TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2011
The Montreal Presbytery held its stated meeting, called by the Chair, Rev. Phyllis Smyth, to meet on Tuesday October 11, 2011 at St. Lambert United Church, 415 Mercille Ave, Quebec. A supper was held before the meeting.
PRESENT
Ministry (22): Rev. Arlen Bonnar; Secretary, Rev. Phyllis Smyth; Chair, Rev. Barend Biesheuvel, Rev. Janet Bisset, Rev. Barbara Bryce, Rev. Kent Chown, Rev. Shaun Fryday, Rev. Cathy Hamilton, Rev. Ellie Hummel, Rev. Frank Giffen, Rev. Bill Jay, Rev. Mher Khatchikian, Rev. Rosemary Lambie, Rev. David Lefneski, Rev. Patricia Lisson, Rev. Darryl Macdonald, Rev. Wendy MacLean, Rev. John Matheson, Sally Meyer-DM, Rev. Richard Miller, Rev. Birgit Neuschild, Rev. Emmanuel K. Ofori
Laity (27): Mr. Rod Young; Treasurer, Mr. George Anthony, Ms. Debbie Beattie, Mr. Guy Lin Beaudoin, Mr. Fred Braman, Mrs. Virginia Bryce, Mr. Stewart Burrows, Ms. Lisa Byer, Ms. Diane Campbell, Ms. Judy Campbell, Ms. Cindy Casey, Mrs. Undeg Edwards, Ms. Johanne Gendron, Mrs. Joan Hagerman, Mr. Norm Haslam, Mrs. Rosemary Hooker, Mrs. Janice Knowles, Mrs. June Millar, Mrs. Valerie Nickson, Ms. Emily Robertson, Mrs. Heather Scheigetz, Mr. Arthur Schweitzer, Mr. Rick Sheffer, Mr. Roger Snelling, Ms. Gail Spence, Mrs. Shirley Stark, Ms. Susan Wolker.
Visitors: Ms. Nancy MacKenzie, Ms. Liette Michaud, Mrs. Carolyn Ruda, Mr. Paul Sales, Mr. Paul Stanfield,
Corresponding Members:
Regrets: Rev. Jeff Barlow, Rev. Brenda Bell, Dr. Helen Budd Hanna, Rev. Jim Dalton, Mr. Diony Delos Reyes,, Mrs. Feher White, Rev. Helen Hliaras, Ms. Linda Gagnon, Mr. Gerard Gouw, Rev. Scott Hunter, Rev. Reg Jennings, Mrs. Carole Kirkpatrick, Rev. Ian Mackay, Mr. Peter Mundie, Mr. Kelly Running Wolf, Rev. Cathy Smith, Rev. Ian Smith, Dr. Tom Smith, Rev. Doug Stewart, Rev. Faye Wakeling.
At 7:00 p.m. the Reverend Phyllis Smyth constituted the meeting of the Montreal Presbytery to conduct the business properly brought before it.
The Chair thanked the members of St. Lambert Church for the dinner provided. The meal was a gift to the Presbytery from the congregation in recognition of the former’s work on behalf of the pastoral charges and ministry sites.
Rev. Kent Chown, interim minister St. Lambert United Church welcomed the members of the Presbytery.
Motion: (Shirley Stark/Ellie Hummel) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the agenda as presented. Carried
Motion (Rick Sheffer/Darryl Macdonald) that the Montreal Presbytery set the time of adjournment for 9:15 p.m. Carried
Rev. Kent Chown led the worship with a reading centred on the story of the unclean leper.
Ms. Cindy Casey introduced Mrs. Nancy McKenzie from Union United Church and a member of the Haiti Relief Group. Rev. Arlen Bonnar introduced Ms. Liette Michaud, the alternate delegate from St. James United Church. The Chair welcomed Mr. Paul Sales, the financial development officer for the Montreal and Ottawa Conference.
Mrs. Carolyn Ruda, Montreal and Ottawa Conference, Mission and Service Support was introduced. Mrs. Ruda addressed the court and explained that her job was to answer questions about the Mission and Service Fund and that she had set up a table with resources. Ms. Ruda distributed Mission and Service Fund thank you certificates to the congregations. Churches were asked to acknowledge World Food Sunday and to pray in solidarity to end hunger.
Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Cathy Hamilton) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the minutes of the September 13, 2011 meeting. Carried
Motion: (Darryl/Dianne Campbell) that the Montreal Presbytery receive for information the minutes of the August 30, 2011 Executive meeting. Carried
Criteria and Priorities / Budget Scenario
Rev. Patricia Lisson read the Mission statement of the Montreal Presbytery "Animating the ministry of Jesus Christ in a changing Quebec". This mission is fulfilled by focusing on the five key tasks of the Montreal Presbytery. 1) to fulfill the administrative tasks set out by The Manual 2) to promote the religious life of its congregations 3) to support its outreach missions and ministries 4) to inspire those who lead 5) to seek new opportunities for ministry. The mission statement should be the guiding principle in making decisions regarding priorities.
Ms. Gail Spence, member of the working group, noted that the Presbytery has the following types of resources: human resources (people), physicals resources (buildings), and financial resources (income and funds). The Presbytery and Finance and Extension Board face the challenge of aligning the fulfillment of its tasks with the responsible, sustainable and predictable management of its resources while remaining faithful to the mission of animating the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Ms. Spence presented a pie chart showing the allocation of financial resources among the task outlined in the mission statement. This included the finances of the Finance and Extension Board, Presbytery and restricted funds.
Finance and Extension Board and Montreal Presbytery 2012 Budgets
Ms. Spence presented a simplified version of the 2012 Finance and Extension Board budget, which has been approved by the Board. She noted that the budget addressed the short-term needs and once approved, the medium and long-term needs would be addressed. On average the investments earn 5% whereas 7% is being regularly dispensed, leading to a deficit.
Mr. Rod Young presented the Presbytery 2012 budget for information. The final budget will be presented for approval at the November meeting. It was noted that the 2012 budget is similar to 2011. Once the Presbytery has set its priorities, these priorities will be reflected in upcoming budgets.
Mr. Braman presented a motion regarding reducing rental costs, one of a number of expense reduction recommendations being put forward.
A motion to postpone definitely to March 2012 the proposal to review viable alternatives for space for the Presbytery/Finance and Extension Board office was defeated.
A concern was raised that the motion recommended the Executive approve any new site put forward as an option. The mover and seconder of the motion agreed to a friendly amendment whereby the final approval for a site would come before the Presbytery.
The amended motion read as follows.
Motion: (Fred Braman/Roger Snelling) that the Executive recommend that Montreal Presbytery form a select committee of three persons to review viable alternatives for the Presbytery and the Finance and Extension Board office space on the basis that Presbytery requires space for 3 offices, accounting/storage and a small committee room and that the select committee make a recommendation to the Presbytery to conclude such arrangements on the basis of an overall cost of $25,000 annually (a saving of approximately $15,000 annually) and a starting date as early as March 31, 2012 and the select committee is authorized but not required to include existing United Church properties in its review, and that such a select committee be appointed by the Executive. Carried with abstention by Frank Giffen
If a new location is chosen, the current landlord, Westmount Park United Church, must be given six month’s notice.
Mr. Braman gave the following notice of motion regarding Disposal of Church Property. This motion will be considered at the November Presbytery meeting.
Be it resolved that the Executive recommend that Montreal Presbytery confirm as general policy that in any motion for the sale of church assets upon a wind-up of merger of pastoral charges (a) that Extension and Survey Grants on such property awarded in the last 10 years be repaid to the Finance and Extension Board and (b) that the Presbytery recommend to the Conference that approximately 40% of the net proceeds be paid to the Finance and Extension Board to build up its general funds in order to be able to continue to serve the needs of Montreal Presbytery
The Chair thanked the budget scenario and Criteria / Priorities working groups for their report.
Chair
The chair reported that she had attended the memorial service for Rev. Ann Hall. The Chair and Secretary of the Presbytery met with Mr. Anthony Mansour, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Ecumenism and communicated the need for more involvement of the churches from the Reformed tradition in the activities sponsored by the Center. The United Church hopes to be represented at the upcoming ecumenical event to be held at the City Hall.
The Chair attended a meeting of the Finance and Extension Board and found it helpful to connect with this body. The results of the questionnaire distributed at the September meeting will be shared at the November Presbytery. The Chair noted the upcoming 25th anniversary gala for Rev. Steve Gillam at Dorval Strathmore United Church. Northlea United Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the Chair will be present at the Sunday service. The Chair will attend the upcoming concert launching the capital campaign for Union United Church.
Secretary
The Secretary reported that he had represented the United Church at the recent installation of the new catholic bishop.
Correspondence
October 3, 2011 General Council - New Aboriginal Theological School Created
On September 30, 2011, two entities merged to form a new Aboriginal theological school named the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre. The centre was created from the amalgamation of two United Church theological schools, the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre and the Francis Sandy Theological Centre.
Remits
The Secretary introduced the following General Council remits that will be voted on at the November Presbytery meeting. The background of the remits is as follows.
Remit No. 4 – Frequency and Timing of Conference Meetings
Background:
The 40th General Council (2009) decided to encourage the election of Commissioners at least one year in advance of the meeting of the General Council, to allow Commissioners to become more deeply engaged in the work leading up to the meeting of the General Council, and to that end no longer to require that Conferences meet in the same calendar year, but prior to, a meeting of the General Council, and instead to require simply that Conferences meet at least every third year.
Remit No. 5A – Appointment of Designated Lay Ministers
Background:
Section 6.2.1.of the Basis of Union provides that Designated Lay Ministers are members of a Presbytery only while they are under appointment by the Presbytery to serve a Pastoral Charge or other Presbytery Recognized Ministry within the bounds of the Presbytery.
The definition of "Designated Lay Minister" contemplates that a Designated Lay Minister may serve in paid accountable ministry only in a Pastoral Charge or other Presbytery Accountable Ministry, but not in any other kind of Presbytery Recognized Ministry;
The 40th General Council (2009) adopted the policy that a Designated Lay Minister should be appointed by a Presbytery only to a Pastoral Charge or other Presbytery Accountable Ministry.
This would entail a change to section 6.2.1.of the Basis of Union.
Remit No. 5B – Presbytery Membership of Designated Lay Ministers
Background:
Section 6.2.1.of the Basis of Union provides that Designated Lay Ministers are members of a Presbytery while they are under appointment by the Presbytery to serve a Pastoral Charge or other Presbytery Recognized Ministry within the bounds of the Presbytery.
Section 6.2.4.of the Basis of Union provides that retired Designated Lay Ministers who have been recognized by the Conference are members of a Presbytery if they were, at the time of their retirement, under appointment by a Presbytery to serve a Pastoral Charge or other Presbytery Recognized Ministry.
When the appointment of a Designated Lay Minister is at an end but they are not retired, then they no longer have a formal connection with the Presbytery;
There is a desire to honour the connection that a Designated Lay Minister has developed with a Presbytery over their years of ministry, and to uphold that connection between appointments and after retirement.
The 40th General Council (2009) adopted the policy that, when the appointment of a Designated Lay Minister is at an end, the Presbytery and the Designated Lay Minister should together discern questions of ongoing ministry and Presbytery membership.
This would entail a change to section 6.2.of the Basis of Union.
Erskine and American Report
Rev. Heather McClure, Trustee of the Erskine and American Trust Fund reported on behalf of her fellow Trustees. The Trust was funded by the sale of Erskine and American United Church in 2005. The mandate of the trust is to offer grants to ministries traditionally support by the Erskine and American congregation and for transformational ministries.
The Committee recommended the following 2011 grants be awarded.
Auberge Madeleine - $1,000 for continuing support to its post-residency support service to women re-establishing independent living after shelter support.
Beaconsfield United Church -Philippines Exposure Mission - $4,000 the Fund joins the Kelley fund in sponsoring travel expenses for seven individuals ($2000 each) to visit the Cordillera Region of Northern Luzon, Philippines to examine local partnering churches' activities in response to the effects on people and the land of the practices of certain Canadian mining companies, with a view to promoting international outreach by Montreal Presbytery congregations and mission units. The grants are to seven different pastoral charges/mission units to subsidize seven individuals as chosen by Beaconsfield United Church.
Beaconsfield United Church - $3,700 for a website and flyer promotion. The grant is divided as follows: $1,700 for translating into French of website and $2000 to assist for a bilingual flyer program to reach out to its community.
Montreal Japanese United Church - $6,000 to assist in a Kids Music Ministry Program.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth Centre Beaconsfield U.C. - $2,500 a final grant to the centre bringing 2011 support to $10,000.
St. Columba House- $1,585 to establish a men's group to deepen self- knowledge and self-esteem through friendship.
TOTAL: $18,785.00
The Trustees have reserved approximately $5,000 for emergency requests in 2011.
Motion: (Heather McClure/Fred Braman) that the Montreal Presbytery receive the Erskine and American report for approval. Carried
Haiti Relief Group Report
Ms. Cindy Casey reported that she and Claire Cameron (both members of the Haiti Relief Group) traveled to Haiti in August 2011. The purpose of the trip was to 1) meet with Methodist partners in Haiti 2) meet with the General Secretary of the YMCA in Haiti and 3) visit the Dominique Literacy Centre in St Roc founded by Claire Cameron. The centre provides a learning opportunity for 24 students; employment for two teachers; and one hot meal per day for each of the students and staff. There was no water or electricity at the literacy centre. A water filtration unit was brought to the centre so the children, staff, and their families would receive clean water. The filtration units were bought with the financial support of congregations, UCW’s, and individual members from the Montreal Presbytery. The Centre cost $800 per month to operate. Each congregation was asked to provide $180 per year toward the cost. Jars were distributed for members of Presbytery to take back to their congregations to collect money and members were also encouraged to promote the project in their churches. A request was made that official boards be approached to advance $90 (six months commitment) and submit a cheque every quarter thereafter.
Ms. Casey noted that all initiatives were in line with what the Haitian government is trying to accomplish. The Presbytery asked that Ms. Casey provide a fact sheet that could be circulated.
Consensus Motion
Motion: (Barbara Bryce/Heather McClure) that the Presbytery adopt the motions, each and every one, as part of this single action.
Motion: (Darryl Macdonald/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Rev. Reg Jennings as Pastoral Charge supervisor for Richelieu Valley Pastoral Charge effective October 11, 2011. Carried
Motion: (Rod Young/Rick Sheffer) ) that the Administration and Finance Committee recommend that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Holowka Tretiak as its independent accountant for the 2011 review engagement. Carried
End of consensus
Faith Development
and ministères en françaisRev. David Lefneski, Chair reported that the Faith Development Committee will co-ordinate a conversation at the Presbytery level on Remit 6 Declaration of Church Doctrine. The remit proposes that the United Church add to the Doctrine Section of the Basis of Union, in addition to the Twenty Articles, three other United Church expressions of faith; the 1940 Statement of Faith, the New Creed and A Song of Faith. A study document entitled Our Words of Faith has been sent to all congregations and Presbyteries for study and a vote. Rev. Lefneski encouraged all Presbyters to follow up with their congregations to ensure that they discuss and vote on the proposed changes. The Committee will hold a one hour discussion before the November presbytery meeting and use the study document. Feedback and further discussion will take place during the February Presbytery meeting.
The Faith Development Committee of Montreal Presbytery is inviting people to attend the event The Passion and Politics of Islam - A Discussion of Christian-Muslim Relations; Misconceptions and Issues with Raheel Raza. Ms. Raza is an author, award winning journalist, public speaker, documentary film-maker, playwright, intercultural and interfaith diversity consultant. The first event will take place Monday, November 7, 2011at SouthWest United Mission. The second will take place Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at Cedar Park United Church.
Nominations
The co-chairs of the Nomination Committee are Rev. Barbara Bryce and Rev. Ellie Hummel. Rev. Bryce encouraged Presbyters to serve on a committee and noted that they may be approached by the nominating committee and asked to volunteer. The Committee is searching for four youth members for Presbytery.
Motion: (Barbara Bryce/Ellie Hummel) that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Rev. Richard Miller and Rev. Frank Giffen to serve on the Pension Committee effective October 11 2011. Carried
The Presbytery must nominate four commissioners to the upcoming 41st General Council Meeting to be held in Ottawa August 2012. Nominating ballots will be distributed at the November Presbytery meeting to be returned by February 2012. The Commissioners will be chosen at the March 2012 Presbytery meeting and the names forwarded to the Montreal and Ottawa Conference for acceptance.
Mission Support
Mr. Roger Snelling presented the 2012 Mission Support recommendations. The Committee reviewed sixteen applications. The Japanese United Church has not received a grant for the last few years because they have not had a minister. The Committee recommends that a grant be given to the Japanese United Church conditional upon a call, settlement, or appointment of minister.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth Center which is a new ministry (non-profit) has received a grant. The Center has applied to be a registered charity.
The McGill chaplaincy has had nominal support in the past few years but now employs a half time chaplain and is separately incorporated. The grant to McGill Chaplaincy has been increased this year.
The Committee’s recommendations will be forwarded to the Conference Mission Support Committee.
Motion: (Roger Snelling /Rick Sheffer) that the Montreal Presbytery recommend the last column of figures of the 2012 Mission Support Proposal dated October 11, 2011 as its request to the Conference Mission Support Committee. Carried
Administration and Finance
The chair of the Administration and Finance Committee informed the Presbytery that St. Andrew’s United Church (Lachine) had requested to disband after 193 years of continuous worship. The church building was constructed in 1834 and constitutes the oldest church building on the Island of Montreal. The congregation has been in a period of discernment and at a formal congregational meeting voted to disband and allow the United Church of Canada to determine how its property and assets should be used. A request was made that the Presbytery be mindful of giving pastoral care and support to the congregation and its minister. The congregation is planning a closing service and the Presbytery will be invited.
Motion: (Fred Braman/Rick Sheffer) that the Montreal Presbytery concur in the request of St Andrews United Church (Lachine) to disband and the congregation shall cease to meet December 31, 2011 with the proviso that the Trustees of St. Andrews United Church shall continue in office for the liquidation period and work under the supervision of the Administration and Finance Committee and in close liaison with the Finance and Extension Board to sell the property and otherwise wind up the financial affairs of the Pastoral Charge; and
that the recommendation to Conference for the disposition of the proceeds from the sale of the assets will be determined at a later date. Carried with abstention by Rev. Rosemary Lambie
(Shaun Fryday) that the Presbytery meeting be adjourned at 9:15 p.m. The meeting closed with a sung blessing.Motion:
Rev. Phyllis Smyth Rev. Arlen Bonnar
Chair Secretary
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