Congregational Meeting
Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Report from the Meeting

Nearly 100 members and children attended the congregational meeting last Wednesday.
We are grateful to the Hospitality Team for a wonderful dinner prior to the business meeting.
During dessert table groups had a chance to ponder the question, “What suggestions do you have
for us to hold on to the best of what we are while reaching out to and welcoming new and different
generations who are also seeking a spiritual home?”
The many thoughtful responses will help guide the Project 20/20 work ahead.

Mission and Service Fund
The M&S Task Group presented its recommendations and responded to great questions from the
congregation. At the end of the presentation the congregation approved the following:

• Pay Islington’s current outstanding commitment to the Mission and Service (M&S) Fund by “borrowing” money from the congregation’s trust fund (2007 – $38,000 + current 2008 – $10,000 = $48,000) and pay immediately
• Repay the “loan” over a three-year period (goal = $16,000 per year) by implementing the fundraising plan presented
• Assuming the loan is repaid, restore Islington’s M&S commitment of a tithe (10%) of the previous year’s givings by 2012; treat M&S as Islington’s “first fruit” gift back to God (from Deuteronomy 26)
• Integrate M&S into the life and work of the congregation by implementing the awareness plan presented
  

The congregation has already received one gift of $1,500 towards the 2007 M&S commitment.

Project 20/20
Since the presentation of the Project 20/20 Planning Team’s report leaders, volunteers and members
have been thinking over the recommendations and ways to proceed with planning Islington’s future.
Some groups have already started or are about to begin detailed visioning for the Sunday School, providing podcasts and other website enhancements, expanding the role of the Elder, contemplating small group ministries and more. Everyone is encouraged to get involved with something that speaks to their heart!
Because the Church Council leadership is passing to a new team and to leverage the groundswell of
excitement and activity already at work some short term priorities were announced:

• Faith Formation – to foster spirituality within our congregation and mission field (i.e, expanding the mandate of the Christian Development Committee).
  There will be a kickoff session open to everyone soon.
  If you’re interested, watch the bulletin and come to participate with staff leads, Michael Shewburg and Leslie Arsenault.
• The Role of the Elder – Joan Hunter will be leading a task group with the Parish Elders and anyone
  who is interested in imagining and dreaming about a new role for Elder: in creating a Welcoming Team or in renewed pastoral care. Sessions will begin later in May; watch this bulletin for more information on how to get involved!
• More Voices – the congregation approved a new initiative to introduce the music of the United Church’s new hymn supplement, More Voices, to complement Voices United. Copies may be ordered for $25 each for dedication to the memory or in honour of people or milestones. Donation forms will be available soon.
• Church Council Structure – Work will begin at a special Church Council meeting to review and consider the Project 20/20 insights on governance. Then a smaller task group will explore organizational structures used elsewhere in the United Church, other denominations and other large volunteer organizations.
  The group will develop alternatives and recommend to Church Council; a recommendation will then be presented to the congregation for approval.
  

Those present at the meeting were invited to sign on for any of the projects that interest them. Everyone is encouraged to engage in this project so that it becomes a reflection of what this congregation believes God is calling us to do and to be now and in the future as we look towards the year 2020.
Copies of the Project 20/20 Planning Team’s report are still available in the Church office or online at www.islingtonunited.org. (pdf)

Financial Update
A new method was introduced at the meeting to help simplify reporting on Islington’s financial position.
The intent is to provide it monthly in this bulletin. The new format was very well received at the meeting.
View the detailed information slides. (pdf)

Church Council Leadership
The congregation is grateful to John Leavitt, Chair of Church Council, who completed an extended
four-year term during a period when Islington has dealt with many challenging policies and decisions.
We also thank Debbie Stephens who “stepped into the breach” two years ago as acting Vice-Chair.
Both have given their time and talent generously to this church that they love.

At the meeting, the congregation elected a new Chair and Vice-Chair:

Elsa van Vliet was elected to the position of Chair for a two-year term beginning May 8.
Elsa has been a member for many years filling many responsible positions in the church:
1996 Visioning Team member, Chair of the Ministry & Personnel Committee, member of Church Council, Project 20/20 Planning Team member and District (Visiting) Elder.

Brad Weaver, the newly-elected Vice-Chair, is relatively new to Islington but he has become very involved with ministries and programs since he and his family joined two years ago:
Senior Choir member, Website Working Group member, Project 20/20 Ministry Team Lead (Congregational Development) and District Elder.
Brad also has previous experience as a church board chair, a trustee and an elder.