QUEENSWOOD UNITED CHURCH

2018

ANNUAL

REPORT

 

360 Kennedy Lane East, Orleans, ON K1E 3P3

Email: queenswood.uc@rogers.com Tel: 613-837-6784 www.queenswoodunited.org

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TABLE of CONTENTS

Mission Statement
Community Statement
Minister’s Message
Chair of Council
Administration
Catering
Community Garden
Craft Group
Finance / Stewardship Committee
Marketing and Communications
Memorial Fund
Men’s Club
Milestones (Statistical Report)
Ministry and Personnel Committee
Music Ministry
Nominating Committee
Outreach Committee
Pastoral Care Team
Presbytery Report
Property Report
Property Development Group/Committee
Volunteers
Worship Committee

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MISSION STATEMENT

At Queenswood United Church we serve God by taking care of God’s creation. We help those in need, we nurture the young, and we support our immediate community and the world community. We are conscientious stewards of God’s planet. Our service is centered in a commitment to living Christ’s love for all. It is nourished within an informal but meaningful worship life and a relationship with each other that is open, inquiring and accepting.

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COMMUNITY STATEMENT

We are a member congregation of the United Church of Canada. We are grounded in Christian tradition and are open to the truths of other faiths.

We are a small, energetic and friendly community of faith who find joy, support and strength in worshipping and working together. Our church family is precious to us.

We strive to be faithful servants of God in our time and place.

We welcome all who quest sincerely to join us in our faith journey.

Who we are We are an engaged community of faith, finding Christian Fellowship in our activities together. We are welcoming. We are open, accepting, respectful and sincere. We are seekers, striving to understand God’s Will for us. We are nurturers of God’s creation. We are a loving community in Christ.

What we believe We believe that we are not alone, that we live in God’s world. We believe that God bears unconditional love, mercy and compassion for all in all of creation. We believe that we are called by God to act in love. We believe that we are the hands and feet of God to serve others. We believe that the challenge of growing our faith is a life-long journey, and that we are greatly enriched by sharing that journey within community. We believe that, with God’s help, we can make a difference.

How we practice We take care of each other, in prayer and in practice. At worship we pray, sing, laugh, celebrate and reflect on the Word of God. We have a strong ministry of music. We provide a safe place to practice and explore. We focus on living Christ’s teachings through our actions. We continue our strong tradition of outreach to the greater community. We accept that we are blessed to be able to share our gifts with one another and with all creation. We celebrate the gift of God’s grace.

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MINISTER’S MESSAGE

The past year has been a time of building relationships and settling in together. It is good to have a sense of continuity for our church family.

Worship is always a highlight for Queenswood United Church. We had a variety of ways in which we offered our praise and heard God’s Holy and sacred Word. We had drama, sermons, poetry, our favourite hymns and special services. Orleans United dropped their Sunrise Service and requested that their members attend Queenswood’s. In October 2018, we had a special worship service in honour of our 35th anniversary, with Linnea Good and David Jonsson providing inspiring music. Linnea is a well know Christian singer/songwriter, and we were blessed by her leadership. We also hosted the Pam Hodges Trio for an evening of spiritual songs, poetry and music. Our music Ministry is exceptional; many thanks to Pianist Lynne Stacy, Choir Director Michelle Godin, members of our choir, and other musicians who shared their gifts. My holidays were capably covered by our skilled Worship Committee or Licensed Lay Worship Leaders.

We provided monthly worship services to our neighbours at The Queenswood Villa. Thanks to those who came along to help with music and shared fellowship with the seniors. The seniors deeply appreciate our companionship and time together.

Last February, I dropped Thursday morning’s office hours. I felt the need to have more time for pastoral care visits as opposed to office/administrative time. It also provided extra time for me to catch up with tasks such as worship plans and reading for Presbytery Meetings. Regular pastoral care visits have been made to people in hospital and those unable to get out regularly for services. These are appreciated. I also keep contact by calls, emails, CNN and Facebook. Social media is a valuable tool in maintaining relationships.

Fundraising is a cornerstone of our activities at Queenswood. We have participated in our Snowflake Bazaar, Victorian Tea, Navan Fair, Spring Fling, MacMillan’s frozen foods, and other ways. We were happy to welcome Morgan Hamilton-Kirk to share a project for school with us on February 18, 2018. Morgan gave out Canada 150 tulip bulbs for a donation to ChariTree Foundation. The ChariTree Foundation is Canada’s national environmental education charity for children.

The Montreal and Ottawa Conference AGM business meeting was held on May 11, 2018 through teleconferencing, and this went much better than last year. It included Nominations Report, Nominations List, Settlement Report, M&O Audited Financial Statements, additional pictures and bios of nominees and retirees. It was exciting to vote for the Candidates for Ordination, all passed.

The Conference Meeting was in Wyman, QC, on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Reg Best and I represented Queenswood United.

Barb Bode, our Office Administrator worked from Prince Edward Island for four months in the summer. The office functioned well with the many hours contributed by Barb Johns and Elayne Bonnell. Thank you. Tom Sear capably covered our music for most of the summer.

Queenswood United Church has a leadership role in the greater Orleans Pastoral Care group. This group is made up of members of local churches of several denominations, including United, Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran and Pentecostal. We look for ways we can support the community, especially seniors and the vulnerable. We have been participants in hosting turkey dinners at the Montfort Renaissance Residence for recovering addicts. We also contribute to The Well, Centre 507, The Mission and Kiva. We have a project under consideration involving regular communication with housebound, lonely seniors.

During the summer, for study leave, I was able to participate in an online preaching course. I enjoyed the interaction with fellow clergy and the Professor, Rev. Lisa Cressman. The course promoted the use of Lectio Divina, as well as a sermon writing grid to assist in timely sermon writing. I do not have a problem writing my sermons but benefitted from this new style of planning and reflecting. This online collective is something I would like to continue.

On November 18, 2018 our church took a positive move ahead by voting to change our zoning to residential. This will allow for development of some of our property.

The United Church of Canada saw major changes in its structures being passed. The biggest change is going from Presbyteries to Regions. The final meeting of the Ottawa Presbytery was December 11, 2018 at Rideau Park United Church. I was honoured to be asked to participate in the closing worship service.

In summary, Queenswood United Church had a year of wonderful worship, and faithful service to God. Our fundraising and outreach to our community reflect our solid Christian values of reaching out to our neighbours and helping others. Our Council and Committees volunteer their time and talents for the betterment of our church. As we look ahead to a future together as Queenswood United Church family, may we do so with dreams and visions of what God is calling us to do and be.

Respectfully Submitted by,
Reverend Nancy Best ECE, M/DIV.
The Minister of Queenswood United Church

Jeremiah 33:3
“Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty
things, which you do not know.”

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CHAIR OF COUNCIL

2018 was different from past years in that the realization was made that we could no longer continue as a church in its present form for very much longer. The congregation made the decision to move forward with the development of the church property.

There were also a number of other highlights throughout the year.

Holly Bertrand did an exceptional job in May by re-branding the Spring Fling into the Spring Market and arranging for a number of local artisans to display and sell their wares. The resultant event was an outstanding success.

Arrangements were made to permit the Office Administrator, Barb Bode, to work from her cottage in Prince Edward Island for a four-month period, June to September. This arrangement seemed to work quite well for both QUC and Barb. Unfortunately for our church, during this time, an opportunity for an early retirement arose there for the Bodes. The congregation said goodbye to Barb in October and to Greg in December. They were both active in the church and on Council and will be missed. On the positive side, the church welcomed Denise Benoit as Barb’s very capable replacement.

The Navan Fair was a moderate success. Elayne Bonnell and many of our church members worked very hard. However, a combination of hot weather and a curling club manager who was unfamiliar with Fair Board policies reduced the potential return. Archie Newby and his beer can crew realized the usual return deposit revenue.

On November 18, the congregation met to make the very important decision to remain the same and gradually disappear or to approve the rezoning of the church property to permit future development. A number of development options were discussed with the realization that there is still much work to be accomplished before our future is determined. Happily, the congregation unanimously agreed to allow the rezoning.

I wish to commend all of the committees for their stewardship. Through your diligence we should be able to achieve a nearly balanced budget for 2018.

The Outreach Committee’s various appeals throughout the year, including toiletries, Thanksgiving and the Mission Tree, were, as usual, generously received. Pastoral Care continued its good work administering to people’s needs both within and outside of the church. Queenswood United is blessed with a Minister and Worship Committee that are dedicated to providing us, each week, with quality worship services and an exceptional music program. Archie Newby takes his role as Chair of the Property Committee very seriously and uses his handyman skills to keep our church in good repair.

The Craft Group deserves recognition for its contribution to our church with the annual Snowflake Bazaar. A small group of dedicated and talented women work hard throughout the year to make this bazaar a success. Without fanfare, the Men’s Club periodically provides funds to the church to cover unexpected expenses. The church is grateful for this quiet assistance.

The financial input from our two corporate supporters, Boston Pizza and Home Hardware, is acknowledged with gratitude.

Queenswood United is at the cusp of a bright new future. It will be realized through the careful consideration of all of the options, making possibly difficult decisions, and hard work by us all, through 2019 and beyond.

It has been my privilege and honour to have served as your Chair of Council for the past two years. I enjoyed my time as part of a group of enthusiastic and energetic Councillors and leave with the knowledge that it is being left under the capable leadership of Stan Blythe.

God Bless!

Respectfully submitted,
Don Morwick
Chair of Council

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ADMINISTRATION

Rentals

The rental agreement with Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) expired at the end of June 2018 so discussions were undertaken over a period of several months to reach a new agreement. The most significant changes were as follows:

• A $30/month rent increase in each of the next 3 years;
• Clarifying that they will pay for additional hours used outside of Saturdays and Tuesdays;
• Asking them to inform us as soon as possible if they observe any unsafe condition, such as an icy sidewalk;
• Requiring them to maintain an insurance policy, with QUC as an insured party
• Clarifying that the portables aren’t available during winter months;
• To help with youth activities during their Saturday services, especially when the portables are unavailable, they may use the offices;
• Their requirement to clean the building every other week has been removed, but they will leave the premises clean after each use, and;
• They will share the costs of the wifi plan.

The Pedalheads Summer Camp went very well this year and it was a pleasure to have the children and staff present at the church. Their rental fee was a welcome addition to the church’s income.

Office Equipment

The Minister’s printer, an older monochrome all-in-one laser, became troublesome. That printer was recycled and the Minister now prints wirelessly to the main printer in the Administrator’s office.

The Administrator’s printer, a colour all-in-one inkjet, is performing adequately, but the operating costs (per page) are relatively high and the print quality is not very good. We began using an older monochrome laser printer for higher volume jobs like the bulletin. If it becomes necessary to replace the main printer, we are considering a monochrome all-in-one laser for better print quality and lower operating costs.

In June, the Administrator’s laptop failed. Diagnostics were performed by a local shop in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and it appeared that the motherboard had failed, with a repair cost of approximately $500. Inquiries with the vendor, Staples, advised that it was out of warranty by about 4 months, and confirmed that it was very likely the motherboard. It was decided that the laptop was not worth repairing. Barb Bode continued to telecommute from PEI to work using her own laptop. With the money budgeted for a printer and an additional amount approved by the Finance Committee, a new, good quality desktop computer was purchased for the office. A church member generously purchased a 3-year extended warranty for the computer as a gift-in-kind.

Property

In order to maintain an inventory of church keys, the Office Administrator completed a spreadsheet showing who currently holds keys to the church. It appears that every individual who has a key needs that key. We’ll keep it up-to-date as responsibilities change.

In June, the litter problem in the parking lot became quite bad and included materials that appeared to be related to the sale of marijuana. This was of particular concern because the summer camp was about to start up using the parking lot. The Ottawa Police Service was requested to include our parking lot in their regular evening patrols and was granted Agent Status on the church property for the purpose of preventing and investigating offences on the property. In other words, even though it is private property, the police can act as agents of the property owner in questioning people who are present. The litter problem has improved.

Respectfully submitted,
Stan Blythe
Chair, Administration

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CATERING

We catered fewer events this year, both by choice and circumstance. There were four requests we could not accommodate due to booking conflict or a lack of volunteer availability. We continue to support the congregational events like the men’s pancake supper, Lunch and Bridge, Victorian Tea, Linger Lunch, and of course, hospitality/memorial receptions. We continue to provide excellent service and product with our loyal, generous volunteers.

I believe that unless 10 more energetic volunteers (who can also cook) suddenly appear, we will continue to restrict our contributions to familiar events, primarily responding to the needs of our own congregation.

We will also undertake a review of our pricing, menu and standardize what we can offer QUC and/or the community.

Thank you for all you do so well.

Respectfully submitted,
Elayne Bonnell
For the Catering Group

Navan Fair 2018

We are approaching the 12th year of providing food services during the Navan Fair. Our list of services and menu has grown as so have our patrons – until 2018. We were faced with many last minute venue failures and weather issues and served only half as many at our Café as previous years while working under very unpleasant conditions related to air-conditioning failure. We have approached the Fair Board regarding specific issues to be addressed before we can return.

In a fall request for more volunteer support, several people have indicated their willingness to join the team or make a greater commitment of time for planning, setup, serving on site, etc. The committee will meet soon to review menu, site requirements and volunteer recruitment. Usually, we have about 50 people involved in this venture including Archie’s can collection team.

It has been a remarkable commitment with opportunity for training the young, presence in the greater community, fundraising and tremendous fellowship. We hope we can continue but that it is not a burden but rather an efficient, profitable community service.

There aren’t enough words, space or hours to express the gratitude that we have for all the contributions of time, money, food, service, generosity of mind, body and soul.

Whatever the future, thank you for all you have already given.

Respectfully submitted,
Elayne Bonnell
For the Catering Group

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COMMUNITY GARDEN

We had another successful growing season this year. There are six garden plots that are approximately 3m by 4m. One was used by a church member, one by a community member and four by Lynda & Bob Rodney. These four plots were able to provide 12 very large boxes of a variety of vegetables to the Food Cupboard in Orleans. They were very thankful for the fresh produce. The goal is still to have six plots this spring and used by church members or members of the community.

Respectfully submitted,
Lynda and Bob Rodney

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CRAFT GROUP

The annual Snowflake Bazaar is the primary focus for the QUC Craft Group. A small group of women who love to craft, meets Monday mornings at the Church from 9 to 11:30 am to make articles for the Bazaar. We have lots of fun, conversation and coffee as we work on items for the Bazaar. The financial results of the November 10, 2018 Snowflake Bazaar follow this report. All monies raised by the Craft Tables, Bake Table and Tea Room go directly to the church’s operating funds.

But the Bazaar isn’t just the Craft Group. So many people help to make this fundraising event a true congregational effort: from the delicious contributions from QUC’s creative cooks to those folk who came to shop and stayed for lunch and those who did special crafts for the Bazaar tables.

A few folks deserve a special thank you. The Pastoral Care Group provided coffee and muffins in the early morning. The Tea Room expanded from 7 to 10 tables this year. Lynda Rodney and her helpful elves did a great job of providing weary shoppers and workers with a delicious lunch.

Marilyn and Albert Joseph managed the Bake Table with their usual enthusiasm. Thanks to everyone who baked or preserved to fill the tables to overflowing. Also, thanks to the phoning committee who contacted everyone in the congregation.

Others who helped. The Choir cleared out the Chapel after practice on Thursday night and set up the tables (no piano moving needed this year!). The Men’s Club helps out is so many ways – set up tables for the Bake Sale, arrange and supervise their Book Sale, assist with the clean up after the Bazaar and help get the Chapel ready for Sunday Service. Don’t forget to save any recent paperbacks for next year. Thanks to Pat Lackie for putting notices in the print media and to Denise Benoit for making sure our announcements were in CNN. A special thank you to Rev. Nancy for agreeing to volunteer as our welcoming greeter.

The Craft Group was sorry to see Barb Bode leave for greener (saltier) pastures in Prince Edward Island in October. We thank her for her enthusiastic help and ideas.

The Group experimented with a smaller space this year. We found that we were much better organized and we were able to serve our customers more efficiently. Thanks for all your support!

As always, we are looking for new ideas and welcome any suggestions. We also welcome completed hand-made crafts or even lessons on a new idea. Please speak to any member of the Group – Donna Booth, Helen Keeney, Marie Latter, Bev Morwick, Vi Newby, Arlene Widdows or Ellie Young – or come on a Monday morning and join in the fun.

We hope to see you at the Snowflake Bazaar on November 9, 2019. Circle it on your calendar!

Snowflake Bazaar Financial Statement, 2018:

Respectfully crafted,
The Craft Group

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FINANCE / STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Finance/Stewardship Committee is “… to manage the financial affairs of the church in the best interests of the congregation and in keeping with the over-all objectives of the church”. Its primary role is one of oversight, to make sure the framework is in place for church finances to take place in accordance with good governance practices and in compliance with relevant legislation. Current membership consists of a Chair (Marilyn Joseph), Church Treasurer (Julia Picotte) and Stewardship lead (Rose Marie MacLennan).

Among the Committee’s responsibilities are: implementing an annual independent review of the church’s finances; ensuring that funds received are disbursed as set out in the approved annual budget; and, dealing with various financial situations as they arise during the course of a busy congregation’s many activities.

Budget

Following end-of-year submissions from committee Chairs and other church leaders, we met in early January to formulate a draft budget for Council’s input. Council in turn examined and debated the document, and finally recommended a deficit budget for adoption by the congregation at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in February. During 2018, congregation members worked diligently to curtail expenses, so that, as of mid-December, we are very close to breaking even.

Composing a “Narrative Budget” to tell our story was an objective of the Committee during 2018, but we have not yet achieved this aim.

Stewardship

Following Rose Marie’s presentation of givings categories at the AGM in early March, two givers increased their Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR) amounts. Sunday givings are down this year, and with a decline in the intensity of our fundraising activities, we are seeking ways to bolster our financial situation.

Office Administrator Remote Work

The Office Administrator worked remotely from her summer home from early June until early October, while volunteers Elayne Bonnell and Barb Johns worked two days a week in the office. Finance’s main concern was that all of the financial transactions necessary to the smooth functioning of QUC be carried out in a safe and timely manner. Thanks to the work of Elayne and Barb, plus others who volunteered to make deposits, sign cheques, pick up and secure the Sunday givings, and help with the weekly count, everything went remarkably well.

Financial Management Practices

The purpose of using sound financial practices is threefold: to protect the institution of QUC and its assets; to protect QUC volunteers and staff from unfounded accusations of misuse of church funds; and, to assure donors that their money is going where intended. The annual Independent Review of Financial Statements Report brought to light no major issues but did include a number of recommendations related to the security and transparency of financial handling practices at QUC. The Committee relied as well on advice found in United Church of Canada’s Financial Handbook for Congregations, and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements for charities, to formulate changes to some of our practices,
notably in the areas of transparency and security. We are beginning to gradually build a Financial Management Procedures Manual, as procedures from all individuals involved in finances at QUC are collected.

Job Description

Another area of achievement this year was the revision of the Committee’s two-decades-old job description, in order to better reflect actual practice at QUC. The Envelope Secretary is no longer a volunteer position within the Finance/Stewardship Committee as its tasks are now absorbed into the Office Administrator job description. The position of Fundraising Coordinator is not filled at this time, although the Committee liaises regularly with QUC’s fundraising leaders. The responsibility for dealing with unbudgeted and over-budget requests for congregational needs was added to the job description: requests in excess of a specified amount must obtain Council approval.

Treasurer

I would like to acknowledge the hard work done, and many hours put in, by QUC’s volunteer Treasurer, Julia Picotte. In addition to producing monthly financial statements so that Council can keep track of our financial situation, she performs a long list of additional regular tasks: reconciling the monthly bank statement; overseeing the recording of financial transactions into the PowerChurch software; advising staff and volunteers on financial management practices; keeping up with the latest CRA requirements for charitable institutions; crafting specialized reports when asked by congregation members; helping to prepare the Annual Statistical Report for the National Office of United Church of Canada; and, preparing
the Annual Charity Tax Return on our behalf. In 2018, she supplied financial information to our EDGE consultant for his preparation of a 10-year forecast for QUC. Her specialized knowledge is invaluable to us, and her patience in the face of multitudinous demands is much appreciated!

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Joseph
Chair, Finance/Stewardship Committee

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MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

The previous Chair of Marketing and Communication, Barbara Bode, moved to PEI in October, 2018, and a new Chairperson has yet to be identified. If you have an interest in taking on this responsibility please contact the Chair of Council.

We are happy to announce that Marta Nuijten will coordinate the content of the church’s website in liaison with Ron Newby, our webmaster. The website is an excellent tool to share information about our Church. It has become even more important with the closure of the local community newspapers in 2018. The weekly “Our Town” community advertisements in the Ottawa Citizen is used for advertising our fundraising activities along with various online websites.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to bring forward their ideas for marketing our Church within the Orleans/Ottawa community.

Patricia Lackie

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MEMORIAL FUND

The Memorial Committee has had some work this past year. We started out the year with $5,365.58. We received many donations to the Memorial Fund and also paid to have the More Voices booklets made into hard covers. We ended the year with a balance of $5,513.90 in our Bank account. Anyone wishing to donate to the Memorial Fund may do so by contacting Lynne Stacey at home or at the church.

Yours sincerely,
Lynne Stacey

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MEN’S CLUB

The Men’s Club continued, throughout 2018, to fulfil its mandate to financially support the church by providing funds to help with unbudgeted expenses and to perform maintenance and minor construction tasks, as required. We support the various charities identified by the Outreach Committee such as the Mission Tree. For example, we bought six new tables and paid for the new castors for the piano. We also provided $100 in grocery cards for needy families. When Archie Newby and Greg Bode were elected co-Chairs of Property, the Men’s Club became the members of that committee. All of these activities are carried out through fellowship and fun.

Money to finance these projects is collected through fundraising. We sell books, jigsaw puzzles, and DVDs at both the Spring Market in May and the Snowflake Bazaar in November. On behalf of the church, with the revenues going directly back to the church, the Men’s Club sells MacMillan’s products in April and December as well as organizes the annual mushroom compost sale. In the absence of the Time and Talent Auction, we now directly put on our gourmet supper for eight. On April 21, the Men’s Club had the honour of catering to the 25th Anniversary celebration of Susan and André Clement.

We were sorry to bid farewell to one of our eight members when Greg Bode decided to join Barb in Prince Edward Island in December. Greg was an active member of our group and both he and his largescreen,3D, TV will be greatly missed. As usual, we are happy to welcome any man, who is a member of the congregation or who is connected with it, to join us. The Men’s Club meets monthly, from September to June, in members homes and includes a business session followed by fellowship. We enjoyed a BBQ supper meeting at Steve William’s home on June 19. The Men’s Club also sponsors the ever-popular monthly Saturday morning breakfast at Gabriel’s Restaurant, averaging 8-12 participants. We are also on hand to flip pancakes at the Shrove Tuesday supper.

Several elderly gentlemen residing in the Queenswood Villa have expressed an interest in some male fellowship. The Men’s Club was approached to see if we were willing to participate in some joint activities. As an inaugural event, we met for lunch at the Villa on November 24. Future activities are being considered.

I wish to thank the members of the Men’s Club for their support throughout the year and for their willingness to come forward when needed. Our group is small but very dedicated to continuing the Club’s tradition.

Men’s Club Financial Statement

Respectfully submitted,
Don Morwick

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MILESTONES (Statistical Report)

Baptisms

Baptism on November 18, 2018 of Zaria Rose Croteau, daughter of Leila McKie Croteau and Scott Croteau, sister of Nylah.

Funerals

Phyllis Hamilton. Funeral January 16, 2018 at Knox Presbyterian church in Manotick.

Helen Tweddle died March 24, 2018. Private funeral March 29, 2018 at Queenswood United Church. Public Memorial April 7, 2018 at Heritage Funeral Home. There were over three hundred people in attendance. This was catered by Queenswood United, and very well done. Helen was a real community builder and touched many lives in our suburb.

Reverend Ray Purchase. Memorial Service June 20, 2018 at Queenswood United Church. Officiated by Rev. Brooke Belliveau.

New Members

October 7, 2018, Sylvia Williams became a member of Queenswood United Church.

Weddings

There were no weddings at Queenswood United Church in 2018.

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MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL COMMITTEE

The Ministry and Personnel (M&P) Committee had a relatively active year. We are pleased to report that we were able to develop and implement job descriptions and overtime policies for the 3/4 Time Minister and the Office Administrator (OA).

The job description for the OA updates the previous statement of work used for staffing purposes. It reflects all tasks to be performed and was approved by Council effective January 2, 2018. As a result of the OA taking responsibility for the Envelope Secretary, Council approved the removal of the Job Description for the position of Envelope Secretary from the QUC Constitution – Finance Committee.

The work description for the 3/4 Time Minister is a new document for QUC and was approved by Council effective January 2, 2018. It is based on duties identified by the congregation during the JNAP exercise with the primary focus of the job to prepare and deliver weekly sermons, provide pastoral care, and complete administrative duties. Like any job description, this document will help Rev. Best manage her 30 hour work week as well as help the congregation better understand the limitations of 3/4 time ministry.
To help staff to work within limited hours and not incur overtime, Overtime Policies were developed for the 3/4 Time Minister and the Office Administrator. The new Overtime Policies will help staff focus on core tasks and provide them with a process to follow when overtime is necessary.

QUC stepped outside the box this past summer with Council’s approval of M&P’s proposal to allow Barb Bode, Office Administrator, to work off-site in Prince Edward Island from June 5, 2018 to September 28, 2018. During this time period, Barb used her annual leave entitlements, banked overtime, leave without pay, and committed to working a maximum of 4 hours a week through the internet. Thanks to Rev. Nancy who was in regular contact with Barb and to dedicated volunteers, Elayne Bonnell and Barb Johns, the remote working situation was a success.

While the working arrangement was a success, Barb Bode decided that the island life was the life she wanted year round and submitted her resignation on September 29, 2018. Her last day of work was October 26, 2018. A selection committee to hire a new Office Administrator was established and Denise Benoit accepted the position effective October 23, 2018. Denise has proven to be a very skilled, capable and friendly employee who is well liked by our membership. Welcome Denise.

I would like to thank M&P Committee Members, Marta Nuijten and Ray Bonnell for their expertise and support throughout the year. If anyone is interested in becoming a member of our Committee, please let us know. The only requirement for membership is that you are not part of an existing Committee.

Patricia Lackie
Chair, Ministry and Personnel

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MUSIC MINISTRY

The Senior Choir remains the same in number and we really miss Barbara Bode who has moved to Prince Edward Island. We are 15 strong voices that keep the singing in our Church Services going. The Anthems that we sing each Sunday are well received and match each of the themes for each Sunday’s service.

Our thanks to Michelle Godin who keeps us on track each Sunday. Our thanks to Pat Messier, Tom Sear and Katy Gratton who fill in for Lynne when she has commitments to follow on the weekend.

Our Choirfest produced $1,200 to each of the Gloucester and Cumberland Christmas foodbanks in 2018.

Our Celebration of Life will be the first Sunday in May 2019.

Yours in singing,
Lynne Stacey

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NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The following report presents a slate of Officer nominations for the Queenswood United Church Council and Trustees for 2019. All representatives of the Council and the Trustees must be voted in by the Congregation at the Annual General Meeting. Positions of high priority that are still vacant at the time of writing are listed in bold type.

 

QUC Council
Position	Nominee(s)	Notes
Chair	Stan Blythe	Council Executive Member
Chair Elect	Vacant>	Council Executive Member
Past Chair	Don Morwick
Administration	Vacant
Treasurer	Julia Picotte	Council Executive Member
Minister	Rev. Nancy Best	Council Executive Member
Secretary	Carol Pugsley	Council Executive Member
Finance (Stewardship)	Marilyn Joseph
Trustees	Frank Stacey
Ministry and Personnel	Pat Lackie
Property	Archie Newby & Bob Rodney
Worship	Vacant
Pastoral Care	Heather Lait and Marti Scrivens
Outreach	Barb Johns and Bev Morwick
Regional Representatives	Marilyn Joseph and Reg Best
Marketing and Communications	Vacant
Congregational Life	Vacant
Christian Education	Vacant
Youth Representative	Vacant