News and Events

Notes from Our March 2009 Annual Meeting
Called to Be God’s Lighthouse

Many thanks to all who attended our annual meeting on Sunday, March 9. As Church Council, it is very important to us to present the 2008 year-end results and share our plans for 2009 with the congregation for questions, feedback and thoughtful approval. We appreciate the support of all who attended and welcome your questions, comments and suggestions at any time. Below is a brief summary of the congregation’s meeting:

1. Annual Report 2008. In addition to our financial reports for year-end, December 31, 2008, the annual report includes excellent summaries from staff and lay leaders of their activities for 2008 and looking ahead to 2009. Bob MacLeod’s photograph is on the cover, acknowledging his 22 years of faithful and dedicated service as assistant treasurer of Islington United Church (IUC). The report was available a week prior to the meeting, at the meeting and remains available in the Church Office. You are encouraged to read the report, if you haven’t already.
    
   
2. Election of Elders. IUC is blessed to have a large group of dedicated Elders who visit and maintain a formal connection with our members, adherents, and children and youth, totaling 1,131 people in 2008. At the annual meeting, 41 people were appointed or reappointed as visiting, parish, reserve or communion Elders at IUC. We are richly blessed, indeed. Steve Tower, Chair of the Committee of Elders, was asked and agreed to confirm Elder reappointments individually in the future.
    
   
3. Recognition of Volunteers and Staff. Brad Weaver, Vice-chair of Church Council, thanked the many, many volunteers we have who have contributed to the life and work of the Church in 2008. Isla Grady, from the Ministry & Personnel Committee, thanked our staff for their ongoing leadership and dedication.
    
   
4. Financial Results of 2008. David Townsend, Treasurer, presented the December 31, 2008 year-end financial reports. In September 2008 our projected year-end deficit was $35,000 but by year-end the shortfall had been reduced to $11,761, as a result of the tremendous response of the congregation. This represents a shortfall of one percent of our total expenditures ($1,010,053) at year-end.
    
   
5. Mission and Service (M&S) Update. Carole Bennett, Stewardship & Church Administrator, provided an update to the May 2008 congregation-approved plan to meet our 2007 and 2008 M&S contributions to The United Church of Canada. We had borrowed from trust fund to make the commitments. Again, because of the fabulous work and support of the congregation we were able to celebrate that the 2007 and 2008 commitments were met and we are well on track to continued repayment of the trust fund. ($20,042 repaid and $27,956 owing by no later than 2011). Please continue to support M&S for The United Church of Canada’s operation and outreach in Canada and the world.
    
   
6. Trustees’ Report. Fred Leslie, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, summarized its financial report as provided in the annual report. Despite difficult economic times, the Church’s investments continue to be very well-managed by the Trustees on behalf of the congregation.
    
   
7. Approval of the Financial Statements for Year-end December 31, 2008.
   The financial statements as reported at the annual meeting were formally approved.
    
   
8. Project 20/20 Status Update. A year ago, in early 2008, Project 20/20 was presented as planning recommendations to Church Council and the congregation. During 2008 a variety of initiatives have been started or implemented. These include Sunday School visioning activities, video and audio broadcasts available online from our website, Elders’ visioning task group report, Christian Development’s planned transition to Faith Formation, changes to aspects of the 2009 budgeting process, and an underpinning to consider congregational development in all we do as we go forward with plans and activities for 2009/2010.
    
   
9. 2008 Ministry and Financial Plan Approval. Debbie Stephens, Chair of Loaves & Fishes Committee, clearly presented the change to our fiscal year and its impacts, the new budget process used by the finance group, Church Council approved guidelines for budget planning, and the financial plan for 2009 as approved and recommended by Church Council. Following discussion and questions, the proposed January – June 2009 financial plan was approved. The detailed July 2009 – June 2010 ministry and financial plan and June 30, 2009 transition year-end will be presented to the congregation at our next congregational meeting, tentatively scheduled for September 27, 2009. We hope you will plan to attend.

We are richly blessed with amazing, talented and dedicated staff and lay leaders, ample programs for the congregation, and a beautiful church home. We look forward to 2009 and 2009/2010, building on what we have while encompassing new opportunities to share our faith and pass our faith to others within our congregation, the surrounding mission field, and our broader community.
Thanks again to all who participated and attended this meeting.

Respectfully submitted,
with thanks and in Christian service,
Elsa van Vliet
Chair, Church Council

 

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Page Revised: March 28, 2010

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