President’s Message
“Through-the-windshield”
“The unexamined life is not worth living”
I don’t suppose I have read anything of Socrates for 30 years. But as I have blogged my way through this year's experience as president of Maritime Conference, the hour I have spent at the end of the day, when I usually would flick on some mindless tv, has served to ‘connect the dots’ between my travels, and deepen my awareness of the life we are living together across this amazing Conference.
I would like to thank the people of the four presbyteries and Synod that I visited, for making this year such a worthwhile experience. We share common concerns and purposes, and at the same time, in each context, we approach our future with such a wide variety of priorities and directions.
Some of our attempts are planting seeds and growing. Some of us feel like we are trying to push a rock up a hill in the mud. Some of us have circled the wagons, with a sign on the tailgate – “the last one standing, unplug the organ when you leave”. Some of us are trying to make adjustments to fit into our future. Some are starting again completely from scratch.
But as I examine this life we call Maritime Conference in 2011-12 - one image keeps coming to mind.
It seems to me that what is happening in our world is like a tsunami. It is much too late to think we can build dykes to stem the tide of change. What has happened to my thinking over the year is a complete ‘reframing’ of how I interpret my observations, and my ecclesiology.
What if God is more interested in the tidal wave, than in the dam? What if Jesus’ gospel is a surfboard, not a fortress?
What if the Spirit is calling those who are waxing surfboards to hop on and get ahead of the curl ... and all those corks we have been using to plug the holes and shore up our defenses, will be left bobbing in the foam, driftwood for a future generation of archivists to ponder?
As we like to sing, “We’ll never walk on water if we’re not prepared to drown, body and soul need a soaking from time to time. And we’ll never move the gravestones if we’re not prepared to die, and realize there are worlds outside the lines.”
… what lines?
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INDEX
President’s Message ...... 1 Core Values Statement / Ministry Priorities ...... 4 Statement of Purpose and Goals ...... 5 Communication Among Church Courts ...... 6 Parliamentary Procedures ...... 9 Conference Resource Persons ...... 10 President-Elect ...... 11 Representative of General Council ...... 12 Guest Speaker ...... 13 Music Leadership ...... 13 Constitutional Motions...... 14 Candidates for President ...... 15 Candidates for General Council Executive Representative ...... 18 Letter from the Theme Planning Group ...... 21 Committee Reports Annual Meeting Planning Committee ...... 22 Archives Committee ...... 23 Archivist’s Report ...... 23 Christian Life and Growth Committee ...... 24 Church in Action Committee ...... 26 Financial Support Committee ...... 30 Finance and Property Committee ...... 31 Proposed Budget for 2012 ...... 32 Bequest Funds ...... 36 Auditor’s Report ...... 41 Gospel, Ecumenism & Theology ...... 65 Ministry, Personnel and Education Committee ...... 66 Education and Students Committee ...... 66 Biographies of Candidates for Ordination ...... 67 Conference Interview Board ...... 72 Conference Committee on Internship and Educational Supervision ...... 73 Interim Ministry Committee ...... 73 Settlement Committee ...... 74 Nominations Committee ...... 74 Directory of Membership of Standing Committees ...... 75 Staff Committee ...... 90 Stewardship Committee ...... 91
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Executive Committee Reports Conference Accommodation Committee ...... 92 Incorporated Ministries Advisory Committee ...... 94 Incorporated Ministries Reporting ...... 95 List of Incorporated Ministries Directors ...... 96 United Church Men ...... 100 United Church Women ...... 101 Other Reports A.C.T.C. (Tatamagouche Centre) ...... 103 Atlantic School of Theology ...... 103 Camp Wegesegum ...... 104 Financial Services, Inc...... 105 General Council Executive ...... 105 Hunter River Building Fund ...... 107 Mount Allison University Board of Regents ...... 108 Ossekeag Place of Hampton United Church Inc...... 109 Pine Hill Divinity Hall ...... 109 United Church Home For Senior Citizens (The Drew Nursing Home) ...... 109 Oversight Reports Bermuda Synod ...... 110 Chignecto Presbytery ...... 111 Halifax Presbytery ...... 112 Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery ...... 113 Miramichi Presbytery ...... 115 Pictou Presbytery ...... 116 Prince Edward Island Presbytery ...... 116 Saint John Presbytery ...... 117 St. Croix Presbytery ...... 120 South Shore Presbytery ...... 121 Sydney Presbytery ...... 121 Truro Presbytery ...... 122 Valley Presbytery ...... 122 Woolastook Presbytery ...... 124 Decisions and Actions of Executive and Sub-Executive ...... 127 Obituaries ...... 133 Proposed Proposals Process ...... 137 Proposal 1: Clarification of 363(c) during maternity/parental leave ...... 139 Proposal 2: Copyright Procedures for Worship Resources...... 140 Proposal 3: United Church of Canada Pension Board Divestment from Goldcorp ...... 142 Proposal 4: Review of Centralized Pastoral Charge Payroll Program ...... 145 Proposal 5: Calling for a Moratorium on On-Shore Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane Development ...... 146 Draft Agenda ...... 152
4 The United Church of Canada
Maritime Conference The United Church of Canada
CORE VALUES STATEMENT
Guided by the Spirit, mindful of our roots, we are a community of faith, called to celebrate the Christian gospel by supporting congregations to practice: • Inclusion • Hospitality • Justice-making • Stewardship, and • Life-long learning to bring about transformation and renewal.
MINISTRY PRIORITIES (2010 – 2015) • To provide financially- and geographically-accessible leadership development programs and resources • To support local ministries through congregations, the main mission unit of The United Church of Canada, and efforts which equip people to share their faith • To practice radical hospitality • To reach out in our communities to embrace the multigenerational and multi-faith mix of the whole people of God
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 5
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND GOALS FOR A CONFERENCE WITHIN THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA ------
Through scripture and experience, we know that the Church of Jesus Christ is a body. For any body to function, there must be linkages between the various parts; for the United Church these linkages are conciliar in nature. As a court of the Church, Conference performs three essential functions:
(a) the episcopal function of exercising care and oversight of the smaller units of the Church, specifically Presbyteries, and through a variety of resources and services, pastoral charges and other local mission units;
(b) the representational function of participating in the larger parts of the Church and relating to bodies outside the Church such as governments, health and welfare systems and organizations seeking justice;
(c) the administrative function of providing specific working links for ministry and service between the larger and smaller parts of the body.
Each of the thirteen Conferences develops its own set of goals and priorities within the framework provided by the General Council, but there are at least four goals common to all Conferences:
(1) to have oversight of the religious life of the Church within its bounds and adopt measures to promote shalom;
(2) to deal with all matters submitted by Presbyteries which affect the status, faith, and character of ministers and candidates for the order of ministry;
(3) to appoint, settle or permit members of the order of ministry to exercise appropriate ministries within the Church or outside the Church;
(4) to deal with matters referred to it by the General Council.
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COMMUNICATION AMONG CHURCH COURTS The Manual [2010 edition]
PROPOSALS 99 Proposals. (a) Every member of the United Church has direct access to the Session or Official Board or Church Board or Church Council of the Pastoral Charge or Congregation to which such member belongs, except in the case of: i. matters pertaining to the pastoral relationship; ii. a request that the Presbytery initiate a review of a Pastoral Charge under section 333; or iii. a request that the Presbytery initiate a review of Ministry Personnel under section 363; where ten (10) or more members may require a meeting of the Pastoral Charge or Congregation, or bring a Proposal to the Official Board or Church Board or Church Council.
(b) A Proposal may be initiated by: i. one (1) or more members of a Congregation (except in the case of paragraphs I., ii., and iii. of subsection (a), where a Proposal must be initiated by ten (10) or more members) to the Session or Official Board or Church Board or Church Council, or through that Court and any intervening Court to another Court; ii. one (1) Court, through any intervening Court, to another Court; iii. one (1) or more members of a Court to that Court, or through that Court and any intervening Court to another Court; or iv. a Committee of a Court to that Court, or through that Court and any intervening Court to another Court.
(c) Where a Court is disposing of a Proposal asking it to take action, it may take such action by way of resolution in respect of the Proposal as it decides to be appropriate, including: i. adopting the Proposal; ii. adopting the Proposal with amendments; iii. taking action different from that requested in the Proposal but dealing with the same subject matter; iv. referring the Proposal; and v. receiving the Proposal but taking no action
(d) Where a Court is disposing of a Proposal asking a higher Court to take action, it must transmit the Proposal with or without concurrence (except as provided below), together with any recommendations that the Court may make in respect of the Proposal.
(e) Where a Court is disposing of a Proposal asking the next higher Court to take action, it may decide not to transmit a Proposal with which it does not concur.
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Process for Proposals Arising from the Floor at the Annual Meeting:
In order to have a proposal accessible to all, a written version needs to be handed to the business table for entry on the overhead screens.
Once the formal motion is made, parliamentary procedure will be followed for the decision making. All the rules of order as found in Appendix III of the Manual will apply once the proposal is made into a motion.
When a motion is put before the Court the following Rules of Order apply:
1. Motion: The mover reads the motion. The seconder is named. The mover has the privilege of speaking at the beginning and end of discussion of his or her motion.
2. Discussion: Start by identifying yourself (name, presbytery). All discussion should be directed to the President. The correct manner in which to address the President is: “President...” Each person may address the President only once about a motion, except the mover, who may speak both first and last. All discussion should be clear and concise and deal only with the motion.
3. Amendments: An amendment is a suggestion to change a motion slightly by: a) removing words and replacing them with others, or b) adding or deleting words. An amendment cannot change the intent of a motion.
4. Amendment To The Amendment: A motion to slightly change the amendment.
5. Voting: Amendments must be voted upon before the original motion. Voting will take place by raising hands and by voice. All those with voting privileges (delegates) are expected to indicate their vote in one of those ways. If unsure of how to vote, one should abstain. If there is a close vote, scrutineers will count. If there is a tie, the President will cast the deciding vote.
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6. Point Of Order: Can be made by anyone at anytime, to question procedure or to suggest an alternate procedure. (There will be no “Procedure Microphone,” so move directly to any mike and indicate that you have a point of order.)
7. Point Of Privilege: A person may rise at any time during the business proceedings and ask permission to state a personal concern or a concern relating to the whole community (e.g., “I would like to introduce a guest”).
8. Notice Of Motion: New or emergent items may be brought to the attention of the court by means of a Notice of Motion. Originator rises and asks permission to read a Notice of Motion. The Business Committee may be asked to make a recommendation to the court as to whether or not the item qualifies as new and emergent. Such Notices of Motion will be dealt with, time permitting, in “Unfinished Business,” or as otherwise arranged by the Business Committee.
9. Proposals Committee: To sort and clarify issues when things get bogged down in procedure wrangles or wording problems.
10. Other: Other Rules of Order are contained in The Manual. In general, the conduct of business is at the discretion of the President. The President may seek the advice of the Business Committee.
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 9
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Vote Require Simple Majority chair; by Decision #9 see Simple Majority the Decision by chai Simple Majority 2/3 Simple Majority 2/3’s Majorit Simple Majority Simple Majority Simple Majority Simple Majority Simple Majority 2/3’s if in the same if majority meeting; at another meeting; see note #12 o o o o o o o o o Can it be Can it be referred? N N N N N N N N n/a Yes N Yes Yes o o o o o o Can it be Can it be tabled? N N Yes N n/a N note See #7 N Yes Yes N Yes Yes o o o o o o Subject to closure? N N n/a N N n/a Yes N Yes Yes Yes Yes N o o o o o o; Can it be Can it be reconsidered? N N Yes N N Yes Yes N Yes Yes Yes Yes N See note #10 one one one one What What motions apply to it? N N 5,1,2,13 3 N 13 10 N 6,10,13 5,6,7,9,13 6,13 All note See #10 o o o o o o o o o Can it be be Can it amended? N N N N N See note #5 Yes (time) N Yes; See note #8 Yes N Yes N N PARILAMENTARY PROCEDURES o o; o o o; o; o Debatable? Debatable? N N N N N N N See note #1 See note #1 See note #3 See note #4 See note #6 See note #6 Yes See note #6 Yes Yes; See note #10 Yes o o Seconder required? Yes N N Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes o o o o o o o o o o Interrupt Interrupt on member the floor? N Yes Yes; See note #2 Yes N N N Yes N N N N N N
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y
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y
d To call for an an To call for vote immediate refe Motion to Motion to to Motion Table or To extend debate limit Postpone definitel Motion Adjourn/ Recess Privilege the Appeal of Chair’s Ruling Point of Orde Main Motion Main Motion Motion to reconside Lift Motion to Table from the Amen Postpone Indefinitel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
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CONFERENCE RESOURCE PERSONS
President Rev. Jane Johnson
President-Elect Rev. Phillip Kennedy
Executive Secretary Mr. David Hewitt
General Council Representative Dr. Shirley Cleave (Lay), 2nd Term Rev. Ivan Gregan (OM), 1st Term
Annual Meeting Planning Chair Rev. Donna Tourneur
Annual Meeting Planning Secretary Rev. Catherine Stuart
Local Arrangements Chair Ms. Amanda Francis
Worship Planning Rev. Kelly Burke
Head Teller Rev. Melaney Matheson
Past-President/Banquet Coordinator Ms. Ruth Gamble
Treasurer Mr. Stewart W. Hudson
Office Coordinator Ms. Jennifer Whittemore
Other members of Annual Meeting Planning Committee Mr. Keith Gale Rev. Heather Manuel Rev. Barb Wagner Ms. Karen Bishop
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 11
PRESIDENT–ELECT
Phillip Kennedy
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15NIV
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
The theme of Maritime Conference this year is “What’s Left?” It is a phrase that can be said with either despair or optimism and excitement.
My hope is that in the coming year we can build on it with realistic hope and excitement.
As the main line or old line church continues in the process of death and resurrection, my hope is that we will not give up. We should not view demographics, economic downturns and extrapolation of historical church membership downward trends, as FATE. To do so would be to just give up and coast in to the finish line. The mission to which we are called includes more than palliative care!
If we still believe that the church has a place in joining with God in God’s mission and ministry of transformation, healing and the evolution of creation, then what are we going to do differently to change the way things have been going?
My suggestion is that we take another look at reclaiming “Evangelism” in the best sense of that word; sharing Good News.
Religion can no longer be a “private matter” or something that we are ashamed to talk about or insecure to defend. Jesus calls us to be courageous, both in speaking the truth to power and in risking conversations that tells others why God, Jesus and the church are Good News for us.
Clergy spend 90% of their time preaching to the choir. It is the laity who interact with those who know nothing of faith or who have been burnt by their religious experiences.
As Conference leaders, we need to encourage laity to share their experiences of God and help equip them to address the doubts, angers and fears of others (and maybe their own).
What is the reason for the hope within you? Is God still present and at work? What new things do we need to do to get different results?
May this coming year be a time to turn the ship around and begin sailing in the right direction.
May our sails catch the wind of the Spirit! Phillip 12 The United Church of Canada
REPRESENTATIVE OF GENERAL COUNCIL
Peggy Monague, Acting Executive Minister for the Aboriginal Ministries Council/Circle of the United Church of Canada
Peggy Monague is an Anishnabequa, Ojibway of Beausoleil First Nation. She resides on Christian Island Reserve #30, ON located at the southern end of Georgian Bay, with her husband, H. Neil. They have 4 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, 5 granddaughters 1 grandson, 1 great daughter and 1 great grandson and a very, very large family on both sides. She is an active member of her community and the Christian Island United Church as a board member, ministry personal, etc. and provides the music for Sunday and special services. She also supports and attends the traditional and cultural ceremonies with Neil. She sits on a number of Aboriginal Ministry committees and in particular the Aboriginal School, the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre as a board member.
Peggy is the Acting Executive Minister for the Aboriginal Ministries Council/Circle since January 2012. She is responsible for coordinating the work of the Circle who’s objectives are to: build a strong spiritual base in Aboriginal community; to support and maintain a strong complement of Aboriginal ministry personnel; to provide training, education and culturally appropriate resources that reflect the diversity and gifts of the Aboriginal community; to provide pastoral care to Aboriginal pastoral charges, presbyteries and conference; to establish a property and capital plan for the United Church. This of course is a brief outline of Rev. Maggie McLeod’s work who is presently on medical leave for a while.
She also brings gifts as the Healing Programs Coordinator since July 2008. She is responsible for the healing and building of right relationships and healing initiative between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples; provide leadership in enabling healing initiatives between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities for a more just and reconciled church and society; provide and facilitate educational processes on issues of gendered violence impacting Aboriginal women; the animation of the Circle and Cross and lead staff support for the Healing Fund Council and provide leadership in responding to requests for the funding of healing initiatives by Aboriginal peoples and organizations.
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GUEST SPEAKER
The Very Rev. David Giuliano BA, MDiv, ThM, MSc, D.D.
David Giuliano is a Pastor, Spiritual Guide and Expressive Arts Facilitator. He is an award winning writer of more than 60 articles, essays, and poems. He has published two illustrated children’s books: The Alligator in Naomi’s Pillow and Jeremiah and the Letter e. His Postcards from the Valley: Encounters with Fear, Faith and God is in its third printing and is available as an ebook. David lives with Pearl, his beloved, on the north shore of Lake Superior where they raised their two –now adult- children and where David has served with the United Church Community for 25 years. David is a disciple of the Way of the Christ. He was the 39th Moderator of The United Church of Canada.
MUSIC LEADERSHIP
The MacLean Family
Lloyd has been involved in church music leadership for many years, and leads music at Green Hill-Alma United in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Former Music Editor of Gathering, he currently sits as Chair of Music United, the national association of United Church musicians. Gwen is also very active at Green Hill-Alma on many levels. She has shared workshop leadership with Lloyd at More Voices workshops across the country. Kate has just completed year 3 in a 4 year music program at Humber College in Toronto, and enjoys playing, singing and teaching around that fine city. The MacLean Family is delighted to be working together -- musically -- again!
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CONSTITUTIONAL MOTIONS
RE CONFERENCE ROLL “That the Roll of the Ministry Personnel, as contained in the Record of Proceedings of the last Annual Meeting of the Conference, with the addition of the names of those who have been transferred into the Conference, and the deletion of the names of those who have been transferred out of the Conference, or have died, during the year, be the Ministry Personnel Roll of Conference; and that the lists of Lay Members appointed by the Conference and submitted by the various Presbyteries, subject to such changes as shall be presented in writing to the Executive Secretary’s desk by May 15, signed by the Chairperson or Secretary of the Presbyteries concerned, be the Roll of lay members; and that the Roll as thus constituted be now taken as read and further that the Roll be adjusted between now and the convening of the 2012 Annual Meeting of Conference to delete all members of the Order of Ministry who will be transferred out of the Conference, other Ministry Personnel whose appointments end, and all Lay Members who may move out of the Conference or remove their membership from The United Church of Canada, and to add all members of the Order of Ministry who may be transferred into the Conference.” RE QUORUM AND BOUNDS “That the quorum be as indicated in Section 001 of The Manual; “in any meeting of a Conference, or the General Council, not less than one-fifth (1/5) of those entitled to vote, of whom at least one-third (1/3) shall be members of the Order of Ministry or Designated Lay Ministers, and at least one-third (1/3) shall be lay persons except those appointed as Designated Lay Ministers;” and that the bounds of annual meeting of Maritime Conference be the floor of the place of meeting.” RE CORRESPONDING MEMBERS “That members of other Conferences of The United Church of Canada who are now present, or who will be present at any subsequent sessions of this meeting of Conference; the Candidates for Ordination at this meeting of Conference not serving pastoral charges; the active and retired Lay Overseas Personnel; ecumenical delegates and observers; The President of the Atlantic School of Theology (or their designate) and the Executive Director of the Tatamagouche Center (or their designate) and any other visitors to the Conference sessions; be invited to sit as Corresponding Members of this Court.” RE AGENDA “That the programme as printed and distributed be adopted as the Agenda for this meeting of Conference, subject to such changes as may be adopted and such Orders of the Day as may be determined, by the Conference.” RE MINUTES “That the Minutes of the eighty-sixth Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference (Pages 141-180, Record of Proceedings) be adopted as printed and circulated.” RE REPORTS “That all reports in this Section 1 of the Reports to the Annual Meeting Conference Book which do not require other action be received for information.” (Reports coming to this annual meeting for action are Finance and Property, Ministry Personnel & Education and Nominating.) RE RULES OF DEBATE “That the initial time allocated for the mover to address the motion be limited to three minutes and that all subsequent speakers limit their time to two minutes, including any reply by the mover of the motion.” Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 15
MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: DAVID ATWOOD
FOR OFFICE OF: PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE
ADDRESS: 3 WELLINGTON PARK, ST GEORGE, BERMUDA GE02
PRESBYTERY: BERMUDA SYNOD
PROFESSION: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, DIRECTOR OF E-GOVERNMENT, BERMUDA GOVERNMENT
EDUCATION: HND COMPUTER STUDIES
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH:
1) LOCAL CHURCH(S) EBENEZER :FORMER SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER, CHAIR OF SPIRITUAL INTERESTS, CHAIR OF JNAC, CURRENT: SECRETARY OF TRUSTEES, LAY PREACHER AND MEMBER OF OFFICIAL BOARD, DRUMMER IN PRAISE BAND.
2) PRESBYTERY(S) CHAIR OF SYNOD 2010 - PRESENT, CO-AUTHOR OF THE BERMUDA WESLEYAN METHODIST APOLOGY FOR PAST RACIAL INJUSTICE IN THE CHURCH, DELIVERED TO THE PUBLIC IN NOVEMBER 2011 AND TO THE PREMIER OF BERMUDA IN MARCH 2012.
3) CONFERENCE(S) MEMBER OF MARITIME CONFERENCE WEBSITE COMMITTEE, 2011; COMMISSIONER TO THE UCC 40TH GENERAL COUNCIL.
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: FACILITATOR AT 2011 BERMUDA CONFERENCE ON AGING, TECHNICAL ADVISOR TO BERMUDA’S CENTER OF PHILANTHROPY
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE: LED STUDY OF “GENESIS - A LIVING CONVERSATION” WITH JEWISH, ISLAMIC AND CHRISTIAN REPRESENTATIVES, FACILITATED “SYNTHESYS” WORKSHOP ON RACISM IN THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH.
INTERESTS: ECUMENICISM AND INTER FAITH DIALOGUE, MIDDLE EASTERN FRAME DRUMMING AND READING FINNEGAN'S WAKE.
NOTE: PRESBYTERY VISITS ARE FEASIBLE AS WE HAVE ACCOMMODATION IN HALIFAX AND I AM ABLE WORK REMOTELY FROM THERE FOR PERIODS OF TIME.
DATE: MAY 21, 2012
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MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: MEGGIN KING
FOR OFFICE OF: PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE
ADDRESS: 14 CHURCH STREET, P.O. BOX 143, PUGWASH, NS BOK 1L0
PRESBYTERY: TRURO PRESBYTERY
PROFESSION: MINISTER
EDUCATION: B.A., LINGUISTICS, CARLTON UNIVERSITY, OTTAWA, ON, 1982 M.DIV., ATLANTIC SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, 2007 CPE BASIC LEVEL CERTIFICATION, 2005
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH: 1) LOCAL CHURCH(S) PUGWASH PASTORAL CHARGE, 2007-PRESENT. COMPRISED OF THREE POINTS: WESLEY-ST. MATTHEW’S, PUGWASH; CALVARY UNITED, PORT HOWE; AND PUGWASH RIVER UNITED, PUGWASH RIVER.
2) PRESBYTERY(S) SERVED AS: CHAIR OF TRURO PRESBYTERY, 2010-PRESENT; ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION AND STUDENTS’ COMMITTEE, 2007- PRESENT; CHAIR OF EDUCATION AND STUDENTS’ COMMITTEE, 2008-2010.
3) CONFERENCE(S) SERVED AS: CHAIR OF THE LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS’ COMMITTEE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE, MARITIME CONFERENCE, 2007-2010.
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: PLAN AND LEAD ‘KIRKIN’ OF THE TARTAN’ SERVICE AT THE ANNUAL ‘GATHERING OF THE CLANS’ CELEBRATION IN PUGWASH; LEAD WORSHIP ONCE A MONTH AT THE SUNSET RESIDENTIAL FACILITY IN PUGWASH; LEAD WORSHIP ON ROTATION AT THE EAST CUMBERLAND LODGE IN PUGWASH; MEMBER OF OUR LOCAL ECUMENICAL GROUP; MEMBER OF THE 'FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY’ COMMITTEE IN PUGWASH.
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE: SERVED AS MEMBER OF THE PINE HILL BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 2007 TO PRESENT. CHAIR OF THE PINE HILL BURSARY COMMITTEE, 2008-2011; VICE-CHAIR, PINE HILL BOARD OF GOVERNORS, 2011-PRESENT. ALSO SERVING ON THE CONFERENCE TASK GROUP IN CONVERSATION WITH TATAMAGOUCHE CENTRE. PARTICIPANT IN AN ONGOING ONLINE DIALOGUE OF CHRISTIAN/BUDDHIST UNDERSTANDINGS, WITH A BUDDHIST COLLEAGUE.
DATE: APRIL 19, 2012
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 17
MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: ANDREW O’NEILL
FOR OFFICE OF: PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE
ADDRESS: 49 SHAW STREET, LOWER COVERDALE, NB E1J1E6
PRESBYTERY: CHIGNECTO
PROFESSION: ORDAINED MINISTRY
EDUCATION: BA (DALHOUSIE); MDIV (EMMANUEL COLLEGE); MTH (EDINBURGH); PHD (EDINBURGH)
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH: 1) LOCAL CHURCH(S) GREW UP AT WOODLAWN UNITED, DARTMOUTH, NS ASSISTANT MINISTER, ST GILES CATHEDRAL (EDINBURGH), 2004-2006 SETTLED IN OAK BAY (ST CROIX), 2007-2011 CALLED TO ST PAUL'S (CHIGNECTO), 2012
2) PRESBYTERY(S) CHAIR OF ST CROIX PRESBYTERY (2010-11); CHAIR OF PASTORAL OVERSIGHT ST CROIX PRESBYTERY (2007- 2011)
3) CONFERENCE(S) FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE (2007- 2011); PINE HILL BOARD OF GOVERNORS (2008-PRESENT); PINE HILL FINANCE/INVESTMENT COMMITTEE (2008-PRESENT); BERWICK CAMP YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR (2009-2011); ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE (2010); CONF EXEC REP (2010-2011); ABORIGINAL WORKING GROUP (2011-PRESENT); CHAPLAIN, MAR CONF UNITED CHURCH MEN'S RALLY (2012)
4) GENERAL COUNCIL ANGLICAN-UNITED DIALOGUE (2008-PRESENT, CURRENT UCC CO-CHAIR); COMMISSIONER (2009-PRESENT)
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: SESSIONAL INSTRUCTOR FOR AST DISTANCE EDUCATION PROGRAM
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE: PUBLICATIONS: TILLICH - A GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED (CONTINUUM, 2008) T HREE WAYS OF GRACE, CONTRIBUTOR (UCPH, 2010)
HUSBAND TO JENNY, FATHER TO JONATHAN AND “BABY O”, DUE TO ARRIVE IN SEPT. LOVES RUSSIAN CHORAL MUSIC, FRESHLY CUT PINE, AND PEANUT BUTTER ON HAMBURGERS. SERIOUSLY, YOU SHOULD TRY IT.
DATE: MAY 16, 2012
18 The United Church of Canada
MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: ROBERT BARTLETT
FOR OFFICE OF: GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE REP.
ADDRESS: 309 FULTON AVENUE, FREDERICTON, NB E3A 2B9
PRESBYTERY: WOOLASTOOK
PROFESSION: RETIRED HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER
EDUCATION: B.T. AND B.ED FROM UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH:
1) LOCAL CHURCH(S) PRESENTLY CHOIR MEMBER, M & P COMMITTEE, LAY SUPPLY, SPECIAL PROJECTS IE. TABLE-FOR-TWO, WEEKLY PRAYER BREAKFAST, REP. ON UNB CHAPLANCY COMMITTEE, MEN'S SUPPER PRE. GROUP IN THE PAST HAVE SERVED ON PASTORAL CARE, WORSHIP, FINANCE COMMITTEES, TAUGHT SUNDAY SCHOOL, THREE SEARCH COMMITTEES.
2) PRESBYTERY(S) LAY SUPPLY
3) CONFERENCE(S) PRESIDENT, UCM SINCE 2004, CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE (2004 TO PRESENT) AND SUB- EXECUTIVE, UC REP. ON CAMP WEGESEGUM
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: RETIRED TEACHERS SCHOLARSHIP TREASURER
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE:
DATE: MAY 18, 2012
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 19
MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: PAULINE WALKER
FOR OFFICE OF: GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE REP.
ADDRESS: 26072 HWY 2, RR#2, SUMMERSIDE, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND C1N 4J8
PRESBYTERY: PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
PROFESSION: RETIRED SCHOOL TEACHER
EDUCATION: BA, B.ED PLUS A DIPLOMA IN SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH: 1) LOCAL CHURCH(S) SINCE 1966 HAVE BEEN A MEMBER OF NORTH BEDEQUE UNITED CHURCH. HAVE SERVED SEVERAL COMMITTEES INCLUDING CHAIRING THE OFFICIAL BOARD. I AM PRESENTLY A MEMBER OF THE SESSION. I HAVE BEEN A CHOIR MEMBER AND A UCW MEMBER FOR MOST OF THOSE YEARS. HAVE ALSO BEEN ENGAGED IN THE MANY ASPECTS OF FUND RAISING FOR OUR CHURCH.
2) PRESBYTERY(S) I FIRST BECAME A MEMBER OF PEI PRESBYTERY IN 1993. I HAVE SERVED ON PASTORAL RELATIONS, NOMINATIONS, THE CHURCH EXTENSION BOARD AND AM PRESENTLY JUST FINISHING MY TERM ON EDUCATION AND STUDENTS. THE HIGHLIGHT OF MY PRESBYTERY WORK WAS SERVING AS CHAIR FROM 2003 UNTIL 2005.
3) CONFERENCE(S) I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING MARITIME CONFERENCE SINCE 1994 AND HAVE SERVED AS A TELLER FOR MOST OF THOSE YEARS. FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS I HAVE WORKED ON THE NEW DELEGATES PROGRAM WHICH I FOUND TO BE VERY REWARDING. I HAVE SERVED ON ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING, NOMINATIONS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES . I AM PRESENTLY SERVING ON THE FINANCE AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE FOR THE CONFERENCE.
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: IN MY COMMUNITY OF TRAVELLER’S REST I HAVE WORKED WITH THE WOMEN’S INSTITUTE AND ITS MANY PROJECTS. FOR MANY OF THOSE YEARS I HAVE EITHER BEEN THE PRESIDENT OR THE SECRETARY. I ASSISTED WITH THE CANADA DAY CEREMONIES PLUS HELPED PLAN THE REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES AT OUR LOCAL CENOTAPH.
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE: THE UNITED CHURCH IS AND ALWAYS HAS BEEN A FOCAL POINT IN THE LIVES OF OUR FAMILY. I AM WILLING AND ABLE TO GIVE MY TIME AND ENERGY TO THIS POSITION.
DATE: MAY 17, 2012 20 The United Church of Canada
MARITIME CONFERENCE NOMINATION BIOGRAPHICAL SHEET
NAME OF NOMINEE: JOYCE WYLIE
FOR OFFICE OF: GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE REP.
ADDRESS: 69 APPIAN WAY, DARTMOUTH, NS
PRESBYTERY: HALIFAX
PROFESSION: HOMEMAKER
EDUCATION: B.SC. (CHEM)
SERVICE IN THE CHURCH:
4) LOCAL CHURCH(S) I SERVED AS AN ELDER AT MY HOME CONGREGATION OF ST. JAMES, DARTMOUTH FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS; WAS A MEMBER OF THE OFFICIAL BOARD; CURRENTLY CHAIR THE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE; AND AM A CONGREGATIONAL MEMBER ON ST. JAMES JNAC.
5) PRESBYTERY(S) LAY REPRESENTATIVE FROM ST. JAMES, DARTMOUTH; SECRETARY OF E & S COMMITTEE FOR 4 YEARS; CHAIRED E & S FOR 4 YEARS; CHAIRED HALIFAX PRESBYTERY FOR 2 YEARS; CURRENTLY CHAIR BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARTHUR KIDSTON MEMORIAL CAMP; MEMBER OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE.
6) CONFERENCE(S) SECRETARY RESOURCE POOL FOR 2 YEARS; MEMBER OF ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR 4 YEARS; E & S COMMITTEE FOR 4 YEARS; EXECUTIVE FOR 2 YEARS (PRESBYTERY CHAIR).
SPECIAL COMMUNITY SERVICES: FOR MANY YEARS I HAVE BEEN A BEAVER LEADER AND A VOLUNTEER AT THE LDS FAMILY HISTORY CENTRE ASSISTING PATRONS DISCOVER THEIR FAMILY ROOTS.
OTHER INFORMATION WHICH YOU FEEL IS RELEVANT TO THE CONFERENCE: I EXPECT BEING ON THE GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE WILL BE CHALLENGING AND REWARDING AND OFFER MY TALENTS AND TIME TO THE CHURCH FOR THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK.
DATE: MAY 18, 2012 Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 21
THEME PLANNING
What’s Left? Last year at our Annual Meeting we explored the theme From Now On. We looked at who we once were as a church. And we spoke of lament for what had been and was no more: the “grand glory days” of full pews and Sunday schools bursting at the seams. We shifted to an examination of where we are now, and what the future might hold for us. And this is where we enter the story again at this year’s Annual Meeting. What does the future hold for us?
In this world where Christianity is no longer the metanarrative, where churches are experiencing dwindling attendance and dwindling finances, when we face, honestly, all that has changed, and look at ourselves, we begin to ask: Well, what’s left? Who are we, here and now? What are we to hang onto? What is our pearl of great worth? What can we look forward to? What do we need to let go of, in order to live into God’s dream for us?
We are delighted to tell you that our Maritime Conference will be exploring these questions in wondrous company: with the Very Rev. David Giuliano. David comes to us from St John’s United Church in Marathon, Ontario, and brings a wealth of experience with him as past Moderator of the UCC, partner to Pearl, father of 2 and as, in his own words "a descendant of deeply faithful Southern Ontario Quakers, born-again Baptists, and Italian-American immigrant Catholics."
Through David’s theme presentations, our holy scriptures, our own stories of recognition, struggle and transformation; through prayer and music and laughter and silence, we will engage the questions: Who are we now – and what are we going to do with what has become of us?
Kelly Burke Chair, Worship Team: AMPC
22 The United Church of Canada
COMMITTEE REPORTS
ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE
There is a time....so the familiar scripture from Ecclesiastes reminds us.
Each spring we come together to meet as the Maritime Conference; a time when important things happen in the life of the church. According to the manual, (section 400) we are required to meet at least every three years. Our reason for meeting is to receive appeals and proposals, to deal with matters referred by the General Council, to receive a report from the UCW, and to have oversight of the religious life of the church within our jurisdiction. All those things are included in the agenda, but we meet for so many other reasons.
It is a time for honouring retirees and welcoming new ministers both formally and informally, a time when those who have worked on our behalf bring accountability reports, a time for visioning and for planning, a time for reflection and a time for inspiration, a time for singing and a time for visiting. This year there will also be a time for dancing! In many ways the annual meeting of the Maritime Conference is like a family reunion, with hugs and kisses, with groans and unreasonable outbursts. It invites good behaviour and accepts imperfection. Having served on the planning committee in various different capacities for more than a dozen years, I have to say the meeting of Maritime Conference is a part of the rhythm of our church year, both necessary and fulfilling.
This year will be no different. By the look of the draft agenda, we will be busy. Our conference has the honour of receiving wisdom from the Very Reverend David Giuliano, as he addresses the court with presentations based on the theme, “What’s Left?”
The worship team has organized the services around the words: What’s Left: Light, Oil, Stones, Baskets and will help us reconnect with the abundance with which we live as people of faith.
We’ll get the chance to visit our new conference office and archives center and explore possible ways of supporting that necessary project.
We’ll sing with the capable leadership of Lloyd MacLean and his family. This year Lloyd and Gwen’s daughter Kate will be part of the team.
We’ll gather for Morning Prayer at the chapel, and be introduced to our president elect, Phil Kennedy, as he leads worship in the early hour.
But mostly, we’ll come eager for renewal. That happens in mysterious and surprising ways, but it happens. Most of us wouldn’t miss the annual meeting. We value it for all or none of the reasons I’ve reported, but we know it is important.
Read the reports, come informed, and be a part of the fibre of our church in this context of Maritime Conference.
Rev. Donna Tourneur, Chair AMPC Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 23
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them know to your children and your children's children. Deuteronomy 4: 9
The Archives Committee of Maritime Conference continues to keep faith with the scriptural directive to remember and preserve the past to establish a firm foundation for present work and a heritage for days ahead.
Yet the year 2011 found committee members and our archivist Sarah Wallace paying an inordinate amount of attention to the immediate future. With the wider conference, we are eagerly anticipating completion in the summer of 2012 of the new Maritime Conference Centre and Archives in Sackville, NB.
After several decades of cramped quarters in the lower level of the former York Street property it will be refreshing to have adequate and climate controlled storage space for our material and comfortable space to work with that material.
In 2011 the archives committee continued its practice of meeting in the spring and fall to hear updates on Sarah’s work in temporary space and to receive other reports on archival activities regionally and nationally. Presbytery minutes were examined at the annual meeting in May and this will be done again in 2012.
As chair of the committee, I thank all members for their faithful attendance and attention to the work. We are grateful that retired archivist Judith Colwell is willing to offer advice and support to Sarah Wallace whose skills are especially appreciated in this time of transition. We look forward to welcoming new members in 2012.
The building of the new facility has not been without controversy. The committee welcomes all conversation as an opportunity to foster appreciation for the archives’ role in the life of Maritime Conference.
Respectfully submitted Rev Stephen Mills Chair
Report of the Archivist 2012
“The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlasts it.” William James, 1842-1910
I began my position as Conference Archivist in September and have really enjoyed the job thus far. In the past few months, I have been learning the ropes so to speak and becoming acquainted with the many records we hold at the Archives. I am grateful to Judith Colwell, my predecessor, and the members of the Archives Committee for their assistance during this transition period. 24 The United Church of Canada
Much time has been spent answering inquiries from pastoral charges, the Conference Office, Presbyteries, and academic and genealogical researchers. In 2011, the Archives received 234 telephone calls for information and responded to 240 written requests for assistance. A smaller number of researchers came into the Archives this year than last year.
In 2011, the Archives received 55 accession lots of records plus annual reports from 22 Pastoral Charges. Accessions of note were the continuing papers of Rev. Lewis Murray, including some papers from his father-in-law, Rev. C.J. Crowdis. The Conference Office has transferred more records than usual due to the conference staff and the archivist all being in the same room in our temporary quarters. Many records were also transferred to the Archives from Humphrey Memorial, Moncton.
Judith visited Trinity United in Charlottetown to help determine which records can be sent to the Archives after we are move into the new building. She also visited Wesley Memorial to help the congregation determine which records would be sent to the Archives when the church closed. I look forward to receiving these records once the new building is open.
While the new Conference Office and Archives is being constructed, the archival records had to go into temporary storage. I will not have access to the majority of our archival records until we are moved into the new building. The ability to answer research requests has been somewhat limited while we are in temporary quarters as the only records at my availability are the records that have been microfilmed. I thank everyone for their patience during this time. It is expected that the Archives will be ready for on-site researchers by September 2012. The Archives will once again be able to receive accessions of records from pastoral charges and Presbyteries once we are situated in the new quarters.
I have enjoyed learning about the continuing story of the Maritime Conference as well as meeting ministers, presbytery officers, and congregation members who make up the Maritime Conference. I am looking forward to what the coming year will hold.
Sarah Wallace Archivist
CHRISTIAN LIFE AND GROWTH COMMITTEE
Biblical origins aside, I always associate the phrase “What’s Left?” with packing a moving van or a vehicle for a camping trip. Those activities are usually team efforts. A few are organizing stuff inside, many are ferrying things from house to van, while one or two are outside arranging, manipulating, stowing and securing. There always comes a point when the packers come into the house, look around, and ask “O.K. What’s Left?” Is there anything small left to fill the inevitable holes before they’re blocked off? What big items still need to go on? Are we in danger of leaving something essential behind? What are we going to need when we first arrive – is it somewhere we can get at it or inaccessible? In our shared faith journey as, and in, Maritime Conference the role of the Christian Life and Growth Committee feels much like that. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 25
From time to time decisions are made that something no longer serves a purpose and that we do not need to take it with us. Sometimes that decision brings a sense of relief other times feelings of regret, often both.
The past year has been characterized by initiatives and innovations.
For the past three years the fall committee meeting has been held at the Tatamagouche Centre in conjunction with Church in Action and Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology. For the first time last fall we invited the chairs/convenors of Presbytery CLG committees to join us at this event. Not all were able to come; but, for the committee and those who were able to attend it was a very worthwhile experience. We will extend that invitation again this year – October 19 and 20.
The committee has also worked in closer collaboration with the Tatamagouche Centre over the past year than it has for some time. We look forward to further strengthening those ties.
While Computer Use and Education (CUE) is front and centre at the Annual Meeting much of its work throughout the year though is behind the scenes – input, advice, and monitoring the development of the new Conference Website was a prime piece of work in 2011-2012. You can see the results for yourselves.
Outdoor Recreational Ministry (ORM) continues to encourage, support, and develop camping throughout the Conference. Each year they continually develop, refine, and offer training to camp staff and boards. We celebrate with them their successful hosting of the National camping gathering last fall at Camp Abegweit.
This year’s initiative seeks to address the issue of the music used at our camps. The ‘44 copies of More Voices at every camp’ campaign is part of that. To all of you who’ll bring your ‘one copy donation’ to the Annual Meeting, our thanks.
We’re beginning to notice a trend for parents to choose ‘specialized’ camps (arts, sport skills) over the ‘generalized’ camp experience we’ve traditionally offered. For many of those specialized camps infrastructure and maintenance – both big ticket items – aren’t there. Most are non-residential and, again, parent preferences may well be tending in that direction. Whatever the future holds for United Church Camps ORM will be there.
Children Youth and Young Adults (CYAYA) have initiated the formation of a Conference Youth Ministry Network -- its purpose to inspire, to train, to offer peer support, to foster connections. Godly Play continues to make inroads into the Conference providing us with pathways for instilling and deepening the faith of all ages. The numbers of those who have received Godly Play training at various levels continues to grow. We are grateful for those who have made the investment to become accredited trainers. We are eagerly anticipating the visit of Rebecca Nye in November. Information on the Youth Ministry Network and Rebecca’s visit can be found on the Conference website.
26 The United Church of Canada
CYAYA also initiated a new registration process for Intermediates at Conference (IaC) and Conference Youth Forum (YF).
AVEL is no stranger to change or innovation. The closure of Sackville United Church meant an unanticipated move from there to the temporary conference office. We thank Marilyn Burrell, AVEL staff, for the grace she brought to this time of dislocation and relocation. We are all affected by technological change, AVEL especially. The collection has largely moved from VHS to DVD. As DVDs drop in price and AVEL shipping costs rise we know that many AVEL users are beginning to weigh direct purchase over against AVEL borrowing. In a world of podcasts, YouTube, on-line seminars AVEL’s role is continually evolving. The desire to serve remains constant.
This has also been a year of transition for me – from committee member to chair. I want to thank the committee and working group members, IaC and YF registrars, and Conference support staff for smoothing the road – pot holes, dips and bumps encountered on the journey were mine. Last deep thanks to Janice MacLean for her clarity of vision, active conscience, deep conviction, ongoing commitment, and charity of spirit.
Nigel Weaver, Chair
CHURCH IN ACTION COMMITTEE
The work of the Church in Action Committee is accomplished through local Presbytery and Congregational Church in Action Committees and through Conference based Working Groups.
The following Working Groups have been active this past year: The Aboriginal Working Group, Access to Justice Working Group, Children and Youth Crisis Working Group, Environmental Working Group, Mining Concerns Working Group, Mission Interpretation Working Group, Refugees Working Group. At our meeting in October we empowered a new working group Just Peace for Israel and Palestine.
Highlights of our work have been:
The Aboriginal Working Group
The Aboriginal Working Group continued to be a dynamic group this past year, with much happening between meetings and with the rewarding growth of partnerships. Some highlights:
• Support for and partnership with the Maliseet nation as they planned and held their water ceremony on the Lieutenant Governor’s grounds in Fredericton. Besides a very moving ceremony led by aboriginal women, this event brought together many parties concerned about hydro-fracking. • Participation in yet another Peace and Friendship Gathering at the Tatamagouche Centre. • Continuing to function as a ‘home group’ of the United Church’s Living into Right Relations initiative. This was an particularly important year for this work as the TRC held Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 27
its one National Event for the Atlantic region in Halifax in October. There was strong support and presence on the part of UCC members and congregations. Some United Church members were brought into key organizational and volunteer roles through the LIRR network. • A gathering in Sackville in March of the Working Group along with the Aboriginal Rights Coalition and environmental groups. One of the key topics of discussion was our invitation to support and participate in the gathering of the Wabanaki Confederacy this coming August/September.
Access to Justice Working Group
We have expanded the Coalition originally formed with organizations such as churches and various helping and advocacy agencies in Fredericton, to include representatives from Moncton, Miramichi, St. John and Caraquet. Representatives attended a successful meeting with the NB Minister of Justice on August 31st. There were seven issues for the meeting and the top priority was to press for an ongoing consultation process with the government, given the complexity and variety of access to Justice shortfalls. The Minister invited a proposal on how this consultation might work and we delivered the proposal on December 3rd. We also spent time with a Family Court Services representative, confirming and learning more about the new services on Family Law provided by the Department of Justice, including the pilot Family court in St John. The Working Group was assigned 3 Pro Bono Law students to work 3-5 hours/week on projects we set up. One project involved their participation in a networking meeting with Miramichi Presbytery reps, Fredericton reps and Caraquet Comité des 12 reps, held in the Miramichi. Another project initiated by the Working group following our meeting with the Minister was the Access to Justice Public Forum “Moving Beyond Ability to Pay”, and held on February 24th at Wilmot Church, Fredericton. It was successful beyond expectations – with 14 exhibitors and 107+ participants from across the province and various professions and backgrounds. The stimulating Keynote address was given by Donna Franey, Executive Director of Dalhousie’s Schulitz School of Law’s Legal Aid Clinic, on the topic “Sustainability: Diversity in Delivering Legal Services”. Four Workshops were well attended and supported by invited experts on: Restorative Justice, Access to Benefits, Access to Family Law and Access to Interdisciplinary Law. More description of the Forum and our successful year is available on the website: http://www.marconf.ca/pdf/AccesstoJusticeUpdateApr2011.pdf
Children and Youth in Crisis Working Group
• On September 13, 2011, two members of the Working Group were invited to witness to the Nova Scotia Standing Committee on Community Services. The meeting focused on issues that children in care face and how 4 specific legislative changes could improve outcomes for these children. The meeting is available at (http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/committees/committee_hansard/C6/cs_2011sep13) • In the attempts to further our work through advocacy, education and service, the chair of the working group, Delores Feltmate, has been appointed by the Minister of Community Services of Nova Scotia to the Minister’s advisory committee on the Children and Family Services Act. 28 The United Church of Canada
• Members of our group have continued to educate the public on issues facing children in care. There have been many speaking engagements with community groups, church groups and service organizations. The connections we have made and the resulting support we have received from the Children’s Rights Centre and the Association for Safer Communities have been particularly notable.
Environmental Working Group
• During the winter (2011-12) educational and ethical background information was sent to all churches/clergy re the action of Maritime Conference (May 2011) to ‘Limit the Destructive impacts of the Alberta Tar Sands’. • A proposal is being brought to the floor of Maritime Conference (May 2012) ‘Calling for a Moratorium on On-Shore Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane Development’ that is based on United Church ethical principles spelled out in its policy, “Energy in the One Earth Community”. Group members will lead a Focus Group at the Conference AGM re Hydraulic Fracturing known as Fracking. • Work is moving forward for the healing of Boat Harbour and surrounding area in solidarity with the Pictou County Watershed Coalition, people from the affected communities and resource people willing to work together under the direction of the affected communities. We are working for real action on the decades of pollution of Boat Harbour and surrounding area.
Just Peace for Israel - Palestine Working Group
Efforts to reach peace in Palestine and Israel have historically been of central importance in the United Church. True and lasting peace can only be built on a foundation of justice for all concerned. Churches working towards that end seek to listen to and work alongside longstanding partnerships with Christians and Muslim and Jewish organizations in Israel and Palestine. The 40th General Council recommended that the United Church conferences, Presbyteries, congregation and community ministries enter into dialogue, study and prayer, and then take appropriate action toward ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. With this in mind a new Working Group was empowered to engage churches within the Conference in study, prayer and action for a just peace. • Several group members have been to Israel-Palestine and are available to speak to churches and presbyteries about their experience and concerns re peace with justice. • Two ecumenical resources are available and are being promoted for churches to use as study guides on this timely issue: “Steadfast Hope” and “A Moment of Truth: Kairos Palestine”. • Several churches and one presbytery have organized and held study groups using one or both of these study guides. • At Maritime Conference AGM we will join with churches around the world as we include prayers and other resources from the World Council of Churches’ “World Week Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 29
for Peace in Palestine and Israel” which is the same week as our Conference meeting. Group members will also lead a Focus Group ‘Just Peace for Israel-Palestine’.
Mission Interpretation Working Group
The Maritimes was privileged to host Karen and Bill Butt, United Church overseas personnel serving in Mozambique. They visited a number of presbyteries and congregations in the Maritimes.
Mining Concerns Working Group
The Mining Concerns Working group has been active this past year in attempting to clarify the relationship between the United Church Pension Fund and investments held in the Goldcorp mining company. Again this year we were represented at the Goldcorp annual meeting. The working group sponsored a workshop On Investment or Divestment at Tatamagouche Centre. The workshop highlighted the justice issues associated with mining investment, as well, the presentations on the situation existing in the Middle East with the occupation of Palestine by Israel was examined. We were represented at an International Mining Conference held in Toronto and sponsored a representative to travel with a delegation to the Philippines to examine the situation with mining there. The culmination of our investigations and study this year has been to recommend through Maritime Conference AGM to the upcoming General Council that the United Church Pension Fund divest from Goldcorp.
Refugee Working Group
• There is general alarm being voiced over Bill C31 tabled in February by Minister of Immigration Jason Kenney. This bill is opposed by the CCR (Canadian Council for Refugees), Amnesty International, CARL (Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers) and the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. The proposed legislation is widely seen as a major step backwards and would give the minister wide powers to “hand pick” immigrants, would allow for the removal of persons previously granted permanent residence status and condone such practices as mandatory detention. Members of the United Church of Canada are asked to take action for the fair and just treatment of refugees by urging Minister Kenney to amend or withdraw Bill C31 (see the UCC General Council website under “social justice”). • The case of Altin Begolli, the Albanian man who was in sanctuary in Halifax for two years and who is presently residing in Mexico, is moving very fast (finally). Financial support for Altin is still required to assist him and his wife and two children from Albania to resettle in Canada. A great big thanks to all those congregations and individuals who have helped Altin to date! He is most grateful!
Submitted on behalf of all members of the Church in Action Committee by: Jim Wicks (Chair)
30 The United Church of Canada
FINANCIAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE
Greetings to the Conference as we share a brief outline of the work of the Financial Support Committee for 2011. The members who have served on our committee this year are as follows: Henry Ellsworth (secretary), Harley Grimmer, Bob Fisher, Barbara Greenlaw, Ross MacIntosh, Marilyn Magee, Fred Gamble, and Phyllis Munroe. Not to be missed is the Bequest Review Committee which consists of Gordon MacGregor and Frank Chisholm who work hard behind the scenes.
We have sought to be as helpful as possible to very special ministries in our Conference, that have reached out to us for guidance and financial support, and this year we have been able to respond to the requests forwarded to us. The Committee was pleased to be able to offer Mission Support grants to 5 additional ministries requesting funding for the first time for 2012.
We would encourage Presbytery Financial committees to make sure that the Financial Support guidelines in our handbooks are followed very closely, as it can save time, energy, money, and your frustration, when we do not have to send applications back to the ministries requesting support, because specific and necessary information has not been included for this committee’s decision making process. Perhaps the motto should be “Check twice or more and mail only once”. This past year 2011 we distributed a total of $ 301,487 to the following ministries through Mission Support Grants from the Mission and Service Fund:
Chignecto Presbytery $8,500 Concilio (formerly Christian Council for Reconciliation) $2,986 Petitcodiac Pastoral Charge (moving assistance grant)
Halifax Presbytery $55,000 Brunswick Street Mission $5,000 Coverdale Centre (Halifax) $10,500 Fairview Parent 'N' Tot $10,265 St. Andrew’s GO Project $5,000 St. John’s United $16,000 St. Paul's Family Resources Institute $9,700 Dalhousie University Campus Ministry
Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery $2,000 Eastern Guysborough Breakfast Program - Chedabucto Academy
Saint John Presbytery $15,200 Centenary Queen Square Day Care Centres $5,000 Coverdale Centre
Truro Presbytery $10,000 Tatamagouche Centre - Aboriginal Peace & Friendship Project $5,000 Maritimes - Guatemala Breaking the Silence Project
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 31
Valley Presbytery $10,000 Rivers of Grace Pastoral Charge
Woolastook Presbytery $8,000 Fredericton Council of Ministry on Campus - UNB
Conference Ministry $123,336 Hospital Chaplaincy
We also administer the Capital Assistance Grants for the conference, and in 2011 the total amount of grants distributed was $91,348.56. This amount includes: Camp grants $6,500; Church Modernization grants $63,518; Manse Modernization grants $6,900; Technology grants $10,430.56; Capital Assistance Loans $101,151.
Congregational Learning Grants are distributed through our committee as well. In 2011 a total of $11,129.11 was granted to individuals for learning opportunities.
Maritime Conference Bequest funds were also designated to a variety of ministry initiatives including youth ministries and training programs in 2011. The total distributed was $26,465.
Thanks is extended to all the members of the committee who have served this year, and we wish Bob Fisher, whose term with us is finished, all the best in his continuing adventures, wherever he may serve.
Appreciation and thanks is also extended to Office Staff Person, Marlene Trenholm, whose dedication keeps us well documented and on track, and to Conference Staff Support, Laura Hunter, who is our cheerful, navigator and encourager.
Good wishes and Blessing to one and all as we continue our ministry together.
Respectfully submitted, Jeffro Bursey, Chairperson
FINANCE AND PROPERTY COMMITTEE
The Finance and Property Unit physically met on two occasions during the past Conference year. Once to discuss work that came before the Committee: Hospital Chaplaincy; Job Description of Conference Treasurer; Meeting Accommodations Expenses; Conference Centre Construction; Financial Campaign and Sale of United Church Properties. The second meeting was to address the proposed 2013 budget.
This year, as in past years, the format for our budget meeting consisted of the Finance and Property Unit meeting to review the requests in detail and hear the recommendations of Conference Executive. A conference call was then held with the Committee chairs or their 32 The United Church of Canada
representatives. This system has worked extremely well over the past number of years, so has continued.
Once again I would like to thank the committee chairs for their continued thoughtful deliberation and looking at the budget realistically and with great care. Our economy has not improved to the extent, where we were financially, a few short years ago.
From our 2012 meeting we bring forward the following recommendations:
1. That the proposed operating budget for the year 2013, with expenditures of $1,371,253.62 and with revenues other than allocations of $390,005.00 (subject to the final determination of the grant from The United Church of Canada) be approved. 2. That the allocations for 2013 to presbyteries/pastoral charges totaling $658,411.02 (subject to the final determination of the amount of the grant from The United Church of Canada) be approved, and the Treasurer be authorized to strike the allocations according to the formula established in previous years. This represents a 2% increase. 3. That the proposed capital expenditure for 2013 budget of $5,000.00 be approved. 4. That Grant Thornton, CA, Moncton, NB, be re-appointed as auditors of the Maritime Conference Fund for the year ending December 31, 2012.
The formula used in calculating the final allocations is as follows:
The calculations are based on the five moving averages of figures reported or to be reported in the Year Books 2007 to 2011. The figures used are in two groupings. One grouping is made up of church membership statistics: column 6 Financially supporting households; column 16 Number of members, less column 17, the number of non- resident members (which will give the number of local members); and column 18 Number of identifiable givers. The second grouping is based on column 40, the total costs, including salaries, of the charges.
Dean Lawrence Chairperson Finance and Property
Proposed Budget for 2013
2011 Actual 2012 Budget Requested Recommended Revenue $639,110.00 $645,501.00 Allocations to Presbyteries $0.00 $658,411.02 Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 33
Other Revenue Grants from The United Church of Canada, Mission and Service Fund $323,000.00 $327,755.00 For Salaries and Benefits $327,755.00 $327,755.00 Stewardship (equal to expenses under the category): $959.00 $0.00 Resource Pool Recoveries $750.00 $750.00 Earnings on Bequest Funds, Bone Bequest, retained for operations:
$7,541.89 $0.00 General Operations $0.00 $0.00 Interest on Term Deposits -$370.66 $0.00 and Bank Account $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $20,000.00 H.S.T. Rebate $20,000.00 $0.00
Events Receipts $23,651.00 $26,250.00 Youth Forum Registrations $27,150.00 $27,150.00 $89.00 $300.00 Youth Forum T-shirt sales $100.00 $100.00 $23,872.07 $20,000.00 Intermediates at Conference $25,000.00 $25,000.00 Other Income $930.51 $600.00 Archives Fees $600.00 $600.00 Archives–Proceeds of Church $3,302.30 $0.00 Sales $0.00 $0.00 $600.00 $0.00 Archives Rent $0.00 $0.00 $725.00 $750.00 Camp Stuff Registrations $700.00 $700.00 $4,200.00 $200.00 Directors Training $400.00 $400.00 $13,428.00 $500.00 CLG Project Income $500.00 $500.00 $738.00 $0.00 Online Courses $750.00 $750.00 $14,488.00 $0.00 CiA Project Income $0.00 $0.00 $1,500.00 $0.00 GET Project Income $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 MPE Grants $0.00 $1,000.00 $975.00 $1,200.00 Banquet Tickets $1,200.00 $1,200.00 $354.00 $2,000.00 Stewardship Event Income $0.00 $0.00 $619.97 $0.00 Conference Interview Board $0.00 $0.00 34 The United Church of Canada
$531.00 $0.00 CIES - Orientation Event $0.00 $0.00 Settlement Orientation- $861.27 $0.00 Newcomers Event $0.00 $0.00 $6,784.08 $6,400.00 Office Supply Recoveries $4,100.00 $4,100.00 $402,861.87 $0.00 Other Income $0.00 $0.00
$1,470,751.30 $1,051,456.00 Totals $409,005.00 $1,048,416.02
Expenses Conference Executive $14,573.10 $17,500.00 Meetings of Conf. Executive $17,000.00 $17,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 Task Groups $1,000.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 Commissioners’ Training $0.00 $0.00 $968.89 $100.00 Moderator’s Visits $100.00 $100.00 $370.39 $650.00 Camp Wegesegum $500.00 $500.00 $80.00 $200.00 Atlantic Ecumenical Council $100.00 $100.00 Chairs & Secretaries $3,994.73 $4,000.00 Gathering $4,000.00 $4,000.00 $546.05 $400.00 Ordination Costs $400.00 $400.00 $6,853.63 $4,000.00 Hospital Chaplaincy Cmte $0.00 $0.00 $1,119.36 $5,000.00 Conflict Resolution / Legal $5,000.00 $5,000.00 $451.09 $3,000.00 Incorp. Ministries Advisory $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $400.00 $0.00 Miscellaneous $0.00 $0.00 $482.16 $0.00 Personnel Emergency $0.00 $0.00 $6,586.16 $0.00 Conf Accommodations Cmte $0.00 $0.00 $27,710.59 $0.00 Financial Campaign $60,000.00 $60,000.00
$64,136.15 $40,850.00 Total Conference Executive $89,600.00 $89,600.00
Administration $5,962.04 $5,200.00 Officers’ Expenses $5,200.00 $5,200.00 $9,732.54 $8,500.00 Treasurer’s Honorarium $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 35
$19,039.08 $20,000.00 Auditors’ Fees $20,000.00 $20,000.00 $2,087.83 $4,000.00 Bank Charges $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $2,706.16 $0.00 Bad Debts Expense $0.00 $0.00
$39,527.65 $37,700.00 Total Administration $32,700.00 $32,700.00
Conference Office Temporary Location Rent / $12,138.87 $0.00 Office Furniture $0.00 $0.00 $87,450.43 $54,350.00 Office Operations $225,969.80 $205,153.62 $30,255.19 $28,250.00 Staff Travel $29,250.00 $29,250.00 $467,117.41 $510,000.00 Staff Salaries and Benefits $577,000.00 $577,000.00
$596,961.90 $592,600.00 Total Conference Office $832,219.80 $811,403.62
Standing Committees $115,029.89 $130,250.00 Annual Meeting Committee $130,950.00 $120,950.00 Christian Life and Growth $94,814.95 $75,950.00 Committee $66,300.00 $66,300.00 $29,494.20 $23,450.00 Church In Action Committee $23,450.00 $23,450.00 $1,026.32 $1,500.00 Nominating Committee $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $4,756.31 $14,350.00 Stewardship Committee $13,350.00 $8,850.00 Gospel, Ecumenism & $9,078.26 $3,700.00 Theology Committee $3,700.00 $2,500.00 $1,061.36 $5,550.00 Finance & Property $5,050.00 $2,000.00 $5,733.40 $7,100.00 Financial Support $7,100.00 $7,000.00 $61,079.40 $50,200.00 Archives $8,950.00 $7,200.00 Ministry Personnel & $29,696.79 $46,675.00 Education Committee $48,175.00 $37,850.00 $6,153.00 $10,750.00 Staff Committee $10,475.00 $8,450.00
$357,923.88 $369,475.00 Total Standing Committees $319,000.00 $286,050.00
Grants to Organizations and for Ministry Education Atlantic Christian Training $50,000.00 $50,000.000 Centre $50,000.00 $50,000.000
$50,000.00 $50,000.00 Total Others $50,000.00 $50,000.00 36 The United Church of Canada
$7,416.40 $12,575.00 Depreciation $101,500.00 $101,500.00
$1,115,965.98 $1,103,200.00 Total Expenses $1,425,019.80 $1,371,253.62 Excess of Revenue over Expenses (Expenses over $354,785.32 ($51,744.00) Revenue) ($1,016,014.80) ($322,837.60)
Capital Expenditures Furniture and Office $0.00 $500.00 Equipment $500.00 $500.00 Computer Hardware $0.00 $4,500.00 Upgrades $1,000.00 $1,000.00
$0.00 $5,000.00 Total $1,500.00 $1,500.00
BEQUEST FUNDS
Application Procedures and Guidelines
Maritime Conference has received several bequests over the years. The Conference Executive has designated that the Financial Support Committee will administer these funds. The procedures and guidelines outlined below are intended to maintain easy access to them from various groups, pastoral charges and individuals, while simplifying the review of the applications.
Guidelines:
Ó Applicants can be groups, congregations, pastoral charges, presbyteries, committees of conference, and individuals. Individuals are only able to apply for grants for educational purposes or due to financial distress for medical or other reasons. Ó After receiving presbytery approval, applications must be submitted to the Financial Support Committee. The committee meets 4 to 6 times per year and will review applications at the next meeting following receipt. Ó Applicants from groups, congregations, and pastoral charges must have their application reviewed and supported by their presbytery. Presbyteries are to ensure the application is completed in full. Individuals should send their applications directly to the Financial Support Committee. Applications submitted by Conference committees or staff must be reviewed and supported by an independent review group (hereafter referred to as Review Group) before they are forwarded to the Financial Support Unit. Ó Successful applicants must submit a report of the work carried out using these funds at the conclusion of the project.
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Application Process:
1. The applicant would complete an application and prepare all the necessary documents and obtain the agreement of the sponsoring body, e.g., official board, etc. The representative of the ministry or project would sign the application and send to the Presbytery Mission Support Convener or the Review Group. 2. The presbytery or Review Group would review the application to determine if it feels it is a worthy ministry/project and meets the guidelines for bequest funds. If the presbytery or Review Group feel more information is needed, they will be in touch with the applicant before endorsing it. The secretary of presbytery or representative of the Review Group would sign it and send it to the Maritime Conference Financial Support Committee. 3. The Financial Support Committee, will review the application using the terms of the bequest funds available to determine the amount of financial support and which of the funds will be used. 4. The Financial Support Committee will notify the contact person named on the application. If the application is successful, details on the transfer of funds will be arranged.
Criteria:
The bequests administered by the Financial Support Committee each have different criteria and therefore, it is sometimes difficult to match a request with a particular bequest. It is not important for applicants to identify the particular bequest to which they are applying or the criteria they feel they meet. The most important information needed is a complete application. The Financial Support Committee will match the application with the particular bequest depending upon the criteria of that bequest and the funds requested and available at the time. However, it may be instructive to know some of the criteria set out in the bequests themselves. They are:
1. For small United Churches in Nova Scotia 2. For religious and educational purposes in New Brunswick 3. For the support of needy (urban outreach) missions in Nova Scotia 4. For any purpose the Conference deems wise
The Financial Support Committee feels that although some funds can be used for any purpose, criteria are needed to prioritize the applications for the limited funds available. The criteria presently being used are:
1. Innovative or new programmes will be a higher priority than established programmes. 2. Programmes related to the work of the church will have a higher priority than capital projects. 3. Applicants would normally receive funds once. 4. Applicants would normally be expected to financially contribute to the programme for which funds are being requested 5. If other sources of funds are available for a programme, an explanation would need to accompany the application outlining why Bequest funds are being requested. 6. If an application is not completed in full, including the approval of presbytery or Review Group, then the application could be held to the next date.
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Applications are available from your Presbytery Mission Support Convener, Conference Office and also online at: http://www.marconf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Bequest-Fund-Application.pdf
Maritime Conference Office c/o Bequest Fund 21 Wright St. Sackville, NB E4L 4P8
(506) 536-1334 - Phone (506) 536-2900 - Fax Website: www.marconf.ca Email: [email protected]
Maritime Conference Updated May 10, 2012
MARITIME CONFERENCE BEQUEST FUNDS
1. Lillian Bone Bequest (1983)……………………… ………………$151,600.51 Amount expected to be available…………………… ……………… $81.00 “Invested in Real Estate” Nothing designated, but the Executive has assigned the income to building, furnishings, maintenance and improvements. The original action of the Executive stated that any unspent income in any year for the purposes just stated, shall be added to the income from other Bequests.
2. Edith MacPherson Bequest (1983)…………………………………... $5,000.00 Amount expected to be available………………………………………$2,681.00 *Nova Scotia only* **Interest from this fund to be used to assist small United Churches in Nova Scotia.
3. Guy R. King Bequest (1973)………………………………………... $75,330.71 Amount expected to be available……………………………………..$19,119.00 *Nova Scotia only* **Interest to be used for United Churches in Nova Scotia as the church may determine.
Recommended uses of income: • assist congregations in imaginative, experimental projects, especially in Christian Education and Outreach • assist ministers who suffer acute and unusual financial distress for medical and other reasons • assist Rural Congregations in meeting maintenance and improvement costs for Manses and Church Buildings • assist Summer Ministries in tourist areas • assist Smaller Congregations and charges in enabling their ministers to take advantage of the Church’s continuing education programme • assist Lay Persons in increasing their leadership potential Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 39
4. Annie V. King Bequest (1960)……………………………………… $23,000.00 Amount expected to be available…………………………………… $4,711.00 *Nova Scotia only* **Interest to be used for United Churches in Nova Scotia as the church may determine.
Recommended uses of income: • assist congregations in imaginative, experimental projects, especially in Christian Education and Outreach • assist Ministers who suffer acute and unusual financial distress for medical and other reasons • assist Students for the Ministry by way of increased bursaries over and above those available through Pine Hill • assist Camps for necessary capital expenditures • assist Ministers or Lay Persons to attend a school of Church Music
5. Agnes J. Ross Bequest (1973)………………………………………. $36,383.45 Amount expected to be available……………………………………… $7,058.00 *New Brunswick only* **For religious and educational purposes in the province of New Brunswick. Requisition should include a description of terms.
Recommended uses of income: • assist Ministers who suffer acute and unusual financial distress for medical or other reasons • assist Rural Congregations in meeting maintenance and improvement costs for manses and church buildings • assist Summer Ministries in tourist areas • assist Smaller Congregations and charges in enabling their ministers to take advantage of the church’s continuing education programme • assist lay persons in increasing their leadership potential
6. Metzler Bequest (1902)………………………………………………….$822.00 Amount expected to be available………………………………………..$476.00 *For the cause of Christ* **Unrestricted**
7. William A. Crawford (1935)………………………………………….$1,975.00 Amount expected to be available………………………………………. $642.00 *For any purpose the Conference deems wise* **Unrestricted**
8. J. Oscar Young (1967)……………………………………………….$39,000.00 Amount expected to be available……………………………………… $4,269.00 *Anywhere in Maritime Conference* **For some purposes to be determined by Maritime Conference for its benefit. **Unrestricted** 40 The United Church of Canada
Recommended uses of income: • assist congregations in imaginative, experimental projects, especially in Christian education and Outreach • assist Ministers who suffer acute and unusual financial distress for medical and other reasons • assist Ministers in post graduate studies for extended periods of a year or more
9. Jost Bequest (1984)…………………………………………………… $8,000.00 Amount expected to be available……………………………………..$12,269.00 *Nova Scotia only* **To support needy missions in Nova Scotia with no mission to receive aid, from these funds, after having been established ten years. Court Decision - waiting to make change in interpretation of “Mission.” Started in 1984, S/B “Urban Outreach Ministry” would meet term of Mission. Should not be restricted.
Applicants to submit to the chair of the Bequest Committee: • Name, mailing address and telephone number; • Name of contact person or individual applying if different from above; • Presbytery, Pastoral Charge, Church Committee and/or Group; • Reason for requesting Grant (Project, etc.); • Funds available and/or source of additional funding; • All other pertinent information which would assist in processing of Grant; • All innovative requests considered unless restriction applies.
Mail your application to the following address:
Maritime Conference Office c/o Bequest Fund 21 Wright St. Sackville, NB E4L 4P8
(506) 536-1334 - Phone (506) 536-2900 - Fax Website: www.marconf.ca
Email: [email protected]
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GOSPEL, ECUMENISM AND THEOLOGY COMMITTEE
And the weight of the world lifted off the GET Committee with the close of the Annual Meeting May 29, 2011. “From Now On” was the theme we had developed with the Annual Meeting Planning Committee to engage in dialogue about rural ministry.... and it certainly took us in many new directions. The exercise in Open Space Technology revealed passions and sparked dialogues, some of which has continued in new directions.
“From”: As past chairs Mark Hatfield and Jim MacDonald indicated in their report last year, we had “set aside all of our regular Committee responsibilities”. Over the three-year mandate, most of the committee members had served their terms and retired from GET.
“Now”: We welcomed new members and new leadership this year - David Hewitt has joined GET as Staff Representative and Sheila Redden-Smith stepped up as Chair. We have conducted most of our work by email, responding to questions, inquiries and invitations from our leadership. We have had one gathering of GET at the Tatamagouche Centre in October 2011. With the Christian Life & Growth and Church in Action Committees, we revisited the reports of the Open Space Technology from May 2011. GET took this opportunity to do a “From, Now, On” for themselves. We reviewed the GET Mission Statement: To educate and challenge United Church and ecumenical Christian communities within Conference bounds, to reflect upon and faithfully proclaim and live the Gospel of Jesus Christ with theological integrity, while nurturing respectful relationships with people of other faiths, and all people of Good will.
We enjoyed hours of conversation about Remit 6 and faith statements; about book reviews and bible studies; about politics, publicity and partnerships; about theology, technology and testimonials! We noted nine actions in the minutes of that meeting.
“On”: We have been a committee that “waited for the call” – an opinion on an issue, a response to a letter, a body to send to a meeting to represent the UCC...do something on rural ministry. We are now seeking more intentionally the “education and challenge” part of our mission. GET theologian Ivan Gregan writes in “Gather Us In – a Daily Prayer Guide for the Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada” Reveal to me, and strengthen me, to accomplish the one act You uniquely need me to do. Receive and bless the many ministries in our Maritime Conference that we may strengthen each other and bring happiness to Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
GET commends this publication.... and prayer to you!
Respectfully submitted by, Jay Brown
66 The United Church of Canada
MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The Ministry Personnel and Education Committee has made use of modern technology and have conducted two meetings by means of Conference Calls and we will have two face to face Meetings (April and at the Annual Meeting) in order to conduct Committee Business. As in previous years, much of the work that falls under the umbrella of MP&E is handled by the various committees who report to the MP&E Committee, and their reports are included in this booklet.
As the new chair of MP&E, I want to thank the people who give their time and talents to these committees and commend them for their hard work and the efficient manner in which they take care of the tasks that come before them.
This committee will continue to watch with interest such things as the new call/settlement process for those being commissioned to ordered ministry evolves; as new processes for Pastoral Relations are considered; as issues around part time ministry and the demands such ministry creates become apparent; and as other issues affecting ministry, and those who offer their gifts in this ministry, in the Maritime Conference are brought to our attention.
Kevin MacKenzie Chair - MP&E
Education & Students Committee
The Maritime Conference Education and Students Committee's membership consists of the convenors (or designates) of the all the Presbytery Education and Students committees in our Conference. This committee has typically met twice a year in November and in February.
The Conference Education and Students Committee is mandated to examine the readiness for ordination/commissioning of Candidates who have completed the requirements and have been recommended by their Presbyteries.
The committee also conducts interviews for candidates as follows: candidates in the second year of residential programs for ordination or commissioning who anticipate internship within a year; candidates in in-ministry programs approximately 18 months prior to anticipated ordination and persons seeking admission to the United Church of Canada within the following 18 months. The purpose of these interviews is to assist the individual and their presbyteries in assessing their growth to date and to highlight areas needing further work. The interviews also enable the individuals to experience a Conference level interview prior to their ordination interviews. If presbyteries find it useful, the committee will also interview and provide feedback to Designated Lay Ministry personnel who have completed their 2nd summer training event. Designated Lay Ministers are now recognized by Presbyteries rather than by Conference.
During the past year Maritime Conference Education and Students committee met once, at Tatamagouche Centre, January 11th to 13th, 2012.
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Part of our meeting is to provide a venue for Presbytery Education and Students convenors to share and discuss the various issues/concerns they may be facing in their individual work. It also is a time when care and support can be offered by those who have faced similar challenges. Finally, there is time provided for our Personnel Minister to share information which is relevant to the work in which we are engaged. This year the committee decided to reduce the number of annual meetings from two meetings to one, where practical, in order to husband scarce resources. This means combining what have been referred to as “Second Year Interviews”, normally done in November, with Ordination Interviews, normally done in February, into one meeting in early to mid-January. This year that meant 12 interviews. Any greater number will probably require reverting back to two meetings. We also decided that the so called “Second Year Interviews” would be referred to as “Progress Assessment Interviews”. It was felt that this terminology better fit the tasks and the new educational paradigms.
This year there were 6 candidates for Ordination Interviews and 6 Progress Assessment Interviews. As a result of our interviews and deliberations, I wish to report that the Maritime Conference Education and Students committee recommends the following Candidates to be ordained at the 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Maritime Conference: Richard Bowley – PEI Presbytery Sarah Budge – Halifax Presbytery Janice Frame – Halifax Presbytery Lynn McKinnon – Sydney Presbytery Scott Stuart – Halifax Presbytery Mary Taylor – PEI Presbytery
As the convenor of the Maritime Conference Education and Students Committee, I would like to both thank and express my sincere appreciation to the members of this committee. They are dedicated to E&S work at both the Presbytery and Conference level, and they care deeply for both their candidates and the church.
I wish to thank the Rev. Kendall Harrison who is our resource person. Kendall’s experience and wisdom are truly appreciated and valued. When called on, he shares his considerable knowledge willingly while leaving the decisions to the committee. The Rev. Joy Noble kindly offered to act as chaplain when our chaplain was unavailable, and we appreciate her willingness to serve.
Dan Wellwood Maritime Conference Education and Students Committee
Biographies
ORDINANDS
Richard (Ricky) Bowley
Richard, better known as Ricky, was born on Prince Edward Island to Wayne and Cathy Bowley. He began his life in the church with the community of Peter Gordon Memorial. It was in this place that Ricky first came to know this God fellow and God's son Jesus Christ, and there was 68 The United Church of Canada
something about a Holy Ghost too, but Ricky wasn't really sure. Over the years the Sunday School teachers walked with him on his journey to discover who God was, not only to the church, but to him. During this journey, his mother Cathy passed, and through all the pain and tears that followed, the little church in Morell was a loving and safe place, both when he sought comfort and had questions. Throughout all these hard years, his father Wayne was always encouraging Ricky and his brothers to continue to choose to be a part of that loving community. But, as is the case with many, Ricky took a hiatus from the church in the early years of his university life. He began his studies in computer science, but despite his love for all things techy, there was something in his life that he felt he was lacking. It was at this time that he returned to church attending Wilmot United in Fredericton, while he wrestled with what he would later discern was a Call from God to pursue Ordained Ministry. Once again, with the guidance of his home church, Peter Gordon Memorial, Ricky completed both his discernment, and eventually his undergraduate degree at the University of New Brunswick, which by now was a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Classical History. His path then lead him to the Atlantic School of Theology where he further wrestled with this thing he called Call, and where he was confronted with not only theological viewpoints, but WORDS he did not understand. Through it all, Ricky has continued to feel the strong pull of God to live out Christ's call to spread the Good News! With Ordination on the horizon, Ricky is eager to continue his journey with God calling, Christ supporting, and the Holy Spirit leading every step of the way.
Sarah (Sally) Budge
Sally was born in Toronto and raised in Windsor Ontario. From the time she was a teenager, Sally knew that she was called in some capacity to ministry. Following graduation from Providence College & Seminary in Winnipeg, Sally accepted a job with Air Canada as a Sales and Service Agent. She was fortunate to serve the company in Windsor Ontario, Sault St. Marie, Toronto, and finally in 1990 was transferred to Halifax. Immediately, husband Bob and Sally became Maritimers! 1991 saw the company offering Sally an early retirement opportunity which she accepted. Realizing that the call of God was still very active in her life, she accepted an invitation to become the Chaplain to Halifax International Airport in 1994 serving employees and travelling public for 8 years. During her time at the airport she was actively involved in the emergency response to the Swiss Air tragedy, the 9/11 events, and the MK Airline crash. During this time and to the present, Sally has also served the RCMP, Halifax Fire and the Emergency Measures Office as Chaplain.
In 2006, Sally entered into discernment and became a candidate for Ordered Ministry from Wellington UC (part of the Waverly Pastoral Charge). Sally entered the Summer Distance M.Div. Program at AST, and has served in the Harbourside Pastoral Charge and the Lawrencetown-Lake Echo Pastoral Charge as a student minister. Sally gratefully acknowledges the support received from family, Lay Support team, her Educational Supervisor, and the folks that she has had the privilege of ministering with. In 2012 Sally received her designation as an Interim Minister and joyfully looks forward to serving the Church in that capacity.
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Kimberly (Kym) Ann Jeanette Burke-Cole
Kimberly Ann Jeanette Burke-Cole is an Ordinand from Newfoundland and Labrador Conference (East District – West of Foxtrap) and is being ordained today at Maritime Conference on behalf of them.
Kym grew up in Wabush, Labrador. She is the oldest child of Edward and Cavell (Parsons) Burke and older sister to Robert (who is now married to Stephanie and living in Winnipeg, MB). Kym attended church in Labrador City at Carol United Church with her parents. During the summer months, she attended Victoria United Church in Victoria, NL with her grandparents Ethel and Hubert Burke. It was during this time that Kym’s faith formation began as she looked towards her grandparents and extended family and relationship with Christ. In 1995, she met Lt. (N) Tony Lawrence Cole as both were beginning their educational journeys. Kym was studying Environmental Technology at College of the North Atlantic while Tony was studying Religious Studies at Memorial University of Newfoundland. After a three engagement, in December 1997, they were married in Labrador and headed off to Halifax for Tony to begin his Masters of Divinity Degree at the Atlantic School of Theology. It was at this time that Kym worked in various positions in the Halifax area, but felt that she was being called in a different direction. In 1998, Kym and Tony welcomed their only daughter, Rebekah Elizabeth. For the next several years, Kym supported Tony is his ministry while still feeling called to her own. Kym began to explore her calling through church groups, leading worship and self-reflection. After several years of discernment, Kym, with the support of her family and home congregation, entered the Masters of Divinity at the Atlantic School of Theology.
During her M.Div. studies, Kym had the privilege of living amongst and learning from the faith communities of Kingston United Church and Stairs Memorial United Church as a student minister; Windsor United Church in the Annapolis Valley as an intern; and at the Veterans Memorial Hospital as a chaplain (Clinical Pastoral Education). It was her time spent in these places that affirmed her deep joy found in leading worship and the love of Christian education. All of these communities in addition to Memorial United Church in Bonavista, NL opened their hearts, supported me near and far, shared their faith journeys and stories, blessed her with many memories and experiences that she will carry with her throughout her ministry. She gives thanks for her family, friends and all those who walk with her as she continues to discern God’s call. Without their support and encouragement, help and most of love, she would not be able to stand amongst you today. This has not been a solo effort on Kym’s part, this celebration is the celebration of many: many who have sacrificed, many who have kept their promise, many who have given their time, dedication and most of all, many who have given their love. As Kym continues on in her journey, she is grateful to be doing so with her daughter Rebekah and husband, Tony by her side. She goes forth into the world with enthusiasm and the power of the Holy Spirit as she ventures on towards the next new adventure!
Janice Arlene MacDonald Frame
Born and raised in the Maritimes, Janice’s first serious relationship with the United Church came during a 3-year stay in Scarborough, Ont., when Birchcliff United welcomed her as one of its 70 The United Church of Canada own. Returning to Nova Scotia and needing to connect with a faith community that offered similar hospitality, Janice discovered St. John’s United, then in Waverley, now in Fall River. At SJUC, Janice found a home and family that encouraged her to stretch and grow in her faith. She held many leadership roles, eventually being appointed as Staff Associate for Christian Development, a position she held for 12 years. During this time, she also served as Minute Secretary for Halifax Presbytery and Chair of the Christian Life and Growth Committee of Maritime Conference, and was honoured to represent Maritime Conference at General Council 39.
Janice graduated from Atlantic School of Theology in 2001 with a Diploma in Theology and Ministry, and enrolled as a part-time student in AST’s Masters of Divinity program in 2002 simply to satisfy a desire to enrich the quality of ministry she was already offering. However, persistent questions of call and vocation pushed Janice into the Discernment Process, and in 2006 she was declared a Candidate for the Ministry of Word, Sacrament, and Pastoral Care.
It is with a humble and grateful heart that Janice acknowledges all those dear friends and colleagues who have walked with her, encouraging, supporting, and challenging her along her life’s journey. Special thanks goes to husband Colin and children Matthew and Sarah, through whom Janice has come to know the breadth of God’s love, the depth of Christ’s compassion, and the beauty of the Spirit’s grace.
Lynn Amey (Walsh) McKinnon
Lynn was raised in North Sydney, Cape Breton, the youngest of five children born to Jim and the late Jean (Amey) Walsh. She is married to Joe McKinnon and they have three children – Robbie (Kaycee), Mark and Shannon, and one grandson, Aidan. Her early Christian education came from St. Matthew-Wesley United Church where she went to Sunday School and was involved in the weekday programs there as well as the junior and senior choir.
Lynn earned her undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University, graduating with a Diploma in Jazz Studies, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, and a Bachelor of Education. She taught with the Cape Breton-Victoria School Board for 18 years, and for 17 of these years she was also organist and choir director for St. Andrews United Church in Little Bras D’Or, until finally acting on a call to ministry that God had been gently nudging her toward for many years, by entering Atlantic School of Theology in the Summer/Distance program. With the continuing support of wonderful lay teams at Sydney River United Protestant Church and St. Peter’s/Grand River/Loch Lomond Pastoral Charge and the wisdom and guidance of her Educational Supervisor, Rev. David MacLean, Lynn maneuvered the challenging waters of part-time ministry, full-time student, full time wife and mother and managed to stay the course toward ordination.
Lynn is the fifth United Church minister to be ordained from her mother’s side of the family, all of whom were ministry candidates from St. Matthew-Wesley United Church. She follows proudly and humbly in the footsteps of the Revs. Bill Amey, Carman Riggs, Carl Riggs and Roland Murray. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 71
Lynn would like to thank her family for their continued support and patience over the last 5 years and for their willingness to journey this road of ministry with her to her new call with the Alberton/Elmsdale Pastoral Charge in PEI.
Scott Anthony Roy Stuart
Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Scott is the oldest child of Stephen and Carole Stuart, and brother to Jennifer.
Following high school, Scott pursued separate diploma programs in both Computer Systems and Network Design at the New Brunswick Community College of Moncton. At the completion of those programs and feeling as if an occupation in information technology didn’t quite suit him, Scott enrolled at Mount Allison University, where he completed a BA in Religious Studies and Canadian Studies in 2005.
In his journey toward ordained ministry, Scott has had the privilege of serving in many diverse contexts, including the IWK Children’s Hospital, The Marengo Pastoral Charge in Saskatchewan, chaplaincy within the Canadian Forces (HMCS Iroquois, and the Second Royal Canadian Regiment) as well as Camp Hill Veterans Hospital in Halifax and the Harbourside Pastoral Charge, where he completed his internship.
These contexts provided him with many experiences, from preaching and leading services with people from many walks of life, to wrestling and branding cattle with farmers, and most recently, finding his voice within a church choir and his love of knitting.
While at Mount Allison, Scott met Catherine and married her, the love of his life, in June, 2008. He is deeply looking forward to their next adventure together, which includes serving his first pastoral charge in North Bedeque, PEI, and expecting their first child in September.
Scott wishes to thank his family, mentors, and friends for joining him on this journey. He would also like to make special mention of his Nanny Kit, who is among the Communion of Saints, for her inspiration, encouragement and love throughout his life.
Mary E. Taylor
Mary Taylor (Dickie) hails from Gabarus, Cape Breton. Mary is the youngest child, and only daughter of Wayne and Nancy (Gray) Dickie, and younger sister to Fred and Grant.
Mary has always had very strong ties to the United Church of Canada, first attending Sunday school in both Wesley United Church in Gabarus and St. Andrews United Church in Sydney. Then later attending services, volunteering as a Sunday school teacher, serving on various committees and fundraisers, and finally as a volunteer student Minister.
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Mary has expressed that her personal call to Ministry is one that has always been there, in one form or another. She, at most times in her life, simply shrugged this calling off and pursued various other career options, mainly in the sciences. Following high school Mary attended university at Mount Saint Vincent, and later at Nova Scotia Agricultural College where she met her future husband Shawn in 1993. She also attended, and later taught at, Holland College on PEI.
Mary and Shawn were married on August 10, 1996, and now have three wonderful daughters, Robbi Lynn (Joe), Emma, and Grace, and two grandsons, Brodie and Cole.
In 2005, while living and raising her family on PEI, Mary could no longer ignore the calling she felt to commit her life to ministry. After much thought, discussion, and deliberation, Mary chose to begin her journey into Ministry. She then embarked on the daunting task of being accepted as a candidate for Ministry from Freetown United Church and later obtained a Masters of Divinity at the Atlantic School of Theology. It was during her time spent as a volunteer student Minister at Kensington United Church, PEI, and later while studying at AST in the summer-distance program, that Mary felt affirmed that this was indeed meant to be her true path in life. Mary has spent the past three and a half years as a student Minister at Lakeview United Church in rural New Brunswick, where she has continued to expand her skills and faith in a very supportive atmosphere. She is now thrilled to accept the call from the Centreville pastoral charge in New Brunswick. She and her family look forward to continuing their journey in ministry in this community.
Mary would like to give a heartfelt thank you to her family and friends for their continued love and support though this long journey. Especially her husband and children who have been a source of patience, understanding and encouragement. She would also like to thank the members of each of the congregations mentioned above, LST members, and supervisors that have supported her along the way for providing community, inspiration and guidance.
Conference Interview Board
This has been my first year as chair of the Interview Board and it has proven to be a wonderful experience of the gifts of the Spirit. This group of faith filled individuals give of their time and talents to discern with students their suitability for ministry. It is a task that each takes seriously and it is a blessing!
The Conference Interview Board normally meets twice a year – once in the fall and again in the spring. We met in November and had the privilege of meeting four students who were seeking candidacy for ordained ministry. Three of the four were recommended for candidacy and although it was a difficult decision the fourth was not recommended at this time. Arriving at these decisions requires that we open ourselves to the moving of the spirit; that we listen intently; and explore diligently with each candidate what ministry is and if they possess the gifts and skills to walk that road.
Valerie Kingsbury, Chair Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 73
Conference Committee On Internship And Educational Supervision
The Conference Committee on Education & Supervision [CIES] is responsible for approving and overseeing internship sites and supervisors. We provide information and encouragement for congregations considering becoming a learning site, as well as arranging the internship orientation event and monitoring the internship experience. We also match students to sites at the annual matching meeting each spring
The CIES meeting in April 2011 provided Maritime Conference with 2 students...Michelle Armstrong, Calgary Presbytery to Windsor United Church with Rev. Bill Gibson as Supervisor. Catherine Eldson, Essex Presbytery to Harbourside-Cole Harbour Pastoral Charge with Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlpine Gillis as Supervisor.
This has been a challenging year for our Committee. Following a weak response to the late summer orientation event we decided to try a Regional approach. We grouped several Presbyteries together for a one day event. There was good attendance from interns, supervisors, and Lay Support Team members. The evaluations were very positive.
On February 4-5, 2012, CIES met at AST. We were pleased to have engaging and informative conversations with Sally Shaw and Kendall Harrison. They talked about their work, their challenges and the new candidacy pathway process. This process is being tested in 3 Conferences that would change the whole process as it now operates. It will most likely come before the General Council in August. Four interviews were conducted for the residential theological students going out on internships in September 2012. This is done in preparation for National Matching meeting, April 27-28th in Toronto. There are 6 people preparing for ordination at Maritime conference in May 2012.
I do want to thank the countless volunteers, members of Lay Support Teams and Supervisors who are involved in the educational process and faith formation of Ministry Personnel. Our heartfelt thanks to all the members of this Committee for their devotion and interest in this vital Ministry. To Kendall Harrison, our helpful resource, many thanks.
Rev. Sandrabelle MacEwen Chair
Conference Interim Ministry Committee
The Conference Interim Ministry Committee met four times during the year. Interviews were conducted for designation, redesignation, exit interviews, and one progress report. Special thanks to Kendall Harrison and Ann Forbes for their work. We do not have enough interim ministers to meet the demands for this ministry.
Jim Forbes Chair
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Settlement Committee Report
The Conference Settlement Committee is made up of two representatives from each of our Presbyteries and Bermuda Synod and meets annually in early May. Though I have been involved with the Settlement Committee in the past, this is my first year as Chair. As most may remember, a remit was passed in 2010 that opened up the possibility that candidates for Ordination or Commissioning could seek their own call or appointment instead of going through the traditional Transfer and Settlement process, and the wider Church is still working through the implications.
By February 1st of each year, the candidates are asked to declare whether or not they are going to go through the Transfer/Settlement process or if they are going to choose to find their own call or appointment. This year, on a national level, there are 47 candidates to be Ordained or Commissioned but only 5 have chosen the Transfer/Settlement process. Within Maritime Conference, all six of our candidates have chosen to find their own call or appointment. The change in process, amongst other factors, has also impacted the number of Pastoral Charges seeking settlement. As of April 1st, the normal deadline for Pastoral Charges and Presbyteries to make a decision with regards to the Settlement option, there were no pastoral charges formally seeking to have their vacancy filled through settlement in Maritime Conference.
Given the smaller pool of candidates, the Transfer Committee meeting will be done by conference call rather a face to face meeting at the General Council Offices in Toronto. At this point in time (April 3), there is no certainty as to how many candidates may be transferred to Maritime Conference nor the number of possible sites, but the option is on the table for the Maritime Conference Settlement Committee also to meet by conference call instead of face to face.
Though one of the significant tasks of the Conference Settlement Committee is to match candidates and pastoral charges, the Settlement Committee also reviews for preparation the formal settlement report.
Steven Longmoore, Chair
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The Nominating Committee’s goal is about the work of seeking candidates who are more than willing to work on the various committees that make up Maritime Conference. We strive to make good matches with our task of fulfilling the vacancies that occur through the year. From time to time, an Ad Hoc/Task group is required. We appoint as the need arises for these pieces of work.
We are currently placing our request letter to fill vacancies on the weekly announcements for Maritime Conference and have been doing so the past few years. This year we received four responses. Last week, we had Marlene Trenholm place our ad on the Notice Page of the new web-site and have received three responses.
Is it time to look at the various committees within our conference, their mandates, their role in our area? Committees were re-vamped several years ago. Might it be time for another look at Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 75
how we work as a conference? A Task Group has been appointed to look at the current workings of one of our committees - how can this committee work be accomplished in a different, more effective way? We await their report.
Most committees look for a balance of lay/clergy, gender, and often geographical considerations go into this mix. We like to involve those who feel themselves on the edges of our conference, perhaps allowing them a chance to connect with other people of Maritime Conference.
Perhaps you were busy last year, but might be looking for something exciting this year. Do you now have time to serve on a committee? Are you willing to learn about the ministry of the wider church? If so, please contact the Secretary or the Chair while you are at conference, or as you read this notice on the Maritime Conference Web Page.
We offer our sincere thanks to those who are retiring from committee work this year. As a committee we offer wonderful accolades to David Hewitt, Executive Secretary. He always has quiet comments, suggestions, ideas, that we sometimes miss. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Jennifer, Lorraine, and Marlene as they support the work, in various ways, of each committee within the conference.
Will the Holy Spirit lead you to newness of life as you ponder your options?
Blessings. Ruth Gamble
Directory of Membership of Standing Committees
President of Conference and Executive Secretary are Ex-officio members on all conference committees. Terms of office are normally for three years with one additional year when necessary. * indicates the fourth year.
ANNUAL MEETING PLANNING COMMITTEE Chair – vacant President – Rev. Phillip Kennedy Past President – Rev. Jane Johnson, 100 Berkley Dr., New Maryland, NB E3C 1C3 (506) 449-0753 [email protected] Executive Secretary – Mr. David Hewitt, 21 Wright St., Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 (506) 536-1334 Ext. 204 [email protected] Secretary – Rev. Catherine Stuart, 20 River Rd., Box 190, River John, NS B0K 1N0 (902) 351-2629 [email protected]
Members at Large (4): 1. Rev. Barbara Wagner, 1487 Bungay Rd., RR#3, Hunter River, PE 2014 C0A 1N0 (902) 964-2221 [email protected] 76 The United Church of Canada
2. Mr. Keith Gale, PO Box 1, Murray Harbour, PE C0A 1V0 2013 (902) 962-2519h (902) 962-2421o [email protected] 3. Rev. Gary MacDougall, 12870 Highway #2, Lower Onslow, NS 2014 (902) 895-5040 [email protected] 4. Rev. Meggin King, 14 Church St., PO Box 143, Pugwash, NS B0K 1L0 2015 (902) 243-2621 [email protected] Representative of Christian Life and Growth - Children & Youth Programs 1. VACANT Youth Forum Members: 1. Chair – Ms. Jen LeBlanc - [email protected] Co-Directors / AMPC Rep Mr. Nathan Beeler - [email protected] Female, TBA (will know by end of June hopefully) 2. Secretary – Mr. David Campbell - [email protected] 3. Facilities Coordinator/Representative to AMPC – 4. Registrar & Treasurer – Mr. Nic Carhart – 9 Ellis Dr., Rothesay, NB E2E 1X9 (506) 848-1848 H (506) 650-6851 Cell [email protected]
Worship Planning – Rev. Kelly Burke, 875 Rte 101, Nasonworth, NB E3C 2C1 2013 (506) 459-3313 [email protected] Table Group Coordinator – Ms. Anne Pirie, 35 Union St., Sackville, NB E4L 4M6 2013 (506) 536-0599 [email protected]
Local Arrangements: Chair – Ms. Amanda Francis, 780 Montgomery St., Apt. 514, Fredericton, NB E3B 2Y1 (506) 261-6306 cell [email protected] Members: 1. Elsie MacDonald 2. Dianne Oulton 3. Anna Peters 4. Fred Gamble 5. Wallie Sears
PROPOSALS UNIT Convenor – Rev. Mary Beth Moriarity, PO Box 995, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0 2014 (506) 485-8081 O (902) 485-4151 H [email protected] Members at Large: 1. Rev. Cheryl MacDonald, 16 Aberdeen St., Campbellton, NB E3N 2J7 2014 (506) 753-3035 O (506) 329-0080 H (506) 759-7048 F [email protected] 2. Rev. Sean Handcock, 1414 Old Rte. 5, Big Bras d’Or, NS B1X 1C1 2014 (902) 674-2272C 674-0231 H [email protected]
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Stephen Mills, 40 Bentinck St., Sydney, NS B1P 1G2 2013 (902) 564-4810 C (506) 562-4905 H [email protected] Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 77
Secretary – Rev. Beth Johnston, Box 21001, 38 Cumberland Rd., RR#5, 2013 Cardigan, PE C0A 1G0 (902) 583-2867 (583-3440 F) (969-3069 Cell) [email protected] Professionals: Indefinite Term 1. Ms. Twila Buttimer, Provincial Archives, Box 6000, Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 [email protected] 2. Ms. Rhianna Edwards, Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB (506) 364-2563 [email protected] Presbytery Archives Convenors (3 year terms): 1. Rev. Gary MacDougall, P.O. Box 476, Oxford, NS B0M 1P0 2013 (902) 447-2541 C (902) 895-5040 H [email protected] 2. VACANT Members at Large: 1. Mr. Vince Galbraith, 101 Wilton St., Saint John, NB E2J 1H6 2015 (506) 632-1050 C [email protected] 2. Rev. Audrey Lounder, 372 Hampton Rd., Quispamsis, NB E2E 4T8 2015 (506) 847-4924 C [email protected] 3. VACANT 4. VACANT
UCW Representative: Ms. Marina Russell, RR#6, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4 (902) 667-8350 [email protected] Staff Resource: Conference Archivist - Ms. Sarah Wallace, 21 Wright St., Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 (506) 536-1334 Ext. 208 [email protected]
CHRISTIAN LIFE AND GROWTH COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Nigel Weaver, 16 Candlelight Park, Cornwall, PE C0A 1H8 2014 (902) 566-4052 O (902) 628-2066 F [email protected] Secretary – Ms. Mary Jo Harrison, 178 Pleasant St., Truro, NS B2N 3S6 (902) 843-2252 [email protected] Members at Large (5): 1. Rev. Shawn R. Redden, 4 Morrison Ave., Sussex, NB E4E 1P5 2015 (506) 432-1114 [email protected] 2. Ms. Linda Atkinson, 36 Egbert Caldwell Rd., Hardwoodlands, NS 2014 B0N 1Y0 (902) 758-3685 H [email protected] 3. Rev. Wendy Kean, 43 Nightingale Dr., Halifax, NS B3M 1V2 *2013 (902) 445-4793 [email protected] 4. VACANT 5. VACANT
AVEL: Ms. Marilyn Burrell, Box 6104, Sackville, NB E4L 1G6 (506) 536-1334 Ext. 209 [email protected]
Contact with other Groups: UCW - Ms. Adell Thomas, 37 Parkland Ave., Dartmouth, NS B2V 1M7 (902) 434-8914 78 The United Church of Canada
Ms. Sharon Moyse, 154 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3G3 (902) 436-5157 [email protected] CLE Program - VACANT Intermediates at Conference – Rev. Heather Manual
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL MINISTRY UNIT Convenor – Ms. Carolyn Francis, PO Box 38, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0 2013 902-836-3296 [email protected] 1. Ms. Krista Wood, PO Box 352, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0 2013 [email protected] 2. Ms. Melissa Wells, 100 Weyburn Road, Moncton, NB E1A 5M6 2013 (506) 383-8365 [email protected] 3. Rev. Pix Butt, PO Box 2411, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0 (902) 681-0366 C 2013 (902) 757-2184 C (902) 472-2523 H [email protected] 4. Ms. Liz Allen, 1182 Cole Harbour Rd., Apt. 309, Dartmouth, NS 2014 B2V 1E9 (902) 497-1524 [email protected] 5. Mr. Brian Rietzel, 14 Sandlewood Dr., Moncton, NB E1G 1Z9 2014 (506) 854-3218 [email protected] 6. VACANT
MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS UNIT Convenor – Ms. Annika Sangster, PO Box 39, Middle Musquodoboit, NS *2013 B0N 1X0 (902) 384-2520 [email protected] 1. Ms. Shannon MacLean, 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S1 *2013 (902) 434-8302 O (464-6253 H) [email protected] 2. Ms. Lynn MacKinnon, 9742 Grenville St., PO Box 201, St. Peter’s, NS *2013 B0E 3B0 (902) 535-2150 [email protected] 3. Ms. Bethe Benjamin-Cameron, 72 Maple St., Bridgewater, NS B4V 2E5 *2013 B4V 2E5 (902) 530-6157 [email protected] 4. Ms. Sarah Thomas, Mount Allison University, 62A York St., #807, *2013 Sackville, NB E4L 1B3 (506) 939-7282 [email protected] 5. Rev. Sarah Reaburn, 44 Hester St., Dartmouth, NS B3A 1K2 2013 (902) 466-4389 o&f [email protected] 6. Ms. Mary-Jo Harrison, 178 Pleasant Street, Truro NS B2N 3S6 2013 (902) 843-2252 [email protected]
COMPUTER USE AND EDUCATION UNIT Convenor – Mr. Paul Read, 13 Monarch Dr., Bedford, NS B4A 1R7 2013 (902) 835-6399 [email protected] 1. Rev. Nick Phillips, 24 Huron Ave., Sydney Mines, NS B1V 2H3 2013 (902) 736-8696 [email protected] 2. Ms. Norma Mills, PO Box 79, Margaree Centre, NS B0E 1Z0 *2013 (902) 562-4905 H [email protected] Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 79
3. Mr. Mark Zwicker, 21 Brookside Ave., Dartmouth, NS B3A 3B4 2014 (902) 489-6116 [email protected] 4. Mr. Roland Easter, RR #2, North Wiltshire, PE C0A 1Y0 2014 (902) 621-0159 [email protected]
CHURCH IN ACTION COMMITTEE Chair – Mr. Jim Wicks, 15 Oak Drive, Charlottetown, PE C1A 6T4 2014 (902) 368-3207 [email protected] Chair Elect 2011 – VACANT Secretary – Ms. Darlene Brewer, 205 Bourque Lane, Fredericton, NB E3B 7E3 (506) 454-7420 [email protected] Past-Chair – Rev. Brett Anningson, 1871 Route 420, Redbank, NB E9E 1A1 (506) 836-2622 [email protected] Church in Action Committee Convenors from Presbyteries (see Presbytery Committee Chair lists) Members-at-Large: 1. Rev. Don Uhryniw, 215 Wentworth St., Saint John, NB E2L 2T4 2014 (506) 634-8288 [email protected] 2. Mr. David MacPherson, 1972 Rte 845, Summerville, NB E5S 1H1 2014 (506) 763-2412 [email protected] 3. Mr. Max Naylor, 93Highland Ave., Toronto, ON M4W 2A4 2015 (506) 540-0596 [email protected] 4. Margaret Machum, 27 Alton Drive, Halifax, NS, B3N 1M1. 2015 (902) 477-9914 Cell: (902) 401-0533 [email protected] 5. VACANT 6. VACANT
Convenors of Working Groups Aboriginal Concerns and Relations: Convenor: VACANT
Access to Justice: Co-Convenors: Mr. Norman Laverty, 848 Windsor St., Fredericton, NB E3B 4G5 (506) 455-3349 [email protected] Ms. Gail Wylie, 298 Edinburgh St., Fredericton, NB E3B 2C9 (506) 454-3181 [email protected]
Children and Youth in Crisis: Convenor: Ms. Delores Feltmate, 1524 Kings Road, Sydney, NS B1S 1E5 (902) 539-9581 [email protected]
Environmental: Convenor: Ms. Linda Scherzinger, 5959 Spring Garden Road #1509, Halifax, NS B3H 1Y5 (902) 425-0339 [email protected]
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Mining Concerns: Convenor: Ms. Kathryn Anderson, RR# 3, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 (902) 657-0474 [email protected]
Mission Interpretation: Convenor: Ms. Georgina Baisley, 60 Lower Murdoch Rd, Miramichi, NB E1N 4E8 (506) 773-6673 H; (506) 623-8865 Cell [email protected]
Refugee and Immigration Issues: Convenor: Ms. Bev McDonald, 4332 Hwy 329, RR#1 Hubbards, NS B0J 1T0 (902) 228-2603 [email protected]
Atlantic Christian Training Centre Representative - Ms. Kathryn Anderson, RR#3, Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 (902) 657-0474 [email protected]
UCW Representative: Ms. Noreen Stark, 190 Kaulback St., Truro, NS B2N 3M6 (902) 895-1257 [email protected]
Men’s Ministry Network: Mr. Robert Bartlett, 309 Fulton Ave., Fredericton, NB E3A 2B9 (506) 472-3714 [email protected]
Community Partners Members: 1. Atlantic Council for International Cooperation 2. KAIROS Atlantic 3. Breaking the Silence – Guatemala Solidarity Network – Jim & Myrna Wicks
Corresponding Members: *Members of General Council Committees (JGER-related) Resident in Conference: 1. Rev. Bill Thomas, 164 Germain St., Saint John, NB E2K 4K4 (506) 634-3092 [email protected]
Conference Facilitator for Global Mission Personnel, Overseas Personnel Returned in Last Four Years, Resident in Conference – Mr. Gary MacDonald, 49 Weldon St., Sackville, NB E4L 4N5 (506) 536-2272 [email protected]
Conference Staff Resource: Ms. Laura Hunter Related National Staff: Ms. June Sekella
CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE Chair – Mr. Dean Lawrence, 11066 Hwy 430, Trout Brook, NB E9E 1R4 (506) 622-1963 [email protected] Vice-Chair – Rev. Kevin Dingwell, 2292 MacKinnon Pt. Rd., Pisquid, PE C0A 1T0 (902) 676-2098 [email protected]
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Members: 1. Mr. Frank Chisholm, 18 Bowes Ave., Sackville, NB E4L 3N2 (506) 536-2188 [email protected] 2. Dr. Robert Jones, 16 Hallett Heights, Douglas, NB E3G 7X7 (506) 458-2727 [email protected] Support Staff: Executive Secretary, David Hewitt and Conference Archivist
FINANCE & PROPERTY COMMITTEE (10 members including Contact, Treasurer, & UCW representative) Chair – Mr. Bill Bishop, 406 - 135 Pownal St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 3W7 2015 (902) 367-1550 W (902) 886-3136 S [email protected] Secretary – Ms. Pauline Walker, RR#2, Summerside, PE C1N 4J8 2013 (902) 436-9516 [email protected] 1. Rev. Gerald Kerr, 415 Onslow Rd., Upper Onslow, NS B6L 5L2 *2013 (902) 895-4188 [email protected] 2. Mr. Ernie Stavert, 198 Cornwall Rd., RR#4, Cornwall, PE C0A 1H0 2013 (902) 566-2467 [email protected] 3. Mr. Bill Bishop, 406 - 135 Pownal St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 3W7 2013 (902) 367-1550 w (902) 886-3136 s [email protected] 4. VACANT 5. VACANT 6. VACANT 7. VACANT UCW Representative – Ms. Phyllis Munroe, 104 Olympiad Ave., Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P7 (902) 543-9339 [email protected] Treasurer of Conference – Mr. Stewart Hudson, 418 Westmount Blvd., Moncton, NB E1E 4K3 (506) 382-4838 [email protected]
FINANCIAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Jeffro Bursey, 9 Welsford Station Rd., Welsford, NB E5K 4A5 2013 (506) 486-2191 [email protected] Secretary – Mr. Henry Ellsworth, 301 – 120 Southgate Dr., Bedford, NS B4A 0B1 2013 (902) 835-0101 [email protected] Members at Large (6): 1. Mr. Harley Grimmer, 223 Parklea Dr., Head of St Margaret’s Bay, NS 2013 B3Z 2G6 (902) 826-2229 [email protected] 2. Ms. Barbara Greenlaw, 10 St. David Ridge Rd., Oak Bay, NB E3L 4P6 2013 (506) 466-3200 [email protected] 3. Mr. Ross MacIntosh, PO Box 1156, Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0 2014 (902) 752-1195 [email protected] 4. Ms. Marilyn Magee, 5 Windermere Court, Rothesay, NB E2E 5Y4 2014 (506) 847-8847 [email protected] 5. Mr. Fred Gamble, 3861 Hwy 6, RR#4, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y2 2014 (902) 661-4093 [email protected] 6. VACANT 82 The United Church of Canada
U.C.W. Representative – Ms. Phyllis Munroe, 104 Olympiad Ave., Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P7 (902) 543-9339 [email protected] Staff Resource: Ms. Laura Hunter
Bequest Review Committee: 1. Mr. Gordon MacGregor, 44 Meadow Park Dr., RR #4, Station Main, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y2 (902) 667-9774 [email protected] 2. Mr. Frank Chisholm, 18 Bowes Ave., Sackville, NB E4L 3N2 (506) 536-2188 [email protected]
OTHER APPOINTMENTS Representatives on the Atlantic Ecumenical Council: 1. Rev. Dr. Arthur Davies, 90 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3E4 2013 (902) 436-3155 [email protected] 2. Mr. Gerald Blaquiere, 1303 Port Hill Station Rd., Apt 6 , Tyne Valley, 2014 PE C0B 2C0 (902) 888-9865 [email protected]
MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Kevin MacKenzie, 11 Christie Dr., Charlottetown, PE C1A 5W6 2013 (902) 894-9656 C; (902) 894-7465 H; (902) 894-3358 F [email protected] Secretary – Rev. Jennifer Brown, 29 Landegger Dr., Nackawic, NB E6G 1E6 2014 (506) 575-8792 [email protected] Chair Designate: Rev. Steven Longmoore, 46 Riverside Dr., Plaster Rock, NB E7G 2P8 (506) 356-2952 O [email protected] Categories of Ministries: Ordained – Rev. Gloria Churchill, P.O. Box 11, Centreville, NS B0P 1J0 2014 (902) 582-7908 C [email protected] Diaconal – VACANT Designated Lay Minister – Ms. Kathryn MacIntosh, 417 Church Rd., Clifton, NB 2014 E2A 5M3 (506)546-4817 C (506) 543-6505 H [email protected] Ministry Support and Development – VACANT Candidate Representative – (AST sends name) Church Secretaries’ Association - Ms. Marg Lee, President, Box 484, Shearwater, NS B0J 3A0 (902) 465-7223 [email protected] Pensions Convenor – Rev. Elizabeth Davies, PO Box 8, Southampton, NS 2014 B0M 1W0 (902) 546-2700 [email protected]
COMMITTEE ON INTERNSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISION Chair – Rev. Jack Spencer, PO Box 841, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0 2015 (902) 836-3347 [email protected] Secretary – Ms. Barbara Baker, 44 Covington Road Way, Halifax, NS B3M 3K2 *2013 (902) 457-1112 [email protected]
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Members at Large: 1. Rev. Robert Mercer, 50 Dexter Dr., Saint John, NB E2M 4M4 2013 (506) 672-3320 C 672-2994 H [email protected] 2. Ms. Eunice Daley, 1595 Rte 340, Canobie, NB E2A 5G7 2013 (506) 546-4079 [email protected] 3. Mr. David Eagles, 133 Chesswood Drive, Riverview, NB E1B 1K3 *2013 (506) 387-5994 H [email protected] 4. Mr. Tom Watson, PO Box 161, Caledonia, NS B0T 1B0 2013 (902) 527-7418 [email protected] 5. Rev. Robert Wallace, 28 Minas View Dr., Wolfville, NS B4P 2H7 2013 (902) 542-3719 [email protected] 6. Rev. Dr. John Moses, 220 Richmond St., Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J5 2014 (902) 892-4114 O (902) 894-8357 H [email protected] 7. Rev. Joy Noble, 361 York Rd., P.O. Box 147, York , PE C0A 1P0 2014 902-629 1815 C 902-629 1898 H [email protected] 8. Rev. Scott Hillier, 4 Morrison Ave., Sussex NB E4E 1P5 2014 (506) 432-1114 C (506) 944-0294 H [email protected] 9. VACANT 10. VACANT
COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON SEXUAL ABUSE Contact - Rev. Kendall Harrison, 21 Wright St., Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 (506) 536-1334 Ext. 205, [email protected]
EDUCATION & STUDENTS Convenor – Mr. Dan Wellwood, 124 W. Petpeswick Rd., Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0 (902) 889-3339 [email protected] Secretary – Ms. Diana Brown, 8119 Highway 7, Musquodoboit Harbour, NS B0J 2L0 (902) 889-2614 [email protected]
INTERIM MINISTRY COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Debbie Aitken, 12 Flamingo Dr., Halifax, NS B3M 1S5 (902) 443-2947 C [email protected] Members at Large: 1. Ms. Anne Forbes, 604 Ketch Harbour Rd., Portuguese Cove, NS *2013 B3V 1K1 (902) 868-2291 [email protected] 2. Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. MacLeod, 2148 Highway 376, RR#2, Pictou, NS *2013 B0K 1H0 (902) 382-2264 [email protected] 3.
INTERVIEW BOARD Convenor – Rev. Valerie Kingsbury, Box 185, Truro, NS B2N 5C1 2014 (902) 895-8098 (902) 895-9185 H (902) 893-9376 F [email protected] 84 The United Church of Canada
Secretary – Ms. Cathy Parsons, PO Box 333, North Rustico, PE C1A 1X0 2012 (902) 963-2974 [email protected] [email protected] Chair Designate – VACANT Members: 1. Rev. Helene Burns, 67 Trinity Way, Timberlea, NS B3T 1B8 2013 (902) 876-1933 [email protected] 2. Rev. Valerie Kennedy, 54 Woodlawn Rd., Dartmouth, NS B2W 2S1 2013 (902) 434-8302 O (902) 404-7387 H (902) 435-9338 F 3. Mr. Sim Rushton, 2280 Hwy #3, P.O. Box 21, Barrington, NS B0W 1E0 2013 (902) 637- 2452 [email protected] 4. Ms. Jolene Sangster, 390 Parkland Dr., Unit 206, Halifax, NS B3S 1N6 2013 (902) 405-4223 [email protected] 5. Mr. Lloyd MacLean, 4778 Hwy 4, RR #1, Westville, NS B0K 2A0 2013 (902) 396-6731 [email protected] 6. Rev. Barbara Wagner, P.O. Box 130, Hunter River, PE C0A 1N0 2013 (902) 964-2221 [email protected] 7. Rev. Jennifer Power, 42 Vrege Ct., Hammonds Plains, NS B4B 1K2 2014 (902) 832-1206 [email protected] 8. Mr. Carl Phillips, 760 Allen Rd., RR#1, Tyne Valley, PE C0B 2C0 2014 (902) 831-2503 [email protected] 9. Rev. Dr. Ron Vincent, 201 Gondola Blvd., Quispamsis, NB, E2E 6B4 2014 E2E 6B4 (506) 635-8616 O (506) 849-6376 H [email protected] 10. Ms. Frances Howard, 51 Paradox Pt., Bocabec, NB E5B 3Y1 2014 (506) 529-4145 [email protected] 11. Mr. Dan Wellwood, 124 W. Petpeswick Rd., Musquodoboit Hbr., NS. 2014 B0J 2L0 (902) 889-3339 [email protected] 12. Ms. Shirley Clarke, 257 Bar Rd., St Andrew’s, NB, E5B 2P7 2014 (506) 529-3208 [email protected] 13. Rev. Lena Medeiros, 110 Moss Ave., Fredericton, NB E3A 0A3 2015 (506) 458-1183 O [email protected] 14. Rev. Brian Delong, 32 Bluejay Place, Valley, NS B6L 2A4 2015 [email protected] 15. Mr. R. Kent Gibbons, Diaconal Minister, PO Box 5248, Dalhousie, NB 2015 E8C 1G6 (506)684-4220 O [email protected] 16. Rev. Sheila Redden Smith, 45 Stanwood Dr., Lyon’s Brook, NS 2015 B0K 1H0 (902) 485-3055 [email protected] 17. Dr. Margot Roach, 104 Seashore Dr., RR#1 Tatamagouche, NS B0K 1V0 2015 (902) 657-0427 18. VACANT 19. VACANT 20. VACANT
Related Staff Member: Rev. Kendall Harrison, 21Wright St., Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 (506) 536-1334 Ext. 205, [email protected]
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 85
SETTLEMENT COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Steven Longmoore, 46 Riverside Dr., Plaster Rock, NB E7G 2P8 2014 (506) 356-2952 O (506) 356-2646 H [email protected] Secretary – Rev. Robert L. Johnson, 8 Prescott Court, St. Stephen, NB E3L 3B3 (506) 465-9040 [email protected]
NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE Chair – Ms. Ruth Gamble, 3861 Hwy 6, RR#4 Amherst, NS B4H 3Y2 2013 (902) 661-4093 [email protected] Secretary – VACANT
Members at Large (5): 1. Ms. Pam Harrison, 1818 Hwy 242, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0 *2013 (902) 251-2549 [email protected] 2. Ms. Annika Sangster, 12166 Hwy 224, PO Box 39, Middle *2013 Musquodoboit, NS B0N 1X0 (902) 384-2520 [email protected] 3. Rev. Pam Reidpath, RR#1, 796 Bideford Rd., Ellerslie, PE C0B 1J0 2013 (902) 831-2807 [email protected] 4. Rev. Robert Johnson, 8 Prescott Court, St. Stephen, NB E3L 3B3 2015 (506) 465-9040 [email protected] 5. Rev. Philip Griffin Alwood, 24 Robb Ct., Hampton, NB E5N 4Z8 2015 (506) 832-5050 C [email protected] 6. Rev. Kathi Zwicker, 8 Upland Rd., Saint John, NB E2H 2W5 2015 (506) 696-3773 O [email protected] Conference UCW Representative – 1. Ms. Sharon Moyse, 154 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3G3 (902) 436-5157 [email protected] Conference Past President – Rev. Jane Johnson, 100 Berkley Dr., New Maryland, NB E3C 1C3 (506) 449-0753 [email protected] Conference Staff Resource – David Hewitt, Executive Secretary
STAFF COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Dr. I. Ross Bartlett, 567 Sackville Dr., PO Box 210, 2014 Lower Sackville, NS B4C 2S9 (902) 865-2617 [email protected] Secretary –VACANT Members at Large (4): 1. Rev. Jean Ward, 16 Candlelight Park, Cornwall, PE, C0A 1H8 2014 (902) 566-4052 O (902) 368-3657 H [email protected] 2. Rev. Brett Anningson, 1871 Route 420, Red Bank, NB E9E 1A1 (506) 836-2622 O [email protected] 3. VACANT 4. VACANT
86 The United Church of Canada
Staff Liaison Persons: Ms. Elaine Gray, 56 Christian Lane, Fall River, NS, B2T 1L2 (902) 860-3210 [email protected] Ms. Kay Dean, Apt 3, 422 Pleasant St., Truro, NS B2N 3T6 (902) 843-9107 [email protected] Mr. Bill Drysdale, 277 Route 955, Bayfield, NB E4M 3C1 (506) 538-7876 [email protected] Rev. Jane Johnson, 100 Berkley Dr., New Maryland, NB E3C 1C3 (506) 449-0753 [email protected]
Conference Representative to General Council – Shirley Cleave Conference Staff (Corresponding Members) - Rev. Kendall Harrison, Rev. Janice MacLean, Ms. Laura Hunter
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Chair – Rev. Catherine MacDonald, 5350 Young St., Halifax, NS B3K 1Z4 *2012 (902) 454-0508 O (902) 444-9052 H [email protected] [email protected] Members at Large: 1. Rev. Ross Wiseman, 2251 King George Hwy, Miramichi, NB C1V 6N1 2014 (506) 773-5252 O & F [email protected] 2. Rev. Keltie van Binsbergen, 3811 Old Sambro Rd., Sambro, NS 2014 B3V 1G1 (902) 868-2791 [email protected] 3. Rev. Betty-Jean Friedman, 204 Main St., Chipman, NB E4A 1X9 2014 (506) 339-6626 O [email protected] 4. Ms. Linda Fuller, 964 Route 880, Berwick, NB E5P 3B4 2014 (506) 849-1795 O (506)849-9393 H [email protected] 5. Rev. Connie McNamara, 3811 Hwy 307, Wallace, NS, B0K 1Y0 2013 (902) 257-2336 [email protected] 6. Ms. Reta Manuel, 226 – 3 Dillman Place, Dartmouth, NS B3A 1A6 2013 (902) 469-6972 [email protected] 7. VACANT
M&S Statistical Analysis: Mr. Michael Ball, 6409 Hwy #3, Jordan Falls, NS 2013 B0T 1J0 (902) 875-1576 [email protected] UCW Representatives (2): 1. Ms. Lenore Harris, 353 Church River Road, Burnt Church, NB E9G 2G7 2013 (506) 776-8834 [email protected] 2. Related Staff Person - Ms. Laura Hunter Financial Development Officer - Ms. Pam Harrison, 1818 Hwy 242, River Hebert, NS B0L 1G0 (902) 251-2549 [email protected]
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 87
SPECIAL COMMITTEES
INCORPORATED MINISTRIES COMMITTEE (5) Chair: Ms. Patricia Elliott, 49 Coronation St., Fredericton, NB E3A 4K5 *2013 (506) 450-3033 [email protected] 1. Rev. J.D. Kennedy, 46 Main St., Fredericton, NB E3A 1C1 *2013 (506) 458-9452 O (506) 472-5941 H [email protected] 2. Rev. Susan Estabrooks, Box 413, Amherst, NS B4H 3Z5 *2014 (902) 667-8483 O (902) 660-2100 H [email protected] 3. Ms. Diana Ginn, Faculty of Law Dalhousie, 6061 University Ave., 2014 Halifax, NS B3H 4H9 (902) 423-2319 4. Staff Resource – David Hewitt, Executive Secretary
OTHER APPOINTMENTS
EXECUTIVE OF CONFERENCE - YOUTH REPRESENTATIVE Noah Richardson, 90 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3E4
A.C.T.C. SOCIETY (3 Year Terms) (12 to be appointed according to by-laws) 1. Ms. Wanda Langille, 116 Victoria St., Truro, NS B2N 1Z1 2010-2013 (1) (902) 893-8682 [email protected] 2. Mr. Bill Hale, 5528 Northridge Rd., Halifax, NS B3K 4B1 2010-2013 (1) (902) 455-8675 3. Mr. Edwin Walker, RR#2, Summerside, PE C1N 4J8 2011-2014 (2) (902) 436-9516 [email protected] 4. Ms. Verna Dunlop, PO Box 325, Sheet Harbour, NS B0J 3B0 2011-2014 (2) (902) 347-2530 [email protected] 5. Rev. Jay Ettinger, PO Box 844, Truro, NS B2N 5G6 2011-2014 (2) (902) 893-3911 H [email protected] 6. Rev. Bonnie Fraser, 407 Somers Rd., RR#2, Antigonish, NS 2011-2014(2) B2G 2K9 (902) 863-1391 [email protected] 7. Ms. Bev McDonald, 4332 Hwy 329, RR#1, Hubbards, NS 2011-2014 (2) B0J 1T0 (902) 228-2603 [email protected] 8. Rev. Robert Latimer, 22 Wellington Ct., Truro, NS B2N 6M9 2011-2014 (2) (902) 893-5438 [email protected] 9. Rev. Don Murray, 479 Cottage Lane, RR#2, Brookfield, NS 2011-2014 (2) B0N 1C0 (902) 673-2909 [email protected] 10. Ms. Jackie McVicar, Loop 259, Route 6, Tatamagouche, NS 2011-2014 (2) B0K 1V0 [email protected] 11. Rev. Betty Darby, 27 Centennial Dr., Truro, NS B2N2L3 2011-2014 (1) (902) 895-2951 [email protected] 12. Rev. Allen Darby, 27 Centennial Dr., Truro, NS B2N2L3 2011-2014 (1) (902) 895-2951 [email protected] 88 The United Church of Canada
ATLANTIC ECUMENICAL COUNCIL Representatives: 1. Rev. Dr. Arthur Davies, 90 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3E4 2013 (902) 436-3155 [email protected] 2. Mr. Gerald Blaquiere, 1303 Port Hill Station Rd., Apt 6 , Tyne Valley, 2014 PE C0B 2C0 (902) 888-9865 [email protected]
A.S.T. SENATE Rev. Sarah Reaburn, 44 Hester St., Dartmouth, NS B3A 1K2 2013 (902) 466-4389 [email protected]
CAMP WEGESEGUM (2 Year Terms) 1. Ms. Wendy Cornfield, 16 Matthew’s Dr., Quispamsis, NB E2E 1L8 2013 (506) 849-1527 [email protected] 2. Mr. Robert Bartlett, 309 Fulton Ave., Fredericton, NB E3A 2B9 2013 (506) 472-3714 [email protected]
GENERAL COUNCIL EXECUTIVE Lay – Dr. Shirley Cleave, 850 Glengarry Place, Fredericton, NB E3B 2P7 (506) 459-7743 [email protected] Order of Ministry – Rev. J. Ivan Gregan, 263 Waverley Rd., Dartmouth, NS B2X 2C8 Tel: (902) 435-3644 Fax: (902) 484-6191 [email protected] To 40th General Council –
MOUNT ALLISON BOARD OF REGENTS (4 Year Terms, effective January 1) Rev. Meredith Fraser, PO Box 40, Merigomish, NS B0K 1G0 2013 (902) 752-5427 [email protected] Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson, 90 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3E4 2011-14 (902) 436-3155 C [email protected]
N.B. PASTORAL INSTITUTE (4 Year Terms)
N.S. INSTITUTE OF PASTORAL TRAINING (4 Year Terms) PINE HILL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1. Conference Executive Secretary, 21 Wright St., Sackville, NB E4L 4P8 2.
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 89
MARITIME CONFERENCE UNITED CHURCH WOMEN President – Ms. Anna Peters, 65 Liberty Cres., Moncton, NB E1A 6H4 (506) 383-1479 [email protected]
Past-President – Ms. Sharon Moyse, 154 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3G3 (902) 436-5157 [email protected] President-Elect – Ms. Catherine MacLean, 908 Main St., Glace Bay, NS B1A 4Z5 (902) 849-6390 [email protected] Recording Secretary – Ms. Irene Caswell, 19 Paradise Ave., Amherst, NS B4H 4W9 (902) 667-8947 [email protected] Corresponding Secretary – Ms. Reta Manuel, 226 - 3 Dillman Pl., Dartmouth, NS B3A 1A6 (902) 469-6972 [email protected] Treasurer – Ms. Joan Wright, 6409 Rte 225, Kinkora, PE, C0B 1N0 (902) 887-2527 [email protected] CLG - Prog & Literature – Ms. Adell Thomas, 37 Parkland Ave., Dartmouth, NS B2V 1M7 (902) 434-8914 CLG - Leadership – Ms. Sharon Moyse, 154 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3G3 (902) 436-5157 [email protected] Church in Action – Ms. Noreen Stark, 190 Kaulback St., Truro, NS B2N 3M6 (902) 895-1257 [email protected] Stewardship – Ms. Lenore Harris, 353 Church River Road, Burnt Church, NB E9G 2G7 (506) 776-8834 [email protected] Archives – Ms. Marina Russell, RR#6, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4 (902) 667-8350 [email protected] Finance – Ms. Phyllis Munroe, 104 Olympiad Ave., Bridgewater, NS B4V 3P7 (902) 543-9339 [email protected] Press/Publicity/Newsletter – Ms. Fran Harding, 2710, Rte. 20, RR#1, Darnley, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0 (902) 836-5275 [email protected] UC Camp Meeting Association Board – Ms. Anne Lake, 14 Heritage Place, Truro, NS B2N 6J4 (902) 895-3701 [email protected] Berwick Cottage Committee – Ms. Anne Lake, 14 Heritage Place, Truro, NS B2N 6J4 (902) 895-3701 [email protected] Nominations – Ms. Sharon Moyse, 154 Spring St., Summerside, PE C1N 3G3 (902) 436-5157 [email protected] Website Assistant – Ms. Reta Manuel, 226 - 3 Dillman Pl., Dartmouth, NS B3A 1A6 (902) 469-6972 [email protected]
UCW Presbyterial Presidents Bermuda – Ms. Marilyn Dyer, “Ocean Gaze”, 19 Ingham Vale Road, Pembroke West, HM 04 Bermuda (441) 292-1253 [email protected] Chignecto – Ms. Jean Smith (Rep to MC UCW Exec.) 167 Nappan Road, RR #6, Amherst, NS B4H 3Y4 (902) 667-8748 [email protected] Halifax – Ms. Adell Thomas, 37 Parkland Ave., Dartmouth, NS B2V 1M7 (902) 434-8914 [email protected] 90 The United Church of Canada
Miramichi – Ms. Simone Rosengren, 995 Archibald Road, Belledune, NB E8G 1V8 (506) 237-5556 [email protected] Pictou – Ms. Olive Archibald, RR#5, New Glasgow, NS B2H 5G8 (902) 833-2525 Prince Edward Island – Ms. Elaine Burrows, Apt 309, 55 Roy Boates Dr., Summerside, PE C1N 6V2 (902) 436-1443 Saint John – Contact: Ms. Marilyn Magee, 5 Windermere Court, Rothesay, NB E2E 5Y4 (506) 847-8847 [email protected] St. Croix – Ms. Nancy Marvin, (Co-) 590 Rolling Dam Road, Rolling Dam, NB E5A 2T8 (506) 466-1549 [email protected]. Ms. Mary Faith Cleghorn, (Co-) 809 Board Road, Leverville, NB E5A 2L1 (506) 466-3224 [email protected] South Shore – Ms. Ruth Rudderham, 68 Hillcrest St., Bridgewater, NS B4V 1S9 (902) 543-5124 [email protected] Sydney – Ms. Catherine MacLean, 908 Main St. Glace Bay, NS B1A 4Z5 (902) 849-6390 [email protected] Truro – Ms. Katherine Cameron, 89 Burnyeat St., Truro, NS B2N 4B2 (902) 893-3205 [email protected]
THE ELMS HOME, WINDSOR N.S. TRUSTEES BOARD Reported to Executive
U.C. HOME, SACKVILLE, N.B. TRUSTEES BOARD Reported to Executive
STAFF COMMITTEE
The Staff Committee functions in some ways like the Ministry and Personnel Committee of a pastoral charge, providing oversight and support to all of the employees of the Conference as well as a confidential and consultative forum. In that role each staff member, or group of members, is entitled to have a liaison person on the Committee. The idea is that a close relationship established before a problem arises will serve well in addressing any challenges that do crop up.
Your Committee, on your behalf, wants to particularly commend all of the staff for the highly professional way in which they have handled the disruptions of the past church year. The temporary conference offices give a new definition to the term cozy! However, they have managed to share the space and the resources with good humour and resilience and we salute them for it!
Our chair participated in David Hewitt’s first annual review with Carol Handcock, General Council Minister for Conciliar Relations. Input was gathered from a circle of people with whom Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 91
David interacts in a variety of ways within the Conference, with quite positive results. Members of the committee will be participating in the reviews of all staff over the next calendar year. We were delighted to welcome Sarah Wallace as the new Conference Archivist. Despite having most of the collection shrink-wrapped in Moncton she has been very busy! There are filing systems to learn, committee members to meet and the profile of the Archives to raise throughout the Conference as well as valuable professional input on the archives section of the new conference centre. Your Committee has been pleased with Sarah’s entry into her new role and look forward to her growth in it.
We have heard from the program staff about the many and various draws on their time. They are hard working resource people, teachers and confidants not only for their committees, but also for Presbyteries and Pastoral Charges. We were impressed by their ability to respond to many different calls and, at the same time, initiate new and exciting forms of ministry and consultation. We are grateful for the ministry of all the staff in our midst.
In Christ’s service Ross Bartlett for the Staff Committee: Brett Anningson, Shirley Cleave, Kay Dean, Bill Drysdale, Elaine Grey, Jean Ward
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Purpose Statement
To call our church to stewardship of all of life in faithful response to God.
Blessings and highlights of the year:
• One of the highlights of this year has been Runners United for Change! Rev. Keltie Van Binsbergen is a runner and she brought the idea of people participating in the Bluenose Marathon to raise money for the Mission and Service Fund. There are SEVENTEEN people participating: from those who are simply walking the distance, to those who are running the full marathon. The enthusiasm that this had engendered is contagious. While this has primarily been an activity in the Halifax Regional Municipality, next year we hope to make it easily possible for those outside the area to participate by offering regional walk/run training and billets for participants who live outside HRM.
• The committee is studying the book, Stewardship for Vital Congregations, which is taking us into deeper discussions about stewardship, taking us far beyond the ‘what and how’ of stewardship to the deeper question of why stewardship. It is engaging us in theological conversations.
• Two of the committee members, Linda Fuller and Pam Harrison are attending the biannual stewardship event in Kananaskis: Connecting the Dots ... Word & the World, 92 The United Church of Canada
Rooted in Faith, Living Our Hope. We trust they will come back renewed and strengthened for this important work.
Challenges:
• Along with the increasing challenge of congregations meeting the stewardship needs of the congregation and their Mission & Service goals, there seems to be an increasing reluctance to attend/participate in programs and workshops that address some of these issues. We have instituted ‘Calls With a Purpose’ as an alternate delivery method of stewardship information and resources.
Plans for 2012-2013:
• Hold a Stewardship Event in the fall, for all who are interested in stewardship, not only the presbytery M&S convenors.
Respectfully submitted, Rev. Catherine MacDonald Chair
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORTS
Conference Accommodation Committee
“On the day that you cross over the Jordan into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and cover them with plaster. You shall write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over, to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.”{Deuteronomy 27:2-3 NRSV}
Throughout religious history, people have marked their place in the story of faith with monuments and buildings. Over the last three years Maritime Conference has undertaken the significant task of creating a utilitarian and symbolic building within the town of Sackville that will not only provide ample and appropriate office space for its dedicated staff, meeting area for its work and state-of-art storage for its archival records, but that will also stand as a testimony to the confidence placed in the future of Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada.
The small Conference Accommodations Committee (CAC) was established to coordinate the planning and construction of the new Conference Centre and Archives and is seeing the successful end of this ministry approach as we look to the completion of the building project in June 2012. With the costs for planning, construction, relocation, furnishings, and related expenses requiring a commitment of three million dollars, this project stands as one of the most significant undertakings of Maritime Conference in many years. Of note, through the efforts of Red Letter Philanthropy, a fund raising firm engaged in recent months by Conference Executive, we are anticipating that this project will be completely funded without challenging the many effective and faithful ministries of our Conference. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 93
The CAC is greatly indebted to many who have shared the vision of this project and provided outstanding leadership. It is with deep appreciation and prayerful concern that we recognize the dedication and efforts of Dean Lawrence, co-chair of the CAC, who had to step down from his highly valued leadership due to medical concerns. Dean’s leadership has been greatly missed these last months and the CAC continues to hold him in our prayers.
The CAC is also greatly indebted to the former Conference Executive Secretary, Catherine Gaw, for her tremendously insightful leadership in the initial planning of this project and to our current Executive Secretary, David Hewitt for his equally effective leadership and tireless dedication in bringing this project to its conclusion. As well, we have benefitted greatly from the leadership of our former and current Archivists, Judith Colwell and Sarah Wallace. The Committee is most appreciative of the tireless efforts and insightful leadership of Frank Chisholm who has been instrumental in moving forward many aspects of this project. As well, the Committee is thankful for the work and support of Robert Jones who has been representing the Finance and Property Committee.
The work of such a project would be impossible without the work of many hands. The CAC has deeply appreciated the input of others such as the former Archive Planning Group, the Conference Archives Committee, the Conference Staff Committee, the ad-hoc Technical Committee, the Property and Finance Committee, our Conference lawyer, and the members of the Executive and sub-Executive of Conference for their insightful questioning and faithful guidance. Additionally the CAC has been supported in this work by our Project Managers, Roger O’Neil and Bill Morris of Kingsway Developments Ltd., who have assisted in coordinating the dedicated involvement of engineers, designers, consultants and many others working on this project. The project became a real possibility only when we were blessed with the financial support of Gerry Moore and his family who saw their involvement as a way of honouring Gerry’s mother’s deep love for the United Church of Canada. And last, but far from least, the CAC recognizes and deeply appreciates the leadership and expertise of Philip Jones of Alliance Building Contractors whose commitment to this project has been stellar; in addition to his skill as a contractor, Philip has shown his dedication to this project through his assiduous involvement in all aspects of its development.
Upon its completion in June of 2012, the Conference Centre and Archives will provide Maritime Conference with 2500 ft2 of office space, 1400 ft2 of meeting area and over 4700 ft2 dedicated to the archives. The details and floor plan remain available on the Maritime Conference web site. Throughout the planning, significant attention was given not only to functionality but also to the aesthetics and environmental impact of this building. Ground source heat recovery, photo voltaic energy panels, LED lighting were areas where up-front costs and cost recovery estimates were so daunting that the CAC proceeded with other more cost effective solutions while incorporating in the design the facility to easily adapt to these resources should the financial viability change in the future. Similarly, the Committee sought diligently to balance the desire to create a space that would be both beautiful and functional while recognizing the need to be wise stewards of the our financial resources. We hope that all will appreciate the choices that were made, and that this building will long serve the needs of the faithful people of Maritime Conference. 94 The United Church of Canada
As this report is written, the hope is that during the Annual General Meeting there will be opportunity for delegates and visitors to have opportunity to visit the site. If possible, details for such a visit will be made available during the annual meeting. As well, there is already a committee of dedicated individuals who are working on creating an event to celebrate the official opening and to formally dedicate this centre to the glory of God, under whose guidance we have sought to work in all aspects of its creation.
Respectfully submitted;
T. Kevin Dingwell Co-chair Conference Accommodations Committee
Incorporated Ministries Advisory Committee
Maritime Conference has the responsibility for overseeing the operation of United Church corporations that function within its bounds. The Incorporated Ministries Advisory Committee, acts in an advisory capacity to the Conference Executive, with respect to the administration of The Manual, Section 429 as it relates to the ongoing health of the incorporated ministries.
The Incorporated Ministries Advisory Committee (IMAC) held the first meeting of the 2011 Conference year in Sackville on June 14, 2011. Executive Secretary, David Hewitt agreed to chair the meeting. Continuing members, JD Kennedy and Pat Elliott joined the chair in welcoming newly appointed members, Susan Estabrooks and Diana Ginn. Since its fairly recent inception, IMAC has functioned on a totally informal basis, rotating the roles of chair and note- taker. In the interests of consistency, it was agreed that Pat Elliott would act as interim chair and that note-taking would continue to be shared.
IMAC responsibilities include reviewing incorporation documentation and by-laws, in addition to information contained in the annual report forms submitted by incorporated ministries. Much of this work is done through internet connections, mail, and/or telephone.
Currently there are 27 incorporated United Church related ministries functioning within Maritime Conference. These include camps, nursing homes, seniors facilities and other ministries with a close connection to the United Church of Canada. Lorraine Horyl of the Conference office staff has provided invaluable administrative support for the work of the IMAC, by tracking and collating the reporting requirements established by Section 429, continuing the work begun by Jennifer Whittemore.
The work of the IMAC could not be accomplished without the cooperation of the many volunteers serving on boards and committees, who faithfully submit annual reports reflecting the health of these valuable ministries, and to them we extend our thanks.
Submitted by Pat Elliott
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 95
Incorporated Ministries Reporting
The mandate of the IMAC is to receive annual reports from all incorporated bodies related to The United Church of Canada and resident in the Maritime Conference and report to the Conference.
Last Constitution/ Liability Directors Financial # Name Bylaws Insurance Report Report 1 Abbey St. Andrew Inc. 2008 2012 2011 2011 2 Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp 2011 2012 2011 2011 Atlantic Christian Training Centre 3 (Tatamagouche Centre) 2002 2011 2010 2010 4 Camp Abegweit Organization UR 2011 2010 2010 5 Camp Ta-Wa-Si Inc. 1999 2012 2010 2010 6 Camp Wegesegum 2001 2012 2010 2010 7 Camp Woolastook 2010 2012 2012 2011 8 Carleton Kirk Complex 1992 2012 2011 2011 9 Centenary-Queen Square Care Centres Inc. 1989 2012 2011 2011 Church Extension Board - Halifax 10 Presbytery UR NR 2010 2010 11 Church Extension Board - PEI Presbytery 1974 2012 2010 2011 12 Fairview Parent ‘N Tot Meeting Place 2002 2011 2010 2010 13 Financial Services 1992 2011 2010 2011 14 Home Mission Council Saint John 2003 2013 2011 2011 15 Hunter Church Building Fund NR NR 2010 2000 16 Ken Val United Church Suites 2006 2012 2011 2011 17 MacLennan Memorial Camp 2010 2012 2011 2011 18 Mount Allison University 1994 2012 2009 2011 19 Newport Village 2008 2012 2011 2011 North Dartmouth Outreach Resource 20 Centre 1996 2013 2011 2011 21 Ossekeag Place, Hampton 2011 2012 2011 2011 22 Sherbrooke Lake United Church Camp NR 2011 NR 2011 23 St. Paul’s Family Resources Institute 1985 NR 2011 2011 24 St. Paul’s Seniors Residence 2011 NR NR NR 25 Sydney Presbytery Property Council NR NR NR NR 26 UC Camp Meeting Association (Berwick) NR 2011 2011 2011 27 UC Home For Senior Citizens – Drew 2010 2011 2010 2010
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List of Incorporated Ministries Directors
Abbey St. Andrews Inc. Adam Dickinson, President John Manning, Treasurer Terry Robertson, Vice-President John Elliot Kenneth Ellingwood, Chair Mel Norton Dorothy Travis, Secretary
Arthur Kidston Memorial Camp Joyce Wylie, Chair Pam Carter Janet Moffat, Secretary John Connely Michael Pottie, Treasurer Vanessa Churchill Vivian Jennings, Personnel David Hart Lillian Smithson, Program Sue Hoyt David Lea, Property Jennifer Power Angela Falkenham, Registrar & Rentals Elliott Prouty
Atlantic Christian Training Centre (Tatamagouche Centre) Paula Gallant, Chair Bonnie Fraser Blake Paterson McDonald, Vice Chair Gerry Kerr Satya Ramen, Secretary/Treasurer Kenley MacNeill Lori Crocker Catherine Stuart
Camp Abegweit Organization Not received at time of printing.
Camp Ta-Wa-Si Inc. Not received at time of printing.
Camp Wegesegum Chris Arbour Jennifer Niles Bob Bartlett Gwen O’Brien Reid Lois Bartlett George Richardson Jim Brewster Alex Runcie Wendy Cornfield Yan Storr Marg Fanjoy, Secretary Janet Wells Shirley Hunt
Camp Woolastook Heather Donnelly, Co-Chair Jackie Farquhar Sue Fleming, Co-Chair & Treasurer Kara Fowlie Angela Palmer, Vice Chair Angela Meneley Cari Grierson, Secretary – pro tem Richard Murch Ann Brooker Merrill Slip James Brooker Greg Williams
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Carleton Kirk Lodge George Burchill, Chairperson Marian Melvin Paul Hooper, Vice-Chairperson Peter Perry Mary Melanson, Secretary Rick Sabin Eileen Boyd, Treasurer Donald Scott Nancy Gillies Heather Toole Judy Harrity
Centenary-Queen Square Care Centres Inc. Elizabeth Ann Gallant, President Bob Barton Jim Crooks, Past President Don Uhryniw Dimitri Papadopoulos, Secretary Lauren Wiezel Bev Galbraith, Treasurer
Church Extension Board – Halifax Presbytery Not received at time of printing.
Church Extension Board – PEI Presbytery Chesley Boutilier, President Henry Tye Susan Dalziel, Secretary-Treasurer Gordon Vessey Eunice Wonnacott
Fairview Parent ‘N Tot Meeting Place Robert Carter, Chair Sandra Fenn Lynn Ford, Secretary Denise Hirtle Meaghan McNamara, Treasurer Brenda Munro Natalie Brown
Financial Services Karen MacNeill, Chair Arthur Davies Donald Mackay, Secretary Jim McKenzie, Saint John Presbytery Anne Thompson, Treasurer Doug Cosman, Saint John Presbytery W. Grant Thompson, Assistant Treasurer Mark Hatfield, St. Croix Presbytery Stewart Hudson, Treasurer, Maritime Conference Lance Howard, St. Croix Presbytery David Hewitt, Corresponding Member Gordon MacLeod, South Shore Presbytery Janet Colpitts, Chignecto Presbytery Ann MacLeod, Sydney Presbytery Irene Caswell, Chignecto Presbytery David LeBlanc, Truro Presbytery Margaret Arklie, Halifax Presbytery Peter Mattatall, Truro Presbytery Jim Chisholm, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery Karen Ralph, Valley Presbytery Herbert Hayden, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery Carol MacLearn, Valley Presbytery Terry Mathews, Miramichi Presbytery David Thorne, Woolastook Presbytery Bill Dodson, Pictou Presbytery
Home Mission Council Saint John Bruce Campbell Douglas Loughery Martha Crabbe James McKenzie Brion Crossman Joanne McLaughlin Vince Galbraith Doreen Rankin 98 The United Church of Canada
Gerald Higgins Irvine Robertson Carolyn Johnson Brian Wheelock
Hunter Church Building Fund Ross Hallett, Chair Vincent Ihasz Blake Caldwell, Secretary Elroy McKillop Charles Baxter, Finance Chair Harriet McWhirter Trent Cleveland-Thompson Robert Mills Louise Gosbee Jim Sykes Jim Hicks
KenVal United Church Suites Harold McKinnon, President Audrey Lounder Lisa Dunnett, Secretary Karen MacNeill Hally Kimball, Treasurer Debbie Ogden Mary Crowley Bruce Phillips George Fisk Cheryl Raeburn Jill Jennings Alan Schooley Shawn Jennings Sheree Trecartin Dirk Larooi Bill Whittaker
MacLennan Memorial Camp Charles (Chuck) Paterson, Chair Dale Jollymore, Property Derek Elsworth, Vice Chair Glen Ross, Registrar Fay Smith, Secretary/Treasurer & Rentals Joan Collins Barbara Aitken, Promotions Michael Hollis
Mount Allison University Robert Campbell, President Tom Hierlihy Peter Mansbridge, Chancellor David Hornidge David Booth Monique Imbeault Craig Brett Pat Joyce Carol Chapman Barry Kyle Andrew Clark J. Scott McCain George Cooper Sean McGilley Jane Craighead Susan McIsaac Suzanne Crawford Ron Outerbridge James Dickson Jane Ralling Meredith Fraser Andrew Richardson Blois Hennigar Peter Winters
Newport Village Thomas Baduik Ian Stead Dorothy MacDonald Jennifer Uhryniw Frances Meehan Bill Vail Lester Mott Carolyn Vail Jean Pond Sandra Winchester
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North Dartmouth Outreach Resource Centre Martin Walker, President Leigh Day Barry Connors, Vice President Frances Hunter Gordon McKeen, Past President Brigit Hurst Kevin Clarke, Secretary David Inkpen Dale Knox, Treasurer Charles Jeffrey Helen Carpenter David Kaiser Ronald Carter Grant MacLean Thomas Clarke Kees Zwanenburg
Ossekeag Plave, Hampton Jim McKenzie, Chair Barb Gates Lloyd McKinley, Vice Chair Brian Gesner Georgie Day, Secretary Griffin-Allwood, Philip June Anderson, Treasurer Robert McGinnis Bob Gallup Judy Milley ** Shirley Gamble ** ** Tenant Relations
Sherbrooke Lake United Church Camp Terry Skidgmore, Chair Ernie Hawboldt Sandy Creaser, Past Chair Sandra Johnston Jen Bailly, Secretary Curtis McDonald Denise Dunbar, Treasurer Kelly Moores Laura Casey, Director Vivian Moores Kate MacNeil, Assistant Director Norm Phinney Nancy Beaulieu David Roop Davlyn Book David Simpson Lorraine Burch David Talbot Erica Everett Charlotte Whynott
St. Paul’s Family Resource Institute Carolyn Mont, Chair Doug Brown Betty Maxner, Vice Chair David Grant Ron Buckley, Treasurer Bertha Wentzell Jeanne Manning-Stright, Clergy Oliver Wentzell
St. Paul’s United Church Seniors Residence Company Not received at time of printing.
Sydney Presbytery Property Council Heather Maclean, Chair Kathryn MacCuish Wade Reppert, Secretary Donald MacDonald Donald Mackay, Treasurer Catherine MacLean Clarie Anderson Stephen Mills Michael Goodfellow Peter Murray Audrey Greer Nick Phillips 100 The United Church of Canada
Sean Handcock Elizabeth Porquet David Luker
United Church Meeting Association (Berwick) Gordon Cameron, President David Hewitt Peter Woods, Past President John Hildebrand Tim O’Neill, 1st Vice President Anne Lake Chrissie Crooks, 2nd Vice President Susan MacAlpine-Gillis Kate Crawford, 3rd Vice President Tim O’Brien Jack Spencer, Secretary Sandy Porter Dawn Wood, Treasurer Noah Richardson Doug Armstrong Krista & Brian Rietzel Mary Lynn Cameron Eric Schurman Paul Dillman Zach Withers
United Church Home For Senior Citizens (Drew Nursing Home) Wayne Trail, Chairperson Catherine Gaw Glenna Lightfoot, Vice Chairperson Gerald Hannah David Close, Secretary/Treasurer Ron Maund Nelson Price, Past Chair Mona Meldrum Judith Cairns Vince Reinsborough Erin Campbell Ron Roper Janet Crawford
United Church Men
Our Vision Statement: “To lead men to an understanding of the work and witness of the church, that through commitment to Christ, they may fulfill the ministry to which they are called, in the home, in daily work, in the community and in the world.”
It has been said, “that the only constant we have is change.” There is no doubt that this is very true of our organization. As our society has changed with the demands on families, two working parents, running children to activities, etc. the time for other involvements, including the church, has declined. We have certainly experienced this when we look at the number of men's groups still active in the churches of the Maritimes. We know that many are still taking very important roles in their respective churches, presbyteries, and conference, but the men's group activities of the past have declined.
However, the dedicated men who form the UCM executive still strive to be a voice of encouragement to the men of the Maritime Conference. We are proud of the men's groups that have been active for many, many years. We also encourage men to begin a group if one has ceased to exist in their church. We know many do hold events, such as Church suppers. And we also know many work within their churches to keep it moving forward.
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So, to that end, the executive again planned a rally, our sixth biennial, on April 28, 2012 at Trinity-St. Stephen United Church in Amherst. This years theme was very fascinating, “Who are You?...for God's sake,” with the Rev. Dr. Rob Fennell who teaches Historical and Systematic Theology at Atlantic School of Theology. An interesting feature of this rally was having Rev. Andrew O'Neill as our chaplain; his father was our theme speaker at our very first rally in 2002.
We continue to publish a newsletter for the men with at least one per year. If anyone has an article or information that would be of interest to others, please forward it to one of our executive. Also, we are still trying to honor men from past and present who have made a significant contribution to men's work, not just church work. For further information, please go to our website at www.marconf.ca/ucmen.
We are happy to report that the Cape Breton Men's Conference continues to meet every September. Two other men's gatherings, both which are interdenominational, are the Fredericton Christian Men's Retreat in February and the Digby Men's Retreat in April.
As UCM President I serve on the executive of Maritime Conference and have continued to learn more and appreciate the United Church of Canada.
Bob Bartlett, President Maritime Conference UCM [email protected]
United Church Women
The past year has been busy, productive, and satisfying, and now, in this our 50th Anniversary year, it will be even busier.
Through my position as President of Maritime Conference UCW, I automatically became a member of Maritime Conference Executive, and I attended all meetings in Sackville. It has been interesting to see the church court at this level, and to be a part of their deliberations and decisions.
As a member of the national UCW Executive, it was an honour to have been a part of the decision last year to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with an M&S project supporting the Women’s Training Center in Morogoro, Tanzania. Our goal is to raise $50,000.00 to support this Center, and with approximately 50,000 members across Canada, the goal is reachable.
Maritime Conference UCW continues its ministry of hospitality at Camp Berwick by manning the Cookie Cottage, and serving between 450 and 500 dozen cookies each summer for the 10- day encampment. We also mark UCW day the Wednesday of Camp week with a special worship and program.
I was honoured and delighted to be able to accept invitations to many of our Presbyterial AGM’s, but disappointed that I could not attend all. Even though some groups are going through 102 The United Church of Canada the painful process of deciding whether they can formally continue, I am confident that their work in and for the church will continue.
And now we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of UCW in this our golden year. We are the hands and feet of our Lord, as we are reminded that “you did it unto the least of these . . .”. The committee planning the national celebration this summer in Ancaster, Ontario has been working hard to assure this celebration will be worthy of the occasion, and Maritime Conference UCW will be well represented.
I am truly delighted that our Maritime Executive chose, also, to mark this anniversary at the regional level. Not wanting to divert any monies away from the national project, we chose to adopt the project “Mats 4 Haiti”, which simply involves collecting milk bags, cutting them into strips and crocheting them into sleeping mats for Haitians who are now sleeping on the ground, or on bug-infested mats made from banana leaves. Also, while being shipped to Haiti, these mats serve as padding or insulation around the other items being shipped, so serve a double purpose. True to UCW, we have found a useful project that costs nothing, is a wonderful example of recycling, and can be done as we sit and share fellowship together.
Also in line with our 50th Anniversary, we have been challenged to try out our writing skills. The Anniversary Book “Ordinary Heroes. Celebrating United Church Women” whose editors invited (and received) entries from UCW members across the country, tells our story from many angles since 1962. Those entries which could not be included were returned to our conference, and I am proud to say that we have printed our own Maritime Conference Anniversary book as a supplement to the national one. Also, the editors of the daily devotional booklet “These Days” invited UCW members to submit entries for the complete month of January, again to mark our anniversary. And, the editors of Mandate Magazine wishing to highlight the work of UCW in their February issue, invited our national president, Betty Turcott, myself from eastern Canada and Geraldine Dyck from western Canada to tell our stories, so we have been well represented in the written word this year!
And so it is with mixed feelings that I write this, my last report, as MCUCW President. It has been a truly wonderful experience, but I recognize that I could not have done it without the unwavering support of my executive. Looking back at what we accomplished together, I see so many examples of times when I counted on them to do a “little extra”, and was never disappointed.
I am constantly reminded that we are asked to be the hands and feet of the Lord, and when we do His work, we are honouring and worshipping Him as we do it. Worship and Work must be one ... With UCW, Worship and Work are indeed one! Thank you one and all.
Respectfully submitted, Sharon Moyse, President
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OTHER REPORTS
Tatamagouche Centre/Atlantic Christian Training Centre
Tatamagouche Centre is pleased to report on a year of organizational transition, dynamic programming and a radical hospitality. As one of four United Church adult education and retreat centres across Canada Tatamagouche Centre, also known as the Atlantic Christian Training Centre serves both Church and community throughout the Maritimes. Tatamagouche Centre is building a participatory form of governance and operation which challenges us to live our values throughout all aspects of our work and being at the Centre. A momentous and fulfilling task. Our three person “staff leadership team” consisting of our Program Director, Financial Director and Organizational Director continues to build the capacity and leadership of our staff team during this time of transition.
We have worked to strengthen our Faith, Spirituality and Retreat programming for United Church, ecumenical and inter-faith individuals and groups. We are developing new programs to meet the United Church community. Some 2012 examples include Building Bridges; Inclusive Theology, Embodied Spirituality, with Rev. Irene Munroe, an African American feminist Nov 11-13th, a must for all interested in our affirm united and inclusion work: Spiritual Activism: Soil and Soul with Alastair McIntosh, a Scottish author who shares his story of successful community resistance to the mining industry July 13-15th: Sing Out for Freedom with Lunenberg Folk Festival Sensations Reggie and Kim Harris Aug 3-5, and the Courage to Lead event Nov. 16- 18. We offer several programs on weekdays to meet the needs of those in paid, accountable ministry. Again we are offering programs that have been important within Maritime Conference, including Godly Play, Advent Retreat Day, Gift of Silence Retreat, Oct 28-30 and Play and Praise with Linnea Good, July 17-18. We welcome individuals and groups to use Tatamagouche Centre as a space for personal and group retreats. We provide great hospitality, local fresh meals, lovely meeting spaces and self-catering accommodation. Our buildings are located on a beautiful landscape overlooking Tatamagouche Bay. We have comfortable, welcoming and peaceful surroundings. Please visit us!
For further information contact Katja at 1-800-218-2220; email [email protected] or check our website at www.tatacentre.ca
Marion Thomson Organizational Director, Tatamagouche Centre [email protected]
Atlantic School of Theology Senate
For the past two years, I have sat on AST Senate as the representative for Maritime Conference. The senate is responsible for coordinating and providing oversight to the academic programs offered by AST.
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Here are a few of the many things that have been discussed and worked on by the senate in the past year:
• Implementation of the Strategic Directions Plan • Funding of lecture series • Re-activating the Evelyn Hildie Betts Fellowship Fund. This fellowship allows a student from another part of the world to study at AST for one year. Watch for an announcement of a new Betts Fellow in the near future. • Developing a quality assurance review process. • Formalizing the Arts and Theology committee. • Honourary degree recipients • The Granting of degrees, certificates and testamur.
In 2011/12 there were 155 students enrolled in the various programs at AST. The enrollment for next year is likely to be around the same number, which in a time of dropping enrolments everywhere, is a good sign.
I would like to thank the caring faculty and staff at AST for their hard work and for their dedication to quality theological education. The church appreciates what you do.
Submitted by Sarah Reaburn
Camp Wegesegum
“What’s Left?” is a question that we, as senior campers, leaders, and Board members, ponder often and prayerfully. Camp Wegesegum is celebrating its 40th anniversary as an incorporated body in 2012 and looks forward to its 90th anniversary of Christian camping in 2013. There is always something left - more to accomplish, improvements to be made, and lives to be touched. Throughout our history we have had dedicated alumni who give more and more of themselves, their finances, their faith, and still have lots left to do more, encourage more and guide more.
The camp continues to operate on a primarily rental basis but we are able to offer four Board- affiliated camps annually. 2011 saw a Leadership training event in June, reminiscent of the past, with quality leadership from two Maritime Provinces. A Junior Co-ed camp was ably directed by Jennifer Niles with Anne Scott as Bible Study Leader using the curriculum “Got Spirit?” Day Camp was by far the most successful program when we considered community participation, more than 1,502 volunteer hours, specialized programming (a sculptor) and the number of registrants. Adult Camp for those 50+ serves our senior campers and is a program we hope will grow exponentially as our population matures.
2011 was an exciting year for us. Board members had a virtual accreditation visit and we were awarded full accreditation by the Duty of Care and Incorporated Ministries Office of the United Church of Canada. We also began the study of Faith Formation at Camp. Time at each Board meeting allows us to become better informed on the document and determine if we are, in fact, encouraging campers to grow in faith.
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Board members are thankful for the staff of Maritime Conference (co-ordination, co-operation and support), Saint John Presbytery (our Pastoral Oversight Supervisor), the 500 campers that blessed us in 2011 (and hopefully were blessed in return), the Spirit which allows us to continue, the Father who created one of the most beautiful places on earth, and the Son who showed us how to live and be. May all our efforts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. What’s left - is our determination for future generations to experience all that’s good in United Church camps.
Financial Services of the Maritime Conference of The United Church of Canada Inc.
As an incorporated body of Maritime Conference, this company administers bequest and trust funds for the conference and for other church bodies as requested. It also holds conference real estate in trust and lends money to qualified congregations for capital purposes as the need arises.
Each presbytery appoints one lay person and one member of the order of ministry to the board of directors for a three year term. The directors meet twice a year in April and October with occasional electronic and telephone consultations as required. The treasurer is Ms. Anne Thompson. The assistant treasurer is Mr. W. grant Thompson. The treasurer of maritime Conference, Mr. Stewart Hudson, is a director of the company.
The year 2011 was a quiet one for Financial Services with no new loans taken out. Many congregations are hesitant to embark on capital projects beyond basic maintenance and repair. As of Dec 31, 2011 trust money totaled $1,144,581.55 with $1, 735,674.99 on deposit. Rates for the company as of Jan 1, 2012 are 5% on trust deposits and a loan rate of 5.5 %. Loans outstanding total $302,979.74. The company holds and pays interest on $384,303.31 for Maritime Conference resulting from the sale of the former York Street properties.
As this is my last year as chair of the company I want to extend a “thank you” to the directors and treasurers for their good work on behalf of the conference and best wishes to Rev. Karen MacNeill as she takes over as chair.
Respectfully submitted, Rev Stephen Mills
General Council Executive
The Executive of the General Council (GCE) acts on behalf of the General Council between General Council meetings, and generally meets twice a year. The Executive is composed of 50 voting members, both lay and ministry personnel, representing all 13 Conferences, francophone, ethnic, and Aboriginal constituencies, and various national committees. The General Council Executive has met three times since the last report submitted to the Maritime Conference, May 7- 9, 2011, November12-14, 2011 and March 24-26, 2012.
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As this is the final report for the 2009-2012 triennium, we will summarize the major pieces of work that have been accomplished this year and/or are coming to the General Council in August 2012.
Simplification of Manual and Processes The work of simplification of The Manual and various processes included wide consultation with the church and was guided by four principles: balance regulation with flexibility, reflect the church’s mission, be accessible, and provide clarity. This work will be coming to the 41st General Council for approval and the authorization of remits, as necessary.
Building Right Relations with First Nations A number of initiatives have been undertaken to continue to build Right Relations with First Nations Peoples. The Task Group on the Basis of Union and the UCC crest will be bringing recommendations to the 41st General Council that will include insertions to The Manual to explain the historical context at the time of Union and the addition of the four colours of the Indigenous medicine wheel and the phrase “all my relations” to the crest. At the November 2011 GCE meeting, at the request of Justice Murray Sinclair, chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, a discussion was held to explore our understanding of the term ‘reconciliation’. At the meeting in March 2012, the GCE disowned the Doctrine of Discovery, an historical concept that has been used to rationalize colonization of Indigenous peoples, and is asking for similar action by the 41st General Council.
Becoming an Intercultural Church As the next step in becoming an Intercultural Church, the GCE is recommending the proposal, ‘Vision for Becoming an Intercultural Church’, to the General Council for adoption. An intercultural church is described as one that is welcoming, relational, adaptive, justice seeking, intentional and missional.
Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relations The report ‘Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relations’ proposes a new model for pastoral relations and oversight and discipline that would move responsibility for much of this work from Presbyteries to Conferences. Following consultation with the church in winter 2012, the GCE is recommending that 41st General Council direct the GCE to develop and test the processes as outlined in the report.
Accommodations for General Council Office After considering invitations from various locations across the country, the GCE discerned that it would be best to maintain the General Council Offices in the Toronto area and authorized further negotiations with two downtown churches. After further work, the decision was made to seek a mutually beneficial relationship within the redevelopment of Bloor Street United Church, Toronto and that this would be the new home for the United Church of Canada. It is anticipated that the move will happen in 2015.
Ministry Personnel The GCE approved a new compensation model for ministry personnel that will a)provide a comprehensive salary package; b) introduce separate salary scales for those credentialed and Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 107
those not yet credentialed; and c) provide financial assistance in ‘high cost, remote areas’ when there are excessive financial costs when responding to medical or family crises. After careful review of the issues related to clergy couples compensation, it was evident that there was no change that would be equitable for all so there will be no change in current policy.
Although the UCC pension has survived the fluctuations in financial markets in recent years quite well, in light of low investment yields and after careful deliberations, the Pension Board made some changes to the Pension Plan to ensure its long term sustainability.
Middle East Policy The Working Group on Middle East policy has worked diligently this triennium, including a trip to Israel and Palestine in winter 2011. Their final report was not available for the March 2012 meeting of the GCE, but will be available through the UCC website by early May.
Associate Relationship with Migrant Church Communities From time to time, the UCC receives requests from congregations in Canada that belong to denominations in other nations seeking a relationship with the UCC. Such relationships would enable these congregations to root themselves in the Canadian context by association with the United Church while maintaining close connections with their home denominations. The GCE is recommending that the 41st General Council 2012 endorse these Associate Relationships.
41st General Council – Ottawa Plans are well underway for the 41st General Council to be held in Ottawa, August 11 – 18. A Proposal Task Group is in place to facilitate the proposal and decision making process. The agenda will be finalized once the number of proposals and the number of candidates for moderator are known. Open Space, similar to that used at the Annual Meeting for Maritime Conference last year, will be used during part of the Council. Youth Forum will be a leadership development program this year which will clearly differentiate it from the role of Youth Commissioners.
Further information is available at http://gc40.united-church.ca/gce
Respectfully submitted by Ivan Gregan, Ministry Representative to GCE Shirley Cleave, Lay Representative to GCE
Hunter Church Building Fund
The Trustees of the Hunter Church Building Fund met this past year on the second Wednesday of May and October. An e-mail poll was conducted in December on applications that had been received up to that time.
Grants for up to a maximum of $3,000 were made to qualified applicants.
In recognition of the changing circumstances concerning need, while at the same time attempting to remain true to the original intent of this fund is becoming a challenge. Be assured that the 108 The United Church of Canada
trustees will continue to do our very best in exercising our mandate in a fair and competent manner. Any changes decided upon will be communicated to all concerned in a timely manner.
Respectfully submitted Rev. Blake Caldwell, Secretary Hunter Church Building Fund
Mount Allison University Board of Regents
It was an unusually eventful year for the Board of Regents at Mount Allison. The board announced a new $30,000, 000 Fine Arts Centre to be built on the site occupied by the Memorial Library. This building will consolidate a number of programs into one centre and provide state of the art studios and theatres for the fine arts program. It replaces a number of aging facilities and is a much needed addition to the campus. The cost of the project will be funded entirely from donations and internal sources meaning that no money will be borrowed. Because it was not cost effective or structurally possible to retrofit the Memorial Library, the building was deemed expendable and slated for demolition. Opposition to the required demolition was unexpectedly fierce and there was a concerted effort by some alumni to halt construction. This meant an unusual amount of stress for administration and board members. However the board resolutely stayed the course and the Memorial Library building was demolished in the fall of 2011 readying the way for construction of the fine arts centre.
In the midst of this controversy, the University continued to thrive. It was once again named the top comprehensive undergraduate University in the country and continues to draw top quality students from across the country and around the world. This year Rebecca Dixon was named the University’s 50th Rhodes Scholar from Mount Allison giving the school more Rhodes Scholars per capita than any other institution in the country. The university’s 2500 students enjoy a 16:1 teacher student ratio ensuring quality education. Mt. A also enjoys the second largest endowment per student in Canada at more than $40,000/student and $100 million in total. In 2011-12 the school celebrated “A Year of Science and Discovery” with an emphasis on the role that science plays at Mount Allison and, more broadly, in Canadian society as a whole. Speakers on campus included; University of Oxford professor, neuroscientist, broadcaster, and author Baroness Susan Greenfield; University of Alberta professor and international expert on climate change effects and public policy Dr. David Schindler; University of Oxford and Mansfield College scholar and astrophysicist instrumental in the Nobel Prize-winning research on the discovery of pulsars Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell; Playwright, mathematician, educator, and founder of the renowned JUMP program Dr. John Mighton, and world-leading expert on bonobos and research scientist in evolutionary anthropology at Duke University Vanessa Woods.
University President Robert Campbell continues to win acclaim for his astute leadership of the University and under his stewardship the university has enjoyed an extended period of financial stability and little faculty unrest. It has been my privilege to serve as the United Church representative on the board.
Sincerely, Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 109
Ossekeag Place of Hampton United Church Inc.
Report not received at time of printing.
Pine Hill Divinity Hall
Pine Hill Divinity Hall is one of the three founding parties of the Atlantic School of Theology, and its Mission is to build up the body of Christ by supporting the education of people with vocations in ministry. Pine Hill Divinity Hall supports United Church of Canada members pursuing study and training for ministry through its endowment fund.
In last year’s report to Maritime Conference, the previous Chair of the Board spelled out some difficult decisions made by the Board in the fall of 2010 due to substantial revenue shortfalls. Specifically, this meant cutting tuition support offered to students and basing the allocation on an “as needed” basis.
The Board, through its Executive, received many responses to the decision to limit tuition bursaries. While recognizing that the Board has a fiduciary responsibility to live within its means, it became clear that the decision made in the fall of 2010 did not have the support of the wider constituency, including students, faculty, alumni, and many members of Maritime Conference.
At its meeting on November 4, 2011, the Pine Hill Board made the following decision:
“that effective June 1, 2012, Pine Hill Divinity Hall pay tuition up to thirty (30) required credits for all United Church of Canada candidates studying at Atlantic School of Theology regardless of need, and that living and book allowances not be available.”
We believe that this decision represents a consensus of the voices heard, both formally at the board meeting and informally through the correspondence received. This was not an easy decision for the full Board to make at its 2011 Annual meeting, and we recognize that for some students, this will mean a substantial change in the financial support they have received up until now. However, Pine Hill feels this best honours Pine Hill’s Mission statement ensuring it can continue to support theological education into the future.
Blessings, Martha Martin, DM Board Chair
THE UNITED CHURCH HOME FOR SENIOR CITIZENS, INC. DREW NURSING HOME
As our philosophy of the Home states “The resident is the primary focus of all aspects of the operation of The United Church Home For Senior 110 The United Church of Canada
Citizens, Inc.” We therefore continue to strive to meet this philosophy by providing quality of life to our residents who live with us at the Drew Nursing Home as well as Tantramar Residences and Archibald Cottage.
Over the past year, the Home has continued with the Narrative Care initiative. The idea behind Narrative Care is to honor the residents, their lives and their experiences. The program is also to educate our staff, families, and volunteers about our residents, thus "changing the culture of the nursing home", how residents and staff interact, and how staff view the residents once they know their history.
The Home is presently participating in a “Music Therapy iPod pilot project. The Well-Tuned pilot project – also known as the iPod project – is being supervised by the Atlantic Institute on aging. Personalized playlists are developed for residents to see how listening to personalized music impacts their overall wellbeing. The goal of the project is to improve the quality of life for residents.
The Home is also delighted to introduce an updated version of the “Pet Therapy” program to our residents. We now have a very dedicated volunteer from the St. John Ambulance Pet Therapy program visiting with residents on a regular basis. “A dog on a bed is great medicine”!
Spirituality continues to be a very important part of the resident’s life. Interdenominational Church Services are held each Sunday and a Eucharist is held monthly. Clergy and lay leaders as well as church groups conduct these services.
The activity department provides various forms of spirituality to the residents. A bible study group meets on a weekly basis. An annual Memorial Service is also held to remember those residents who passed away during the year.
The board of directors have developed a new Strategic Plan for 2012 - 2016. With the development of this plan, we will be looking at the long-term future of the Home and ways to best meet the needs of our clients as well as the future clients of The United Church Home For Senior Citizens, Inc.
Linda Leroux Executive Director
PASTORAL OVERSIGHT REPORTS
Bermuda Synod
The Pastoral Oversight Committee of the Bermuda Synod is made up of four lay members: Leo Mills, Lorraine Beasley, Mary Sumpter, Margaret Atwood, and one clergy member Calvin Stone. This same group of people also form the E&S committee of the Bermuda Synod. Both committees meet monthly during the regular meeting of the Bermuda Synod, with the exception of July and August. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 111
Having completed the Triennial Visits with all three churches last year and there being no apparent issues, it was deemed unnecessary to conduct a visit this year.
During this year, however, we did lose two of the serving ministers. Both Revs Bowman and Breithaupt decided to return to Canada. The position at Emmanuel has been ably filled by Rev Gary Clarke who previously served at Wesley Church so is very familiar with Bermuda and the workings of the Bermuda Synod. The position at Ebenezer has been filled by the Synod appointment of Rev Cyril Simmons. Rev Cyril is a Bermudian, ordained by the AME church, who is considering joining the UCC.
Margaret Atwood Chair Pastoral Relations Committee
Chignecto Presbytery
The 32 pastoral charges of Chignecto Presbytery have kept our committee very busy and challenged during the past year. The workload has been intense and challenging. This has caused us to plan and work in a smarter and efficient way.
Our committee members have teamed together by two’s and three’s and we have accomplished many of our goals for the year through the commitment of each member. We have lost some members due to retirement, and health issues, bringing the current total number to eleven. We continue to look for new members for our committee who are willing to commit to God’s calling with their time and talent.
One of the most challenging projects at this time is the Triennial/JNAC combined visits. We have since changed our focus to do a Triennial/JNAC visit with each pastoral charge in the presbytery every three years. We have also initiated a standing JNAC committee within each pastoral charge to publish updates to the current JNAC report and to make these changes part of the annual report which is submitted to PR/PO on a yearly basis. There are also electronic files kept on each pastoral charge including their upgrades.
With enthusiasm and energy we have been able to complete eight of the ten planned combined Triennial/JNAC visits this year, which brings us up to date for the year ending 2011.The two visits that we were unable to do were cancelled due to adverse weather conditions.
In our presbytery, we still have many pastoral charges that are in a state of transition or a state of having just gone to half time ministry, or are in the process of closing. All of this is leading our committee to have great concerns about the future of our United Church; along with what type of direction should the Pastoral Relations/Pastoral Oversight Committee be giving to the troubled people of these hurting congregations?
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We continue to find similar issues with each congregation; lack of new members, lack of young families and lack of young people are all common themes. However, as we continue on our journey we are finding that we must all dig a little deeper and a little harder to find people who are willing to commit to the service of our church.
We also know that the work of the Pastoral Relations/Pastoral Oversight Committee is very important and demanding part of our church work. It is in faith that we commit and continue on our journey in Christ’s name.
David Eagles DLM, & Douglas E. Hoyt Co-Chairs Pastoral Relations/Pastoral Oversight Chignecto Presbytery December 31, 2011
Halifax Presbytery
We are pilgrims on a journey, fellow travellers on the road, we are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. (Voices United # 595)
The words to this hymn came to mind as I began to reflect on the ministry of the Pastoral Oversight Committee of Halifax Presbytery. During the year, as committee members shared reports from their triennial visits, conversation around the table often centred on how we, as the Oversight Committee of Halifax Presbytery, can support and encourage our pastoral charges. Some reports reflected congregations that are engaging in creative and life giving ministries. Other congregations described their ministry as one of struggle and challenge as they cope with dwindling financial and human resources. All congregations however, had much to give thanks for and were quick to identify the areas of ministry that brought joy and fulfillment. As pilgrims on this journey, our committee celebrates this ministry.
In preparation for the triennial visit, we have continued to review and update the questionnaire and accompanying letter that pastoral charges receive prior to the visit. Because of the size of our committee, visiting pastoral charges once every three years can present our greatest challenge. This year we visited with: Crossroads, Grace, Cole Harbour, Port Wallis, St James, St Luke’s, Fort Massey, Camp Kidston Board and the United Church of Canada Formation Director at the Atlantic School of Theology.
A few highlights from the year also included: Ó the ongoing conversations, about ministry, that are taking place with a number of United Churches in Dartmouth Ó the new ministry of Martha Martin as Chaplain at Dalhousie University Ó a workshop that took place on May 7th for M&P Committees. Kendal Harrison Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 113
was the the presenter. We were pleased that 38 people attended representing 17 pastoral charges in our presbytery. Ó a lively presentation that our committee made to presbytery celebrating the ministry of Brunswick Street Mission. This year our committee grew smaller as we said good bye to long time friends - Rev. Carolyn Palmer, Rev Margaret Sagar, Rev Sally Shaw, Rev. Ivan Gregan and Mr. Bob McArel. Their commitment to the work of this committee, their wisdom, boundless energy and joy is missed. The good news is that we welcomed, to our committee, Rev. Debbie Aitken, Rev. Blake Caldwell, Mac MacLeod and Kevin Cox. It is my hope that the new members will find meaning and purpose in the work that we do and satisfaction in doing it.
The work of Pastoral Oversight, I believe, will continue to change and evolve as we prayerfully discern God's call to the church in these demanding and often uncertain times. As communities cope with the loss of jobs, downsized businesses, families moving away in search of employment, the need to support our congregations as they deal with these realities is crucial. From the triennial visits we heard, over and over again, expressions of gratitude to the Oversight visitors for their love, concern and support. It is critical that the congregations of our presbytery know that we support them and are working beside them in this ministry that is ours.
I leave you with the words of another great hymn found in the Easter Section of Voices United. These inspiring words of hope enliven my spirit each and every time I sing them. Spring, in the Maritimes, is a yearly reminder of new things, of new life and of new possibilities. Our faith proclaims that God is at the heart of it all. As people of the Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada, may we sing with great enthusiasm.....
The spring has come, let all the church be part of it! The world has changed, and God is at the heart of it! New light, new day, new colour after winter grey. New light, new day, the spring has come, let all the church be part of it! (Voices United # 187)
David Hann Pastoral Oversight Committee
Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery
Annual Report - 2012 for Maritime Conference United Church of Canada
Change,,,new people at Presbytery meetings; new people in manses; farewells to long-time faithful participants; new challenges for congregations and communities.
And yet amidst the many changes, the meetings of the members of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery have continued with regularity and orderliness and fellowship and moments of inspiration and times of good humour.
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The annual reports of the twenty congregations within eleven pastoral charges reveal that the people are continuing to hear and respond to the words of the hymn “will you come and follow me, if I but call your name?” and to the challenging words “yes, here I am; send me.”
As well, the annual reports confirm that sacraments are regularly performed; committees meet; services are held on schedule; financial statements are in order and generally properly audited; special events bring people together for learning and inspiration and fellowship; contributions to the Mission and Service Fund are generous and continuing as part of several outreach ministries.
New ministers are now resident in the Port Hawkesbury/Port Hastings, Baddeck/Middle River/Baddeck Bridge, and Margaree Pastoral Charges. Joint Search Committees have been thanked for their diligent and successful work.
The West Bay Pastoral Charge expects to welcome its new minister after ordination ceremonies at the Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference. Thus, another Joint Search Committee has fulfilled its mandate and will shortly be relieved of further responsibilities.
The people of River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge continue to work with and benefit from the developing ministry of a half-time student intern in the Summer Distance Program for Ordination. It is a learning site with many opportunities for training.
With the other pastoral charges of the Inverness-Guyborough Presbytery under the care of their continuing ministers, three full-time and one half-time clergy, it is a time of deep appreciation in the Presbytery for the continuing presence of the Holy Spirit in its undertakings.
The assistance of retired clergy, Rev. Boyce Elliott and Rev. Robert Lockhart, and Rev. David MacLean and his wife Catherine, is noted in the minutes of pastoral charges and of the Presbytery. Lay people of the area as well have often been service leaders.
New challenges and an awareness of coming changes are evident in many conversations and noted in many annual reports. The continuing out-migration of young people to economic opportunities in other parts of Nova Scotia and in Ontario and Alberta means fewer people to undertake tasks, contribute time and money, and participate in church activities.
The closing of the pulp mill at Port Hawkesbury and the lay-offs at the gypsum mine and marble quarry in Inverness County has increased the already high unemployment rate and has created challenges for social agencies as many people feel much stress.
For members of the West Bay Pastoral Charge and for the members of Presbytery, the death of Wayne Yorke, D. L. M. (2011) occasioned the need for changes in responsibilities as well as the undertaking of the work of the Pastoral Charge by lay people – all with good success and willingness. An unanticipated change was calmly and effectively met by all concerned.
For several congregations in the district, expenses for the continuation of the services and the maintaining of buildings are met only by the cashing in of savings account and investments. These congregations are aware that some new approaches to their financial needs must be considered.
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In anticipation of some type of reorganization in the near future, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has initiated special conversations for visioning in each of the pastoral charges. The intent has been to build closer relationships between the people of the congregations and Presbytery, and to start serious discussions about new approaches to rural ministry.
Twenty-two churches are still being used on a regular basis and three for just seasonal and special services. During the past year, two churches in one area (Port Hood's St. Stephen's and Port Hood Island's Jubilee) have amalgamated their resources and governance. The respect and affection for all of these structures continue to be high in the pastoral charges. But the costs of maintaining and heating are coming to be increasingly challenging.
The image of Abram and Sarai being called to new lands and new ways of living is one that may identify the sense of coming change in this Presbytery with its aging and diminishing population in a rural area with a declining economy.
As part of its awareness of the wider world, Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery has had special sessions concerning the proposed drilling for oil in the area; the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation Meetings; and the importance of the UNESCO Biosphere designation for the Bras d'Or Lake.
The Presbytery continues to be grateful to the staff of Maritime Conference for helpful and prompt responses to queries and requests for advice.
Change... visioning... new voices...willingness to look at the future of rural ministry . . . still willing to “come and follow me”...the faithful people of Inverness-Guysborough Presbytery of the United Church of Canada.
Dr. James St.Clair for Pastoral Oversight Committee March 2012
Miramichi Presbytery
There are 18 Pastoral Charges (including Gaspe and Miscou) within the Miramichi Presbytery, which stretches over a very large geographical area. The struggles of the congregations reflect the struggles of the rest of the community here in Northern NB, and Gaspe Coast of Quebec. That is, a noticeable demographic shift, with the population declining at a steady rate. Many of the main employers have closed shop, and there is a high rate of poverty.
There are 8 members of this committee. In September of 2011, Rev. John Fraser stepped down as Chair, and Rev. Cheryl MacDonald was elected to take over the position. In October and November of 2011, seven Pastoral Oversight visit were conducted. These visits were made to: Bathurst, New Carlisle, Blackville, Loggieville/Black River, Tabusintac, Red Bank and New Castle.
Early in 2012, the committee revised the visitation schedule in order to be more balanced and efficient. This year there will be five visits scheduled, including visits to Gaspe which has, until 116 The United Church of Canada
recently, been part of a shared ministry with the Anglican Church, and Miscou, which meets every second Sunday over the summer with support from a rotation of visiting Clergy.
The Committee Chair has also made a couple of visits by invitation of the Pastoral Charge. In February of 2012, they visited with the folks of the Dalhousie - New Mills Pastoral Charge to offer encouragement as they continue the good work that is happening with that amalgamation. And in April of 2012, they accepted an invitation to meet with the Douglastown Pastoral Charge as they begin a time of discernment about their future.
Respectfully Submitted, Rev. Cheryl MacDonald, Chair of Pastoral Oversight
Pictou Presbytery
Pictou Presbytery faces the same challenges as other presbyteries. We are most blessed to have every Pastoral Charge with dedicated leadership, be that full-time, half-time, student supply or interim ministries. As a small presbytery, many people wear multiple hats and we are again blessed to have so many volunteers that do the work of this committee. We are working hard at maintaining the Churches guidelines and any red flags are attended to either with workshops or with individual attention and follow-up. We have a couple of our charges that are going through transition processes and are looking forward to their future ministries. Sunday Schools are facing fewer numbers and we are looking at new ways of encouraging children to come and learn about Jesus. Some communities are joining with other local denominations in their towns to host VBS`s or faith festivals. There is a greater sense of ecumenicity as everyone feels the pinch of our times. And there are stories of innovative ways within churches. One has made a manger out of cans and then sent them off to supply local food banks. Others have put on dinner theatres. We are trying to be pro-active in helping our charges proclaim the good news of Jesus and encourage talented people in our journey, together. These are truly exciting times to be a Christian. We look forward in Christ`s name and we are forever astounded at what the Spirit has for us, everyday. The heartbeat of heaven goes on, through us.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Fraser and Doug Pilsworth Co-chairs of Pictou Presbytery Oversight Committee
Prince Edward Island Presbytery
Report of the Committee on the Oversight of Pastoral Charges
In reviewing the life of our Presbytery over the past year there are reasons to celebrate, as well as reasons for concern.
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There are 24 Pastoral Charges in the Presbytery. The Committee on the Oversight of Pastoral Charges completed four visits and reviewed the reports from each. As well, the Annual Reports from each Pastoral Charge was requested so that they could also be reviewed.
We celebrate the conclusion of Joint-Search Committees in Spring Park United Church with the covenanting of the Rev. Gayle MacDonald; and in St. Andrew's (Vernon River) with the covenanting of the Rev. Boyd Drake.
We celebrate with the Margate Pastoral Charge through their transition from four to two preaching points.
We celebrate the on-going ministry of Camp Abby. This year the camp completed another phase of its re-development with the building of the chapel. It hosted ‘Connections-2011' Canada's national camping conference in September. The use of the camp facilities beyond the summer camping season is developing.
We celebrate the dedication of all the people who are part of our congregations and who give and share so generously of their time and gifts in discipleship to Jesus.
There are challenges which face the Presbytery. With the retirement of Jack Spencer and Don MacPherson, the long-term disability of Janet Travers, and the moving of two ordered ministers from the Presbytery, the Pastoral Relations Committee has been very active in Needs Assessment and Search committee work. This is rewarding work when each covenanting service is held, but is time consuming and sometimes difficult work when in process as Pastoral Charges struggle with self-understanding and their need.
There are challenges which face our Pastoral Charges. Transforming congregational culture so that churches can engage the changes which face them, for whatever reason, is a task that Presbytery will have to consider.
The work of the Committee on Oversight of Pastoral Charges is important work. This work needs to be supported so we can be a support to those whom we are called to serve.
Submitted by Rev. Joy Noble and Rev. Sandrabelle MacEwen Co-convenors
Saint John Presbytery
We are not alone, we live in God's world.
While we feel God’s presence with us in all times and places, the Pastoral Oversight Committee does at times feel lonely! Scott Hillier resigned as co-chair of the committee and has now resigned from the committee work entirely due to his heavy work schedule 118 The United Church of Canada
at St. Paul’s. Thankfully, Phil Griffin-Allwood has joined the committee. Still, the committee is painfully small leaving a few doing most of the work.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating,
Saint John Presbytery covers a large area in which God’s creation is evident – the Saint John River Valley, the Kennebecasis River Valley and some of the best agricultural land in the province around Sussex. In each season, there is a new wonder to discover. The charges under oversight within the bounds of Saint John Presbytery only need to look out the window to be reminded of God’s creativeness.
who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, The Pastoral Oversight Committee completed three of it’s scheduled oversight visits in the fall with one having to be postponed due to a family tragedy. In our work, we get to hear the stories of Jesus alive and at work in our communities through the people of the pastoral charges. There is no question that they are the hands and feet of Jesus in our world. Our churches teach children and youth about Jesus and the faith though Godly Play, One Room Sunday School and other programs. They are offering interesting and faithful programs for youth that have them working for their individual congregations and planning mission trips outside of their communities. There are adult programs that encourage questions and study as well as discussion groups that help the congregations understand how they are integral to the incarnation of Jesus in the 21st century…
to reconcile and make new,
While many things are going well, there are also issues. Many churches are struggling to meet their financial commitments and are wondering about their uncertain futures. It is common to hear them saying ‘We can hold on for another few years…’ Many of our churches are wondering what happened… when did it all fall apart? Where are all the young people? Why don’t they worship with us? It is hard for the faithful to imagine how God is at work when their loss is so great. It is our hope, as we fulfill our oversight duties, to help the people of our churches find some hope and to witness a new emergence of God around them.
who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We rely on the Spirit to not only sustain us in the work of oversight but to guide us in our interactions with the communities we are charged with supporting. We are blessed to hear, first hand, of the Spirit at work through the people and with the people. The story may be one of a gentle breeze… the story may be one of great whirlwind … but it is still a story of Spirit and we are happy to celebrate the Spirit at work with congregations as Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 119
they experiment with technology, pray twice with new music, worship in ways that are new or old, innovative or deeply familiar.
We trust in God.
In our visits, it is often said ‘We trust that God is at work in this thing”. Most often, this happens when a church is facing trauma and discord, pain and anguish. In the heart of the storm, it is often all that we can do is to promise to stand beside those in turmoil until the winds die down and the dust settles and to be there to help them pick up the pieces. This is the most exhausting work of Pastoral Oversight. It is also rewarding when we can be there. However, with so few people working with the committee, we are often missing when we are most needed.
We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence,
Our communities are worshiping indoors and out, in the morning, afternoon and evening. Some have amplified bands that rock while others praise God with more traditional ways. There are special services for every imaginable occasion these are well attended.
to live with respect in Creation,
Several churches are taking steps to be more environmentally friendly by adding insulation, replacing windows, changing light fixtures and adding programmable thermostats. This in addition to the standard recycling programs.
to love and serve others,
The churches of the presbytery love and serve others through prayer shawl ministries, through projects that provide warm bedding and clothes for the north, feeding people through community chaplaincy, providing emergency support for those in need, supporting food banks and participating in the Christmas Exchange, collecting Kraft Dinner for High School lunch programs, adult day care and children’s pre school programs, visiting seniors and shut ins to name just a few of the things the people are serving at.
to seek justice and resist evil,
There is support for justice organizations within the presbytery through our support of M&S as well as individual support for the Community Chaplaincy. There is also individual support for KAIROS, Amnesty International and AVAAZ.
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
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This is what it all comes down to… Jesus… our judge and our hope. As a number of congregations/pastoral charges in our presbytery continue to struggle with financial and other issues, we need to turn to Jesus and find our hope there. Hope may come in the question ‘Are we doing what Jesus has called us to do?’ or it may come in the answers we get to that question but it is through our faith in Jesus that we hope.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Respectfully submitted Audrey Lounder, Chair Pastoral Oversight, Saint John Presbytery
St. Croix Presbytery
Each year on Easter Sunday, we recall Jesus’ rising, its mystery and its hope. Each year, we are reminded that life, death and life again, is actually the way of all things: nature, relationships, generations of faith. Each year, we rediscover that the new thing never resembles the old exactly. The resurrected Christ, though familiar, appeared somehow changed. The story of what God is doing, in us and others by the Spirit, is always familiar, and always new.
This was a year of substantial change in our presbytery. Between June and December 2011, there were three changes in pastoral relations. The loss of three full-time ordered ministers leaves our small presbytery with significant challenges. With three pastoral charges beginning the JNAC process (McAdam, Oak Bay, St James), presbytery assigned representative teams to each committee so that presbytery reps could share the work. Additionally, two other teams made triennial visits to Kirk-McColl and St. Andrew`s pastoral charges.
With so much happening in a short period of time, presbytery also engaged Maritime Conference staff in a consultative visioning process, from January to June of 2012. As part of this consultation, it was suggested that the JNACs proceed with their work, but stop short of making recommendations, so that the visioning process could remain open to all possibilities. Presbytery did, however, approve interim part-time ministry for Oak Bay, for the duration of the consultation, and also approved McAdam to begin its search process.
This presbytery’s small size (7 pastoral charges) somewhat magnifies the effects of losing full- time ministries, but our current situation is familiar to most presbyteries in our Church. We hope that the consultation with Conference staff will help us to understand the resources we have, and discover potential directions ministry might take in our area. The familiar story of faith is offering us a new account of what God is doing now, and to what ministries God is calling us.
There is also great joy! We are pleased to have two candidates for ministry from our presbytery, both studying at AST. Our UCW units continue to be the life-blood of fund-raising, organizing, Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 121
community meals and organizing. The changes in pastoral relations have also given some the opportunity to explore worship with their neighbours, and a spirit among many toward cooperation and support. Which is why, on a personal note, it has been a pleasure to be nurtured by St. Croix Presbytery for nearly five years.
Though we tend to move past it fairly quickly in our Easter morning narratives, the first Easter did not begin with celebration, but with lament. We cannot avoid this part of the story. However, in the midst of it, we can remember what lies within and beyond. As disciples, our faith helps us to discern our continued calling in God’s world, among God’s people. As a Church, our story helps us to see beyond amalgamation and atrophy, to how God is making all things new.
Respectfully submitted, Andrew O’Neill (Chair of Pastoral Oversight, 2007-2011)
South Shore Presbytery
Report not received at time of printing.
Sydney Presbytery
Upon reflecting upon the last year in the life of Sydney Presbytery, I would call it a year of “new beginning.” It has not been an easy year within our presbytery as we really begin to see some of the struggles our pastoral charges are facing.
We have a number of congregations that are working extremely hard in their communities to maintain their ministries. Their passion for their churches is commendable and appreciated. But no matter how hard we try, we have to acknowledge it’s not always easy. Easter of 2011 marked the final Sunday morning service at a long-established church, St. Andrew’s in Little Bras D’or. In September, we celebrated their final anniversary in a sad, yet hopeful closing service attended by many in the presbytery and surrounding pastoral charges. We thank them for the many generations of dedicated service and pray God’s blessing upon them as they seek out new places of worship.
The reality we are hearing from congregations all across our presbytery, through triennial visits and Joint Need Assessment Committees, is that the work is hard and the numbers are few. With this in mind, Sydney Presbytery is beginning to think in new ways about how to respond to the challenges our churches face as they begin to look to the higher courts of our denomination for guidance and reassurance.
We have heard passionate words spoken in our monthly presbytery meetings about our concerns as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, the future of our churches and the urgency by which we must move forward. We continue to hold these issues before us as we enter into discussions at various places within our borders about the future of ministry in our pastoral charges. 122 The United Church of Canada
This is a task we are taking very seriously, very cautiously, but also with great excitement as we seek to discern how God is calling us to act and be in the communities in which we serve. It is an opportunity to talk about how we are doing ministry today and how it reflects the needs of our communities.
From explorations of shared ministry models to strengthening our Christian Education methods, our hope is to be faithful, relevant proclaimers of the Gospel message. Through this we have hope for our presbytery, although me must acknowledge it will not be the easiest of roads to travel.
Most recently we have welcomed a new face to our presbytery as we celebrated a covenanting service with Rev. Bob Biggar earlier this year who came to the Westmount-Leitches Creek pastoral charge last summer.
We want very much to thank Heather Maclean for her two years of dedicated service as chair of Sydney Presbytery and look we forward to the leadership of Dianne Kempt for the coming two years.
What the future holds is a mystery. Together we seek direction as the people of God as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
Rev. Nick Phillips Chair, Sydney Presbytery Pastoral Care and Support Committee
Truro Presbytery
The Pastoral Relationships Committee of Truro Presbytery continues to do the work of Pastoral Relations and Pastoral Oversight and we have had a full year. There are 30 Pastoral Charges and one Outdoor ministry under our care and we have tried to tend to the needs of ministry in this area as they arise. Triennial visits and Joint Needs Assessments have taken place as per the schedule. Like many presbyteries we are kept busy with oversight and ministry needs but are also blessed with the talents and gifts of individuals who are committed to the care of the church and the ministry of Christ. Together, we have worked with our pastoral charges to be the body of Christ in this place. We have seen a number of retirements and a number of new pastoral relationships. We celebrate the changes that have taken place and look forward to another year of challenge, hope and new life.
Valley Presbytery
VALLEY PRESBYTERY VISITATION HISTORY AND PLAN
PASTORAL LAST PROPOSED TEAM CHARGE VISIT VISIT Annapolis/Granville Winter 2013 Aylesford Fall 2012 B Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 123
Canard/Trinity Transition Cornwallis Search (Kingsport) Hantsport Fall 2012 A Kentville Transition Kingston Winter 2012 B Middleton Winter 2013 New Minas Nov. 28, 2009 Transition Newport As needed Rivers of Grace Search Ste. Croix Winter 2012 A Vaughan’s As needed Walton May 11, 2011 West Cornwallis 2009-2010 Search William Black Dec.10, 2010 Transition Windsor Nov. 2008 Fall 2012 A Wolfville June 9, 2010 Transition Sherbrooke Lake 2009-2010 Camp
Team A Team B Brenda Nesbitt Heather MacDougall Don Holmesdale Rhea Noiles Gloria Churchill Janis Campbell Jane M. White Rose Marie Shepherd Brenda Morash
Above is the record and forward plan concerning the 18 pastoral charges currently served by Valley Presbytery, as part of Maritime Conference. Nine out of the eighteen pastoral charges in this Presbytery are searching for a called ministry position, awaiting the outcome of an amalgamation process or moving toward a more cooperative style of ministry, outreach and mission.
For these reasons this report in itself is transitional.
On the day this report is written, the above forward plan for triennial visits is put forward for those congregations/pastoral charges where the process is deemed appropriate. It has been discussed and agreed by this committee that no visits will take place in the near future at any of the sites currently in search, transition or seeking a cooperative ministry.
In the wisdom of our committee and after reading the annual reports from the majority of pastoral charges, we have set our schedule as written above for visits. We are blessed with a strong team of volunteers to do this work and have added one more component to our visiting strategy.
We will visit or have visited, one on one with the minister, collectively with all committee chairs and/or with as many members of the congregations who wish to speak with us, but will also set a 124 The United Church of Canada
short time aside to speak with all Ministry and Personnel committee members. After each visit we will write a report, send it back to the pastoral charge for clarification, bring the report back to our committee (with any recommendations) and then present it to Valley Presbytery for filing.
This is a very new committee, but as far as possible does not recommend any particular action, for any one pastoral charge at this time—for all the reasons cited above. Perhaps our 2013 report will be more concrete.
Reverend Brenda Nesbitt Chair of Pastoral Oversight March 26, 2012
Woolastook Presbytery
Report of the work of the Pastoral Care and Support Committee of Woolastook Presbytery, submitted to Maritime Conference 15 March 2012
How does one formulate a report for a Presbytery “concerning the religious life and work within its jurisdiction” [Manual 422 (b)]? According to the Manual, this is a duty of the Oversight Committee, which, interestingly, is the only committee specifically designated for a Presbytery. Major tasks listed in the Manual for the committee are visits to each pastoral charge every three years (Triennial Visits), reviews of Annual Reports of Pastoral Charges, and production of a report for Presbytery and onward submission to Conference by 15 April each year (however, Maritime Conference requires such reports by mid-March for inclusion in pre-conference materials). Part of what may be included in the report are gleanings about pastoral charges from special meetings held at the request of pastoral charges, on-going designated work with pastoral charges, dealings concerning amalgamations of congregations, closure of church buildings, and visits to some congregations for Presbytery meetings or Covenanting Services.
In Woolastook Presbytery, the committee of oversight has the name “Pastoral Care and Support Committee”, which is meant to take away the impression that Presbytery acts as a “boss”. With 30 Pastoral Charges and one Camp, our aim is to visit 10 Pastoral Charges each year. While that is our aim, we have to be cognizant of charges involved in Joint Needs Assessments or Joint Search Committees, or states that make Triennial Visits impracticable. In the past year we achieved only three Triennial Visits – to Andover-Kincardine, Oromocto, and St. Paul’s, Edmundston. Other visits were planned but we find that scheduling is becoming increasingly difficult as some pastoral charges or their ministers appear reluctant to accept visits, which makes us wonder why! Reports of completed visits were reviewed and accepted by the committee and copies sent back to the charges. One other pastoral charge was visited for a special meeting at its request. There was also special ongoing work with three other pastoral charges.
The committee met six times during the year to review reports, and to plan for ongoing activity. The last meeting was on 8 March when over 4 hours was spent in dealing with Annual Reports. Over the past few years we have tried to instill in our Pastoral Charges the Manual’s requirement Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 125
that annual reports are to be conveyed to the Secretary of Presbytery by 15 February. That date is extended slightly to the time of the February Presbytery meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month. We require two copies of each report. I, as Chairperson of the Committee distribute these among committee members such that two committee members read each report. Members end up with 6 – 8 reports each. At the meeting, we take each Pastoral Charge in turn, hear comments from the two readers and discuss salient points, bringing to bear other factors known from Triennial Visits or other means. At the end of this our “Festival of Annual Reports” I seek general comments about what has been learned, and subsequently compile the necessary report. The timing is very short, but the experience is rewarding. We glean a measure of understanding about our Pastoral Charges. As we each come from a Pastoral Charge, we are constantly assessing what we know against what we hear of other Charges. It is a useful exercise. The requirement that Annual Reports are reviewed was well thought out by those who went before us.
While gaining an appreciation of how each of the Pastoral Charges has functioned and how it currently stands, we also look for evidence that it has a sense of ministry and mission. Underpinning what it does, both within the congregation(s) and in terms of outreach into the community and beyond, we look for evidence of a worshipping community. It would be good to find statements to the effect that worship services occur weekly. That rarely happens, yet it should be stated in some form, not taken for granted. After all, isn’t regular worship the key factor that provides the basis for our existence, the factor that most separates the Church from, say, a service organization?
We also strive to have our Pastoral Charges recognize that the Annual Report is not solely for them at this point in time. It is an historical document: it is read and archived elsewhere. It may be read many years from now. It has to be understandable to others. To this end, the location and address of each church must be given. There must be some contact information. Names should be given in full. The latter is especially important for trustees because the Board of Trustees is a legal entity. Searching for information at times of closure or disposal of churches, or when there are questions about cemeteries brings this to the fore.
One of the readers is designated to write to the Pastoral Charge with thanks for what they offer to the Church and expressing particular points for celebration, or concerns to take into consideration. This serves to complete the loop.
Well how did the Pastoral Charges of Woolastook Presbytery measure up in 2011-12? We received only 25 of the possible 30 reports in time for inclusion in our deliberations. Generally, there was a better feeling than last year about our Pastoral Charges. Many rural churches were taking hold of where they are and managing it. Some have come through a lot of real or perceived problems and have settled down. The despairing feeling engendered from several Charges last year was not apparent this year. But, there is relatively little forward thinking. The Committee faces the question: are we naming what needs to be faced or done? The overall amount of outreach into communities, the wider church, and the world is very commendable. We give thanks to our Pastoral Charges for that, and hope that they recognize and celebrate the level of commitment that it represents.
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There were many Annual Reports that lacked addresses for churches and/or contact information. Some did not list Trustees. In many cases the Trustees appear to act only as maintenance committees. Whereas that may be a task assigned to them, congregations also need to know that the things for which the trustees are responsible (see the Trustees Handbook) are dealt with properly.
In the following listing, I offer some of the general comments made at our Festival of Annual Reports. In reading them, see if one or more might apply to your own or current Pastoral Charge. If so, either celebrate or consider what to do to mitigate the situation.
Good feeling about this – active, energy, addressing issues Huge minister’s report, few words from anyone else Holding their own, not much spirit No evidence of regular worship services Sense of joy and optimism – with new minister No report from Presbytery Representative Small, but very active UCW Strong sense of ministry, outreach and youth programming For their size, huge M & S givings and outreach Steady until surplus runs out No indication of any ministry happening within this church Mission statement was front and centre in this report Report made me feel that this was a cold church Shut-ins visited: therefore the work of the church is going on Sense of being in survivor mode – not much sense of vision or movement Centring on grieving families Minister is the glue holding it all together Church stalled, in limbo, coping – big challenges down the road Sense of great organization – and community involvement Report by Presbytery representative validates Presbytery’s existence Minister names the need to look ahead For their size and activity, disappointing M & S goal and givings Struggling – just getting by – sense of tenaciousness Happy with where they are – not doing much Good news story – new chapter, high expectations Some denial as to the future Great sense of purpose with a strong basis of faith A lovely family of believers happy to be doing the work of the church
The last statement in the above listing could also apply to this committee. A great debt of gratitude is extended to its members: Rev. Kelly Burke, Bob Fisher, Rev. Rose-Hannah Gaskin, Doreen Kissick, Rev. J.D. Kennedy, Dorothy Webster, Very Rev. Peter Short.
It is with a sense of thankfulness and joy for the religious life and work evident in Woolastook Presbytery that I offer this report to the glory of God.
Graham R. Powell, Chairperson Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 127
DECISIONS AND ACTIONS OF EXECUTIVE AND SUB-EXECUTIVE
Executive Meeting, May 29, 2011
1. MEETING SCHEDULE: Approved that the meeting dates for the Executive be October 14- 15, 2011; February 10-11 with a storm date of February 17-18, 2012; and April 20-21, 2012.
2. ELECTION OF SUB-EXECUTIVE: Elected the following as the Sub-Executive of Maritime Conference for the 2011-12 year:
President Jane Johnson President-Elect Phillip Kennedy Executive Secretary David Hewitt Treasurer Stewart Hudson General Council Executive Representative Ivan Gregan Members-at-large Dean Lawrence Ross Bartlett Heather Maclean Meggin King
Sub-Executive Meeting, June 15, 2011
3. OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY (OST) NAVIGATOR TEAM: Agreed that the OST Navigators would report to the Executive, rather than to the Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology Committee.
4. PROPOSAL, REINSTATEMENT OF KAIROS FUNDING: Agreed that a letter be sent from the President of Maritime Conference requesting the reinstatement of KAIROS funding be sent to the Prime Minister and the Minister responsible for KAIROS; and that the Maritime Conference, through its Executive, encourage Pastoral Charges to write letters to the Prime Minister and their Member of Parliament requesting the reinstatement of KAIROS funding.
5. HOSPITAL CHAPLAINCY, SAINT JOHN: Approved that Maritime Conference fill the position of chaplain for the Saint John Hospital to December 31, 2011, and that this position be posted for two (2) weeks.
6. PRESBYTERY CO-CHAIRS ON THE CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE: Agreed that any Presbytery that elects co-Chairs will still need to elect their representative to the Executive. Additional co-Chairs of Presbytery seeking to take part in the Conference Executive will be welcomed as Corresponding Members and are responsible for their own expenses.
Sub-Executive, July 6, 2011
7. APPOINTMENT OF CONFERENCE ARCHIVIST: Approved the report from the Archivist Search Committee to hire Sarah Wallace and the Archivist Search Committee be dispersed with thanks.
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8. CONTRACT WITH RED LETTER PHILANTHROPY: Agreed that Maritime Conference move forward with the next phase of the project, a feasibility study, as proposed by Red Letter Philanthropy Counsel Ltd.
9. APPOINTMENT OF SAINT JOHN SUPPLY HOSPITAL CHAPLAIN: Approved the appointment of the Rev. Doreen Daley to the position of Supply Chaplain for the Saint John Hospital for the period July 11, 2011, to December 31, 2011, conditional on receipt of three positive references.
10. OCTOBER MEETING DATES OF CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE: Agreed to schedule a tentative full Maritime Conference Executive conference call meeting with select agenda items for October 12, 2011, starting at 10:00 a.m., and to move the date of the Fall 2011 meeting of Maritime Conference Executive from October 14-15, 2011, to November 18-19, 2011.
Sub-Executive, July 29, 2011
11. CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE: Approved the costs that were presented to the Sub-Executive for the construction of this project; the authorization of the agreement with Alliance Building Contractors for the construction of the building; and the authorization of a loan agreement with Gerry and Linda Moore.
Executive, November 18-19, 2011
12. ARCHIVES COMMITTEE: Agreed that the Archives Planning Task Group be thanked for its work and that it be disbanded. Committee members included Kevin Dingwell, Frank Chisholm, Phyllis Stopps, Carolyn Earle, Stephen Mills, Don Uhryniw, Judith Colwell, and assisted by Catherine Gaw.
13. MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION:
INTERIM MINISTRY: Approved that Rev. Dr. Philip Griffin-Allwood be re-designated as an Interim Minister within the United Church of Canada; that the Rev. Dr. Susan MacAlipine-Gillis be designated as an interim Minister within the United Church of Canada; that Rev. Heather MacDougall be designated as an Interim Minster within the United Church of Canada; and that the Rev. William R. Macleod be designated as an Interim Minister within the United Church of Canada.
14. TATAMAGOUCHE CENTRE: Agreed that Maritime Conference enter into a formal conversation with Tatamagouche Centre in order to further explore our long standing and ongoing relationship; and that Meggin King, Nigel Weaver, Catherine MacDonald and Ross Bartlett agreed to respond to their request on behalf of the Conference and report to the February Executive.
15. NOMINATIONS: Agreed that David MacPherson be added to Church in Action; Brian Rietzel be added to Christian Life and Growth, Outdoor Recreational Ministry; Bill Drysdale be added as Staff Committee Liaison for Kendall Harrison; Dan Wellwood be Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 129
added as Chair, Education and Students; Diane Brown be added as Secretary, Education and Students; and Darlene Brewer, Atlantic Ecumenical Council, Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology Committee.
16. FINANCIAL SERVICES: Agreed that the Executive of Maritime Conference appoint an ad hoc committee to assist Financial Services of Maritime Conference Inc. in discerning it’s future direction in fulfilling its mandate and realizing its potential with representational from the Conference Finance committee and Financial Services.
17. STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE: Agreed that November 4, 2012 be designated as Stewardship Sunday across the Conference.
18. MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION:
INTERIM MINISTRY: Approved that Ms. Sally Budge be designated as an Interim Minister within the United Church of Canada upon ordination.
SACRAMENTAL PRIVILEGES: Approved sacramental privileges and permission to perform marriages for Bethe Benjamin Cameron, Student Supply, within the bounds of New Germany Pastoral Charge, for the duration of his appointment to that charge; that Keith Gale, Student Supply, within the bounds of Memorial Pastoral Charge, for the duration of his appointment to that charge; and that Wayne Jarvis, Designated Lay Minister (Non Recognized), within the bounds of Baie Verte/Port Elgin/Tidnish Bridge Pastoral Charge, for the duration of his appointment to that charge.
19. FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN: Agreed that the Executive Secretary and the committee be directed to establish a contract with Red Letter to raise the $3million for church offices and archives.
20. STAFF COMMITTEE: Agreed that the Executive of Maritime Conference support the application of the program staff for funding in relation to some or all of the elements for the “In Courage” document.
21. MINISTRY OF SUPERVISION TRAINING: It was agreed that Meggin King will keep pursuing what steps need to be taken in order to offer a Ministry of Supervision course in consultation with the Personnel Minister.
Sub-Executive, December 7, 2011
22. FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN: It was agreed that the contact from Red Letter Philanthropy be signed.
23. BEQUEST APPLICATION: Agreed that the Executive support application from the Conference office for funds from the Lillian Bone bequest to support the purchase of office furniture.
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24. TRURO PRESBYTERY, MOOSE RIVER: Agreed that the Executive empower the Executive Secretary to enter into conversation regarding Moose River and execute any documents required to resolve this issue.
25. STAFF SALARIES: Approved that Maritime Conference pay Laura Hunter and Jennifer Whittemore an amount equivalent to their step increase and pension amounts in the amount of $2,810.94 total.
Sub-Executive, January 30, 2012
26. ABBEY ST. ANDREW INC.: Approved Abbey St. Andrew Inc. to take out a loan of up to $300,000 from the New Brunswick Regional Development Corporation.
Executive, February 10-11, 2012
27. TRURO PRESBYTERY, MOOSE RIVER: Approved that the Executive Secretary negotiate the transfer of the Moose River church property to the mining society in Truro or directly to DDV Gold Ltd., a subsidiary of Australia-based Atlantic Gold.
28. CONFERENCE ACCOMMODATIONS COMMITTEE (CAC): Agreed that an ad hoc committee be formed to announce and celebrate the opening of the new Conference facility.
29. OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL MINISTRY (ORM): Agreed that Outdoor Recreational Ministry and Christian Life and Growth invite each Pastoral Charge to donate one copy of More Voices, either new or used, or the purchase price and bring with them to this year’s annual meeting. If that were done then it would allow for 30 or more copies in each camp. This will be done in conjunction with a workshop for music leadership lead by The Message.
30. MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION:
SACRAMENTAL PRIVILEGES: Approved sacramental privileges and permission to perform marriages for Wendell Gregan, Designated Lay Minister (Recognized), be licensed to administer the sacraments and officiate at weddings within the bounds of Red Bank Pastoral Charge, for the duration of his appointment to that charge; that Katherine Ruth Gamble, Designated Lay Minister (Recognized), be licensed to administer the sacraments and officiate at weddings within the bounds of Northumberland Pastoral Charge, for the duration of her appointment to that charge; and that Karen Ross, Student Supply, be licensed to administer the sacraments within the bounds of River and Lakeside Pastoral Charge, for the duration of her appointment to that charge.
31. Agreed that MP&E send a reminder to Executive about the timeliness of applications for sacraments and licence to marry.
32. OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY, GROUP #6, AFFIRMING CONFERENCE: Agreed that the Executive Secretary be in contact with the originator of the letter and ask for a resource person be available for this matter to be brought back to the April Executive meeting. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 131
Executive, February 24, 2012
33. TRURO PRESBYTERY, MOOSE RIVER: Approved that Maritime Conference accept the offer of $10,000 (ten thousand dollars) from the Moose River Museum Society for the purchase of the United Church of Canada property at Moose River; and that the Executive Secretary be authorized to act on behalf of the Conference with respect to the transfer of the Moose River church lands.
34. MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION:
SACRAMENTAL PRIVILEGES: Approved sacramental privileges and permission to perform marriages for Katherine Ruth Gamble, Designated Lay Minister (Recognized), be licensed to administer the sacraments and officiate at weddings within the bounds of the Chignecto Presbytery while under appointment at the Northumberland Pastoral Charge.
35. NOMINATIONS: Agreed that on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee that a small ad hoc group be formed to review the mandate of the Maritime Conference Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology Committee and bring recommendations back to the Executive.
Executive, March 16, 2012
36. ORDINATION: Approved that, upon completion of all necessary requirements, Maritime Conference ordain Kym Burke-Cole on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador Conference.
Executive, April 20-21, 2012
37. FINANCIAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE: Approved that the revised Mission Support Grant Criteria be adopted by Maritime Conference as presented.
38. TATAMAGOUCHE CENTRE: Agreed that two members of the Executive, Nigel Weaver and Meggin King, meet with two members of the Tatamagouche Centre to draft a brief statement of common purpose.
39. ORDINATION VESTMENTS: Agreed that the Conference Executive rescind the “Use of Vestments at the Service of Praise” policy of 1987.
40. SIGNING AUTHORITY FOR CHARITABLE RECEIPTS: Approved that the Office Coordinator be approved as a signing officer for charitable donation receipts issued by Maritime Conference.
41. FINANCE AND PROPERTY: Agreed that the Executive approve the 2011 audited statements to be presented to the annual meeting of Maritime Conference 2012.
42. GOSPEL, ECUMENISM AND THEOLOGY (GET) COMMITTEE REVIEW: Approved: - That the Gospel, Ecumenism and Theology Committee of Maritime Conference be disbanded and removed from the list of standing committees of Conference; 132 The United Church of Canada
- That Maritime Conference membership in the Atlantic Ecumenical Council (AEC) be continued with two representatives named from Conference. One of these representatives to become a member of the Conference Executive; - That the President, the Executive Secretary and the two Conference reps to the AEC consult annually on the matters of theology, ecumenical and inter-faith relationships in the maritime region; - That the Annual Meeting Planning Committee annually appoint a host for the ecumenical guests to the Conference Annual Meeting. Potential hosts include the two reps to the AEC; - That the Executive budget line for “task groups” be increased to $2,000 to allow for the possibility that there may be more need to appoint task groups to address specific theological questions; and - That the Conference Executive, Conference committees and Presbyteries be encouraged to intentionally engage in theological reflection on their work.
43. OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY, GROUP #6, AFFIRMING CONFERENCE: Agreed that Maritime Conference Executive present a notice of motion to the 2012 annual meeting that it will be moved at the 2013 annual meeting that Maritime Conference engage in a 2-3 year process considering a formal declaration of the Conference being an affirming ministry within the United Church of Canada.
44. BUILDING DEDICATION AD HOC WORKING GROUP: Agreed that there will be a celebration of our new building in the afternoon on September 29 (following the Presbytery Officers Gathering being held on September 28).
45. MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION:
REDESIGNATION AS AN INTERIM MINISTER: Approved that the Rev. Janis Campbell be redesignated as an Interim Minister within the United Church of Canada.
46. OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY, GROUP #6, AFFIRMING CONFERENCE:
Agreed that the 2013 annual meeting planning committee be directed to include at least 1.5 hours in the 2013 Annual Meeting of Maritime Conference for reflection and action on the notice of motion re: Maritime Conference as an affirming ministry.
Agreed that the Executive Secretary be authorized to name a task group of up to four people to provide/facilitate educational and reflection time at the Fall 2012, Winter and Spring 2013 meetings of Conference Executive relative to Maritime Conference considering becoming an affirming ministry.
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 133
OBITUARIES
Reverend Fred Chester Burrill 1927-2012
Reverend Fred Chester Burrill, 85, of Truro, NS, passed away on 21 April 2012 in Colchester Regional Hospital. Known as “Brown” to his family and many of his friends he was born in Yarmouth on 03 March 1927, he was a son of the late Harold and Muriel (Archer) Burrill. He graduated from Yarmouth Academy, Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, and Pine Hill Divinity Hall in Halifax. He was a minister of the United Church of Canada, and served churches in Canterbury, N.B., Berwick, NS, St. Paul’s in Spryfield, NS, Central in Moncton, NB, St. Mark’s in Saint John, NB and St. Andrew’s in Chatham, NB. After 44 years of active ministry, he retired to Truro in 1996. In his retirement, he enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling, skating and walking, all of which replaced, for the most part, his earlier hobbies of fishing and hunting.
Fred is survived by his wife, the former Audrey Prosser; their four sons, Gary (Debbie Perrott), Upper Musquodoboit; Randy (Vee Reich), Pictou; Roger (Nancy Taylor), Halifax; Gordon (Christine), Fredericton; grandchildren, Clayton, Fred, Eva, Rosanna, Sophie, Nigel, Adrian, Seth, Sarah, Marshall, Jeremy, Melanie, Rebecca; great-grandchildren, Miles, Owen, Willow, Dylan; brothers, Henry, Lower Sackville; Prescott (Shirley), Calgary; sister-in-law, Janet Burrill, Halifax; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Charlie; sister-in-law, Frances Burrill.
The funeral service was held at Brunswick Street United Church, Truro, NS, on 24 April 2012.
Reverend Dr. Edward Francis Carey 1918-2012
Reverend Dr. Edward Francis “Frank” Carey, 93 of Wickwire Place, Wolfville, Kings Co. passed away peacefully in his sleep on 02 March 2012 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Montreal, Quebec he was a son of the late Edward & Doris (James) Carey. Rev. Dr. Carey graduated with distinction from McGill University in 1941. He interrupted his studies at the United Theological College in Montreal to serve overseas for three years in the Second World War with the Canadian Forces division # 66 CCS R.C.A.M.C. & the 13th Field Regiment R.C.A. He also graduated from Acadia Divinity College, Wolfville. He along with his wife, Jean served as missionaries in Japan for 16 years from 1948-1964. From 1964-1984 he was the secretary for Asia & the Pacific Division of World Outreach for the United Church of Canada. Rev. Dr. Carey was a past member of the Wolfville & Kentville Historical Societies. Upon his retirement in 1985 from the ministry of the United Church of Canada, Frank & Jean moved to Wolfville, within view of Jean’s beloved Cape Blomindon. Frank was a gentle, humble, curious man with a passionate interest in human rights & social issues. He had a wicked sense of humor, a love of music, pink peppermints & playing 45’s. He is survived by his wife, Jean; children, Ivan (Sherrie), Lunenburg; Norma Carey, Lunenburg; James Edward “Ted” (Linda), Kenora, Ont.; Charles Kenneth “Ken” (Alice), Guelph, Ont.; Donald Alfred (Joan), Head of St. Margaret’s Bay; Barbara (John) Marks, Toronto; 14 grandchildren; 11 great- 134 The United Church of Canada grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Young, Burlington, Ont. & Nora Williams, Vancouver, B.C. Rev. Dr. Carey was predeceased by a granddaughter, Caitlin Perryman.
The funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s United Church, Wolfville, NS, on 21 March 2012.
Donalda A. Jardine 1908-2011
Donalda A. Jardine passed away peacefully, 30 January 2011, at Belmont House, in Toronto, Ont., in her 103rd year. Born in Center Napan, in 1908, she was the daughter of the late John and Christina (MacNaughton) Jardine. She was a teacher, by profession, and in 1937 she graduated from the United Church Training School and worked as a Women’s Missionary Society Worker and Deaconess in the United Church of Canada (St. Andrews United Church, Miramichi). She especially enjoyed her work with youth and at summer camps. She was a long time member of Deer Park United Church, Toronto, Ont. She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Harry Nixon, Barbara Savage, J. Robert Winters, Christine McBain and the late Elizabeth McKean. She was predeceased by sisters, Kay Jardine, Bess Winters, Elspeth Nixon and brother James Jardine.
The funeral service was held at Adams Funeral Home Chapel, Miramichi, NB, on 14 May 2011.
Reverend Renford Grant MacKenzie 1933-2011
Reverend Renford ‘Rennie’ MacKenzie passed away on 09 September 2011, at home. Born in Maccan, NS, he was the son of the late John Grant and Laura (MacDonald) MacKenzie. He is survived by his wife, Norma (Roper); son, Rev. Bruce (Shana); five grandchildren; three great- grandchildren; brothers, Donald (Ann) and Neil (Joan); mother-in-law, Rebecca Roper; several nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law Bobby Roper. Besides his parents, he is also predeceased by daughter Noreen, and son Renford. A high school dropout, Rennie worked in the coal mines for 15 years before embarking on a seven-year educational journey to become an ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. He brought his fresh, liberating and challenging theology to the New Brunswick pastoral charges of New Bandon, Bathurst, Loggieville and Dalhouise. Rennie was an extremely devoted husband, grandfather and great- grandfather, he loved experiencing everything Mother Nature had to offer. Rennie left a lasting impression on everyone he met even if it was just for a few short moments. If our goal in life is to make the world a better place, Rennie has done just that.
The funeral service was held at the Calvin United Church, New Waterford, NS, on 13 September 2011.
Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 135
Reverend Vernon Smith 1920-2011
Reverend Vernon Smith, 91, of Campbellton, NB, passed away on 04 September 2011 at the Campbellton Regional Hospital. He was born on Random Island, Newfoundland on 25 July 25 1920, the son of Silas and Caroline Smith. He is dearly missed by his wife Beth, daughters, Eleanor (Michael Huck), Halifax; and Marilyn (Michael O'Connell), Glen Levit; son Jim (Claire Smith) Campbellton; grandsons, Jamie (Heidi Peck) Olscamp (Edmonton); Christopher Olscamp (Vancouver); and David Olscamp (Sault Ste. Marie). Besides his parents, he was predeceased by daughter Barbara Taylor, brothers Harold and Ralph and sister Leah Baker. When Vernon finished high school he took teacher's training at Memorial University. As a teacher and later as a student minister he travelled to remote communities by snow shoe, open boat, coastal steamer and occasionally by dog team. He earned his BA degree at Mount Allison University and his Bachelor of Divinity at Pine Hill Divinity College (Atlantic School of Theology). He was ordained by the United Church of Canada by the Newfoundland Conference in 1950. During his ministry he served in Elliston, NL; Corner Brook, NL; Newcastle, NB; St. John's, NL; and First United Church of Campbellton, NB, where he retired after 15 years. Always interested in the field of youth education he served on different school boards as well as a term as vice president of the NL Board of Education. Vernon was a member of various Rotary clubs for over 30 years and was president of the Campbellton Club when the Village Nursing Home was opened in 1978. Very involved in sporting activities, he was a member of numerous curling clubs for over 30 years. He also coached a young men's soccer team - "The Chargers" - very great rivals of the "The Speed Demons". An ardent fisherman, he tied his own flies. He always looked forward to a tight line every summer. Vernon had a great love of the outdoors and enjoyed gardening and hunting. During his active ministry with the United Church, he was very involved in Presbytery and Conference work. Chairman of several Presbyteries and President of the Newfoundland Conference in 1964. He also taught religion courses at Memorial University for 2 years. Also during his ministry at Wesley United Church in St. John's, he became very involved in the church owned radio station, VOWR. He was privileged to broadcast one of his services every Sunday for 6 years and made many friends through his radio ministry. The joy of his life was his family, especially his three grandsons... Jamie, Christopher and David ... of whom he was very proud.
The funeral service was held at First United Church in Campbellton, NB, on 09 September 2011.
Reverend Donald R. Sutherland 1930-2012
Reverend Donald R. Sutherland, 82, of River John, NS, passed away on 08 May 2012 at his ancestral home. Affectionately known as “Rev Don”, he was born on 30 April 1930 in New Glasgow, to the late Col. Daniel H. Sutherland and Emily Pugsley, Donald grew up in River John and spent several years in New Glasgow during WWII, while his father trained the Pictou Highlanders. He was educated at River John School, Pictou Academy, Dalhousie University and Pine Hill Divinity Hall. He was awarded a Merrill Fellowship to Harvard Divinity School in 1977. Donald served during his student ministry in Webb, Saskatchewan, Flat Bush, Alberta and 136 The United Church of Canada
Manitouwadge, Ontario. After ordination to the United Church of Canada in 1957 he served for the St. James pastoral charge in Charlotte Co., N.B. for three years, serving eight churches. He was then called to Whycocomagh - East Lake Ainslie pastoral charge, Inverness Co., N.S. in 1960. Here he was a much-loved and respected minister for 37 years. After retirement he returned to his family home in River John and continued to supply numerous churches throughout northern Nova Scotia. He suffered a stroke in July 2010. Donald was constantly involved in the wide community, served on the boards of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital and the Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital and worked long hours to bring water and sewage treatment to River John. Donald was active in the many organizations with which he was affiliated, including the Federation of Scottish Clans of Nova Scotia (President Emeritus), Saint Andrews Society of Pictou County (Past-President and Chaplain), Atlantic Association of the Clan Sutherland (Past-President and Chaplain) and Clan Sutherland Society in Scotland (Honourary Vice-President). He was Minister Emeritus of Salem United Church, River John; Past-Chaplain of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #123, Whycocomagh; and Chaplain of Royal Canadian Legion Branch #108, River John. In 2002 he was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Donald was proud of his Scottish heritage and wore his Sutherland tartan kilt at every opportunity. Well known for his hearty and infectious laugh, he always enjoyed a cup of tea and the fellowship that went with it. He was a staunch Toronto Maple Leafs fan his whole life. He believed in the power of prayer and the importance of visitation in any location and under any circumstance. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan (Caudle); his daughter, Mary Beth (David) Sutherland, River John; and his sons, Robert (Kim), Truro and James (Faith), Whycocomagh; grandchildren: Margaret, Donald Alexander “Sandy”, Emily, Bethany and Adam Sutherland; his first cousin, Dr. D. Lawrence (Joan) Sutherland, Elliott Lake, Ontario. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Pat Caudle, Truro; and her children: Cathy (Glenn) Walter, Carlyle, Saskatchewan; Glenn (Mary) Caudle, Truro and Gayle Caudle, Truro. He was predeceased by brother-in-law, Fred Caudle.
The funeral service was held at Salem United Church, River John, NS, 12 May 2012.
Reverend James M. “Jim” Thorne 1933-2012
Reverend James M. “Jim” Thorne Jr., 78, of Stanhope, PEI, passed away at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on 16 March 2012. Jim was born on 09 June 1933 in Monmouth Memorial Hospital, Monmouth County, New Jersey to mother Mildred Grace Bosch who was born in Branchville, Sussex County. NJ and to his father James Mathias "Jay" Thorne Sr. who was born in Freehold, Monmouth County, NJ. Jim lived in Holmdel, Fairhaven, and Branchville, NJ. He attended Rumson High School, Rumson, NJ and attended Rutgers University in the United States Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). He graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ with a BA in English on 08 June 1955. Jim studied under poets Robert Frost and T.S. Eliot and attended informal lectures held by 20th century scientist Dr. Albert Einstein in Princeton, NJ. Jim was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Rutgers University. He graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ where he earned a Master of Divinity on 07 June 1958. On 28 June 1958 he married Eileen Joan Benitz. Jim served as the minister at Yellow Frame Presbyterian Church, Sussex County, NJ (1958-1978) where he was Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 137 active in the Sussex County Welfare Board, Sussex County Mental Health Board, Sussex County Council of Churches and volunteered at the Fredon Fire Department; Winsloe Pastoral Charge, Queens County, PE (1978-1987); Lockeport United Church of Canada, Shelburne County, NS (1987-1991) and Loggieville Pastoral Charge, Miramichi, NB (1991-1995). He retired in 1995. His interests included travel to the Holy Land in 2000 where he lived among the Palestinian people. He was an avid fly fisherman writer, carpenter, musician, theologian, traveler, outdoorsman, naturalist, photographer and spiritual leader. He was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Eileen and his son Matt.
The funeral service was held at Winsloe United Church in Winsloe, PEI, on 24 March 2012.
Maritime Conference 87th Annual Meeting Suggested Proposals Process
Our first block of agenda time is Friday at 3:00pm (1 hour on the agenda) at that time we would seek to attend to Proposal 3 (Divestment) and Proposal 5 (Moratorium). These proposals are the “property” of Conference as they are coming to us from Conference Committees. Proposal 3 is asking the General Council to act, and Proposal 5 is asking the Conference to act.
In the first proposals session we will take ½ hour for each Proposal. The process would be:
• The President will outline the suggested process for attending to these 2 Proposals.
• The Proposals Committee presents to the Court the proposal.
• A representative from the originating body would be invited to speak to the Proposal (max time: 5 minutes).
• There would be 10 minutes of table group time… Opportunity to name questions, concerns, affirmation, wording changes.
• Then moving Presbytery by Presbytery, an opportunity is given to those wishing to speak to the Proposal (max time: 2 minutes per speaker).
As this is happening, the Proposals Committee is taking notes of what is being said or suggested wording changes offered.
• If there are questions being asked, they would be noted by the Proposals Committee. We would wait before there were a few questions before the Court, then the President could ask the representative from the originating body to respond.
• As we get to the 20 minute mark, if it seems that there is clarity in the Court, and it seems that we are ready for a motion, then the Proposals Committee would make that motion, and we would move into our parliamentary procedure process. 138 The United Church of Canada
• If there is much reworking and rewriting to be done, then it would be agreed that the Proposals Committee would work with the originators in order that it might be brought back to the Court at another time on the agenda; as determined by the Business Committee.
The second proposals session is on agenda for Saturday at 10:00am. At this time we will present Proposals 1, 2, and 4. These are proposals coming to us, to the General Council.
As a court we cannot change the wording of the Proposal (though if we decided to concur and transmit, we could attach recommendations).
So the role of the Conference is to discern whether or not it agrees with the Proposal (that which is printed in bold; not the background information).
From the Proposals Committee conversations around Proposals 1, 2, and 4… our wisdom would be that in each case, we would recommend to the Conference that we concur with the proposal and transmit it to the General Council
The process will be:
• The Proposals Committee presents to the Court the proposal and its recommendation.
• A representative from the originating body would be invited to speak to the Proposal (max time: 5 minutes).
• The President will test if there is a need for table group time in dealing with these three Proposals.
• The President will allow an opportunity, moving Presbytery by Presbytery, for those who wish to speak ( max: 2 minutes).
• When the President feels we can move to a motion, the Proposal Committee would make that motion.
• Then we move to our parliamentary procedure process.
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Proposal 1
Title: Clarification of 363(c) during maternity/parental leave Originating Body: Halifax Presbytery, Maritime Conference Financial Implications if known: None Staffing Implications if known: Some time spent adjusting policy documents Source of Funding if known:
The Halifax Presbytery proposes that
The 41st General Council (2012): Amend section 363 (c) of The Manual of the United Church of Canada and any related policy documents to direct Presbyteries/Districts that reviews: a) may not be conducted while the ministry personnel in question are on approved maternity/parental leave; or b) if commenced before approved maternity/parental leave begins must be suspended. And that such reviews can only be commenced or recommenced after the ministry personnel completes the approved maternity/parental leave.
Background: Under the Labour Codes of most (if not all) Provinces and Territories in Canada, it is illegal to commence disciplinary actions against an employee during an approved medical leave. In some jurisdictions it is clear that maternity (and/or) parental leave is considered a form of medical leave. This policy is not uniform and, even in the civil jurisdictions where it does apply, is not always known to Presbyteries/Districts undertaking reviews under section 363(c) of The Manual. While Presbyteries/Districts are accorded appropriate latitude in the manner of conducting such reviews, in some cases of maternity/parental leave these options have not been exercised. The result is that, if a review proceeds while the ministry personnel is on approved leave, she/he is (a) not able to fully participate in the review during the leave; and/or (b) returns from approved leave to respond a review that is largely complete with the great potential of artificially constrained opportunity to affect the conclusion. Neither situation accords with natural justice or the church’s commitment to honour the family contexts of its employees.
Given these differences in Labour Code standards, the potential lack of knowledge on the part of presbytery/district officers of maternity/parental leave status as medical leave, and the concerns for natural justice, this would be an appropriate restriction on the liberty of Presbytery/District in such cases.
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Proposal 2
Title: Copyright Procedures for Worship Resources Originating Body: Wolfville Pastoral Charge, Valley Presbytery Financial Implications if known: Staffing Implications if known: Source of Funding if known:
The Wolfville Pastoral Charge, Valley Presbytery proposes that
The 41st General Council (2012): directs the General Secretary to create a single interface between congregations and copyright holders.
Background:
The United Church of Canada is organized into 2,240 local pastoral charges and 3,255 individual congregations (Statistics as of December 31, 2009). The act of corporate worship is central to the life and health of all of these congregations and music is an essential component of each worship service. Congregations are continually searching for music resources which will enhance the experience of worship for a wide spectrum of ages, locations, events, themes and theological stances. Further, although hymn books are still commonly used, congregations are using other ways to share music resources, such as via photocopies and video projection.
As an example, More Voices was prepared to “further enable faith communities to unite in relevant and uplifting congregational song” with “more of the theologically balanced, refreshing, and inspirational music that congregations want to sing”. In that it has been successful. Bruce Harding, Managing Editor for More Voices has reported to us that the book has sold well and that profits are split equally between Wood Lake Publications and UCC. However, it was not possible to get a single license to cover the book because some of the larger copyright holders (commercial publishing houses) would not participate, preferring to administer their own copyrights. While it is reported to us that LicenSing has been doing its best to sign up all independent artists, OneLicense and CCLI also hold some of the copyrights. Harding also reported to us that, in 2009, there was “a proposal before the courts of the church to try to pressure the licensing companies to come up with a single joint license for Canada”, but at that time he thought that there was little likelihood that it would happen.
Even though congregations may have copies of More Voices books, this does not exempt them from copyright charges related to photocopying and to video projection. Given that there is more and more use of video systems (if Valley Presbytery is any indication), each congregation is faced with identifying the artist (listed in More Voices), then finding out which of the licensing groups is looking after their copyright (which is not simple), tabulating for each license holder the artist whose work is performed, and reporting that annually. Buying three licenses for a year may be overkill, because of not knowing in advance which artist’s work will be used during the year. Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 141
We have put aside money in our budget to cover anticipated license fees but, knowing that many other UCC congregations are faced with the same challenge, and suspecting that many other congregations are either avoiding or are unaware of this matter, we propose a solution that would ensure both legality for congregations and support for the artists whose work is used.
Maritime Conference has established a system for video usage by which our Pastoral Charge pays an annual amount to cover our use of all videos, whoever the artist. Given that General Council of the UCC carries so much more weight than individual congregations, we request that the 41st General Council direct the General Secretary to establish a similar interface through which all congregations may pay the appropriate fees to the licensing companies in support of the artists whose work appears in More Voices.
With such an interface in place, it might then be appropriate to include partners from other denominations and to establish a precedent that would be applicable to other worship resources.
Action: The Church Council of the Wolfville Pastoral Charge voted in support of this proposal on January 25, 2012 and it was further supported by the Annual Meeting of the Wolfville Pastoral Charge on February 26. WPC respectfully requests that Valley Presbytery and Maritime Conference transmit this Proposal to the 41st meeting of the General Council in Ottawa, August 2012.
Valley Presbytery Action: The Valley Presbytery of the United Church of Canada voted in support of this proposal on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 and respectfully requests that Maritime Conference transmit this Proposal with our concurrence to the 41st meeting of the General Council in Ottawa, August 2012.
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Proposal 3
Title: United Church of Canada Pension Board Divestment from Goldcorp Originating Body: Church in Action Committee, Maritime Conference Financial Implications if known: Staffing Implications if known: Source of Funding if known:
The Church in Action Committee, Maritime Conference proposes that
The 41st General Council 2012: Direct the Executive of the General Council (GCE), as Administrator of the Pension Plan: 1. to instruct the United Church of Canada Pension Board (UCCPB) to divest of its shares in Goldcorp; and 2. to make public that divestment.
Background:
1. As we seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), together with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Central America, we bring this proposal forward as an urgent concern to be dealt with now. The UCCPB continues to hold investments in Goldcorp that do not meet UCC ethical investment standards.
2. The UCCPB has for many years used Jantzi Research Inc. (now Sustainalytics) to report on the environmental, social and governance performance of publicly traded corporations. In 2008 Jantzi Research recommended that Goldcorp be ineligible for Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) portfolios based on its environmental fines, and its failures to deal with community health concerns and consult with surrounding communities. After that recommendation, the UCCPB continued to invest in Goldcorp and contracted the professional services of the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (SHARE) to engage with Goldcorp on its behalf. However, Goldcorp continues to fail to meet UCC Social and Environmental Screening Criteria (2006) that states: The Church will avoid investing in any company that: o has ignored or failed to take into account the needs and interests of communities affected negatively by its operations or planned operations. Evidence of such failure may be found in a lack of engagement in public consultation, especially in the face of community opposition, or in fines, civil penalties, or civil suits related to the company’s activities. o has ignored or failed to take into account the needs, interests, and rights of aboriginal communities affected by its operations or planned operations. o has been implicated, through its international operations, in the violation of human rights.
3. This issue was part of the subject of MAR19 (GC 2009). Work on responsible investing policy is underway including the appointment of the Working Group on Socially Responsible Investment and Resource Extraction. However, we are acutely aware of the ongoing suffering of our partners, including indigenous Mayan communities, related to the continuing Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 143
environmental, social and health impacts of Goldcorp’s open pit gold mining. Also Goldcorp put pressure on the Guatemalan government to ignore a request by the Inter American Human Rights Commission that operation of Goldcorp`s Marlin Mine be suspended until further investigation of health concerns could be undertaken.
For years our Central American brothers and sisters in Christ in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala have urged the UCCPB to publicly divest. In Sept. 2010 and again in May 2011, during visits to Canada, Bishop Ramazzini of the Catholic Diocese of San Marcos, a United Church partner, stated that, unless radical changes come about from engagement with Goldcorp on its human rights and environmental issues, the United Church`s ethical responsibility would be to divest. The Pastoral Commission for Peace and Ecology of the Diocese of San Marcos recently presented findings indicating increased levels of contamination of the water, earth and air caused by the Marlin Mine. Given these statements, it is incumbent on us to divest.
4. The GCE has stated that the UCCPB and the GCE are accountable for fiduciary and SRI obligations. However, there is no precedent defining what the balance is. The UCCPB Statement of Beliefs and Guiding Principles1 article 33. might be used to support a higher weighting toward fiduciary obligations: 33. Socially responsible investment procedures can be employed provided there is reasonable assurance that the best long term interest of the members is being served.
However, the UCC has affirmed that respect for human dignity and the well-being of the planet serve the long-term interests of its members. Several policies and documents direct that maximizing economic return on investments must give way to economic justice, human rights, and environmental protection. These include: ¾ The UCC social policy One Earth Community –Ethical Principles for Environment and Development and The Earth Charter which combine in an Ethical Lens2 that calls for United Church involvement in environment and development issues to: i. reflect a responsibility to the Earth in its wholeness ii. be founded on a just international order which is people-oriented, respects human rights, ensures the voice of the world’s poor and is ecologically sound iii. promote change of lifestyle from high material consumption to greater equity and sustainability iv. promote humanity’s understanding of its collective responsibility for environmental damage and repair, and that environmental damage must stop v. protect the rights of future generations vi. not threaten the sustaining capacity of the Earth vii. respect and protect the biodiversity of the Earth viii. not contribute to militarization but promote a culture of tolerance, non-violence
1 adopted 2005 by the Executive of General Council, Administrator of the Plan 2 One Earth Community – Ethical Principles for Environment and Development (GC 1992) and The Earth Charter (GC endorsed 2003) were amalgamated into an Ethical Lens, and applied to nuclear issues in United Church Submission 2 to the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, available at www.united‐ church.ca/files/ecology/energy/nuclear_commentary.pdf
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and peace ix. ensure meaningful participation of individuals and groups in the decision-making processes x. assure opportunities for learning and access to knowledge xi. be based on adequate environmental, social and cultural impact assessments xii. hold authorities and corporations responsible for their actions domestically and internationally and ensure that Canada accepts its global responsibility to prevent environmental damage ¾ The Division of World Outreach document, To Seek Justice & Resist Evil: Towards a Global Economy for All God's People3 and the UCC resource that followed from it in 2002, Mission and Investing: A Guide for The United Church of Canada Congregations and Organizations that challenge us “to see global economic injustice, to discern or judge what this means for our Christian faith, and to act in common mission for justice” ¾ Resources that followed from Living Faithfully in the Midst of Empire (2006).
5. Goldcorp has not adopted the international standard of free, prior and informed consent (FPIC.) The U.N. Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, adopted in 2007, enshrines the right of Indigenous Peoples to make decisions about the use of their lands and the resources within them. The FPIC standard is now part of Performance Standard #7 of the International Finance Corporation4.
6. When investment in a sector is deemed necessary for fiduciary reasons, the best-of-sector choice, based on the top companies in an SRI evaluation of each company's record, supports divestment of Goldcorp shares.
3 The 37th General Council received this document in August 2000 4 Available at: http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/policyreview.nsf/Content/PerformanceStandard 7.
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Proposal 4
Title: Review of Centralized Pastoral Charge Payroll Program Originating Body: Halifax Presbytery Financial Implications if known: Staffing Implications if known: Source of Funding if known:
The Halifax Presbytery proposes that
The 41st General Council (2012): Conduct a thorough review of the centralized pastoral charge payroll system within the next triennium to determine costs and benefits (financial and otherwise) experienced by employees and pastoral charges and communicate the results of that review to the entire church.
Background:
Since the implementation of the centralized payroll system there has not been a thorough review of the costs and benefits of the decision: • Any change has both intended and unintended consequences and there has been no review of those consequences for this plan; • The centralized payroll system has major impacts in a variety of areas of the United Church’s life, including: o Pastoral relations (appointments/calls cannot be processed without an ADP employer identifier); o Some employees have moved from being paid bi-weekly to monthly in order to diminish pastoral charge costs; o There are concerns about where and how ADP processes and stores sensitive personal data; o Non-participating pastoral charges report difficulties in the processing of pension payments for their employees; o One of the presenting reasons for the implementation of the system was to resolve perceived injustices in the remuneration of staff; • The only evidence existing is anecdotal which, generally, tends towards the negative
For all these reasons, a publicly disclosed comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of the centralized payroll system is timely. Further, we believe that there needs to be volunteer (lay and ministry personnel) presence on the review body, hence the request for a General Council (rather than a staff) review.
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Proposal 5
Title: Calling for a Moratorium on On-Shore Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane Development Originating Body: Maritime Conference Church in Action Committee (Environmental Working Group) Financial Implications if known: Staffing Implications if known: Source of Funding if known:
The Maritime Conference Church in Action Committee (Environmental Working Group) proposes that:
The 87th Maritime Conference (2012): urge the four provincial governments within its bounds to place a moratorium on on-shore shale gas and coal bed methane development until there are sufficient scientific studies completed and legislated regulations that require: i. meaningful consultation about any proposed development with communities, including Aboriginal and rural; ii. environmental impact assessments, that acknowledge ecologically sensitive areas and the carrying capacity of ecosystems, as a condition of exploration leases/permits; iii. independent base-line and ongoing testing of water, air, and soil quality in areas slated for development; iv. full disclosure of the chemical composition of the drilling fluid; v. strategies that address and seek mitigation of the associated human health and environmental impacts of this unconventional gas industry; vi. adequate treatment of waste water - including both the added chemicals and those naturally-occurring chemicals potentially released in association with activities of this gas industry vii. an adequate compensation plan for damages caused by the industry;
by:
1. writing letters to this effect to the Premiers and the responsible Ministers in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec; 2. issuing media releases stating these positions; 3. distributing this action, including the background information and the media release, to presbyteries and congregations within the Conference inviting members to discuss the ethical and environmental issues that are the basis for these actions; and 4. encouraging members to approach their provincial government representatives and decision makers to share their views and concerns on the subject of on-shore oil and gas development.
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BACKGROUND:
Ethical Principles “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it.” Psalm 24:1
Energy needs to be understood holistically: it is linked to the ecological crises facing the Earth, health issues for us and for future generations, global justice, and our spiritual well-being in relation to other species and to our Creator. Over the course of the United Church's history, we have focused on energy through policy, study, and action. Key issues have been nuclear power, fossil fuels, hydroelectric developments, conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy sources. This body of work was brought together in the social policy, Energy in the One Earth Community (GC 2000). It is our ethical conviction that the right of people to their wellbeing and to the health of the land, water and air should take precedence over privileges granted to industry.
The ethical principles expressed in The United Church of Canada social policy One Earth Community –Ethical Principles for Environment and Development (GC 1992) and The Earth Charter (GC endorsed 2003) together form an ethical lens5 for assessing development. Some of these ethical principles are specifically relevant for shale gas and coal bed methane development: • In One Earth Community, it states in part: “Decision-making for just and ecologically- sound development must ensure the participation of individuals and groups, especially those most affected by the project.” At this time, decisions about this industry are being made by provincial decision makers, with little to no meaningful consultation with the communities that are affected. • The Earth Charter states in part: “Manage the extraction and use of non-renewable resources such as minerals and fossil fuels in ways that minimize depletion and cause no serious environmental damage.” However, there are major hazards in the exploitation and development of shale gas and coal bed methane which have demonstrated risks of serious harm to the environment, as well as social and health problems.
Unconventional Natural Gas Development: Natural gas is frequently promoted as a climate change solution or transition fuel that is less polluting when burned than oil and coal. However, dangers are associated with the recovery of natural gas trapped in rock formations which are unconventional, hard-to-access sources such as shale gas, coal bed methane and tight gas formations (gas in rocks that have a very low permeability). Many controversial issues have arisen in both the U.S. and Canada.
Conventional methods have been used since the 1950’s to produce shale gas in small quantities from rock formations containing natural fissures. What is new is the use of a high-volume slickwater hydraulic fracturing technique, combined with approaches such as horizontal drilling and multi-well platforms (in some areas) commonly known as fracking. After vertical and often
5One Earth Community – Ethical Principles for Environment and Development, and The Earth Charter were amalgamated into an Ethical Lens, and applied to nuclear issues in the United Church of Canada Submission 2 to the Nuclear Waste Management Organization. Available at www.united‐church.ca/files/ecology/energy/nuclear_commentary.pdf 148 The United Church of Canada
extensive horizontal drilling, millions of litres of water with thousands of litres of chemicals, and sand laced with radioactive tracers, are injected underground at very high pressure to create fractures in the rock to allow gas to flow up the well. This method, widely used in the U.S. for less than 10 years, is so new that peer-reviewed scientific information on environmental impacts is limited. However, sufficient information is available to give reason for pause and call for a moratorium on shale-gas development to allow for better study of the cumulative risks to water quantity and quality, and to air quality.
Water Contamination There is substantial evidence that fracking chemicals are fouling water supplies with contaminants that are hazardous to human, plant, and animal health: • At least 750 substances were used in hydraulic fracturing in the U.S. between 2005 and 2009; of these substances, 29 are known to be possible human carcinogens and/or regulated toxic chemicals.6 • The injected water and chemicals are not all returned to the surface. Studies indicate that 50% to 90% of injected fluids can remain underground.7 There is little knowledge of what happens to the chemical mixture that remains underground. • Fracturing wastewater that is recovered poses a significant hazard and management challenge. • Additional risk is introduced when the injected fracking fluid releases naturally-occurring toxins including radioactive chemicals from the rock formations.8 • Despite precautions by industry, contamination from wastewaters from hydraulic fracking sometimes occurs through corroded well casings, spilled fracturing fluid at a drilling site, leaked wastewater, or the direct movement of methane or fluid upwards from deep underground.9 • There are documented incidences of hazardous levels of contamination from methane migrating into water wells causing drinking water contamination and risks of pollution of streams and rivers.10 • It is well known that methane can pose an asphyxiation and explosion hazard in confined spaces when it moves from the water into the air,11 but there is essentially no peer
6 U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce, Minority Staff Report. “Chemicals Used in Hydraulic fracturing.” April 2011. p 1 7 Linley, Dayna. “Fracking Under Pressure: The Environmental and Social Impacts and Risks of Shale Gas Development.” Sustainalytics; August 2011. p 10 8The New York Times review of 30,000 pages of federal, state, and company records relating to gas wells in Pennsylvania and West Virginia revealed that fracturing wastewater containing worrying levels of naturally occurring radioactivity was being released into rivers, and that there was cause for concern of contamination of drinking water and radioactivity entering the food chain. (“Regulation Lax as Gas Wells’ Tainted Water Hits Rivers.” New York Times, 27 February 2011. p A1; on‐line at www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/us/27gas.html ) 9 Pennsylvania State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension. Water Facts 28: Gas Well Drilling and Your Private Water Supply. March 2010. 10 Based on groundwater analyses of 60 private water wells, methane concentrations were found to be 17‐times higher on average in areas with active drilling and extraction than in non‐active areas, with some drinking‐water wells having concentrations of methane well above the ‘immediate action’ hazard level. (Osborn, S.G., A. Vengosh, N.R. Warner, R.B. Jackson. “Methane contamination of drinking water accompanying gas‐well drilling and hydraulic fracturing.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A. 2011; DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1100682108.) 11 U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining. Technical Measures for the Investigation and Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 149
reviewed research on the health effects of low concentrations of methane in drinking water or household air.12
Air Pollution Air pollution associated with hydraulic fracturing has become a major area of concern. The 2011 investigative report by the New York Times13 highlights problems with fumes containing benzene and toluene, as well as vapours reacting to sunlight contributing to high levels of ground-level ozone.
During 2010-11, Global Community Monitor (GCM), responding to citizen odor and health complaints, launched a community-based pilot environmental monitoring program in northwest New Mexico, southwest Colorado, and western Colorado to document and measure air pollution from natural gas facilities. Through the course of this pilot study, residents, armed with their own air monitors, documented a potent mix of chemicals in nine air samples from different locations. The sites in this program are all natural gas production and processing sites. A total of 22 toxic chemicals were detected in the nine air samples, including four known carcinogens, toxins known to damage the nervous system, and respiratory irritants. The levels of chemicals, including benzene and acrylonitrile, ranged from three to 3,000 times higher than levels established to estimate increased risk of serious health effects and cancer based on long-term exposure.14
Health Aspects Health statistics in gas producing districts show preliminary evidence of health impacts in intensively drilled areas in Texas15 and there is increasing anecdotal evidence that shale gas development including hydraulic fracturing is leading to serious health concerns. However the extent and cause of the problems remains unknown. Neither states nor the federal government have systematically tracked reports from people whose health is negatively affected by hydraulic fracturing, or comprehensively investigated how drilling affects human health. More research is needed.
Dr. Christopher Portier, Director of the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry and the National Center for Environmental Health, notes: “In some communities it has been a
Mitigation of Fugitive Methane Hazards in Areas of Coal Mining. September 2001. Jessica Ernst, landowner in Rosebud, Alberta, has filed a lawsuit against EnCana Corporation for negligence and unlawful activities. Her well water is contaminated with methane and other fracking chemicals and can be lit on fire. (Ernst v. Encana April 2011) 12 Jackson, Robert, Brooks Rainey Pearson, Stephen Osborn, Nathaniel Warner, Avner Vengosh. Research and Policy Recommendations for Hydraulic Fracturing and Shale Gas Extraction. Duke University, Durham, NC. 2011. p 5 13 “Regulation Lax as Gas Wells’ Tainted Water Hits Rivers.” New York Times, 27 February 2011. p A1; on‐line at www.nytimes.com/2011/02/27/us/27gas.html 14 “Gassed! Citizen Investigation of Toxic Air Pollution from Natural Gas Development.” http://www.gcmonitor.org/downloads/gassedreport.pdf 15 http://www.dentonrc.com/local‐news/special‐projects/gas‐well‐drilling‐headlines/20110831‐breast‐cancer‐ rate‐climbs‐up.ece 150 The United Church of Canada
disaster. We do not have enough information on hand to be able to draw good solid conclusions about whether this is a public health risk as a whole.”16
Greenhouse Gas Emissions There is now evidence that shale gas production will result in release of more methane and carbon dioxide, both greenhouse gases (GHG), than conventional natural gas, and have a greater GHG footprint than oil or coal. Shale gas is typically comprised of 90% methane.17 A recent peer-reviewed study by Robert Howarth and colleagues indicated that between 3.6% and 7.9% of the methane from shale gas production escapes into the atmosphere in venting and leaks over the lifetime of a well. These methane emissions are at least 30% more than those of conventional gas. They conclude, The footprint for shale gas is greater than that for conventional gas or oil when viewed on any time horizon, but particularly so over 20 years. Compared to coal, the footprint of shale gas is at least 20% greater and perhaps more than twice as great on the 20-year horizon …18
Regulations Oil and gas is primarily a provincial responsibility. In general, regulations vary widely from province to province. The decision-making process includes little or no meaningful consultation with the communities that are affected. The shale gas industry is seeking to head off opposition by proposing its own voluntary guidelines for disclosure of chemicals used in fracking and promising to comply with any mandatory disclosure requirements from provincial governments. Regulations affecting fracking for unconventional natural gas have been lagging behind industry growth in the U.S. and Canada - including the Maritime provinces.19
Already in Atlantic Canada there have been several non-conventional shale gas related accidents. For example: in 2007 there was a spill of hydraulic fracturing fluids on Prince Edward Island near Green Gables when a pipe burst discharging radioactive material; on 23 August 2006 in Penobsquis New Brunswick, the drilling company estimated that 2000-4000 litres of Frac Fluid with 200-400 litres of Frac Sand containing radioactive tracers Scandium-46, Antimony-124 and Iridium-192 was spilled.20
Numerous individual homeowners, and community, Indigenous, and faith-based groups, as well as environmental organizations, within the bounds of Maritime Conference, have been learning
16 Lustgarten, Abraham, Nicholas Kusnetz and ProPublica. “Science lags as health problems emerge near natural gas wells.” Scientific American, 19 September 2011. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=science‐ lags‐as‐health‐problems 17 Jenkins, Creties D. and Charles M. Boyer II. “Coalbed‐ and Shale‐Gas Reservoirs.” Society of Petroleum Engineers. Distinguished Author Series. Feb. 2008. 18 Howarth, R.W., Renee Santoro and Anthony Ingraffea. “Methane and the greenhouse‐gas footprint of natural gas from shale formations.” Climate Change, March 2011. DOI 10.1007/s10584‐011‐0061‐5 19 Branley, Matthew. “Is Natural Gas a Climate Change Solution for Canada?” Pembina Institute and David Suzuki Foundation, July 2011. www.pembina.org/pub/2240 20 Corridor Resources Inc. “RE: August 23, 2006, Accidental Release from J‐67 Well on Well Pad C‐67/J‐67/G‐67.” Letter to Residents and Landowners. 8 September 2006. www.penobsquis.ca/wp‐content/uploads/2011/07/fracspillfirst101.pdf
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about these incidents and about all of the controversial impacts of fracking on water, land, health and climate change. Many have been speaking out against the practice of fracking.
Conclusion • There is no valid, unbiased evidence that unconventional development of shale gas can be done in a way that protects the environment, health and climate at this time. • Regulations need to push for investment in renewable, sustainable forms of energy. • Coal and shale gas are not intermediate or long-term solutions for our energy needs. They are potentially more harmful than conventional oil and gas in terms of their ecological and human health effects. • Large-scale gas extraction will lead to more reliance on fossil fuels rather than on conservation and development of alternative energy sources. • There is not extensive peer-reviewed, independent scientific research analyzing the immediate and potential long-term and cumulative impacts and risks of shale gas and coal bed methane development and hydraulic fracturing. New scientific evidence is being presented daily and the practice remains highly controversial worldwide. • Due to this uncertainty, a growing number of jurisdictions are implementing moratoria or bans on hydraulic fracturing until more is known. Our own Maritime provinces need to follow that lead as we continue to study the effects of fracking, to develop appropriate regulations (as proposed herein) to protect our water, air, land and health from known negative effects, and to focus on energy conservation and the development of renewable forms of energy.
152 The United Church of Canada
THE 87TH ANNUAL MEETING OF MARITIME CONFERENCE DRAFT AGENDA
THURSDAY, MAY 31st (Catherine Christie, overseas personnel hosts reception during registration) 11:00 Registration begins at Civic Centre 2:00 Orientation for new delegates 3 to 5 Tours of the New Conference/ Archives building 5:00 Supper
The Gathering
6:45 Worship: “What’s Left? Light.” Constitution of the court Opening Motions Welcome from Aboriginal Representatives Introductions: Ecumenical Guests Red Letter Philanthropy General Council Office Representatives Theme Speaker Introduction of Theme Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving (with communion)
FRIDAY, JUNE 1st 7:00 Mount Allison Chapel 7:00 Breakfast 8:30 Worship Music Practice 9:00 Worship: “What’s Left? Oil.” 9:30 Table Groups covenant 10:00 Theme Presentation 11:00 Church in Action 11:30 Stewardship Committee with Catherine Christie, Overseas Personnel 11:55 Announcements & Blessing 12:00 Lunch 1:30 President Designate nominees 1:40 Ballot for President Designate 1:50 MP&E / Education and Students Reports Ballot Circulated for Ordinands 2:05 Budget 2013 and Financial Reports 2:40 Staff Committee 2:55 Settlement Committee 3:10 Election of General Council Exec. lay rep 3:20 Introduction of and presentation to the Ordinands 3:30 Proposals 4:30 New Conference Center Presentation Eighty-Seventh Maritime Conference Meeting 153
4:50 Introduction of: Retirees and Jubilarians Tatamagouche Centre Staff AST representatives Announcements and Blessing 5:00 Supper 7:00 Church in Action 7:30 Election of General Council Commissioners 7:50 Maritime Conference Executive Accountability report 8:10 Bermuda presentation 8:30 Report from the Ecumenical guests 8:50 Election of General Council Commissioners 9:00 recess for the evening 9:00 Kitchen Party (arena floor)
SATURDAY, JUNE 2nd 7:00 Mount Allison Chapel 7:00 Breakfast 8:30 Worship Music and Drumming Practice 9:00 Worship: “What’s Left? Stones” 9:30 General Council Report /Church Crest 10:00 Proposals 11:00 Theme Presentation 12:00 Lunch 1:30-2:30 & 2:45-3:45 Focus Groups (Conference building tours available) 4:00 Choir Practice (Chapel) Rehearsal for Sunday Service (Civic Centre) 5:00 Supper 5:00 Banquet for Retirees/Jubilarians at Live Bait Theatre (pre-purchased ticket required, doors open at 4:30) 7:30 Intermediates at Conference Presentation 7:45 Worship led by Youth Forum 8:30 Introduction of President Designate Presentation from the Canadian Bible Society 8:45 Courtesies and closing motions
SUNDAY, JUNE 3rd 7:00 Breakfast “What’s Left? Baskets!” 10:00 Service of Praise and Celebration of Ministry (at the Tantramar Civic Centre) 12:00 Closing of Conference 12:15 Meeting of the new Conference Executive