DOCSLIB.ORG

Maritime Conference the United Church of Canada the 93Rd Annual

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Maritime Conference the United Church of Canada the 93Rd Annual Maritime Conference The United Church of Canada The 93rd Annual Meeting Sackville, New Brunswick May 24 - 27, 2018 SECTION 1 REPORTS TO CONFERENCE Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ - John 11:25-26 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The scripture verses above are taken from the account of Jesus coming at the call of Mary and Martha because their brother Lazarus was very sick. Martha claim’s, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. Jesus responds with the above words, and then lives into those words commanding the dead man Lazarus to come out into new life. I offer these verses because Jesus is speaking to us just as much as he is speaking to Martha who is filled with grief at the passing of their brother. We are like Mary and Martha, weeping at the tomb of something that has passed or at the very least will pass. The church is not what is was, the church of tomorrow will not be the same as the church of today, and many of us see this as a kind of death. And yet, just as Jesus turned to Martha and spoke the words above, so he turns to us offering us the same truth and asking us the same question. Do we believe this? That those who believe in Christ, even though they die will live? That everyone who lives and believes in Christ will never die? Do we believe this? If so, then even as we mourn what we lose, we should know that what lies before us has the potential to be more amazing than anything we could have hoped for. Jesus stands at the entrance to the tomb in this story, and in our lives he stands at the doors of our conference and of our churches. In both cases, he calls out not to someone or something that is dead, but rather newly alive. In Christ we find new life, even when we feel like we have reached the end of our rope, even when something we loved has been taken from us, even when we feel dead on our feet. In my year as President, I have seen and heard much in the way of reactions to the work that has come out of the comprehensive review, and the boundaries commission from presbyteries across our conference, and conferences across our church. Was there fear and grief for what we will lose? Yes, there was both fear and grieving. But across our presbyteries and synod, I have heard stories of hope of how we can live into the new structure. Indeed, I have heard that no matter what we do, people have faith that the Holy Spirit will move in and amongst us. Christ will call to us from what was, to what might yet be in him, and God will continue to reach out with love. What we should take from this story is the overwhelming persistence of God’s love. Nothing, not weariness, nor waywardness, nor even death itself can stop God from calling us to a new thing, because God is not done with us yet! God’s unwillingness to let us go is a reach that goes beyond death, and so whatever structure we find ourselves in, whether we feel it is a tomb of death or a temple of life, nothing can impede the work of the Holy One. So as we prepare for whatever may come, let us hear the words of Christ, and let us ask ourselves, “Do we believe?” I am not asking if we all believe the same things exactly, or understand the story in the same way. I am asking these things: Do we believe that with God, all things are possible? Do we believe that in Christ, new life can be found? Do we believe that by the Holy Spirit, we can find the way from despair to hope? If so, then what have we to fear? Let us celebrate together all that we have been able to accomplish as the people of Christ here in the Maritimes. Let us praise God for the blessings that we find in our work and in our community. Let us pray with hope and eagerness for whatever may come knowing that God waits for us there, at work already. Yours in Christ, The Reverend Richard Bowley 2 The United Church of Canada INDEX President’s Message .................................................................................................................... 1 Parliamentary Procedures .......................................................................................................... 4 Conference Resource Persons ..................................................................................................... 5 President-Elect ............................................................................................................................ 6 Representatives of General Council............................................................................................ 7 Music Leaders ............................................................................................................................ 7 Constitutional Motions................................................................................................................ 8 Candidates for President Designate ............................................................................................ 9 Committee Reports Affirming Ministry Committee ....................................................................................... 9 Annual Meeting Planning Committee ............................................................................ 9 Archives Committee .................................................................................................... 10 Archivist’s Report ............................................................................................ 13 Christian Life and Growth Committee ........................................................................ 13 Church in Action Committee ....................................................................................... 14 Financial Support Committee ....................................................................................... 15 Finance and Property Committee.................................................................................. 16 Proceeds from Church Sales - 2017 .................................................................. 18 Proposed Budget for 2019 ............................................................................... 19 Narrative Budget for 2019 ................................................................................ 22 Bequest Funds .................................................................................................. 24 Maritime Conference Internally Restricted Funds ............................................ 28 Auditor’s Report .............................................................................................. 30 Ministry, Personnel and Education Committee ............................................................ 47 Education and Students Committee ................................................................. 47 Biographies of Candidates for Ordination and Admission ................... 48 Conference Interview Board ............................................................................ 51 Conference Committee on Internship and Educational Supervision ............... 51 Conference Interim Ministry Committee .......................................................... 52 Maritime Conference Pensions Convenors ....................................................... 53 Settlement Committee ...................................................................................... 53 Nominations Committee ............................................................................................... 54 Directory of Membership of Standing Committees ......................................... 55 Staff Committee ............................................................................................................ 64 Stewardship Network .................................................................................................... 65 Executive Committee Reports Incorporated Ministries Reporting ................................................................................ 65 List of Incorporated Ministries Directors ..................................................................... 66 United Church Men ...................................................................................................... 71 United Church Women ................................................................................................ 73 Other Reports Atlantic School of Theology Senate ............................................................................ 74 Atlantic School of Theology ......................................................................................... 76 Financial Services of Maritime Conference ................................................................. 76 Ninety-Third Maritime Conference Meeting 3 General Council Executive .......................................................................................... 77 Hunter United Church Building Fund........................................................................... 79 Mission and Service Giving in 2017 ............................................................................. 80 Mount Allison University Board of Regents ............................................................... 81 Pine Hill Divinity Hall .................................................................................................. 82 Tatamagouche Centre .................................................................................................. 83 United Church Home For Senior Citizens (The Drew Nursing
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Report: Leadership Formation for Ministry
    1 THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LEADERSHIP FORMATION FOR MINISTRY (OCTOBER 29, 2014 VERSION) Faithful, Effective and Learned Leaders for the Church We Are Becoming: A Competency-Based Approach to Ministerial Education and Formation Recommendations The Working Group on Leadership Formation for Ministry recommends: 1. That The United Church of Canada adopt a competency-based approach to equipping and evaluating people for leadership in ministry and mission. 2. That The United Church of Canada affirm that assessing the academic readiness and competence for leadership in ministry and mission is a core responsibility of the church and, therefore, that the tradition of naming specific schools as testamur-granting be discontinued. 3. That The United Church of Canada affirm its relationship with its theological schools, and education and retreat centres, and recognize their on-going contribution to the formation and education of church leadership by continuing to provide funding for representative institutions as outlined in this document. 4. That United Church of Canada affirm the contribution of the Designated Lay Ministries Program, currently hosted at St. Andrew’s College, and continue to provide funding as long as this program is required. 5. That the General Secretary authorize the creation of an inter-unit implementation task group to implement the competency approach, and to integrate it with other leadership formation and education initiatives that have been, or may be, approved: the One Order of Ministry proposal of the Joint Ministry Group, the Report of the Candidacy Pathways Pilot Project Steering Group, and the Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relations initiative. Mandate and Membership of the Working Group on Leadership Formation for Ministry: see Appendix A.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Conference the United Church of Canada the 89 Annual
    Maritime Conference The United Church of Canada The 89th Annual Meeting Sackville, New Brunswick May 22 - 25, 2014 SECTION 1 REPORTS TO CONFERENCE President’s Message This past year has gone by faster than I’d ever anticipated. I have already visited three Presbyteries, and been guest-preacher at two pastoral charges; I am scheduled to visit three more presbyteries, and Bermuda Synod, over the next two months. I have had the privilege of representing Maritime Conference on a number of pastoral occasions. And each visit I have done, has impressed me with the dedication of the church folk who are there. There is confusion and sadness, certainly, as many see attendance falling away from regular Sunday worship services, and as our congregations age. But there is also a sense of excitement, as pastoral charges and congregations start to explore new ways of being church in their communities and in their world. Home church, mission church, coffee bar church, shared ministry, cyber congregations —all are part of the options opening up to those who are passionate about being the hands and feet of Christ. As I sit at my desk this (very!) cold February afternoon, I am reminded of the words of the hymn that tells us, “In the cold and snow of winter, there’s a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see!” Our church is in that waiting stage. We are waiting to see what sort of spring is coming for our church, our mission, our identities as people of faith and a community of Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • 2007 Annual Report Page 2 of 15 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT –––––––––––––––– WHAT an IMPACT! ––––––––––––––––
    2007 Impact Report –––––––––––––––– THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA FOUNDATION/ FONDATION DE L’ÉGLISE UNIE DU CANADA –––––––––––––––– ENDOWED BY THE GENEROUS, ENDURING FOR GENERATIONS, ENABLING GOD’S MISSION Photos: Stephen Wild - The United Church of Canada Foundation 2007 Annual Report Page 2 of 15 - 2007 ANNUAL REPORT –––––––––––––––– WHAT AN IMPACT! –––––––––––––––– Grant stories 2, 3, 13 The impact of investing 14 Donors 4 - 6, 9, 12 Financial summary 15 How you can make an impact 7 - 8 Board and Committee members 16 Grant recipients 10 - 11 Staff 16 Grants available 12 During 2007, The United Church of Canada After five years Another vital Foundation program enables Foundation has helped members of The of growth we United Church organizations to invest their United Church of Canada make an impact own trust funds and endowments in a pro- within and beyond the United Church com- celebrate donors’ fessionally managed, low cost and socially munity. Our Seeds of Hope granting program open-handed responsible manner. By the end of 2007, 54 encouraged innovation and collaboration sharing... and congregations, Presbyteries, Conferences, among United Church organizations. Our congregational foundations and partner Gift Fund program allowed generous people this is just the organizations had joined the Foundation’s to support congregations, outreach ministries, beginning! investment program, enhancing the return health charities, anti-poverty groups, and on their own assets while supporting the many other partners in God’s mission. mission of the Foundation through a portion of their administration fee. Our sense of celebration extends not only to the impact of Foundation programs, but November 22, 2007 marked the fifth anni- to the generous supporters who have made versary of the Foundation’s incorporation.
    [Show full text]
  • Finding Aid 499 Fonds 499 United Church of Canada
    FINDING AID 499 FONDS 499 UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA OFFICE OF THE MODERATOR AND GENERAL SECRETARY FONDS UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA Accession Number 1982.002C Accession Number 2004.060C Accession Number 2017.091C Accession Number 1983.069C Accession Number 2004.104C Accession Number 2017.111C Accession Number 1988.123C Accession Number 2004.104C Accession Number 2017.149C Accession Number 1989.161C Accession Number 2005.129C Accession Number 2018.047C Accession Number 1991.163C Accession Number 2006.001C/TR Accession Number 2018.060C/TR Accession Number 1991.196C Accession Number 2007.002C Accession Number 2018.062C Accession Number 1992.074C Accession Number 2007.017C Accession Number 2018.070C Accession Number 1992.082C Accession Number 2007.024C Accession Number 2018.083C Accession Number 1992.085C Accession Number 2007.034C Accession Number 2018.085C Accession Number 1993.076C Accession Number 2008.059C Accession Number 2018.104C/TR Accession Number 1993.144C Accession Number 2009.007C Accession Number 2018.114C Accession Number 1994.045C Accession Number 2009.008C Accession Number 2018.120C Accession Number 1994.162C Accession Number 2009.101C Accession Number 2018.128C Accession Number 1994.172C/TR Accession Number 2009.110C/TR Accession Number 2018.134C/TR Accession Number 1996.026C Accession Number 2010.034C/TR Accession Number 2018.157C Accession Number 1998.167C/TR Accession Number 2012.139C Accession Number 2018.199C Accession Number 2000.100C Accession Number 2014.003C/TR Accession Number 2018.249C/TR Accession Number 2000.117C
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada
    Maritime Conference of the United Church of Canada Retirees and Jubilarians 2015 Saturday, May 30, 2015 5 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion Sackville, New Brunswick Thank you for taking part in this time of recognition and celebration. We hope that you will take pleasure in reading, and keeping, this beautiful and powerful accounts of ministry in the name of Jesus the Christ. Retirees Rev. Ron Frampton Rev. Joy Noble Rev. John Fraser Rev. Pamela Reidpath Rev. Gayle MacDonald Mr. Keith Selwyn-Smith Rev. Brenda McKay Rev. Anne Dalziel Singer Rev. Gordon Murray Rev. Jeanne Stright Jubilarians 50 Years Rev. Garth Caseley Ms. Nancy K. Fraser Rev. A. Ross MacDonald Rev. Hugh C. MacLean Rev. Dr. J. Allan McIntosh Rev. Thomas G. Whent 55 Years Rev. Morley P. Bentley Rev. Heber G. Colbourne Rev. J. Raymond H. Corbett Rev. Ray A. Francis Rev. Dr. Harold J. King Rev. Ian K. MacDonald Rev. Donald S. MacDougall Rev. Eric W. Pace 60 Years Rev. Dr. Robert A. Wallace 65 Years Rev. H. Gilmour MacKenzie Rev. Herbert W. Reid Rev. Morley P. Bentley Jubilarian Morley's early years were spent in Upper Stewiacke. In 1949, he graduated from Normal College, Truro, and taught in several Nova Scotia schools. In 1960, Morley graduated from Pine Hill Divinity College and was ordained the same year. His first charge was North Highlands, followed by Cavendish, PEI, St. Andrews, NB, Port Wallis, NS, and Wentworth-New Annan Pastoral Charges. Following full time retirement, he served as part-time in several charges, the longest being Harmony-Camden for seven years.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Conference the United Church of Canada the 93Rd Annual
    Maritime Conference The United Church of Canada The 93rd Annual Meeting Sackville, New Brunswick May 24 - 27, 2018 SECTION 1 REPORTS TO CONFERENCE Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ - John 11:25-26 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The scripture verses above are taken from the account of Jesus coming at the call of Mary and Martha because their brother Lazarus was very sick. Martha claim’s, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. Jesus responds with the above words, and then lives into those words commanding the dead man Lazarus to come out into new life. I offer these verses because Jesus is speaking to us just as much as he is speaking to Martha who is filled with grief at the passing of their brother. We are like Mary and Martha, weeping at the tomb of something that has passed or at the very least will pass. The church is not what is was, the church of tomorrow will not be the same as the church of today, and many of us see this as a kind of death. And yet, just as Jesus turned to Martha and spoke the words above, so he turns to us offering us the same truth and asking us the same question. Do we believe this? That those who believe in Christ, even though they die will live? That everyone who lives and believes in Christ will never die? Do we believe this? If so, then even as we mourn what we lose, we should know that what lies before us has the potential to be more amazing than anything we could have hoped for.
    [Show full text]
  • Maritime Conference the United Church of Canada the 90Th Annual
    Maritime Conference The United Church of Canada The 90th Annual Meeting Sackville, New Brunswick May 28 - 31, 2015 SECTION 1 REPORTS TO CONFERENCE President’s Message I took on the role as President of Maritime Conference because I felt, with all the uncertainty about the future direction of our United Church, a pastoral response might be in order. As I feel my gifts lie in that area, I expected I would be doing a lot of pastoral care and it seems I was right. So far this year, we’ve seen the death of a dozen or so retired clergy and one minister who was presently serving. I’ve travelled all over our Conference to bring appreciation and condolences at most of these funerals. I’ve done my best to send condolences to families of those dedicated lay people who have died this year as they, too, have given much to our United Church. This year, as in every year, some of our congregations experienced crisis; such things as the murder of a beloved church organist, hurricanes, arson, and suspected fraud. On your behalf, I’ve responded to these and other situations. I’ve also visited The Gaspe, Valley Presbytery, Saint John Presbytery, Truro Presbytery, and PEI Presbytery where members have spoken of their joys and challenges. I’m looking forward to visiting Bermuda Synod from April 7th to the 14th. While the challenges are many with financial struggles, declining membership, churches closing or going to part time ministy, etc., I’m heartened to hear stories of new life, new ways of being church, stories of outreach and mission into our communities and the world, innovative ways of doing worship, an openness to change, and so on.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Council 15 the United Church of Canada the 2Nd Annual
    Regional Council 15 The United Church of Canada The 2nd Annual Meeting Virtual Meeting June 10, 2020 REPORTS TO REGION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Isaiah 43:18-19 – “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it. I am making a way in the wilderness…” I was recently asked, “How is this restructuring thing with the Region going?” The answer depends on your perspective. From the perspective of President, I feel that it is going very well. A few months into my term, I was reminded that if the Region was a human, it would be only a months-old baby. At one point, I said that we were pulling ourselves up and trying to stand. At this time, I fell that we are on our feet and starting to run. There have been growing pains but it is important to focus on the new things that we are doing instead of where we have been. It is also important to note that governance is a process and not a destination. It is continually evolving. Last year, Rev. Catherine MacDonald described the role of President as the “best gig” in the church. I would have to agree. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities that it has afforded me and all the faith-filled and enthusiastic people that I have met. Some of the events I took part in this year were joyous and some very sad. Some were educational and some were very thought- provoking.
    [Show full text]
  • March 2015 Workbook
    3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300 416-231-5931 1-800-268-3781 Toronto, Ontario F: 416-231-3103 M8X 2Y4 Canada www.united-church.ca March 2015 Dear Friends, Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ. As you prepare for your last meeting of the triennium, we would like to express our gratitude and thanksgiving for your work over the past three years. The United Church of Canada is truly blessed to have such faithful and committed governors in this time of change as we open ourselves in hope and prayer to God’s new creation. By the time you meet in mid-March, the Comprehensive Review Task Group will have shared its final report and recommendations with the church. We strongly encourage you to read these materials closely before your meeting so you can engage in lively and deep conversations in your table groups. We hope these discussions will help equip you to take leadership roles this spring and summer in your Conferences as they consider these materials and bring forward proposals to the 42nd General Council in August. Also at this meeting, you will work with other important reports and proposals that you will find in this workbook. We thank members whose terms on the Executive will come to an end at this meeting. Thank you for your wisdom and commitment, and for sharing your gifts with the church in this ministry of governance. God’s mission needs strong leaders, and we pray that you will feel called to use your many gifts in new ways in your communities of faith and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council the United Church of Canada
    Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters Regional Council The United Church of Canada The 2nd Annual Meeting Virtual Meeting September 26, 2020 REPORTS TO REGION Every week, regardless of what church I find myself in, regardless of what community of faith has welcomed me, we pray these words ‘…your kingdom come’. Just what does that mean? What does it mean for us as Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters? What does it mean for the United Church of Canada? What does it mean for the Christian church as a whole? Brian McLaren writes “Jesus proposed a transformative vision of God. God isn't the one who condemns the poor and weak. God isn't the one who favors the rich and righteous. God isn't the one who ordains the rich to be in the castle and the poor to be in the gutter. God is the one who loves everyone, including the people the rest of us think don't count.” This year has been a continuation of transformation within our church as we continue to live into our new structure and to say goodbye to the old. As we work through our first year as elected officers of the new Region, there are joys and sorrows, losses and blessings. From my personal point of view, it has offered me an opportunity to spend time with the people who are the Fundy St Lawrence Dawning Waters region. I have traveled throughout New Brunswick and PEI and I have had the privilege to meet with and listen to stories from the most amazing people.
    [Show full text]
  • The Seeds of Hope Granting Program
    Thanks to the generous members of the United Church and the General Council Office, we are pleased to announce the following grants made through: The Seeds of Hope Granting Program: 59 grants were awarded through 2019 Spring round of the Seeds of Hope Granting program at the United Church of Canada Foundation totaling $405,100. Children, Youth, and Young Adult Programs From the Camping Trust Fund $2,000 to Burry Heights Camp and Retreat Centre (St. John's, NL) in support of “Camp Refresh” Beachfront Chapel Construction. This project will construct a new chapel on their property, on the beach overlooking the water that is wheelchair accessible. They also aim to improve the condition of the ground in the area by levelling and compacting it so that it is accessible for motorized wheelchairs. From the Leadership Fund $1,300 to Melrose United Church (Hamilton, ON) in support of Ignite Youth Ministries (IYM). Melrose United Church, in partnership with Westdale United Church, is planning to launch Ignite Youth Ministries that will support the spiritual and personal growth and leadership of young people (Grades 6 to 12) in their faith communities as well as the broader community. IYM will also work with both the Melrose and Westdale churches to help identify ways that youth can become more active participants in both churches. From The Alfred J. Mitchell Fund $2,500 to Sparrow Lake Camp (Severn, ON) in support of Staff Mental Health & Faith Formation Training & Support. Sparrow Lake Camp have decided to take strong action to reinvent the camp’s training and staff mental health support.
    [Show full text]
  • Spring 2006 Final.Pub
    June - 2006 Speakers reflect North American CONNECTING AND IN- FORMING GAY, LESBIAN, diversity at ecumenical queer BISEXUAL, AND TRANS- GENDER PEOPLE AND THEIR FRIENDS ACROSS conference THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA. rganizers of the first‐ever Sants, a Latvian Lutheran psychologist will WORKING FOR JUSTICE ecumenical queer conference of invite conference attendees to “claim the AND FULL PARTCIPATION its kind recently announced the future” as they discuss the future LGBT OF PEOPLE OF ALL SEX- UAL ORIENTATIONS AND event’s keynote speakers. Irene communities face in North America and OMonroe, an African American lesbian beyond. GENDER IDENTITIES IN THE UNITED minister and theologian from Harvard, and “The size of this conference, as well as CHURCH AND Martin Brokenleg, a gay Aboriginal the diversity and creativity of the planning THE WORLD. professor at Vancouver School of Theology, group, offers everyone the chance to find will address attendees at the Together in connection, involvement, fun, and Toronto: Claiming an Open Spirit rejuvenation,” noted co‐chair Shannon INSIDE THIS conference this summer. Neufeldt. “It will all be held together with ISSUE Monroe is a religious columnist and the spirit of mutuality and receptivity for motivational speaker. Her articles have which the event is named.” appeared in the The Advocate, The Boston More than two dozen workshops on 2 Reflections from the co-chairs Globe, and Venus Magazine. Brokenleg has subjects ranging from spirituality to co‐authored several books and has activism to the particular experiences of 4 Affirming ministries extensive experience in teaching religious, transgender persons, youth, and ex‐gay news: Four more United gender, and Native youth studies.
    [Show full text]