Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill 1830 - 2015
Celebrating Our Past, Embracing Our Future
“Something good is happening here!!”
2015 ANNUAL VESTRY REPORT
Presented at Vestry Meeting Sunday - February 28, 2016
Please bring this report with you to the vestry meeting
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH
MISSION STATEMENT
THE MISSION OF THE PEOPLE OF HOLY TRINITY ANGLICAN CHURCH IS TO BE A VIBRANT, WELCOMING CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY FLOURISHING IN GOD'S LOVE THROUGH FELLOWSHIP, OUTREACH, WORSHIP AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF COMPASSION AND MUTUAL RESPECT
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, THORNHILL VESTRY REPORT 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page AGENDA ...... (i) ARCHBISHOP'S PASTORAL LETTER ...... (ii) AREA BISHOP'S PASTORAL LETTER ...... (iii) MOTIONS FOR VESTRY 2016 ...... (v) ORDER OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO ...... (vii) MINUTES OF VESTRY MEETING February 15, 2015 ...... 1 MINUTES OF ENDOWMENT FUND SPECIAL VESTRY MEETING September 28, 2015 ...... 8 ADMINISTRATION & STAFF Incumbent ...... 10 Church Wardens ...... 16 Advisory Board ...... 19 Lay Members of Synod ...... 21 Envelope Secretary ...... 22 Cemetery – Holy Trinity ...... 23 Director of Music ...... 24 Church School Co-ordinator ...... 25 Parish Nurse ...... 26 Property Committee (Building & Garden) ...... 27 Nominating Committee Report ...... 28 GENERAL MINISTRY REPORTS ACW ...... 29 Archives Committee ...... 32 Footlights Club ...... 33 Healing and Wellness Ministry ...... 34 Library ...... 35 Outreach Committee ...... 36 Worship Committee ...... 38 SPECIAL VESTRY & SPECIAL FUNDS Endowment Fund ...... 43 Margaret Harding Memorial Garden Fund ...... 44 Eva Rea Millennium Fund …………………… ...... 45 FINANCIAL REPORT Audited Financial Statements 2015 ...... 46 2016 Budget ...... 57 SUMMARY of OUTREACH ...... 59 STATISTICS ...... 60 2016 PARISH CALENDAR (Major Events) ...... 61 ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, THORNHILL FEBRUARY 28, 2016 AGENDA 1. Opening Prayer 2. Appointment of Vestry Clerk 3. Minutes a. Adoption of Minutes of Vestry (February 15, 2015) b. Adoption of Minutes of Endowment Fund Special Vestry (September 28, 2015) 4. Presentation & Reception of Reports a. Administration i. Incumbent ii. Wardens iii. Advisory Board iv. Lay Members of Synod v. Envelope Secretary vi. Cemetery - Holy Trinity Church vii. Property Committee (Building & Garden) b. Ministry i. Director of Music ii. Church School Co-ordinator iii. Parish Nurse) iv. Other Ministry Committees & Groups c. Finance i. Presentation & Approval of Financial Statements for 2015 ii. Appointment of Auditor for 2016 5. Looking to the Future a. Presentation of Budget 2016 b. Motions/Matters for Discussion i. Climate Change Initiative ii. Eva Rea Fund/Ladies’ Washrooms iii. Use of Our Faith Our Hope Funds iv. 94 Calls to Action v. Anniversary Legacy – New Logo c. Refugee Sponsorship d. Order of the Diocese of Toronto 6. Elections & Appointments a. Appointment of Signing Officers b. Nominating Committee Report: Election and Appointment of Officers for 2016 c. Election of Eva Rea Fund Committee 7. Other Business 8. Appreciations and Acknowledgements 9. Closing Prayers 10. Adjournment
2015 Vestry Report (i) Holy Trinity Thornhill Archbishop’s letter to vestry 2016 Posted on January 14, 2016
2015 Vestry Report (ii) Holy Trinity Thornhill
2015 Vestry Report (iii) Holy Trinity Thornhill
2015 Vestry Report (iv) Holy Trinity Thornhill MOTIONS FOR VESTRY 2016
1. Approval of Agenda 1.1. That the agenda for this meeting be approved.
2. Appointment of Vestry Clerk 2.1. Motion to appoint Nancy Cutler to serve as Vestry Clerk
3. Confirmation of Minutes 3.1. Annual Vestry: That the Minutes of the Annual Vestry of February 15, 2015 (including continuation on September 28, 2015) be confirmed. 3.2. Special Vestry: Endowment Fund: That the Minutes of the Special Vestry of September 28, 2015 be confirmed.
4. Ministry Reports 4.1. That the Reports for Administration and Ministry be accepted as presented in the Vestry Report
5. Financial Statements 5.1. That the Vestry receives the Financial Statements dated December 31, 2015.
6. Appointment of Auditor 6.1. That the accounting firm of Gary Booth, CA Professional Corporation be appointed as the auditor of Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill and the Endowment Fund for the year 2016.
7. Approval of Budget 7.1. That Vestry approves the 2016 Operating Budget as recommended by the Wardens for our ministry. 7.2. That Vestry approves the 2016 capital budget planned expenditures of $5,000 for the Church audio system and $10,000 for the auditorium audio-visual system to investigate how to improve the systems to better support musical events and presentations and to acquire equipment necessary to improve the systems. It is noted that funds are to be provided from the Technology portion of the parish share of Our Faith Our Hope funds for these projects. 7.3. That Vestry approves the 2016 capital budget planned expenditure for the renovation of the ladies washroom currently estimated at $20,000. It is noted that $20,000 is being requested for the Eva Rea fund, with any remaining balance funded from capital reserves.
8. Climate Change Initiative 8.1. That Vestry authorizes further investigation into climate change initiatives including a green energy audit at cost not exceed $5,000; that expenditures above this level be subject to Special Vestry approval; and that the climate change initiative be included as an additional project under the parish share of Our Faith Our Hope (OFOH) activities, with funds for the project to be provided from a reallocation of OFOH funds within the total parish share.
2015 Vestry Report (v) Holy Trinity Thornhill 9. Eva Rea Fund/Ladies’ Washrooms 9.1. That The Eva Rea Fund Committee be authorized to provide the sum of $20,000 to assist with the renovation of the ladies washrooms.
10. Diocesan Motion: Calls to Action We, the Vestry of Holy Trinity, Thornhill, support our diocese’s efforts to implement the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. As part of this effort, we call on the Governments of Canada and Ontario to address the recommendations which the Commission’s final report directs toward them. In particular, we call on the Government of Canada to immediately establish a public inquiry into the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. We also call on the Government of Ontario, in consultation with Aboriginal peoples, residential school survivors, and the churches, to develop an age-appropriate, mandatory curriculum on residential schools and the contributions of Aboriginal peoples to Canada for all grade levels.
11. 185th Anniversary Legacy: Logo 11.1. That the logo used during our anniversary celebration become our official parish logo and be used on our letter head and all other official publications of the parish.
12. Elections and Appointments 12.1. Nominating Committee That the report of The Nominating Committee be accepted. 12.2. Eva Rea Fund Committee 12.3. That Vestry elects John Carrington and Kim Gordon as Vestry members of the Eva Rea Fund Committee. Together with Diane Maines (previously elected) and two wardens they will constitute the committee. 12.4. NOTE: [4.1 The Eva Rea Millennium Fund shall be administered by a committee of five members, two of whom shall be Wardens of Holy Trinity Church and three of whom shall be members of Vestry but not Wardens, as elected from time to time at the Annual Vestry Meeting]
13. Signing Officers 13.1. That the Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Dave Bezant, Jean Glionna, Pat Johnson and Diane Maines be appointed signing officers for 2016.
2015 Vestry Report (vi) Holy Trinity Thornhill ORDER OF THE DIOCESE OF TORONTO
In 2013, the Archbishop of Toronto and the College of Bishops, with the approval of the Diocesan Council, created an award called the Order of the Diocese of Toronto.
The purpose of the Order is to recognize and honour those members of the laity in the Diocese who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their volunteer ministry. At that time he said the award will be given to a wide range of people, “from faithful volunteers who have done a multitude of things to a person who just did a single thing well for a long time.”
The Area Bishops will approve one nomination from each parish in the designated deaneries for that year.
This year, it is the turn of our deanery (York Central) to nominate persons for the “Order of The Diocese of Toronto. Each parish may nominate one member. There are several members in our family who are eligible for nomination. We would like this process to be as transparent as possible. For this reason, the following process for the submission of that nominee to the wardens. 1. Every member has the opportunity to nominate by APRIL 30, one person whom s/he thinks is eligible to receive the Order of the Diocese of Toronto, setting out reasons as per the criterion: volunteers must have done a multitude of things or have done a single thing well for a long time.” 2. Proposers must show that they have the consent of the nominees to submit their names. 3. Each nomination must include a short biography of the nominee and a brief summary of the reason that the nominee has been proposed. 4. A committee, comprising the Churchwardens, Chair of the Advisory Board, The President of The Anglican Church Women and The Incumbent, or a designate if one of the committee members is proposed for and accepts a nomination, will, from the nominations submitted, determine the name to be submitted to the Area Bishop by November 22. 5. Nominations may be made via email or on a form prepared for that purpose.
2015 Vestry Report (vii) Holy Trinity Thornhill Holy Trinity Anglican Church Thornhill MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING February 15, 2015 and MINUTES OF THE RECONVENED ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING September 28, 2015
1. The Annual Vestry Meeting was held in the church auditorium following the 10:00 a.m. service. The Reverend Canon Stephen Fields chaired the meeting. Sixty four members were present.
2. Opening Prayer: Canon Stephen The meeting opened at 11:45 a.m. with a welcome and prayer. Motion by Glenville Simpson, seconded by Linda Robertson, to approve the Agenda. Carried. Eric proposed three changes to the agenda as follows: a. Audit of 2014 financial results will unfortunately not be completed in time for this year's Vestry. In order to ensure that Holy Trinity parishioners have an opportunity to receive, review and discuss the statements, the statements will be made available to parishioners as soon as the audit is completed and the statements are approved. The February 15, 2015 Vestry meeting will be adjourned and reconvened at a later date for presentation of the Financial Statements. b. Audio-Visual Update and motion. c. Motion to work on the Climate Change issue.
3. Appointment of Vestry Clerk a. Motion by Pat Johnson, seconded by Susan Hogeboom, to appoint Dianne Rimmer as Vestry Clerk. Carried
4. Confirmation of Minutes a. Motion by Jean Glionna, seconded by Marg Shiner, that the minutes of the 2014 Annual Vestry Meeting held February 9, 2014 be confirmed. Carried. b. Motion by Iverson Grimes, seconded by Malcolm Shiner, that the minutes of the Endowment Fund Special Vestry Meeting held September 22, 2014 be confirmed. Carried.
5. Presentation and Reception of Reports a. Ministry Reports i. Motion by Rebecca Jones, seconded by Lois Symons, that the Reports for Administration and Ministry be accepted as presented in the Vestry Report. The following comments were made. ii. Keith Madill, on behalf of Wardens, thanked the congregation for all their assistance throughout his years of services as Warden.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 1 Holy Trinity Thornhill iii. Canon Stephen expressed a concern he has about our lack of engagement in spiritual development and asked, “How are we to engage in growth”. We are in the business of strengthening souls of God’s children. Efforts have been made within the parish to strengthen our faith in groups of 12 – 15 but this has not always been successful. We need take opportunities provided through our Christian Education programs. iv. Canon Stephen observed that the large pool of human resources which was available in past is no longer available, yet we still have service time limits for warden and advisory board positions. Accordingly, he suggested that we consider allowing longer service in these positions. v. Pat Johnson mentioned that a warden serving for a term of only one year does not work. One needs at least two years to get a clearer understanding of the role. vi. Canon Stephen mentioned that some reports, like those relating to outreach and worship, in the past have been presented separately. A decision was made to bring them together into one report on the ministry area. This is reflected in this year’s Vestry Report. vii. A special thank you was extended to Pat Nielsen for her many years of serving as Envelope Secretary and for agreeing to continue to do so. viii. A special thank-you was also expressed to Peter Paterson for all that he does for our parish, Peter’s contributions are extensive and Canon Stephen mentioned how, even on a day like today when it is 40 degrees below, Peter arrives first to ensure that the church is open and welcoming. He was appointed to The Order of the Diocese of Toronto at the 2015 Archbishop’s New Years’ Day Levy in the cathedral. ix. Linda Robertson mentioned that the Outreach Committee report on Page 28 should have included that there was a special Outreach Sunday service held in 2014. x. There being no further comments, the motion was carried.
6. Looking to the Future a. What Then shall we Do? Ministry after 185 years i. Eric Preston and Rebecca Jones presented “Looking to the Future” – What then shall we Do? Ministry after 185 years. This was an update of the conversation taking place in the parish following the Parish Planning Day in the Fall. The presentation included the “Back History” of what Holy Trinity has done over the past 185 years realizing that we have gone from a rural community to an extension of Toronto – an area far too expensive for our children to live in. Subsequently, as a result of the growth and change of demographics of the area, our church attendance has declined, followed by a shortfall in funding. How do we proceed? ii. Canon Stephen reminded Vestry we are called to be more missional in our approach to the community. It was noted that a Missional Church goes out to the community to find out what God is already up to and to help God along. iii. We need to build relationships with people in Thornhill to bring them in gradually. In our community, we are involved in many matters including Holy Trinity School, the Out of the Cold program and mentoring at Holy Trinity School. Eric Preston is
_ 2015 Vestry Report 2 Holy Trinity Thornhill currently involved in outreach in our community and has been in talks with York Regional Police and the United Way. iv. Going forward, we all need to determine, “What is our Passion?” – what are we personally passionate about and match those passions to our community. Rebecca Jones suggested that we implement one to two projects in 2015. Parishioners were invited to share their passions as well as to suggest how we can engage with the community.
b. Presentation of Budget 2015 i. Keith Madill presented the unaudited Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 on page 40 of the Vestry Report. Further, Keith advised that when the audited financial statements are completed, we will need to reconvene the Vestry meeting to receive them. ii. He pointed out that the budgeted deficit for 2014 ended up as a positive number after receipt of bequests. iii. He presented the Budget for 2015: income $448,000, expenses $479,000 for a projected shortfall of $31,000. iv. It was reported that the monies received from Our Faith, Our Hope campaign have been allocated to the new siding for the church, parking lot paving and Youth Ministry. We have funds set aside for the audio equipment and the Youth Ministry. Currently, we have a shortfall in envelopes but we do have funds to sustain us. v. We are planning a stewardship campaign for 2016 to commence later this year. vi. Motion by Keith Madill, seconded by Mary Ruth Morrison, that by that the 2015 Budget be approved. Carried.
c. Audio-Visual Update i. Eric reminded Vestry that at the February 9. 2014 Vestry meeting, the Churchwardens were authorized to continue to explore the integration of video technology into our worship and to make any temporary installations to facilitate this process, not exceeding a budget of $6,000. He said that Bob Priestman and Canon Stephen subsequently talked to a number of suppliers about demonstration projects using monitors placed around the church. Proposals were discussed with the Wardens. ii. It was determined that for technical and aesthetic reasons, the use of multiple monitors was not an ideal solution. The demonstration concept was also considered too costly (approximately $8,000). Further discussions with potential suppliers identified an overhead projector and a large screen at the front of the church (above and just in front of the altar) as the best solution from a technical, aesthetic and functional point of view. The screen will be retracted into the ceiling when not in use, and can project a picture of the altar when not displaying other words or graphics. iii. A solution was proposed by one supplier and presented to Advisory Board in December. This proposal, using an overhead projector and one large screen,
_ 2015 Vestry Report 3 Holy Trinity Thornhill appears to meet our current needs in terms of functionality, state of the art technology, low maintenance, ease of operation and adaptability to future needs (e.g., cameras, flat panel displays, etc.). Concerns were expressed about the appearance of the screen at the front of the church. It is acknowledged that, when in use, though it will not block the view of the altar, the screen will cover a portion of the windows and panels at the front of the church. This is part of the trade-off for the functionality it will provide. iv. A number of other churches are using similar technology and arrangements are being made to visit one or two to see how they work and look and get any insights into the experiences other churches have had in acquiring, installing and using this technology. v. Cost of this proposal is approximately $25,000 for the equipment and installation plus a further $5,000 to $10,000 that the church will incur for electrical supply, cabling, carpentry and other items not provided by the supplier. The matter has been referred to Property Committee to obtain additional quotations and to evaluate the quotes received. vi. At some point we shall need to complete an auditorium audio upgrade. There are presently no specifications for this portion, however, it may make sense to conduct this work at the same time. vii. An amount of $22,000 was allocated in the parish’s share of Our Faith Our Hope campaign funds for this project. Additional funds are available for this purpose from the Memorial Fund and private donations were also received in 2014 to assist in paying for this project. It is expected that the cost of the project will be covered from these sources. Sufficient funds are available in our cash reserves to cover any shortfall. viii. The next steps are to request additional quotes and work with potential suppliers to develop their proposals; visit other churches with similar technology installations; evaluate the quotes received and make a recommendation to Advisory Board. It is expected that this phase will take about 3 to 4 months to complete. If a decision is made to proceed, it is anticipated that the equipment can be acquired and installed within two months (subject to scheduling with other activities requiring the use of the church). ix. It was moved by Eric Preston, seconded by Pat Johnson, that "The Churchwardens are authorized to request quotations for the audio-visual equipment and installation as described in the update presented to Vestry on February 15, 2015.
Subject to consultation with Advisory Board, the Churchwardens are authorized to award the contract to the best qualified bid, based on cost, proposed technology, support service, warranties and other relevant considerations. Total cost of the project, including contingencies, is not to exceed $40,000." CARRIED.
7. Election and Appointment of Officers for 2015 a. The Nominating Committee presented its report.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 4 Holy Trinity Thornhill i. Wardens: Dave Bezant (Rector’s), Eric Preston (People’s), Iverson Grimes (Deputy Rector’s), Robin Parravano (Deputy People’s) ii. Lay Members of Synod: Susan Hogeboom and Nancy Cutler, Maurice Corbett (Alternate) iii. Board Members: Hillary Irving-Brown, Kate Pamenter, Anne Thomson, Ingrid Carter, Dirk Drieberg (elected), Jewell Coy, Bobbie Creber, Wendy Locke, Andrea Holder- Bent, Ian Downer (appointed). iv. Other Officers: Rebecca Jones (Advisory Board Secretary), Ron & Marlee Tolhurst (Parochial Tribunal), Pat Nielsen (Envelope Secretary), Judy Fleming (Archivist). v. It was moved by Keith Madill, seconded by Jane Winstanley, that the report of The Nominating Committee be accepted. Carried. vi. It was moved by Elaine Pudwell, seconded by Glenville Simpson that the Wardens, Deputy Wardens, Diane Maines, Pat Johnson, Keith Madill and Jean Glionna be appointed signing officers for 2015. Carried vii. There was no election to the Eva Rea Fund Committee for 2015. The current members continue as their term has not expired. Eric Preston will replace Keith Madill on this committee.
8. Other Business a. Vestry Motion on Climate Change i. Eric Preston noted that The Archbishop of our Diocese, in his letter to Vestries, asked each parish to consider passing motions at vestry to take some local action to address climate change and to call on provincial or federal governments to implement effective policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat ongoing climate change. He said that The Advisory board considered this request and suggested possible actions, and recommended the following motion which was approved by him and seconded by Ron Tolhurst. ii. “That the parish supports the Diocese’s advocacy at the provincial and federal government level for responsible and effective policy on climate change. Furthermore, that the Advisory Board investigates opportunities and considers suggestions from parishioners to reduce our local carbon footprint over the next year, and reports on results and recommendations for future action to the 2016 vestry.” iii. The motion was carried.
b. Worship Review i. Rebecca Jones said that as we seek to enhance worship services with the use of technology, there is a need to review our worship experience at the 10:00 a.m. service. She recommended that a committee be tasked to address such a review. ii. Canon Stephen gave the assurance that this will be done.
9. Appreciations and Acknowledgements a. Canon Stephen thanked retiring Warden Keith Madill for his faithful service and support over the past three years. Identifying John Carrington for his personal pastoral care, he thanked the entire membership for their ministry in our community. He stressed the importance of vestry in the life of a parish and thanked all present for participating.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 5 Holy Trinity Thornhill 10. Adjournment a. On a motion by John Carrington, the Meeting adjourned at 2:05 p.m. to reconvene on Sunday, March 1, 2015 or Sunday March 15 to approve the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2014.
11. Closing Prayers a. Canon Stephen led vestry in a closing prayer and The Grace.
ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING RECONVENED
12. Continuation of Vestry Meeting The Annual Vestry Meeting was reconvened on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome and opening prayer by Canon Stephen. 17 members of the parish were present.
Canon Stephen explained that the audit of the 2014 Financial Statements was not completed in time for a continuation of the Vestry Meeting on March 15 and a decision was taken to reconvene in the Fall when we convene for the Endowment Fund Special Vestry.
13. Receipt of 2014 Audited Financial Statements: It was moved by Darryl Thompson and seconded by Ron Tolhurst that the Vestry received the Financial Statements dated December 31, 2014.
Darryl Thompson presented the following written report: HTC Financial Statements, December 31, 2014 Darryl reported that tonight he would be reviewing the items on page 2 and 3 of the Financial Statements. The remaining pages are specific backup details and the necessary inclusions for an audited financial statement.
Balance Sheet Assets Investments: Our former CIBC/GIC portfolio in 2013 was reclassified to Other Consolidated Trust Funds. This should have been done in 2013. Eva Rea Fund: This increased with our repayment of the $60,000 loan. Liabilities Deferred Revenue represents the portion of the Youth Fund Grant not used when David Tigchelaar resigned in 2014. Total unrestricted funds increase was basically the valuation increase of the Eva Rea Trust Fund. Likewise the external restricted (particularly the Rectory Fund - 2 Marie Court). Revenue & Expenditure – Operating Column The cash revenue over expenditure for the year was $16,968. Basically the bequests of $44,628 avoided a deficit. The other comparative Revenues and Expenditure items had their normal “ups & downs” but no surprises.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 6 Holy Trinity Thornhill Enid Corbett pointed out that there was a discrepancy of $2,529 in the Balance Sheet under “Liabilities” – Externally restricted funds of $1,128,284 on page 3 and the Notes to the Financial Statements, Item 6 on page 9, Externally restricted “contributed” funds indicated a total amount of $1,130,813. Darryl Thompson advised that the amount of $2,529 had inadvertently not been added to the total on the Balance Sheet. After a discussion, and with Darryl Thompson’s confirmation that the correction of $2,529 to the Externally Restricted Funds will be completed on the Balance Sheet, the MOTION CARRIED.
14. Auditor Appointment Eric Preston advised that our auditor William Molson, CA had resigned. A search for a new auditor was instituted. A list of auditors who work for other churches was sought and received from the Diocese and five prospective candidates were approached. In the end, two finalists were considered and the accounting firm of Gary Booth, CA Professional Corporation was chosen to be presented to Vestry as the prospective auditor of Holy Trinity Church for the ensuing year.
It was moved by Eric Preston and seconded by Maurice Corbett that the accounting firm of Gary Booth, CA Professional Corporation be appointed as the auditors of Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill, for the ensuing year.
Maurice Corbett advised that during the summer in discussions with Gary Booth, Gary stated that his accounting firm would have the audited financial statements completed and delivered to HTC within two-week time. After the two-week period, Gary Booth had several questions on the financials which were addressed and a copy of the revised draft financial statements were in both Maurice Corbett and Swan Li’s hands within 48 hours. This firm is very efficient and is one we can trust. Darryl Thompson added that Gary Booth’s firm will also present HTC with an interim audit so that we will have time to go over the figures before the final copy of the financial statements is completed. MOTION CARRIED
15. 2015 Disbursement of the Eva Rea Income Fund The Eva Rea Millennium Fund was established as a repository for the undesignated bequests and retains or distributes its net income in accordance with guidelines established by Vestry, including, in particular, the giving of annual bursaries. The current balance in the fund is $365,892.44, $14,500 of which was available for disbursement in 2015. During the fiscal year, $5,000 in bursaries was distributed and a $60,000 loan to assist with the cost of capital expenditures was repaid by HTC. Rowena Zealey advised that in 2015, only one $1,000 bursary was approved in June of this year., It was moved by Rowena Zealey, and seconded by Marg Shiner, that The Eva Rea Committee recommend that a donation of $22,127 in response to the Warden’s request to cover the cost of reroofing the auditorium. MOTION CARRIED
16. Adjournment The Chairman advised that this now concludes all business of the February 15, 2015 Annual Vestry Meeting.
The meeting terminated at 7:25 p.m.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 7 Holy Trinity Thornhill Holy Trinity Church Thornhill Endowment Fund Special Vestry Meeting Monday September 28, 2015 MINUTES
MINUTES of the Holy Trinity Church Endowment Fund Special Vestry Meeting held on Monday, September 28, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. The Reverend Canon Stephen Fields chaired the meeting. Seventeen members of the parish were present.
1. Appointment of Vestry Clerk Motion made by Jean Glionna, seconded by Enid Corbett, that Dianne Rimmer be appointed Vestry Clerk. CARRIED
2. Approval of Minutes of Special Vestry Meeting held September 22, 2014 Motion made by Jean Glionna, seconded by Ron Tolhurst, that the Minutes of the Special Vestry Meeting held September 22, 2014 be approved. CARRIED
3. Treasurer’s Report a. Margaret Harding Memorial Garden Fund Financial Statements as at June 30, 2015 Maurice Corbett presented the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2015. Under “Excess of Revenue over Expenditures for the Year” there is an amount of $949 for Spring, 2016 available to the Garden Committee versus $666 which had been available in the Spring 2015.
Motion made by Maurice Corbett, seconded by Marlee Tolhurst, that the Margaret Harding Memorial Garden Fund Audited Financial Statements prepared by Gary Booth, CA Professional Corp for the year ended June 30, 2015 be approved. After a brief discussion the motion was carried.
b. Holy Trinity Endowment Fund Financial Statements as at June 30, 2015 Morris Corbett presented the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2015. The Fund had received a contribution in the amount of $37,626 from an Estate in October 2014 making the year end Fund balance $536,442. The bulk of the investments are currently invested in a GIC and the balance in the Pimco Investment Fund and Select Investment Fund.
Due to the current economy, the market values of the Fund will be lower than last June but the net amount available from the Endowment Fund for donations is still $18,239.
It was moved by Maurice Corbett and seconded by Malcolm Shiner that the Holy Trinity Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2015 prepared by Gary Booth, CA Professional Corp be approved. After a brief discussion the motion was carried.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 8 Holy Trinity Thornhill 4. Recommended Disbursement for Donations by the Endowment Fund Maurice Corbett presented the following overview of the disbursements for the years 2013 and 2014 together with the recommended disbursements for 2015:
Recommended Project 2013 2014 for 2015 HTC Capital Projects $17,453 $17,868 $16,739 HTC Cemetery Fund 1,000 1,000 1,000 Canadian Food Grains Bank 500 500 Companions of Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem (St. Luke’s Hospital, Nablus, Palestine) 500 Mosaic Interfaith – Out of the Cold 1,000 Wycliffe College 500 Trinity College PWRDF (Primate’s World Relief Development Fund) - Africa 500 TOTAL $19,953 $20,368 $18,239
It was reported that the Diocese is currently involved in the food drive for the Syrian refugee matter. To date, HTC has not been involved.
It was moved by Maurice Corbett and seconded by Ron Tolhurst, that the recommended disbursements for donations by the Endowment Fund be approved as presented. After a brief discussion the motion was carried.
5. Nominations for Trustees 2015/2016 The list of nominations for Trustees for the period 2015 to 2016 was presented. After confirmation that there were no additional nominations from the floor, on
Motion made by Jean Glionna, seconded by Ron Tolhurst, the following persons were appointed Trustees of the HTC Endowment Fund for 2015/2016: Ray Burton (returning) Maurice Corbett (returning Treasurer) Nancy Cutler (returning) Marlee Tolhurst (returning) Brian Pound (returning) CARRIED.
6. Appointment of Auditor Motion by Maurice Corbett, seconded by Marlee Tolhurst that the accounting firm of Gary Booth CA Professional Corp. be appointed the auditors of the Holy Trinity Endowment Fund for the ensuing year. CARRIED
7. Closing Prayer Canon Stephen closed the meeting with the saying of the Grace. The meeting terminated at 8:00 p.m.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 9 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT – INCUMBENT 2015
Last year, I began my report by expressing the was the first chair of the committee, but whose belief “that the year 2015 will prove to be one passing prevented us from benefitting from his of the more exciting years in our parish gifts during the celebration. community since our foundation in 1830.” I suggest that my belief was realized. This notwithstanding, the committee regrouped under the leadership of Vic Stecyk and our plans Two events defined my ministry in the parish in were realized. We take this opportunity to 2015: the successful celebration of our 185th thank him and the other members of the anniversary of ministry in the Diocese of committee for their ministry. Those who served Toronto (founded in 1839, nine years after our on the committee with Vic were Christine church’s establishment), and my Sabbath leave. Bewick, Bari-Lynne Butters, Bobbie Creber, Rebecca Jones, Keith Madill, Robin Parravano, SABBATH LEAVE Malcolm Shiner, Elaine Stecyk and Jane I was granted permission by my former area Winstanley. bishop, to take a Sabbath leave in September 2011. However, following my appointment as The launch was supported by an impressive Incumbent in August 2011, I deferred this leave display in the auditorium mounted by the until a more appropriate time. With the Archives Committee. Vic and Elaine, his wife, agreement and approval of the Churchwardens gave us an overview of the past 185 years. and Area Bishop, I took my Sabbath in 2015. Starting with the arrival in 1820 of William Parsons and his brother-in-law, Benjamin Thanks to the Churchwardens who made the Thorne in 1822, to that snowy Sunday, on necessary financial provisions in the budgets of February 28, 1830, when the first service was 2014 and 2015 for the pastoral coverage during conducted with Archdeacon John Strachan this time. The offerings received during the officiating, they gave glimpses of the ministry of service celebrating my 30th anniversary of the first full time rector, the Rev. George ordination to the priesthood in May 2013 were Mortimer, and every generation to the present. designated for this purpose. Thanks also to the Advisory Board and the parish, in general, for Most of the bishops and clergy, active or allowing me the opportunity for this period of retired, who have or had a special relationship rest, refreshment and renewal. with our parish visited us during the course of the year on “Bishops and Clergy Sundays”. I am thankful to Fr. Paul Walker and Bishop Peter Fenty for providing pastoral and liturgical In February, when the Anglican Church Women leadership during this time and to the celebrated their Ingathering Service, Bishop Churchwardens’ team, and Swan Li, our office Linda Nicholls, Area Bishop of Trent-Durham administrator, whose hands steered a steady and our Incumbent from 1991-2005, was our ship. celebrant and preacher. The month ended with Bishop Philip Poole, Area Bishop of York-Credit THE 185th ANNIVERSARY Valley and a former assistant curate, who spent From the outset, there was a tremendous the weekend with us at a Prayer Breakfast amount of interest and enthusiasm among the discussing the future of the church and was anniversary committee and the membership of celebrant and preacher on the following day. our parish. We thank God for Ross Creber who We were pleased to welcome back two young
_ 2015 Vestry Report 10 Holy Trinity Thornhill men, Dave Addison and Andrew Brown, who Dubbed Community Day, we were pleased to shared in the ministry of Bishop Poole during welcome Mayor Frank Scarpitti of Markham his time as curate. and The Hon. Peter Kent MP who brought their greetings. Letters of congratulations and During the month of March we welcomed The greetings were also received from the Governor Rev. Canon Greg Physic (incumbent from 2005- General, Prime Minister and other political and 2010) and The Rev. Don Downer who served as civic representatives of our community. an Assistant and Interim Priest in the 1990’s. The month of March ended with The Footlights Following the service, and a time for Club presenting their annual performance conversation, reminiscing and light which featured two of their most popular refreshments, we journeyed over to the Holy sketches of the past, “The Waiting Room” and Trinity Cemetery (at Royal Orchard Blvd. and “Dinner For One”. Stephanie Birrell and Konrad Yonge), the site of the original church for a Harley, children of Holy Trinity, blessed us with memorial service. Those who braved the a musical treat featuring show tunes in the inclement weather were taken on guided tours spirit of our Cabaret evening. of the historic monuments and burial places of the founders of Thornhill our church, and other April was the month for two bishops. Our Area faithful members of our parish family by Vic Bishop, The Right Rev. Peter Fenty, made his Stecyk, Adam Birrell and Danielle Terbenche. pastoral visit to us on Easter Day while Bishop Bill Hockin, one of our interim pastors in After the summer, our anniversary came to a 2010/11, was our guest preacher and celebrant fitting climax. In October, The Most Rev. Fred later that month. A special feature in April was Hiltz, Archbishop and Primate of The Anglican the Anniversary Lecture delivered by Dr. Church of Canada, was our guest bishop. What Danielle Terbenche, a parishioner, at our started out as a wet day later turned into a second Prayer Breakfast. Her lecture was joyful celebration. We will not soon forget the entitled “The financial challenges of Rev. Primate’s mantra, “eyes, sight, vision”. Nor will George Mortimer and Rev. Dominick Blake, the we forget the “visitors” from the 1830’s and the first rectors of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, more recent Edwardian era, in the persons of Thornhill (1832-1844; 1844-1859)”. Present in Jean Glionna and Nancy Cutler. Following the the audience was a descendant of The Rev. service we travelled to the lovely campus of Dominick Blake. Holy Trinity School for our Anniversary Luncheon. Retired Area Bishop George Elliott, The students of Holy Trinity School presented a was the keynote speaker for the occasion. He wonderful, well received concert as part of our reflected on our ministry as he highlighted morning worship on the last Sunday of April. some moments in the history of our parish.
The first half of the anniversary climaxed in May In mid-November, The Rev. Daniel Graves, our with three significant days. The first event was former Associate Priest, was the guest celebrant when The Rev. Ruthanne Ward, an Assistant and preacher. Our celebration came to a fitting Curate during the Incumbency of Canon Linda climax when we celebrated Founders’ Day of Nicholls (now Bishop) was the celebrant and Holy Trinity School on The Feast of the Reign of preacher at both services. On the Feast of Christ. Our guest on that occasion was retired Pentecost, The Most Rev. Colin Johnson, Archbishop Terry Finlay who served as Interim Archbishop of Toronto and Metropolitan of the Priest prior to my arrival as Incumbent. Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario visited us. Fittingly, we celebrated Trinity Sunday with Anniversary Projects Canon Bob Grisdale, (Rector from 1976-1991). We are pleased to report that from the funds
_ 2015 Vestry Report 11 Holy Trinity Thornhill collected through the Lenten offering together our daily email ministry as we engaged our Rule with a donation by the Footlights Club, Holy of Life. Trinity will donate $1,000/year to Thornhill Public School‘s nutrition program for the next Leading the Prayers of The People: A workshop three years, beginning September 2015. was offered for our lay assistants and persons interested in sharing in this ministry in the Fall. A new bookmark and photo directory were It was a welcomed experience. produced to mark the occasion Bible Study Opportunities: A few members On the last Sunday of our anniversary continue to participate in Twenty Minute Bible celebration, we dedicated the 185th Workout (20MBW) which is held on Sunday Anniversary Quilt made by our faithful and mornings between services, and the Tuesday devoted Quilters. This group is the oldest ACW Study Group facilitated by John Carrington group in our church. Inspired by the celebration continues to facilitate. of our anniversary, the group felt the quilt, made to mark the occasion, ought to hang next Fellowship And Study Together (FAST) to the memorial window to ‘brighten the corner continues to be experienced on a quarterly next to the chapel’. Many thanks to Joan basis as members participate in a conversation Watson, Judy Douglas, Myrtle Lang, Diane during the 10 a.m. service. Maines, Betty Payne, Betty Richardson and Linda Robertson for this labour of love. The Email Encounter: About 160 members (and 10 non-members) continue to receive a daily This celebration took us on a journey back to scripture reading and, using the suggestion in the beginnings of our ministry in Thornhill and our “Rule of Life”, reflect on God’s call to them. we were reminded, each step of the way, of the significant role our parish has played in the life Prayer Groups: There has been no success in of our community and beyond. establishing these groups. However on the first Wednesday of each month, members attending We thank God for all God’s blessings during this the 10:00 a.m. service participate in a season of year. We thank the anniversary committee, our prayer instead of their conversation on one of visiting bishops and priests, the headmaster, the day’s readings. Canon Stephen Crowther, and staff of Holy Trinity School, our political and civic leaders, Lay Anointer: Audrian Gayle has been a and our members who made this all possible. member of our church community since the 1980’s. In the past, she volunteered in the “Out SOME MINISTRY AREAS of the Cold” program and assisted on many Wednesdays in Lent: This year we discussed fundraising endeavours. In addition, she the topic “Called by God” as we explore the supported the work of former Incumbent (now lives of some of the main Biblical personalities Bishop Linda Nicholls) and the parish nurse in (Abraham, Moses, Mary and Paul) as we the healing ministry of our parish. Last year, she reflected on our vocation in light of our 185th indicated her wish to serve as a Lay Anointer in Anniversary and our ongoing ministry. our parish. She has now received the necessary training and, with the area bishop’s permission, Bible Readings & Devotions: The theological she will be commissioned to this ministry. underpinnings of the Exodus story (Passover) are akin to those of the Easter story (The Pascha). As we observe Lent, we read excerpts from the Book of Exodus. We also continued
_ 2015 Vestry Report 12 Holy Trinity Thornhill WIDER CHURCH/COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS Clergy Conference: Our Diocesan Clergy Conference is held every two years. The next Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: In January conference will be in May 2016. The York- we participated in an Ecumenical Service with Simcoe Episcopal Area is responsible for our Roman Catholic sisters and brothers, at planning the 2016 conference and I have been Trinity Church, Aurora. I was pleased to be invited to be a part of the planning committee. invited to be part of the planning team. At my suggestion and with the support of the Churchwardens, Swan Li, our office Thornhill Ministerial: I continue to participate administrator, has been co-opted by the in the life of our ministry. Once again we committee to assist with the planning. She participated in the Lenten series. The theme brings a great deal of planning logistics’ was Living Lent through the Psalms. As a parish experience to the committee. we share in the Christmas Assistance and Out of the Cold programs. Our parish can be justly Order of Toronto: Last year, I reported that in proud of the major involvement we have in 2013, the Archbishop of Toronto and the these programs. College of Bishops created an award titled the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. The purpose of Glynnwood and Oakridges Retirement the Order is to recognize and honour those Communities: I continue to provide ministry in members of the laity in the Diocese who have these communities. Several of our members are given outstanding service over a significant residents in these centres. It is a joy to be a part period of time in their volunteer ministry. The of their lives as they are not able to gather with Area Bishops approve one nomination from us as was their custom. each parish in the designated deaneries for that year. Our deanery was not scheduled to submit Thornhill Public School: I continue to participate nominations until 2016. However, the Wardens in the meetings of the school council. Several of and I believed that Peter Paterson’s ministry our members have indicated their interest in rose to the standard of the Archbishop’s direct assisting the school. Their names have been nomination and submitted his nomination to submitted to the school authorities. the Archbishop. This year is our deanery’s turn and I will propose a process to the Wardens and Postulancy Committee: I made the decision to Advisory Board by which we can arrive at a withdraw from membership of the Diocesan nomination Postulancy Committee. This was a very useful experience but the time had come for me to Curacy: A decision has been taken that the time step down after almost ten years. is right for a new church community to be planted in Maple at the former St. Stephen’s York Rectory Commission: I have been Maple, site. The parish of St. Stephen's, Maple appointed by the Diocesan Synod to serve as a closed in 2008, but the physical plant was member of Board of Commissioners of the York reserved for future ministry because of its Rectory Commission. The Commissioners are strategic geographical position. responsible to apportion the surplus income derived from the endowment of the Rectory of A church planter has been identified. His work St. James, in the City of Toronto, otherwise will begin in February and he will be ordained in known as the First Rectory in the Township of the spring. His curacy will begin subsequent to York and to distribute income derived from the his ordination to the diaconate (sometime endowments of the Rectory of Etobicoke around May 1). It was felt that he would benefit among the all parishes within the Etobicoke by serving his curacy in our parish as he engages Glebe, an area in the Diocesan of Toronto. his work in Maple. He will be engaged with Holy
_ 2015 Vestry Report 13 Holy Trinity Thornhill Trinity for six to seven units of ministry per excerpts from “The Incumbents’ Priorities week. This will involve him in the Sunday cycle, (2013-2016)”. some mid-week opportunities to exercise the full range of priestly and pastoral ministry. “Video Projection: Many persons like the idea There will be minimum cost to us since the of having a book in hand when we worship. initiative is being funded by the diocese. Others find it challenging. It becomes even more challenging when they have to switch We look forward to this new phase in our parish from “the blue book” to “the green book” and life. even to “the bulletin”. Seekers find themselves lost in all this! Our building was not TWO DISAPPOINTMENTS constructed with an eye on the amazing There were two disappoints, for me, that technology that we now enjoy in our daily marred what was an otherwise satisfying year. lives. These technologies are here for us to be used to enhance life, in general, and our Church Cemetery: As I was about to start my worship, in this context. We need to pursue Sabbath leave, we learned of the plan by the the use of video projection in our worship. Thornhill Golf & Country Club to construct a There are immense benefits to be gained here. swimming pool on the edge of our cemetery. I We will all be “on the same page”. More never imagined that such a thought would ever importantly, seekers and new comers will find have been conceived by any one, far less by it easier to enter into our community and the such a responsible and reputable organization. I worship of our loving God. This is the essence was wrong! of “welcome”.
Thanks to the Churchwardens and many other Speech to text: There are a growing number of concerned parishioners, this matter was our parishioners who are being affected by addressed and they were able to bring our hearing lost. As we continue respond to the concerns to the table. Hopefully, the matter will needs of all of our members, we need to be settled in a way that will be mutually explore the possibilities which “speech to text” satisfying. technology offer us. We must assess the efficiency of the current hearing assistance Audio Visual Project: In 2012, I was asked by technology we currently have. This all forms the wardens to share my priorities for 2013-16 part of an audio-visual initiative. to provide them with some context as they consider how they could finance our ministry. Audio Recording and Internet Streaming: The Among the areas I discussed was the issue of final part of this initiative will be enabling the use of technology in our worship. The absent members and all who desire it, the wardens will report of the efforts expended to opportunity to experience our gathered make this possible. community through “streaming” by way of the internet and the recording of sermons and Unfortunately, the parish did not support the other presentations for posting on our plan to go forward. This was a disappointment. website.”
Such an installation was only a small part of a In the meantime, the order of our services is more engaging ministry opportunity. At some posted on our website. I am pleased to note point in the future, the parish may revisit this that many members are participating in our issue. As it does, I will again share some of the worship by using their tablets, iPads and smart possibilities available to us. Here are some phones.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 14 Holy Trinity Thornhill CONCLUSION and effective leadership. They now join (or The above notwithstanding, good things rejoin, as is the case with Eric) the Past Wardens continue to happen here! Good people Council, a useful reservoir of knowledge and continue to serve here! Good people continue expertise available to serving wardens. to worship here! God continues to be good to us. As we look to the future, let us commend all we do to the One who alone gives us strength, to the One who alone gives us clarity of vision, to I lend my voice to the words of thanks the One who alone can bring all we do and expressed by the Churchwardens. Let me add envision to fruition them to that list. I’m thankful to the “wardens’ team” for their support over the past year. Special thanks to the retiring churchwardens, Dave Bezant and Eric Preston for their strong
Respectfully submitted, Your Friend, Priest and Pastor The Rev. Canon Stephen Fields
_ 2015 Vestry Report 15 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT – CHURCHWARDENS 2015
Your Wardens’ Team for the past year has been Some of the other activities undertaken this Dave Bezant (Rector’s Warden), Eric Preston year by the Wardens include: (People’s Warden), Iverson Grimes (Deputy Updating the Fire Safety Plan Rector’s Warden) and Robin Parravano (Deputy Enhancements to our insurance program People’s Warden). including increased limits for “Directors and
Officers” Liability coverage. We each have portfolios to manage and work on and are joined by Canon Stephen Fields, Selection of a new auditor for the Church Bobbie Creber (Advisory Board Chair), Darryl and for the Endowment Fund Thompson (Treasurer) and Jewell Coy Formation of search committee to develop (Corporate Secretary) at monthly meetings. the process and requirements and find a Together we comprise the Corporation of Holy replacement for Elaine. Trinity Church. A comprehensive work plan was Handling and servicing facilities’ rentals developed this year to identify all key recurring activities as well as special projects detailing Negotiating contracts for maintenance and action steps with dates and accountabilities. facility upgrades This is being supported by development of work Supporting the Property Committee in the processes. This not only enables us to manage Re-shingling of the Auditorium Roof our work but will be a useful road map and Supporting participation in Thornhill Village measurement tool for future Wardens. Festival (Jean Glionna) and Vaughan Culture Days (Linda Robertson). This has been an active year for the Wardens Annual Stewardship Campaign and for many others such as those who were involved in the 185th Anniversary Celebration Supporting the Climate Change Initiative and the Rummage sales and Festival of (Steven Law) Christmas. Record revenues were generated from the Festival of Christmas and the October Two activities in particular this year have Rummage Sale which enabled the ACW to required a considerable amount of time and increase their donations to Outreach and to the energy. Wardens for which we are very grateful. There is such a good buzz and spirit around these The first is related to Holy Trinity Cemetery and events including during preparation and take- the Thornhill Golf and Country Club’s plans to down activities. expand their facility, redesign their tennis courts and install an outdoor swimming pool We were advised by Elaine Pudwell, our long adjacent to Holy Trinity Cemetery. As term Music Director and Organist that she is custodians of the cemetery, we have been planning to retire mid-2016 after serving HTC working with parishioners, neighbours, legal since 1982 and a total of 65 years as a church counsel, media, the City of Vaughan, the organist/63 as a choir director. A Search Cemeteries Regulations Unit of the Ministry of Committee has been established to find her Consumer Services and the Thornhill Golf and replacement by mid-year. Elaine, we thank you Country Club to help us protect the historical for your dedicated service. You will leave big burial grounds and preserve the dignity of the shoes to fill and we wish you well as you cemetery. This was further complicated by the embark upon your well-deserved retirement. discovery of human remains on the proposed pool site, and the matter is now in the hands of
_ 2015 Vestry Report 16 Holy Trinity Thornhill the Registrar of the Cemeteries’ Regulation Faith Our Hope funds for these upgrade Unit. The final disposition of the remains will be projects. subject to negotiations between Holy Trinity Church, the golf club and any other Holy Trinity is blessed with many volunteers. At representatives that may be identified by the the risk of omitting many names we need to Registrar. We will also continue negotiations mention a few who support the wardens with with the Thornhill Golf and Country Club to our main functions. address our original concerns regarding the Ron Tolhust and the Property Committee protection of the grounds and the preservation (…and “yes ladies” renovating your of the quiet and dignity of the cemetery. washroom is on their planning calendar for
2016!) The second major activity was the audio visual project. At its February 2015 meeting, Vestry Darryl Thompson (Treasurer) assisted by approved a motion authorizing the Peter Jones (Assistant Treasurer), Murray Churchwardens to request quotations for the Hogeboom, (Charitable Return and Payroll), audio-visual equipment and, subject to Pat Nielsen (Envelope Secretary) and the consultation with Advisory Board, award the Finance Committee chaired by Dominic contract. Mock ups of two options – a large Parravano. drop down screen and permanently mounted Our Advisory Board chaired by Bobbie LCD flat panel display screens - were installed in Creber meets monthly and provides the church for a number of weeks in June and valuable input and support to us on a early July. A survey of the congregation was variety of issues. conducted from July 17 to September 30, to assist in the determination of the preferred Peter Paterson who is always working option. Fifty three percent of the parishioners quietly in the background helping whether responding to the survey stated that they opening the building on Sundays, operating preferred that no screens of any sort be the elevator, organizing and managing the installed. Where comments were made, the side person team, delivering food donations main reasons cited were inconsistency with the or watering the garden. historical nature of our church building, cost or Malcolm Shiner and the Footlights Club simply ‘not required’. Given the majority who have entertained us so well over the preference for no screens, the Wardens, in years with the proceeds directed for the use consultation with the Advisory Board, decided of our church. not to proceed further with the Audio Visual project at this time. The issue of making our And thanks to our dedicated staff. Swan Li, who worship material and services more appealing runs an efficient office and lends a hand to and user friendly for current parishioners and many other activities; Jesús Cruz Arángo, our newcomers still remains. The parish share of Custodian who keeps our property spic and Our Faith Our Hope funds can be retained for span and well maintained; Susan Rodgers our future projects that may be proposed to Parish Nurse who serves and provides help to address this issue. Such projects might include a our parishioners including pastoral visits in different approach to AV presentation as the homes or hospitals; Judith Sinclair, for her technology evolves over the next few years, or dedicated work with our young Church School for other more immediate uses such as members and Elaine Pudwell, Music Director upgrading the sound system in the church and and choir for providing wonderful music and in the auditorium The 2016 capital budget singing throughout the year. includes the use of some of IT designated Our
_ 2015 Vestry Report 17 Holy Trinity Thornhill Finally, congratulations and thanks are due to Please take the time to read the entire Vestry Canon Stephen and the 185th Anniversary Report to see the valuable work being Committee for such an excellent program of conducted by other committees, teams and worship and events to celebrate this significant individuals. Again, thanks to all that contribute milestone. to our parish life.
Respectively submitted,
Dave Bezant Rector’s Warden Eric Preston People’s Warden Iverson Grimes Deputy Rector’s Warden Robin Parravano Deputy People’s Warden
_ 2015 Vestry Report 18 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - ADVISORY BOARD 2015
The Advisory Board has shared in and commitment will be shared with other churches supported a very stimulating 185th Anniversary in the Richmond Hill, Thornhill and Collingwood Year. One cannot help but reflect on the history area. Following a discussion, a motion was of our Church and the faithful parishioners who, passed that we financially support the refugee with God’s Grace, have brought us to our work family if required. The funds would form part of and witness today. the outreach budget to be approved by Vestry. Another source of funding could be by direct The Board is comprised of a cross section of solicitation. Linda Gould has volunteered to parishioners as well as representatives of represent Holy Trinity on committee chaired, by various groups within the Church. This year, the Bishop George Elliott. new members coming onto the Board were Andrea Holder-Bent, Ingrid Carter, Ian Downer Director of Stewardship and Development and Dirk Drieberg. At the first meeting after The Board was interested to hear from Peter Vestry, the entire Board is provided with the Misiaszek CFRE, with a presentation on May 19. necessary materials and information regarding Peter is responsible for parish stewardship responsibilities to support the Rector and education within the Diocese. The program has Churchwardens with their duties and to support been responsible for growth in several of the the decisions of the Board. They are reminded parishes within the Diocese. that they should advise of any concerns that Peter offered an invitation to begin may arise within the congregation. participation in the programme in January 2016.
Following in depth discussion at the June Visit of Bishop Peter Fenty meeting, it was decided by the Board that the We were pleased to have our area Bishop in programme was too large for the parish to attendance at the April 21st Board meeting. The undertake at the present time. We declined discussion centered on where we as a with the suggestion that we would review our congregation feel we are, the life of the diocese, participation at a later date. and where do we feel we need to go? Holy
Trinity as a parish is one of the strongest in the Community Day, May 31, 2015 area. He asked “What is Christ’s mission for The Advisory Board members hosted a special each of us and the parish”? Sunday luncheon following the Service. Special He stated that a parish must have courage and thanks to Michael Davidson for his generous willingness to achieve. We must ensure it is not donation of West Indian snacks for the event. business as usual - things cannot stay the same. The day continued with a visit and service at the Holy Trinity Cemetery. He encouraged us, as Leaders, to take a day for a parish retreat and name the issues. Although Coffee Hour Revisions a retreat has not been held, we as a Board, Special thanks to Nancy Cutler for her review of through discussions, surveys and committees of the coffee hour schedule and recommended interest, have moved forward. revisions. This is one of the key events of the
parish and the changes will make it simple for Refugee Sponsorship all to participate. The primary suggestion was to The Advisory Board received an invitation from have joint service four times a year to provide All Saints, King City to participate with them in for a mix and mingle of parishioners from both the sponsorship if a Syrian refugee family. The
_ 2015 Vestry Report 19 Holy Trinity Thornhill services at Coffee hour. For the 2016 we will Nov. 13-14. Our Synod members; Susan have two such events. Special thanks again to Hogeboom and Nancy Cutler reported to us Nancy for her presentation of the following the 156th Regular Session of Synod. recommendations. Vestry Motion Last year, the Diocese of Toronto asked each Audio Visual parish to consider passing motions at Vestry to Several of the members of the Advisory Board take some local action to address climate were involved and spent considerable time on change. Vestry passed the following motion researching the possibilities for enhancing our which was recommended by The Advisory sound system. We accepted the Board: recommendation to cancel the plan, for the That the parish support the Diocese‘s advocacy time being. In the meantime, we will continue at the Provincial and Federal government level to explore other means to enhance our for responsible and effective climate change. worship. Furthermore, that the parish investigate
opportunities and consider suggestions from Anniversary Luncheon parish members to reduce our local carbon One of the highlights of our Anniversary year footprint over the next year and report on was the luncheon held at Holy Trinity School on results and recommendations for future action October 28. How fitting that we were able to to the 2016 vestry. celebrate in the current location of a magnificent school facility that was founded by The Board requested that Steven Law, using his parishioners from Holy Trinity. expertise, complete an analysis of the Holy Trinity property and buildings to create This event was shared by 148 current and recommendations to the Advisory Board before former parishioners. We were honored to have the next vestry meeting in 2016. Steven is being Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican assisted by Ron Tolhurst, chair of the Property Church of Canada and the Rt. Rev. George committee. Elliott as our guests. The Archbishop gave the
Homily at the church service while Bishop Elliot Thanks shared a most interesting historical We thank Hillary Irving-Brown, Jewell Coy and presentation at the luncheon. I would like to Kate Pamenter who complete their term at the thank the Advisory Board members, the conclusion of this Vestry. They, with the Wardens and many from the parish who lent returning members contribute much to the life their support to this event. of our church.
Final Report of the Worship Committee On behalf of the Board, I thank retiring Grateful thanks to the members of the worship churchwardens Dave Bezant and Eric Preston. committee who have since May, met and They provided strong and committed leadership reviewed suggestions that will support the to our parish and support for our Incumbent. growth and retention of our parish members. At the present time changes are beginning with A very special thank you to Canon Stephen for Sunday services with varying content to support the generous support and wise counsel requests in the survey. provided to the Board on all matters.
Diocesan Synod -Treasures New and Old We look forward to the coming year.
Respectfully submitted, Bobbie Creber - Advisory Board Chair 2015
_ 2015 Vestry Report 20 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT - LAY MEMBERS OF SYNOD 2015
1. The Synod of the Diocese of Toronto was Synod membership changes which would held at the Sheraton Parkway Hotel in have seen a significant reduction in both Richmond Hill Friday & Saturday, November clergy and lay members (for instance from 13-14, 2015 with over 1100 attendees (lay, Holy Trinity it would have meant one clergy clergy, voting & non-voting). This synod had & one lay representative) with a significant been preceded by two sessions – one in impact on multi-point parishes was October and one earlier in the summer. defeated. The creation of Synod Forum days These had been designed to allow delegates was approved. These would allow for a to be briefed on and to discuss key wide ranging membership to discuss elements of proposed constitution and upcoming issues/proposals for the Diocese. Canon changes which would come to a vote The proposed changes to the mandatory at Synod. retirement for clergy that would make the Church compliant with Ontario law were 2. After the opening Eucharist, Archbishop also passed. Other changes approved Colin Johnson gave his charge to Synod. The included some “tidying” of language in the theme of this Synod was “Treasurers New & Canons. Old” (Matthew 13:52) – encouraging the best of traditional expressions of the 4. Financial matters, policies & plans Church together with the best of fresh consumed most of the agenda on Day Two. expressions. The Archbishop spoke The budget, essentially a status quo eloquently about becoming a “church on document, was approved. Questions such the edge of chaos”, not necessarily as the number of Bishops, use of comfortable but essential for survival. If you technology and support for both Lay and are too far from “chaos”, you become rigid clergy leadership development would unable to change but if you are in the become part of a strategic planning process, middle of “chaos” just to be different you proposed to begin this coming year. The fly apart. We must learn to celebrate and Assessment Rate for 2016 was approved at honour both. Archbishop Johnson then the same as it was for 2015 and for 2017 spoke about the program of Synod, noting there will a decrease of 0.15. the inclusion of “missional moments” where members of different parishes speak 5. We placed on the record of Synod the fact to their outreach successes. The Archbishop that we celebrated our 185th Anniversary of led us in a wonderful prayer on Friday when ministry in the diocese. we had just heard about the attacks in Paris. 6. We thank the Parish for this opportunity of being a lay person at Synod. Listening to the 3. Constitutional & Canon Changes consumed Church leadership and hearing about the most of the rest of Day One. The proposed activities of other Parishes was an enriching experience. .
Respectfully submitted by Nancy Cutler – Lay Member Susan Hogeboom – Lay Member
_ 2015 Vestry Report 21 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT – ENVELOPE SECRETARY 2015
The primary responsibilities of the Envelope Secretary are To record the givings of parishioners To issue statements twice a year to envelope/account holders outlining contributions to date To issue tax receipts to all who have contributed over $10.00 in the previous year
In the year 2015, there were 257 envelope numbers; of these 90 were in the monthly Pre-Authorized Giving (PAG) – electronic fund transfer 104 used weekly boxed envelopes 9 were monthly contributors The remainders were contributing irregularly and/or giving on special celebrations, memorial/ altar flowers
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Nielsen
_ 2015 Vestry Report 22 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT – CEMETERY 2015
2015 was an interesting year for the Holy Trinity swimming pool by the Thornhill Golf and Cemetery Committee. Country Club along the south fence line of the cemetery (replacing one of the tennis courts). There were two interments of cremated The process has involved Town of Vaughan remains and two burials. We continue to sell meetings, an arborist report, an archeological interment rights for the few remaining lots as assessment and now the involvement of the well as the newly created single and double Registrar of Cemeteries (a small single square cremations lots and Memory Garden lots. grave with human skeletal remains and a small iron clasp or pin were discovered). Keep posted The five badly deteriorated five crosses on the for further developments!! graves related to the Langstaff Prison Farm have been replaced by replicas. We are greatly During the year, the Cemetery Committee has appreciative of the Endowment Fund donations been diligent in managing and caring for our that helped us do this project. These graves are historic cemetery. Each month from May to an important part of Thornhill/Richmond Hill October, one member of the committee has history. made a weekly visit to the cemetery to collect litter and other debris. There were two A service at the cemetery was held May 31 to cleanups this year, one in April and one in help celebrate Holy Trinity’s 185th anniversary. October. These are necessary as the 85 foot Due to inclement weather, the service was held spruce trees and other trees drop considerable in the basement of the Baptist Church. debris. Afterwards many adventurous souls braved the dampness and toured the cemetery. Booklets A big thank you is extended to the Cemetery highlighting some of the history of the cemetery Committee who help in the interesting task of were given to the participants. Extra booklets keeping our historic cemetery beautiful and are available. safe.
Since the end of June we have been engaged in the ongoing saga of the proposed building of a
Respectfully submitted,
Enid Corbett
Cemetery Committee Members: June Alexander Hillary Brown Gloria Downey Iverson Grimes Lois Symons Anne Barwell Enid Corbett (Chair) Canon S. Fields Diane Maines Danielle Terbenche Judy Bradshaw
_ 2015 Vestry Report 23 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT - DIRECTOR OF MUSIC 2015
This is my last vestry report as I have made the year, we also had Abraham Millington difficult decision to retire in June 2016, after joined us on trombone. a very special treat. almost 34 years as Director of Music at Holy We sang for special services; Trinity. It has been an honour and a pleasure to Maundy Thursday, April 2, have served our congregation for that time. I Christmas Eve at 7:30 and 10:00, will miss all the friends I have made, but will We enjoyed ‘wine’ nights once a month retain wonderful memories. after rehearsal, our June party, at Pat Burton’s on June 14 and our Christmas In 2015, many good things continued in the party following Lessons & Carols service on music program at Holy Trinity. We currently December 20. have 22 faithful members who work hard learning the anthems and special music they The followings are highlights of other events for present to you. Being in the choir is a huge which I have played during 2015: commitment involving rehearsals every Six funerals Thursday as well as being present on Sunday Ash Wednesday, February 18 mornings from September to mid-June. I thank Good Friday, April 3 them for their dedication. We work 6–8 weeks Remembrance and Hope, December 9 ahead so if any member has to miss a rehearsal, Christmas Eve at 5:00 p.m. they are still prepared for the following Sunday. Christmas Day at 10:00 a.m. We also have six ‘extra’ members who join us for cantata presentations. A special thank you I have kept a connection with Holy Trinity to the congregation for their kind expressions of School and accompanied several events this thanks for our efforts. We appreciate hearing year, including their Ash Wednesday service. I from you. also played for their Annual Carol Service, here at HTC on December 16. Here are highlights of the choirs’ year: We presented a Cantata on April 12, and Paul and I again served at the Out of the Cold Lessons & Carols on December 20. Once program. We have been part of this program again, Judy Bradshaw ably played the organ since 2000. for both services. I sincerely appreciate having Judy available. She willingly helps We continue enjoying cottage time when I out at any time, substituting for my spend as much time as possible in my canoe, vacations, and adding an extra 2 hands exploring and communing with nature. And, of where necessary in accompanying the choir. course, we enjoy our four grandchildren and It was again a special treat to have delight in their accomplishments. Marianne Carefoot play flute at both Cantata and Lessons & Carols. Hopefully she
will join us again for our spring cantata. This .
Respectfully submitted,
Elaine M. Pudwell
_ 2015 Vestry Report 24 Holy Trinity Thornhill VESTRY REPORT - CHURCH SCHOOL CO-ORDINATOR 2015
Our Church School Class has continued on with verse Bible stories which they love to read the same group of children, getting older, together. We have ordered more Student Bibles getting better. We have also welcomed two so they each have one in class. new boys who have been enjoying our lessons and friendship. Currently we have eleven steady The class has been generous in bringing students, one lost to hockey schedules, and two offerings which are used to buy Bed-kits for older students who come back to help us with children in developing countries through our Pageant for a few weeks. We have three Sleeping Children Around the World volunteers (Ian Downer, Hazel Ogilvie, and (www.scaw.org), a local non-profit charity that Linda Archibald), who help weekly with uses 100% of donations for the needy children. supervision, music, and attendance. I am We also support one foster child, a little girl in grateful for their commitment and assistance. Africa, through Christian Children's Fund of Canada. Updates on these children are posted In autumn, our Old Testament Bible stories and on our Bulletin Board in the lower hall. songs on DVD all reflected on heroes who had great Faith in God. Our children are developing As well as these outreaches, Church School has their faith and friendship and feeling more a helped to dispense boxes and collect gifts for part of the God's Family and the congregation the Christmas Shoebox Project in November run all the time. by Samaritan's Purse. This fall we collected about the same number as last year. We are Our class has enjoyed God's Garden, Bible always happy to help. stories, playing with each other, learning new songs and instruments such as the recorder, as Our Nativity Pageant this year has been well as playing new pieces on the piano which performed on the feast of the Epiphany, Jan. 3, they are learning at home. Sometimes, we have 2016. This year's version included Mary's visit to sung or played a tune during the service as well. her cousin Elizabeth, as well as King Herod, and The children are developing a better the Wise Men. There is always plenty of understanding of Christ's Nativity, His teachings, excitement around this activity. Thank you to all and His passion. The older group is becoming who helped to make it a big success. more proficient with looking up chapter and
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Sophie Sinclair Church School Coordinator and Teacher
_ 2015 Vestry Report 25 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT – PARISH NURSE 2015
I am in my office most Mondays and nurses help me with these clinics after both Wednesdays from 8:30-3:30, though please call services. The numbers are not high, but and book an appointment if you would like to screening like this is an important tool to find see me as I also do visits. Holiday Mondays I’m elevated blood pressures and to see how not in and if there are any variations in my time effective treatment is. for vacation or illness, I leave a message on my voicemail and let the office know. Voice-mail Visiting, either in person or by phone, is where I and e-mail are confidential and any messages I spend the majority of my time. This year I made will get back to you as soon as possible. I am 17 visits in person and 964 telephone visits, 447 presently working on a pamphlet that has my visits in my office and interacted with 643 at qualifications and will give you a better idea of services. Contacts are for health promotion, how I can be of service to you. As soon as it is illness discussion, spiritual care and social completed, it will be available at the doors in support. I’m trying to increase the number of the church and I will make an announcement. home, hospital or long-term care visits this year and have made four alone in January 2016. At present there are no pastoral visitors. A Shut-ins or people in hospital are the primary course and screening is required for this focus for these visits. Please let Stephen or I ministry. This is a ministry where there is a need know of anyone who would benefit from a visit, and we are trying to fill. If you are interested as the church is not often the first to know Markham Stouffville Hospital is offering a when something happens suddenly. I had course Tuesdays May 3rd, 10th, 24th and 31st contacts with 313 non-parishioners as well over from 9:30-12;00 for a cost of $50. Courses are the year. This is a component of outreach that I not offered that often and so if you are do. People occasionally approach me, come to considering this ministry, this is a good our activities which are open to all or are opportunity. Please contact me and I will help referred by parishioners to me. you get prepared and started in this rewarding ministry. I look forward to continuing to work with the Healing and Wellness Ministry Team to meet The twice yearly Blood Pressure clinics were the body, mind and spirit needs of parishioners held March 15 and November 15 respectively and those who contact the parish in 2016. for a total of 19. Parishioners that are retired
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Rodgers, R.N.
_ 2015 Vestry Report 26 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - PROPERTY COMMITTEE 2015
A number of building maintenance items were The door of TNS&K office was repaired after undertaken in 2015. a break-in in August. The re-shingling of the Auditorium roof by LED lights were installed in one candelabra the contractor was the largest. The roof has and several pot lights in the church as a trial 2-½” layers of soft chip board insulation to to improve the brightness. which was added a 3/16” plywood The Chapel Altar was renovated and castors sheathing for stability and then the new were installed to make it moveable so the shingles. priest can stand behind facing the The large kitchen counter was replaced by a worshippers. contractor in March. TNS&K contracted to replace the vinyl tile Some electrical replacement of electric eyes floor in the church basement with ceramic on security lights and ballast in fluorescent tile over the Christmas period. fixtures was also undertaken. Mock-up of two video screens in the church Thanks to the committee members for their was done in May-June to apprise the assistance. congregation of the options being considered.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Tolhurst, Chair
VESTRY REPORT - GARDEN COMMITTEE 2015
We feel that 2015 has been a good year, spring. In 2016 this will also include weeding on especially in the choice of perennials for the a bi-weekly basis. ‘circle garden’. In October, Elaine Ainlay and Ruth Staples The lawn cutter, Gwen Jacobs was engaged to joined the Garden Committee. We are thrilled weed and till the soil in the gardens in the to have them on board.
Respectfully submitted, Darryl Thompson, Chair
Garden Committee Members Elaine Ainlay Jennifer Eccles Marilyn Olivares Gail Priestman Gail & Darryl Thompson Ruth Staples
_ 2015 Vestry Report 27 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT 2015
The following parish members have agreed to serve in the positions listed below: 2016 Officers Wardens 4-Year Term Years served (current) (**) Rector’s Warden (appointed) Iverson Grimes 2 2017 Peoples’ Warden (elected) Robin Parravano 1 2018 Deputy Rector’s Warden (appointed) Dianne Rimmer new 2019 Deputy People’s Warden (elected) Jewel Coy new 2019
Lay Members of Synod 6-Year Term Susan Hogeboom 4 2018 (2 to be elected) Nancy Cutler 3 2019
Advisory Board Members 3-Year Term Anne Thomson 2 2017 (to be elected) Ingrid Carter 2 2017 Dirk Drieberg 2 2017 Marilyn Olivares new 2018 Alex Kuriyan new 2018
(to be appointed) Bobbie Creber 2 2016 Wendy Locke 2 2016 Andrea Holder-Bent 1 2017 Ian Downer 1 2017 Danielle Terbenche new 2018 Anglican Church Women Co-Chairs – per year Vivienne Hansford & Dianne Rimmer (interim) Advisory Board Secretary - volunteer Rebecca Jones (**) the year is the final year of service (ending at the following vestry) e.g. the 2017 term ends at Vestry 2018 POSITIONS WHICH ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY BOARD Alternate Lay Members of Synod Maurice Corbett Auditor Cary Booth CA Professional Corp. Envelope Secretary Pat Nielsen Parochial Tribunal Ron & Marlee Tolhurst Archivist TBD
Respectfully submitted, The Nominating Committee Hillary Brown, Chair Bobbie Creber Dave Bezant
_ 2015 Vestry Report 28 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN "ACW" 2015
2015 began with the AGM potluck, our speaker ways to these events and deserve a huge thank was Sheri Philips from Ratanak Foundation. you. The monies were dispersed to 24 different agencies both local, Canadian and international ACW Ingathering was celebrated at the end of as well as to our own parish. January – Bishop Linda Nicholls was welcomed back as our preacher and the ACW executive ACW groups continue to host many of the were commissioned at the service. Sunday Coffee Hours after the 10:00 am service.
In February Annie Zawadi spoke at a breakfast We have lost several members this year: meeting and introduced us to the women she Marilyn Elrick, Miriam Adair and Cathy supports in the Republic of Congo. Marshall, their names will be recorded in the Diocesan ACW records. In March a retreat was held at St. John’s Convent. Twenty women attended and were The ACW groups are Alpha, Naomi, Quilters, led by Bishop Linda Nicholls to reflect on Palm Rebecca, Ruth and Sarah. All groups welcome Sunday. Those who attended found the time new members, many women assist with rich and rewarding. particular events such as Rummage Sales and the Festival of Christmas – on behalf of those The Spring and Fall Rummage sales were both a who have benefitted from your hard work we success raising over $11,000 between them. thank you all. The Festival of Christmas raised almost $10,000. So many ladies contributed in various . Members of the 2015 Executive were: President Jane Winstanley & Vivienne Hansford Past President Robin Parravano Treasurer Enid Corbett assisted by Susan Hogeboom Secretary Anne Thomson assisted by Jean Glionna Hospitality Robin Parravano & Kim Gordon Publicity Bari-Lynne Butters & Rowena Zealey Raffle Robin Parravano Auxilliary Position: Housekeeping Gladys Smith & Heather Rivett Calendars Jane Winstanley
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Winstanley – Co-President 2015
_ 2015 Vestry Report 29 Holy Trinity Thornhill
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH HOLY TRINITY CHURCH ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN ANGLICAN CHURCH WOMEN RECONCILIATION RECEIPTS & DISBURSEMENTS December 31, 2015 December 31, 2015
Church Account Balance January 1, 2015 $2,486.39 Year End Dec. 31,2015 RECEIPTS Receipts $24,103.50 Ingathering 872.00 Disbursements $22,622.70 Spring Rummage Sale 5,940.90 Fall Rummage Sale 5,993.50 Total ACW Church Account Balance Dec. 31,2015 $3,967.19 Festival of Christmas 2015 9,905.10 Calendars 290.00 Designated Funds Quilters 300.00 Contingency Fund $1,500.00 Donations 0.00 Total $1,500.00 Miscellaneous 0.00 Women’s Breakfast 102.00 Add: Outstanding Deposits Retreat 700.00 Total Receipts $24,103.50
Operating Balance December 31,2015 $2,467.19 DISBURSEMENTS Holy Trinity Church 8,000.00 Outreach Donations 10,940.00 Diocesan ACW 0.00 Account Balance Kitchen Supplies & Cleaning 0.00 Account Balance January 1, 2015 $2,486.39 Coffee, food supplies, reception 0.00 Gain (Loss) December 31, 2015 $1,480.80 Ingathering 250.00 $3,967.19 Festival of Christmas 1,173.65 Spring Rummage Sale 283.65 Fall Rummage Sale 175.00 ACW Raffle Account Balance January 1, 2015 $404.40 Calendars 244.59 Income $2,328.00 Annual Meeting 489.36 Expenses $255.76 Administration 0.00 Outreach Disbursements $2,050.00 Miscellaneous (memorials & gifts) 60.00 Quilters 384.20 ACW Raffle Account Balance December 31, 2015 $426.64 Women’s Breakfasts 122.25 Retreat 500.00 Total Disbursements $22,622.70
GAIN (LOSS) $1,480.80
RAFFLE ACCOUNT Income $2,328.00 Expenses $255.76 Outreach Disbursements $2,050.00
Respectfully submitted, Enid Corbett, ACW Treasurer
_ 2015 Vestry Report 30 Holy Trinity Thornhill
ACW - Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill Outreach Disbursements - 2015
Prior to December Total
Dec. 2015 2015 Provides community homes for the O L'Arche Daybreak 500.00 500.00 handicapped Provides help for pregnant youth & young C Jessie’s 500.00 500.00 parents (June Callwood Centre) Shelter for women with psychiatric needs W Ingles House 500.00 5,400.00 whose families cannot cope with them Richmond Hill Food F 900.00 900.00 Provides food for needy families Bank Sleeping Children C 690.00 690.00 Provides bed kits for children around the world Around the World Toronto Diocese/ A 1,500.00 1,500.00 Diocese Commitment ACW Commitment Toronto Diocese/ A 400.00 400.00 Special Projects of Diocesan ACW ACW Spec. Proj. Holy Trinity Church 2,000.00 6,000.00 8,000.00 Contribution to Church operations C Eva's Initiatives 500.00 500.00 Youth shelter W/C Flemingdon Park 700.00 700.00 Women and children W Sandgate Shelter 700.00 700.00 Women and children's shelter F St. Bartholomews 500.00 500.00 Breakfast program W/C Ratanak Foundation 400.00 400.00 Rescues young girls - Cambodia O Diocese of Arctic 1,000.00 1,000.00 Cathedral fund F Christmas Assistance 900.00 900.00 Christmas baskets for needy Thornhill families Housing and Support Services – Street O Crosslinks – LOFT 500.00 500.00 Outreach Van – York Region Bradford House – O 500.00 500.00 Seniors with mental challenges LOFT C Moorelands 500.00 500.00 Camp for inner-city youth THPS Breakfast C 250.00 250.00 Start-up of program Program SOS Children’s C 500.00 500.00 Creates homes and families for orphans Villages Downsview Youth Supports children and teenagers activities in C 400.00 400.00 Covenant Jane Finch area W Robin Pacific 500.00 500.00 To support work in Bangladesh Charity of Riscylla W/C 500.00 500.00 Aboriginal women & children Walsh’ choice TOTALS $2,000.00 $19,340.00 $21,340.00 Out of GTA - $3,590 approx. 18.6%
A: ACW C: Children/Youth F: Food O: Other W: Women
_ 2015 Vestry Report 31 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT – ARCHIVES COMMITTEE 2015
During the past year, the Archives included additional, helpful information Committee has continued to collect, received from Adam Birrell, a former chair preserve and make accessible all the items of the committee and member of the in the Holy Trinity Church collection. We Society for the Preservation Of Historic began the year of celebrations of the 185th Thornhill. Judy also provided the Wardens Anniversary of the church by mounting a with copies of the Ontario Heritage large exhibition of photographs and historic Designation document for Holy Trinity booklets at the first coffee hour in January. Church. Parishioners and visitors enjoyed seeing photos that dated back to over 70 years Again this year there were requests by ago. We also provided a display poster with family historians whose forebears attended a concise history of Holy Trinity Church that Holy Trinity Church in the mid-1800’s. We remained in the entrance hall for most of have always tried to respond quickly to such the year, requests, providing helpful information and encouragement. The above display of photos was mounted again by the committee that organized a It is now time for Judy to step down from special Sunday service on Trinity Sunday, the Archives Committee and to pursue a May 31, at which a number of visitors and number of other projects and new dignitaries attended. The interest created commitments. The committee will need a was very positive and enthusiastic. new chairperson beginning in January, 2016. We look forward to a smooth A number of concerns arose this year in transition and the continuation of this relation to Holy Trinity Church Cemetery, ministry. including questions about the definition of . its boundaries and its historic designation. . Judy responded to the Wardens, and
Respectfully submitted, Judy Fleming - Chairperson, Archive Committee
Archives Committee Members: Don Fleming Linda Robertson Brian Stapley
_ 2015 Vestry Report 32 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - FOOTLIGHTS CLUB 2015
In view of the 185th Anniversary of Holy Trinity, The event was well attended, well received and Footlights decided to present two of its most proved to be very successful from a financial successful sketches of the recent past along point of view. with some music in a new, Cabaret format. This was quite different from the usual format of the $3,000 was raised for HTC and $500 was traditional Dinner Theatre in that small tables donated to our 185th Outreach project, the were incorporated along with a wine bar and Thornhill Public School Breakfast Program. assorted nibblies. The Cabaret evenings ran March 26, 27 and 28 and included "The Waiting On a personal note, I have decided to take a Room" by Malcolm Shiner, "Dinner For One" by sabbatical next year so at present there is no Lauri Wylie, and music by Stephanie Birrell and play in the works for 2016. Konrad Harley.
Respectfully submitted,
Malcolm Shiner
Financial Report of the Footlights Club 2015
Cabaret Interim Report 2015 Revenue $4,855.00 Revenue – refreshment sales $1,308.00 Total Revenue $6,163.00
Expenses – stage and props/cast lunch $ 69.38 Wine, Pop, Food, Décor costs $ 1,680.20 Total Costs $1,749.58
Bank Balance January 27,2015 $2,038.05 Net Revenue $4,413.42 Sub Total $6,451.47
Donation to Holy Trinity Church $3,000.00 Donation to Thornhill Public School Breakfast programme $500.00 BBQ Expenses $60.14 Bank Balance June 4,2015 $ 2,891.33
Respectfully submitted, Jean Glionna, Treasurer
_ 2015 Vestry Report 33 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT – HEALING and WELLNESS MINISTRY 2015
At present the Healing and Wellness team is Our own Cathy Pearson, RD (Registered comprised of Linda Robertson, Jane Winstanley, Dietitian) will present ‘Promoting Better Cathy Pearson, Robert Ogilvie, Eugene Liburd Digestive Health’ on March 9, 2016 Lunch and and Bonnie Kennedy. We are looking for new Learn. If you would like to learn certain topics members, if anyone is interested. or if you hear a good speaker on health/general wellness topic, please feel free to let us know. We hold 3-4 meetings annually on a Monday or Wednesday for about 90 minutes. Meetings are As part of the health promotion programs, we for considering ideas and planning activities. We began selling pedometer in December 2014. It host the Lunch and Learn (2x/year), the is to bring awareness of our activity levels and Remembrance & Hope Service and other to increase them to the magic ‘10,000 steps’ occasional activity, i.e. CPR/AED training. On the that have been determined by research to be a third Sunday of each month the 10:00 Eucharist benefit for our heart. This was very successful. includes Healing/Anointing that we take part of. We sold 24 pieces by March, another 17 over the rest of 2015 and recently we placed an Lunch and Learns have been well received. In order for additional six pieces. the spring 2015 we invited a lawyer Judith Wahl who gave us a presentation on the ‘CCAC and For the past few years we have had a card Our Recourse if services are insufficient or cut’. ministry. Angella Smith (previously Grace It was an excellent information session with 25 Gould) has been donating her time for this. Get in attendance and a spirited question and well, sympathy, cards for significant answer period. In fall we invited an anniversaries or birthdays and Christmas cards occupational therapist Candice Ott, who to shut-ins have gone out. For the first year, 40 specializes in foot-care. She presented ‘Foot- Christmas cards were sent and 27 other. This care and the Importance of Proper Footwear’. year 37 Christmas cards were sent and 23 other. There were 15 people who found good information and had their questions answered. Respectfully submitted, Susan Rodgers RN
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
…Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;… 2 Corinthians 9:7
Since this time last year, the Prayer Shawl been given to people suffering unimaginable Ministry has distributed approximately 55 tragedy and great losses - like a son at the shawls. But while significant, the number Ottawa War Memorial, multiple children in doesn't tell the complete stories.... Shawls have separate incidents involving a Vaughan
_ 2015 Vestry Report 34 Holy Trinity Thornhill
automobile crash, a Morris, Manitoba farm fire, received with hope. We hear time and again and a freak farm accident involving a truck full how they BRING hope, along with consolation of canola seed in Red Deer Alberta... as well as a and repose. How wonderful is that? single tiny child who perished after wandering outside in the Toronto subzero weather. Apparently Zig Ziglar is quoted as saying, “You will get all you want in life if you help enough Shawls have brought serenity to souls suffering other people get what they want.” So many at unimaginable pain, undergoing uncomfortable HTC have tapped into this secret. Thanks to all medical procedures and even those in palliative who have offered money, time and expertise to care. Shawls sometimes even accompany this Ministry. people to their grave. Yet, they are always
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Pearson Head of Knit-Wit
VESTRY REPORT - LIBRARY 2015
Angella Smith and Elaine Stecyk encourage our continued support of their ministry. In 2015 church members to borrow the books in our a large number of Canadian, US, UK and stamps library. from other parts of the world was brought to us for CSM. Thanks to all who continuously From time to time new books are added and bringing in used postage stamps. makes for interesting reading. Some goals for 2016: The ongoing activities are general house- 1. Replacing one shelf unit that has fixed keeping to maintain the library, updating shelves with a unit that has adjustable bulletin boards to reflect the different seasons, shelves. The adjustable shelves allow larger mending hymnals and prayer books. books to be stacked in an upright position
that is easy to se by borrowers. As always we welcome donation of books. (Please no text books). A "big thank you" to all 2. Promote the library, encourage reading the who donated. books provided.
We continue to collect cancelled stamps for Christian Salvage Mission, who are grateful for
Respectfully submitted, Angella Smith & Elaine Stecyk
_ 2015 Vestry Report 35 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT - OUTREACH COMMITTEE 2015
The prerequisite of the Outreach Committee is usually gives to, but didn’t this year. They are: to disburse the Outreach funds at our annual The Canadian Food Grains Bank, The meeting. At the 2014 Vestry the budget was Companions Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem increased from $8.000.00 to $10,000.00. and Trinity College. The remaining $2,000.00 is Sixteen organizations benefited from the being held until the refugee family that we are $8,000.00 allotted. Included in these are the helping to sponsor, has arrived. three charities that the Endowment Fund
FOOD BANK & COMMUNITY CENTRE Richmond Hill Food Bank, All Saints Community THANK YOU! for your contributions of Centre & Kitchen, Eva’s Place (Leslie St. – North canned/packaged food and personal use items. York) are the charities that receive HTC We also would like to thank those parishioners donations. who contributed financially towards the purchase of food and personal use items. There were total 35 deliveries with 14 to the Richmond Hill Food Bank, nine to All Saints Your interest and support are appreciated by Community Kitchen, and 12 to Eva’s Place the clients and staff at all three organizations. during 2015. In addition, there were eight deliveries of adult apparel to the All Saints “Clothing Closet”.
CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE Linda Gould and Maurice Corbett were the Holy There were over 300 food hampers and bags of Trinity representatives on the planning toys delivered to 103 families on Saturday committee for the Thornhill Ministerial morning December 19, 2015. Association Christmas Assistance Program (CAP). Other members of the committee were Thank YOU to all the Holy Trinity parishioners from the Baptist, Presbyterian and United who contributed food, toys or money to fill the Churches. hampers. Thank you also to all those who donated their time to help pick up the The CAP provides hampers of non- perishable contributions, sort the food, pack the hampers food, toys and some personal use items along and deliver the hampers. Your interest and with grocery vouchers to purchase perishable support are appreciated. Thank You. foods for needy families in the Thornhill area.
OUT OF THE COLD DINNER & SHELTER PROGRAM (January to March 2015)
The Out of the Cold Dinner and Shelter health problems and who live in poverty. 2014- Program, located at Thornhill United Church is a 2015 marked the sixteenth year of the program joint effort of several local churches, including at Thornhill United Church. Our parishioners are Holy Trinity Church. OOTC offers shelter, meals active volunteers in the program, assuming and fellowship to guests who are hungry, such responsibilities as guest registration, meal homeless, lonely, have mental or physical planning and preparation, entertainment and
_ 2015 Vestry Report 36 Holy Trinity Thornhill
hosting, provision of medical services and foot guests, highlighting the difficulty some clients care and managing the clothing centre. have in affording both shelter and food. The gender breakdown of guests was 73% male and In the 10 week duration of the shelter program 27% female. The average number of overnight from January to March 2015, 99 unique guests was 18 individuals. individuals were served. (Unique individuals means the actual number of clients who used MOSAIC Out of the Cold deeply appreciates the the program. Each person may have used the contributions of volunteer time, food and funds program multiple times, but is counted once.) provided by Holy Trinity parishioners. Of those, 49 individuals were dinner-only
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Hogeboom, Chair Peter R. Paterson (Volunteer, Food Bank & Community Centre) Maurice Corbett (Volunteer, Christmas Assistance) Linda Gould (Volunteer, Christmas Assistance, Out of the Cold, Refugee Committee) Miriam Irving (Volunteer, Out of the Cold)
_ 2015 Vestry Report 37 Holy Trinity Thornhill
VESTRY REPORT – WORSHIP COMMITTEE 2015
“Worship at Holy Trinity is key to parish life.” During Advent, Christmas, Easter and These were the words in the parish profile of Thanksgiving, the Flower Guild decorates the 2011 to introduce the nature of the gathered church with beautiful seasonal materials. community to those clerics who were offering Grateful l thanks to the members of the group themselves to be considered for the who use their special talents so artistically. Incumbency of our parish. The Guild traditionally will meet on the Several persons and groups play significant Saturday before Palm Sunday to make Palm roles in this fundamental aspect of who we are crosses. This past year over 300 crosses were and do as a church community. We thank them made for distribution to the congregation and for all they do and encourage other members to for visits to shut ins. identity ways in which they could share. Once again this year with the assistance of Ron ALTAR & FLOWER GUILDS and Marlee Tolhurst, a live Christmas tree stood adjacent to the main Altar. During the service of The Altar Guild and Flower Guild of Holy Trinity Remembrance and Hope, relatives and friends Church are responsible for the care and placed white dove ornament on the trees in preparation of the sanctuary for all worship remembrance of loved ones. services and special services as may be requested such as Baptisms, Wedding and The Guild is also responsible for replenishing all Funerals. supplies used during services. Special thanks to
the members who assume responsibility for Members prepare the Altar with fair linens, and these tasks. communion elements for the three services held weekly. We are responsible for keeping all Four meetings of the Guilds were held this year. vessels, linens and hangings in perfect During the September meeting, a motion was condition. This year the only requirements were approved to provide the centerpieces for the rebinding of the Lectern Bible. 185 Anniversary Luncheon. Cards were placed
on each table stating “in memory of those who We were pleased to support the change to the have gone before.” Thank you to Robin Chapel Altar, allowing the celebrant to stand Parravano and Kim Gordon for their beautiful behind the Altar facing the congregation. and unique designs. Members of the Guild undertook to ensure that hangings and floral containers were adapted to Members of the various teams have also the relocation. participated in support of the coffee hours
throughout the year. Thank you to all members The Flower Guild prepares the Altars and for their time and talents. Memorial Table each week with fresh flowers.
At specific penitential seasons of the year, the EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY TEAM only flowers in the Church are those on the Memorial Table. They are also responsible for Our Eucharistic ministry team is comprised of the Altar Flowers at weddings. This year two eight Lay Assistants, who assist the clergy with weddings were held during the summer the leadership of worship, and thirty five lectors months. (readers) and Eucharistic ministers (assist with the administration of Holy Communion). Seven
_ 2015 Vestry Report 38 Holy Trinity Thornhill
of these assist at the 8 a.m. service. We are service. It was recommended that a committee truly blessed to have so many called to this be tasked to address such a review. Jacqui work and we thank them all for their ministry. Getfield, Rebecca Jones, Elaine Pudwell, You are a blessing to the Parish. Malcom Shiner, Jane Winstanley and Rowena Zealey were invited by the Incumbent to engage This past year the Lay Assistants have taken a in this important piece of work. The following is more active role in the services. There was a bit the report of the committee. of a learning curve but we feel that we have all embraced this well. Canon Stephen also held a The Worship Review committee was asked to: prayer workshop for all in the Parish who were engage the parish in a review of our 10:00 interested. You will see other people doing the a.m. worship prayers from time to time. recommend ways in which our worship experiences can be enriched Last year was exceptionally busy but very reflect the mission of our parish special with the vast array of bishops and other encourage all ideas clergy. Working with all of them was received wonderfully well by the lay assistants as we To facilitate the parish’s review and encourage serving during these special services. all ideas, a survey tool was developed. Beginning in May, the survey was distributed in WELCOME TEAM the church; the responses were then gathered and collated; and the draft report was prepared The Holy Trinity Church Welcome Team during the summer months. The survey solicited (Sidespersons and Greeters) is composed of responses to three questions. men and women who are attentive to their various duties and responsibilities prior to, In our worship service during and at the conclusion of services each 1. What should we CONTINUE to do? Sunday. They also assist at special services such 2. What should we STOP doing? as Christmas and Easter. Each team member’s 3. What should we START to do? interest, time and effort are greatly appreciated. Among the 31 responses, which were quite varied, there were suggestions for We welcome and encourage everyone to join a one-hour service our Welcome Team. Sidespersons and greeters a much shorter sermon that relates the have an important role in meeting and working gospel to our lives; people want to leave with fellow parishioners, and in welcoming with one or two key points newcomers and visitors into our Holy Trinity a restructuring of the prayers of the people family. If you are interested in becoming a to pray for the sick, bereaved and students member of our Welcome Team, either as a but not list individuals by name (these sidesperson or greeter, please speak to the names can be listed in the bulletin if the Team Coordinator, Peter Paterson. individual approves) a quiet meditation time prior to the service REPORT FROM WORSHIP REVIEW COMMITTEE more upbeat, varied music The nature of our worship continues to be a matter of conversation in our parish. At our last The list above is not exhaustive and the Vestry Meeting, as we discussed enhancing our suggestions represent some of the more worship services with the use of technology, it popular responses. The worship review was suggested that there is a need to review committee prepared the interim report which our worship experience at the 10:00 a.m. was shared with the Wardens and Advisory
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Board. The report included the following should use their discretion in naming recommendations. others.
That We also suggest that the list of students Our final report be made available to the whom the intercessors name in prayer parish should be those who attend worship. Again, Implemented in October, with: members should be encouraged to name o The service structured so as to be those students for whom they desire the completed by 11:00 a.m. church to pray at the appropriate time o Stephen welcoming people immediately during the intercessions prior to the prelude, and asking people 3. A workshop was held with lay assistants and for prayerful, respectful quiet until the others interested in leading the prayers. service begins 4. A period of preparation has been o The sermon focused on the relevancy of introduced prior to the start of the service the gospel to people’s lives, and 5. Canon Stephen has started a conversation delivered within 10 minutes with a neighbouring parish to engage their o The prayers of the people focusing on musicians in our worship situations throughout the world and for groups of people in our congregation - The committee supports Canon Stephen’s plan. but not listing anyone by name Beginning in January there will be more variety in the nature of Sunday services. For example o A musician or group of musicians be hired to lead alternative music once a The traditional order of the Eucharist month A variation on the order and content of the Eucharist Comments Regarding the music: Morning Prayer We thought that we should invite musicians A contemporary service, non-Eucharistic. (paid or unpaid) to provide a contemporary (see addendum to this report)
music experience for a Sunday in October, We are of the view that the issue relating to the November and December. length of the service has much to do with the Although the surveys did not indicate that repetitive, predictable nature of the order of an additional or separate service is the Eucharist, in addition to the music which, at required, some respondents did suggest times, can be uninspiring. that we have a “different” service once/month such as Morning Prayer, or a Canon Stephen has decided to hold "in God’s more contemporary casual service. We Garden" in the Sunday school after the discussed initiating a separate service – Processional Hymn while the lay assistants lead perhaps on a Saturday night @ 5:00. the Ministry of the Word. Provision will be made for the children to be in the gathered In response to the report we note that community on a regular basis for familiarity. 1. The Lord’s Prayer will be said or sung to Family services and/or contemporary services various settings on a regular basis. would be child friendly (Church school for 2. The concerns about prayers of the people everyone). are being addressed. We feel that members should be encouraged to name, during the Changes are underway! prayers, those for whom they desire to pray. The Incumbent and intercessors
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SIGNIFICANT CELEBRATIONS DURING THE We congratulate her on her long and illustrious YEAR career and thank her for thirty three years of service and devotion to our church. We are sure Alexander-King Celebration there will be many opportunities over the next In the past, we have celebrated the birthday of few months to express our appreciation, but for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January. Following now we say “thanks” for her faithful service. the unanimous vote in the provincial legislature, on November 28, 2013, to proclaim a Lincoln A Search committee to identify our next Alexander Day across Ontario every January 21 Organist/Music Director has begun its work. The as Lincoln Alexander day, a day of recognition, committee is made up as follows. Robin we celebrated this “joint birthday”. As always Parravano- (Warden) -Chair, Bobbie Creber there was special music for the occasion. (Advisory Board), Hazel Ogilvie (Congregation),
Vic Stecyk (Choir), Canon Stephen Fields. Prison Ministry Sunday
For the past two years the first Sunday of May New Service: At the end of 2015 a new service has been set aside in our parish for an annual “ACTION” – A NON EUCHARISTIC was designed Day of Observance of The Prison Ministry. The and planned for the new year. The acronym focus of the service is on the ministry to summarizes the shape of the service prisoners, chaplains, staff, and all who are engaged in this work. This year, our guest A-DORATION speaker was Mr. MacDonald Boyce, a faithful SONGS OF PRAISE followed by a Prayer of Anglican (Lay Reader) and a retired Manager in adoration or a reflection on praise or the Ministry of Correctional Services. beauty C-ONFESSION (the sins of the world) Jerusalem Sunday We will read a recent piece of “bad” in In 2013 General Synod passed a resolution to the media and offer a prayer for a broken “observe the Seventh Sunday of Easter, world commonly known as the Sunday after Ascension T-HANKSGIVING Day, as Jerusalem Sunday. Jerusalem Sunday is A member will be invited to give a an opportunity for Anglicans in Canada to learn testimony of Thanksgiving or we will more about and support God’s mission in the identify a piece of good news to be Diocese of Jerusalem. This has become an followed by a Prayer of Thanksgiving and important date on our liturgical calendar at Holy a song Trinity. I-NTERCESSION A prayer hymn will follow as we pray for NEW DEVELOPMENTS other concerns and conditions O-FFERING Giving for Mission of Self Elaine’s Retirement We sing a song of offering as we present Elaine Pudwell, our organist and choir director the offering of our labour and offer a since 1982, has advised the Wardens and prayer of self-dedication Incumbent of her planned retirement in June N-ews, GOOD News! 2016. The wardens in their letter Bible Reading (not necessarily from the acknowledging her notice wrote, “as you can lections appointed for the day) imagine, your letter triggered a whole range of Homily emotions from sorrow, regret and trepidation to Sending Forth great joys and happiness for you….it’s Closing prayers & Blessing wonderful that you have come to this decision Final Song. at the right time for you, and we wish you every happiness in retirement.”
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Chapel Altar 9:00 a.m. in an effort to engender greater The Advisory Board supported a proposal to community spirit between the 8:00 and 10:00 move the chapel altar off the wall to allow the congregations. These Sundays will include celebrant to stand behind it, facing the people, Vestry Sunday and the Sunday of the Pastoral rather than standing between the people and Visit by the Bishop. altar. With the support of the congregation, the altar was moved forward and casters were Our report begins with these words “Worship at placed on its based so that it can be moved to Holy Trinity is key to parish life.” With the be used for the seniors’ Eucharist and for any support of every member we will open more other reason. doors in 2016.
Joint Services in the future . The Advisory Board has endorsed the proposal that there should be quarterly joint services at
Respectfully submitted.
Bobbie Creber (Altar Guild) Jean Glionna (Eucharistic Ministers) Peter Paterson (Sidespersons & Greeters) Canon Stephen Fields (Incumbent)
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VESTRY REPORT - ENDOWMENT FUND 2015
Source of the Fund Summary of how the Fund works The Holy Trinity Endowment Fund was Five trustees, who are elected at a Special established at the Annual Vestry Meeting in Vestry Meeting, usually held every September, 1980 with the proceeds of the sale of the first administer the Fund within the Terms of The rectory, in recognition of the sesquicentennial Trustee Act. anniversary of the Church. Parishioners and members of various Purpose of the Fund organizations submit requests, in writing, to the The purpose of the Fund was the creation of an Secretary, Chair or any other member of the internally restricted fund, the income from Fund. We ask that these requests be received which would be used for projects not ordinarily by the end of June. We rely on the information within the purview of the general funds of Holy in the submissions to make our Trinity Church. In particular the income may be recommendations for disbursements of the used to support Anglican and Christian work, Fund. and ensure the appropriate upkeep of the lands and premises owned or maintained by Holy So as not to erode the capital of the fund, the Trinity Church. amount available for disbursements is currently The present Trustees of the fund are: calculated at 90% of the previous years’ net Ray Burton, Chair income plus any new contributions received in Maurice Corbett, Treasurer the year, provided the total amount distributed Nancy Cutler, Secretary does not exceed 100% of the net income. Marlee Tolhurst Income is recorded on a cash basis. Brian Pound .
Fund Activity Endowment Margaret Harding Total Opening balance June 30, 2014 $500,945 $25,979 $526,924 Net Income for year+ 18,239 919 19,158 Bequest 37,626 30 37,656 Fund disbursements approved against 2014 Income (20,368) (1,454) (21,822) Balance June 30, 2014 $536,442 $25,474 $561,916 + Endowment Interest $19,542 less reduction in cost base $143, bank charges $59 and $1,100 audit fee. M. Harding: interest $945 plus gain on sale of investment of $34 less bank charges of $59. As there were bequests received during the year 100% of income in the Endowment Fund was available for distribution. HTC Endowment Fund – Disbursements 2015* 2014 2013 HTC Capital Projects $16,739 $17,868 $17,453 HTC Cemetery Fund 1,000 1,000 1,000 Canadian Food Grains Bank 500 500 PWRDF 500 Wycliffe College 500 Companions of Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 500 Mosaic Interfaith Out of the Cold 1,000 Total $18,239 $20,368 $19,953 * approved for disbursement at the September 28, 2015 Endowment Fund Special Vestry Meeting
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Endowment Fund Summary June 2015 Investment Coupon Maturity Book Value Book Value Market Value Market Value Value Date 30-Jun-14 30-Jun-15 30-Jun-14 30-Jun-15 Cash $795 $823 $795 $823 BNS GIC 3.20% 3/23/15 29,000 29,000 BNS GIC 1.70% 6/11/15 15,000 15,000 BNS GIC 3.25% 3/01/16 66,000 66,000 66,000 66,000 RBC GIC 3.30% 3/04/16 65,485 65,485 65,485 65,485 Prov of NB 6.75% 6/27/17 17,272 17,272 18,432 17,861 RBC GIC 2.30% 8/14/17 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 RBC GIC 2.47% 1/08/18 28,000 28,000 28,000 28,000 BNS GIC 2.60% 8/13/18 20,000 20,000 20,000 20,000 BMO AATR GIC 2.75% 8/27/18 25,000 25,000 25,000 25,000 BNS GIC 2.77% 1/07/19 29,000 29,000 29,000 29,000 BNS GIC 2.56% 11/25/19 34,000 34,000 HSBC GIC 2.05% 3/23/20 29,900 29,900 BNS GIC 2.35% 6/11/20 15,000 15,000
TD INV SAV ACCT 16,486 7,365 16,486 7,365 PMO MONTHLY-A 67504 70,935 70,816 73,212 SSC CDN INCOME 102,618 108,727 127,017 136,198 Investment Portfolio 502159 537,507 531,031 567,844 Cash at TD Bank 86 49 86 49 Total 502,245 537,557 531,116 567,894
The Margaret Harding Garden Memorial Fund The Margaret Harding Garden Fund was The investment income from the fund is used to established in 1997 as an externally endowed help pay for the creation and plantings of the fund through a donation from Merrit Harding in church gardens, and maintenance of the shrubs memory of his wife. The endowment on the grounds of the church. Net income for committee has been managing this individual the year was $919 and the funds approved for externally endowed fund in accordance to its disbursal for the year were $827. agreement. Generally the agreement provides for a certain amount to be paid out annually and the difference added to capital. Current Cash and Investments Book Value Market Value BNS GIC 2.05% 2 April 2014 15,000 15,000 PIMCO Monthly Income Fund 11,227 11,578 26,227 26,578 Cash - TD Waterhouse 1 1 26,228 26,579 Cash - TD Canada Trust 71 71 $26,299 $26,650 Respectively submitted, Ray Burton Chair 2014-2015
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VESTRY REPORT - EVA REA MILLENNIUM FUND 2015
Eva Rea was a long-standing, active member of Fixing Auditorium Roof - $22,127.00 from Fund Holy Trinity church. When Eva died she left a Capital (approved at Special Vestry Sept 28th considerable, undesignated bequest to the 2015) church. This resulted in the formation of the Eva 2015 Cash Shortfall - $4,500.00 (estimated) Rea Millennium Fund. From 2015 Fund Income (to be approved at Although Eva had no family of her own, she Vestry Feb 28th, 2016) loved children and in recognition of Eva Rea’s Renovation of Ladies Washroom - $20,000.00 ongoing interest and support of the youth of (estimated) from Fund Capital (to be approved the Parish, the income of the Millennium Fund at Vestry Feb 28th, 2016) is annually awarded as an educational bursary. This year’s committee comprised: In 2015 the Eva Rea Committee was pleased to Eric Preston – Warden award 1 educational bursary of $1000. Dave Bezant – Warden Rowena Zealey – Chair The Committee was also pleased to approve the Diane Maines following monies in accordance with the By- Robin Parravano Laws: Respectfully submitted, Rowena Zealey - Chairperson
Eva Rea Millennium Fund – 2015 Financial Statement Eva Rea Fund Investments Opening Balance – January 1, 2015 $365,892.44 Bequest 5,000.00 Disbursement – Major Roof Repair 20,555.90 Valuation Change, December 31, 2015 2,646.43 Balance – December 31, 2015 $ 347,690.11
Eva Rea Income Account Opening Balance – January 1, 2015 $0 Diocese Trust Interest Income $14,564.95 Bursary Disbursement $ 1,000.00 Transfer to HTC Income Statement 4,790.45 Balance – December 31, 2015 (Note A) $8,774.50 Note A: The Eva Rea Millennium Trust document states that any Income year end balance must be returned to the Diocese Trust Fund. This will be done in 2016.
Respectfully submitted, Darryl Thompson - Church Treasurer
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Holy Trinity Church STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS – BUDGET For The Year Ended DECEMBER 31
BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET 2016 2015 2015
INCOME $ $ $ Envelope 290,000 285,000 286,000 Open Receipts 15,000 14,000 17,000 Property 64,000 56,000 52,000 ACW / Footlights 7,000 11,000 9,000 Endowment 16,000 17,000 19,000 Bequest 0 9,000 0 Housing Trust 42,000 40,000 39,000 Missions & Ministries 0 19,000 14,000 Interest & Stole Fees 10,000 7,000 12,000 TOTAL INCOME $444,000 $458,000 $448,000
EXPENSES Administration Insurance 13,000 12,000 12,000 Office 12,000 16,000 16,000 25,000 28,000 28,000 Building Repairs - under $10,000 each 10,000 2,000 16,000 Maintenance 30,000 30,000 30,000 Utilities 26,000 25,000 23,000 $66,000 $57,000 $69,000 Programs Diocese allotment 61,000 59,000 66,000 Missions & Ministries* 24,000 32,000 36,000 $85,000 $91,000 $102,000 Staff Salaries & Allowances 268,000 282,000 280,000
TOTAL EXPENSES $444,000 $458,000 $479,000
Net Cash Income (Loss) $0 $0 ($31,000)
(*) Missions & Ministries Christian Education/Formation Music Communications Seniors Health & Seniors Ministry Worship Outreach Youth & Young Families
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Capital Expenditure Budget
2016 Budget 2015 Budget Project Cost Project Cost Expenditures Ladies Washroom $20,000.00 Auditorium $20,563.00 Renovation Roof Church Audio 5,000.00 Upgrade Auditorium Audio 10,000.00 Visual Upgrade
Total Expenditures $35,000.00 $20,563.00
Source of Funds Eva Rea Millennium 20,000 20,563 Fund Our Faith Our Hope 15,000 (technology)
Total Funding $35,000 $20,563
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VESTRY REPORT – SUMMARY OF HOLY TRINITY OUTREACH 2015
HTC ACW HTC Outreach HTC Other Endowment Fund Anglican Church Can. Council of the North 500.00 Anglican Church Can. Cathedral in Iqaluit 500.00 All Saints' Church 500.00 Bereaved Families – York Region 400.00 Canadian Food Grains Bank 500.00 500.00 Charity of Riscylla Walsh Shaw’s choice 500.00 Comm.& Home Assist. to Seniors (CHATS) 500.00 Companions Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem 500.00 Diocese of the Arctic 1,000.00 Doctors Without Borders 500.00 Downsview Youth Covenant 400.00 Eva's Initiatives 500.00 Eva Rea Bursary 1,000.00 FaithWorks 4,118.55 Flemingdon Park 700.00 Habitat for Humanity 500.00 Hospice – Evergreen (Thornhill) 500.00 Hospice - Hill House 600.00 Jessie’ June Callwood Centre 500.00 L'Arche Daybreak 500.00 LOFT - Bradford House 500.00 LOFT - Cross link 500.00 LOFT - Ingles House 500.00 Moorelands 500.00 Mosaic Interfaith - Out of The Cold 500.00 Ratanak Foundation 400.00 Refugee Family 120.00 Richmond Hill Food Bank 900.00 845.00 Robin Pacific 500.00 Sandgate Shelter 700.00 Sleeping Children Around the World (SCAW) 690.00 Scott Mission 500.00 SOS Children’s Villages Canada 500.00 St. Bartholomews Breakfast Program 500.00 Stephen Lewis Foundation 500.00 Thornhill Christmas Assistance 900.00 2,150.00 Thornhill Public School Breakfast Program 250.00 1,000.00 Toronto Diocese/ACW Commitment 1,500.00 Toronto Diocese/ ACW Special Projects 400.00 Trinity College 500.00 Wycliffe College Yonge St. Mission 500.00 Total 13,340.00 8,000.00 9,233.55 500.00 There are other non-monetary Outreach, such as Food Bank: non-perishable foods and personal use Seniors’ Luncheons items donated to various locations Rummage Sales support to charities: Use of church space for children/youth/adult activities: All Saints Clothing Depot and Eva’s Brownies & Girl Guides, Nar-Anon Place
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VESTRY REPORT – STATISTICS 2015
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Baptisms 6 4 7 5 3 Funerals 12 13 8 13 15 Confirmations 0 2 0 1 0 Weddings 3 1 2 4 3 Sunday School 6 12 14 9 11 Parish Families 308 297 286 284 251 Parish Roll 546 506 483 466 399 Easter Attendance 389 430 447 410 370 Easter Communicants 380 411 397 368 360 Christmas Attendance 808 834 35* 715 642 Christmas Communicants 634 483 35* 476 415 Average Weekly Attendance 192 191 181 163 154 Average Communicants 184 167 175 152 148 Envelope Offerings 316,550 314,065 293,989 286,925 284,964 * Ice Storm in 2013
BAPTISMS FUNERALS Xavier Noble d’ANDREA Miriam Helene ADAIR Mia Emmanuela JORDAN Jean Louise DOWNER Emily Grace MacRAE* Marilyn Ann ELRICK Barbara Agnes HOWELL* Mabel Agnes HYDE MARRIAGES Christine Ingrid JOHANSEN* Erin ANDREW & Philip BACHLI* Frances LYE* Audrey REID & Paolo SUPPO* Duncan Rae MacLEOD Debra Jane SIMBROW & David CUBITT Dorothy Edith MARSHALL Mark Kevin MARSHALL* Jean Ellen ROCHESTER Marion Mabel Irene RUSHLOW* Gwendoline Victoria SKILLEN Ernest Edgar VANDERVEER James Gray WILSON * Non-members
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VESTRY REPORT – PARISH 2016 CALENDAR (Major Events)
JAN JUN 12 Anglican Church Women - AGM 1 Seniors’ Picnic Luncheon 17 Celebrating King & Alexander 12 Elaine Pudwell’s Last Sunday 24 Inaugural “ACTION” (New Service) 31 ACW Ingathering Service JUL FEB 10 Ash Wednesday AUG 14 Lenten Service at Holy Trinity (pm) 17 “Understanding Islam” – Lenten Series SEPT 21 Lenten Service at Lutheran Church (pm) 17 Thornhill Village Festival 24 “Experiencing Islam” – Lenten Series 26 Endowment Fund Special Vestry Vestry Sunday (JOINT SERVICE – 9:00 am) 28 Lenten Service at Presbyterian Church MAR OCT 2 “Engaging Islam” – Lenten Series 2 Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday 4 World Day of Prayer 5 Seniors’ Thanksgiving Luncheon 6 Lenten Service at United Church 9 National Thanksgiving 9 Lunch and Learn “Digestive Health” 16 Healing Service 13 Lenten Service at St. Luke’s Church 22 Fall Rummage Sale 20 Palm Sunday 30 All Saints’ Sunday 24 Maundy Thursday 25 Good Friday 27 Easter Day NOV 30 Seniors’ Easter Luncheon 6 Remembrance Sunday 20 Holy Trinity School Founders’ Sunday APR 19 Festival of Christmas 2 Men/Women Breakfast 27 Advent begins 3 Easter Cantata 8 Cabaret– Skylark Trio & Stephanie Birrell 23 Spring Rummage Sale 24 FaithWorks Campaign DEC Seniors’ Christmas Luncheon 29-30 Studio Artists – Art Show & Sale 7 Service of Remembrance & Hope 14 Holy Trinity School Carol Service MAY 18 Christmas Music Program Studio Artists – Art Show & Sale 1 24-25 Christmas Celebrations Prison Ministry Sunday 7 CPR & First Aid Course Sunday after Ascension Day - Jerusalem 8 Sunday Day of Pentecost (JOINT SERVICE – 9:00 15 am) - Visit by Bishop Peter Fenty 22 Trinity Sunday 28 Men’s Breakfast
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The End
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