TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

The Montreal Presbytery held its stated meeting, called by the Chair, Rev. Shaun Fryday, to meet on Tuesday April 12, 2011, in Webster Hall, Westmount Park United Church, 4695 de Maisonneuve West, Westmount, Quebec.

PRESENT

Ministry (32): Rev. Arlen Bonnar; Secretary, Rev. Shaun Fryday; Chair, Rev. Jeff Barlow, Rev. Barend Biesheuvel, Rev. Janet Bisset, Rev. Barbara Bryce, Rev. Pasquale Castelluccio, Rev. Kent Chown, Rev. David Clinker, Rev. Georgia Copland, Rev. Chris Ferguson, Rev. Cathy Hamilton, Rev. Helen Hliaras, Rev. Scott Hunter, Rev. Reg Jennings, Rev. Mher Katchikian, Rev. Rosemary Lambie, Rev. David Lefneski, Rev. Patricia Lisson, Rev. Darryl Macdonald, Rev. Wendy MacLean, Rev. John Matheson, Rev. Alice McAlpine, Rev. Joe McInnis, Rev. Richard Miller, Rev. Birgit Neuschild, Rev. Emmanuel K. Ofori, Rev. Scott Patton, Rev. Ian Smith, Rev. Phyllis Smyth, Rev. Doug Stewart, Rev. Faye Wakeling

 

Laity (42): Mr. Rod Young; Treasurer, Mr. Han Min Bai, Ms. Debbie Beattie, Mr. Guy Lin Beaudoin, Mr. Fred Braman, Mrs. Virginia Bryce, Dr. Helen Budd Hanna, Ms. Lisa Byer Ms. Judy Campbell, Ms. Beverly Clark, Mr. Lloyd Coffin, Ms. Cindy Casey, Ms. Undeg Edwards, Mr. Glenn Funamoto, Ms. Linda Gagnon, Mr. Gerald Gouw, Mr. Marc Grenon, Mrs. Joan Hagerman, Mr. Norm Haslam, Mrs. Rosemary Hooker, Mrs. Mary Lou Hooper, Mr. Andrew Johnson, Mrs. Carol Kirkpatrick, Ms. Paula Kline, Mrs. Janice Knowles, Ms. Lorane McKenzie, Mrs. June Millar, Mr. Peter Mundie, Mrs. Valerie Nickson, Mrs. Patricia Nielsen, Ms. Emily Robertson, Mr. Kelly Running Wolf, Mr. Lou Sarka, Mr. Arthur Schweitzer, Mrs. Jean Singer, Dr. Tom Smith, Mr. Roger Snelling, Ms. Gail Spence, Mrs. Shirley Stark, Mrs. Nancy Stewart, Dr. James P. Vanstone, Mrs. Susan Wolker.

Visitors: Ms. Erene Anthony Union United, Ms. Diane Campbell Roxboro, Mr. Paul Clark–Cedar Park United.

Corresponding Members: Mr. David Amour, Ms. Claire Cameron, Mrs. Eileen Lavigne, Mrs. Carolyn Ruda; Mr. Paul Sales, Rev. Darla Sloane, Mr. Paul Stanfield

Regrets: Rev. Brenda Bell, Rev. Jim Dalton, Mr. Donald Green, Rev. Anne Hall, Rev. Ellie Hummel, Rev. Bill Jay, Rev. Phil Joudrey, Rev. Tom Kurdyla, Rev. Mark Rawlings, Rev. Ralph Watson, Rev. Neil Whitehouse.

  1. CONSTITUTION
    2.

    At 7:00 p.m. the Reverend Shaun Fryday constituted the meeting with these words: "In the name of Jesus Christ, the one true head of the church, and by the authority vested in me as chair of The Montreal Presbytery, I now declare this meeting constituted for the transaction of such business that shall properly come before it." Rev. Fryday opened the meeting with prayer.

  2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
    3.

    The Pastoral Relations Committee requested ten minutes on the agenda to speak about the French ministry project La Passerelle.

    Motion: (Kelley Running Wolf/James Vanstone) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the amended agenda and set the time of adjournment for 9:20 p.m. Carried

  3. COURTESIES
    4.

    The Chair welcomed Mr. David Amour, Director of Philanthropy for the United Church of Canada. The Chair also welcomed Rev. Chris Ferguson, member of the Montreal Presbytery and World Council of Church’s representative to the United Nations in New York.

    Mr. Paul Clark of Cedar Park United Church was welcomed. Rev. Ian Smith introduced Ms. Lisa Byer and Mr. Gerald Gouw, representatives for Ste. Geneviève United Church.

    The Chair welcomed Carolyn Ruda, Mr Paul Sales, and Ms. Eileen Lavigne from the Montreal and Ottawa Conference. The Chair introduced Rev. Darla Sloane, from Ministères en français. Mr. Paul Stanfield, President of the Finance and Extension Board was introduced.

    Ms. Nancy McKenzie and Ms. Claire Cameron members of the Haiti Committee were introduced.

    The Presbytery agreed to designate the above guest as corresponding members for the duration of the meeting.

    ADDRESS by David Armour

    Mr. David Armour, Director of Philanthropy for the United Church addressed the court. The position of director of philanthropy is a new role created by the United Church. This position pulls together the areas of stewardship, fundraising, and philanthropy. Part of the Director’s mandate is to provide tools and support to congregations across Canada which will help them address their financial picture as well as strengthen the Mission and Service Fund. The Director is also the President of the United Church Foundation. Together this builds on an integrated approach to finances within the United Church.

    Mr. Armour spoke about the wisdom of using the experiences of the community and avoiding a top down approach when working with congregations.

    Mr. Armour asked the court what he should know about the Montreal Presbytery and what he should know in his third month at Director.

    Rev. Wendy MacLean, Vision and Transformation Minister responded that the Montreal Presbytery has ethnic congregations, is working on youth development, and needs to increase its work in the area of French ministry.

    PRESENTATION by Rev. Chris Ferguson

    Rev. Chris Ferguson addressed the court. In 2004 Rev. Ferguson was appointed to serve with the World Council of Churches in Palestine and currently is the World Council of Churches representative to the United Nations in New York. Rev. Ferguson spoke about the occupation of Palestinian land and subsequent violence and conflict. He explained that the conflict was not between Jewish and Muslim people but two groups of people struggling over land. Rev. Ferguson spoke about the small Christian element in the Middle East that have created many programmes and work toward reconciliation. At the core of the Kairos document is the voice of Palestinian Christians. There is a need to move away from military force and move to international law to address the situation.

    Rev. Ferguson and Susan Ferguson will be at the Conference annual general meeting.
  4.  
  5. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

    6. Motion: (Paula Kline/Kelley Running Wolf) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the minutes of the March 8, 2011 Presbytery meeting. Carried

    Motion: (Barend Biesheuvel/Roger Snelling) that the minutes of the February 22, 2011 Executive meeting be received for information. Carried

  6. REPORTS
    7.

    Chair

    The Chair informed the court that a celebration will be held on May 15th 2011 to mark the 85th birthday of Rev. Ralph Watson and the 60th year of his ordination. Presbytery members were invited to send best wished to Rev. Watson.

    The Griffith McConnell Board has received an offer on the building (former Griffith McConnell Home). The annual meeting will be held in June 2011.

    The Chair had been given leave to appoint a nominations committee. The members of the committee are Rev. Barbara Bryce, Rev. Ellie Hummel, Ms. Debbie Beattie and Rev. Cathy Hamilton. The Nominations Committee was invited to put forward a name for chair elect.

    Rev. Barbara Bryce recommended the name of Rev. Phyllis Smyth to be named as the incoming chair of the Montreal Presbytery for the 2011 – 2012 year.

    The Chair called for nominations from the floor three times.

    Motion: (Jim Vanstone/Kelley Running Wolf) that nominations cease. Carried

    Motion: (Barbara Bryce /Cathy Hamilton) that the Montreal Presbytery name Rev, Phyllis Smyth as chair-elect of the Montreal Presbytery for the year 2011 – 2012. Carried

    Secretary/Correspondence

    March 2011 Eunice Laporte, Secretary, North Bay Presbytery

    The Secretary read a letter from the members of the North Bay Presbytery who were challenging other Presbyteries to match or exceed their $3000 grant to support young people attending Rendezvous a 2011, a National Gathering for Youth, Young Adults, and Leaders.

    The court referred the request to Rev. Wendy MacLean, Vision and Transformation Minister and Ms. Lisa Byer, who works with youth, to determine how money could be raised.

    March 21, 2011 Wendy MacLean

    The request for youth members for Presbytery was referred to the Nominations Committee.

    April 2011 United Theological College

    The Service of Convocation for the United Theological College will take place Wednesday May 11, 2011 at Northlea United Church.

    April 6, 2011 Trinity United Church

    The Secretary read a letter to the court sent by the Clerk of Session and Congregation Chairperson for Trinity United Church regarding the disappointing Presbytery attendance at the covenanting service for Rev. Barend Biesheuvel. Rev. Biesheuvel explained that the letter had been sent by two individuals and not from the Session. The court discussed the lack of support for covenanting services. The Secretary of the Presbytery will respond to the letter.

    April 12, 2011 United Church of Canada

    The Secretary informed the court that there will be a change in the company that administers the United Church Pension and Benefits plan and that all paperwork must be submitted to the United Church Pension and Benefits Center (Morneau Sobeco) before April 29, 2011

    Consensus Motion

    Rev. Shaun Fryday excused himself from the chair due to a conflict of interest relating to an item in the Consensus motion. The Court agreed that Ms. Paula Kline Paula be named Chair. Carried

    Motion: (Fred Braman/David Clinker) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the motions, each and every one, as part of this single action. Carried

    Transfers

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery concur in a request for a transfer of membership of Rev. Barend Biesheuvel from the Belleville Presbytery, Bay of Quinte Conference to the Montreal Presbytery, Montreal and Ottawa Conference effective October 1, 2010. Carried

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery concur in the request for the transfer of membership for Rev. Pix Butt from the Montreal Presbytery, Montreal and Ottawa Conference to the Valley Presbytery, Maritime Conference effective January 1, 2011. Carried

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery concur in the request for the transfer of membership for Rev. Heather MacDougall from the Montreal Presbytery, Montreal and Ottawa Conference to the Valley Presbytery, Maritime Conference effective November 1, 2010. Carried

    Appointments

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery approve the appointment of Rev. Tom Kurdyla as United Supply to Kanesatake United Church from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 with the terms of the appointment being 20 hours per week, an annual salary of $19,760, a housing allowance of $6,000 per annum, and study and book allowance of $625 per annum, basic telephone costs of $275 per annum and travel allowance set at 42 cents per kilometre. Carried

    Motion: (Darryl/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery approve the re-appointment of the Rev. Frank Giffen as Retired Supply to Westmount Park United Church, from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, with the terms of appointment being 25 hours per week, an annual salary of $25,193, a housing allowance of $11,475 per annum, and a book and study allowance of $765 per year, basic telephone expenses set at $330 per annum and travel allowance set at 42 cents per kilometre. Carried

    Retained on the Roll

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald /Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery concurs with the request of Brenda Bell of the Order of Ministry to be Retained on the Roll of Presbytery for the Pastoral Year, July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 for the reason in search of a call or appointment. Carried

    Motion:(Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery concurs with the request of Wendy MacLean of the Order of Ministry to be Retained on the Roll of Presbytery for the Pastoral Year, July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 for the reason in other appointment. Carried

    Voluntary Associate Minister

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Rosemary Lambie, member of the Order of Ministry, as a Voluntary Associate Minister to St. Andrew’s United Church (Delson). Carried

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint John Matheson, member of the Order of Ministry, as a Voluntary Associate Minister to Mountainside United Church. Carried

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Ian Mackay, member of the Order of Ministry, as a Voluntary Associate Minister to Mount Bruno United Church. Carried

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Martha Nell Thomson, member of the Order of Ministry, as a Voluntary Associate Minister to Kanesatake United Church. Carried

    Nominations

    Motion: (Phyllis Smyth/Darryl Macdonald) that Rev. Scott Patton be named as a member of the Education and Students Committee, Montreal Presbytery, effective January 1, 2011. Carried

    Administration and Finance

    Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) that the Montreal Presbytery request the Finance and Extension Board to grant a line of credit of up to $25,000 in 2011 to Beaconsfield United Church with terms to be determined by the F&E Board;

    Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) that the Montreal Presbytery request the Finance and Extension Board to grant a line of credit of up to $45,000 in 2011 to Valois United Church; to be paid back within three years and with terms to be determined by the F&E Board. Carried

    Whereas the Montreal Presbytery approved the terms of the Henrysburg Church Trust Fund on December 12, 2006

    Whereas it is now proposed that the existing separate Trustees of the Trust be replaced by the Lacolle United Church Trustees as of April 30, 2011 (section 5 of the terms of the Henrysburg Church Trust Fund). Carried

    Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) on the recommendation of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Montreal Presbytery concurs in the change of the terms of the Henrysburg Church Trust Fund (specifically number 5) as proposed by the Lacolle United Church Board March 23, 2011. Carried

    Rev. Shaun Fryday resumed the chair.

  7. COMMITTEES
    8.

    Administration and Finance

    Mr. Fred Braman brought forward the motion that was tabled at the March Presbytery meeting. The Presbytery discussed the motion.

    Rev. Faye Wakeling asked that the motion be postponed until all the information had been gathered from the process of looking at priorities. Mr. Fred Braman explained that Presbytery is discussing how to spend its money but the motion was about how much Presbytery has to spend.

    Motion: (Faye Wakeling/Helen Budd Hanna) that the Presbytery postpone definitely this motion until the September Presbytery. Motion failed

    Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young)

    Whereas the continued sustainability of the Fund held by the Finance and Extension Board is vital to enable this and future generations of the Presbytery to carry out its ministries in new and transformational ways;

    Whereas we are dealing with the effects on disbursements, and thus the financial support of ministries in the Presbytery, caused by a loss in market value of 3,700,000$ (25%) between year-end 2006 and year-end 2008 of the Fund held by the Finance and Extension Board;

    Whereas there is a need to take a flexible approach to annual disbursements from the Fund while meeting the mandate to preserve the capital of the Fund over the long term;

    Whereas it is recognized that the mandate to preserve the capital base can be suspended if a proposal is approved by the Presbytery and the Finance and Extension Board to make expenditures for a defined period of time for a specific program or ministry beyond those funded at the time the proposal is advanced;

    Be it resolved that the Presbytery affirms the mandate of the Finance and Extension Board to preserve the capital of its Fund in accordance with best practices of Canadian charitable foundations while distributing for its ministries the maximum amounts possible and yet fulfilling the mandate;

    and

    Be it resolved that the Presbytery requests that Administration and Finance Committee work with the Finance and Extension Board to develop and submit to Presbytery a disbursement formula that is responsible and sustainable and gives more predictability to such grants, with the understanding that such formula may need to be phased in over a period of 3 years. Carried

    Mr. Rod Young presented the 2010 financial statements. Mr. Young explained that the financial statements were presented for information and would be voted on at the May Presbytery meeting. Carried

    Pastoral Relations

    The Chair of the Pastoral Relations presented the background information on the French ministry Project La Passerelle. The following motion was presented.

    Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/David Lefneski) that the Montreal Presbytery affirm the new La Passerelle Project and

    that La Passerelle be recognized as a mission of SouthWest United Church, in partnership with St. Andrew’s United Church (Delson), Montreal Presbytery, Consistoire Laurentien, and the General Council and

    in accordance with The Manual section 041.1a, that La Passerelle be declared a site suitable for designated lay ministry, pending final approval for funding from the General Council. Carried

  8. ORDER OF THE DAY – Montreal Presbytery Committees
    9.

    Faith Development

    The Chair of the Faith Development Committee introduced the mandate of the Committee. The Committee will take on the mandate of French ministry and will link to the Montreal and Ottawa Conference French Ministry Committee.

    Haiti Committee

    Ms. Cindy Casey, Chair of the Haiti Committee introduced the following members of the Committee Ms. Clair Cameron, Ms. Paula Kline, Rev. Patricia Lisson, Rev. Pasquale Castelluccio and Ms. Nancy McKenzie. The committee is working on developing a school with a Methodist partner. A literacy centre, located in a church, has been developed with 15 children attending and 2 teachers.

    The Committee encouraged people to continue the work and fundraising. The goal is to buy three water filtration units by the end of 2011.

    Communications

    Ms. Valerie Nickson spoke on behalf of the committee and reviewed its mandate. The committee has not had a chair for over two years and needs additional members. It was noted that one does not need to be a members of Presbytery to sit on a committee.

    Justice, global and Ecumenical Relations (JGER)

    Rev. Patricia Lisson named the members of the committee. Rev. Lisson spoke about the justice aspect of their mandate and their theological premise. This committee is responsible for support and oversight of community ministries. Chaplaincy is also part of JGER’s mandate. The committee has overseas connections and involved in global issues. In the past year the focus has been on Palestine and Israeli relations. The committee needs people who are interested in looking at global issues

    Ministry Employment Policies and Services

    Pastoral Relations

    The Chair, Rev. Darryl Macdonald named the committee members. The committee is responsible for Joint Needs Assessments, paperwork for appointments and that the manual is being followed. The committee deals with conflicts and overseeing the life Of congregations. Most of the work is sensitive and requires confidentiality. The committee works with Pastoral Care and Oversight, Education and Students, Administration and Finance and Conference committees. The Committee needs more lay members.

    Education and Students

    Rev. Phyllis Smyth, chair, reviewed the mandate of the committee. The committee works with the Conference Interview Board and the United Theological College. The committee ensures that students have a call, offer support and guidance and approve internship sites and ensure that students are recognized in whatever way is appropriate (ordination, commissioning, recognition). The committee is appreciative of staff support from Lynda Ecott and Shirley Stark. The Committee needs more lay members.

    Pension

    Rev. Ralph Watson is the convenor of the Pension Committee. Its mandate is to contact all retired persons on an annual basis and accompany them on pension issues. The Chair encouraged people to consider joining this committee.

    Sabbatical Committee

    This committee is responsible for recommending sabbatical leave recipients.

    Ministry in Mission in Context

    Rev. Barbara Bryce introduced the committee members. They are Ms. Sheila Snelling, Rev. Birgit Neuschild and Mr. Arthur Schweitzer. The committee is responsible for ensuring that 1/3 of the Pastoral charges are visited each year. The committee has additional people to help with congregational visits. More committee members and visitors are needed.

    Vision and Transformation

    Rev. Wendy MacLean introduced committee members Mr. Marc Grenon and Ms. Lisa Byer. Rev. MacLean reviewed the job description of the Transformation Minister. The committee has not been very active but members have been supportive to the Transformation Minister. The committee currently does not have a chair. The work of the committee involves both leading and managing. The committee is looking for people with vision.

    Stewardship of Resources

    Mr. Fred Braman explained that the Stewardship of Resources is made up of the following sub-committees – Administration and Finance, Staff, Nominations, and Archives.

    Administration and Finance

    Mr. Braman presented the mandate of the Administration and Finance Committee. The committee currently consists of six people and tries to be open and responsive.

    Staff Committee

    The Staff Committee is to be a resource and the oversight body of employees and ensure that they are functioning effectively.

    Archives

    Judy Campbell presented the mandate of the Archives Committee and distributed a handout. The responsibility of the committee is to ensure that congregations keep full and accurate records. The Committee currently has two members, Mrs. Sheila Snelling and Ms. Judy Campbell. The committee will begin to review congregational minutes in the near future.

    Mission Support

    The chair, Mr. Roger Snelling introduced the members of the committee as Ms. Erene Anthony, Mrs. Carol Kirkpatrick, Dr. Helen Budd Hanna, Mr. Rick Sheffer, Mr. Roger Snelling, Ms. Nancy Montgomery, and Rev. Barbra Bryce. Most of the work of the committee is carried out in the fall. Mission Support money is granted to congregations and community ministries and Mr. Snelling explained the review process. The committee recommends grants but does not recommend how much money is provided for its budget. Money is allocated from two sources, the Presbytery and the Conference. Funding to Mission Support has been decreasing over the years and resources are becoming scarce.

  9. ADJOURNMENT

Motion: (Kelley Running Wolf) that the Presbytery meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Rev. Ian Smith closed the meeting with prayer.

Rev. Shaun Fryday         Rev. Arlen Bonnar

Chair                           Secretary

To return to minute page click here