Church of St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff 2020 Vestry Report for Meeting Held Sunday, February 28, 2021

Church of St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff 2020 Vestry Report For meeting held Sunday, February 28, 2021

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Opening Prayers

3. Appointment of Vestry Clerk

4. Approval of Agenda for 2020 Annual Vestry Meeting

5. Supplementary Reports for 2020

6. Review and Adoption of Vestry Minutes from March 1, 2020 meeting

7. Pastoral Letter Area Bishop of York Scarborough

8. Report of the Incumbent

9. Churchwardens’ Report

10. Financial Reports

11. Envelope Secretary’s Report

12. Parish Ministry Reports

13. Appointments and Elections of 2021 Parish Officers – Nomination Slate to be Distributed at Vestry Meeting

14. Motions of Thanks

15. Other Business

16. Adjournment

17. Closing Prayer

Table of Contents Agenda ...... 2 Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting for the year 2019...... 4 Bishop Kevin Robertson’s Letter to Vestry ...... 6 Report of the Interim Priest-in-Charge ...... 8 From St. Nicholas’ Parish Registers in 2020 ...... 10 Wardens Report ...... 10 Property Report ...... 11 Financial Reports ...... 12 Treasurer’s Report ...... 12 Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020 ...... 13 Statement of Receipts and Expenditures and Net Assets as of Dec. 31, 2020 ...... 14 Statement of Cash Flow for the Year ending December 31, 2020 ...... 15 Fund Schedule ...... 16 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Notes to Financial Statements...... 17 Operating, Capital, and Outreach Fund Budget for 2020 (compared to 2019) ...... 19 Envelope Secretary’s Report ...... 20 St. Nicholas’ Ministry Reports ...... 21 Altar Guild Report ...... 21 Bazaar Committee Report ...... 21 Faith Community Nurse Report ...... 21 Interim Music Director’s Report ...... 22 Outreach Report ...... 23 Pastoral Care Report ...... 25 Social Media Report ...... 25 Worship Committee Report ...... 26

Minutes of the Annual Vestry Meeting for the year 2019 The Church of St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff Sunday, March 1, 2020

The meeting was called to order by the Reverend Canon Janet Read-Hockin, who then offered a prayer. Stephanie Ford was appointed as Vestry Clerk on a motion moved by Jennie Tippett and seconded by Betty Kimball. Carried. A motion to approve the agenda was moved by Anne Moir and seconded by Cheryle Pollock.

There were no supplementary reports to add.

A motion to approve the minutes of the previous Vestry meeting from 24 February 2019 with 4 corrections was moved by Charlie Cutts and seconded by Bruce Chambers. Carried.

A motion to receive with gratitude the included pastoral letters from the Archbishop of Toronto and the Area Bishop of York Scarborough was moved by Canon Chambers and seconded by Ron Kimball.

The Rev Canon Read-Hockin began her incumbent’s report by expressing her gratitude to Andrew Reeves, Doug Goss & Ken Campbell, our churchwardens, treasurer Brian Jones, Janet Baron, Cheryle Pollock and Bob Baron for all the work that they do. A special thank you was extended to Joy Horswill and our choir for their ministry.

Events held at the church during the previous year have expressed the great joy that we feel in our faith and have deepened the sense of community within this parish. Statistics show church attendance down in 2019 with an average of 115 members weekly. This compares to 126 in 2018 and 144 in 2017. We are no longer meeting for morning prayer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Lenten lunch programs which attracted 30 to 50 people every week have been discontinued. There will be a discussion about the position of youth pastor later in the meeting. Acceptance of the incumbent’s report was moved by Pauline Green and seconded by Ken Campbell. Carried.

Andrew Reeves began the church warden’s report by discussing the challenges of maintaining our aging building. Despite the challenges, St. Nicholas continues to be a blessed presence in the community every day of the week. Members of this congregation do more than worship on Sunday mornings and all this work is greatly needed and appreciated.

According to a report in The Anglican, the Anglican Church in Canada will disappear by 2040 due to declining membership and giving. We need to ask ourselves the following questions: What do we need to do to grow and maintain our presence? What is special about Anglicans?

We are grateful for the ministry of practice that happens throughout the church year, like Tuesday lunches. The church warden’s report was moved by Barb Cutts and seconded by Betty Kimball. Carried.

Reverend Canon Janet thanked the wardens, Andrew Reeves, Ken Campbell, Doug Goss, for the hours of work that they carried out for the potential sale of 10 Manderley Drive. Core Development Group has now sold the condo project to Nova Ridge Development Partners. Ken Campbell expressed the congregation’s deep thanks to Andrew for his hard work over the past 4 years as warden. Everyone in attendance voted to express our sincere thanks to Andrew.

In the absence of Treasurer Brian Jones, Charlie Cutts began the financial report and auditor’s confirmation by expressing his thanks to Dennis Newman and Brian Jones. He reminded everyone to get their tax receipts and to speak to Duncan Wood if you have any questions. The Treasurers report began by highlighting that the church lost $26,600 in 2019 operations compared to $21,700 in 2018. The budgeted deficit for 2019 was $18,000. The market value of our investments stands at $298,400 and we do ride out any fluctuations in the stock market. The report referred to the repair of the elevator as a very necessary project that was covered by a Diocesan grant of $30,000. However, we are not keeping our giving up to the level of our expenses. Church repairs need to include the foundations, roofs, furnace, air conditioning in the rectory, and other needs as may arise. A motion to accept the treasurer’s and auditor’s reports for 2019 was moved by Anne Moir and seconded by Bob Baron. Carried

The meeting attendees expressed their thanks to Brian and Charlie for their work and reports.

A discussion ensued over the church’s financial state with many suggestions put forward to balance the budget and improve church giving. It was noted that if the present trend continues, St. Nicholas Church will run out of funds in 10 to 15 years. The budget includes $5,000.00 for capital expenses but that may not be enough if something unforeseen occurs. In order to hire a youth pastor, we would need to increase our budget by $5,100.00. The budget as presented was moved by Bruce Chambers and seconded by Charlie Cutts. Carried.

A motion to utilize the Diocese of Toronto’s stewardship campaign was moved by Janet Baron, seconded by Joy Horswill. Carried

The discussion then centered on whether to increase the budget by $5,100 to hire a youth minister. Our contribution portion will go up each year, contingent on seeing the results after two years. The youth minister would get to know our parish families and develop a sense of communication with young people. Julia Hanson made an amendment to increase the budget by $5,100 to hire a youth minister for preteens and teens. This was seconded by Andrew Reeves. Carried.

Doug Goss also made an amending motion to increase the capital budget by $20,000.00 to $25,000.00 for a more realistic outlay. This motion was seconded by Ken Campbell. A vote was taken with the following results: 8 people in favour, 12 opposed, with 4 abstentions. Motion failed.

Bob Baron spoke about the upkeep of the church grounds with thanks to the gardening committee. Rev. Janet in turn thanked him for his work. The cost of snow clearing is $5,000.00 per season. The budget, as amended was carried by a show of hands, with one opposed.

The envelope secretary’s report was received with a thank you to Duncan Wood. A motion to accept this report was moved by Andrew Reeves and seconded by Julia Hanson. Carried

Using the pre-authorized giving program is an asset to our church and a help to the wardens.

Parish ministry reports which are included in the vestry report were presented. Anne Moir presented the Synod report at the 8:30 and 10:00 service and shared with the vestry several highlights of her report. The acceptance of these reports was moved by Charlie Cutts and seconded Ken Campbell. Carried

The nomination slate was distributed. There were no accepted nominations from the floor and Jill Cruse motioned to have the appointments and nominates list accepted as circulated and Julia Hanson was the seconder. Carried

The members of the Parish Executive Committee are as follows: Incumbent The Reverend Canon Janet Read-Hockin Parish Nurse Cheryle Pollock (ex-officio) Rector’s Warden Doug Goss (appointed) People’s Warden Ken Campbell (elected) Deputy Warden Suzanne Lehtinen Treasurer Brian Jones Members of Parish Council, Lay and Alternate Members of Synod and other officers of other ministries are on the attached sheet. There will be training and a schedule provided for people who volunteer as counters.

A big thank you was expressed to Andrew for dealing with other issues that he had not thought to be part of his job, his service to God and service to each of us at St Nicholas.

Other business Bob Baron reminded everyone to turn off the lights when you leave the church to reduce our Hydro bill. Rev. Janet asked everyone to please identify themselves to her or Janet Baron when they first enter the building Adjournment of this vestry meeting was moved by Charlie Cutts and seconded by Ken Campbell. Carried. The meeting was closed with the Grace.

Bishop Kevin Robertson’s Letter to Vestry

January 18, 2021 The Feast of the Confession of St. Peter

Dear friends in York-Scarborough, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 1:2)

I have the privilege of writing once again as you gather for your annual Vestry meeting. Vestry is an important moment in the life of any parish. We are given the opportunity to look back with thanksgiving on the past year and look forward with hope as we catch a vision of what God is calling us to be in the year ahead.

Never before have we experienced a year like 2020. A year ago, we were just beginning to hear reports out of Wuhan, China of a virus that was spreading rapidly and making many people sick. Within weeks the virus was detected here in Canada. By mid-March our province was in lockdown. This meant that our churches were suddenly closed to public worship and most other activities.

Very quickly, Anglicans across our Diocese “pivoted” to begin doing mission and ministry in virtual ways in order to stay connected and keep the flame of the Gospel burning. Pre-recorded services, livestreams and Zoom worship sprang up to connect people from the safety of their own living rooms. For months, our church buildings remained shuttered, except for the important work of providing outreach to the most vulnerable in our communities. We hunkered down and sheltered at home. The Diocese was able to offer a Jubilee to all parishes for three months as a way of helping ministry continue. I know how well this was received, and I thank God that we had the resources to do it.

As COVID-19 cases decreased over the summer months, September brought new opportunities to begin gathering again. The Diocese’s amber guidelines were put in place, allowing parish communities to come together in-person once again. For several weeks, we were once again gathering in our sacred spaces, being fed at the Lord’s table, and enjoying fellowship with one another in familiar ways.

But no sooner had we begun, case numbers began to rise again, and news of more virulent strains of COVID from other parts of the world. In November, the City of Toronto - and Peel and York Regions - were in lockdown; by year end the whole province was essentially shut down. The effects have been devastating for so many: job losses, increases in addiction and mental health issues, a rise in domestic violence, loneliness due to isolation and separation from family members and friends. And yet you – the Church – have continued the life-giving work of the Gospel, by lovingly walking alongside those in greatest need. Thank you! And now several vaccines have been approved and are making their way into the arms of Canadians. Thanks be to God!

In the roller coaster of the past twelve months, we rose to the various challenges in ways many did not think possible. The necessary restrictions shifted almost everything we knew of church, yet the Gospel of Jesus Christ continued to be proclaimed and lived. I have been so proud of the ways that our parishes have been nimble in these difficult times. The Holy Spirit has indeed led us in this wilderness. Thank you to our clergy, churchwardens, parish staff, lay leaders and tech savvy volunteers who have made this pivot possible. I believe our Church leapt forward several decades in just a few short months, and I hope we will hold onto the spirit of adapting to rapidly changing circumstances.

COVID-19 was not the only challenge facing our Church and society over the past year. In May, we watched in horror as news outlets showed the vicious murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The killing of a black man by a white police officer reminded us painfully of the toxic forces of anti-black racism not only in the United States but also here at home. The Gospel calls us away from any kind of hatred and discrimination, and in our baptism we commit to respect the dignity of every human being. Our Diocese is responding to the scourge of racism by offering anti-racism and anti-bias training this year. As the newly- appointed Diocesan Diversity Officer, I look forward to help lead this work forward over the coming year.

2020 was also a year of change in leadership within our Diocese. Bishop Peter Fenty retired after seven years of episcopal ministry, and Bishop Jenny Andison made the decision to return to parish ministry after serving as an area bishop for four years. We give thanks for Bishop Peter and Bishop Jenny and for the ways they have blessed our Diocese. In response to these changes, Bishop Andrew has struck an Episcopal Leadership Working Group to help shape the future of episcopal leadership going forward. In this interim period, I have been asked to provide oversight to deaneries in York-Simcoe and York- Credit Valley, in addition to the five deaneries in York-Scarborough. Please pray for the work of the ELWG as we discern the future of leadership in our Church.

In spite of the challenges, I look back on 2020 with joy and thanksgiving at the opportunities to visit many of the 56 parishes and ministries of York-Scarborough. I was with you for Sunday worship, celebrations of new ministry, anniversaries, meetings with parish leadership, and many other special occasions – and much of it by Zoom! We even ordained four new priests in York-Scarborough between October and December, one of the many signs that the Church in our Diocese is still very much alive and well! I want to thank the clergy and people of the area as I have travelled across the episcopal area. I have been grateful for your prayers, and your desire to be co-workers in the building up of God’s Church.

As I reflect on my ministry over the past year, I realize that my work would not have been possible without the support of my amazing assistant, Sue Willoughby. Sue does a great job managing my calendar and correspondence and ensuring that I am able to keep up with a ministry that has an increasing number of moving parts. Sue works closely with our exceptional synod office staff. They are all just a phone call or email away.

I want to acknowledge the excellent work of our five Regional Deans: the Reverend Ian LaFleur (Eglinton), the Reverend Greg Carpenter (Scarborough), the Reverend Canon Geoffrey Sangwine (St. James), the Reverend Shelley McVea (Toronto East) and the Reverend Nicholas Morkel (York Mills). The Reverend Heather Gwynne-Timothy continued her wonderful ministry as Chaplain to the Retired Clergy of York-Scarborough in 2020. Along with our area liturgical officers, our

Regional Deans are excellent resources for parishes, and provide me with invaluable advice. I have also valued the support and collegiality of the other members of the College: Bishop Andrew, Bishop Peter, Bishop Riscylla, Bishop Jenny and Canon Mary Conliffe.

Our episcopal area is also blessed with many incredible youth leaders, who are ably led by our two York-Scarborough Youth Coordinators, Jillian Ruch and Ian Physick. In the midst of this pandemic, they have found creative ways of staying in touch with our youth and encouraging them in their own ministries.

Finally, I want to express my thanks to all those who exercise leadership in the parishes, missions, schools, fresh expressions and community ministries of the York-Scarborough area. Whether you are stepping down from a particular ministry, or continuing on, or taking up a new role at this annual Vestry meeting, thank you for your commitment and faithfulness. You are a blessing to the Church in our Diocese. Please be assured of my prayers each day as you carry out your ministry in the name of Jesus Christ.

I am writing this letter on the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter. As our Church celebrates Peter’s proclamation that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16), please join with me in working for the vitality of the Church, built on Christ our cornerstone. Pray with hope for the year ahead.

Yours faithfully, The Right Reverend Kevin Robertson Area Bishop of York Scarborough Bishop Suffragan of Toronto

Report of the Interim Priest-in-Charge

To the people of God at St. Nicholas Birch Cliff:

Grace and peace to you all in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

2020 has certainly been a difficult year in the life of the parish of St. Nicholas Birch Cliff, along with people all over the world. With the outbreak of Covid-19 in the early year, came a new reality for the entire world. With the arrival of the virus within Canada and Toronto, we have all had to adjust to a strange new way of life. The Sunday after our last vestry, we found our church and the churches of the diocese shuttered. We have had to adjust to on-line services, sermons, and meetings. We had to celebrate the high feasts of both Easter and Christmas outside of public worship and away from many members of our families. For many in our parish, they have found themselves cut off from family members for months on end.

These changes to our daily lives have brought many challenges along with them. Many people have lost their jobs, their sense of connection with others and some have lost their life savings. For many thousands of Canadians, they have themselves or have had family members fall ill, and many have passed away with this horrible virus. This time is indeed a time of crisis for many in our parish, community, city, and country. For us here at St. Nick’s, we also had to say goodbye to our former incumbent Canon Janet in the early fall. For me personally, it has been a challenge to step into a new community and not really be able to meet and get to know you all. This has been a season of uncertainty in so many ways.

Yet, it’s precisely in these times that the presence of the church finds its deepest meaning and calling. When we as individuals and as a congregation can turn to God and seek his presence. Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

-Matthew 11:28-30

Soon after I arrived as your interim priest in-charge at the end of August, I can tell you that what I have experienced has also been a season of great hope, great faith, and even joyful perseverance here at St. Nick’s. Early on, it became clear that this community was eager to continue with the great works of outreach that this parish is known for. The Tuesday lunch program has continued to provide meals to those in need in our community at a time when need is truly great. The people of St. Nicholas also returned to in person worship, greatly changed, with understanding and joy for the few weeks we were able to gather in person.

The community again rallied around the adapted Amazing Christmas Party in December and provided grocery gift cards and toys for over 60 families in need. Even a world-wide pandemic is unable to dim the light of Christ! What is clear to me is that this is a community that seeks to share the rest of Christ in the world around them. A community that seeks to be gentle and humble in heart, while helping to ease the stress of those carrying heavy burdens. This should be a source of great joy and hope in the hearts of all the people of God at St. Nicks. A sign pointing us back to Christ, the source of all hope and Joy.

I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of our wardens Doug Goss (Rectors Warden), Ken Campbell (People’s Warden) and Suzanne Lehtinen (Deputy Warden) and our parish treasurer, Brian Jones, during this time of lockdowns and transitions. Additionally, I want to give thanks for our Honourary Assistant, The Reverend Canon Ian Noseworthy, our Parish Administrator, Janet Baron, our Parish Nurse, Cheryle Pollock, our Interim Music Director, Joy Horswill, as well as our property manager Bob Baron and the property team.

All of them, along side of many other’s in the parish have been working hard to support and maintain as much of our normal church activities as possible during this time of shutdowns and uncertainty. The outpouring of desire to help, when possible, has been the mark of all of you here at St. Nick’s, and I am sure many of us wish we could have been involved more than the situation allowed for. I want to assure you, that your prayers, your support, and your love for one another was in fact, very much noticed by many. I was also very touched by the family virtual rendition of the famous Nativity Story that we were treated to over the Christmas season, as it was very much appreciated by many.

As we look forward to 2021 and the many challenges yet to come in this year, we can be hopeful for the coming of better times. As a community I am sure we will continue to hold this parish up through loving stewardship, with our time, talent, and treasure, and I encourage you all in this. I am also confident that St. Nick’s will continue to be a home for those who are seeking rest from their heavy burdens. I pray that for all of us who call St. Nick’s our spiritual home and all those whom we serve around us, will continue to find the rest for our souls that we are all offered in Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless this community as we seek to draw closer to our loving creator.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Fr. Ken Johnstone.

From St. Nicholas’ Parish Registers in 2020

Baptisms Oliver Roman Glasgow

Confirmations

Marriages

Deaths Eileen Mason Joan Guy-Vincent Roy Roberts (service has not yet taken place) Gary Cottenden Jean de Peiza Douglas Middleton

Wardens Report

Well, that was interesting, wasn’t it? In most years, the Wardens’ Report serves to recap everything that happened in the Parish the previous year. But despite the fact the doors were closed and the building was dark more than it ever has been since it was rebuilt almost 105 years ago, it might be easier and require less space to talk about what didn’t happen rather than what did. Well, we bent, but we didn’t break. So there’s that.

As was the case with the rest of the world, the calendar year of 2020 presented challenges the likes of which we’ve never experienced before. And hopefully, never will again. It has adversely affected our worship, our ministry and our finances. The COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, robbed us of the privilege of gathering every Sunday for worship and using our bricks and mortar building as a vehicle for Outreach and Ministry. Simply put, there was not one aspect of what we do at St. Nick’s that was not adversely affected by the pandemic.

Since closing our doors in March, there have been precious few opportunities for us to gather. And as of this writing in mid- January, we really have no idea when we’ll once again be able to carry on with what we do here. But regardless of how much this pandemic takes away from us, we will persevere. Of that there is absolutely no doubt.

After being blessed for eight years with an Incumbent who possessed a rare combination of compassion, humor and dedication, Rev. Canon Janet Read-Hockin came to the difficult decision that it was time to move on. We will be forever grateful that God brought her to us in 2012 and kept her with us to usher us through a period of change and transformation. We were equally blessed when God, with an assist from Bishop Kevin, brought us Rev. Ken Johnstone as an Interim Priest-in- Charge to help us through this very unique time. His weekly Sermons have provided many of us with a valuable connection to our home and our faith at a time when it would be easy to feel disconnected. It’s a shame that the pandemic has prevented a lot of us from developing a relationship with him. Trust us, you’d like him.

We are in the process of selecting, along with the invaluable assistant of Bishop Kevin, a new Incumbent and will keep everyone posted on our progress. As of this writing, we are considering a group of candidates who will be interviewed and vetted. Depending upon the successful candidate’s availability, we hope to have someone in place by the spring. (But please don’t hold us to that.)

At a time when things are so unpredictable and in flux, it is indeed comforting to know that there are a number of anchors that keep us moored and connected. One of those is our indefatigable Church Secretary Janet Baron. With the help of a spanking new laptop, Janet has been able to continue to do her duties remotely, while still coming into the office one day a week. Mirna Martinez obviously doesn’t have as much to do as she’s had previously, and will again in the future, but her custodial contribution remains an important one. And it is great that we are blessed with such musical talent in the form of Interim Music Director Joy Horswill, who has graciously stepped into the breach and is ready and willing to continue this valuable ministry. As is the case with our Incumbent, we will also be conducting a search for a full-time Music Director once things get back to normal. If that weren’t enough, we also have secured funding from the Diocese to embark on finding a Youth Minister. But again, that’s likely something that will have to wait until things return to some semblance of normalcy.

We have long been fortunate to have people such as Bob Baron taking care of the property here, but Bob came to the conclusion in 2020 that he needs a break. And he means it this time. (Even though he still seems to be around and willing to help.) It will be impossible to replace Bob, but we can hope to aspire to the level of excellence he set with a group of people who can take care of the grounds and help with maintenance. Anyone wishing to be part of that is encouraged to step forward.

Speaking of the ground, it continues to look splendid due to the efforts of the dedicated gardeners, who are every bit as vital to our Parish life as the many Liturgical and Ministry volunteers who make this such a special place.

As far as finances are concerned, we’re actually in fairly good shape considering the circumstances. An aging Church building and Rectory are on-going concerns and issues, but we have been able to keep ahead of things due to good planning and investing, which are presided over under the watchful eye of Church Treasurer Brian Jones.

The year of 2020 also brought with it the loss of Parishioners and we mourn their passing. Among them were Jean DePeiza, Gary Cottenden and Roy Roberts. Even though the McRae family moved away some five years ago, Bonnie McRae was fondly remembered and mourned when she passed away this year.

We will continue to face the challenges as a community and we’ll also continue, with God’s guidance, to make decisions that are in the best interests of everyone. We thank you for your support over the past year and look forward to working with everyone in 2021, however that looks.

Doug Goss – Rector’s Warden Ken Campbell – People’s Warden Suzanne Lehtinen – Deputy Warden

Property Report

As I write what will be my final property report to vestry, I look back at 2020 as certainly having been a challenging year at St. Nicholas. As a result of having the building shut down for so much of the year due to COVID-19, there were very few property issues to deal with. We did continue with monthly/yearly inspections and services, such as fire equipement and emergency lights being tested, pest control service, boiler and air conditioning service and repair, elevator and sprinkler system maintenance…etc.

Much time and effort went into the exterior of the property last year, removing debris from the parking lot, and weeding, trimming of bushes and trees, and plalnting of flowers. I would like to thank the garden committee who once again did an outstanding job keeping the flower beds looking so lovely. Thank you to Mike Hill, who when not planting, could be found cleaning the parking lot.

A special thank you to Bill Alkerton, who spent many hours trimming trees and bushes, helping me cut the grass, and raking up the leaves as we put a total of 92 bags to the curb for pick-up. Bill if it was not for you helping me, I would still be out there!

Thank you also to Mirna Martinez our custodian who keeps our building clean weekly. Respectfully Submitted Bob Baron

Financial Reports

Treasurer’s Report

This past year was a difficult year to say the least. We managed to have an overall surplus for the year just shy of $22,000, but this was not without a lot of help from the Diocese, some COVID subsidies, and a strong support from our parishioners. Our regular operations had a small deficit before transferring the investment income from the Memorial Fund. This was achieved with a subsidy from the diocesan jubilee fund of $33,300 and government subsidies of $4,200. Even though we did not have regular in-person church services for almost nine months of the year, our parishioners continued to support the regular and special operations, including a very successful “Christmas Feast” outreach program and even some bazaar donations. As a result of closing the church to regular services, some of our expenditures declined. We will continue to monitor these in 2021 and reduce expenditures where prudent. As a result of several large donations to the Memorial Fund, our overall cash position remains healthy and we did not have to redeem any of our investment funds in 2020. We all look forward to a resumption of regular in-person church services and activities, including a bazaar in 2021. I would like to thank Janet Baron in the office for her help during 2019.

January 12, 2021 Brian M Jones, Treasurer

Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2020

Statement of Receipts and Expenditures and Net Assets as of Dec. 31, 2020

Statement of Cash Flow for the Year ending December 31, 2020

Fund Schedule

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Notes to Financial Statements

CHURCH OF ST. NICHOLAS, BIRCH CLIFF December 31, 2020

1. The Church of St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff has several funds through which it conducts its religious and charitable activities. These funds include:

a) Operating Fund. This is the general fund for the day-to-day operations of the church.

b) Capital Fund. This fund receives capital donations, HST refunds, and funds designated for capital purchases. All expenditures of a capital nature are expensed through this fund, as is the usual policy followed by charitable organizations. Significant capital assets of the Church of St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff include the rectory, the church building, church and rectory property, the parking lot, and all furnishings and fixtures of the church. These assets were expensed in the year of acquisition.

c) Memorial Fund. This fund receives memorial donations, to be used for specific items or projects as specified by the donor or the wardens of the Church.

d) Outreach Fund. This fund receives outreach donations, including for Faithworks and the local food bank, as well as funds raised specifically for outreach projects.

e) Altar Guild. This fund receives donations for flowers, and other items used in the chancel.

f) Choir Fund. This fund receives donations to be used by the choir for their activities within the church

2. Investments are recorded at market value. The difference between the carrying value of the investments and the quoted value on December 31 is recorded in the Statement of Receipts and Expenditures and Net Assets as an unrealized appreciation or devaluation of investments.

The details of the investments are as follows:

December 31 2020 December 31, 2019 Cost Market Cost Market

Diocesan Trust Fund $ 243,415 $ 283,196 $243,415 $296,987 Marketable securities 2,500 5,436 2,500 5,414

Total $245,915 $ 288,632 $245,915 $298,401

Cumulative adjustment to market 42,717 52,486

Adjustment to market (9,769) (12,980)

The 2019 adjustment is shown net of $3,415 gain realized on the redemption of $20,000 from the Diocesan Trust Fund. 3. The capital expenditures in 2020 were: Pascal candle and Advent candle set $ 1,218 Laptop 1,873 Total $ 3,091 (2019 - $ 30,568)

4. In 2015, the Church received a Stretch Grant from the Diocese of Toronto for $20,000 to assist in the continuation of specific children’s programs. Of this grant, $1,809 (2019 - $1,449) was expended on these programs, leaving a balance of $1,144 available for future years.

In 2020, the Church received a subsidy regarding salary and synod assessment charges for April, May, and June from the Diocese of Toronto, Jubilee Fund, which amounted to $33.342. The Church also received a wage subsidy from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) in the amount of $4,219, and a grant for personal protective equipment from the Diocese in the amount of $250. These total grants and subsidies of $37,811 have been shown in the operating fund.

The church also received an HST rebate of $6,540 (2019 - $6,510), which has been included in the Capital Fund.

5. As in past years, the income earned on the investments ($12,921) in the Memorial Fund has been transferred to the Operating Fund.

6. The worldwide Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant uncertainty. Business interruption due to government mandated closure for non-essential services, self-isolation, quarantine, and other measures led to disruption in worldwide commercial activity. The overall impact of the pandemic on the economy, various industries, and the community in which the Church operates cannot be assessed at present. Federal and Provincial Governments continue bold measures to bring it under control, however the timeframe for return to normal is not determinable at present.

As a result of public health concerns during the pandemic, the Church temporarily suspended regular in-person church services in March. These were re-started on a modified basis in October but shortly thereafter, were discontinued again. There is no announced date for regular in-person services to restart.

Operating, Capital, and Outreach Fund Budget for 2021 (compared to 2020)

Envelope Secretary’s Report

Donations include Parochial Offerings, Memorial Gifts, Outreach and Capital Offerings and exclude Visitors. Donations for 2020 were $167,683 down from $180,852 in 2019.

Envelopes and Pre-Authorized Gifts

In 2020 there were 102 parishioners who made contributions either using weekly envelopes or through the monthly pre- authorized giving program. This is down from 112 in 2019.

Out of the 102 parishioners 53 used weekly envelopes (down from 70 in 2019) and 49 used the pre-authorized giving program (up from 42 in 2019).

I would encourage as many parishioners as possible to take advantage of the monthly pre-authorized giving program. It is simple to use and saves the church considerable time and expense. Forms are available at the back of the church, from the church office and upon request.

Duncan Wood

Total Annual Donations By Range

$6,298

$12,951

$54,720

$93,714

$0-$500(4%) $501-$1000(8%) $1001-$5000(56%) $5000+(32%)

St. Nicholas’ Ministry Reports

Altar Guild Report

Regular services were held until mid March when COVID struck and all in person services were cancelled until mid October when they were restarted on a modified basis. This lasted for approximately 5 weeks until elevated infection numbers forced a second lockdown.

However Altar Guild did supervise the purchase of beautiful new candles for the Advent wreath and a new Paschal candle. Some spring plants arrived in the church for Easter as well as dried flowers for our altars courtesy of various Altar Guild members. Our thanks to Father Ken for setting up our crèche and a Christmas tree as well.

Respectfully submitted, Jane Roberts, Lynda Cottenden, Betsy Jones

Bazaar Committee Report

When the pandemic closed the church building and kept many of us in our homes starting in March, many of us spent some of that time knitting, preserving, working on projects, in preparation for our bazaar.

The bazaar committee kept in touch with each other, monitoring our community, the pandemic, and the recommendations of both public health agencies and the diocese. After our meeting in August, it became apparent that we would not be able to hold our bazaar.

There have been several discussions about ways to replace the lost income that had been budgeted. To date there has been no bazaar replacement undertaken. It is our hope that, with improved community health and relief from the pandemic, our bazaar will return again.

There has been however, some bazaar activity. Some of those creations made in anticipation, were indeed sold, and the proceeds donated as bazaar income. We have also had Bazaar financial donations. We are grateful to all for their talents and generosity.

Brian, Elizabeth, Julia, Karen, Suzanne and Stephanie

Faith Community Nurse Report

The year 2020 was certainly one of challenges and adjustments. In the midst of these challenges and adjustments God was still present in love. Officially the term parish nursing has been changed to faith community nursing (FCN) to be more inclusive of all faiths. Prior to the closure of worship blood pressure clinics continued to be offered at the community luncheons and monthly in Robinson Hall on the second Sunday. 21

With the closure of worship, telephone contact and emails replaced personal contact. During this pandemic it is so important to try keep in touch with each other. Emails are good for sharing information however due to the decreased social interactions telephone contact is a way to be more personal as we can hear a voice and have a conversation. This is especially important for anyone living alone. One of the pandemic challenges was how to continue with the community lunches while keeping volunteers and guests safe, following the public health and the Bishop’s guidelines. I had the opportunity to virtually attend the Anglican Outreach Services (AOS) meetings. Their guidelines and recommendations have been invaluable for training in and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Through AOS an application to the Red Cross was made for PPE. Thank you to Suzanne Lehtinen for completing and submitting the application. We received a generous supply of masks and gloves. We also received a contribution towards PPE from the Diocese of Toronto. As the parish nurse I would visit with our guests while wearing full PPE. Concerns about Covid-19 were often the topic of conversation. Adjustments to everyday activities were reluctantly being made. The community luncheons continued as an essential service. These luncheons usually take a hiatus in the middle of May to after Thanksgiving. A dedicated team continued to serve take-away luncheons weekly through to the end of July. Distribution of the lunches moved outdoors under the trees: hot dogs on the lawn for Canada Day and peal meal on a bun for the August holiday were well received. One guest stated she felt like she was at a picnic and that this ‘picnic’ helped bring some normalcy to her life. Our dedicated volunteers both frontline workers and behind the scenes provide much needed sustenance but also dignity, caring, and social interaction. A guest, Ivan (not his real name), made a point of expressing his appreciation. He said “What you are doing here is Christianity in action”. Parishioners took on the challenge to make masks for Michal Garron Hospital and also provided masks for our guests. These masks were very much appreciated. Barnabas Group met until the summer via email, telephone calls and zoom. Thank you to the participant who arranged the zoom meetings. FCN support meetings and meetings for the Bishop’s Committee on healing are still attended. Along with a FCN colleague a video on faith community nursing was prepared for the Healing Ministries’ refresher series. Assistance was provided in preparation for the re-opening of worship. As we continue to adapt to restrictions due to Covid-19 may we remember God’s love for each of us and the hope this love brings. “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer” Romans 12:12

Cheryle Pollock R.N.S

Interim Music Director’s Report

The first two months of 2020 gave no indication that we would not be able to sing our usual hymns of praise for the next ten. During January and February the choir met for practices and Sunday services as usual. And, we sang at the Ash Wednesday evening service on February 25th, in spite of the icy storm going on outside. At our last practice, on March 12th, we managed to cover all the special music we would be singing up to and including Easter. Alas, it was the only time we sang it. However, in the remaining months, choir members have continually kept in contact by frequent emails of interesting, pertinent, and sometimes musical, messages, both personal and forwarded from other sources. And in May we had a Zoom meeting just to see and remember who we are! For most of us part of our worship is musical, either joining in the hymns and chants, or, in the case of the choir, with songs and anthems that, hopefully, add an additional interpretation of the theme of the Sunday or Festival Day. 22

We all miss being together, coming up the aisle on Sunday morning to greet you as we sing our praises, and just being part of St. Nicholas’s people. We know that God supports us through this very difficult time, and, as Vera Lynn sang in the dark depths of the 2nd World War – “we’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day”. They did, we will. Hasten the day! Respectfully submitted, W. Joy Horswill Interim Director of Music.

Outreach Report

The year 2020 will forever be indelibly printed into our memories for many reasons. Outreach programs at St. Nicholas have always concentrated on helping others throughout the year manage the difficulties that they find themselves in, whether it be food on a weekly basis at the Food Bank or The Adult Community Lunch. The only program that could not continue to be held was the Alzheimer’s Cooking and Support Group. It was impossible to have in person classes with individuals from many different households as well as participation from the Alzheimer’s Society.

Due to Covid- 19, our other programs were adapted to ensure the health and safety of the volunteers and the clients. Thanks to the leadership of Cheryle Pollock, we were able to follow the Covid -19 protocols . Even during these unprecedented times, St. Nicholas continues to be a strong spiritual community that is committed to reaching out to those in need through volunteering of their time or monetary donations.

Our programs consist of: Free Adult Community Lunch – submitted by Sonia Halloran

As with everything else 2020 was a very different year for the Lunch Program at St Nicholas'. January, February and early March saw the continuation of our usual bi-weekly program of sit-down lunches but of course the Covid 19 lockdown in mid- March made that format impossible and the lunch program was quickly recreated as a bagged lunch handout at the church door. Our parish nurse, Cheryle Pollock provided invaluable insight and guidance about Covid protocols and was crucial in implementing those protocols to ensure everyone involved remained safe. Organizing and implementing the actual lunch handouts was a team led by Sue Hill. Those of us staying home contributed to the effort with donations of sandwiches, veggie packs, desserts, granola bars and fruit. This worked very well with 30-40 lunches handed out biweekly. Although the program normally ends the 24th of May weekend, because of the food security issues confronting many of our guests, the decision was made to continue operating until the end of July with a highlight being the back bacon on a bun lunch served on the church lawn for July 1st.

After Thanksgiving we recommenced with two teams alternating and approximately 30 to 35 lunches being distributed each time. Once again, this was made possible not only by the team members who come to the church to prepare and hand out the lunch and but also the many other people who prepare food at home or donate items ranging from brown paper bags to juice boxes. In addition, we are grateful to continue to receive bread and eggs through our membership in the Beaches Interfaith Outreach Committee.

All of us involved feel blessed to be a part of this ministry providing a valuable service for all those who attend particularly in these difficult times. It couldn't happen without our wonderful team of volunteers and the wholehearted support, both prayerful and financial, of the Parish. Thank you.

Amazing Christmas Giveaway – submitted by Ken Campbell

If you’re searching for even a scintilla of encouraging news coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic – and let’s face it, there’s not a lot of it out there - look no further than the St. Nick’s Amazing Christmas Party of 2020. I have been attending this church

23 for more than a decade and never before have I seen a show of generosity and compassion from our community than I did this year.

If 2020 had been a normal year, we would have once again hosted 300-plus people in Robinson Hall on a Sunday afternoon in December. We would have come together to organize and pull off this event in an effort to provide some Christmas cheer to those in need, both materially and spiritually, in our community. If 2020 had been a normal year, we would have been able to provide a festive atmosphere, a wrapped present for each child, photos with Santa Claus and all the dessert goodies your stomach could handle.

But 2020 was not a normal year. There was nothing normal about it. The only thing it had in common with previous years was the need for those in our community didn’t go away. Actually, it was magnified.

As we contemplated what we could do given the restrictions, Father Ken came up with a brilliant idea. He suggested we approach our partners at the Birchmount Bluffs Community Centre and have them select the families most in need among their clients and we would put together a package for each family. Our original commitment to them was 50 families. But thanks to the legendary generosity of our parishioners, we managed to be able to help 65. (Among them was a woman who is currently fostering 10 children ranging in age from wee youngsters to teenagers.)

Once we made the commitment, we put together an appeal for funds. Parishioners were invited to donate on-line through Canada Helps. I had originally set the goal at $3,000, hoping that if we were lucky, we might have a chance at getting somewhere near $2,500. It took less than a week to raise that money and the final tally came in at $3,600. We received an additional $2,500 from parishioners who opted to donate the old-fashioned way.

That’s an amount in excess of $6,000. Think about that for a minute. And while you’re at it, take a bow. With another $2,500 donation from Nova Ridge Developers and $500 in gift cards from our friends at the Toronto Police Service’s 48 Division, we were flush with funds, which put us in a unique position to make a meaningful contribution to each family without having to put a strain upon existing Outreach funds. Incredible. As a result, and with the extra presents we had left over from last year’s party, we were able to provide each family with at least one present for each child and a grocery store gift certificate worth $100, along with essentials such as toilet paper, soap and toothpaste.

Who knows what 2021 will hold for us? We all hope, of course, that by December we’ll be able to offer the on-site Christmas Party that we have every year for the past decade. Regardless of the circumstances, however, the generosity St. Nick’s has traditionally displayed at this time of year will remain constant.

Churches by the Bluffs Food bank- submitted by Pauline Glasgow The Food bank has had a very busy year. Since the March lockdown, we provided thousands of grocery hampers to another agency for delivery to clients’ homes through June. Through careful planning, we were excited to reopen our doors to clients on July 9, 2020.

To keep our clients and volunteers safe, we have moved our operations outside and we required clients to wear face masks. All of our volunteers also wear masks and those working outside with clients have been provided with face shields as well. Clients now register at the top of the stairs at the entrance to the church. We then provide them with hamper bags customized based on their family size and dietary needs.

The free income tax service was moved online to our clients. This was not ideal but necessary for safety.

Bluffs Food Bank has seen steady growth in our client numbers since July, and we now serve between 120 and 150 clients each week. We expect these numbers to increase. Reopening to clients meant that we were able to resume receiving food from Daily Bread, who report that Food Bank use has never been higher due to the economic consequences of the Covid – 19 pandemic. We are encouraging anyone interested in contributing groceries to Bluffs Food Bank to donate money instead of food during the pandemic. This allows us to purchase the items most needed by our clients at wholesale prices, and also eliminated the need for volunteers to gather together in close proximity to sort food donations, which is not safe. 24

Pastoral Care Report The Pastoral Care Committee continues to be blessed by the ongoing support of many of the parishioners of St. Nicholas, Birchcliff. Social protocols brought about by the Covid pandemic have meant that pastoral care went virtual in 2020. This has meant a cessation of in-person visiting, Lay Anointing and Home Communion. Pastoral care is essentially the people of St. Nick’s caring for the people of St. Nick’s, it is our response to Christ’s call to “love on another “and there continue to be ways this has and will continue. If you have a pastoral concern, please, contact the church to arrange for clergy contact. 416-691-0449.

Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain currently has about twelve members (a good biblical number) who daily pray for those of our parish, their families and friends who are sick or have burdens they feel are too heavy to carry alone. We would normally meet monthly under the guidance of Rev. Joan waters-garner. At this point in time Elaine Fisher has taken on leadership this group. You are all invited to call Elaine with your prayer requests. She can be reached at 416 281-9659.

Cards ‘Get Well’, cheery ‘We miss you’ and encouragement or sympathy cards are sent to any among us in need of encouragement or support. Communication is key to this ministry! As you become aware that someone you know would be blessed by the receipt of a card or to inform us of any need please call Stephanie Ford at 416 690-0213 or myself at 416 698-0015.

Phone Visits This is a caring, loving way of reaching each other during this time of lockdown. As we have been unable to worship our God together many of us struggle with a sense of isolation. Telephone visits are another way of “loving one another” so keep it up! We can and will continue the important ministry of pastoral care at St. Nick’s as we have always done; together.

Faithfully Submitted Freda Gearing

Social Media Report

Well this has been a year where our social media has played a small part keeping us connected to each other. First Rev’d Janet, and now Fr. Ken have made youtube videos of sermons to help fill the void created by our inability to gather for worship. Our website, Facebook page, and Twitter feed have shared information, and had content to help us focus on our spirituality. We participated in Lent Madness, “sang” through the Benedicite, and shared images for Advent Word. As in previous years, our Facebook page is where our parishioners are most active. 234 people like our page and we are followed by 264, with over 100 check ins. Our Twitter feed is viewed mostly by folk and organizations in the wider church, and outside of our parish, with 227 followers. Our website has general information about us, links to sermons, a link for financial support, parishioners shared “Glimpses of God”, and updates about events and services - or lack of them. Thank you to those who have contributed content - pictures, videos, links. Thanks also, for putting up with requests to have your picture taken. Please continue to send us things that you would like to have shared. The content you saw in 2020 was created, curated and/or managed by Rev’d. Janet, Fr. Ken, Sarah Brown, Janet Baron, and Suzanne Lehtinen. Please “like”, “share”, and “retweet” as the Spirit moves you. In Christ, Suzanne Lehtinen

Worship Committee Report

The Worship Committee assists the Incumbent with the planning of services, provides feedback after they have occurred, coordinates the activities of the groups that are represented on the Committee, and in general provides a sounding-board for the Incumbent in matters related to worship. The groups represented on the Committee include the Altar Guild, Choir, Servers Guild and Sidespeople.

Our aim is to include the varying perspectives of parishioners from the different services offered at St. Nick's and from the many groups actively involved in our worship activities. The committee normally meets three to five times per year as needed, but COVID took control of our worship and rendered our meetings meaningless. We look forward to a return to normalcy where our committee has some relevance,

We thank the many people who give time and effort to making worship at St. Nicholas' Church a meaningful, spirit-filled experience, and look forward to this continuing in the year ahead.

Respectfully submitted Dennis Newman, Chair