmons, Barbara Gray, Rick Trites, Verna Wilson
15
2016 Vestry Report
The group has been trained and guided by the pre-
vious Rector, who steadily supported the healing
prayer ministry, mentoring the team and encourag-
ing potential recruits to discern their call to serve in
this way. Reverend Sneddon’s commitment to this
ministry is evidenced by his willingness, very soon
after his appointment to St. Matthew’s, to lead an
evening of fellowship and prayerful inspiration for
the prayer and pastoral care teams.
We continued to work in pairs at the 10:00 a.m.
service, welcoming any who seek the comfort of
communal prayer as they feel so moved. We locate
ourselves in the transept near the pulpit, an area
that is private and particularly peaceful, and where,
following their communion at the Eucharist, people
come to join with us, asking God for whatever they
need, be it for themselves or a loved one. Some
come to offer prayers of thanksgiving for prayers
answered. During 2016, a small number of people
availed themselves of the Healing Prayer ministry.
We keep no records, knowing that the very act of
bringing a need before God in community provides
a measure of relief and release, enabling the peti-
tioner to move ahead with renewed strength.
Should they so wish, we bring their needs to the
attention of the Rector; regardless, we commit all
to God in complete confidence.
As we look to the year ahead, we pray for growing
numbers to be guided by the Holy Spirit to come
forward and avail themselves of this uplifting minis-
try. We pray that others will feel called to offer
this ministry and will speak to the Rector or to one
of us. And we respectfully ask all parishioners to
offer suggestions and to include the work of this
team in their own prayers.
We give thanks to God for the faithful participation
of Barbara Gray, Janet Carson, Janice Sonnen, Judy
Maxwell, Lois Rumsey, Mary Glen, Rick Trites,
Susan Harris, and Verna Wilson.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Harris, Coordinator
Sidespersons, Greeters and Hospitality “…so; you said you are new with us here at St. Mat-
thew’s?…We all want that you should feel wel-
come. Is there anything we can do to help make
you feel more at home, to feel more comfortable?
May I fetch you a coffee or a tea? Would you like
to see around the church? May I offer you a tour?
…”
An informal group of parishioners is at work before
the 10:00am service, and again afterwards during
coffee hour. They look after newcomers. They
learn their names and try to get to know them.
They support each other and the rector by helping
new folks feel at home, and being ready next Sun-
day to greet them by name when we see them
again. New faces with us all the time. Janice Son-
nen, Randi and Michael Goddard, Margaret Terrett,
Virginia Lindsay, Cathy Simons and I make up this
team. To mention these few is to leave out so
many more of you who meet and become friends
with new faces.
Greeters may be the first faces a newcomer meets
on a Sunday morning, and they are a wonderful
welcoming presence! In 2016 our greeters were:
Edith Assigbe, John and Everett Bernard, Marianne
and David Bournes, Frank Chandler, Donata, Simon,
and Rupert Creasy, Bronya, Matt, and Tavian
Gregg, Ann Hannan, Susan Harris, Mark Harrison,
Heather and Norm Lewis, Virginia Lindsay, Eliza-
beth MacMillan, Tony Maxwell, Deirdre Nicholds,
Megill and Bill Megill, Neville Nankivell, Susan
Rayner, Janice Sonnen, and Errol Whittier. We lost
our dear friend Joan Harrison in 2016. We miss her
energy and enthusiasm in Parish life and as a
greeter.
Sidespersons operate lights, coordinate volunteers
for the Offertory procession, and look after many
behind-the-scenes details. They are: David Bour-
nes, Randi and Michael Goddard, Ian Guthrie, Leslie
Jones and Paul Tweedale, Denis Martel, Carolyn
16
2016 Vestry Report
Christian Education
Adults
The adult Christian Education program supports St.
Matthew’s Strategic Plan “Spiritual Core” goal, in
particular under the objective “Nurture, Grow and
Share our Faith with Others” where there is a spe-
cific task for St. Matthew’s to strive for excellence
in Christian Education.
The year 2016 was an active one for Christian Edu-
cation at St. Matthew’s. A wide variety of adult
education opportunities were offered. The focus is
on offering different events, formats, and times of
the events so that the widest number of parishion-
ers (and non-parishioners) can participate. We are
always interested in hearing from parishioners on
ideas for new Christian Education events.
The following education events were held in 2016:
“Conversations” with Archbishop Barry Curtis: This
popular program takes place at 9:00am on select
Sunday mornings throughout the year. In 2016, we
held a 10+ week series running through October/
November/December and finishing early in January
2017. Attendance ranges from 12 to 20 people
from both the 8am and the 10am congregations.
Participants enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while ex-
ploring with Archbishop Curtis the lectionary read-
ings of the day. The discussions relate the bible
passages to our own lives and experiences.
Chapel Chats: This successful and topical program
looks at issues of importance to the congrega-
tion. When a topic is being presented the Chapel
Chat takes place on Sundays after the 10:00 Eucha-
rist. One Chapel Chat was held in May and three
were held in the Autumn. In September, Shea
Kieley, from St. Luke’s Table, came to talk about the
Diocesan Community Ministries. In October, we
held two Chapel Chats focussed on the strategic
planning that St. Matthew’s has underway.
McMaster, Judith Sabourin and Margaret Terrett,
Errol Whittier and myself. Troy Messam has faith-
fully served as a greeter and sidesperson for over
ten years. With a busy family, Troy has decided to
step down from the active roster (the term for this
is “graduation” in sidespersons’ and greeters’ cir-
cles). We sincerely thank you, Troy, for all you have
done and all that you do. We are delighted to have
Mark Harrison and Andy Billingsley join the roster
and look forward to working with them in the new
year.
Many thanks to each one of you for your dedica-
tion and service. A warm thank you also to the in-
defatigable Joan Lawrence, who creates and man-
ages our schedules throughout the year.
Imagine walking up the steps to St. Matthews’ for
the first time. What is it like to be in a place and
not know a single person? How does it feel? Now
imagine being for a newcomer that presence you
would find most comforting if you were in the Nar-
thex for the first time, or found yourself standing
near the baptismal font not knowing a single per-
son. Gregor’s vision for us as a presence for new
faces is big, bold, and full of new and exciting
things. You may have noticed the pot of hot fresh
coffee the Coffee Hour team prepares before the
10:00am service. Do you see someone new? Why
not offer them a cup of coffee? Young children
have been invited to be Offertory Crucifer, collec-
tion takers and oblation bearers, roles they have
embraced with alacrity. These are just to name a
few. Borrowing an image about joy from a prayer
we heard in Advent, isn’t hospitality also like a
muscle? Doesn’t it need to be exercised too?
Maybe even stretched? Let’s talk! Let’s hear your
ideas and your experience, your story. Let’s roll up
our sleeves to support newcomers and each other
in this journey together.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Frayne
17
2016 Vestry Report
Lenten Bible Study: These normally take place on
Tuesday mornings and evenings in Lent, given a
sufficient number of participants for each. In 2016,
as Canon Pat retired at the beginning of Lent, we
had a five-week study led by three different indi-
viduals. The first session was led by Canon Pat –
“Favourite Bible Passages”, weeks 2–4 by Canon
Beall – “The Three Temptations of Christ” and week
5 by the Rev. Rhonda Waters - “Consider Pilate”.
This made for a wonderfully varied bible study.
Molding the Anglican Tradition: In 2016 we did not
hold a “Molding the Anglican Tradition” series but
hope to in 2017. In past years we have held one or
two series during the year. Each series is held on
three successive Tuesday evenings and begins with
supper followed by a talk. Past series have been on
famous people and on poets / prose writers who
have influenced the Anglican tradition. Other series
have looked at the evolution of church music and
the influence of church movements, such as the
Oxford movement, on the Anglican tradition. The
last series was dedicated to exploring the church
sacraments. The series are well attended and often
include people from outside our parish. Each talk
attracts 12–30 attendees, with time for fellowship
during supper and a thought-provoking presenta-
tion after.
Trinity Institute: In 2016, St. Matthew’s had again
planned to be a partner site for the Trinity Institute,
with live feed from Trinity Wall Street in New York
City. The 2016 Trinity Institute was titled “Listen for
a Change: Sacred Conversations for Racial Justice”.
Unfortunately, we did not have sufficient registra-
tion to proceed, so cancelled our participation. In
2017, the Trinity Institute will take place March 22–
24 and is titled “Water Justice” with speakers such
as Canada’s Maude Barlow and Jeffrey D. Sachs. To
determine if there is sufficient interest to be a part-
ner site in 2017, St. Matthew’s surveyed previous
participants. We received sufficient indication of
interest that we are proceeding with our planning.
The Trinity Institute is an education event that at-
tracts many participants from other churches in
Ottawa as well as from St. Matthew’s.
In 2017, we will be focussed on recruiting new vol-
unteers to help deliver the Christian Education pro-
gram and looking for new education program and
format opportunities. With Rev. Sneddon, we have
been exploring new education opportunities and
will be offering in 2017 a new “Christianity 101”
program during Lent.
We would like to thank all those who volunteered
their time during 2016 to lead, speak, help organ-
ize, and generally support our events. Christian
Education is a growing ministry at St. Matthew’s,
and we welcome any suggestions parishioners may
have for new programs, or volunteers to help or-
ganize events.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Griffin
Children and Youth
Children’s Sunday School
Sunday School is offered year round at St. Mat-
thew’s. From September to May, the Augsburg
Fortress Spark curriculum materials are used, as
well as the lesson plans. The children respond well
to the colourful leaflets and the activities. In the
summer, teachers prepare a lesson based on the
weekly lectionary readings. The children enjoyed
preparing for the annual Children’s Christmas pag-
eant held on Christmas Eve.
Attendance at the Sunday School is often sporadic,
depending on weather and the participation of chil-
dren in many of their other outside activities.
There have been as many as thirty children on rare
occasions, and as few as one.
Classes are divided by age, with the youngest chil-
dren, generally four years old, in one group, the pre
- to early readers in a second class, and children in
18
2016 Vestry Report
MUSIC
Music Committee
The Music Ministry had an exciting year in 2016
under the talented and imaginative direction of
Kirkland Adsett. Several initiatives involving the
Music and Concert Committees but also the exem-
plary support of choir members, choir parents and
other parishioners increased the strength, vitality,
and visibility of the choirs.
Attracting boys and girls to join the choirs remains
a huge challenge. New publicity strategies pro-
moted open rehearsals in June and the choir camp
in August to the local community and schools and
will be expanded in 2017. In addition, some chil-
dren from within the parish joined the choirs, and
this number could grow with our population of
younger families.
Using the enhanced sound system funded by GIFT,
services and special musical events are being regu-
larly recorded so that choral and organ music selec-
tions are now available on the parish website, Face-
book page, and on YouTube. Margret Brady Nankiv-
ell and Neville Nankivell wrote articles for the par-
ish website, the Pulse of the Parish, Crosstalk, The
Oscar, The Glebe Report, and The Ottawa Citizen.
Alek Delja kept an active photo record of choir ac-
tivities, and offered pictures for articles and public-
ity. Leonard Surges continued to maintain a Face-
book page for St. Matthew’s Choirs with weekly
updates and links to the St. Matthew’s website and
Facebook page and to other related websites:
www.facebook.com/stmatthewschoirottawa.
Three musical productions in 2016 were hugely
successful in reaching out to the community be-
yond St. Matthew’s. It was decided that all the
year’s concerts would be presented on a free-will
offering basis in order to reach a more diverse and
younger audience.
grades 3 and over in a third class. The children get
along well together and really seem to benefit from
the friendships they are making at St. Matthew’s.
From January to August of 2016, Aindrea Proudfoot
was Sunday School coordinator, and her team of
teachers included Lisa Sheehey, Steve Robar,
Wesley Chick, Mary Glen, Meghan Wilkinson, Kathi
Racine, and Heather Sheehey.
From September to December, Kathi Racine acted
as interim coordinator. The Sunday School is seek-
ing new teachers as it is faced with the loss of
three talented folks to other commitments. In De-
cember 2016, Christine Piper was selected as the
new part-time Sunday School coordinator. The
Sunday School looks forward to working under her
leadership.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathi Racine
Getting ready for Christmas Pageant .
19
2016 Vestry Report
On January 31, the Swedish silent film, The Parson’s
Widow was screened, accompanied by the Boys’
and Girls’ Choirs and by Kirkland Adsett on the or-
gan. The event drew an audience of over 250, in-
cluding many from the Ottawa Scandinavian com-
munity. The program for spring concert on May 15,
Sing We Merrily, featured selections from 1,000
years of church music, with an attendance of over
250. In keeping with our goal of reaching a
broader community, St. Matthew’s presented an
abbreviated family-friendly version of Handel’s
Messiah on November 19 with favourite choruses
and arias. The Rev. Prof. Kevin Flynn, as special
narrator, gave some interesting background about
Handel and his music. Kirkland Adsett appeared in
a beautiful period costume like Handel would have
worn, made by the talented Kathi Racine, and the
soloists, Michael Ruddy and Holly Ralph Ormsby,
generously donated their considerable talents.
Designed to appeal to children and adults alike, the
presentation drew an audience of over 300 includ-
ing 65 children. Thanks go to principals of First
Avenue, Mutchmor, Glashan and Hopewell schools
who promoted the concert within their school
populations.
Many individuals under the able leadership of
Peggy Nankivell, chair of the Concert Committee,
were responsible for concert tasks such as budget-
ing, publicity, free-will offerings, programs, musi-
cian contracts, and ushers. They include: Andrew
Campbell, Ian Glen, Joan Lawrence, Virginia Lind-
say, Jean McCarthy, Neville Nankivell, Margaret
Terrett, Kathi Racine, and Leonard Surges. Each of
them, in turn, was assisted by many other parish-
ioners.
A one-week choir camp was held in August for the
choir boys and girls and prospective choristers.
Together, they developed their musical skills and
repertoire working with Kirk and also enjoyed a
variety of crafts and activities ably planned and
supervised by Kathi Racine.
There is a strong feeling of community within the
choirs. A year-end party following the final Even-
song in June and a Christmas party following the
Lessons and Carols service offered choir members
and their families a chance to celebrate their
shared ministry and to become better acquainted
with one another. Boys and girls received recogni-
tion and promotion at the final joint choral morning
service in June.
I would like to thank all the members of the Music
Committee for their thoughtful and active support
of the Music Ministry throughout the past year.
They are Robyn Ryan Bell, Elizabeth MacMillan,
Penelope Nicolaiczuk, and Nicholas Ralph.
Respectfully submitted,
Virginia Lindsay
Music Ministry
I would like to share with the parish my thoughts
about the general feeling within the music ministry
at St Matthew’s and the challenges I see us facing
in 2017. From my perspective, the only real chal-
lenge facing the music program at St Matthew’s is
the continuing need to recruit volunteer singers,
most particularly, boys. I have drawn attention to
this dilemma in every vestry report since coming to
St Matthew’s in 2010. As we know, St Matthew’s
Men and Boys’ Choir is one of only two remaining
choirs of its type in the whole of Canada. Apart
St Matthew’s Choirs
20
2016 Vestry Report
from telling us that this choir is both rare and pre-
cious this fact also reminds us that most choirs of
this type have folded. A much reduced church at-
tendance amongst the younger generations, a
great change in the culture over the past 20 years
and an over-abundance of after-school activities
are the chief reasons for the demise of the boy
choir tradition in North America.
The music committee has been tackling this issue in
a number of creative and carefully targeted ways
over the past few years. We have advertised widely
offering “open rehearsals” to potentially interested
choristers at year end and start-up time in Septem-
ber. We have introduced advertisements outlining
our children’s choirs in the programs at every con-
cert at St Matthew’s as well as at outside perform-
ances. We have also made some programing
changes to our concerts in the hope of being more
family-friendly and thusly hoping to garner interest
in choir participation that way. Music colleagues
have advised us that word-of-mouth “advertising”
is the most fruitful in encouraging more boys to
join the choir. In the past, I have encouraged choir
members, choir parents and parishioners to ask
neighbours and contacts with children to check out
our programs. Many of you have told me you have
done this and we appreciate your efforts very
much. Looking to the future, there is a new crop of
potential choristers in the Sunday School. Plans are
being made to start a young children’s choir (ages 4
-7) again in the hope of getting future singers for
the boys’ and girls’ choirs. Other ideas are only in
the developmental stages at this time but would
open up the music ministry to the wider commu-
nity again in the hope of attracting singers for our
parish choirs.
Despite having fewer numbers within some of the
choirs at St Matthew’s, I am very pleased by a num-
ber of improvements in key elements of the music
ministry. I continually hear favourable comments
from colleagues and parishioners about the choirs’
blended and nuanced singing. I am reminded of the
story of Healey Willan taking his very fine choir to a
small town in Western Ontario. After the successful
concert, Willan overheard two elderly women say-
ing that the choir was alright but that their parish
choir could sing much louder! Any choir can sing
loudly. We are aiming for a beautiful and well-
balanced sound and quite often, the choir achieves
it. In recent months, however, I have been most
pleased by the palpable sense within the ensem-
bles that they are there for the right reasons,
namely to be of service to the liturgy and to func-
tion as a team in that mission. There seems to be a
more coherent sense within the group that we are
a “family”. This may be partly due to the fact that
most of our members are now parishioners. I
would like to encourage this sense of togetherness
because my belief is that this will only add to what
we offer musically and spiritually to the church’s
liturgies.
I would like to thank the many dedicated people
who through their hard work and initiative make
our music ministry possible. Virginia Lindsay has
again served the parish admirably as music commit-
tee chairperson. Personally, I am very grateful to
Virginia for her friendship and excellent counsel.
Elizabeth MacMillan and Pein-Pein Huang, likewise
have again this past year acted courageously as
choir librarians much to my and the choir's appre-
ciativeness. I acknowledge the great commitment
in time and energy on the part of choir parents and
I remain indebted to our parish singers for their
musical gifts which they share with us on Sundays
in the praise of our Creator. While we have only
worked together a short time, I am similarly grati-
fied by Reverend Sneddon's support and encour-
agement of the music ministry at St Matthew's.
Respectfully submitted,
Kirkland Adsett
21
2016 Vestry Report
Rev.Gregor Sneddon, sherry at Evensong, and the
Contemplative Prayer Day.
We added Souper Sundays to our community cele-
brations and hope to continue the new tradition, a
suggestion of Rebecca and Tyler Laffin. It was
something they wanted to bring from St Matthias.
It is a great addition to our hospitality calendar.
Many thanks to everyone who contributes sand-
wiches, squares, salads, cakes, and cookies for
community events. Thank you to everyone who
helps to set up and take down the tables and
chairs, to serve and clean up. A special thank you to
the Seniors' lunch team, Elizabeth Kent, Virginia
Lindsay, Kathi Racine and Jane Rider.
Respectfully submitted,
Margaret Terrett
Coffee Hour
The custom of gathering after the 10 am Sunday
service to socialize and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee
and a cookie is a cherished aspect of life at St. Mat-
thew’s. A significant part of our efforts to be “a
welcoming Christian community,” coffee hour pro-
vides an opportunity for many of the congregation
to catch up on the events of the week, welcome
newcomers, and exchange greetings. On several
occasions the venue for Coffee Hour was moved to
the Parish Hall because of a special event. Such
transfers are kept to a minimum so as not to dis-
rupt the accustomed routine of volunteers and pa-
rishioners alike.
One innovation for this year, instituted at the re-
quest of the rector, is the provision of coffee before
the service. A small 12-cup percolator has been
purchased to allow for the rapid brewing of a lim-
ited number of servings for those interested. So far
demand has been limited, but those needing their
morning fix seem to appreciate the opportunity to
have a quick cuppa.
COMMUNITY
Community Activities
We had a very active year in the "feeding folks"
department.
Twelve seniors' lunches, held the second Wednes-
day of each month, provided a nourishing lunch
and time to chat with friends for an average of 20
people each month. Our usual events: Pancake
Supper, Maundy Thursday meal, Parish Picnic,
Newcomers Lunch and St. Nicholas Party are stan-
dard tradition. These events give parishioners a
chance to socialize over a meal, and the children to
enjoy time together. Our events, thanks to the free
-will offerings and the food donations, made a
small profit.
In February we had a parish "thank you and good
bye" party for the Rev. Canon Pat Johnston, where
we fêted her with an amazing spread of food, in-
cluding sandwiches made by parishioners, and cake
by Ava Hammond. It was a splendid party. In
March we celebrated Canon Pat's retirement with
the wider Anglican community with a marvellous
cocktail party.
We welcomed the The Rev.
Rhonda Waters and said goodbye
to her with cakes and special cof-
fee hours after the 10:00 a.m.
service. Other events to which
we contributed were: the Vestry
lunch, Parish Council meetings, a
welcome reception for the
Pat Johnston
22
2016 Vestry Report
As with most activities at St. Matthew’s, Coffee
Hour would be impossible without the co-
operation and support of volunteers. They arrive
early to set things up, then maintain the flow of tea
and cookies while people are gathered, and stay
late to tidy up. The volunteers for the fall, winter
and spring of 2016-2017 are Anita Biguzs, John
Budden, Sheila Campbell, Gwyn & Bill Cornfield,
Jenny Curtis, Lenore Fahrig, Joy Hitsman, Leslie
Jones, Karen Junke, Marjorie & Colin Lay, Ann Luce,
Pam and Peter Mackenzie, Sarah & Tom Martin,
Jean & Jim McCarthy, Dianne McCauley, Loretta &
Ed McDonald, Carolyn McMaster, Peggy & Neville
Nankivell, Charles Nixon, Kathi Racine, Susan
Rayner; Mary & Steve Reid, Jane & Peter Rider,
Claire & John Schofield, Leonard Surges, Margaret
Terrett, and Paul Tweedale. Thanks to all for a job
well done.
This year a number of volunteers have stepped
down, while some new volunteers have come for-
ward. To the former, a hearty thank-you is due for
your loyal service, and to the latter, an equally
warm welcome and thanks for taking on this task.
Although there is a substantial number of hosts for
Coffee Hour, there aren't enough at present to
cover the longer season and all holidays. A small
number of additional volunteers would ensure that
some Sundays are not left uncovered. Anyone
wishing to help is asked to contact one of the un-
dersigned
co-ordinators.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane & Peter Rider
Open Doors
Each weekday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. a
faithful group of parishioners takes turns unlocking
the front doors of the church to welcome the com-
munity into St. Matthew’s. By opening our doors
and being present, we make St. Matthew’s accessi-
ble to our neighbours, not just Sunday morning, but
throughout the week as well.
During 2016 we welcomed 149 visitors. Some
came to sit quietly, while others came to pray.
Some were just interested in seeing the inside of
the church, and a number stayed to chat with our
volunteers. Many followed our self-directed tour
pamphlet and viewed the outstanding points of
interest in the church. We were able to answer
questions for the curious and to provide informa-
tion about St. Matthew’s to those seeking to know
us better.
During this time our volunteers also performed
many small but necessary weekly tasks, such as
gathering expired bulletins and tidying books in the
pews, replenishing pew envelopes and pamphlets
and generally putting things in order near the en-
trance to the church. We also had CDs of St. Mat-
thew’s Church choirs for sale.
In addition, on June 4th and 5th 2016, St. Matthew’s
once again participated in Doors Open Ottawa,
joining many other Ottawa groups opening their
architecturally significant buildings to the public.
We welcomed 77 visitors over the two days.
Greeting for Open Doors, left to right: Judy Sabourin, Elizabeth Ann Luce
Coffee Hour
23
2016 Vestry Report
We are very grateful to the following parishioners
and friends who have shown great dedication in
the past year and who have made it possible to
have “Open Doors”:
Doug Biehler, Andy Billingsley, Frank Chandler, Jean
Esperance, Ruth Frayne, Ian Glen, Tom Grace,
Mavis Hill, Jill Hyde-Clarke, Michael Jarvis, Elizabeth
Kent, Madonna Larbi, Ann Luce, Elizabeth MacMil-
lan, Ian MacMillan, Sheila McCaffrey, Janice
McRae, Bruce Miller, Neville Nankivell, Florence
Plint, Peter Rider, Judith Sabourin, Janice Sonnen,
George Taillefer, and Marg Terrett.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Oulton, Coordinator, Open Doors
Marmalade
The 2016 Marmalade Project ran for two weeks
between Monday, January 18 and Friday, January
29. Approximately 20 volunteers assisted with the
work. This number was up from the previous year,
in part reflecting a decision to work one Saturday,
thereby allowing wider participation. Production
was good, with 530 small jars and 82 large jars of
marmalade being produced, most of which was
reserved in advance. The rest sold out very quickly.
The net revenue from the project was virtually the
same as last year, $3,487, divided equally between
the Syrian Refugee Response programme of the
Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and
The Centretown Emergency Food Centre.
As in previous years, Boushey’s Fruit Market on
Elgin Street ordered the Seville oranges and the
lemons for us, and Redpath Sugar Limited of To-
ronto donated the sugar. Peter Hodge, son of the
late parishioners, Jack and Dora Hodge, made the
arrangements with Andrew Judge, the Customer
and Logistics Manager at Redpath, and delivered
the sugar to us at no cost. Our thanks to all of
them. This co-operation was a huge help and maxi-
mized the amount of money available for the chari-
ties. Later in the year, Boushey's announced the
store's closure, and a new supplier of oranges and
lemons had to be found. Produce Depot on Carling
Avenue has taken on the task.
This project drew together many people from St.
Matthew’s in an effort designed to support com-
munity outreach. It benefited greatly from the gen-
erosity of members of the parish who donated jars
and other supplies and who purchased the marma-
lade. Without the enthusiasm and support of the
volunteers who peeled, cut and stirred as well as
performed the many other varied tasks involved
with the project, nothing would have been
achieved. Their involvement and commitment are
deeply appreciated.
The project loomed large around St. Matthew’s
during its two-week lifespan. The understanding of
all who shared the facilities was graciously ex-
tended and gratefully received. Many thanks to
Canon Pat and Joan Lawrence for their assistance
and support. Joan, moreover, not only received
payments and generally troubleshot on behalf of
the project, but in addition led the team during the
Saturday bottling session. A big thanks also to Ava
Hammond who captained the kitchen during the
project's second week.
Various individuals assumed leadership roles in the
project. Overall co-ordination was undertaken by a
small steering group, the members of which in
2016 were Frank Chandler, Ruth Frayne, Ina Grif-
fiths, Karen Junke, Loretta McDonald, Jane Oulton
and Peter Rider.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Rider
24
2016 Vestry Report
breaks down to a little over $160.00 for each
meal.
Currently, four teams comprise this ministry. The
workload is distributed so each team is responsi-
ble for planning, preparing, and serving a meal
three times a year. Approximately 40 parishioners
are involved in the monthly meal ministry. Des-
serts are provided by Jennifer Henry's baking
team. Thank you, Jennifer and your team, for the
much appreciated, delicious and wonderful des-
serts you provide.
The women staying at the Cornerstone Women's
Shelter continually need toiletries. In 2016, St.
Matthew's parishioners have generously donated
shampoo, conditioner, body wash lotion, sun-
screen, feminine hygiene products, hair brushes,
and combs. Every two to three weeks we were
able to deliver the much-needed donations to the
shelter.
Leadership In 2016: Pam Mackenzie is the Chair
for the St. Matthew's Cornerstone Program. Pein
Pein Huang, Catherine Draper, Claudia Sanmartin,
and Pam Mackenzie lead the Cornerstone teams.
Thank you to each person who has volunteered or
donated. Your continued support has contributed
to the success of the Meal-a-Month program. We
are always looking for new volunteers; interested
parishioners are invited to e-mail Pam Mackenzie
(pamela@mackenzie.org) for additional informa-
tion on the Cornerstone program.
Angels with Backpacks
Angels with Backpacks is a partnership between
St. Matthew’s Anglican Church and the Youth Ser-
vices Bureau of Ottawa that began in 2004. The
2016 Angels with Backpacks project lost the coor-
dinator of the federal government employee par-
ticipants. However, our colleagues at Ashbury
College came through for the YSB youth, and they
OUTREACH
St. Matthew’s defines outreach as those projects,
activities, and commitments that provide loving
service to those in our community who are vulner-
able, marginalized, or in need. The Outreach Co
mmittee in 2016 was supported by dedicated mem-
bers, including our Rector, and our Rector’s War-
den, Val Needham. Backing up this team of project
leads, there are over 90 volunteers across the Out-
reach projects and initiatives. This year, Outreach
focused on supporting its core programs; efforts to
further expand the group’s mandate to broader
social justice issues were put on hold as the Strate-
gic Planning process unfolds. The actual expendi-
ture in 2016 was $22,040, spending for refugees
was an additional $62,539 for a total of $84,579.
There were many Outreach accomplishments in
2016. The following provides selected highlights
from our local initiatives. St. Matthew’s also con-
tinues to support national and international initia-
tives including the Suicide Prevention Program and
the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
(PWRDF) including $3,487 from the proceeds of
marmalade sales.
Cornerstone
Beginning in July 2009, on the third Saturday of
each month, a group of four to six St. Matthew’s
parishioners prepares, delivers, and serves a nutri-
tious lunch to the 50-60 women living at the Cor-
nerstone Emergency Women’s Shelter in Centre-
town.
Cornerstone is a Community Ministry of the Angli-
can diocese of Ottawa and provides emergency
shelter and supportive housing for a diversity of
women. Cornerstone has an environment that pro-
motes dignity and a sense of hope.
The meals we prepare and serve help, in a direct
and practical way, women who are at vulnerable
points in their lives and who cannot take the rou-
tine comforts of daily life for granted. St. Mat-
thew's has an annual budget of $2000.00, which
25
2016 Vestry Report
filled 120 backpacks!
St. Matthew’s parishioners and friends filled 65,
and Roberta Bondar Elementary School filled 10.
The grand total was 195 plus donations from pa-
rishioners who were not able to fill a backpack. We
also collected bags full of extra items for YSB to
have on hand over the winter months. Thanks to
Joy Hitsman and Dianne McCauley for leading us in
another successful year!
Out of the Cold Suppers
St. Matthew's, other churches, and local groups
take turns providing suppers to needy people dur-
ing the winter season. This program is led by South-
minster United Church in Old Ottawa South, and
the project offers a welcoming environment, a hot
meal, and cheerful fellowship for between 60 and
80 people. Suppers are organized each Saturday
from late October to the end of March.
St. Matthew’s usually hosts two suppers annually,
at which about 25 parishioners and friends host,
cook, serve, and clean up after the meal. Some pa-
rishioners participate on other Saturdays as well.
St. Matthew's has supported this program with an
annual donation of $1,000.00
Thank you to all the volunteers who together make
these meals possible. Anita Biguzs has kindly taken
over the role of coordinator of this program.
Please contact her if you are interested in partici-
pating.
CCSAC/Centretown Emergency Food Centre
The Centretown Emergency Food Centre is once
again looking forward to an effective and robust
year for 2017. Year 2016 was a year of financial
strain for them. They struggled with a $20,000 defi-
cit from 2015 and to meet ongoing food needs with
an increase of 25% in clientele from January 2016.
The financial needs inspired a successful new initia-
tive, a Walk-a-thon on October 16, 2016, which was
part of the solution, along with two successful
Christmas charity concerts and two food drives in
November/December 2016. The funds totaled
$22,625. In 2016, CEFC served 10,126 people, an
increase of 336 persons in 2016. We are all very
thankful as we look ahead to 2017. Thanks to Eliza-
beth Kent for representing St. Matthews and taking
such a lead role as our CCSAC representative.
Harmony House
In 2016, Harmony House continued to provide af-
fordable housing for women and children escaping
domestic abuse. Residents received individual and
group support to ultimately enable their successful
transition back into the community.
The parish’s ongoing support of the shelter makes a
difference. This year, St. Matthew’s funded a well-
received series of workshops for the women of
Harmony House called “Building Spirits, Changing
Lives.” Through the workshops, women developed
skills related to conflict resolution, communication,
self-esteem and community building, and each
week they were challenged to practice a skill set
discussed at the workshop.
Harmony House residents also welcomed the tradi-
tional Jesse Tree gift-giving program. St. Matthew’s
donations filled an entire minivan with toys, gift
cards, and much-needed household items.
Thanks to Meghan Watkinson and Katie Rider, St.
Matthew’s representatives on the Harmony House
Board of Directors.
FACES – First Avenue Churches and Community
Embracing Sponsorship
St. Matthew’s, St. Giles Presbyterian Church, and
Glebe-St. James United Church have formed a part-
nership with the aim of sponsoring and supporting
refugee individuals or families. A volunteer com-
munity-based group has also joined forces with the
faith-based group to generously share its re-
sources, personnel, and expertise. Together, these
groups form FACES – First Avenue Churches and
Community Embracing Sponsorship.
FACES has welcomed and supported several refu-
gee families, including the El Sellum family, who
26
2016 Vestry Report
arrived in February 2016. The family welcomed a
new baby girl in September, and Faiz is trying out
various working opportunities. Our financial sup-
port for the family must end in January 2017. We
will be completing a financial and family report to
the Diocese in the coming month. Several of our
team members have established friendships with
the family that will no doubt continue
The group also welcomed the Hakim family, who
arrived in September 2016. They are adapting to
life in Ottawa fairly quickly because of their family
connections and the ability to speak English. We
will be assisting the Hakims until August 2017.
FACES is also supporting four government-assisted
refugee (GAR) families. This support is helping with
the backlog in sponsorship applications. Support
and assistance began before Christmas for the fol-
lowing families: Al Hewiws (5); El Huseyins (8);
Umurerwas (6); Omar and Elham (4); and the
Musanis (4). We are using our funds to buy and
supplement the sometimes meagre assistance they
are receiving. We also help with visits to schools,
health and social services.
Thanks to Tom Martin, Rick Trites, Susan Thomson
(Steering Committee members), and all those who
have supported FACES.
Thanks to all who have supported Outreach activi-
ties this year. We are always looking to include
more parishioners in whatever capacity they feel
they can best serve. Please contact me if you are
interested in participating.
Respectfully submitted,
Claudia Sanmartin (campbell22@sympatico.ca)
PARISH STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship Committee
The primary role of the Stewardship Committee is
to promote regular financial giving, and to support
and promote general (time & talent) stewardship
opportunities and initiatives. However, the financial
giving picture tends to dominate our meeting agen-
das while general stewardship pretty much takes
care of itself through the amazing efforts and skills
of the nearly 50 groups & committees, all self-
starters, who do everything from property mainte-
nance to preparation of Cornerstone meals.
As 2016 began, our expectations for financial giv-
ings were modest. We knew that a number of pa-
rishioners were still fulfilling their GIFT (Growing in
Faith Together) campaign pledges, thus reducing
their ability to increase regular givings. What we
didn’t know was that we would be transitioning to
a new rector which typically (we understand) leads
to some drop off in givings, at least temporarily, as
the congregation gets to know the new rector.
In early November-December, faced with a growing
operating deficit, we asked parishioners to consider
making their December offerings double what their
average monthly offerings had been during the first
eleven months of the year. The response was very
gratifying, with December General Use donations
more than double (up 223%) the prior eleven-
month average. The result was that although Gen-
eral Use donations for the full year still fell margin-
ally below budget, the operating deficit was wiped
out. Our profound thanks to all those who re-
sponded so generously. It gives us a great confi-
dence-boost as we start 2017.
27
2016 Vestry Report
While the overall picture is encouraging, the sub-
stantial number of parishioners who decreased
their non-PAR givings in 2016 (including twenty
who ceased giving altogether) is a concern.
St. Matthew’s received $74,144 in GIFT funds in
2016, thanks to the continuing generosity of parish-
ioners who pledged what now must seem like
many years ago. The good news is that we are into
the last year, with less than $100,000 of pledges
still outstanding. With the roof mostly paid for, the
remaining GIFT proceeds will be applied to a num-
ber of ministries projects that are discussed else-
where in the Vestry report. Thank you all for your
loyalty and perseverance as we bring GIFT to a
close.
As I write, the 2017 budget is still preliminary but
indications are that it will once again challenge us
to be generous in our givings. We look forward to
working together to meet this challenge. In closing I
would like to thank Karen Junke, Jim Ryan and Val
Needham for their support, and to thank each and
every one of you who practiced good stewardship,
at St. Matthew’s and in your daily lives, during the
past year. Keep it up!
Respectfully submitted
Tony Maxwell, Stewardship Committee
Finance Committee
The Role of Finance Committee
The Finance Committee oversees the financial
management of the parish including preparing
budgets, maintaining books and records and re-
porting on financial results. It works with the Con-
tributions Coordinators in recording The Finance
Committee oversees the overall financial manage-
ment of the parish including preparing budgets,
maintaining books and records and reporting on
financial results. In addition, the committee ad-
dresses any other finance-related issues that are
referred to it by the Corporation. The committee
also assists and oversees the work of the Treasurer,
Year PAR* Non-PAR Combined
Total Givings 2016 $261,401 $129,988 $391,389
2015 $244,918 $140,346 $385,264
Increase $16,483 -$10,358 $6,125
No. of Givers 2016 100 108 208
2015 97 103 200
Avg. Givings 2016 $2,614 $1,204 $1,882
2015 $2,525 $1,363 $1,926
No. of 2016 Givers who Increased 55 50 105
Decreased** 27 66 93
No change 19 7 26
* Pre-Authorized Remittance (monthly automatic debit)
** including those who did not give in 2016
Summary of Parish Givings, 2015 and 2016
28
2016 Vestry Report
the Envelope Secretaries, the Bookkeeper and the
Counters. It works in cooperation with the Adminis-
trator, the Fundraising Committee and the Stew-
ardship Committee on issues of a financial nature.
Finance Committee met eight times during the year
and provided monthly financial statements to Cor-
poration and Executive Committee. In terms of
special projects, Finance Committee:
1. Continued to advise on the financing of the
Roof Replacement Project and managed the
process for borrowing funds from our invest-
ments in the Consolidated Trust Fund;
2. Modified our QuickBooks accounting system
to provide automated reports; and
3. Created new reports to track income and
expenses by Fund (e.g. GIFT, Refugees,
Music).
The Finance Committee in 2015 will continue to
look for ways to improve the management and de-
livery of its on-going responsibilities. It will focus
its attention on two initiatives:
1. Provide advice and strategies to support the
management of special funds and to support the
work of the Strategic Plan; and 2. Improve our
process for managing accounts receivable.
Counters
St. Matthew’s has four teams of counters with
three to four counters per team. Every week, they
volunteer their time and talent to counting, proc-
essing, balancing and depositing all cash and
cheques received by the Church. They also handle
receipts from such events as the Great Glebe Ga-
rage Sale, other fundraising activities and concerts.
Strict procedures are in place to ensure the secure
handling and deposit of cash and cheques.
Contributions Coordinators
Lisa Sheehy and Mary Reid are responsible for
tracking all identifiable donations received by St.
Matthew’s, issuing tax receipts and for administer-
ing the Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) Program
whereby parishioners sign up to make monthly of-
ferings which are withdrawn automatically from
their bank accounts. At year end there were 100
parishioners enrolled in PAR donating a total of
over $19,000 every month. Donation information
is kept strictly confidential.
2016 Parish Financial Results and 2017 Budget
The 2016 financial results and 2017 Budget will be
reviewed in detail at Vestry. Documentation is in-
cluded in the Vestry materials.
Committee Membership
Finance Committee welcomed four new members
in 2016: Walt Draper, Bill Megill, Cathy Simons and
Chris Wilke. They joined a long serving group of
dedicated and wise committee members - Sarah
Martin, Tony Maxwell, Carolyn McMaster, Kevan
Pipe, Lisa Sheehy, Mary Reid and Don Wilson – as
well as Rev. Gregor and Paul Tweedale represent-
ing Corporation. There were other changes: Kevan
resigned from the committee in the fall and I re-
signed as Chair of the Committee, but will continue
as a member. Walt Draper was appointed by Cor-
poration to succeed me.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Finance
Committee, Jim Lynes
Fundraising Committee
The fundraising committee’s mandate is to raise
funds supporting the strategic goals of St. Mat-
thew’s and the church’s mission statement to be a
welcoming community of faith.
Collaborating with other committees, we support
outreach objectives and the music program by so-
liciting sponsorships and advertising. We also maxi-
mize sales at the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale
by organizing a premium boutique table. Through
these events and the tri-annual auction, we raise
the profile of St. Matthew’s within the local com-
munity and beyond.
29
2016 Vestry Report
The highlight for 2016 was the Treasures Auction
held on Saturday, October 29, 2016. The auction
netted close to $60,000, with $15,500 of these pro-
ceeds supporting the FACES refugee program, and
the balance directed to St. Matthew’s commitment
to Growing in Faith Together (GIFT). This
“payment” to GIFT completes St. Matthew’s total
five-year fundraising contribution of close to
$100,000. The auction is a demonstration of a
community in action, involving the work of 135 vol-
unteers. Some remaining items will be sold in
2017.
The successful results achieved by the Fundraising
Committee require the ongoing support of parish-
ioners and the larger community. Committee
members are greatly appreciative of this effort and
commitment. The committee members are Anita
Biguzs, Craig Kamcke, Peggy Nankivell, Janice
Sonnen, Val Needham, Claire Schofield, and Janet
O’Meara. The 2017 Auction included additional
and very capable lead support from Karen Junke,
Pam Mackenzie, Marg Terrett, Sue Rayner, Jane
Oulton, Jane Metcalfe, Kathi Racine, and Tom
Martin. In 2017, the committee will be chaired by
Peggy Nankivell.
Respectfully submitted, Walt Draper
Nominating Committee
The mandate of the Nominating Committee is to
recruit, develop and support the leadership of the
parish community and to encourage more parish
members to take up the opportunities for ministry.
Our main task each year is to prepare the roster of
nominations and elections for wardens, committee
chairs, and parish officers to be voted on at the
annual Vestry meeting (on February 26). These po-
sitions demand a lot of time and energy, so it is
sometimes quite challenging to find new leaders. In
certain years, we also recruit for specific projects,
such as establishing a team in 2016 to refresh the
Strategic Plan. We are blessed with very fine candi-
dates, as you will see at Vestry.
At the other end of the spectrum, we recruit new
volunteers to take up entry-level positions, where
they can learn how the parish functions and begin
to build relationships with others. One route for
Claire, Madighan, Georgia, and Peggy Nankivell
Excellent attendance for Auction 2016. Thank you!
Event Date Income
Marmalade sales (*) Jan/$4,019
Great Glebe Garage Sale May $10,586
Auction Oct $58,835
Other fundraising, such
as gold bits
Dec $1,216
(*) The Marmalade and
Music Committees issue
separate reports.
Total
$74,656
30
2016 Vestry Report
becoming more active is to join a committee or
group doing things that match your interests. An-
other is to be elected to be one of the four Congre-
gational Representatives to Parish Council (which
meets three times a year). These four people are
also invited to attend the meetings of the Executive
Committee of Parish Council, where they can ex-
perience the full sweep of the issues facing the par-
ish.
The parish has a wealth of talent. In 2014, when we
did our last survey of volunteers, 203 individuals
volunteered for at least one ministry. And the core
of the volunteer cadre involved 96 people who are
involved in two or more ministries. (Six people vol-
unteered for eight or more ministries.) All in all,
parishioners volunteered for 573 ministry activities.
About half of those activities involved the spiritual
core (worship, prayer, and music), and the other
half involved people working on committees, out-
reach, or community-centred activities.
A key part of our work is succession planning. Dur-
ing 2016, the Nominating Committee worked with
the Lead Counters to recruit new Counters for the
teams. We are working to recruit a new Out of the
Cold suppers co-ordinator, as well as to work with
several committees, including Stewardship and
Education, to refresh their membership. We are
also continuing to try to get to know newcomers to
understand where their interests might lie. Please
don’t hesitate to talk to Janice Sonnen or me about
your volunteer interests.
As volunteers, it is hard to grasp the full sweep of
the parish “human resource” challenge—
developing leaders, helping newcomers to inte-
grate into the parish, finding the match between
the work to be done and the people available to do
it. If we try to formalize these functions, we fall into
bureaucracy that cannot be sustained. If we go
with the flow, gaps begin to occur, and people start
to burn out. Still we do what we can, giving thanks
for the time and talent of all the people who get
involved in the work of this parish. Together, we
serve our God and our community.
As Chair of the Nominating Committee, I would like
to thank Judy Maxwell, who stepped down as Chair
at Vestry 2016, for the guidance provided during
the year. And the Nominating Committee (Janice
Sonnen and I) would like to thank Mike McDer-
mott, a long-time member of the Committee who
has ‘retired’, for all his wonderful work over the
years.
Respectfully submitted,
Helen Griffin, Chair, Nominating Committee
Communications Committee
Spurred by the energy of our new Rector, the Com-
munications team began a small revolution in 2016.
Our goal is to better support our ministries and
invite more newcomers to join us. We will do this
through a higher volume of advertising and new
tools: advertising on Facebook and Google; more
intensive use of local media; and investment in
graphics.
We also plan to work with key ministries such as
Music, Outreach and Fundraising to help them to
plan their communications with more graphics,
wider media selection, and coordination across our
many forms of communication. Upcoming cam-
paigns will include recruiting choristers, the Even-
song series, and the Christianity 101 program
planned for Lent.
All of this activity is designed to bring new people
into our beautiful church. Our core communication
assets – the website, the Pulse of the Parish, and
the parish e-letter – will continue to keep parish-
ioners informed. However, it will take more money
and more paid help (for graphic design and coordi-
nation) to implement the plans for 2017.
In the meantime, we are seeing a realignment in
human resources. Two of our key volunteers have
31
2016 Vestry Report
“retired” after long years of service – Neville
Nankivell and Kevin Atkins. We will miss them
both. Neville has promised occasional articles for
the Pulse of the Parish. Kevin (and Hazel) have
taken the Pulse of the Parish magazine to new
heights and are now investing in their young chil-
dren.
Margaret McCarthy is our Interim Editor for the
Pulse (December through March). She started our
Parish Facebook page in late 2015, but passed it
along to Leonard Surges when she took a paid job
outside the city from May through September. We
are looking for someone to publish future issues of
the Pulse, beginning in May-June.
We are also looking for new Committee members
who know social media. They will be joining the
four members who have contributed mightily to
the revolution in the work of the Committee: Jean
McCarthy, Kevan Pipe, Steve Reid, and Leonard
Surges.
Accomplishments in 2016 included:
Rebuilt the website in June to upgrade secu-
rity and create easier access for mobile
phones and tablets, and then redrafted the
content to suit small screens. Comparing the
fourth quarter of 2016 to the same quarter
in 2015:
Visits are up 162%,
Pages viewed are up 291%,
Hits (downloads to the screen) in-
creased by 316%.
Facebook Likes for our parish page
increased from 21 in December, 2015,
to 208 at the end of 2016.
Mobile and tablet visitors increased
from 30% to 40% of all visits between
spring and fall, 2016
Supported the preparation of a video for the
Strategic Plan Task Force Chapel Chat,
Published five fine issues of the Pulse of the
Parish,
Updated the Directory and published the
2015 Annual Reports to Vestry, and
Prepared gift bags for each family attending
Christmas services.
Respectfully submitted
Judith Maxwell, Chair
Property
An extremely busy year that saw the separation of
the gardening work from the Property Committee
with the retirement of our hard-working Ava
Hammond. Under the leadership and direction of
George Taillefer, a major repair was made to the
water drain system coming from the bell tower
roof that then necessitated additional baptistery
ceiling repairs and painting. Further cleaning of the
font was made; crack filling and painting on the
west wall over and about the balcony, and then
major work completed in the rectors’ office involv-
ing the powder room ceiling replacement, repaint-
ing of walls, and the refinishing of the floor.
In addition, the Glebe Ave. St. Matthew’s sign was
repaired, refinished, and reinstalled during the
summer. Touch-up painting on the flag wall, adjust-
ment of spotlights on the pulpit and prayer station,
adjustment of the Glebe Ave. entrance doors, and
pew moving helped keep the lads out of trouble. A
new door hook was installed at the First Ave. en-
trance. Numerous light bulbs/tubes were replaced,
and several door locks were repaired or adjusted.
The lower access door code was changed, and
blinds were installed in the Administration Office,
as was some external window protection.
Further work involved remounting the fire extin-
guishers (Qty 14) and installing visible signage for
them, and the rebuilding of the elevator vestibule
floor from the east parking lot. The exterior of the
west side exit door on Glebe Ave. has been
stripped, stained and varnished to rehabilitate it
from years of damage by the elements. And yes,
bells were mounted for Kirk.
Not the least of the problems were boiler compo-
32
2016 Vestry Report
nent failures and water leaks in pipes, sump pump
replacements, and newly manifesting roof leaks not
associated with the new roof, the later to be ad-
dressed in the spring. Oh yes, and blower fan filter
replacements.
Those participating in the above enjoyments were
George Taillefer, Peter Mackenzie, Paul Tweedale,
Scott McLeish, Mark Harrison, Peter Frayne, Steve
Reid, Bill Nuttle, Ian Glen, Leonard Surges, Don
Lindsay and Bob Richard.
Respectfully submitted,
George Taillefer and Paul Tweedale
Roof Replacement Project
Work by the construction contractor, Roof Tile
Management Inc. (RTM), resumed in January 2016
and continued in the area of the chapel for several
weeks. Water penetrated into the elevator vesti-
bule and transept in early March, when ice dis-
lodged flashing on the roof over the offices. A
snowguard was damaged after fasteners for brack-
ets were stripped from the wood deck, causing rails
to be overloaded near the chapel. The incident was
not attributable to a defect in design, materials or
installation but to unusual weather. A repair proce-
dure developed with input from the supplier, Ideal
Roofing, included installing extra brackets. Site res-
toration began in May and The Rev. Rhonda Waters
blessed the roof in June, as the project neared sub-
stantial completion.
The RTM contract was modified during 2016 by
change orders to replace the support structure for
a shed roof near the First Avenue parking lot, install
snow guards on that roof and above the entrance
to a storage shed, install framing in the attic above
the elevator and offices and rebate unexpended
cash allowances. All work was inspected by the
owner’s representative, Robertson Martin Archi-
tects (RMA). RMA investigated an incident in No-
vember, when water penetrated into the nave.
Lower roofs were replaced in the early 1980s and
sealant was later renewed. Sections above the nave
remain in service, but sealant must be removed
and replaced to prevent water entry and maximize
the life of the roofs. The Property Committee will
ensure action is completed.
At year end, project administration was nearly
completed. The final value of the RTM contract was
$677,125(pre-HST). An August invoice was awaiting
certification by RTM. Final RTM invoices were
pending for subsequent work and the holdback.
The total payable to RTM is expected to be
$125,097 (including HST). Further expenditures are
not anticipated and HST rebates will be received in
the future.
The project was included in the GIFT Case for Sup-
port approved by a Special Vestry in June 2012 and
the design phase began in late 2013. A Vestry in
2014 authorized the Corporation to complete the
project at a total cost of up to $750,000, with a
bridge loan of up to $250,000. The project was de-
layed because no bid could be accepted without
reductions in the stipulated price and scope. Terms
were agreed in August 2014 and the construction
contract was signed in January 2015.
Construction began in April 2015 and finished in
late 2016. Reports were submitted to Vestry in
2014, 2015 and 2016. Regular reports to Corpora-
tion and to ECPC regarding progress and cost pro-
jections were provided over the course of the pro-
ject. The total project cost, net of HST rebates, is
expected to be $767,668, a level 2.4% over the Roof showing damaged snow guard.
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2016 Vestry Report
amount authorized in 2014 and within the range
projected in September. In 2014 dollars, the net
cost would be below $750,000. Delays that created
some cost pressures also allowed the project to be
completed without a loan.
Respectfully submitted,
Leonard Surges, Project Manager
On behalf of the Corporation
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Annexes