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Sydenham Street United Church Page 1
Report
of the
Sydenham Street United Church
Joint Needs Assessment Committee
on the
Current Status
and
Future Ministerial Needs
of the
Congregation
May, 2016
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Table of Contents Sydenham Street United Church
Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report May 2016
Part A............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Parties to the Needs Assessment.............................................................................................................. 3
Part B ............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Community of the Pastoral Charge ...................................................................................................... 3
2. Ministry of Pastoral Charge .................................................................................................................. 4
3. Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund 2010-2015 .................... 6
Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses 2010-2015.......................................................................... 6
4. Ministry Personnel Position Description .............................................................................................. 7
Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February 2013 ...................................................... 8
5. Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel .................................................................. 9
Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC ................................................................................. 9
6. Terms for the Ministry Personnel ...................................................................................................... 10
7. Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 11
8. Recommendation ............................................................................................................................... 11
FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship ................................. 12
APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey ............................................................................................ 13
APPENDIX II – Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE .......................................................... 23
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Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report
May 15, 2016
Part A
Parties to the Needs Assessment Name of Pastoral Charge: Sydenham Street United Church
Presbytery: Four Winds Presbytery
Conference: Bay of Quinte
Part B
Introduction In the United Church of Canada, a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) examines and reports on
the ministry personnel needs of a congregation on the retirement of a minister. The congregation of
Sydenham Street United Church appointed our committee upon the notice of retirement, effective June
2016, of The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald. Reverend Macdonald has served the community, the
wider church, and this congregation from our pulpit for the last 14 years.
The JNAC consisted of Barb Carr, Susan Doerksen, Barb Landon, Jim Leake, Cathy Purcell, Murray Rielly,
Don Robinson, Vicki Ruthven, and from Presbytery, Reverend Mike Bohler and Mary McColl. On January
13, 2016, in light of Chalmers United Church ongoing Jubilee process, SSUC Executive Committee
appointed Ms. Juliet Huntly, Chalmers moderator, as an observer.
Our task was to describe the congregation in terms of its position in the community, its demographic
and financial status and to discern its ministry needs and collective wishes for its future. We had
presentations from The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald and Juliet Huntly. We consulted documents,
records, and conducted a member survey (see Appendix I). We processed 82 survey returns from
members or adherents, plus comments from 2 others. We also collected feedback on the survey results
by means of table discussions with those attending worship on April 17. Based on all this information,
we considered options for the future and hereby provide our report and our considered
recommendation.
1. Community of the Pastoral Charge Kingston is the second largest city in Eastern Ontario and is comprised of an urban area, growing
suburban areas and a large rural area. Kingston is a community of 169,000 people of which 18.6% are
aged 65 yrs. or older. Sydenham Street United Church is located at 82 Sydenham St., in Kingston’s
downtown.
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Kingston is a public services community. The five largest employers in descending order are: Queen’s
University, The Canadian Armed Forces, Kingston General Hospital, Limestone District School Board, and
Correctional Services Canada. Kingston is promoted as having an excellent style of living with close
access to high quality health care, university education, and cultural amenities.
While the quality of life can be high, greater needs in health care, housing, and food are experienced by
many. The second annual food providers report shows that Kingston service agencies supply over 3000
meals per day and others receive food hampers, food vouchers and snacks. Affordable housing is a
problem; the City/County housing strategy report found that 20% of all households are not able to
afford rental units and this is a greater problem for lone-parent families.
2. Ministry of Pastoral Charge SSUC documents claim 158 resident members and adherents under pastoral care. Financial records
show that in 2015, SSUC had 111 donors. The JNAC survey (Appendix I) shows that over half of our
respondents were aged 70 years or older and 83% were 60 years or older. The members of the
congregation are old and the congregation is not being sufficiently renewed by younger people.
Sydenham Street United Church’s Vision Statement reads:
As an Affirming Congregation, we seek to be a vital faith community within The United Church of Canada:
engaged in spirituality, justice and creativity;
informed by Jesus Christ and the Bible;
and discerning the call of the Trinity; as we celebrate diversity, inclusivity and abundant life.
Our worship style is imaginative and flexible. The services from Easter to Pentecost incorporated the
poems, music and images from our Light Into Light reflection series. During April (2016) as part of the
worship services, we have had: Mr. Jeff McLaren, a city Councillor, engage in a dialogue on basic income
guarantee; and a table discussion on the findings of the JNAC survey. We also have been joined by
members of five other congregations, who are part of the Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP), to
worship with members of the Inshallah Choir, based at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Waterloo. We
also had one traditionally ordered service.
We have an active Social Justice and Outreach program. In 2015 we supported the UCC M&S fund with
$51,300. We supported a local nursery school and share in the operation of a child outreach program in
partnership with Frontier College and Queen’s University students. We operated a Christmas food
basket program for 44 families and a voucher program that, in 2015, provided nearly $24,000 in food
vouchers to needy individuals and families. We dedicate a large portion of our front lawn space for a
community garden which Queen’s students tend. We are a staging area for congregants and neighbours
to deposit fresh foods which are collected and distributed to families in need by Loving Spoonful. We
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are also a strong partner in the Inter-Church Refugee Project (ICRP) which is on track to bring 5 families
of refugees to Kingston.
Included in our vision for social justice was the decision, taken over 15 years ago, to become an
Affirming Congregation. This publicly proclaims our strongly held value that we should welcome all,
regardless of sexual or gender orientation.
The Circles of Companionship program operates to offer pastoral care to members, adherents and some
others. The Congregation has been divided into seven geographic districts, each containing roughly the
same number of people, in order to facilitate pastoral care. Each group has a facilitator/leader who
helps to pull the group together for activities that promote friendship and pastoral care among group
members. While not all participate, the Circles include 163 households and 231 people. Figure 1 shows
the percent distribution of the 231 people within the seven geographic circle districts.
Our children’s programing, Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) offers activities and Christian Education during
the worship service to young people in the congregation. The program has recently lost the leadership
(due to graduation) of a talented and much-loved Queen’s student who is a strong United Church
member and a leader of our shared community garden project. The MGOS program will need support in
order to continue as the number of children is small.
For a number of years the congregation has offered the use of the building to self-help groups, such as
Al Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous, and arts groups, such as Cantabile Choirs of Kingston and the
Kingston Choral Society. Four not-for-profit groups and one music teacher rent office space in the
building which helps offset building operational costs. Other groups rent from time to time for their
events and as a result of these and the congregation’s activities, we estimate that more than 1000
people pass through our building each week.
3. Resources
The congregation worships in a heritage-designated, limestone building. The original structure was built
in 1852 in the Gothic Revival style, by the architect/builder, William Coverdale. In 1885 John Power
added two large wings to the exterior and rebuilt the interior including adding balconies. In the 1950s
space was added for Sunday School use.
Trends in the congregation’s recent financial status are shown in the following tables. Note the
dramatic fall in donors between 2010 and 2011, and the continuing drop-off over the last 5 years. Still,
between 40% and 60% of those fewer donors continue to support strongly the Mission and Service Fund
of the United Church and the congregation’s Benevolent and Christmas Basket programs.
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Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund 2010-2015
Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s)
*From preliminary year-end report – not audited
Table 2 shows the operational revenues and expenditures for the same six years, again in thousands of
dollars. It is telling that despite increasing revenue from rentals, donations for the operation of the
congregation and the maintenance of the building have not met expenses over this whole period.
Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses 2010-2015
Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s)
Year Identified Donors
Revenue for operations ($000s)
Expenses ($000s)
Deficit ($000s)
Number
Rent
Special Events
Givings and other revenues
Total (excludes Xmas Bskt, BF, M&S)
Congreg Program
Property
2010 171 60.5 15.1 196.3 271.9 240.9 73.3 42.3
2011 133 67.0 2.9 190.1 260.0 268.1 72.6 80.8
2012 128 61.6 7.2 201.7 270.5 259.3 86.7 75.5
2013 119 68.7 3.5 194.5 266.8 254.6 96.8 84.6
2014 116 76.2 0.9 188.0 264.3 256.5 88.4 80.6
2015* 111 80.1 15.9 (Planning project)
184.3 280.4 266.3 60.6 53.6
*From preliminary year-end report – not audited
The continuing deficits have been covered by withdrawals, mainly from the endowment fund, which at
the end of 2015 amounted to $316,000 of which $107,000 are restricted as to their use.
Non-budgeted donations Percent of identified donors contributing to M&S
(%)
Year
Number of Identified Congregational Donors
Benevolent Fund and Christmas Baskets
($000s)
Mission and Service Fund
($000s)
2010 171 22.8 53.0 40
2011 133 26.4 52.1 57
2012 128 26.4 50.8 59
2013 119 20.3 48.1 48
2014 116 26.2 49.8 43
2015* 111 21.8 51.3 45
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In recognition of the decline in numbers and ageing of the congregation and the continuing operating
deficits, previous congregational meetings have approved taking action to:
1. increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building
more self-supporting;
2. create a group of ‘Friends’ of the building, with congregational and community membership, to
raise funds from the community in order:
to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation
for building accessibility; and
to build an endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area to
fund maintenance projects;
3. reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which could mean less ministerial and
other staff time; and
4. explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and
programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston.
Actions 1. and 2. are interconnected and depend on a potential capital campaign to have the building
renovated to meet legislated standards for accessibility and thereby allow increased access to the
second story.
In regard to Action 4., the opportunity for reducing expenditures yet continuing a strong United Church
presence in downtown Kingston hinges on sharing resources with other congregations. Four United
Church congregations (Chalmers, Princess St., Zion, Calvary) are located within an eleven-minute walk of
Sydenham Street United Church. Information derived from the United Church of Canada year book on
two of these shows they are experiencing similar trends in demography and financial health. Towards
this end, we are in active discussions with leaders of Chalmers United Church, and have had early
discussions with one other congregation.
The survey results (Appendix I, Question 14), supported by the results of the table discussions on April
17, demonstrate strong support within Sydenham Street United Church for such sharing initiatives.
4. Ministry Personnel Position Description The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald has served the congregation since 2003. A February 2013 document
shows her time distribution for 2012 (see Table 3). The actual hours added up to considerably more
than 40. Nearly 2/3 of her time was spent on the work of ‘Engaging the Spirit’ mostly planning and
preparing worship services.
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Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February 2013
Activity Annual Percent
Engaging the Spirit 65.6%
Social Justice & Outreach 5.7%
Art & Soul 3.3%
Administration 6.6%
Wider Church Responsibility 4.1%
Continuing Education 4.9%
Holidays 9.8%
TOTAL 100%
The focus of the ministry of SSUC is encompassed by the three streams of our operations. They are: Art and Soul - incorporating artistic experiences into worship and nurturing the arts community; Engaging the Spirit - deepening our spiritual relatedness through worship and caring for one another;
and Social Justice and Outreach - promoting fair treatment for all in our community and the world at
large. Each stream has a committee chair and working members. Reverend Macdonald spent 75% of
her time on the activities of these streams.
The purpose and roles of the streams are well or very well understood by 55% - 77% of the respondents
to the survey. Among the very few written comments in this area, respondents to the survey advocated
for the continuing focus on excellence in the arts and fulfilling our social justice commitments.
SSUC also has a Worship Committee, a Ministry and Personnel Committee, a chair of property and a
Treasurer. SSUC also has a Building Use Task Group which focuses on renewing the building for wider
community use.
As shown during April (see pg. 4), creativity in our worship services is common. In addition, we have
original visual art and poetry surrounding the sanctuary and poetry and music part of many services.
The Art and Soul stream of the congregation continues to find creative means to enhance the
congregation’s experience throughout the church year.
In addition to the ordered minister, our staff-team consists of an (Administrative) operations manager
(30 hrs/wk) and office administrator (18 hrs/wk) along with a contract bookkeeper plus 2 part-time
maintenance staff. The position of operations manager was created following a 2010 staffing
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committee report. That position is responsible to the Building Use Task Group to maximize the rental
income of our space.
5. Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel Our survey asked respondents to indicate how important were seventeen ‘… qualities, gifts, or abilities
in a new minister’. As seen by the results (Appendix I, Question 17), ten of these were ranked as
important or very important by 90% or more of respondents and another three were ranked similarly by
80% - 90% of respondents.
The questions that had the highest percent of people indicating ‘important’ or ‘very important’ were:
Question 17.1 – the ability to work with and relate to people of different ages (100%);
Question 17.2 - the ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way (98.7%);
Question 17.5 - the ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the
congregation, the community and the world (98.7%);
Question 17.11 – the ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of
discernment, challenge and change (97.4%); and
Question 17.14 – the ability to work with and guide and support congregational committees and
church staff (97.4%).
Based on the above and from the report on time-distribution of the incumbent`s work, we propose the
following position description.
Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC
Duties Hours per 40 hr week
1. The minister, in consultation with the Worship Committee, is responsible for: a) preparing all aspects of regular Sunday worship including:
delivering appropriate prayers and reflection;
conducting communion services at regular intervals and baptisms as requested;
coordinating the music in conjunction with the music director;
facilitating lay involvement;
encouraging baptism and special recognition events; and in addition b) preparing and providing special services such as funerals, weddings, and joint worship services with other congregations.
18 hrs
2. The minister will support the work of the three streams of SSUC operations by:
attending meetings of the three streams to provide information to coordinate their operations; and
supporting, occasionally with her/his own time and effort, their initiatives and programing, e.g., Christian Education for children (MGOS), small group ministries, Affirm United.
10 hrs
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3. The minister will support the development of, and partner with, lay leadership by:
reporting relevant information to Executive, Worship and Ministry and Personnel Committees and The Board of Trustees and working to implement the decisions made there.
2 hrs
4. The minister will provide pastoral care by:
meeting and welcoming newcomers;
meeting and supporting individuals and families in crisis (some of whom may be ‘drop-in’ individuals);
visiting critically ill members and friends of the congregation; and
supporting lay endeavours for pastoral care through the Circles of Companionship.
3 hrs
5. The minister will participate in the management of staff and congregational resources by:
presenting staff perspectives at meetings of Ministry and Personnel and Executive Committees; and
providing input at regular or ad hoc staff meetings designed to coordinate events, building use and resources.
2 hrs
6. The minister will represent SSUC in the wider community and the courts of the church by:
supporting community initiatives aimed at developing a better community (e.g., poverty reduction; food security; housing interest groups, ICRP);
attending regular meetings of Presbytery, Conference and, if selected, General Council; and
continuing close liaison with leaders of downtown United Church congregations and other Kingston faith groups and denominations.
3 hrs
7. The minister will maintain competence by:
taking, and using appropriately, allocated study leave;
enrolling and participating in locally presented or country-wide ‘webinars’ or ‘live streamed’ events addressing religious and social issues of the day; and
taking allocated holidays as a time of renewal and refreshment.
2 hrs
40 hrs
6. Terms for the Ministry Personnel We propose the following terms:
Salary commensurate with training and experience as per the UCC Document ‘Minimum Salaries for Ministry Personnel (2016)’;
Basic residence telephone service and Church-related long distance charges will be covered;
Travel Expense Reimbursement at 41 cents per kilometre, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, with mileage statements submitted to the Ministry and Personnel Committee;
One month vacation, including five Sundays within each Pastoral Year (July 1 to June 30), scheduled in consultation with the Ministry and Personnel Committee;
Study Leave of three weeks per year (including Sundays) as per United Church Guidelines;
Education Allowance up to a maximum of $1,359 per year;
CPP, EI and WSIB Benefits, in compliance with Government programs;
Time off for sickness, disability, parental leave, compassionate leave and sabbatical leave will be in accordance with the United Church Policy; and
Secretarial services are provided as required.
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7. Summary 1. We note the continuing decline in numbers, increasing age, and financial deficits of Sydenham
Street United Church. We understand that these trends are consistent with many other United
Church congregations in Kingston and across Canada.
2. We note the Congregation’s previous directions to its leaders to vigorously explore options in
order to maintain its building and service heritage for the benefit of the community.
3. We understand that the results of these explorations are not yet apparent but the congregation
needs an ordered minister during what, we expect, will become a period of transition.
4. We realize that the congregation desires a minister who relates well to people, who prepares a
meaningful worship service and who can support the congregation through a time of
‘discernment, challenge and change’.
5. We note, as revealed by the survey and the table-discussions held on April 17, the
congregation’s strong support for seeking to share resources and programs in order to maintain
a strong United Church of Canada presence in downtown Kingston.
6. We feel that a full-time minister would be best able to support the congregation through the
expected period of transition.
8. Recommendation The Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee hereby recommends: That the congregation of Sydenham Street United Church (SSUC) request that Four Winds Presbytery accept the Joint Needs Assessment report of SSUC and declare a vacancy at SSUC effective July 1, 2016,
for an ordered, full-time ministry personnel in a supply appointment, and that it disband the Joint Needs Assessment Committee and authorize a Joint Search Committee.
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FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship
Although the church is located in the downtown core, members are widely distributed around the
city. The west zone (14%) includes some people who live west of the city. An additional 4% live a
considerable distance from the city.
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APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey
Results
of the
Sydenham St. United Church
Joint Needs Assessment Committee’s
Survey
on the
Current Status and Future Needs
of the
Congregation
March, 2016
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Frequency of responses to the 2016 SSUC JNAC survey Note: The ‘n = ##’ provides the number of respondents. The numbers in front of the response categories, or in the boxes, gives the percent of valid responses, i.e., omitting from the denominator those who did not respond to that question. 1. Are you: n= 82 29.3 Male 70.7 Female 0.0 other 2. How old are you? Are you: n= 81 2.5 19 years-old or under 1.2 20-29 years-old 1.2 30-39 years-old 3.7 40-49 years-old 8.6 50- 59 years-old 29.6 60-69 years-old
32.1 70-79 years-old 21.0 80 years-old or older
3. How long have you been a member or adherent of Sydenham St. United Church? n= 80
2.5 less than one year 10.0 1-5 years 13.8 6-10 years 21.3 11-19 years 52.5 20 years or more 0 don’t know
4. How long have you been a member or adherent in the United Church of Canada? n= 81
0.0 less than one year 8.6 1-5 years 1.2 6-10 years 13.6 11-19 years 76.5 20 years or more 0.0 don’t know
5. About how often do you attend worship services? n = 82
78.0 2 - 4 times a month 6.1 1 time a month 6.1 5 - 11 times a year 2.4 1 - 4 times a year 4.9 seldom 2.4 never
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6. In the text-boxes below are two statements on how people view the Bible’s truths. The row of 10
small boxes represents the continuum between these two statements. Please mark with an X in the
position on that continuum which most closely aligns with your own reading of the Bible. n = 73
7. Here are two views on the way to live out God’s word: a) through personal spiritual growth;
b) through reaching out to help others. Which of these statements most closely represent(s) your view? n = 80
1.3 a) 17.5 b) 78.8 both a) & b) 2.5 neither a) nor b) 0 don’t know
8. What aspects of worship services are, or would be, important for you?
Aspect of Worship
Not at all important
Not important
Important
Very important
Don’t know
1) Singing traditional hymns. n = 79
1.3 15.2 57.0 26.6 0.0
2) A thoughtful sermon. n= 80
1.3 1.3 28.8 68.8 0.0
3) Choir anthem. n= 80
2.5 10.0 57.5 26.3 3.8
4) Singing more contemporary hymns n= 78
16.7 25.6 43.6 12.8 1.3
5) A jazz or rock/pop music service n = 80
35.0 43.8 15.0 2.5 3.8
The Bible is the
literal, Divinely-
inspired Word of God
– the authors' pens
were guided by the
hand of God, and
thus the Bible is in a
sense perfect.
In order to correctly
understand and
interpret the Bible,
you must place the
Bible in proper
historical and
theological context
1.4 2.7 1.4 9.6 17.8 67.1
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Aspect of Worship (cont’d)
Not at all important
Not important
Important
Very important
Don’t know
6) Meaningful prayers. n = 80 0 5.0 55.0 38.8 1.3
7) Conversation and coffee. n = 78
1.3 12.8 50.0 32.1 3.8
8) Having a time for contemplation and renewal. n = 78
1.3 9.0 59.0 29.5 1.3
9) The organ as the main musical instrument. n = 79
3.8 35.4 39.2 20.3 1.3
10) Lay participation. n = 77 0 10.4 61.0 28.6 0
11) Use of language which is accessible, inclusive and affirming of the beliefs and lives of diverse groups of people. n = 79
2.5 5.1 38.0 54.4 0
12) Alternative worship in lower hall. n = 79
17.7 50.6 19.0 3.8 8.9
13) Creativity in presenting different ways of worshiping and approaching the Christian message. n = 79
3.8 24.1 38.0 31.6 2.5
14) Congregational art creation as part of worship. n = 79
7.6 39.2 36.7 15.2 1.3
15) Silent meditation as part of worship. n =76
3.9 14.5 55.3 25.0 1.3
16) Use of modern spiritual texts. n = 78
5.1 17.9 47.4 21.8 7.7
17) Rituals or gestures such as candle lighting. n = 77
2.6 32.1 48.7 16.7 0
18) Opportunity for conversation with others during sermon. n =78
24.4 52.6 15.4 2.6 5.1
19) Use of art forms such as dance and drama in worship. n = 77
13.0 40.3 32.5 13.0 1.3
20) Use of multi-media techniques to project hymn/prayer words. n= 76
10.5 40.8 35.5 6.6 6.6
21) The setting of our historical sanctuary. n=77
1.3 20.8 48.1 28.6 1.3
22) Use of name tags n= 76 0 25.0 50.0 23.7 1.3
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9. If you do not attend services, do you maintain contact with SSUC through:
Note: For question 9 only, the number reported is the number of people who marked that choice. Number
7 Circle(s) of Companionship (neighbourhood groups, pot lucks, etc.) 11 Participation in small group(s), e.g., book groups, Just Lunch etc. 6 Web site 6 Committee work 4 Outreach work 5 The minister 7 A friend 1 I’m not feeling in contact with SSUC 10. In the last 12 months have you, or members of your household, contributed money to the following
programs of Sydenham St United Church?
Program No Yes Don’t know
1) General operating funds n = 79
0 97.5 2.5
2) Benevolent fund for food vouchers or Christmas baskets n = 75
4.0 92.0 4.0
3) Mission and Service Fund n = 70
17.1 77.1 5.7
4) Refugee family n = 72
18.1 76.4 5.6
5) Endowment or Memorial Fund n = 55
47.3 40.0 12.7
6) Star Campaign n = 58
32.8 58.6 8.6
7) Other n = 33 18.2 63.6 18.2
11. If your household received a charitable donation receipt from SSUC for 2014, are you the one who claimed it on your income tax return? n= 77
23.4 No 71.4 Yes 5.2 Don’t know
12. How well do you understand the purpose and roles of the three streams of SSUC’s organization?
Stream Not at all Somewhat Well Very well
1) Engaging the Spirit n = 78 5.1 39.7 29.5 25.6
2) Art and Soul n = 79 8.9 29.1 35.4 26.6
3) Social Justice and Outreach n = 78 3.8 19.2 42.3 34.6
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13. In the past 12 months have you personally participated in/as?
SSUC program or activity
No Yes Don’t know
1) An after church study group n = 81
61.7 35.8 2.5
2) A small group activity, e.g., movie night, Just Lunch, walkers, Prayer Shawls, book club, Fixers, etc. n = 80
35.0 65.0 0
3) A member of Engaging the Spirit, Social Justice and Outreach, or Art and Soul Committees n = 76
72.4 26.3 1.3
4) The work of those committees, e.g., choir, food vouchers, ushers, Helen Tufts programs, reading scripture, coffee hour n = 77
28.6 70.1 1.3
5) The Executive Committee or Board of Trustees n = 74
78.4 21.6 0
6) A Circle of Companionship n = 77
35.1 64.9 0
7) The men’s joint congregation lunch meetings (with Chalmers’ men) n = 75
74.7 25.3 0
8) The building use task group (BUTG) n = 74
90.5 9.5 0
8b) Friends of 82 Sydenham St., also known as The Spire on Sydenham n = 76
77.6 19.7 2.6
9) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP) n = 77
55.8 40.3 3.9
10) Representing SSUC in outside activities, e.g. Pride Parade, Queen’s sidewalk sale, Princess St. UC Christmas Dinner. n = 74
70.3 29.7 0
Now we seek your views on our future, but first some context.
Along with most other traditional Christian congregations, the people in our congregation are getting
older and shrinking in number. Over the last several years, this has resulted in a deficit in the operating
budget which, so far, has been covered by the endowment fund. To avoid depleting the endowment
fund completely, we must balance our operating budget. Thus, previous congregational meetings have
approved taking action to:
increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building more self-supporting;
create a group of ‘Friends of the building’, with congregational and community membership, to raise funds from the community in order:
i. to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation for building accessibility; and
ii. to build an endowment fund at the Kingston Community Foundation to fund maintenance projects;
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reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which will mean less ministerial and other staff time; and
explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston.
All of these options are currently under discussion. No immediate resolutions are at hand, but it is clear
that we can’t continue as we have been. Question 14 seeks to learn of your support for some of the
possible directions we may take.
14. Please indicate the extent to which you favour these possible directions by marking an X the
appropriate box.
Possible direction
Strongly not in favour
Not in favour
In favour
Strongly in favour
Don’t know
1) Sharing ministerial staff and costs with other congregation(s) n = 77
0 10.4 53.2 29.9 6.5
2) Sharing custodial and/or administrative staff and costs with another congregation n = 78
0 5.1 53.8 38.5 2.6
3) Worshiping at a different time n = 74
0 25.7 43.2 8.2 23.0
4) Appointing an interim, or supply, minister until we determine our direction n = 78
1.3 11.5 53.8 25.6 7.7
5) Alternating worship sites with other congregation(s) n = 76
2.6 21.1 63.2 9.2 3.9
6) More lay-led worship n= 77
2.6 28.6 46.8 7.8 14.3
7) Sharing music ministry with other congregations n = 77
0 5.2 62.3 23.4 9.1
8) Having a ‘building management group’, with representation from the community, responsible to the congregation for the budget and for the management of the building n = 79
0 5.1 39.2 34.2 21.5
9) A long-term, part-time minister of ‘our own’ n = 76
6.6 18.4 36.8 14.5 23.7
10) Formal amalgamation with another congregation n = 77
6.5 11.7 53.2 14.3 14.3
11) Merging some of our programs with those of other congregations n=77
1.3 1.3 66.2 24.7 6.5
12) Closing the congregation and selling the building. n = 77
48.1 31.2 2.6 2.6 15.6
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Possible direction (cont’d)
Strongly not in favour
Not in favour
In favour
Strongly in favour
Don’t know
13) Expanded use of the building by arts or other types of community groups. Note: This would require the installation of an elevator with funds raised from sources external to the congregation n = 78
0 2.6 39.7 52.6 5.1
14) Joining other congregations or community groups in outreach or mission programs. n = 77
0 0 53.2 42.9 3.9
15. Please share (please print) your suggestion(s) for a program or plan that would meet your hopes for
SSUC’s future (You may attach a separate page).
32 (39% of 82) people made comments
16. For the more immediate future, say to the end of 2017, how strongly do you support continuing
with the following (See detailed examples in question 13)?
Current programs
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Neither oppose nor support
Support
Strongly Support
Don’t know
1) After church study groups n= 79
0 0 24.1 50.6 16.5 8.9
2) Small group activities n = 79
0 0 11.4 45.6 34.2 8.9
3) Food voucher program n = 78
0 1.3 3.8 34.6 55.1 5.1
4) Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program (with Queen’s students as mentors) n = 79
0 0 13.9 41.8 36.7 7.6
5) Christmas baskets n = 79
0 1.3 2.5 44.3 50.6 1.3
6) Helen Tufts Nursery School subsidy n = 79
1.3 8.9 24.1 34.2 19.0 12.7
7) Circles of Companionship for pastoral care n = 79
0 0 21.5 38 30.4 10.1
8) Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) for the Christian education of the children n = 78
0 0 16.7 46.2 29.5 7.7
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Current programs (cont’d)
Strongly Oppose
Oppose
Neither oppose nor support
Support
Strongly Support
Don’t know
9) Stewardship campaigns n = 79
0 2.6 17.1 44.7 23.7 11.8
10) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership. n = 79
0 0 10.1 39.2 46.8 3.8
17. How important, to you, are the following qualities, gifts, or abilities in a new minister.
Qualities of a new minister
Not at all important
Not important
Important
Very important
Don’t know
1) Ability to work with and relate to people of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities n = 78
0 0 34.6 65.4 0
2) Ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way. n = 78
0 1.3 32.1 66.7 0
3) Ability to support people who are ill, shut-in; grieving or celebrating n = 78
0 1.3 44.9 53.8 0
4) Ability to develop and encourage leadership of Christian Education for people of all ages n = 75
0 13.3 58.7 24.0 4.0
5) Ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the congregation, the community and the world. n = 76
0 1.3 35.5 63.2 0
6) Open and affirming for people of diverse social classes, sexual and or gender orientations, people living on the margins. n = 78
1.3 2.6 30.8 65.4 0
7) Being creative and an advocate for the arts. n = 77
0 32.5 48.1 18.2 1.3
8) Interested in seeking new ways to be a vital Christian community n = 75
1.3 8.0 44.0 45.3 1.3
9) Open to carrying on the traditions of the congregation n = 76
0 27.6 46.1 21.1 5.3
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Qualities of a new minister (cont’d)
Not at all important
Not important
Important
Very important
Don’t know
10) Willingness to get involved and work with the congregation and other faith groups and community organizations on worship or on social justice issues n = 76
0 5.3 46.1 48.7 0
11) Ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of discernment, challenge and change (such as options outlined in Question 14) n = 77
0 1.3 39.0 58.4 1.3
12) Interested in helping the congregation connect with other United Church congregations n = 76
0 10.5 60.5 27.6 1.3
13) Commitment to serve in the organization and work of the wider church. n = 74
0 18.9 58.1 16.2 6.8
14) Ability to work with, guide and support congregational committees and other church staff n = 75
0 2.7 66.7 30.7 0
15) Willingness to consult with the congregation re sacraments (baptism & communion) and rituals like funerals as per United Church policy n = 74
2.7 9.5 59.5 27.0 1.4
16) Having a gift for planning and facilitating alternative worship services, study groups and congregational events n = 74
2.7 23.0 50.0 23.0 1.4
17) Willingness to speak honestly and plainly about current scholarly interpretations of the Bible. n = 76
0 5.3 39.5 53.9 1.3
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APPENDIX II – Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA L’EGLISE UNIE DU CANADA BAY OF QUINTE CONFERENCE
Financial and Demographic Profile (BQ FD )
PURPOSE: To collect information about the local ministry and community
If you are preparing a vacancy for an outreach or other non-congregational ministry; please contact the Conference Personnel Minister regarding a more appropriate Demographic, Financial and Community Profile.
For multipoint charges, please complete this profile for each point.
PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE: Number of congregations: 1
Sydenham St United Church _158 resident_ 50 + choir 12-18 (Name of Congregation) ( # on roll) (Avg. Sunday attendance)
We think of ourselves MAINLY as: Urban
Most of us live: In single-family homes
The rest of us live: In apartments
Our congregation includes (approx. number in each group)
Infants and pre-school ___4______ Children (5-12) _5_ Teens (13-19) __ 1__
Young adults (20-30) _6__ Adults - (35-50) __10____ Adults- (51+) __130____
Young retirees (51-64)_32_ Older Retirees (65-70)_33_ Seniors (over 70) __65__
Most of us…: (choose one)
Grew up in this area X Moved to this area for work
Moved here to be close to family or other resources Moved here for other reasons
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Many of us work in the following industries or sectors: (check all that apply)
X Health or social services X Education Manufacturing Transportation
Agriculture and food production Tourism/Hospitality Retail
Environment Mining/Forestry Information
Technology
Government Professional Services X Other = retirement
Our congregation is like: (choose one that best applies)
A family where we all know each other, many members are related to each other;
A medium sized church with some people very involved and others participate mostly by attending
worship;
A church with an ethnic identity or diverse inter-cultural mix
A big church with a staff team and lots of different programmes and small groups.
X A medium sized church with some people very involved and others strongly supporting the work of the
congregation but do not often attend worship;
Other description:
We think of our local ministry unit as in the following way: (choose one that best applies):
We have a new vision and are really excited; still working out how to live into that vision
We are clear about our vision and purpose and have/are developing the skills and gifts to bring it
about; we are excited and optimistic about our vision.
X Our congregation is changing and it is clear that we can no longer continue as we have been; we are
working on how to go forward and have some anxiety. We believe that we have a future but it’s not yet
clear.
We see that the ministry within this community is probably winding down after many positive and
productive years of faithful ministry, mission and service; we want to celebrate what we have been as
we intentionally and graciously end this ministry.
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PART B: ABOUT OUR TANGIBLE ASSETS
Governance structure:
How many people are on your Governing Body? ___12 + 2 non-voting staff_______
How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? _____8-10________
Our Church Building(s): (include information for each building if more than one)
We don’t have a church building. (if you check this one, please comment briefly on where you worship
and what other spaces you use for your ministry.)
Is your church fully wheelchair accessible? Yes Tell us how:
X No
Is it mostly accessible? X Yes Tell us how:
Ground floor of Sanctuary, conference room, meeting hall, and kitchen are accessible. We have
a full-size wheel-chair accessible washroom
No
What other measures of accessibility do you provide? (e. g. Assistive Hearing Devices, Large Print)
We provide hearing devices and occasionally large print orders of service
Do you have plans for improving accessibility? X Yes Tell us how:
We have engaged consultants to provide plans for new washrooms and elevator. We lack
funding but the vision is to gain funds through a public appeal to further develop the building
into a recognized community resource.
No
Sanctuary holds __~ 850_____ people
Seating/set up in sanctuary (pews, chairs, choir loft etc)
Pews for congregants, chairs behind the screening for choir members
Is the sanctuary used other than for Sunday Worship? If so, how?
Yes, Sanctuary used for fundraising concerts, special readings and commercial concerts by
Cantabile choirs
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Are there meeting (multi-purpose) rooms? X Yes No
What are they used for?
AA, Al Anon, Congregational Committees, food voucher program, Christian Education (MGOS)
Is there a nursery? Yes X No
Are the nursery toys/furniture compliant with current safety standards? Yes No
Are there Sunday Schools rooms? Yes X No
How many? Are they also multipurpose use?
Are there activity rooms? (i.e., quilting, gym, library) X Yes No
The lower hall and the conference room are used for prayer-shawl knitters, after church study
groups and occasional pot luck dinners by Circle of Companionship groups
Where is the office located for the minister? Is it shared?
In the church building, beside church office: not shared
Describe it:
Approximately 10 X12 on an outside wall with natural light; close to customarily used entrance
What computers/telephones are provided at the church?
Church office, minister and director of operations have computers
Is internet provided at the church? X Yes No if yes X High Speed Dial-up
What Social Media accounts and Webpages does the church hold? Who maintains, updates them?
Web page operated by a member of the congregation as advised by a committee of two or
three
Is there a photocopier in the church? X Yes No
Is the building used by outside groups as well as ministry activities? X Yes No
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Brief descriptions (tenants, occasional rentals, frequency of use)
Rooms are permanently leased to Bev Porter (piano teacher) and various non-profit
organizations e.g., Cantabile Choirs (office and shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Choral Society
(shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries, and Historic Sites, ,
Reel Out Arts Project (film festival), and Kingston Canadian Film Festival.
Administrative Support:
What administrative support is provided?
Director of operations (part-time -30 hrs) and congregational administrative officer (part-time-
17 hrs) and contracted bookkeeper (1 hr).
How many hours per week? (see above) Is this X paid or volunteer?
Ministry and Personnel Committee:
How many members? __5___
How often does the committee meet? ___~ every 2 mos____
Has one or more of the committee members attended a M&P Committee Training event in the last
three years?
X Yes No
PART C: ABOUT OUR FINANCES
Attach the previous two years financial information, including:
Balance Sheets (assets and liabilities)
Revenues and Expenditures
Charity Tax Returns (T3013)
Also include the current year’s budget.
The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is:
Abundant Adequate Not meeting expenses but optimistic
X Not meeting expenses and relying on bequests and reserves to fund operating budget.
Other (describe)
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Our Revenue Sources are (please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget
($345.9 2014) that comes from each source:
Congregational givings __$179.0 = 51.7%__Congregational Fundraising Activities _(Star) 2.6%__
Rental of building/services _22%_ Bequests/Reserves/Investments _23.6%__
Other (please briefly describe):
Our Financial Reserves:
We have sufficient reserves in the bank that we could cover three months of expenses if we had an
emergency.
X Yes No
Our Financial Accountability:
Our financial statements are reviewed by an external person each year:
X Yes: a formal third-party review.
No.
Our Statistics from the last five years of submissions to the United Church of Canada show:
Line # in the Yearbook
Current year 2015
One year ago
Two years ago
Three years ago
Four years ago
Average weekly attendance Sunday
20 60-70 70-80 80-90 80-90 80-90
Identifiable givers (local)
18 111 116 119 128 133
$ expended for pastoral charge operations
40 266.3 257.1 254.6 259.3 268.1
# households under pastoral care
5 158 193
PART D: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
This is what we love about our community. This is what makes it unique.
Its history, geography, and cultural (40 choirs, orchestras, live theatre) resources
The three economic, demographic or political challenges facing our area are:
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Employment for youth, ageing, inequality in incomes
Here are two or three websites that offer detailed information about our community:
Vital signs Kingston at: http://www.cfka.org/?q=publications/vital-signs
Wikipedia at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston,_Ontario
City of Kingston at: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/
Kingston Economic Development Corporation
http://business.kingstoncanada.com/en/statistics/demographics.asp
Other faith communities represented in our community/region are:
Islam, Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic,
We have close ties with the following faith communities:
Islamic Society, Lutheran, Presbyterian & other United Church congregations
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Changes in Fund Balances
Statement of Operations
Schedule of Operating Expenses
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHFINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
General Benevolent Total TotalFund Fund 2014 2013
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash 45,291 $
11,388 $ 56,679 $ 54,113 $
A/R and HST recoverable 9,622 9,622 9,325
54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 $
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable 6,412 $ $ 6,412 $ 7,878 $
FUND BALANCES
Internally restricted (note 1) 3,122 11,388 14,510 22,079
Unrestricted 45,379 45,379 33,481
48,501 11,388 59,889 55,560
54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 $
Note 1 Internally restricted General Fund2014 2013
Christmas Basket 1,000 1,000
Memorial fund 2,122 13,423
3,122 14,423
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHStatement of Financial Position
as at December 31, 2014
General Benevolent Trustee Total Total Fund Fund Funds 2014 2013
Fund balances, beginning 47,904 $ 7,656 $ 0 $ 55,560 $ 74,759 $
of year
Surplus (deficit)General Income 80,602) ( 80,602) ( 84,571) (
Benevolent Fund 360 360 5,533) (
Christmas Basket 3,372 3,372 2,606
Trustee funds 1,000 0 1,000 434
Memorial Fund 11,301) ( 11,301) ( 2,714
87,531) ( 360 0 87,171) ( 84,350) (
Interfund transfers 3,372) ( 3,372 0 0
Transfer from trustees 92,500 92,500 65,585
Transfer to trustees 1,000) ( 0 1,000) ( 434) (
Increase (Decrease) in Year 597 3,732 4,329 19,199) (
Fund balances, end of year 48,501 $ 11,388 $ 0 $ 59,889 $ 55,560 $
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH
Statement of Changes in Fund Balancesas at December 31, 2014
CONGREGATIONAL INCOME 2014 2013Envelope contributions 174,420 $ 174,638 $
Loose Collections 3,286 4,321
Anniversary and Initial 60
95
Observer 840 765
Interest (Trustee restricted funds) 0 2,703
MGOS 420 2,270
Rent 76,201 68,739
Special events 103 3,487
STAR 8,927 9,670
Lightintolight 50 70
Other 0 0
264,307 266,758
CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES - ScheduleOutreach 14,804 15,602
Program 8,690 7,522
Administration 10,215 9,620
Special events 1,000 83
Employment 221,817 221,745
256,526 254,572
OPERATING SURPLUS 7,781 12,186
PROPERTY EXPENSESChurch maintenance 18,227 18,283
Organ/Piano maintenance 655 3,072
Utilities 20,144 25,128
Insurance 10,151 10,151
Major maintenance projects 31,931 25,284
Rental expenses 6,438 14,069
Grounds maintenance 837 770
88,383 96,757
SURPLUS (DEFICIT) 80,602) $( 84,571) $(
INTERIOR RESTORATION 1,000 $ 434 $
BENEVOLENT FUNDContributions 21,608 $ 16,507 $
Expenses 21,248) ( 22,040) (
360 $ 5,533) $(
CHRISTMAS BASKETContributions 4,548 $ 3,800 $
Expenses 1,176) (
1,194) (
3,372 $ 2,606 $
MEMORIAL FUNDContributions 800 $ 3,545 $
Payouts 12,101) ( 831) (
11,301) $( 2,714 $
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHStatement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2014
CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES
Outreach 2014 2013
Helen Tufts Nursery School 7,200 $ 7,200 $
Outreach discretionary fund 564 796
Presbytery assessment 7,040 7,606
14,804 $ 15,602 $
Program supportObserver 957 975
Worship
- Choir/Music/Honoraria 2,400 505
- Anniversary/Pulpit Supply 300 150
- MGOS supplies 734 2,728
- Candle/Worship supplies 514 198
Affirm - net 218 100
Newspaper Notice/Public Relations 3,029 2,371
Art & Soul 381
Hospitality 103 200
Other 54 295
8,690 $ 7,522 $
Administration & SuppliesStationery 139 $ 127 $
Postage - net 252 534
Office supplies 1,958 2,073
Photocopy supplies - net 915 505
Konica Minolta Supplies 1,103 1,085
Konica Minolta rental 2,923 2,569
Telephone - Office 1,720 1,686
Bank charges 300 305
PAR charges 386 424
Computer support 519 312
10,215 $ 9,620 $
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH
Schedule of Operating Expenses
Year Ended December 31, 2014
cont….
Employment expenses 2014 2013Salaries/Housing 170,326 $ 160,929 $
Travel 1,080 1,033
Books - Minister 1,225 769
Contract services 3,699 25,074
Casual employment 8,680 103
Spiritual direction - Minister 184 888
Staff development 768 24
Communications 736 1,124
Employment levies 35,119 31,801
221,817 $ 221,745 $
Special events 1,000 $ 83 $
Mission and services 2014 2013
Mission and service contributions 49,801 $ 48,138 $
Mission and service payments 49,801) ( 48,138) (
0 $ 0 $
Opening balance 415,821 $ 423,669 $
Donations received by church 0 0
A/R from general fund (interior & organ) 1,000 434
Dividends & Interest 18,906 13,323
Increase (decrease) in Market value 36,482 46,683
472,209 484,109
Less:
Transfers 92,500) ( 68,288) (
92,500) ( 68,288) (
Year end balance 379,709 $ 415,821 $
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHTRUSTEE ENDOWMENT FUNDYear Ended December 31, 2014
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHMISSION AND SERVICES
Year Ended December 31, 2014
Schedule of Operating ExpensesYear Ended December 31, 2014
SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH
Treasurer’s Report for Executive Meeting January 13, 2016
*2015 Revenue to Budget -$20,400 *2015 to 2014 Revenue -$898
*2015 Expenses to Budget -$26,822 *2015 to 2014 Expenses -$29,550
*OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$1,678 *OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$42
*CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS -$4,039 *CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS +$421
SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$0 SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$50
ADMINISTRATION -$1,941 ADMINISTRATION -$226
EMPLOYMENT -$5,597 EMPLOYMENT -$4,843
PROPERTY -$8,599 PROPERTY -$21,784
RENTAL -$985 RENTAL +$958
*totals do not include monies for feasibility study or refugee program
2015 2014
Trustees Transfer $62,544 $91,500
Note:
Giving through envelope and PAR were up slightly from last year but other areas of
giving were down ie: loose collection, observer and the star campaign etc. This meant
that total congregational giving’s were down from last year by $4,832. This total does
not include the generous one time donation by members of the congregation of about
$11,000 to the feasibility study.