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THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
MONTREAL PRESBYTERY
October 9, 2012
The Montreal Presbytery held its stated meeting, called by the Chair, Rev. Phyllis
Smyth, to meet on Tuesday October 9, 2012 in Webster Hall, Westmount Park United
Church, 4695 de Maisonneuve West, Westmount, Quebec.
PRESENT
Ministry (34): Rev. Phyllis Smyth; Chair, Rev. Arlen Bonnar; Secretary, Rev. Barend
Biesheuvel, Rev. Janet Bisset, Rev. Barbara Bryce, Rev. Pasquale Castelluccio,
Rev. Kent Chown, Rev. David Clinker, Rev. Georgia Copland, Rev. Shaun Fryday,
Rev. Frank Giffen, Rev. Attila, György, Rev. Helen Hliaras, Rev. Ellie Hummel,
Rev. Scott Hunter, Rev. Alyson Huntly, Rev. Reg Jennings, Rev. Elisabeth Jones,
Rev. Mher Khatchikian, Rev. Rosemary Lambie, Rev. David Lefneski, Rev. Patricia
Lisson, Rev. Wendy MacLean, Rev. Marie Claude Manga, Rev. Joe McInnis, Rev.
Heather McClure, Rev. Elke Mehnert, Sally Meyer-DM, Rev. Richard Miller, Rev.
Birgit Neuschild, Rev. Emmanuel K. Ofori, Rev. Catherine Smith, Rev. Doug
Stewart, Rev. Fred Tees.
Laity (41): Mr. Rod Young; Treasurer, Mr. Guy-Lin Beaudoin, Mr. Han Min Bai, Mr.
Fred Braman, Mrs. Virginia Bryce, Dr. Helen Budd Hanna, Ms. Lisa Byer, Ms. Cindy
Casey, Ms. Beverly Clark, Mr. Paul Clarke, Mr. Lloyd Coffin, Ms. Undeg Edwards,
Mrs. Mary Feher White, Ms. Linda Gagnon, Ms. Johanne Gendron, Ms. Marcie
Gibson, Mr. Marc Grenon, Ms. Joan Hagerman, Mr. Norm Haslam, Ms. Lee Ann
Hogle, Mr. Bruce Haughton, Mrs. Phyllis Holtz, Mrs. Rosemary Hooker, Mr. Andrew
Johnson, Ms. Paula Kline, Mrs. Janice Knowles, Ms. Lorane McKenzie, Mrs. June
Millar, Mrs. Valerie Nickson, Ms. Jennifer Owers, Ms. Emily Robertson, Mr. Arthur
Schweitzer, Mr. Rick Sheffer, Mr. Paul Stanfield, Mrs. Shirley Stark, Ms. Nancy
Stewart, Mr. Michael Tan, Ms. Erin Templeton, Dr. James P. Vanstone, Ms. Carolyn
Walsh Dawson, Ms. Vera Young.
Visitors:
Rev. Nick Coates-Mt. Royal, Ms. Erene Anthony, Mr. Marcus Durand, Ms. Tessa A.
Griffin-Union Montreal, Rev. Angelika Piché-United Theological College, Mr. Larry
Richardson, Mr. Whit Strong, Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro; Montreal & Ottawa
Conference, M. Marco Ste-Marie-La Passerelle.
Corresponding Members: Mr. David Mackenzie, Mr. John Meaker-Secretary Finance
& Extension Board
Regrets: Rev. Jeff Barlow, Ms. Debbie Beattie, Rev. Brenda Bell, Rev. Jim Dalton, Mr.
Diony Delos Reyes, Rev. Cathy Hamilton, Rev. Bill Jay, Mrs. Jan Langelier, Rev.
Darryl Macdonald, Rev. Alice McAlpine, Mr. Peter Mundie, Ms. Patricia Nielson,
Rev. Debbie Poirier, Mr. Lou Sarka, Ms. Cindy Shuter, Rev. Ian Smith, Dr. Tom
Smith, Ms. Renate Sutherland, Rev. Ralph Watson, Rev. Neil Whitehouse Mrs.
Susan Wolker.
1.
CONSTITUTION
At 7:00 p.m. the Reverend Phyllis Smyth constituted the meeting of the Montreal
Presbytery with these words, “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the
authority given to me as Chair, I hereby declare this gathering to be duly
constituted as a meeting of the Montreal Presbytery to deal with any business that
may come before it.”
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MONTREAL PRESBYTERY
October 9, 2012
2.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Motion: (Heather McClure/Sally Meyer) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the
agenda of October 9, 2012 with the time of adjournment set at 9:45 p.m. Carried
3.
WORSHIP
The Chair of Presbytery explained that worship would take place throughout the
duration of the Presbytery meeting. The Chair spoke about the difficult decisions
that lay before the Presbytery over the next few months.
4.
COURTESIES
The Chair introduced Mr. Larry Richardson, administrator of the Montreal and
Ottawa Conference (Ottawa office). The Chair welcomed Rev. Whit Strong and
Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro, members of the Montreal and Ottawa Conference
Prevention of Sexual Misconduct Committee.
Rev. Shaun Fryday updated the court on the health of Mr. Roger Snelling, a long
time servant of the church. Rev. Fryday was asked to bring the wishes and the
prayers of the Presbytery to Mr. Snelling on his next visit. The mailing address for
Mr. Snelling was made available for those wishing to send cards.
Rev. Dr. Alyson Huntly, director of studies for the United Theological College was
introduced. Mr. Marco St. Marie, designated lay ministry applicant with La
Passerelle was introduced. Sally Meyer DM introduced Ms. Erin Templeton and Mr.
Michael Tan, as the new Presbytery representatives of St. Lambert United Church.
Rev. Emmanuel Ofori introduced Mr. Marcus Durant of Union United Church. Ms.
Lorane MacKenzie introduced Mr. David Mackenzie, chair of the Union Building
Capital Campaign.
Motion: (Emmanuel Ofori/Lorane MacKenzie) that the Montreal Presbytery grant
corresponding member privileges to Mr. David MacKenzie for the duration of the
meeting. Carried
Motion: (Rod Young/Arthur Schweitzer) that the Montreal Presbytery grant
corresponding member privileges to Mr. John Meaker for the duration of the
meeting. Carried
5.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
Motion: (Barend Biesheuvel/Heather McClure) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt
the minutes of the September 11, 2012 meeting. Carried
Motion: (Ellie Hummel/Lisa Byer) that the Montreal Presbytery receive for
information the minutes of the August 28, 2012 Executive meeting. Carried
6.
CONFERENCE
Sexual Misconduct Awareness Training for Ministry Personnel and other church
leaders
Rev. Whit Strong explained that he was the support person for the committee for
the prevention of sexual misconduct. Rev. Takhoui Demirdjian-Petro is the char
of the committee. The United Church of Canada is committed to providing a safe
environment for work, worship, and study for everyone who works within the
church.
Rev. Strong outlined the process for investigating allegations of sexual
misconduct. In November 2010 the General Council mandated that all ministry
personnel attend sexual abuse awareness workshops. Ministry personnel will be
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October 9, 2012
equipped to recognize abusive situations and direct people who need help. The
Conference has broadened the mandate to include all leaders and those in
voluntary leadership roles.
The committee has a list of contacts and this will be sent to all churches. The
handbook on Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Policy and Procedures should
be downloaded from the national website and made available in all of the pastoral
charges.
7.
BUSINESS ARISING
Presentation on Presbytery Meeting Format
Rev. Heather McClure, Rev. Doug Stewart, and Rev. Wendy MacLean presented
the following motion regarding a proposal to re-energize the Presbytery meetings.
Motion: (Heather McClure/Patricia Lisson) that the Montreal Presbytery move to
adopt the proposed changes, as listed below, in its meeting format and schedule
as presented by the Executive at the September 11, 2012 meeting; and
that this proposal is to be adopted for a two year period, beginning in the fall
2013 and be evaluated.
Proposed changes:
1.
Four (4) meetings a year to take place on Saturdays from 9:30-3:30.
2.
Coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided.
3.
Meetings will happen at different locations, both on island and off island.
The Presbytery broke into table groups to discuss the questions put forward by the
committee.
The court felt it needed more time for discussion before making a Decision.
Motion (Shaun Fryday/Alyson Huntly) that the Montreal Presbytery postpone
definitely to the November Presbytery meeting the motion to adopt the proposed
changes in its meeting format and schedule. Carried
8.
REPORTS
Secretary and Correspondence
The Secretary reported that he and the Chair represented the United Church at
the interfaith gala in which Dr. Victor Goldbloom received the Pontifical Equestrian
Order of St. Sylvester Pope and Martyr for his lifelong leadership in promoting
Catholic-Jewish relations.
Chair
The Chair reported that she had attended the service at St. Johns United Church
(Richelieu).
The Chair is currently working with Rev. Whit Strong with regard to a sexual
misconduct issue. The Chair met with the staff committee regarding the report
that is being brought before the Presbytery.
Staff Committee Report
The members of the staff committee Rev. David Clinker, Rev. Shaun Fryday, Ms,
Valerie Nickson and Chair, Dr. Jim Vanstone presented the staff report.
In 2009, the Presbytery voted to continue the position of Vision and
Transformation Minister as a renewable annual appointment for up to three years.
The current appointment will end March 1, 2013. The Executive of the Montreal
Presbytery asked staff committee to review the position. The review was not
based on an evaluation of the incumbent but a ten-year analysis of the position.
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MONTREAL PRESBYTERY
October 9, 2012
The Chair read the findings of the committee and proposed the following motion.
Motion: (Jim Vanstone/David Clinker) that the Montreal Presbytery concur with
the report of the Staff Committee and that the position of Vision and
Transformation Minister not be continued past March 1, 2013.
A suggestion was made that the position be extended until June 30, 2013 which is
the date when most appointments in the church come to an end.
Ms Lisa Byer spoke about the Vision and Transformation role with respect to youth
ministry. The Chair of the Vision and Transformation spoke about the changes
that had been effected by the incumbent.
The following procedural motion was put forward.
Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) that the discussion of the motion of the Staff
Committee be postponed definitely to the November Presbytery meeting. Carried
Rev. Heather McClure stood on a point of personal privilege speaking on behalf of
the Pastoral Relations Committee.
She noted that the Pastoral Relations
Committee had not been consulted on the impact of this decision.
Union United (Montreal) Building
Mr. Fred Braman, member of the Union Building Task group, introduced Rev.
Ofori, Ms. Erene Anthony, and Mr. David Mackenzie of Union United Church.
Mr. Mackenzie, chair of the capital campaign to raise funds to rebuild Union
United, spoke of the challenge that is facing the congregation and the importance
of renovating and rebuilding the church. The congregation has a long history in
the community and continues to be a vibrant congregation. As part of its capital
campaign the congregation is looking for lead gifts, general gifts, and corporate
gifts. The congregation is also seeking financial gifts from other pastoral charges
across the country and from the Presbytery. The congregation needs to raise
$6,000,000 to renovate the church property on Delisle Street.
Rev. Ofori noted that the congregation is meeting shortly to look at other various
options and costs and would make a decision on the type of renovation they felt
they could afford.
2013 Budget Finance and Extension Board (F&E)
Mr. John Meaker, Secretary, and Mr. Paul Stanfield Treasurer of the Finance and
Extension Board presented the 2013 F&E budget.
The Treasurer noted that revenue is dropping because of the low returns in the
investment market and the over spending of capital. The Board has reduced
accounting costs from $32,000 to $20,000. The investment counsel fees paid to
manage the endowment fund are 0.4%. The Property renewal grant for pastoral
charges has been reduced from $162,000 (in 2009) to $80,000 (in 2013).
The grant to the Presbytery has been reduced by $65,000 from $495,000 (in
2012) to $430,000 (in 2013).
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MONTREAL PRESBYTERY
October 9, 2012
Moved by Mr. Paul Stanfield and seconded by Mr. Rick Sheffer that the Finance
and Extension Board (F&E) notify the Montreal Presbytery that the 2013 budget of
the F&E Board will be presented for approval at the November Presbytery
meeting.
Mr. Stanfield referred to the motion that the Presbytery passed in April 2011
whereby it mandated that “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”. It also
affirmed that “the mandate of the Finance and Extension Board remains to
preserve the capital of such fund in accordance with best practices of Canadian
Charitable Foundations while distributing for its work the maximum amounts
sustainable with that mandate”. The Presbytery requested 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 three years.
2013 Budget Presbytery
Mr. Fred Braman Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee and Mr. Rod
Young, Treasurer, presented the Presbytery 2013 budget scenarios.
The Administration and Finance Committee concurs with the Finance and
Extension Board that it should implement a 5% funding formula within three to
five years. This will allow the Board to maintain its capital base.
Two budget scenarios were presented. In both scenarios the grant from the
Finance and Extension Board was $430,000 and the total Presbytery revenue was
the same.
Scenario 1 if the recommendation of the Staff Committee stands and the position
of the Vision and Transformation Minister is eliminated there will be a reduction in
salaries.
This reduction will allow the Mission Support grant to remain at
$350,000 which is the same as the 2012 grant.
Scenario 2 if the position of the Vision and Transformation Minister should
continue then the Mission Support grant will need to be reduced from $350,000
(2012) to $295,000 (2013) representing a $55,000 cut.
The report of the Staff Committee will be decided on prior to the discussion of
2013 budgets.
The budget scenarios were presented for information and will be voted on at the
November Presbytery meeting.
Mission Support
Ms. Erene Anthony, chair of Mission Support, thanked Mr. Roger Snelling for his
wisdom over the past years. The members of the committee are Dr. Helen
Hanna, Rev. Barbara Bryce, Mr. Rick Sheffer, and Ms. Nancy Montgomery.
The proposal of the Mission Support Committee is based on the Presbytery budget
Scenario 1 in which the Presbytery allocation to Mission Support is $350,000.
Ms. Anthony noted that there had been submissions to mission support totalling
$650,000 and it has been very difficult to decide how to allocate resources. The
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MONTREAL PRESBYTERY
October 9, 2012
Presbytery allocations of Mission Support will be voted on at the November
meeting and a notice of motion was given.
The submission for the conference portion of Mission Support is $170,250 and the
following motion was presented.
Motion: (Erene Anthony/Barbara Bryce) that the Montreal Presbytery recommend
the last column of figures of the 2013 Mission Support Proposal dated October 9,
2012 as its request in the amount of $170,250 to the Conference Mission Support
Committee. Carried
9.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
A request was made to pull the motion of the Administration and Finance
Committee regarding the sale of St. George’s United Church.
Consensus Motion
Motion: (Heather McClure/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery adopt the
motions, each and every one, as part of this single action. Carried
Pastoral Relations
Motion: (Heather McClure/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery accept with
regret the request for an change in pastoral relations and retirement of Rev. Joe
McInnis effective August 1, 2013 and give thanks for his ministry among us.
Carried
Motion: (Heather McClure/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery establish a
Joint Needs Assessment Committee at Hudson Pastoral Charge and,
that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Rev. Scott Patton and Ms. Undeg Edwards
as the Presbytery representatives to the Joint Needs Assessment Committee.
Carried
Motion: (Heather McClure/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery establish a
Joint Needs Assessment Committee at Rouge Valley Pastoral Charge and;
that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Rev. Georgia Copland as the Presbytery
representative to the Joint Needs Assessment Committee. Carried
Motion: (Heather McClure/Kent Chown) that the Montreal Presbytery establish a
Joint Needs Assessment Committee at the Montreal City Mission and;
that the Montreal Presbytery appoint Mrs. Virginia Bryce as the Presbytery
representative to the Joint Needs Assessment Committee. Carried
End of consensus motion.
Administration and Finance Committee
Mr. Fred Braman explained that when St. George’s and Trinity United Churches
amalgamated, the Montreal Presbytery had declared that no surplus property
arose on such amalgamation. The Trustees of Trinity were then given permission
in the first instance to sell St. George’s Church. A buyer has been found and the
Administration and Finance Committee is recommending concurrence. Trinity
United Church will be required to present a mission plan regarding the assets to
the Presbytery.
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October 9, 2012
It was decided to separate the motion regarding the sale of St. George’s Church
and the disposition of assets.
Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) Be it Resolved that the Montreal Presbytery
concurs with the request of the Trustees of Trinity United Church to sell the
building and land, known as St. George’s United Church located at 3030 Baldwin
St., Montreal, Quebec to l’Église de Dieu Bethléhem for the sum of $500,000
according to conditions in the attached Offer to Purchase on an "as-is" basis and
otherwise as agreed by both parties. Carried
Motion: (Fred Braman/Rod Young) that upon the approval of the pastoral
charge’s plan of disposition be it resolved that the Presbytery reserves the right to
decide on the application of proceeds on closing. Carried
Motion: (Lisa Byer/Ellie Hummel) that the Presbytery meeting be extended to 10
p.m. Carried
Justice Global and Ecumenical Relations (JGER)
Rev, Patricia Lisson, co-chair of the Justice Global and Ecumenical Committee
noted that October 17th is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The link for the Dignity for All Campaign website will be circulated. Quebec has a
comprehensive document on eradicating poverty which can be found on the
Foundation of Greater Montreal website.
The Observer has the Gift of Visions catalogue that allows individual to give living
gifts.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission is coming to Montreal in April 2013.
The Committee would like any media questions regarding the United Church
stance on Palestine/Israel to be handled by the President of Conference.
Vision and Transformation
In line with its priorities, the Vision and Transformation Committee will focus on
IMPACT, as it helps to develop a presence in community for the ministries,
particularly Ministries in French.
The Vision and Transformation Committee helped to develop a process for the
“passing” of the ministry of St. John’s United Church (Richelieu) from the one
English member who had remained active to the “new” French congregation. At
the service there was representation from Montreal Presbytery leaders,
Conference Youth and leaders, the Montreal Haitian-African community, and
members of St. John’s United.
In line with the priority for supporting lay leadership and building a strong
foundation:
1) The Vision and Transformation Committee through the Erskine and American
Fund, sponsored Lisa Byer to attend a training course through Atlantic School of
Theology on Discerning with Youth.
2) The Committee is supporting and sponsoring, through the Erskine and
American Fund, the upcoming Youth Forum.
With Faith Development and the United Theological College the Committee is
planning a Licensed Lay Worship Leaders training, collaborating with Quebec
Sherbrooke Presbytery, based on the residential model they have used in the
past.
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3) As part of the work with Laurentian Area Ministries, the Committee sponsored
a workshop on the storytelling/Christian education method of Godly Play. Amy
Crawford, from General Council in Toronto, sponsored by Mission and Service
Fund led the workshop.
Faith Development
The Faith Development Committee is partnering with the United Theological
College and Quebec Sherbrooke Presbytery to offer a joint Licensed Lay Worship
Leader's course for 2013-2015. It will be a two phase model with the first year
more general in nature (exploring faith question, spirituality, bible and basics).
Following a discernment process the second year will focus on training lay worship
leaders.
Rev. Lefneski and Rev. Darla Sloane are working with EDGE: A Network for
Ministry Development and offering an on-line leadership cohort entirely in French.
This learning circle seeks to help lay people from across the country develop their
leadership skills and their confidence for ministry in French.
Rev. Lefneski urged Presbyters to visit the EDGE website which is a network for
ministry development information.
10.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: (Ellie Hummel) that the Montreal Presbytery adjourn the meeting at 10
p.m.
The meeting ended with a sung benediction.
Rev. Phyllis Smyth
Chair
Rev. Arlen Bonnar
Secretary