St George’s Anglican Church, New Hamburg
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting – August 20, 2013
In Attendance: Reverend Margaret Walker, Kathy Richmond-Cox (chair), Gail Cuthbert-Brandt, Bob Kostash, Gail
Kostash, Carol Massel, Calvin Williston, Paul Ditner, Margaret Cassel, Margaret Bennett, Don Stewart, Sharon Meade
(recording secretary)
Regrets: David Korell, Marion Korell, Pat Davies
1. Opening Prayer
Rev'd Margaret led council in prayer
2. Approval of Minutes Moved by Bob Kostash, seconded by Carol Massel that the minutes of the June meeting
be approved with the correction of the spelling of Canon David Bowyer’s name. Carried.
3. Financial Report
Gail Kostash reviewed the year to date Financial Report. It was noted that there is
currently a defecit in the General Operating Fund: all of the funds from the Roth Estate have been used. Day to
day bill payments are becoming difficult to manage. Sunday donations are down, and with the estimated
incoming donations and outgoing bills to be paid in September it is expected that there may be a shortage of
several hundred dollars. Gail also noted that all of the grocery cards have been sold and there is no money to
buy more cards to continue this fundraising initiative. It is imperative that the plans to apply for a loan or line of
credit secured by the parish house be persued as soon as possible. In addition to moving forward with the
financing options, Gail Cuthbert Brandt broached the idea of approaching the board of St. James to request a
loan or grant to assist with St. George’s current financial situation. On behalf of St. James Carol Massel asked
that a formal proposal be prepared which can be presented at the next meeting of the St. James board
(expected to be in early September). It was agreed that by Sept 10th the wardens should draft a proposal
together with the finance committee to be submitted to the board of St. James.
Gail Kostash advised that all banking has now been moved over to the Mennonite Savings & Credit Union, and
the welcome to MSCU has been very warm. In a call to thank St. George’s for joining the MSCU they advised
that while Gail is their primary contact, if anyone else has any questions they would be happy to answer them.
Gail has arranged for the use of the night depository and will be training the Sunday counters in how to do it as
per the recommendation of the auditor.
Gail Kostash moved that the financial report be accepted as presented. Margaret Bennett seconded. Carried.
4. ReNew Committee
Gail Cuthbert Brandt reported that the ReNew Committee had an initial meeting and
the group was excited about the project, the process, and the potential grants available for funding. There was
concern about the funds needed to be raised for the St. George’s space in the project. Gail reviewed several
potential funding sources for this aspect of the project including the Trillium Foundation, McLean Foundation,
and the Anglican Foundation. Gail will continue to explore these & further findings to report back to the
committee at their next meeting in late Sept/early Oct.
5.
Building & Property
a. Roof
The roof replacement work has been completed and paid for, donations of
$7000.00 are still required to cover the cost of the project.
b. Fan for Parish Hall
Carol Massel expressed thanks from the Tai Chi group for the new ceiling fan – it
has greatly improved the comfort in their classes.
c. Kitchen in Parish House
Only 2 people showed up for the initial work party, the majority of the
wall paper was removed at that time. Another work party has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept
14thfrom 9am to noon. The work to be completed is: removal of remaining wallpaper, painting, possible
repair of walkway, repair of bathroom door to solve the sticking issue (plane the top?)
d. Repair/Replacement of walkway Kathy Richmond-Cox suggested doing an inexpensive stop-gap repair
job for now in light of the current financial situation of the parish. Paul will take a look and determine
what can be done with plans to complete the work at the Sept 14th work party.
e. Garden Group
Thank you to Carol Massel for her hard work weeding the gardens
f. Cleaning & Waxing hall floors Gail Cuthbert Brandt advised that she has had trouble getting a firm
time commitment from the floor cleaner, if she is unable to confirm the job with him she will approach
another company to ensure the floor is done before daycare resumes in September.
g. Fire Drill/Fire Safety Plan
Don advised that the fire safety plan is predominantly complete &
awaiting approval by another party, once that is received and any changes made, the plan will be
submitted to the fire department for approval. Going forward a fire drill will have to be completed one
Sunday per year & fire exits must be kept clear. As Don will be away in September, he expects to have
the fire safety plan completed by the October council meeting.
h. Memorial Plaque
The memorial plaque has been hung in the church foyer & looks very
nice
6. Congregational Development .
a. Summer Ministry
Kathy Richmond-Cox reported that two initiatives were undertaken this year:
she held a pool party at her home and invited all parishioners with young children to attend. One family
attended, but told Kathy that they will soon be moving away. A weekly community drop-in for children
and their caregivers was also held for 4 weeks this summer to augment the WFRC drop in program.
Unfortunately there were zero attendees each week.
b. Sunday School
Sunday school resumes on Sunday Sept 15th. The new curriculum has arrived
and Kathy Richmond-Cox reported that it looks like a good program. She noted that only the autumn
portion of the program was received to date. Gail Cuthbert Brandt suggested sending out invitation
cards to all families with children in the 2-12 age bracket inviting them to join the program.
7. Worship Committee
a. Summer Services
Reverend Margaret reviewed the services held over the summer and expressed
thanks to Gail Kostash and Paul Ditner for leading services and assisting Canon David Bowyer in her
absence.
b. Service Times
Discussion was held regarding service times. Rev. Margaret noted that when
new families/individuals have come to the 8:30am service they generally do not stay because there are
no other people at the service. It was felt that the 8:30 service with such low attendance is not a
welcoming environment for potential parishioners. Gail Kostash moved that the parish return to a single
Sunday service to be held at 10:30am effective Sept 8th.. Margaret Bennett seconded. Carried.
c. All Saints/All Souls Service
Nov 3rd, a service of hymns and readings to be held, with the
opportunity for parishioners to make a donation to have a hymn sung in a loved ones memory.
d. Evening Prayer in Advent with Trinity Lutheran
Rev Margaret advised this is in the planning
stages & more information will be given as available.
e. Pastoral Care
Nithview services continue on the 3rd Sunday of each month throughout the
remainder of the year. All are welcome to attend these services.
8. Social Committee
Margaret Cassel reported that the plans for the Gala Dinner event are well underway.
Tickets should be available in mid September Gail Cuthbert Brandt noted that there will be opportunities for
male volunteers. In addition to dinner & entertainment, the event will include a silent auction. Gail Cuthbert
Brandt moved that the ticket prices be set at the following: ages 0-10 Free, regular ticket $25.00, Family Ticket
(parents & all their children under 18) $60.00. She further moved that complimentary tickets be offered to the
Bishop and guest, Arch Bishop and guest, Lieutenant Governor and guest, while invitations to other politicians
and dignitaries list the regular ticket price. Seconded by Don Stewart. Carried.
9. Communications Committee Gail Cuthbert Brandt reported that a newsletter – the Mini Rainbow – is being
prepared. She will forward draft materials to Sharon to be set up in a newsletter format to be distributed to all
parishioners (electronically where possible, in hard copy where necessary). Bob Kostash will submit a blurb
about the Roof project and the Food Bank donations to be included in the newsletter.
10. Environment Committee
No report.
11. St. James
a. Oct 6th Harvest Service
Carol Massel reported that the service is to be held at 3pm, they do not
expect to have a guest speaker at this service.
b. Sep 21st Doors Open
Rodney Jantzi has agreed to play the organ at some point during the
day, volunteers will be arranged for the day. It was also noted that St. George’s is also participating in
Doors Open on this date & will have a musical recital as well. Gail Cuthbert Brandt suggested that the
Sunday greeters be asked if they would like to be involved in Doors Open.
12. Outreach
a. Jamaican Farm Workers
the evening of music, pizza & fellowship was a success. 7 farm workers
attended and a great time was had by all.
b. Saint Monica House
Rev. Margaret reported that Saint Monica House will be holding an
open house at the Waterloo location on Sept 25th, and the Cambridge location on Sept 26th. All are
welcome. The Grape Escape event will be held on Thurs Oct 3rd, tickets are $70. Please see Rev.
Margaret for tickets if you are interested in this food & wine station fundraising event. Saint Monica
House will be changing their name, with an announcement and unveiling of the new name and logo at
the open house. The reason for the change is marketing and modernization. Our relationship with the
home will not change.
c. Habitat for Humanity
this project will continue throughout the fall.
d. Terry Fox Run
Sep 15th, Registration 1pm Run begins 1:30. Gail Cuthbert Brandt
invited everyone to attend a reception following her grandson’s baptism at the 10:30 service, before
heading over for the Terry Fox Run – lunch will be provided.
13. New Business
a. Calvin Williston asked that it be noted that the windows at the back of the church are in need of
maintenance and/or repair.
b. Carol Massel asked that the September agenda include a discussion on the portion of the raffle proceeds
to be used for community outreach
c. Kathy Richmond-Cox passed around a photo book example from IPC and Lifetouch who have both
contacted St. George’s to offer photo book services for the 175th Anniversary year. Discussion was held
and it was decided that there is too much going on at this time. The idea of a photo book be revisited in
2014 (after we have recruited our additional 5 families!)
14. Adjournment
Don Stewart moved to adjourn the meeting.
Carried.
Upcoming Events

Sun. Aug 25 – Nithview Service, 1:30pm.

Sun. Sept 8 – Regular Sunday Services resume at 10:30am weekly.

Sun. Sept 8 – Healing Service, 10:30am.

Tues. Sept 10 – Parish Council Meeting, 7:30pm.

Sat. Sept 14 – Faith, Food & Fun @5, 5pm.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 23 Church St New Hambur.

Sun. Sept 15 – ACW Meeting 8:30am.

Sun. Sept 15 – Sunday School begins, 10:30am.

Sun. Sept 15 - Service at Nithview, 1:30pm.

Sept 18-20 – Rev. Margaret at Clergy Conference

Sat. Sept 21 – Anglican Fellowship of Prayer at St. George’s, 9:30-noon.

Sat. Sept 21 – Doors Open Waterloo Region.
St. George’s: noon-5pm, St. James: 10am – 5pm.

Sun. Sept 22 – Invite a Friend to Church Sunday & BBQ.

Sat. Sept 28 – Blessing of the Animals Service.
Action Items
#
1
Responsible Party
Kathy Richmond-Cox
2
3
Rev. Margaret
Sharon Meade
4
5
Wardens/Finance Comm
Paul Ditner
6
Gail Cuthbert Brandt
7
8
Don Stewart
Bob Kostash
9
Carol Massel
10 Sharon Meade
11 Sharon Meade
12 Carol Massel
13 Bob Kostash
14
15
16
17
Gail Cuthbert Brandt
Sharon Meade
Gail Kostash
Sharon Meade
18 Rev. Margaret
17 Kathy Richmond-Cox
18 Sharon Meade
Due Date
Sept 10
Details
To review title on the parish house property for loan
purposes
Sept 10
Initiate Diocesan approvals for loan
Aug 22
Bulletin announcement plea for donations to help with cash
flow issues brought on by the roof project ($7000 collected,
additional $7000 needed) – positive message.
Sept 10
Prepare loan/grant request for the St. James board
Sept 14th
Determine how to inexpensively and temporarily repair the
walkway to ensure it is safe
Aug 26
Confirm floor cleaning to be completed before daycare
resumes
Oct 8
Complete Fire Safety Plan
ASAP
Prepare drawing of property with fire exits and fire
extinguishers marked, post in hall & advise Carol Massel
when complete
When item Formally advise the daycare of the fire safety drawing
#8
posting
Completed
Aug 22
Bulletin announcement for Parish House work party Sept
14th 9am - noon
Aug 22
Service time change to be noted in bulletin, website
Aug 31
Change service time in the paper
Aug 25
Submit blurb about roof & food bank donations to Gail
Cuthbert Brandt for inclusion in newsletter
Aug 25
Forward draft materials for newsletter to Sharon Meade
Aug 29
Complete newsletter for approval and distribution
Aug 26
Forward a current copy of the greeters list to Sharon
Aug 27
Contact greeters to inquire if they would be interested in
being involved in Doors Open 2013 as greeters/guides at St.
Georges
Sep 10
Include agenda item for Sep meeting: discuss portion of
raffle proceeds to be used for community outreach
Aug 27
Work with Janice Holst on a list of families to invite to join
Sunday school, prepare a rough draft letter/invitation and
give to Sharon Meade to be prepare and send out
When # 17 Prepare letters, mailing envelopes etc & leave in Janice
Completed
Holst’s mail box for signing