With the change in the operation over the last year we now come to an election of elders, currently elders are elected for a term of six years and may stand for re-election without a waiting period. Currently the session looks like this:
- Life elder: Gord Pollard
- Term expiring in 2006: Karin Cowan, Maria Comelisse, John Peters, Bill Richmond
- Serving until 2008: Dave Anderson, Ray Bauman, Laura Moon, Joan Moore
- Serving until 2010: Don Cowan, Karl Murch, Bonnie Ramsay
There will be an election of elders in March of this year, we understand that two of the retiring elder swill let their names stand, so we need two new people to remain a tour current level. We would also like to see session increase by at least two new faces.
Please give prayerful consideration to allowing your name to stand or approaching someone you would like topee on session.
The operations of the church have been in the new committee structure for two years . We were having monthly committee chairs meetings until recently but found the chairs had a good sense of the operation and decided to meet at the call of the moderator.
Session have adopted a good number of church policies which are available by e-mailing Don Cowan
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Changes in membership in 2005
We began with a total roll of 197
- Merle Anderson died in 2005
- three left by transfer of membership
- four joined by transfer of membership
- two joined by profession of faith.
This is a net gain of two, making our membership 199. This number only includes those who have joined the church, not those who attend regularly but have not joined.
Respectfully submitted,
Gord Pollard, Clerk of Session
Committee Report - Christian Nurture (Karin Cowan)
Library Annual Report, 2005
We are happy to report that in the past year the library has seen a steady increase in the borrowing of book sand videos. Once again the most popular were the children's videos and the adult fiction department. Look for new items to be added in the coming year, and we will advertise them in the Soundings as they're available.
Jacqui Daub had to withdraw from the library due to a heavy work schedule. Thank you Jacqui for your hard work and we will certainly miss your expertise. After advertising the vacancy in the Sunday church bulletin, Judy Locking has volunteered, and we look forward to working together.
The library possesses an excellent variety of reading material with many popular authors such as James Dobson, Max Lucado, Brace Wilkenson, Beverly Lewis, Jan Karan, to name a few. Did you know that we have a variety of Bible Studies as well as a large Prayer and Devotion section and if you miss Pastor Gary's sermon, you can borrow the tape from our tape lending section?
We hope that this year you will be sure and take advantage of the great viewing, listening and reading opportunities that our church library has to offer.
Respectfully submitted,
Dorothy Joice.
Greeters and Ushers
Greeters and Ushers are such a vital part of the ministry team at St. Andrew's. Generally they are the first contact a guest to our church will have. Their smiles and warm welcome makes those coming through our doors feel very much at homeland included as a part of the St. Andrew's Church Family.
We've a wonderful team of ushers and greeters. We've had new faces in both groups this year and would encourage anyone, an individual or a family, if you feel you'd like to become part of this ministry, please speak with either Andy Milne regarding ushering or Karin Cowan regarding greeters - you will be warmly welcomed!
Karin Cowan
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care in a congregation is so important. We are so grateful at St. Andrew's to have folk who visit on a regular basis. There are many of our Church Family who for one reason or another are not able to attend worship and look forward to receiving visitors from the congregation. This is an area of ministry that can always use more volunteers - if you enjoy people and love to visit and chat, please consider this area one to become involved in. Please call the church office if you'd like to become part of the visitation team (746-9612).
Senior Choir Report
"0 come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. "(Psalm 95: 1)
Once again we come to the beginning of a new year with thankfulness for the Lord's leading and for His provision. While we have lost some voices from last year's choir, the Lord remains faithful (Hebrews 10:23), and has once again allowed the choir to continue to sing music of high calibre, which can sometimes be a challenge to the choir, but still within the capabilities of the singers.
While we minister to the congregation, we have to be reminded continually that we are singing for God Himself. Because of this, we not only try in our singing to "do all to the glory of God", (I Cor. 10:3 1), but also to make sure that the words that we sing are sound in the light of God's Word, and that the music that accompanies those words is always of high quality and can be sung to God's honour. We have continued to try to strike a balance between older and newer music as well as between different styles, speeds, and moods.
Most Sundays except for July and August found the choir in the choir 'loft' to sing an anthem. We also presented a special programme before Christmas which we called"Christmas Carols through the Centuries" in which the choir presented Christmas music from each century from the 1100's right up to the 2000's. In early February we took part again in the annual Festival of Praise at the Pentecostal Tabernacle.
In a new venture this past fall the choir has sung several times outside the church as part of the church's outreach. Part or all of the choir has sung so far twice at Belvedere on Sunday afternoons and once at the Stockey Centre as part of their Christmas celebration. We also presented a Christmas programme at the Lakeland facility at the new hospital.
A large "Thank you" goes at this time to Lois Szczesniak who has given the choir a great boost with her accompaniment at the piano. Thank you also to Elizabeth Croft, who has come out of retirement" on a number of occasions, playing both for rehearsals on Wednesdays and for the anthem on Sundays when Lois was unavailable. Thank you also to Carolien Murch who has helped out several times at the organ.
Your prayers are appreciated as we begin this new year, and we would be remiss if we did not extend an invitation to all who feel before the Lord that this is one type of service that they can do for Him. We offer you a warm welcome every Wednesday evening at 7:30 for an enjoyable rehearsal!
Peter Hurlbut, Director
Committee Report - Discipleship (Gord Pollard)
Small Groups Ministry -Annual Report 2006
Small groups "regrouped" as usual in September, however several groups were unable to continue meeting due to the change in circumstances of either leaders or a substantial number of the group members. This is to be expected in the life of any small group ministry and in fact, some change is healthy and helps the ministry as a whole to grow.
The role of Small Groups Coordinator transferred from Gord Pollard to Heather Murch during September. For the rest of the fall season the focus was on understanding the current position of the small groups ministry, and exploring resources and best practice models. To that end, the Small Groups coordinator participated in a Willow Creek Small Groups Conference in Mississauga in October.
The biggest need identified in this area of ministry was to better serve the young families, for whom traditional meetings are not always feasible. Shortly before Christmas a survey was delivered to each young family in the church(along with a plate of Christmas cookies!) asking for their feedback on how St. Andrews can best offer opportunities for them to be involved in a small group-type setting. Although many surveys still need to be returned, initial steps have been taken for 2006. Firstly, a small group specifically for young families will begin meeting biweekly under the leadership of Ruth Downes. Secondly, St. Andrews will begin hosting monthly events for the young families. Every other month will be a family fun event to socialize and begin creating closer relationships and a better sense of community. The other month's meeting will be for the parents, an opportunity to "recharge their spiritual batteries. " This will be held at the church and child care will be provided.
Resources are also being put into place to support the development of new small group leaders, and to better support those we already have. These resources include a "leader's orientation package" with information on the role of small groups in churches, tips and techniques, suggested activities, lists of resources, etc. A member's orientation package has also been developed, to help group members understand the importance of their role in the small group. And finally, group leaders will be invited to monthly "encouragement events" to get together with other small group leaders to encourage and provide advice to one another.
Heather Murch
The Soundings - Annual Meeting Submission, 2006
The "Soundings" newsletter had two issues in 2005. We have had a wide variety of submissions from the congregation and are very thankful for the creativity that exists in our midst. Thank you to all who submitted articles, poems, pictures and updates for the enjoyment of our congregation as a whole.
I have been the editor of our church newsletter since the fall of 2002. 1 feel the time has come for a"fresh" and pair of eyes (or more!) to take over the reins of this endeavor. I am thankful to God for the support I have received during my time as editor, His gifts are beyond what we can imagine, aren't they? I would be happy to share my experiences with anyone wishing to consider taking on this ministry.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Moon
Prayer Ministries
Prayer is always highlighted in our regular worship services and the Pastor requests items for prayer and the congregation shares prayer needs.
The several Small Group bible studies feature a vital outlet for prayer centred on people's needs and much wider fields such as missions. In addition, we believe that all other group activities in the church feature prayer such as with the Session, Committee meetings, Ladies meetings, Sunday School and Youth work. Until a few months ago a mid-week group of interested folks met for corporate prayer of all our church activities.
Another important source of power in prayer is in our homes where children are taught to pray and parents make petition for family matters.
Each Saturday morning about 15 men from several of our local churches meet for prayer, especially for our government and politicians, our town, our province and Canada-wide affairs as well as for our families, several of our Presbyterian men are involved.
The Lord spoke through the psalmist(Ps. 92: 1 and 2) when He said "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, to sing praises unto Thy name, '0 Most High';to show forth Thy loving kindness in the morning and Thy faithfulness every night. "
Bill Bastedo
Committee Report -Outreach (Dave Anderson)
Young Family and Youth
As I think back over this past year the thought that dominates is that we enjoy God's favour at St. Andrew's. He has shown His faithfulness to His people, and to our ministry of youth and young families. We have welcomed some wonderful new families this year and it has been a delight to see them jump in and get involved in the life of our church. God has collected together a great group of people who have both a strong love for Him and ministry, and the gifts to help us move forward. Thanks to everyone who is passionate about our youth ministry, for your help and especially your prayers. They make all the difference.
Nursery
If you want a heart-warming experience, just visit our nursery on a Sunday morning. Bernice and her team provide a wonderful environment for the little stones where they are able to play and make friends that will last a lifetime. The children are also read a bible story and enjoy activities to help bring the stories to life. These first encounters with God and His love are so important to our children, and their first church experience in the nursery is definitely a positive one.
As well, you will notice that our nursery space has been filled up with more toys, more books, more climbers, more everything as the Parry Sound Nursery School has moved and uses our space weekday mornings. We have a great partnership where we are able to share resources and open our doors to more young families.
Sunday School
Ministering to children is an ever-changing adventure where we do our best to stay relevant and make the best use of our time. This year, as our numbers have grown in Sunday School, we have been able to develop more classes and change our setup to be more effective. The Kindergarten-Grade 1, and Grade 2-3 classes are following the 'Walk With Me' curriculum where there is a weekly story, a time to build friendships, crafts, fun activities, and take home resources. Creating more classes has been a positive change for the leaders and the kids, and has enhanced our Sunday School ministry. In staying with the times, our Grade 4-5 class is using a video game curriculum called 'Bible Champions', where each week the class sees a bible story, and then play it out on the computer, and learn as they go. This is a captivating way to teach, and makes church a cool place to be. The fourth class is for grades 6-8 where we are working through a devotional that follows the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The focus of the study is building Godly character. Again, to be relevant to today's youth culture is so important. Thank you to all the Sunday School leaders and to all of you who hold us up on prayer, God is truly faithful.
Kids For Christ
KFC continues to be a vibrant outreach ministry on Friday nights as God blesses our efforts. This past year we said good bye and a huge thank you to Laura Robinson for all that she has done for KFC, as she has felt called to focus on the women's ministry. Laura was faithful to a call to start this outreach, and has seen it grow to a point where we expect at least fifty kids at KFC alone. Thank you again Laura for all you have done. In moving forward, Jacqui Daub and Nancy Partridge have taken over the reigns of the KFC Junior group (grades 3-5) and Carolien Murch is in charge of the Primary group (grades K-2). They work with a great team to bring Christ to life for this energetic group through skits, stories, crafts, games, music, and special events. We pray that through these efforts, Christ would be shared through these kids with their families.
Teens Encountering Christ (Grades 6-8)
TECh, meets at the same time as KFC, every other Friday night from 7-9 and is a great age group to minister to. Last year we saw many in the TECh group move on to High School, but God has grown our group up again to about 30 kids. As these kids live in an extreme culture, we have made this the theme for the year, as we talk about God's extreme love for us, His forgiveness, our character, etc. Of course it also means that we have extreme games, activities and events. Please continue to pray for our TECH group as this is an age where young people are open to God, and willing to accept Him with childlike faith. Thanks to our leaders who are so selfless with their time, and share so openly with these kids.
Christians In Action C. S. I. S.
What an adventure High School ministry is! Our goal for this year has been to build a stronger sense of community among this age group and to help grow the leadership skills of our young people. Our ministry to the high school group comes in three forms, one being at PSHS at lunch on Thursdays. This is a time where the students often share a devotion, pray for our school, and build community among the Christians as webring together kids from many different churches. CSIS has allowed us to brake down any barriers that may exist and allow us to focus first and foremost on Christ and His place in our lives. Also, a special thanks to Laura Robinson for letting us use her room and being so devoted to this ministry. We love ya!
Then, every other Thursday after school at Karl and Heather's we have a bible study for those who want to go deeper in God's word, and often share a meal together. And every other Friday night we have C. I. A. , our youth group where we have put a focus on outreach, as kids are encouraged to bring their friends and introduced them to Christ in a comfortable environment. This is a vibrant place to be with lots of games and activities and a devotion. We are also developing a ministry through music on these Friday nights which we trust will draw the young people to God. Again, thank you for your support in our youth ministry and love for these young people. We rely upon your prayers.
God bless,
Karl Murch, Young Family and Youth Coordinator
Ladies Fellowship Circle
Ladies Fellowship Circle and Friendship Tea meetings will be combined first three winter months of 2006. Our group meets every third Monday, monthly. This year our meetings have included:
Mission reports from:
- Guest Speaker - Dianne Potter who brought us up-to-date about Free Spirited Martha Archibald in her travels.
- Later in the year, Martha Archibald spoke about her involvement with a group she joined called "PREDA'. She showed us slides and told her story, how she assisted to visit prisons, write reports on "Human Rights Violations".
- Marilyn Fuller - Missionary and Teacher spoke to LFC in June 2005 about her trip to Singapore and their upcoming move to that city later in 2005.
- Friendship Teas continue as part of our ministry as well as the 'Cookie Caper', Belvedere Heights Birthday Parties, the Christmas "Mitten Tree". We were able to forward 100 boxes for distribution through Operation Christmas Child.
- A bridal shower was held for Heather MacDonald and Karl Murch. We celebrated special birthdays, summer luncheons, funeral teas and the congregational meetings.
- The World Day of Prayer was held at St. James United Church. Our group of St. Andrew's church took part of this church service.
- We collected and trimmed stamps for the Mrs. "G" Ministries and sent birthday and get well cards tour missionaries. We also sent money to our missionary families for Christmas.
We would encourage women of all ages to join us at our Fellowship meetings. "Be a guest and see 'how we work"'.
Respectfully submitted,
Barb Neal, Secretary
Friendship Suppers
September to December, 2005
- September- No supper was held.
- October -A meal of chili, salad and dessert was served to approximately 75 people. A group of 30 church members, minimum, helped in the needs of the supper. There was enough Chili left over to cover another Church activity.
- November -A meal of Beef stew, salad and pies was served to at least 60 people. A group of approximately 20 church helpers were present to assist with the meal. There was lots of food, and it is felt the weather affected our attendance.
- December- A week before the Christmas supper, some of the team got together and prepared take-home packages for the children and adults. The packages contained candy, cookies and a Merry Christmas wish on behalf of our church. The package was tied with ribbon and had a candy cane on top. These were well received. The tables were set up and nicely decorated for the Christmas season the day before. For the meal, Ray and Dale Cheese peeled 100 lbs. of potatoes; Marg Simms did the cranberry sauce; and James (Chef from Country Gourmet) offered his help and did the dressing and gravy. The turkeys were cooked and sliced and brought in by the team. Other meal items were prepared - frozen veggies, buns, and for dessert - pineapple delight.
Each month, God Pollard, found out who amongst the guests had birthdays and these were acknowledged with a cupcake and candle and the singing of "Happy Birthday" to everyone.
Lynda McGown
Committee Report - Property (Ray Bauman)
The Property Committee consists of Joan Moore, Dennis Gillingham, Aart Blokhuis, Dave Locking, Vince Partridge, Chris Colson and Ray Bauman, chair.
The Committee did a lot of minor maintenance this past year as well as:
- Updated fire extinguishers and installed extra ones where there weren't any.
- Repaired windows in kitchen (removed old caulking and installed new caulking).
- Don Cowan and Ray Bauman did work with the Fire Department to make up a Church Fire Safety Plan which is almost complete.
Some of the items which need attention this year (2006) are as follows:
- Two smoke detectors need to be put downstairs and hard wired.
- Quite a few doors outside need minor repairs and painting.
- Some of the lower windows need old paint removed (which is cracked), and repainted.
- Roof vents need repairing over, kitchen.
- Repairs to the main church front steps which need sealing and caulking.
- Paint kitchen (ceiling, walls, cupboards). Paint has been supplied.
- Extensive repairs to organ
- Repairs to Sound Board and Lap top computer for Sound System (for burning CD's, i. e. Sermons).
If you would like to assist in any of these repairs, please see Ray Bauman or anyone on the committee.
Long Range Plans:
- Flat roof needs repairs
- Condensation problems (in winter) on walls and ceiling in a few areas
- Bricks are deteriorating and falling out
- Parking lot chain link fence needs replacing.
If you see anything that you think needs repairs, please speak to Ray Bauman or one of the Committee members.
Thank you to all those who helped with the repairs in any way, this past year. We are looking for more volunteers, so if you see anything on the list that you would like to assist in, please come forward.
Ray Bauman, Chair
Committee Report -Missions - Don Cowan
2005 Missions Committee
Praise God for the fact that His people at St. Andrew's provided a steady amount of money so that there were no cash flow problems this year as we met our adopted obligations to our missionary families! Those missionaries whom we support are very grateful for our partnership in worldwide ministry, and are continuing to reach out in a variety of ways to tell others about Jesus Christ and His great love for them.
Missions Conference
The 2005 Missions Conference in October was a time to praise God for the wonderful missions' partnerships we have around the world. The theme, "Messaging God" spoke to the love and grace of God that He shows us in His Word and to the privilege we have of sharing God's message with others.
Six of our missions were able to send reps to the conference to share in person what God is doing in their areas of ministry.
- Craig Cook (World Radio Missionary Fellowship/SIM) was our keynote speaker at the Sunday worship service.
- Samson Javed (Pakistan Bible Correspondence School),
- Joanne Vasquez (Partners International),
- Bill Harrison (Board member of Presbyterian Renewal Fellowship),
- Doug Walker (Board member of Presbyterians Assisting Nicaraguan and
- Vance Sutherland (Child Evangelism Fellowship).
The missions that were not able to be represented at this year's Conference included Overseas Missionary Fellowship (i. e. John and Marilyn Fuller who had just relocated to Singapore to take up new world-wide leadership responsibilities).
Short-term Missions
Several people from St. Andrew's participated in short-term mission projects in 2005 with support from the Missions' budget and/or from Skylark Trust. A team of six men traveled to Nicaragua to upgrade the living quarters on the Skylark property there for the benefit of the caretaker and his family. Karl Murch, Ray Bauman, Chris Colson, Joe Moon, Bob Fisher and Peter Hurlbut covered their expenses from their personal funds and appeals;from about $1900 from the Annual Meeting dinner, and from monies in the missions' budget and Skylark Trust.
The results of their efforts included a significant improvement in living conditions on the property, practical assistance for Adan Reynosa's school in the form of a water tank and tower, and priceless personal blessings. Skylark Trust sent Gary Robinson and Bob Fisher to Nicaragua in November to ascertain the needs and commitments by local church leaders and to explore the possibilities for developing a retreat centre: Galo Vasquez joined them in Nicaragua for a few days and facilitated meetings with local evangelicals.
God continues to give some very clear and promising direction in terms of vision and ministry in the country of Nicaragua. It is exciting to consider potential partnership opportunities between Skylark Trust and the Missions Committee as proposed in the new St. Andrew's Vision developed this year.
In addition, the Mission budget provided support for Emily Robinson whose short-term mission was providing summer leadership at Camp Mini-Yo-We for Leaders-in-Training. There, she provided practical and spiritual help for 14 sixteen-year-old's as they equipped themselves for future Christian leadership roles. God's people also provided the exact amount of resources that Emily required in order to further her studies at Queen's University this year.
5-Day Bible Clubs
The Missions' budget funded the Child Evangelism 5-Day summer Bible Clubs in Parry Sound again this year with tremendous support from the Murch, Bastedo and Ryder families. Numbers of children were down over the previous year but those children who attended received solid Christian teaching, possibly because the Bible Clubs followed closely on the heels of the very successful week of Bible School at St. Andrew's.
2006 Budget Proposal
The missions' budget proposal for 2006 asks for the same level of resources as in 2005. Several bulletin announcements allowed interested members and adherents to advise the committee on preparation of the 2006 missions' budget. All submissions were considered.
The changes that are proposed for the 2006 budget are as follows:
- $500 to be designated from the discretionary line to a new line for 5-Day Clubs.
- $500 to be designated from the discretionary fund to a new line for "Youth in Mission? ¬ ? in response to the work of the Visioning Committee. This will allow the Missions' Committee to consider requests and grant funding for a short-term ministry project by one or more of our youth within Ontario.
- $500 from IVCF to be re-allocated (because of a lack of requested feedback on the effectiveness and accountability of this ministry) to the Nicaragua/other-short-term projects line to bring it up to $2500.
The end result of the committee's deliberations is that the recommendation to Session and the congregation is as follows:
"That the 2006 budget for missions remain at the 2005 level for a total of $56, 000 which includes$14, 000 for the Presbyterian Church in Canada. "
Committee Membership
The Missions Committee is always looking for additional members who have a heart for missions and who are willing to attend about nine meetings per year in order to direct and supervise the ministry of missions that God has blessed for so many years. Any person who would like to join the committee can indicate that interest to any one of the committee members: Don Cowan(Chair), Marion Hilts, Bette Bastedo, Bob Fisher, Karl Murch, Carolien Murch, Joe Moon, Wilmer Gingrich, Andy Milne or Gary Robinson.
(Don Cowan, Chair)
Committee Report -2005 "Leading With Care" (LWC)
Leading with Care (LWC) is a policy for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adults in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. The Canadian church adopted this policy in June 2005, and the full Session of St. Andrew's has become this congregation's LWC Committee. The two foci of the Session will be Safety and Prevention and Training and Support of teachers and leaders. LWC policy underlines that all persons, and in particular all children, youth and vulnerable adults, who participate in our programs and ministries or use our facilities will be cared for with Christian compassion and will be safe. This aim is not entirely new for St. Andrew's because the Session has been working diligently for two years now to develop written policies and procedures that enhance communication, detail standards and expectations, and improve general and personal safety measures. This includes a new church emergency plan. Although we must also write and implement a specific Leading With Care policy, many aspects of compassion and safety are already embedded in our present policies. Many of the recommendations in the policy are already in place in many community organizations such as schools. Anyone can access and read the full Leading With Care Policyon the P. C. C. web site if they wish.
Each congregation must follow the steps laid out in the Presbyterian Church in Canada's new Leading With Care Manual. The Session will be working through each step and will be reviewing all positions of ministry in the congregation. The Session has already catalogued all the positions of ministry and has evaluated a whole set of details and risk factors as they apply to each of the positions. Certain risk factors will dictate that some volunteers (e. g. elders) be asked to provide a police records check.
The work of implementing all of the Leading With Care requirements will take some time and will be done gradually throughout 2006. Many members will have noticed that Leading With Care (LWC) elders are now designated in the bulletin for each week of the year. Those elders take particular steps to monitor the needs of, and provide any immediate support for, the children's ministry staff on Sunday mornings. They also pray specifically for children's groups operating during that week.
A number of new strategies and procedures will be communicated, polished, adopted and practiced in the months ahead. We are just beginning the process. As an example, our ushers and greeters had a training session in June 2005 (Just days after the P. C. C. adopted LWC) to raise awareness of the importance of their particular ministry in making people welcome. They were also instructed on our safety policy and procedures in case of emergencies, with particular stress on assisting children, the disabled and seniors in an evacuation of the building. The Session too had a workshop in November on directions for elders. This was followed up in December and January 2006 with a risk assessment exercise. As the year 2006 progresses, other specific steps will betaken to enhance levels of awareness among other leaders, teacher sand church volunteers. The end goal of all LWC activities is to build a church which is a welcoming family of believers in Jesus Christ, sharing the love of God? In the process, each individual should become even more Christ-like when interacting with others.
(Don Cowan, Coordinator)