The Corporation Team consists of the Rector, the two Wardens, Charlotte Logan and Doris M’Timkulu, Deputy Wardens Marcus Kramer and Lorna Kearns (the latter in her dual role this year as Deputy Warden and Treasurer), and the Chair of Building and Property, Walter Langford. While the Rector and the two Wardens are given formal decision-making power by diocesan canon, decisions are made by consensus after careful deliberation of facts and potential impacts.
We met at eight scheduled full meetings, with numerous meetings in between to consider urgent or special issues. In addition we prepared for the Annual Vestry Meeting in February and for a Special Vestry Meeting in July.
Two events overshadowed everything else: the retirement of our Rector, Patrick Patterson; and the sale of the church property at 310 Geddes Street. But let’s review some of the less extraordinary business first.
Two service contracts were reviewed: the one for banking business, and another for communications (telephone and internet). In both cases we found that our current providers, Bank of Montreal and Bell Canada, give us the best service at comparable or better prices.
Volunteer Screening and Management continued to be on our to-do list. We now have a computerized system of the many volunteer roles at St. John’s and their current occupants. Obtaining police checks for many of the roles / occupants will be a task for 2017.
In a very productive meeting with the Board of the Elora Festival and Singers we confirmed our continuing cooperation to our mutual enrichment. Due to cost factors, EFS cannot offer Choral Evensongs during the summer festival anymore. However, our parishioners and many guests will continue to enjoy the blessings of Festival Sundays with the Festival Choir and a guest organist.
An agreement of 50:50 ownership of the music library and a policy for its management was signed by St. John’s and EFS.
In September, Emily Petrenko accepted the artistic directorship of the prestigious Mississauga Children’s Choir. We were so glad that she continues to direct and inspire the Children’s and Youth Choir, but she had to give up the Volunteer Choir. To our relief and delight, Jurgen added that responsibility to his other roles. We can be so grateful that we have so many gifted and flexible leaders at St. John’s.
By the grace of God and the faithful giving pattern of our parishioners, we only have drawn on part of the annual income of our internal investment funds to assist with annual operating expenses in past years. We hope that this will remain so for many years. However, to protect these internal funds the following policy was approved:
Policy regarding use of Investment Income
This policy augments the Policy and Procedures regarding Donations of Property, Cash, Securities, Works of Art, or other Objects of Value, approved by the Corporation, September 21, 2011
Approved by the Corporation April 26, 2016
Terri MacLean was the administrator of the Columbarium for many years and rendered a valuable, yet mostly unseen service. When her health did not allow her to continue in that role, Pat Ellis stepped in with great dedication and management skills. To conform to provincial government regulations, our policies and procedures had to be thoroughly revised and rewritten. Pat sought the input from government and diocesan officials and the much appreciated assistance of Norm Morris. After further reviews by the Corporation team, our policies and procedures were approved by the Government of Ontario with only very minor adjustments. We are so very grateful to Pat for her untiring and dedicated work.
In late 2015, parishioners had agreed to sell the residence at 310 Geddes Street, based on a thorough business analysis. After Synod Council approved this action in January, we contracted Peter Ellis as our real estate broker and began talks with the tenant, Terri MacLean. In view of the ill health of this long-time parishioner, Vestry had voted that the sale be executed “with due regard to the health and well-being of the current tenant.” The property was sold to Terri MacLean and her granddaughter, Jennifer Windsor, at a purchasing price of $275,000. After approval by Synod Council, the sale was ratified at a Special Vestry Meeting on July 24, 2016. The net proceeds are invested and earmarked “for future capital needs”, as per Special Vestry motion.
In a letter read at all services on April 10, 2016, Bishop Michael Bird announced “that the Reverend Canon Dr. Patrick Patterson has submitted his intention to retire and submitted his resignation as Rector of St. John’s, Elora, effective August 1, 2016.” This news was received with much sadness, to say the least; yet the overwhelming response was one of immense gratitude to God and to Patrick for his eleven wonderful years of dedicated and inspired service. Soon a slew of parishioners came together to prepare for an appropriate celebration on June 26 and on Patrick’s last Sunday, July 10. Suzanne Kienapple coordinated a very busy group of folks to host the picnic at Noel Edison’s home, ensuring food and drink for over 100 persons, tents for welcome shade, beautiful decorations and gracious service. Under the leadership of Peter Barr another group planned the program, invited parishioners, friends and colleagues. It was a most befitting celebration with thanksgiving for Patrick’s 40 years of ministry – the last eleven of which at St. John’s – and Beth’ and the children’s many contributions to the life of the parish.
Bishop Michael Bird met with about 60 parishioners on May 12 to explain the process of searching for and appointing a new incumbent. According to diocesan canon, the Search (Parochial) Committee is formed by the Wardens and lay Delegates to Synod. Deputy Wardens may participate in all activities of the Search Committee with full voice, but without vote. We are most grateful that Lorna Kearns in her capacity as Deputy Warden is a very fitting link to the 9.00 a.m. service attendees. The report of the Search Committee accounts for the busy time we have had since the Fall.
In August we welcomed the Rev’d Gordon Walls as our Interim Rector. As Wardens we have tried to assist him in whatever way was helpful and to guide him through the rather complex business and dynamics of our parish. We hope and pray that Gordon’s ministry with us will be as much a blessing to him as it is to us.
Through this year of transition we have become ever more aware of, and deeply grateful for the wide and thorough involvement of so many parishioners in the life of St. John’s. Whether it is as members of standing committees – Building & Property, Investment, Altar Guild - or service groups such as Sunday School, Men’s Club, Women’s Dinner, the gardening crew, the flower arrangers, or ad-hoc groups such as that for Syrian Refugees, PWRDF, the Parish Picnic groups, or the incredibly dedicated Portage crew – all have provided leadership for St. John’s to the glory of God. Thanks be to God.
| Submitted by: | Wardens: | Charlotte Logan | Doris M’Timkulu | |
| Deputy Wardens: | Lorna Kearns | Marcus Kramer | ||