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Bay of Quinte Conference
Bay of Quinte Conference
Acknowledgements
Special Thanks to the Following:
Conference President
Worship and Music Leaders
Kente Presbytery
Local Arrangements Committee
Guests of Conference
Agenda & Business Committee
Unlimited Video Staging
Conference Annual Meeting Committee
Presbytery Secretaries
Children’s Program & Kids at Conference Coordinators
Youth & Young Adult Leadership
Bridge Street Church, Belleville
ESSROC Arena, Wellington
Friends at Conference
Chaplains
Parliamentarians
Stewards
Resource Room
Bay of Quinte Conference Staff
Conference Delegates
Bay of Quinte Conference
Bay of Quinte Conference: A Safe Place
“The United Church is committed to providing a safe environment for worship, work and study in all
Pastoral Charges, congregations, institutions, agencies, organizations, or other bodies that operate
under its name. Complaints of sexual abuse (sexual harassment, pastoral sexual misconduct, or sexual
assault) or child abuse will be taken seriously and will be dealt with in a spirit of compassion and
justice.”
The Bay of Quinte Conference has trained Consultants to whom you can turn with a sexual abuse
complaint.
Consultants
Audrey Whitney
613- 476-7869
Jean Wilson
905-349-2140
Bay of Quinte Conference
Table of Contents
Presenters and Guests…………………………...………………………………………….………….....1
Memorials…………………………………………………………………………..…..……………………3
Retirees………………………………………………………….…………………………………………...6
Candidate Profile…………………………………………………………………………………………..17
Conference Reports
William Sheaves, President………………………………………………………………………18
Maxine Reid, President-Designate………………………………………………………………19
Bill Smith, Executive Secretary…………………………………………………………………..20
Jackie Harper, Conference Minister: Programs & Youth…………..………………………….21
Mary-Jane Hobden, Conference Minister: MEPS……………………………………………..24
David Timpson, Conference Minister, Pastoral Care………………………………………....25
Representatives to the General Council Executive…………………………………………...26
Executive Actions………………………………………………………………………………………….30
Business Resolutions……………………………………………………………………………………..41
Presbyteries
Four Rivers Presbytery…………………………………………………………………………..43
Four Winds Presbytery…………………………………………………………………………...44
Hills and Shores Presbytery…….……………………………………………………………….45
Kawartha Highlands Presbytery…………………………………………………………………46
Kente Presbytery………………………………………………………………………………….46
Lakeridge Presbytery……………………………………………………………………………..47
Shining Waters Presbytery……………………………………………………………………….48
Upper Valley Presbytery………………………………………………………………………….49
Permanent Committees
Ministry, Personnel and Education……………………………………………………………...50
Partnering in Mission……………………………………………………………………………..50
Lifelong Faith Formation (LFF)…………………………………………………………………..55
Standing Committees
Archives and History……………………………………………………………………………...57
Bay of Quinte Conference
Finance……………………………………………………………………………………………..58
Regulations for Conference Finances……………………………………………………….61
Financial Statements…………………………………………………………………………..63
Nominations………………………………………………………………………………………...70
Settlement Committee…..……...………………………………………………………………….71
Staffing Committee…………………………………………………………………………………72
Conference Candidacy Coordinating Committee (4c) ………………..………………………..74
Transformational Ministry………………………………………………………………………….74
Related Organizations
Grand River Spiritual and Educational Resources (AVEL)…………………………………….77
United Church Women (UCW)…………………………………………………………………....78
Theological Centres
Emmanuel College…………………………………………………………………………………80
Queen’s School of Religion………………………………………………………………….…….81
Centre For Christian Studies……………………………………………………………………...83
Sandy Saulteaux Centre…………………………………………………………………………..84
Camps & Retreat Centres
Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre……………………………………………………….87
Golden Lake Camp………………………………………………………………………………...88
Camp Lau-Ren……………………………………………………………………………………..90
Camp Quin-Mo-Lac………………………………………………………………………………..91
Old Hay Bay Church……………………………………………………………………………….92
Proposals…….……………………………………………………………………………………………...94
Vision and Mission Statements………………………………………………………………………….105
Expression of Interest Form……………………………………………………………………………...108
Sessions of Bay of Quinte Conference………………………………………………………………….109
Agenda ……………………...……………………………………………………………………………...112
1.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Presenters and Guests
Worship Team for 2015 Conference Annual Meeting
This year's worship team includes Pastor Helen Bickle from Quinte Deaf Fellowship and Bob
Matheson from Emmanuel United: Foxboro as Ordained Clergy. Robert Campbell of Westminster
United Church, brings his talent and experience as a retired school teacher and Licensed Lay Worship
Leader. Lori St. Germaine is also a licensed lay worship leader from Cannifton. Sheila Parks comes to
us as one of the worship planning team of St. Mark's United Church in Cannifton. We will have been in
consultation with several others including those working at Conference Office and the Quinte Deaf
Fellowship. Larry Doyle will also be giving us some musical assistance. Terry Head the Minister of
Music from Bridge Street United Church where we are to have our Celebration of Ministry Service on
Sunday morning, May 31, has been key in terms of placement and choice of music as appropriate to
our worship settings, message and spirituality.
Our goal will be to bring some of ourselves, a flavour of Kente Presbytery and the invitation to allow
all participants in Worship to feel included and themselves in the experience of Worship.
Theme Speaker: Phyllis Airhart
Phyllis D. Airhart is Professor of the History of Christianity and Director
of the M.Div. program at Emmanuel College in the University of Toronto.
Her most recent book, A Church with the Soul of a Nation: Making and
Remaking the United Church of Canada, is a finalist for the 2015
Canada Prize in the Humanities, awarded annually by the Federation for
the Humanities and Social Sciences. She is also the author of Serving
the Present Age: Revivalism, Progressivism, and the Methodist Tradition
in Canada, and co-editor of Faith Traditions and the Family and Doing
Ethics in a Pluralistic World: Essays in Honour of Roger C. Hutchinson.
Her teaching and research interests include North American Christianity,
religion and public life, and the history of spirituality.
Bay of Quinte Conference
2.
General Council Representative: Daniel Benson
Daniel Benson has served as Executive Minister for Communications at
the General Council Office since 2006. Although an (almost) cradle United
Church member, Dan served the Anglican Church as the general
manager of the Anglican Book Centre, and after about a decade in the job
was one of the best pseudo-Anglicans in the store! With a keen interest in
communications, publishing, and marketing, Dan oversees a diverse work
unit at the GCO that includes web services, social media, video
production, book and periodical publication, public and media relations,
editorial, graphics and design, distribution, statistics, communications en
français, archives, marketing, mail distribution, and offices services
(whew!). Dan was ordained into his role as Executive Minister at General
Council at Toronto Conference AGM in 2014 after many years of part-time
studies at Emmanuel College (he received the “Methuselah Award’ at the college’s annual year-end
dinner for being the student with the longest tenure!).
Oh yes, and in the wee bit of time left when Dan isn’t in church he pursues his horological interests
(Dan’s first vocation), training his crazy dog, spending time with his long-time partner Grant, as well as
keeping two vintage vehicles on the road.
3.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Memorials
The Rev. Dr. Jean E Barkley: February 26, 1950 - January 29, 2015
Jean was born on February 26, 1950 in Avonmore, Ontario. Her parents were both highly committed
church people and Jean acquired a love of the United Church at a very early age. She was ordained a
Minister in The United Church of Canada in 1975 and her first Pastoral charge was Sutton-Durham in
Quebec's beautiful Eastern Townships.
From the very beginning Jean manifested a love of pastoral care and teaching both adults and
children. After 5 years she moved on to Glebe-St. James in Ottawa and then to the United Theological
College in Montreal. There she served as Director of Studies and when the Principal resigned she
assumed the Role of Acting Principal for one year and remained another year to integrate the newly
called Principal. Towards the end of her tenure at UTC Jean felt she wanted to return to serving a
congregation and was called to St. Andrews-by-the-Lake in Kingston where she stayed until her
retirement.
Jean was universally known for her wisdom, warmth, kindness, gentleness, generosity of spirit, and
her genuine love of people and church.
During her time at UTC in Montreal she met her husband, Mark Fleming, who became a United
Church Minister under her tutelage. She is sorely missed by him, all her family and many friends
throughout the United Church. In her obituary, which she wrote, she mentioned the phrase, "Jean left
us trusting in God for all her needs for the future." This was her final statement manifesting her
profound hope and trust in God.
The Rev. Herbert ‘Bert’ Batstone
Herbert Batstone was a retired United Church of Canada Minister who served congregations in
Lower Island Cove in Newfoundland, Dollard des Ormeaux in Quebec, and both Newburgh Pastoral
Charge and St. Paul’s: Ajax in Ontario. He was an RAF Veteran of WWll and a Past Chaplain of Royal
Canadian Legion Branch 322 in Ajax. Bert also served as Chair of Oshawa Presbytery.
Bert died peacefully at Kingston General Hospital on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 in his 92nd year.
Beloved husband and best friend of Joan (nee Barnes). Loving father of Ross (Edie), Barbara Jenkins
(Randy), and Carol. Proud grandfather of Krista, Laurie, Mark, Paul, and Melanie and great
grandfather of six. He was the dear brother of Mae Fillier.
Bay of Quinte Conference
4.
James Burn: September 14th, 1931 - May 16th, 2014
Jim always had a strong faith. This led him to ministry in the United Church of Canada. After
ordination in 1956, he had a fulfilling ministry, actively serving six congregations, then several others
as an interim minister in his retirement. Jim enjoyed a variety of interests and pursuits, even when
faced with daunting health challenges in his later years. He especially loved playing and watching
sports, reading, theatre and concerts, camping, gardening and all card games, especially Bridge. In
fact he taught Bridge everywhere he went to increase his opportunities to play. Jim was devoted to his
family. His children and grandchildren were always aware of how fiercely proud he was of them. Jim
had a quiet and unassuming presence, which was the public guise that didn’t always reveal the fact
that he was a man of wisdom, thoughtfulness, care and compassion, assurance and determination,
with generous doses of humour. He will be dearly missed.
David Davidson: December 13, 1922 - January 13, 2015
David died at the age of 92 years. He was Ordained by the Bay of Quinte Conference in 1956. David
began his ministry in the midst of the closures and amalgamations of the fifties. A peace maker in the
bringing of 2 charges into 1 and a church builder in that era of church building. He was for many years
a Chaplain for the Canadian Forces serving bases in Canada and tours abroad. He is well
remembered in the churches that he served both in Bay of Quinte Conference and in Seaway Valley
Presbytery in Montreal and Ottawa Conference. Kind and caring he will be particularly missed by the
congregation of St John’s United Church, Brockville, where he spent many years of his retirement. A
steadfast supporter of the Church, he was as well beloved husband of the late Carol (nee Leith).
Loving father of Ruth Hayward (Stephen) and Lyle all of Ottawa, and Bruce of Gananoque. Dear
brother of Anne Dowker (Roger) of Sydenham
Clifford William DeQuetteville: December 31, 1937 - January 16th, 2015
Clifford received his B.A. from Waterloo Lutheran and his M.Div from U.of T., spending summer
internships in Saskatchewan. He met and married Carol during his student years.
Since 2000 Cliff has been a resident of Hamilton, where he did work with Hamilton Housing until a
couple of months prior to his death. He was the Security Tenant in his building where his outgoing
personality and willing helping hand to any in need was deeply appreciated by his many neighbours.
He is fondly remembered by his family and friends in the Oshawa area and the church where he
worshipped, Kingsview. Cliff’s wife Carol and his children mourn his passing. He was the loving Father
of Michael (Lisa) of Guelph, Mark of Ajax and Miles (Lisa) of Ottawa.
Ordained in 1968, Cliff’s membership remained on the retained roll of Oshawa Presbytery after his
last Pastoral appointment ending in 1978. Cliff’s ministry was served in Manitoba, then Guthrie Hawkestone in Simcoe, also Arva in Middlesex and Millbank-Hampstead in Huron Perth Presbytery.
He worked as an investment advisor in Oshawa and owned a coffee shop in Bowmanville. He left
Oshawa and went to the Hamilton area to be closer to an ailing brother. He died peacefully among
friends, his passing was celebrated in Oshawa.
5.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Rev. Willet Fred Jewell
Fred passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2014 in his 87th year. He was the beloved
husband of Francis Faye Jewell of Tweed. Loving father of Terry and his wife Donna Jewell of
Cochrane and stepfather of Colleen Martin (Barry Bettridge) of Sauble Beach, Steven Kelly of Cornwall
and Heather Anne (Stephen) Dignard of Owen Sound. He will also be missed by several grandchildren
and great grandchildren.
Lori Ann Storring
Died March 28th 2015 at the Center Hastings Hospital. She is remembered as a gifted Diaconal
Minister and a confident military chaplain. She worked in Toronto and London Conferences before
coming back to Bay of Quinte in 2003. She was a member of Shining Waters Presbytery but not in
active ministry. She served in Chalk River and St. Mary's in her time as a minister for The United
Church of Canada. She will be fondly remembered by her partner Richard and among the people of
the Bancroft Carlow Pastoral Charge where she has attended of late and where she began just 59
years ago.
David Tuck
Passed peacefully away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at the Health Sciences Complex following a
short illness. Retired United Church Minister, Artist, Photographer, Printmaker, Clown, member of
Eastern Edge Gallery, David was 61 years old. He served several Pastoral Charges in Newfoundland
and Labrador Conference, Maritime Conference and finished his ministry at Trinity St. Andrew’s in
Renfrew. His physical presence will be missed but his spirit will glow a bright pallet of hues that will out
shine the paintings of the masters! He brought laughter and joy to his parishioners and great insight
into life lived through Christ. He shared freely of his creativity in and through his art, his writing and his
liturgy.
Bay of Quinte Conference
6.
Retirees
Edward Bentley
It would never happen today and probably should not have happened
then. I was sixteen when Toronto Centre Presbytery received me as a
Candidate for Ministry. What I remember from that meeting, along with
the escalating panic every time someone asked me why I had decided to
become a minister, was a panel of distinguished churchmen (no women)
who were discussing the reasons why church attendance was declining.
This was the mid-sixties when the post-war enthusiasm for ecclesial
activity had begun to wane.
One of the panelists was The Very Reverend Ernest Howse, a former
Moderator who was still inciting occasional firestorms from the pulpit of
Bloor Street United Church. Through the discussion, Howse sat in cranky silence at the end of the
panel. When the moderator finally asked him if he had anything to add, Ernie muttered in stage whisper:
“The only thing wrong with our churches is that too many of its preachers assume the people hang up
their intelligence on a hook with their coats when they come in.”
My home church, a block away from the House of Howse, was Trinity U.C. (now Trinity-St. Paul’s)
where I was nurtured by the ministry of J. Robert Watt. The two men, I think, represented in contrast the
best of our denomination. While Howse tended to proclaim the Good News by speaking to the mind, in
language of the academy, Watt more often used narrative to create the interface of stories (yours, mine
and God’s) where the gospel comes alive. Though different in style, both demanded a response from
the listener which was transforming of self and community.
If I dare to risk personal critique in my post-career reflectiveness, the metric must be the extent to
which I have emulated the church leaders of that generation and served the mission of the denomination
which is their legacy. Have I, by proclaiming Good News to mind and heart, engaged the people with
whom I have ministered so that there has been some measure of transformation, personal and
community, for good, for God?
The answer is best given by members of the five congregations of Eastern Guysborough Pastoral
Charge in Nova Scotia who were left, by unforeseen circumstance, to suffer the Summer of ’69 with my
19-year-old self as their only minister. Or by the three congregations of the Mono Mills Charge (DufferinPeel Presbytery) which was the student appointment I served during the last two years at Emmanuel
College. Or the Guysborough churches which were made my settlement appointment after ordination by
Toronto Conference in 1973. Or the three churches of the Bobcaygeon Charge (Lindsay Presbytery)
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Bay of Quinte Conference
which I served for seven years. Or the people of Eastminster U.C. in Belleville who had no idea when
they called me that I would still be their minister 31 years later.
Through it all, I have been incredibly blessed: with opportunities to learn and grow and serve; with
parishioners who have been caring critics, generous co-workers and good friends; and with a family
whose love has been expressed in patient understanding and challenging encouragement.
Most of all, I have been blessed with a partner in life who has been, willingly and unfailingly, my
partner in ministry. It just doesn’t seem right that Betty’s reward is to now have me home more than
ever before!
Anne Foster
With four month Internships (May - August) in Ponoka, Alberta and
the Presbyterian Church of East Africa in Mombasa, Kenya and a
Master of Divinity Degree from Emmanuel College, I was ordained to
the Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care in The United
Church of Canada on May 27, 1984 and settled on the two point Fort
St. John Pastoral Charge, 50 miles North of Mile 0 on the Alaska
Highway in Northern British Columbia. We had snow in
A u g u s t ! !
E v e r y
y e a r ! !
It has been a privilege to serve 26 years in our justice seeking
church. I have been proud of the United Church in so many ways,
including our advocacy for Same-Sex Marriage. Through the Worship Committee and Council/Official
Board on three Pastoral Charges, we have presented a motion which reads "That all people
approaching this Pastoral Charge with requests for Baptism, Funerals, Memorial Services or
Weddings be given equal consideration." The critical words in the motion are "all people.....equal."
The first same sex wedding I conducted was for two women who had already been together in a
loving relationship more than twenty years. As we planned their wedding, they asked that thanks be
given in the prayers to the Government of Ontario and The United Church of Canada for honouring
their love and their lives. It was a very moving experience.
My prayers are with all who serve our United Church of Canada in so many ways. May God bless
us as we look to the future and give thanks for the opportunity to serve.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Bradley Ford
A child of the suburbs of Mississauga, Ontario, I joined the Navy right
out of high school and served as a radio operator for almost 6 years.
Studying to be an accountant at Saint Mary's University I took an
elective in the Bible, and encouraged to take a different course by a
Jesuit priest who invited me to consider what the story of Moses at the
burning bush might be telling me. As someone who also has a speech
impediment I realized that I could be called to ministry despite this
“problem”. Ordained by Maritime Conference in 1986 my ministry has
taken us to Coronation, Belleville, Cobourg, and Halifax Presbyteries
and finally Hills & Shores Presbytery from which I now end my
congregational ministry. Through that time I've been chased by bulls,
lost in the back country of wherever I was living, almost burned up a
combine, gone lobster fishing at an hour so early in the morning it could only be called “O-dark-30”,
and inflicted my terrible sign language skills on Deaf persons in at least 4 provinces, to name but a
few of my experiences.
I spent most of my ministry developing my skills and trying to provide ministry that would provide
meaningful spiritual growth for congregants with the hope that congregational growth may occur. I can
cite only limited success in this regard. I appreciate very much the opportunity 28 years of ministry
have given me to be with people in what were often difficult personal situations, and to proclaim the
love of God in Christ who will not let us go, all the while enjoying the loving support of Angela to whom
I've been married almost 39 years. I give thanks for the many people across the country who have left
indelible marks on my heart. I am looking forward to more time with Angela and with our son and his
family – four grandkids! - and have hopes of travelling around North America in our camping trailer
and by rail.
David Kai
David Kai grew up in Toronto attending the Centennial-Japanese
United Church. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto, the
Humber College music program and The Centre for Christian Studies.
Commissioned as a diaconal minister in 1987, David has served in
pastoral charges in Birtle, Manitoba, Orleans, Ontario and retires from
Pickering Village United Church in Ajax, Ontario.
Some good memories from David's twenty-eight years of ministry
include:

working with spouse Marly Bown and many others in creating and
carrying out youth programs on congregational, Presbytery,
Conference and General Council levels;

being a part of the committee that produced Voices United;

mission exposure trips to Cuba and Nicaragua to witness the work of United Church partners;
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
music making with Spirit.calm and many other musicians at Presbytery, Conference and
intercultural ministry events;

composing and arranging music with a wide range of authors and composers;

the daily fulfillment of pastoral ministry and worship leadership.
David and Marly will be moving to the Grand Bend Ontario area, and plan to be "snowbirds" to avoid
the worst of the Canadian winter. Though retiring, David plans to keep being involved in worship
leadership, creative writing and musical ministry on a part-time basis.
Marly and David extend thanks to all of their friends and coworkers; Bay of Quinte has been a
wonderful, supportive conference to have been a part of; both forward-thinking and justice-seeking. As
we part ways, may we remember the words of the hymn, "Our God Goes With Us":
Our God goes with us wherever we may roam,
Our God goes with us, makes each new place our home,
As God goes with us we live by faith, not fear,
Thanks be to God, ever ‘fore us, ever near.
The Spirit leads; the future, still unknown,
is not to fear, we trust in God alone,
Be with us still as we move on again,
strengthen, inspire us, our Saviour and our Friend.
Joanna MacQuarrie
What a calling for a shy, quiet, not very tall young woman from the
west end of Ottawa. As a teen, my image of ministers was that they
were all tall, extroverted men, so I ignored the first call and pursued
psychology and motherhood for a time. Have you ever noticed the
persistence of the Holy Spirit? What a calling for a single parent with
every hour filled with child-care duties. Those Emmanuel days –2
courses, 3 part time jobs and 3 young children—are a blur, a blur of
human determination and divine strength, for my own too often faltered.
“What a calling!” I thought on ordination day in 1991, as I held back
tears of joy and amazement and really heard my church and my God
ordain me to this life of word, sacrament and pastoral care.
“What a calling!” I have said many times since—sometimes in delight, sometimes in despair, often in
awe. It is the people, you see, who turn every day into a mystery to be explored--and sometimes
solved. It is people who call me from my daily ‘to do’ list to other pressing needs and privileges. It is
the people long dead, who live on in my memory of God’s amazing world. I cherish the tender
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moments such as when a couple told me that finally, after much trying, they were going to have a
child, when a sermon which I disliked turned out to be the one which spoke well to someone else and
when family dynamics either challenged or moved me to tears, as we prepared for a funeral or
wedding.
Though there have been many times over the years, when I’ve felt as if I were making it up as I went
along, actually life offered interesting preparation. As a young person, my playmates were Jewish and
Anglican and our family was deeply involved in the life of Parkdale UC. Sunday school teachers and
Explorer and CGIT leaders began to give language to this experience we call faith. Adult life took me
to Pennsylvania, where I worshiped for a few years with Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist and
university congregations, gaining knowledge of diverse liturgies, which would later prove valuable. I
was a candidate from Hillcrest UC in Willowdale, a congregation which shared a building with
Anglicans and Presbyterians and pioneered with new styles of faith development and all ages in
worship leadership. My daughters still compare every church they encounter to the Hillcrest model.
With the help of the Rev. Ken Purdon and the Rev. Kay Rice, I eventually found the courage to name a
call to ordered ministry. Earlier studies in psychology and counseling proved useful, once I tackled the
challenges and opportunities of a year-long internship and then pastoral ministry.
It is the church, this beloved United Church of ours and its role in embodying Christ’s teachings
through the ages, which has dominated my time and thoughts for over 24 years. Yes, ministry is a job,
but so much more. Presbyteries in all their varied guises have been filled with faithful people from all
walks of life, who give time and energy to the kindom through ‘church work.’ Nine years in Northern
Lights Presbytery, which stretches from the Yukon and Northwest Territories to NE British Columbia
and NW Alberta, introduced me to the pioneering spirit, alive and well in many, many parts of our farflung country and to congregations less burdened with neighbouring churches as competitors, yet
challenged by distance and cultural changes.
Thanks to the people of Alberta and Northwest Conference, I was elected to seven years on the
General Council Executive, where I sat next to people such as Marion Best, Stan McKay and Michael
Bourgeois and sopped up wisdom from each report and discussion. Decision-making was tough, as
we faced Bill Phipps’ October crisis, the start of the Residential School trials and the freezing of the
national budget. Again and again I heard powerful theological reflection, as the ethos, faith and
traditions of the UCC were articulated by some of our amazing leaders. Our system is not perfect and
I pray for those who prepare to serve as Commissioners at this year’s GC42 with its big choices.
However, I appreciate and encourage my United Church family--people and structures and all the rest-as together we seek to heed the Spirit’s call in seas as wavy as the ones Jesus faced on Lake
Kinneret in the first century.
Most of all, I give thanks for the memories and experiences of ministry:

at St. James-Bond in Toronto - a congregation of proud traditions, which touched many lives.

at St. Paul’s in Grande Prairie, Alberta, the ‘big city’ church of a far flung Presbytery, bursting with
young pioneers in Canada’s beautiful northern lands.

at Foothills UC, a little country church by the Bow River, which had been enveloped by the growing
city of Calgary with its needs and possibilities.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
at St. Andrew’s, the first Presbyterian church in Peterborough, celebrating 182 years of history,
reaching out to neighbours, affirming the worth of all people, journeying towards right relationships
with Aboriginal people and exploring what form the church of the future will take in downtown
Peterborough.
As this phase of my ministry draws to a close, I remember with gratitude the many faithful UCC
people, both clergy and lay, whom I’ve had the privilege to meet. With your help and nudges and
prods from the surprising Spirit, I have followed paths and uncovered strengths, which I did not know I
had. I’ve studied in the ancient Iona Abbey, the streets of Jerusalem and the modern halls of
Emmanuel College and attended meetings and worship north of sixty, at church house, in hockey
arenas and in a vast array of church buildings. I’ve watched congregations of twenty and those of
hundreds seeking to offer meaningful ministry where they are planted. What a list of opportunities, to
which I would add the chance to see my daughters grow and become parents themselves.
Just what is the Spirit calling me to next? I look forward to more time with the grandchildren, to
writing, to photography and finally getting a life-time of images organized, to finishing my Healing
Pathway training and especially to the surprises the Spirit still has in store.
Nadine Mahood
I graduated from the Center for Christian Studies in 1993 and
completed a year-long CAPE program under Rev. Donovan Brown in
1994. I was then settled on Wilfrid Pastoral Charge in Bay of Quinte
Conference. Unfortunately, by early 1995 I became unable to continue
my ministerial duties because I had developed health issues and had to
leave active ministry. For the next 7 years I was unable to work at all
due to those issues.
In 2001 I began attending services at Trinity-St. Andrew’s United in
Brighton when I moved into an apartment next to the church. In
conversations with Rev. Brad Ford, the minister there at the time, I
realized that there was a way I could fulfill my call to ministry in a
unique way. Rev. Ford and I put together a list of around sixty seniors and shut-ins that he did not
have the time to visit on a regular basis because his time was needed by those who were imminent
need of Pastoral Care. I began a telephone ministry which I could do at home and when I was well
enough by calling the people on the list on a weekly, semi-weekly or monthly as needed to talk about
whatever they needed both spiritually and practically. In January of 2002 while assisting Rev. Ford
with a service at Maplewood Manor, the local nursing home I found out that they were in need of a
Chaplain who could visit with the residents on as regular a basis as was possible and also be present
with those who were in the last days and hours of their lives and their family members who were
present. To the best of my ability I spent the time between February, 2002 and the spring of 2013
visiting residents for 3 hours each Thursday afternoon. I have always felt that ministry with seniors
was my calling and believe within my heart that God placed me where I was needed and where I could
use my gifts the most at a time when I could not do regular ministry. Since 2013 my ability to visit has
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been sporadic because my physical mobility is now severely compromised but I still officiate at Good
Friday and Easter Sunday services, Remembrance Day services and Memorial services for family of
residents who have passed away and for the other residents to have an opportunity to do the same. I
also do weddings and funerals when I am able.
My ministry did not go as I had imagined but in God’s wisdom I was put in a specific place at the right
time to do a ministry that has fulfilled me and helped others in the process. I give God thanks for that.
Janet Petrie
On my 25th birthday, I began working for The United Church of
Canada. Having just attained a Bachelor of Education, but feeling
totally unprepared for a career in teaching, I opted for a temporary
summer job in the finance department at 85 St. Clair Ave. in Toronto. By
the end of the summer, I had been so embraced by the warmth of
colleagues there on the 8th floor, surrounded by machines and steel gray
furniture, that I applied for a full-time job.
That’s how I came to be a pension clerk, processing applications and
sending monthly pension cheques to retired ministers and staff of the
United Church across Canada. There were lots of figures and
administrative stuff, which I liked, but the best part was when pensioners
would call or write letters. A couple of months into the job there was a
postal strike, lasting 2 months. I was assigned the task of phoning Pension Convenors across the
country and getting them ready to receive batches of cheques, through the bank’s dispatch system
and deliver them to pensioners in their area. I learned more about Canada and met more people from
coast to coast than I would ever have thought possible for an introvert. The deluge of letters and calls
from pensioners after the strike, expressing thanks for the efforts and the visits, was so gratifying I was
hooked. In all, I worked there for 19 years, ever learning more about pensions and benefits and being
given ever more responsibility. While the work was both inspiring and challenging, the people that I
served and worked with were outstanding. All that the church was speaking-up about and attending
to, in the name of justice and compassion in those years, moved me deeply.
It was during those years that I returned to worship in the United Church after a hiatus of several
years. I began to take an active part in congregational life and look for spiritual practices that would
feed my soul. Then after some time of discernment I began to sense a call to pastoral ministry. It was
awareness of the unique and profound gift the church offers the world that drew me to think outside
the box now about my calling. The community of God that Christ embodied, and inspires followers to
envision and live toward still today, is for me the one thing worth living and dying for.
I have served two pastoral charges in these 17 years of pastoral ministry. Together, we have been
stretched, delighted, humbled and enabled to minister with Christ in our communities. I would not
trade the life I have been given through these experiences for anything. And I shall be content to
continue doing so in retirement.
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Susan Robinson
This spring marks 45 years since I was designated as a Diaconal
Minister at Saskatchewan Conference Annual Meeting in Regina. I had
studied and worked in agriculture in southern England, returning to
Saskatchewan eventually to be employed as a lay person in youth and
seniors ministry in Regina. In 1970 I graduated from the Centre for
Christian Studies and was loaned to the Anglican fellowship with whom
we were at that time in serious talks about Union. First I worked for the
Diocese of Toronto in Leadership Development and then for Christ
Church in Brampton as a Deacon.
After my marriage, my husband and I continued to dairy farm in
Thornhill and then we moved with our two young daughters to Brooklin,
where we have remained.
Oshawa (Lakeridge) Presbytery has been my base. I have contributed by working on National,
Conference and Presbytery Committees; Leadership development, Ministry and Outreach being the
emphasis. On several occasions I have taken on appointments of six months to two years in several
local pastoral charges. My affiliation is with Brooklin United where I have over the years both
supported when asked and filled in when needed in pastoral and administrative capacities. Community
outreach, and pastoral care has kept me busy for these many years. I do not expect that much will
change in my life in any quick manner, but I don’t know how else to get my name shifted from the
retained to the retired column! Roy and I enjoy our small family, two married daughters and two
grandchildren with whom we spend much time. We no longer work as hard at farming and have begun
to enjoy some travelling. Time to catch up on some of those purchased books that have been
collecting dust!
Jon Williams
The gospel reading from Mark for the second Sunday of Lent this
year includes Jesus’ instruction that if we are to be his disciples, we
must take up our cross and follow him. The parishioners of the
Denbigh/Matawatchan/Schutt Pastoral Charge will be reflecting this
Sunday on the fact that we have no idea where the Christ will lead us
and to accept his challenge is to take a major leap in faith. No one,
least of all me, would have thought that when I rejected the idea of an
accountable ministry vocation at the age of nineteen, on the grounds
that I was nowhere near competent for the role, that the idea would
come full circle forty two years later.
With the idea of a ministry vocation not on the agenda, I embarked on a very satisfying forestry
career that took me all sorts of places that I would never have foreseen. I spent a good deal of that
career developing ways and means of encouraging public stewardship of our natural resources.
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Preaching the “forestry gospel” was, in my mind, an answer to a call, and it was as close to the
pulpit as I ever expected to get. Retirement came early when the Federal Government institute that
employed me fell victim to budget cuts. My wife, Margaret, and I became Licensed Lay Worship
Leaders. We sometimes shared services, one preaching the sermon, the other conducting the
service. One night while returning home after the fourth joint service of the day on the Whitney/
Maynooth Charge, Margaret asked me if I would like to be doing this on a regular basis. Somewhat to
my own surprise, I immediately responded that I would. That was God’s call for me. I was as ready
as I would ever be. It was now or never. My mother told me I was always late for everything. My
designation as a Designated Lay Minister came three weeks before my first Old Age Security cheque.
I would not be around for a long time, but it certainly was a good time.
The people of the Denbigh/Matawatchan/Schutt Charge have tolerated my swiss cheese memory
with endless patience, especially the last year or two as the holes start to get larger. We have been
on a marvelous journey, learning from each other as, together, we have explored the nature of our
God and redeemer and our relationship with our creator. I am sure that few people in the world have
been as richly blessed as I have been. Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow him. We know
not were the path might take us, but, if my experience is any example, I can hardly wait to find out.
Jean Wilson
Ordained in 1997 I was already blessed with a wealth of experience in
the courts of the church as an active lay person; I was then gifted with
wealth of a great theological education. As I faced my settlement charge
it was with trepidation and anticipation all rolled into one but soon
discovered that my home congregation was also a great role model for
rural ministry and found the same kind blessings in my 14 years in rural
ministry. The Pastoral charges of Anna-Woodford in Grey Presbytery
(Toronto Conference) and Prince Edward South in Belleville Presbytery
(Bay of Quinte Conference) were gracious in their willingness to walk
with me in ministry, tenacious in the things they would not change,
faithful and hopeful in embracing the realities of the time and loving when anyone in the community
was suffering.
In 2011 I was given the opportunity to enter into Interim/interim ministry and have for three and a
have years served in ministry with the congregations of Trinity-Providence-Bobcaygeon, St. Paul’s –
Stirling and King Street United Church/Trenton United Church in Trenton Ontario. What a great time of
challenge and blessing to walk with congregations in transition.
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So many words would be used to reflect on the fertile times and times of drought in those years of
ministry – it would fill Volume 1. The thought I do want to share is that the greatest wealth in the
United Church of Canada is its people.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”
From Victoria to St. John’s, from Port Dover to Iqualuit, this church of ours is blessed with wisdom,
gifts, faith, and love for each other. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.
Marybeth Wilson
This is a time of wondering for me. Never having retired before, I
don’t know for sure, but I suspect retirement from ministry is different
from retirement from other kinds of employment. The call to ministry
goes deep into the core of one’s being. The decision to retire is not one
that comes easily. I know there are aspects of ministry that I will miss
deeply.
So, I’m wondering what I will miss the most. Will it be the weekly
discipline of pondering the scripture readings and preparing a sermon?
Will it be delivering that sermon when Sunday comes around again, as
it inevitably does? Or is it the overall experience of leading worship that
I will miss most? I’m wondering if what I will miss most is providing
pastoral care – the privilege of listening to people tell of their joys and
their sorrows, their fears and their excitement, and the opportunity to share with them in prayer. Will I
miss most the times of learning and growing in faith with others who want to delve more deeply into
their understanding of how God is at work in their lives? Will I miss the comradeship of shared work in
preparing and serving a meal, or sitting together around a meeting table?
I can say with deep conviction that there are elements of each of these aspects of ministry – the
disciplines and privileges, the fellowship and the faith-sharing – that I will most certainly miss. I can
also say with complete honesty that there are elements of each that I will not miss. I won’t miss
sermon preparation, particularly when I recall the weeks when the scripture passage was so difficult
for me that words for a sermon just would not come – and I’m sure my husband will agree that he
won’t miss those weeks either. I will be grateful for opportunities NOT to lead worship – to be able to
simply worship as one of a gathered community. I won’t miss the “unrelenting return of Sunday”, to
quote an Emmanuel classmate. And I know I won’t miss the incessant meetings.
With deep gratitude, though, I recall a very insistent, determined God who refused to allow me to
ignore the Holy Voice calling me to ministry. I am deeply grateful for the huge privilege of ministering
among people of abiding faith and deep courage. And as I move into this new stage of my life, I am
wondering how that grace-filled Voice will speak, and where God’s love will lead. I am confident that,
in God’s time, the answer will be clear.
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Ruth Wood
As a transgender person I had the rather unusual opportunity to
choose my own name. People often ask me why I chose the name
Ruth. I have always loved the story of Naomi and Ruth in the Hebrew
scriptures. I admire Ruth's characteristics of loyalty, caring, strength
and love. I could not have picked a better role model and mentor. Not
that I have all of Ruth's qualities or at least not in the same proportions
she demonstrates but I do aspire to be like her.
If I had wanted to pick the biblical person I most resembled it would
have been Jonah (sorry Jonah, I ruled your name out in the first round
for obvious reasons). I ran away from the call many times over many
years. In 2002, after a 28 year career in the electronics manufacturing
industry, I went through discernment. In 2003 I began my training in
the Designated Lay Ministry program as a student minister on the Wolfe Island Pastoral Charge.
Unlike Jonah, who was quite unhappy with the results when he finally answered God's call, I had the
pleasure after only a few months in ministry, of saying “this is where I am meant to be, why did I wait
so long”.
Our theme this year of “Back to the Future” is so appropriate for me at this point in my life. As I look
back at the past 12 years at both the Calvary and Wolfe Island pastoral charges I am grateful for the
lessons learned, the opportunity to extend love and for the love returned. I also can see how the past
has prepared me for the ministry I still have to live out.
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Candidate Profile
Laura Springate
I came to the United Church in my early 20s because it was
welcoming of the LGBTQ community. I stayed because of The United
Church of Canada’s commitment to thoughtful, liberal faith, its focus on
social justice, and its openness to welcoming all into the Body of Christ.
Three years of seminary at Emmanuel College and two further years of
SME internship at Claremont United Church have brought lots of twists
and turns, challenges and growth. It’s also deepened my relationship
with God and the Gospel of Christ. As I enter into my first ordained call
with Claremont, I look forward to continuing to grow and learn in my faith
within this community of The United Church of Canada.
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Conference Reports
Conference President: William Sheaves
Welcome to Volume 1 for the Conference Annual Meeting 2015. We
will be meeting at the ESSROC Centre in Wellington – Kente Presbytery
for the Friday and Saturday and Bridge St. United Church in Belleville on
the Sunday. This year’s meeting is set to be both an exciting and
controversial. I hope that you have read the Comprehensive Review
Reports. Whether you agree or disagree with its contents we have set
aside a good amount of time to discuss it. This meeting will also be the
lead up to the 42nd General Council and your commissioners will be
taking your wisdom with them to Newfoundland.
When I became President last May I thought I knew what to expect but
I was pleasantly surprised as to what I really had gotten myself involved
with. Other than attending meetings, my biggest involvement with
Conference is visiting. As part of my responsibilities, as President, I have to attend Presbytery
meetings and bring greetings. Since November, I have visited six presbyteries with two left. In each
presbytery, I have been warmly received. My message has been about our past and our future as a
church. As a lay person I have also attempted to show the importance and relevance of lay people as
a part of our leadership in our church. This has all been in reference to my theme of my presidency of
“Back to the Future”.
Conference’s year started with the move from Frankford to St. Matthew’s United Church in
Belleville. We are so thankful to St. Matthew’s for inviting us to their home. It is bright, airy and so very
usable for all the committees that are now using it. Along with the transfer of offices we also included,
for the use of all Conference, the resource materials from the Kingston Resource Centre. In a moving
service on November 30th we celebrated with St. Mathew’s in a covenanting service.
In September our Conference executive met at Five Oaks with five other Conference Executives to
listen to their laments and their suggestions to revive their fortunes. They made a compelling
argument as to why they wanted to stay open and continue as an asset to our church. Bay of Quinte
Conference committed to a $75,000 donation to assist with their planning needs.
In October I had the joy of attending two churches and share in their celebrations. On the 19th, I
attended at Claremont United Church in Lakeridge Presbytery for their 125th anniversary. On the 26th,
I was honoured to speak at the rededication of a World War One memorial stained glass window that
had been in storage at a closed United Church. It was a moving, wonderful service that brought
something so precious from the past to its new future.
Our Conference does not stand still. We have submitted a proposal to the General Council to host
the 2018 General Council at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa. As far as we
know it is the only proposal.
There are two pilot projects that we are involved in. The first is the Declaring/Change of Ministry
positions and the second is the Candidacy Pathways Project. You will hear more about them at the
Conference Annual Meeting.
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On a smaller scale we have again agreed to sponsor the Algonquin Park Ministry. We have agreed to
buy a new trailer and have it placed in the park to continue to facilitate this ministry.
On a personal note, Rev. Ryan McNally and I have been nominated, by our Conference, to sit on
the Sessional Committee to review proposals about the Comprehensive Review at General Council in
August.
The Conference Annual Meeting Committee has been working hard to include all the business
necessary for our meeting. I can’t thank them enough for all their hard work that has led us to this
meeting.
It appears that our meeting in May will be exciting and uplifting. We will not only talk about
Conference business, we will talk about going forward to General Council. Please join me and our
theme speaker Phyllis Airhart as we explore our past and work with the Comprehensive Review to
seek our future.
I have to thank all of the Conference staff (especially Rev. Dr. William Smith) that have assisted me
during the year. Their advice and assistance was instrumental to the success that is our Conference.
We are so lucky and blessed to have them.
We have so much work to do and it makes one apprehensive as to where our Conference will be in
a few years. Let us trust in God and let the Spirit take us to where we have to go. Let us not forget
that ninety years ago our fore-parents took another leap of faith to give us The United Church of
Canada. We must be as faithful.
President-Designate: Maxine Reid
I love the United Church of Canada. I love everything about it. I love
being part of a congregation, I loved being Chair of Presbytery, I love
being a member of the United Church Women and I love being on the
Conference Executive. I am a lifelong learner. Any opportunity to learn
is embraced.
I am looking forward to the coming Conference year. In addition to
this new role I assumed last May, I was still Chair of Shining Waters
Presbytery until the end of November and I am the President of Shining
Waters Presbyterial.
When I joined the Conference executive in 2011, as Presbytery Chair,
I was involved in several committees that culminated in changes to our
Conference and how we treat each other at all Conference meetings,
whether committee, executive or Conference Annual Meeting.
I was part of the committee that brought the Vision Statement and Mission Goals as well as the
Behavioural Covenant to the Conference floor in 2012 and was also part of the committee that
brought the Affirming vote to the Conference floor in 2013. The work involved with these committees
has been extremely rewarding to me.
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At a recent meeting I attended, The Reverend Phil Hobbs stated ‘May you live in interesting times’,
purported to be an old Chinese curse.
We do definitely live in very interesting times. As I become President of Bay of Quinte Conference,
we are heading to Corner Brook, Newfoundland for General Council 42. I was a General Council 41
Commissioner in Ottawa and found the experience extremely frustrating and rewarding at the same
time. It was valuable to me as my learning and knowledge of our church increased greatly and I
appreciated the opportunity to participate.
I was extremely pleased to be selected to attend General Council 42 in Newfoundland.
General Council 42 will discuss primarily the Comprehensive Review Task Groups report and their
proposals. This is an extremely important document. I urge everyone to read and understand what is
being suggested for our church. The task group is recommending sweeping changes to our
organizational structure and who we are as church. We will be discussing some of the report during
our Conference Annual Meeting this year.
I assure you that I will do my best to make myself available to any Congregation or Presbytery or
Presbyterial that wishes me to visit, whether to discuss General Council 42 or to take part in a special
event or festivity you might be celebrating.
I promise to do my very best to warrant your trust in selecting me to be your new Conference
President.
Executive Secretary, Rev. Dr. William D. Smith
Welcome to the 91st Annual Meeting of the Bay of Quinte Conference.
We are excited about our gathering this year as we journey Back to the
Future. During our time together, we will have the opportunity to listen to
one of Canada’s leading Church historians Dr. Phyllis Airhart as our
theme speaker. We will share in informed conversation on the
Comprehensive Review, and participate in the Celebration of Ministry at
Bridge St. Church in Belleville featuring a mass choir, the Metropolitan
Silver Band, preacher Rev Dan Bensen, (former Executive Minister of
Communication for the UCC) and the ordination of one of our own!
Later that afternoon, we are all encouraged to participate in a Festival of
Solidarity with ‘All our Relations’ in the Aboriginal community at an
Ecumenical gathering. This is also the day when the Truth and
Reconciliation Report arrives in Ottawa to be presented to the Government of Canada.
Friday and Saturday’s sessions will be held at the ESSROC Centre in Wellington (Prince Edward
County) with Youth Forum being held at the United and Anglican Churches in Wellington. On Sunday
morning, we will move into Belleville, gathering at Bridge Street United Church to conclude our
business and then to prepare our hearts and minds for an 11:00am Celebration of Ministry Service. I
hope that your congregation will give serious consideration in joining together for this service.
Over the past twelve months, much has happened within our bounds. As well as the Conference
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Office physical move from Frankford to Belleville, many congregations have been on the move,
working with our Transformational Ministry Team seeking to enhance their ministries. Congregations
and clusters from all presbyteries have been engaged in this exciting project.
After five years, we have come to the ‘official’ end of our Candidacy Pathways Pilot. More than
seventy-five individuals have discerned their call through this process and at present we have a
number on a SME (supervised ministry education) site. This will come before the General Council this
summer as a recommended model for candidates.
We have elected most of our commissioners for General Council in Corner-Brook in August and the
final ones will be elected at CAM. There are four commissioners to be elected: one ministry personnel
and three lay representatives. According to our policy, one is to be a youth. We also set a ‘guideline’
last year seeking to have 40% as first time commissioners.
We would also be looking to elect a President-Designate, who by office will be a commissioner. We
have made commitment to CAM to try and have all those to be elected known to the Conference so
that we might vote knowing who it is we are voting for. Therefore, if you are interested in any of these
positions, please let this office and the Nominating Committee know as soon and possible by sending
in a ‘Expression of Interest Form’ and a short bio.
We were delighted in March of 2015 when the General Council Executive accepted our invitation to
co-host, with the All Native Circle, the 43rd General Council in July of 2018 at UOIT/Durham College.
This will be the first time since 1968 when the General Council will be held within our bounds.
As a Conference, we made a major commitment to Five Oaks (one of only two UC Training Centres
in Canada), established an Equity Committee that all might feel truly welcome and we have sought to
journey together in faith as the Bay of Quinte Conference.
I would encourage you to read this ROP 1 document and pray over the ministries it names and the
people who share their gifts within and beyond our bounds. Indeed, this is your Conference!
Conference Minister, Youth and Programs: Jackie Harper
The 2014/2015 Conference year has been one that has been defined
by work that has sustained and challenged us as a faith community and
me as the support staff person. As I report each year I am so grateful for
the opportunity to work with the awesome people of this conference, it is
indeed a privilege!
It has also been a year of personal health crises and limitations to
mobility. I am appreciative of the care, support and prayers I received
during my three months in hospital/rehab and in my gradual and at times
limited return to work. Your care, support and encouragement has
deeply touched me!
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This year has also marked a change in location of our office. Every day when I come to work I am
reminded of why I do the work I do. It is such a gift to be at St. Matthew’s. I would be remiss if I didn’t
thank my colleagues who packed up all my stuff and moved me into my new office all while I was off
on restorative care (short term disability). As one of the ministers remarked spending time in hospital
was an extreme way of getting out of packing!
The prayer cycle and prayer shawl ministry ground us in the reminder that we are a people who can
hold one another in prayer through times of struggle and times of celebration. The Labyrinth and
Breath Prayer Lenten Practice we hope has nurtured the desire to go deeper in relationship with God
and to seek daily spiritual practices that ground us in relationship with God who calls us to be the
church, to seek justice.
God’s call to be the church invites us to nurture the spiritual life of faith communities and of
individuals. I am grateful that this conference has consistently affirmed its commitment to providing
support to the children, youth and young adults ministries of this conference. This finds expression in
many ways – Camping Ministries, Curriculum workshops, Vacation Bible School Programs, Seed
Grants to presbyteries for new children or youth ministry initiatives, leadership development
opportunities like NEOS and Rendezvous, Children, Younger Youth, Youth Forum and Young Adults
programs at Conference, the Youth Fall Event, Youth Mission Awareness Programs (YMAP)– where
we come to know more about our neighbours around the world and what it means to work and be in
partnership, and Travelling Towards Right Relations (T2R2) which seeks to build right relations
between First Nations and Non First Nations Youth. All of this is only possible through wonderful
leadership offered by lay and ordered people in this Conference.
God’s call to seek justice is lived out in many ways in the work that I have the privilege of sharing with you.

Our establishment and training of an Equity Committee honours the commitment to the Action Plan
we accepted when our Conference became an Affirming Ministry.

The Interfaith worship resource – Honouring the Divine in One Another provides us with
opportunities to know and grow in our relationships with neighbours’ of different faith traditions.

Affirming Ministries workshops seek to sustain the faith communities who have already celebrated
becoming Affirming Ministries and provide support for those beginning or in the midst of the
process.

Learning to use the preferred pronouns to honour members of this conference and intentionality in
asking at the beginning of meetings and gatherings what do you need to be safe and able to
participate honours the uniqueness of each of us, and encourages us to stop and not make
assumptions about a person’s gender identity or needs and thus we hope seeks to create “safer”
space for all to participate fully.
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Joining in the Fast For The Climate and growing in knowledge of Climate Change, Climate
Justice and Divestment issues help us to make connections between our life choices and those
most affected by climate change and the care of God’s Creation.
 Acknowledging the land where we meet, was first settled and cared for by First Nations people we
hope reminds us of our connectedness and need to seek just and right relations with First Nations
neighbours.
 The “minutes” for TRC- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission we hope have helped to
educate us as members of the United Church in our involvement in residential schools and to
prepare us for the ongoing work of reconciliation.
The Stewardship Committee seeks to provide opportunities for us to grow in our understanding that
“stewardship is everything I do after I say I believe.” The committee has sponsored workshops on
Narrative Budgets, affirmed the need to offer thanks for people’s generosity by inviting all to the M&S
Thank You BBQ. They have also sponsored October as Stewardship Month and offered Lenten
Calendars and worship services for CAM Sunday to help us grow in the broad understanding of
stewardship. These events and resources ask us to stop and think about our possessions, life choices
and their impact on others, and what it means to live out our faith in how we live and interact with
others and all of creation and share our gifts – monetary and personal.

Accessibility issues continue to invite us into deeper conversations about what it means to be an
accessible church not only to fulfill government mandated legislation but to honour the diversity of
God’s people who form this church of ours. We are aware of mobility issues and honour the diversity
of sight and hearing needs. Other areas we may need to work on are ways to support persons
struggling with mental health illnesses and other debilitating illnesses and support for caregivers. The
most recent legislation has asked us to have conversation about how we can be just and accessible
employers in hiring and supporting persons with disabilities. At the same time we are exploring how
we honour the vastness of gender identities and sexual orientations and so much more. This
continues to be a learning curve for most of us.
These are but a few ways that the work I support in the Bay of Quinte Conference seeks to live into
God’s mission of working for healthy, welcoming, safe, just, inclusive communities that honour the
wonder and vastness of all God’s creation.
As I started this accountability report so I will end it – it is indeed a privilege to share ministry in this
conference. I am grateful for your support and for colleagues who know how to laugh and cry together
in the challenges, uncertainties and the joys of being church in 2015!
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Conference Minister, MEPS: Mary-Jane Hobden
It has now been two and a half years since I joined the Conference
staff. It has been a time of transition in our Church. Nationally, our
Church continues to seek to find a new way of being and we are all
feeling the effects of this seeking and uncertainty. However, in the midst
of all this, the work of our Conference continues. Those with whom I
have had the privilege of sharing in that work have been many and
varied again this year.
The Candidacy Pathway is still a large part of my work. The report and
proposal from the national steering committee will be discussed and
decisions made at General Council in August 2015. Until then we
continue to work as we have done. This past year we were still working
to find the most effective ways to live into the model we have created,
while keeping one eye looking to the future and what possibilities might come from the final report on
our work. It appears that while some things may change, we are likely to continue with the Pathway
largely as we have developed. Those individuals who agreed to work on this pilot in the beginning are
now looking toward moving on to other areas of work, and we will be moving into a time of recruitment
for the committees which do the work of the Pathway. I want to thank all those who are, or have,
served on the Conference Candidacy Coordinating Committee (4C) and the Conference Assessment
Board (CAB) for their dedication, faith and good humour as we have journeyed together.
We know that living in a model of candidacy different from others across the country has at times
been challenging for our students. The time of transition which will follow General Council this summer
will be one I hope is positive for them as we all work together to implement what comes. As our
students have been moving through the Pathway the need for supervisors for Supervised Ministry
Education (SME) experiences has presented a challenge. I am always looking to update our list of
supervisors willing to work in our new model. I have been grateful for those many pastoral charges
who have been courageous in offering themselves as our test sites for SME. I know that the
experiences have been rewarding for all involved.
The Effective Leadership pilot for the work of Pastoral Relations has also been ongoing. Both David
Timpson and I have been working with our committees across the Conference to look at how some of
the new ideas about how pastoral relations is lived out can work well for us. New resources have been
developed at both the Conference and national level over the last year. New forms (yippee! You know
how I love my forms) are in development and beginning to be implemented. The new comprehensive
salary model takes effect this July for all new calls and appointments and assisting in all positions
transitioning to the new model over the next three years will be ongoing work.
I have continued to facilitate M&P Committee workshops. I am heartened by the dedication and
caring I see among those who serve on M&P committees. The number of questions arising regarding
lay employees has continued and in order to be better equipped to answer those questions, or at least
attempt to answer them, I took a human resources course in the fall. While providing me with a great
deal of information, it also highlighted how much more there is to know. Another course may yet be in
my schedule. Healthy Boundaries training also continued this year. We are now offering the
opportunity for people to attend the webinars at the Conference office where they can use the
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Bay of Quinte Conference
technology, but have face-to-face discussion rather than by phone. It has worked well this year and we
will continue to offer as we are able.
This ministry of administration to which I have found myself called these last couple of years has
been different than the pastoral ministry of the years before it, yet, it is also the same. I strive always
to do my work in a pastoral way, even when I am telling you what you don’t want to hear. There is the
work of the Spirit, even in the paperwork.
The times ahead are both exciting and perhaps a bit scary, but we will face them as we always have,
with faith and hope. And I will bring the forms we will probably need.
Conference Minister, Personnel: David Timpson
The year that has passed since we last gathered for Conference has
been a bit of a whirlwind in the life of this Conference Personnel Minister.
It began with the implementation of last year’s decision to move offices
and has ended with the Comprehensive Review and the looming
financial cuts. It has been a year filled up with Presbytery meetings, as
many as 4 in September, and Committee meetings. Each of the
Committees I am staff resource for have been busy. I have reported both
to MP&E and PiM where oversight for my committees rests. All of this in
the midst of providing for the pastoral care of our 440 or so Ministers:
active, retired and students of Bay of Quinte Conference. The work of
our clergy is clearly becoming more complex and less secure; a combination that has raised the stress
levels.
The Rural Life Small Church Committee continues to expand its work having added several
workshops to the annual work last year and taking the Algonquin Park ministry under its wing this
year. I hope you might keep an eye out for any of these opportunities and will look forward to seeing
many of you at the rural life BBQ/Dinner at Bloomfield United Church this year. Dave Robinson from
the Anglican Church will be our speaker. In the fall we will be working hard on the PiM Fall Advance.
The Interim Ministry Committee has been busy with the ongoing designation issues for our
Intentional Interim ministers. We have several of our ministers who are at various stages of
preparation to be designated.
The Settlement Committee has looked hard at the future and is prepared for many different
possibilities. While there are no applicants for the Transfer and Settlement Process this year, the
Settlement Committee has the final approval for all calls and appointments in our current system.
Mary-Jane Hobden and I both resource this important work.
The Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response Committee, has been busy. We are also looking
to recruit and train a few more consultants.
Bay of Quinte Conference
26.
The Pensions Committee has recently been added to my job description and will clearly have a
year of reactivation ahead. Pension’s difficulties seem to arise on a regular basis and do get resolved
on a case by case basis. It seems there are real shortcomings in the system. This year’s large group
of retirees have, I’m sorry to report, faced a varied experience.
The SPE Committee has had a busy year with 5 Students completing a unit on the 20th of April.
Once again the unit has been life changing for those who have participated Rev. Dr. Kathi Edmison
has shown great skill and dexterity as the current unit included students doing both basic and
advanced Units. Students came from UCC backgrounds, other denominations and as far afield as
Paris Ontario.
The Signature Statement seems to be gaining ground across the Conference. At its best it is used
as an opportunity for appreciative enquiry conversation about mission and vision. I have worked
directly in a few congregations and with groups of congregations in a couple of Presbyteries, broadly
in the field of vision and mission and on laying the ground work for co-operative conversations.
A further area of my work has been in the development and communication of Policy. The
Conference Policy on disengaging which was developed last year, has been implemented and
supported in a few instances. Yet, the larger Policy work in this last year has been a possible system
for pastoral relations developed under the Effective Leadership Healthy Pastoral Relations Pilot. I
have taken the systems running in London Conference and adapted them for possible use here. This
system has now been considered by the Settlement Committee and MP&E, and then approved for
use where the Presbytery agrees to do so.
Looking back it has been a privilege and a joy to be about the work of the Conference. As the
coming year unfolds and the uncertain future looms nearer, I am content in my understanding of my
call to this work.
Representatives to General Council Executive: John Young and Norma Thompson
This report covers the period from the end
of the 2014 Bay of Quinte Conference Annual
Meeting up to the end of March, 2015 when
this report was written.
The Executive devoted significant time at
the November 2014 meeting to hearing from
the Comprehensive Review Task Group
about its recommendations and to providing
feedback to be used as the task group
developed its final report which was released
in March 2015. The Executive approved a
process for how the CRTG report will be
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Bay of Quinte Conference
handled at the 42nd General Council. A sessional committee including representation from each of the
Conferences will begin to meet a few days prior to GC42 and will receive all the materials related to
the matter with a view to bringing recommendations to the full court for consideration and
decision.The Executive recommended that the 42nd General Council prioritize its work using five
categories to identify where proposals should be referred for decision. All work related to the
Comprehensive Review will be referred to a sessional committee that will bring its recommendations
back to the full court for decision.

Proposals that would require substantial changes and a Category 3 remit would be brought before
the full court for decision.

Proposals asking the denomination to take a time-bound stand on some national or global issue
on which the church currently does not have a policy or statement would be referred to a
commission for decision.

Proposals that change existing policies or procedures or that properly belong to another court will
be referred to the Business Committee for a decision about where to refer the matter (i.e., the full
court of General Council, a Commission, the General Council Executive, or another and more
appropriate court).

Proposals that seek broader support for existing policies, statements, or procedures will be
referred to the Executive of the General Council for decision or the General Secretary for action.
The Executive endorsed the principle that face to face committee meetings should be minimized to
save money and to reduce the carbon footprint associated with our governance activity.
Chair of the Pension Board, Marcus Robertson (Bay of Quinte) reported the financial position of the
Pension Plan has improved but the Pension Board decided against a benefit upgrade for January 1,
2015.
The Permanent Committee on Finance has endorsed returning to a nationally funded Directors and
Officers Umbrella Liability Insurance programme for all congregations.
The Executive approved that 1) the new minimum comprehensive compensation model for ministry
personnel not residing in a manse be implemented July 1, 2015 for new calls and appointments; 2)
existing calls and appointment renewals will transition to the new model at the discretion of the
pastoral charge and ministry personnel by July 1, 2018; 3) minimum salaries where a manse is
provided as “free accommodation” will continue to utilize the current minimum base salary schedule.
The Executive approved a motion to propose to GC42 the implementation of a seven-phase
Candidacy Pathway and its purpose to call forth, identify, accompany, equip, assess, authorize, and
celebrate those persons whom God calls to and endows for the Order of Ministry, offering leadership
in Christ’s diverse ministries, contributing to God’s mission in creation. The Executive also
recommended to GC42 that it approve the development and implementation of a seven-phase
pathway toward Recognition as a Designated Lay Minister.
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28.
The Executive also approved a motion to recommend to GC42 that it

Approve the adoption of a competency-based approach to equipping and evaluating people for
leadership in ministry and mission

Affirm that assessing the academic readiness and competence for leadership in ministry and
mission is a core responsibility of the church

Affirm The United Church of Canada’s relationship with its theological schools, and education and
retreat centres, and recognize their on-going contribution to the formation and education of church
leadership by continuing to provide funding for representative institutions

Direct the General Secretary to establish a process to implement the competency-based approach
At the March 2015 meeting of GCE, the Executive accepted an invitation from Bay of Quinte
Conference and All Native Circle Conference to hold the 43rd General Council (2018) at the University
of Ontario Institute of Technology and Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario. Bay of Quinte has not
hosted a General Council since 1968 and All Native Circle Conference has never hosted a General
Council. Due to scheduling issues at the host site, the Council will be held in July, rather than August,
2018.
The Executive approved a revised 2015 General Council operating budget which includes an
operating deficit that is $0.5 million less than previously projected due to a slightly better revenue
picture. This revised budget projects an operating deficit of $5.96 million which is projected to be
reduced to $5.23 million with investment income.
The Executive approved in principle, a proposal to move to a balanced budget by 2018 at the latest.
It also directed the General Secretary to work with the Permanent Committee on Finance to bring to
the November 2015 Executive meeting budget plans that will achieve this goal. The General
Secretary indicated that the best thinking at this time is that this process could include:

reductions to all grant programs in 2016

striving to maintain Aboriginal ministry spending at current levels

initiating planning for staff reductions for both national and regionally-deployed staff

reducing travel and governance budgets in 2016

eliminating Conference operating grants by 2018, with the exception of All Native Circle
Conference
The General Secretary will be proposing to GC42 that the United Church move under the Canada
Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Because The United Church was created by an Act of the federal
Parliament and an Act adopted by nine provincial legislatures, a change to church structure that
involved eliminating the courts of either Presbyteries or Conference or both would require amending
The United Church of Canada Act at both the federal and provincial levels. Moving under the new act
would allow the church to make all decisions through its own processes. If the GC approves this
proposal, it would go to the church for approval through the remit process.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
The Executive

received an interim report on Unsettled Goods: Choose Peace in Palestine and Israel, and
extended until 2018 the work mandated by the 41st GC (2012) related to the report of the Working
Group on Israel/Palestine Policy.

affirmed a new Youth and Young Adult strategy and directed the General Secretary to implement
the strategy in the 2015-2018 triennium.

recommended to GC42 that it extend The United Church of Canada Conflict-of-Interest Policy,
which currently applies only to the General Council and its Executive, to all courts of the church.

received the report of the Permanent Committee on Ministry and Employment Policies and
Services on the Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relationships testing and
recommended to GC42 that testing continue to develop the principles until such time as new polity
and policies are established by the General Council or its Executive.

received the report of the Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee on online communion
and commended it to the church for guidance.

received a report titled “Mission and Ministry with Migrant Churches”, which explores how global
migration is changing the church and the world and is forwarding this report to GC42 as part of
background materials that will accompany proposals GC42 will consider to enter into full
communion with the United Church of Christ (USA), a mutual recognition of ministry agreement
with the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea, and mutual relationships.

approved a process of a “living apology” to members of the (LGBTTQ) communities.

adopted a proposal that it enable the church to respond to a recent Supreme Court of Canada
decision regarding physician-assisted dying that will provide a greater number of options for endof-life decision-making.
The Executive received two reports from the Theology Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee –
“A Proposal for One Order of Ministry” and
“Toward a New Model of Membership”
and recommended to GC 42 that these reports be approved. These reports are available on the
United Church of Canada’s website.
All reports and minutes of the General Council Executive meetings can be found at http://
www.united-church.ca/general-council/gce
30.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Executive Actions
Executive Meeting: June 14, 2014
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Chris Ingersoll
2014-06-14-1-1
“That the Consent Docket, as circulated, be approved. - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Maxine Reid
2014-06-14-1.2
“That a decision on the disbursement of the remaining 70% of the proceeds from the sale of the
former Knox United Church be made at the September meting of the Executive.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Bill Smith/Warren Vollmer
2014-06-14-1.3
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive give approval for Wall St. Inc. to proceed with incorporation
with the Marguerite Centre, subject to review of their new By-Laws.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Maxine Reid
2014-06-14-1.4
“That we proceed with the renovations to St. Matthew’s United Church and engage R. Morden,
Engineering and Contracting Ltd. To do the necessary work according to their proposal dated June 12,
2014. “ - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Chris Ingersoll
2014-06-14-1.5
“That all persons present be given voting privileges for this meeting.”
John Young and Bill Smith stated that this motion is ultra vires and the motion was withdrawn. It was
agreed that all Past Chairs could vote if the incoming Chair is not present.
MOTION
Bill Smith/Larry Doyle
2014-06-14-1.6
“That we proceed with approving Category 1 incorporation status to Back Door Ministries.”
MOTION
Bill Smith/John Young
2014-06-14-1.7
“That the report of the Executive Secretary be received.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Richard Hollingsworth
2014-06-14-1.8
“That Darin MacKinnon, Intern Supply, be granted a license to perform marriages during his
appointment to the Arden Pastoral Charge, Four Winds Presbytery.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Chris Ingersoll
2014-06-14-1.9
“That Walter Mayhew, DLM be granted a license to administer the sacraments at the Marmora
Pastoral charge and further that he be granted a license to administer the sacraments within the
jurisdiction of Hills and Shores Presbytery.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Warren Vollmer
2014-06-14-1.10
“That the Bay of Quinte Conference encourage congregations to hold an annual interfaith service
using resources which will be provided by the Interfaith Intercultural Committee (on or after July 21st.)
- CARRIED
31.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Chris Ingersoll
2014-06-14.1.11
“That letters of appreciation be sent to the Stewardship and Rural Life Action Groups for their work in
planning events for the Thursday prior to CAM 2014.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Michelle Brotherton
2014-06-14-1.12
“That we authorize the Executive Secretary to sign the new document, “Archives Administration
Protocol” on behalf of Bay of Quinte Conference.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Linda Saffrey/Lloyd Williams
2014-06-14-1.13
“That all reports presented at this meeting be accepted.” - CARRIED
MOTION 2014-06-14-1.6 was then CARRIED.
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Jean Wilson
2014-06-14-1.14
“That the President be directed to write letters to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of
Immigration, Jason Kenny, expressing our concern regarding the shifting of responsibility for
withdrawing Canadian citizenship from the judicial system to the civil service.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Chris Ingersoll/Michelle Brotherton
2014-06-14-1.15
“That the Sub-Executive for 2014-15 be:
President
Past President
President Elect
Executive Secretary
Chair of Finance
Chair of MPE
Chair of Four Rivers Presbytery
Chair of Hills and Shores Presbytery.” - CARRIED
Executive Meeting: September 11, 2014
MOTION
Bill Smith/Maxine Reid
2014-09-11-1-1
“That the Consent Docket, as circulated, be approved.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Bill Smith/Chris Ingersoll
”That the report of the Executive Secretary be accepted as presented.” - CARRIED
2014-09-11-2-2
32.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Jennifer Canning
2014-09-11-2-3
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve in principle a partnership with Five Oaks and the
other central Conferences related to the proposed redevelopment of Five Oaks.” - CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Michelle Brotherton
2014-09-11-2-4
“That, based on the information we have received that we distribute the balance of the money from the
sale of Knox U.C., Peterborough ($413,777.88) as follows:
Grace U.C. (for water purification system for Grace/Friends
of Honduran Children
$ 1,000.00
Cody Caldwell Trust Fund
1,000.00
Sleeping Children Around the World
1.000.00
St. James U.C. Day Camp
1,000.00
UCW Shining Waters Presbyterial
1,000.00
Peterborough Regional Health Care Centre Foundation
1,000.00
The remaining balance of $407,777.38 to be distributed as follows:
Camp Quin-Mo-Lac
10%
$40,777.79
Shelter, Peterborough
5%
$20,388.89
Habitat for Humanity, Peterborough
10%
$40,777.79
Global Partners, UCC – Haiti
5%
$20,388.89
YWCA Crossroads Women’s
$122,333.36
leaving an amount of $285,444.52” - CARRIED
MOTION
Bill Smith/Maxine Reid
2014-09-11-2-5
“That the balance of $25,120.20 from the proceeds of the sale of Grace U.C., Sydenham be held until
a decision is made at our November meeting regarding a policy for this Conference.” - CARRIED
Upper Valley Presbytery Resolution
Upper Valley Presbytery has sent us a proposal that all time on the General Council 2015 agenda not
designated be assigned to discussion and consideration of the Comprehensive Review Report.
Discussion of this proposal followed. Some were in favour and others opposed. It was noted that we
hear the concern of Upper Valley Presbytery but General Council has already stated that the
Comprehensive Review will be given priority at the meeting.
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Larry Doyle
2014-09-11-2-6
“That the proposal from Upper Valley Presbytery be transmitted without concurrence.” - CARRIED
33.
MOTION
Bay of Quinte Conference
Sheryl McLeod/Michelle Brotherton
2014-09-11-2-7
“That Bay of Quinte Executive agree in principle that we host the 2018 General Council and invite the
partnership of the All Native Circle Conference in doing this.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Jennifer Canning
2014-09-11-2-8
“That we direct the Rural Life Committee to take the Algonquin Park Ministry as part of their mandate
and bring a proposal back to the Executive re its financial implications. - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Norma Thompson
2014-09-11-2-9
“That Carolyn J. van Horne-Coffey be appointed to the Conference Assessment Board pending
approval of the Nominations Committee and clearance of references.” - CARRIED
Executive Meeting: November 19, 2014
MOTION
Sheryl McLeod/Lloyd Williams
2014-11-29-3-1
“That the Consent Docket, as circulated, be approved. - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-2
“That Bay of Quinte Conference participate in the pilot project that is before us today.”
Richard Hollingsworth offered the following “friendly amendment”:
AMENDMENT TO MOTION 2014-11-29-3-2
Add “with the exception that final approval rests with the presbytery.”
The President ruled this amendment out of order.
MOTION
Bill Smith/John Young
2014-11-29-3-3
“That Lynda Price be named a corresponding member for this meeting.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Larry Doyle
2014-11-29-3-4
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve this proposal for all presbyteries that wish to
participate, with a report on it to be presented at CAM 2015 and CAM 2016 and a final decision on its
use be made at CAM 2017.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Bill Smith/Natasha Walton
2014-11-29-3-5
“That an amendment be made to the agenda to move the Lifelong Faith Formation report to before
lunch.” – CARRIED
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Richard Hollingsworth
2014-11-29-3-6
“That the Executive Secretary issue an invitation to Dan Benson to be the General Council
representative to CAM 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Phil Hobbs
2014-11-29-3-7
“That, with the permission of St. Matthew’s United Church, we pay $600.00 to install raised toilets in
their downstairs washrooms.” - CARRIED
34.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Sheryl McLeod
2014-11-29-3-8
“That, having listed the Ompah United Church property with Chris Winney of Royal Lepage Realty for
90 days, and on recommendation of the Trustees of the Plevna/Ompah Pastoral Charge, the Bay of
Quinte Conference approve the sale of the Ompah United Church Property described as”10223
ROAD 509 PALMERSTON CON 3, PT LOT 28 RP13R13243 PARTS 3, 4, 5 O.L. OMPAH UNITED
CHUCH IRREG” to John Walters, neighbor, for the amount of $1006.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Nancy Sutherland
2014-11-29-3-9
“That, having listed the Plevna United Church property with Chris Winney of Royal Lepage Realty for
90 days, and on recommendation of the Commission of Bruce Hutchinson and Murray Somerville,
named by the Trustees of the Plevna/Ompah Pastoral Charge, the Bay of Quinte Conference approve
the sale of the Plevna United Church Property described as “1027 LOOKOUT HILL RD CLARENDON
PLAN 61 LOTS 31-32 PLEVNA VILLAGE” to Vernon Hermer, neighbor, for the amount of $1000.”
- CARRIED
MOTION
Bill Smith/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-10
“That the report of the Executive Secretary, including the correspondence log and the sale of property
motions, be adopted. - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Phil Hobbs
2014-11-29-3-11
“That Elaine Kellogg be named a corresponding member for this meeting.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Phil Hobbs
2014-11-29-3-12
“That the Executive request that the CAM Planning Committee give serious consideration to a
symbolic walk as part of the CAM Sunday session to honour the work of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-13
“That in consultation with the Dancing the Circle of Right Relations Committee, the Executive send
two people (one from the DCRR Committee and one from First Nations) to the Sunday event in
Ottawa to represent Bay of Quinte Conference, the funds for this to come from the Partnering in
Mission Budget.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Norma Thompson
2014-11-29-3-14
“That we transmit the proposal from the UCW to General Council.”
After discussion, this motion was withdrawn.
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Norma Thompson
2014-11-29-3-15
“That we endorse and commend the proposal from the UCW to CAM 2015 for approval.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-16
“That the Conference Executive extend the term of Bonnie Davidson as Chair of Settlement
Committee, for an additional year in order to allow for the completion of the re-organization of
Settlement Committee.” - CARRIED
35.
MOTION
Bay of Quinte Conference
Phil Hobbs/Sheryl McLeod
2014-11-29-3-17
“That the Conference Executive appoint the Rev. Shelley Roberts as the Clergy Representative from
Bay of Quinte Conference to the Board of Five Oaks Retreat Center.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-18
“That participants in the Candidacy Pathway Pilot Process will not be sent for Vocational Assessments
until proof of membership in The United Church of Canada within Bay of Quinte Conference has been
provided. - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/John Miller
2014-11-29-3-19
"That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve “Process and Criteria for Granting of Sacramental
privileges” as a resource for use during the Candidacy Pathways Pilot process.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Lloyd Williams
2014-11-29-3-20
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive concur with the recommendation of the Interim Ministry
Committee that the Rev. Kathi Zwicker no longer be accredited as an Interim Minister.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Sheryl Mcleod
2014-11-29-3-21
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the request for retirement of Janet Petrie, effective
June 30, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Nancy Sutherland
2014-11-29-3-22
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the request for retirement of Audrey Whitney,
effective June 30, 2014.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Lloyd Williams
2014-11-29-3-23
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the request for retirement of Brad Ford, effective
January 1, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
John Miller/Lloyd Williams
2014-11-29-3-24
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the request for retirement of Jean Wilson, effective
January 1, 2015” - CARRIED with one abstention (Jean Wilson)
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-25
“That Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the request for retirement of Joan E. Hacock,
effective October 1, 2014.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/John Young
2014-11-29-3-26
“That, on the recommendation of the Conference Assessment Board, Michael Putnam, Intern Supply,
be granted a license to perform marriages and a license to administer the sacraments for the duration
of his appointment to the Selby-Empey Hill Pastoral Charge.” - CARRIED
36.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Lloyd Williams
2014-11-29-3-27
“That, on the recommendation of the Conference Assessment Board, Edward (Ned) Wells, Intern
Supply, be granted a license to perform marriages and a license to administer the sacraments for the
duration of his appointment to the Eldad – Hampton Pastoral Charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/John Miller
2014-11-29-3-28
“That, on the recommendation of the Conference Assessment Board, Stephanie Klaassen, Intern
Supply, be granted a license to perform marriages and a license to administer the sacraments for the
duration of her appointment to the Dunsford Pastoral Charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Norma Thompson
2014-11-29-3-29
”That the Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve the Investment Policy, draft date 07 November
2014, for implementation by the Finance Committee.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Jean Wilson
2014-11-29-3-30
“That the Bay of Quinte Conference Executive approve a grant of one-half of the project cost, up to
$1,075., from the Eldorado Accessibility Fund to College Hill United Church, Belleville, upon proof of
payment of project invoices.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/John Young
2014-11-29-3-31
“That the existence of the Eldorado Accessibility Fund be publicized on the Conference website, that
the application guidelines be revised to include a Presbytery recommendation prior to the Finance
Committee’s considering the application, and that the application guidelines be included in the
Conference mailing.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Dave Charles
2014-11-29-3-32
“That the cost to a Presbytery of a Section J8 or J9 review be reimbursed by the Conference out of
the Presbytery Support Fund, at the rate of 75% of appropriate expenses in excess of $3,000. and
after review of those expenses by the Conference Executive Secretary.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/John Young
2014-11-29-3-33
“That the annual audit of the financial statements of the Conference be done by way of a “review
engagement” rather than by a full “audit” as understood by the accounting profession.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobs/Jean Wilson
2014-11-29-3-34
“That the Executive Secretary be directed to write to the chairs of the presbyteries asking them to set
aside time on their late-March or early April meeting to deal with the Comprehensive Review and to
have a representative of the Proposals and Remits Committee present. This may be a duly-called or
exceptional meeting.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Maxine Reid
2014-11-29-3-35
“That adjournment be extended to 3:30p.m. to complete the business before us.”
- CARRIED
MOTION
2014-11-29-3-36
John Young/Nancy Sutherland
“That the Child Care Policy be amended to add “in consultation with the parents.” - CARRIED
37.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Sub– Executive Meeting: January 29, 2015
Having received the J8 Na J9 Review Reports, the Sub-Executive unanimously agreed to make
recommendations with regard to the Harrowsmith-Verona Pastoral Charge and Rev. Patsy Henry.
Minutes are available at the Conference Office.
Executive Meeting: February 26, 2015
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Chris Ingersoll
2015-02-26-5-1
“That the Consent Docket, as circulated, be approved.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Maxine Reid
2015-02-26-5-2
“That, pending approval of the Nominations Committee, the following be appointed to the Equity
Committee:
Bruce Hutchinson
Phil Wilson
Sharon Ballantyne
Aruna Alexander
Don Uhryniw
MOTION
- CARRIED
Bill Smith/Phil Hobbs
2015-02-26-5-3
“That Shelley Roberts be made a Corresponding Member for this meeting.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-02-26-5-4
“That we make a firm commitment of the $75,000. for Five Oaks that we have already approved in
principle.” - CARRIED
REPORT ON RESULTS OF BALLOT
It was reported that Ryan McNally and Bill Sheaves had been elected to the Sessional Committee.
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/John Young
2015-02-26-5-5
“That the ballots be destroyed.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Chris Ingersoll
2015-02-26-5-6
“That we approve the request of Susan Jean Robinson (Lakeridge Presbytery) for retirement effective
June 30, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Nancy Sutherland
2015-02-26-5-7
“That we approve the request of David William Kai (Lakeridge Presbytery) for retirement effective
August 1, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Natasha Walton/Larry Doyle
2015-02-26-5-8
“That we approve the request of Ann Elizabeth Foster (Lakeridge Presbytery) for retirement effective
June 30, 2015.” - CARRIED
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/John Young
38.
2015-02-26-5-9
“That we approve the request of Prince Edward South Pastoral Charge and Janelle Shaw (SME) that
she be granted licenses to perform the sacraments and marriage for the period of her appointment to
this pastoral charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Nancy Sutherland
2015-02-26-5-10
“That we approve the request of Cardiff-Paudash Pastoral Charge that Susanne Hedley (DLM
student) be granted a license to perform marriages for the period of her appointment to this pastoral
charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Sheryl McLeod/Chris Ingersoll
2015-02-26-5-11
“That we approve the request of the Trinity-Omemee Pastoral Charge that Jackie van’tVoort (Diaconal
Student) be granted a license to perform marriages for the period of her appointment to this pastoral
charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Chris Ingersoll/John Young
2015-02-26-5-12
“That we approve the request of Deseronto-Napanee Pastoral Charge and Elaine Kellogg (DM) that
she be granted a license to administer the sacraments for the period of her appointment to this
pastoral charge.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Maxine Reid
2015-02-26-5-13
“That we continue to provide the Algonquin Park ministry.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Phil Hobbs
2015-02-26-5-14
“That we approve the purchase and refurbishing of the trailer at a total approximate cost of $3,500.
- CARRIED
MOTION
Chris Ingersoll/Donna Bignell
2015-02-26-5-15
“That all reports be accepted as printed and as presented.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-02-26-5-16
“That having received a report from Partnering in Mission Committee regarding gender identity around
the use of third person singular pronouns, that the Executive of Bay of Quinte Conference adopt a
policy for themselves of using the term “they” as a default when referring to any individual.”
- CARRIED with One Abstention recorded (Sheryl McLeod)
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Maxine Reid
2015-02-26-5-17
“That the Equity Committee be charged with undertaking some education regarding the use of this
term at CAM 2015 and with Conference committees.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Lloyd Williams/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-02-26-5-18
“That the Bay of Quinte Conference of The United Church of Canada open an account with Fiera
Capital Funds Inc. (Fiera). - CARRIED
39.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-02-26-5-19
“That the persons authorized to sign for and on behalf of the Bay of Quinte Conference all documents
relating to the administration of the account with Fiera be any two of:
The members of the Investment Sub-committee of the Finance Committee of the Bay of Quinte
Conference, currently Mary-Margaret Boone, Lloyd Williams, and Don Willmer;
or
Any one of those members of the Investment Sub-committee together with any one of:
The Executive Secretary of the Bay of Quinte Conference, currently Bill Smith
The Office Administrator for the Bay of Quinte Conference, currently Judy Ormshaw and
The Treasurer of the Bay of Quinte Conference, currently Nicola Lupton - CARRIED
MOTION
Larry Doyle/Kristiane Black
2015-02-26-5-20
“That the Executive of Bay of Quinte Conference request MPE to have conversation and possibly
make recommendation to the Executive regarding how presbyteries and Conference might encourage
full-time equivalent ministries.” - CARRIED
Executive Meeting: March 24, 2015
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Phil Hobbs
2015-03-24-6.1
“That we recommend to the Conference Annual Meeting that line 12, which is the total budget for the
Conference Office, be no less than $566,000 through to the end of the calendar year 2017 as we live
out our vision statement”. - CARRIED with two Abstentions (one recorded – Warren Vollmer)
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-03-24-6.2
“That we recommend to the Conference Annual Meeting that the undesignated surplus funds be drawn
down in order to balance the 2016 budget due to the anticipated reduction in the General Council
grants and that Presbytery assessments for 2016 be no greater than they were in 2015.”
After further discussion the mover and seconder withdrew this motion.
MOTION
John Young/Warren Vollmer
2015-03-24-6.3
That we recommend to the Conference Annual meeting that the Presbytery assessments for 2016 will
not be greater than $580,775.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Jean Wilson/Phil Hobbs
2015-03-24-6.4
“That the budget for 2016 be balanced using undesignated surplus funds.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Maxine Reid
2015-03-24-6.5
“That we approve the request of Joanna MacQuarrie (Shining Waters Presbytery) for retirement
effective August 1, 2015.” - CARRIED
40.
Bay of Quinte Conference
MOTION
Sheryl McLeod/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-03-25-6.6
“That we approve the request of Marybeth Wilson (Upper Valley Presbytery) for retirement effective
June 30, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/John Miller
2015-03-24-6.7
“That we recommend to the Conference Annual Meeting that we set aside at least one hour to start
the conversation re our vision and mission statements and that further conversation be held in the
Presbyteries.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Richard Hollingsworth/Larry Doyle
“That an hour of our next meeting be used to plan this time.”
recorded - Kristiane Black)
2015-03-24-6.8
- CARRIED (with one Abstention
Executive Meeting: April 18, 2015
MOTION
Bill Smith/Chris Ingersoll
2015-04-18-7.1
“That the Consent Docket, as circulated, be approved.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Kristiane Black/Richard Hollingsworth
2015-04-18-7.2
“That Motion 2015-02-26-5-16 be reconsidered.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Kristiane Black
2015-04-18-7.3
“That we refer this matter to the Equity Committee.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Maxine Reid/Phil Hobbs
2015-04-18-7.4
“That the Executive request the CAM Planning Committee to include the vision statement and mission
goals into the opening worship and that the Court be encouraged to discuss them in table groups in
relation to their own realities on Friday or Saturday.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Chris Ingersoll
2015-04-18-7.5
“That we move our meeting to the rink from the hall.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Audrey Whitney
2015-04-18-7.6
That Karen Valley of Carleton Place by appointed to the Equity Committee.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Chris Ingersoll/Kristiane Black
2015-04-18-7.7
“That Ruth Wood (DLM) retain her licenses to marry and to perform the sacraments following her
retirement on June 30, 2015.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Phil Hobbs/Audrey Whitney
2015-04-18-7.8
“That $38,018.63 ($US) be taken from the undesignated funds from the sale of Knox Church to fund
this ministry (clean water project) for Centro De Salud Valle Alto, Guatemala in the name of Knox
United Church.” - CARRIED
MOTION
Warren Vollmer/Chris Ingersoll
“That all reports, written and presented, received today be accepted.” - CARRIED
2015-04-18-7.9
Bay of Quinte Conference
41.
Business Resolutions
PART A: OPENING MOTIONS
Bounds of the Court:
That the bounds of the Court for this meeting of Bay of Quinte Conference be the Ice Pad of the
ESSROC Arena in Wellington, Ontario and Bridge Street Church in Belleville, Ontario.
Roll of Conference: (Taken from the Manual 2013, page 35)
7.0 The Conference shall consist of:
7.1.1 the members of the Order of Ministry who are on the roll of the Presbyteries within its
bounds;
7.1.2 the lay persons who are under appointment within its bounds as in sections 6 .2 .1,
6 .2 .2, and 6 .2 .3;
7.2 lay members elected as provided for in section 6 .4 .13, at least equal in number to the
members in sections 7 .1 .1 and 7 .1 .2; (2007)
7.3 the Chairpersons of Conference Committees and the President of the Conference
United Church Women, who are not members of any Presbytery but who, at the
discretion of the Conference, may be added to its membership;
7.4 persons who are corresponding members of Presbytery under sections 6 .3 .1, 6 .3 .2,
and 6 .3 .3 shall be corresponding members of the Conference;
7.5 representatives of lay organizations which may be recognized by the Conference from
time to time, with the number of representatives to be determined by the Conference or
its Executive .
Quorum:
That the quorum for this meeting be not less than one-fifth (1/5) of those entitled to vote, of whom at
least one-third (1/3) shall be members of the Order of Ministry, or Designated Lay Ministers, and at
least one-third (1/3) shall be lay persons except those appointed as Designated Lay Ministers.
Minute Secretary:
That Lynda Price and Carolyn Brannen be appointed Minute Secretaries for this 91st Annual Meeting
of Bay of Quinte Conference.
Rules of Debate and Order:
That the Rules of Debate and Order be those found in Appendix 1 of The Manual, 2013 (page 211)
and that in an instance where a point is not covered in The Manual, the parliamentary rules accepted
in Canada (Bourinot) shall be followed.
Conference Stewards:
That the nominees from the presbyteries as Stewards for the duration of Conference be responsible
for the distribution, collection and tabulation of any ballots; for the distribution of reports; for the
collection and counting of any offerings and for other duties that may be assigned. They will report to
Eugene Refausse, the Chief Steward.
42.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Minutes of the 91st Annual Meeting of the Bay of Quinte Conference
That the Minutes of the 91st Annual Meeting of the Bay of Quinte Conference be approved as printed
and circulated.
Agenda for the 91st Annual Meeting:
That the Agenda as printed and circulated be the Order of Business, subject to those changes that are
recommended by the Convener of the Business Committee and approved by the Conference or as
recommended by the Conference itself.
Corrections to Volume 1
That any errors/omissions or corrections to Volume 1 be put in writing and given to Steve Spicer
(Business Convener).
Adjournment of Sessions:
That the President have the authority to recess the Conference when business, as ordered, is
completed until the next Order of the Day.
Business Committee:
That the Agenda and Business Committee for this 91st Annual Meeting be Steve Spicer (Chair),
William Sheaves (President), Maxine Reid (President-Designate), Bill Smith (Executive Secretary),
Karen McLean and Maureen Ellison (Chair of Local Arrangements).
New Business/Notices of Motion:
That members of the Court who wish to bring new business items before this Annual Meeting are to
provide a Notice of Motion, legibly recorded, to the Agenda and Business Convener Steve Spicer.
Those proposing new business are asked to have any motions reviewed by a Parliamentarian before
such go to the business table. Any new agenda items will be prioritized by the Business Committee
and all unfinished business at the close of the annual meeting will be referred to the Conference
Executive for action.
PART B: NOMINATIONS
(a)
That the report of the Committee on Nominations be received for information.
(b)
That nominations for President-Designate and Clergy Representative to General
Council Executive be given to Steve Spicer (Chair, Agenda and Business) no later than
noon on Saturday, May 30, 2015.
Elections:
That the election for the office of President- Designate be by majority of all votes cast.
Bay of Quinte Conference
43.
Presbytery Reports
Four Rivers Presbytery
The Executive has had to provide oversight and guidance to three of our Pastoral Charges that were
in various levels of internal disagreement. One of the charges is currently undergoing change and
transformation through the use of “Shepherding Ministers” to help them heal and consider and
implements various governance options in the future. The approach appears to be working well and
may be a model for smaller congregations to consider using. I am very proud of the hands-on
involvement by all members of the Executive to provide proactive listening and guidance to our hurting
congregations.
In an effort to best utilize the time and energy of Presbytery Representatives and the Executive we
implemented fewer yet very full Plenary and Executive meetings. We also took advantage of frequent
telephone conference calls to assist us in making rapid decisions on a variety of issues where time
was of the essence and we wanted to reduce travel time and costs as well as minimize the impact on
our personal time.
Considerable effort was expended this year to get our house in order with respect to documenting
core policies and procedures used by and agreed to by all congregations in Four Rivers Presbytery.
These include:
 Conflict of Interest
 Presbytery Meeting Schedule
 Mileage compensation (travel expenses)
 Nominations and position terms
 Speaking at Plenary and Use of Audio Equipment
 Plenary Dinner Guidelines
 Scent Free Environment
 Use of Manse Funds for sold property
As part of our community outreach, we are providing support to Five Oaks Retreat Centre near Paris
Ontario to help them revitalize and update their facilities that have been well used by our members in
the past for their spiritual growth. Our Presbytery through the tireless leadership of Rev Dawn Clarke
is leading efforts to sponsor the settling of a Syrian refugee family in Canada.
In our commitment to social diversity, Four Rivers Presbytery established a task force led by former
Presbytery Chair Rev Don Stiles investigating the possibility of becoming an Affirming Presbytery that
will provide a safe environment for the LGBT community. During our plenary sessions, Rev Don and
his team conducted a series of information sessions, skits, and workshops preparing us for
determining our path forward.
Financially the Presbytery is in very good shape having recently received $250,000 from the
Kingston Presbytery Church Corporation that will be held in trust for the use of Church Development
and Growth in our region. Also due to excellent expense management we are able to keep
congregational assessments flat for 2015.
Many thanks to all of the people in Four Rivers Presbytery who have shared the many
responsibilities and duties to keep Presbytery business running smoothly throughout the year. I look
forward to working with our team as Sue Hutton from Wall Street United Church takes over the chair
position this coming May.
44.
Bay of Quinte Conference
To see more about Four Rivers Presbytery activities and resources, take time to look at our revamped
website at fourriverspresbytery.ca.
Submitted by David Charles
Chair, Four Rivers Presbytery
Four Winds Presbytery
Although I write this before the end of the year I can look back and see that we have been busy at
our monthly Presbytery meetings. We have met at a different Pastoral Charge each month while our
Executive meetings have been held at Emmanuel United Church in Odessa a centre point for those
attending. We have been hosted to great food and a wonderful worship service at each court meeting.
This has been a true blessing to have such gracious hosts who treat us like guests in their own
homes.
Our meetings have covered many items related to: governance; budgeting; ministry vocations;
concerns of Pastoral Charges undergoing transformation whether it be under financial strain or growth;
youth and community events with an added bonus of hearing stories of growth from young leaders.
During one of our fall meetings we listened to information from two groups seeking financial assistance
through Mission Grants. Their names were forwarded onto Bay of Quinte Conference for grants to
operate. We have just learned that our Presbytery will be assisting one of them in a more intentional
way. Chaplains who are employed in the Canadian Federal institutions must have Presbytery affiliation
and so we will be providing that to their employers.
Through our Partners-in-Missions Action Team we personally have a chance to financially support
small foreign companies through purchases of their wares. This covers Fair-Trade products and that of
farmers from Palestine. This up-close connection to the larger world really makes a greater impact on
our Presbyters. Often we think we have no way to make changes in places far away and then we
actually can in a small way by our procurements.
We discussed the Signature Statement released by Bay of Quinte Conference. After a time of
education that was referred back to the Pastoral Relations Action Team for further dialogue. I know of
more than one Pastoral Charge which uses this type of document throughout the year at Board
meetings etc.
Much of the paperwork given to our Presbytery goes through our Administration Action Team. This
group connects to many of our Pastoral Charges assisting them in sales of property or growth. They
are the point of contact as well as Bay of Quinte Conference assists our Church Development
Corporation stay on track.
Our Congregational Transformation and Oversight Committee have stepped forward to consult with
Edge and are preparing to have workshops over the coming months. These will assist smaller Pastoral
Charges who seek new ideas as they vision together for their future.
Bay of Quinte Conference
45.
Our Presbytery newsletter the Zephyr gets Pastoral Charge happenings out to the remainder of our
Presbytery. Our new Facebook page for Four Winds Presbytery is being utilized to put out church
events that is an open source for the public.
Submitted by Chris Ingersoll
Chair, Four Winds Presbytery
Hills and Shores Presbytery
As is the case with other Presbyteries in Bay Quinte, Hills and Shores Presbytery is engaged in the
ongoing examination of congregational viability, vitality, mission identity and ministry. Amalgamation is
happening in pastoral charges, and congregations and charges are considering how they might begin
to partner in an effort to make use of increasingly scarce resources, in terms of both people and
revenue. Words that use the language of visioning have become a mainstay in our Presbytery and
Pastoral Charge lexicon. As such, we are a Presbytery that is “becoming”, as we grow in our
understanding of the role of Presbytery in accompaniment and governance in light of the increased
number of significant changes in pastoral charges, including closure, amalgamation, reduction of
ministry personnel hours, building costs, and the increase use of appointments and supply ministry.
Also, at the time of boundary re-structuring, Hills and Shores adopted a working model of
commissions. The main reasons included the fact that it is increasingly challenging to find the time to
do the work of Presbytery in plenary format, and it was deemed important to allow using Presbytery
plenary time for matters pertaining to the wider church, education and networking. We are gradually
becoming accustomed to this model, but it has meant a few bumps in the road, particularly around
communication within the Presbytery and for some it is a challenge not to be more directly involved in
decision making processes. We will continue to review this model. Currently, commissions,
committees and divisions meet regularly as needed, with the Executive meeting at least 6 times a
year, and the full court meeting 4 times a year. Two of the plenaries are day-long Saturday meetings,
with the other two being evening meetings.
Despite the challenges faced in the churches, many congregations are faithful and diligent in
engaging in outreach both locally and in the wider community, including the sponsorship of a Syrian
refugee family by the Castleton-Grafton pastoral charge, with support from others in the Presbytery.
During the coming year, we anticipate that the road will continue to have bumps as the ground
shifts under our feet, but as a Presbytery we are committed to walking with each other. We don’t
know where the road is leading, but we will do our best to walk in faith in the footsteps of Jesus.
Submitted by Kristiane Black
Chair, Hills and Shores Presbytery
46.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Kawartha Highlands Presbytery
January 21st, 2015 was our first Presbytery Meeting of 2015 held at Cambridge Street United
Church, Lindsay. Bill Huskinson welcomed us to Cambridge Street United Church and mentioned
some positive initiatives that the congregation was undertaking. Attendees divided up into different
areas for the Intentional Circle portion of the meeting. After regrouping members participated in the
Caring and Sharing portion of the meeting. The Circles presented their reports. Mary-Margaret Boone
presented the Treasurer Reports. Jackie Harper was present to offer greetings from the conference
and informed us all that the Conference Office is gearing up for the Conference Annual Meeting and
the forms are available. Alexander Jones was our worship leader for this meeting.
On February 25th the Presbytery Gathering was held at the Fenelon Falls United Church, Fenelon
Falls and members from the congregations of the Kawartha Highland Churches were invited. Some
joined the presentation on line. The topic was “God is up to Something”. Attendees watch an online
presentation by Rob Dalgleish of the Edge network as he shares images of transformation and
mission from across the country. Discussions were held within groups at the gathering after the
presentation.
The March 18th Presbytery Gathering was held at the Trinity United Church, Omemee. A short
Worship service was held followed by the presentation of a proposal for the next step of Sharing
Ministry followed by some questions and answers. After discussions were finished we welcomed back
Alexander Jones who talked about the gift of meditation followed by a conversation of spiritual
practices. Alexander has written several books on the topic.
Submitted by John Miller
Chair, Kawartha Highlands Presbytery
Kente Presbytery
Kente Presbytery(Formerly Belleville) is a smaller presbytery since restructuring of Conference but
managing to accomplish the work of Presbytery through our Focus Groups and Ministry Teams. We
have the pleasure this year of hosting the Annual Meeting of Conference and are looking forward to
welcoming all the delegates and guests to beautiful Prince Edward County.
Kente Presbytery is fortunate, as of today, to have no vacancies on any of our Pastoral Charges .
On Sunday April 12, 2015, the 12 United Churches within Prince Edward County worshipped
together in a service of Celebration and Covenanting. Representatives of these 12 churches have
been talking together and discussing ways that we can offer ministry together within Prince Edward
County and beyond. All the churches have concerns regarding diminishing resources, both financial
and people, but still have Good News to Share. The enthusiasm and joy of this service certainly
demonstrated that the United Church Folk in the County believe strongly that this work should
continue. Other conversations within the Presbytery are also happening.
As Easter people we continue to live in hope and in faith.
Submitted by Audrey Whitney
Chair, Kente Presbytery
Bay of Quinte Conference
47.
Lakeridge Presbytery
I was elected Chair of Lakeridge Presbytery in March 2014 and assumed office after the rise of
Conference in June. Following The Rev. Linda Saffrey as chair I realized I had some big shoes to fill.
Rev. Linda moved out of our Presbytery in September leaving me to rely on other past chairs and
Rev. Larry Doyle and Rev. Karen Smart to lead me through this year. It has been a good year of
learning for me as well as the Court. Susan Graham-Walker was our guest at the September
meeting and shared new ideas and insights into Stewardship with us. We welcomed her and enjoyed
her words of wisdom concerning Stewardship and ideas to share with our home congregations.
During the October meeting, the Court spent time on the Comprehensive Review with much
discussion on the questions that would impact all of us. All the members joined in groups for
discussion on the topics that interested them the most . During the discussion the Court was able to
see what might be brought forth at General Council in 2015.
The Court welcomed The Rev. Jackie Harper at the January meeting. She shared with us her
sabbatical experience and gave everyone some ideas for Youth and Young adult events. The most
important asset in our Pastoral Charges is our youth and young children. We must do all we can to
support them and their projects and prepare them for the future of the church.
The Rev. Dr. John Young and Norma Thompson, members of the Executive of General Council,
visited with us in February. The court enjoyed their presentation on One Order of Ministry,
Membership, Candidacy Pathways and Competency-Based Approach to Ministerial Education and
Formation. These proposals will be brought forth at General Council in August. There was much
discussion and questions on these topics. Rev. Young encouraged the Court to talk with the
Commissioners if there are any concerns. The Commissioners will be the people to take the
concerns to the General Council.
The Rev. Larry Doyle and Tom Smart made a presentation on the document released from the
committee for the Comprehensive Review report at the March meeting. Their presentation helped
the Court to understand the ideas that will be proposed at General Council.
All the meetings are important but other business happens during the year. As Chair of Presbytery,
I was honoured to join with our Secretary, Rev. Karen Smart, in attending the final worship service at
Myrtle United Church. They have served the community for over 140 years but as with other
communities of faith, there was a lack of membership and money in order the keep the church open.
Zion United Church has been closed and the building is up For Sale. Michelle Hoffman our diaconal
minister was called to Scugog Island Church to lead them in their journey of faith. The Rev. Sue
Genge was called to Kingsview United Church in Oshawa in January 2015 and we celebrated her
coventing service with the Presbytery and the Pastoral Charge the end of January. Oshawa Church
48.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Extension Council went through the process of changing their name from Oshawa to Lakeridge
Church Extension Council to be the same as Lakeridge Presbytery. Simcoe Street United Church has
been the home of The Back Door Mission outreach project for many years and in 2015 it became a
corporate entity. We have student ministers preparing for ordination by leading worship and working at
some of our churches who are without an ordained minister. Rev. David Jones and Rev. Richard
Parker celebrated their retirement during this 2014-2015 year and we look forward to celebrating the
retirement of David Kai and The Rev. Ann Foster this summer.
Lakeridge Presbytery Executive meets regularly to plan meetings and discuss all items of business to
be presented to the Full Court.
There are more interesting things happening at Lakeridge Presbytery, with a new project called
Pulpit Supply in April, and a discussion on Assisted suicide lead by the Mission, Outreach and
Advocacy committee at a upcoming meeting. I look forward to these and any other happenings in the
next few months. My term will end in June, it has been a privilege to serve this Presbytery as well as a
learning experience and I thank everyone who has supported me over this past year.
Submitted by Donna Bignell
Chair, Lakeridge Presbytery
Shining Waters Presbytery
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ from the congregations of Shining
Waters Presbytery. As we work with one another to carry out our high calling of the mission and
ministry of Christ we seek to share our faith, wisdom, and challenges.
We have continued to work on our circle model of administration in the presbytery. This model has
been well received by the presbytery. As part of a reflection on the model, we have decided that we
will continue to have the circles act as commissions for the purpose of regular motions. Motions that
would be a change in our normal process, motions that the court would like to lift from the circles, or
motions that affect the wider presbytery will be dealt with by the whole court. We also felt that, where
time permits, the executive will follow this direction in order to avoid the disenfranchisement some of
the members were feeling. This seems to be a good balance between expediting the business, doing
education, and maintaining the authority of the court. We also recognized that this continues to be a
work in progress.
As a presbytery we are challenged by the lack of ministry personnel as well as the lockstep problem
of more charges moving toward part time ministry positions, which are not appealing to ministry
personnel. Our hope is to move forward by looking at Regional Ministry models to address both the
lack of ministers and the lack of full time positions.
Bay of Quinte Conference
49.
We continue to be involved at the local level with our MORE circle with involvement in local Interfaith
activities. We hope to get involved with a local ecumenical group to support and sponsor refugee
families in the area. Our MORE circle has helped keep our administrative work firmly grounded in our
Missional Call.
We are also working on other transformational models of ministry within our churches and how we
can use our properties with some imagination. This is an ongoing work with support from EDGE and
using other facilitators. This is a brand new endeavor for us and will provide a lot of opportunities for
new ideas. As part of this we are looking at the feasibility of partnering with Bedford House as a new
ministry in our presbytery.
Another of those ideas is to have a grand day of worship and celebration in Peterborough with
churches in the Peterborough area joining together for worship with our Moderator under a tent at Victoria Park on June 14. You are welcome to come and celebrate with us.
The Spirit is at work in our presbytery. We share the call of Christ with you, are uplifted by the hope
of our faith, and filled with the possibilities of where God will lead us in the future. Thank you for your
prayers and witness.
Submitted by Warren Vollmer
Chair, Shining Waters Presbytery
Upper Valley Presbytery
Report not provided.
50.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Permanent Committees
Ministry, Personnel and Education: Jean Wilson, Chair
“For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have all the
same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the
others.” Romans 12: 4-5
It has been a year of sharing and networking for members of MPE. From Pastoral Relations to
Settlement, from Candidacy Pathways to Conference Staff, we each have brought the wisdom of our
experiences, questions from our challenges, news from our areas of interest and our personal lives. I
view our life as a committee as living out Paul’s message to the church that though we are all unique
we form one body, and we all “belong to all others” in our work. I have been encouraged by the habit of
engaging each other in our work.
That work has included support for Presbytery Pastoral Relations work as they work within the
processes of The United Church of Canada, empowerment of the work of the Conference Candidacy
Coordinating Committee as they continued the pilot project, and engagement with the Personnel
Ministers as they kept us informed of policy changes that affect our work.
Our Fall meeting discussions centred around concern for retirees. Our presbyteries were asked to
share how they are caring for retirees, and began sharing stories of retirees’ challenges with the
pension managers AON-Hewitt. The Committee thus directed the chair to write a letter expressing
concerns about continued challenges retirees face, to PC-MEPS of the General Council Executive.
Margaret Mead said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For indeed
that’s all who ever have”. May we continue to care for each other for the Church and for our world;
sharing our gifts, our compassion, our grace and our faith as we continue with the work of our
Conference.
Partnering in Mission (PiM): Richard Hollingsworth, Chair
It remains a great honour, privilege and pleasure to be the Chair of Partnering in Mission. I consider
myself to be the most fortunate member of the Executive for I have the distinct delight of working with
such gifted, devoted and committed people. The social justice and outreach ministries which are being
conducted within the boundaries of Bay of Quinte Conference are truly amazing.
Last year the Rural Life and Small Church Committee was added to the Portfolio of PiM. Under the
leadership of Rev. Shelley Roberts this committee has rediscovered its vision and energies for the
work of small and rural congregations within Bay of Quinte. Within the boundaries and under the
umbrella of PiM, we now have two standing committees: Stewardship and Rural Life and Small
Congregations; four action groups: Affirming Ministries, Fair Trade, Dancing the Circle of Right
Bay of Quinte Conference
51.
Relationships, and InterFaith/InterCultural: one Mission Awareness group; and five very active
Presbytery outreach ministries commissions/committees: Four Rivers, Hills and Shores, Kente, and
Upper Valley. Our Core planning meetings are well attended and the Conference Meeting room is
electrified with the enthusiasm and excitement of each person attending.
I am extremely proud of the work that the volunteers working within the structures of Partnering in
Mission have achieved over the past year. Each Action Group and Standing Committee has filed its
report of what their committee has undertaken on your behalf in the past Conference year. As you
read through what each grouping undertook you will be not only be pleased but also inspired. God’s
spirit has been mightily at work and we are very humbled by what God has achieved.
We, Bay of Quinte Conference owe the chairs and the various members of the Action Groups and
Committees of PiM a hearty thank you for their work. So, THANK YOU to Jim McGregor and the
Affirming Ministries Action Group. THANK YOU to Rodney Smith-Merkley and the Dancing the Circle
of Right Relationships Action Group. THANK YOU to Marilyn Rodger and the Fair Trade Group.
THANK YOU to Aruna Alexander and the Interfaith/Intercultural Action Group. THANK YOU to Carol
Cundy and the Stewardship Committee and THANK YOU to Shelley Roberts and the Rural Life and
Small Congregation Committee. There was not a Mission Awareness trip this past year and we still
have not determined the destination of next year’s Awareness trip. May God continue to richly bless
you and your work.
This past summer, Rev. Jackie Harper experienced a physical set back and was forced to take
some time off for medical reasons. It wasn’t easy and we did struggle a bit without her support. By
the time of the Fall Advance, Jackie was almost back to “normal,” for which we were truly grateful. We
continually find ourselves deeply indebted to Jackie for her commitment, her diligence, her good
grace, and especially her culinary capabilities in providing us some really fine soups and goodies on
our meetings days. At all levels of our work, we find Jackie to be a source of inspiration, wise counsel,
diligent work, and invaluable ideas and resources. I find her personal support an added benefit to my
own ministry. We thank you Jackie for your devotedness to the social justice and outreach mission
work of the Conference.
Following you will see the reports of the Interfaith/Interculture, Dancing the Circle, and Affirming
Ministries Action Groups and the Stewardship and Rural Life/Small Congregation Committees.
Partnering in Mission
As was the case with last year’s report, it is almost pointless to say that the Partnering in Mission
Division has been active since our last CAM. Within the social justice and outreach sector of the
Conference’s work we have four Action Groups: Affirming Ministries, Dancing the Circle of Right
Relationships, Fair Trade, and InterFaith/InterCultural; and two Standing Committees: Rural Life/Small
Congregation and Stewardship. As per directed by the CAM of 2013, we now have established the
Equity Committee which held its first training meeting on May 2, 2015. It is still our hope to establish
an “Environmental” Action Group and for that purpose a workshop was held on Friday, May 1, 2015.
We also sent representatives to the Ontario Conferences’ Network: Social Justice Network of Ontario
Conferences and give support to our Conference Resource person: Rev. Dr. Jackie Harper.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
A. Affirming Ministries
1. Welcome Friend Association’s Rainbow Camp is a one-week camp for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer questioning, and allied (LGBTQA) youth, their siblings and
children in Queer families. WFA’s Rainbow Camp is committed to developing a camp
community which honours creativity, individual choice, and social justice while having fun.
The camp is located at PO Box 242, 76 Dawson Street Thessalon, On P0R 1L0 and its
telephone number is 1-888-909-2234.
2.
Dunbarton Fairport United, Pickering, celebrated its Affirming Ministries Covenanting
Service, March 22, 2015.
3. St. Mark’s United, Cannifton, celebrated its Affirming Ministries Covenanting Service, April
26, 2015.
4. There are now 15 Affirming Ministries within the Bay of Quinte Conference including
Conference itself, Upper Valley and Shining Waters Presbyteries.
5. A Workshop was held at Trinity United Church in Peterborough on Saturday April 18, 2015.
Action Group Workshop Plan. The topics were:
a. Sexuality and the Bible
b. Challenges of Becoming an Affirming Congregation
6.
Presently Rainbow Sabbath are taking place in Four Winds Presbytery at Sydenham
Street United monthly with an average attendance of 14.
B. Dancing the Circle of Right Relationships
Since the CAM of 2013 the Dancing the Circle of Right Relationships Action Group has not been
resting. They have planned several events and actions for the coming months. On May 2nd and 3rd
they participated in a “Sacred Water Gathering” which was hosted by Trent University. First Nations
peoples and Non-Aboriginal people studied water issues on First Nations’ lands and throughout the
province. On May 10th they participated in a “Walk Around The Water” in Peterborough. On June 26th
to the 28th they will be hosting a canoe trip down the Rideau Canal System from Christian Island to the
Curve Lake Reserve. Kim Sadora will be providing a “War Canoe” for the journey. The canoe will hold
up to 24 paddlers. On September 19th and 20th an educational retreat will be held at the Galilee
Centre in Arnprior in conjunction with the Golden Lake Reserve.
Dancing the Circle would like to recommend to everyone who are attending this year’s CAM, the
films “Flooding the Hope,” which is about the flooding of the First Nations’ lands around Winnipeg,
Man. and “Shannon’s Dream,” which is about the educational needs of the Atawapiscat Reserve. It
also recommends the video series “The Eighth Fire.”
Dancing the Circle would also like to recommend (if you need a speaker for an event) Ms. Elaine
Kellogg who has just returned from a mission awareness trip to Guatemala where she looked at the
impact several Canadian mining companies are having upon the indigenous peoples of that region.
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53.
C. Fair Trade:
At the January meeting of PiM, the motion to not sell Fair Trade items within the Bay of Quinte
Conference was rescinded as it was found to be in contradiction to the Mission and Service Fair Trade
Policy. A committee, consisting of 3 people, was formed to direct the advertising and sell of Fair
Trade products. The Fair Trade businesses which will be supported are: Camino which is in Ottawa,
Just Us from Nova Scotia and Mountain View Estates in Toronto. The goal is to get those within
Bay Of Quinte Conference more familiar with these products which are presently being sold in local
stores in your Communities. We feel if we expose you to the sale of Fair Trade / Organic then you will
seek more on your trips within your local areas.
D. InterFaith/InterCultural
As requested by CAM 2014, the InterFaith/InterCultural Action Group produced Interfaith Services
Books and these books will be distributed at CAM 2015. In addition the United Church - Hindu
Dialogue document is now available. As with all other Interfaith dialogues, copies of the UCC-Hindu
document can be requested from Conference Offices.
The InterFaith/InterCultural Action Group encourages continued dialogue with Islamic Faith groups
and is able to assist any congregation or presbytery set up such a dialogue. Please contact Rev. Dr.
Aruna Alexander.
E. Stewardship
The Stewardship Committee reminds CAM that October is Stewardship month and as in years
previously the committee will be providing study documents, worship materials and information sheets
for each pastoral charge. These packets of materials will be circulated at the September meetings of
Presbyteries.
If your congregation is having trouble in sending its M&S 2015 objective to General Council Offices,
please contact [email protected] or do it online at http://mscovenant.united-church.ca or mail
T h e U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C a n a d a ; o r c a l l 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 6 8 - 3 7 8 1 , e x t . 3 0 5 0.
F. Rural Life/Small Congregation
On April 23rd a workshop entitled: Shaped by a Living Hope: Fostering Renewal in Rural and Small
Congregations, was held at Lakefield UC.
The Algonquin Park Ministry has been re-established with the purchase and relocation of a very nice
house trailer. The Rural Life/Small Congregation is drawing up a listing of people/congregation who
will host the worship services this coming summer and pastoral care in the park. If you are interested
place contact Rev. David Timpson in the Conference Offices.
The Rural Life BBQ at CAM ‘15 will have Rev. Dave Robinson, Anglican, Missional Church for its
speaker. In addition the PiM Fall Advance will focus upon Social Justice in small and rural church –
looking at 3 presentation times – Castleton-Grafton first multipoint; Refugee sponsorship; Canadian
Foodgrains / Growing Projects; and racism be addressed.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
Affirming Ministries Action Group (as part of PiM Report)
The Affirming Ministry Action Group’s purpose is to encourage and support ministries in Bay of Quinte
Conference - congregations, presbyteries, conference and other ministries to become Affirming
Ministries. An Affirming Ministry is one that openly welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered
persons and any other marginalized persons in our society into the life and work of that ministry. There
are now 14 recognized Affirming Ministries in Bay of Quinte Conference.
Affirming Ministries in Bay of Quinte Conference
Sydenham St. Kingston - 1997
Christ Church, Lyn - May 2012
St. Andrew’s, Peterborough - May 2012
Trinity-St. Andrews, Brighton -June 2012
Upper Valley Presbytery -June 2012
Shining Waters Presbytery - November 2012
St Paul’s: Warkworth - January 2013
Bay of Quinte Conference - June 2013
Trinity, Cobourg
Castleton United
St. Andrews, Grafton
Port Hope United Church
Dunbarton-Fairport United, Pickering
Peterborough Chapter of AU/SE - 2005 (approx.)
Ministries Registered in the Affirming Program with Affirm United/S'Affirmer Ensemble: 11
Conference UCW
4 Rivers Presbytery
St Marks, Cannifton
St Paul’s, Bowmanville
Emmanuel United, Odessa
Trinity, Smiths Falls
Zion-Memorial, Carleton Place
Trinity United, Peterborough
George Street United, Peterborough
Bay of Quinte Conference
55.
Activity Since CAM 2014
1. Had our regular information booth at CAM.
2. Participated in the Fall Advance (PIM).
3. Affirm Workshop, November 1, hosted by Sydenham Street United Church, Kingston, celebrating its
15th Anniversary of becoming and Affirming Ministry. Guest Speaker - Michael Blair.
4. Rainbow Sabbath initiative, monthly Potluck and Spiritual time for LGBTQ members and allies in Four
Winds Presbytery.
Planning:
1. Ongoing support and encouragement of all new Affirming Ministry initiatives including Congregations,
Presbyteries, Camps, UCWs.
2. Continuing 1 or 2 workshops year.
Upcoming Events:
1. Rainbow Sabbath initiative beginning in 4 Rivers Presbytery, May 8, ’15
2. Affirming Workshop, Peterborough, April 18, ’15
Thanks to the Members of the Affirming Action Group, Bay of Quinte Conference:
Judy Amsbury, Michiko Bown-Kai, Sue Fleming, Jackie Harper, Roy Huntley, Bruce Hutchinson, Linda
Hutchinson, David Lander, Elizabeth Macdonald, Jim MacGregor, Elaine Mann, Lynn Miller.
Submitted by Jim MacGregor
Chair, Affirming Ministries Action Group
Lifelong Faith Formation (LFF): Larry Doyle, Chair
“Lifelong Faith Formation” is a permanent committee of Bay of Quinte Conference. LFF is an umbrella
committee comprised of Children, Youth and Young Adults (CYYA), Camping and Retreat Centres
(CRCC), and Leadership Education and Faith Formation (LaFF). The work of these three groups was
being somewhat lost in our former accountability structure so the new composite grouping was launched
including a seat at the Conference Executive table to raise the profile of this vitally important work.
The chairs and members of all the LFF committees extend profound gratitude for the immeasurable
contributions of our staff support minister Jackie Harper.
CYYA (Children Youth Young Adult) Marly Bown – chair
In late June 2014 youth and leaders from across the conference participated in the Travelling Towards
Right Relations (T2R2 – part 2). The event included a three day canoe trip from Bobcaygeon to Curve
Lake. It is intended to build right relations between First Nations and non First Nations Youth and
appreciation for creation and growth in knowledge of “traditons” of First Nations People.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
In the fall of 2014 the fall retreat for youth gathered youth from across the conference for three days
at Zion-Memorial Church in Carleton Place. Youth engaged in conversation about different forms of
chaplaincy and how they might share care and listening to one another and to their peers. They led
worship on the Sunday.
Four youth attended the General Council Youth Forum in 2015. They met with Jackie on January 3 to
do some community building and to plan joint travel to the event at Five Oaks in February. The youth
had a fabulous time meeting youth from across the Conferences, engaging in discussions about the
comprehensive review, writing a proposal, music, worship and lots of interaction with the moderator.
Amy McClelland was discerned to be the young person from Bay of Quinte Conference to participate
in the Pilgrimage planned for the summer. Amy is an active member at St. Paul's in Bowmanville and
in Conference youth forums and fall events.
The youth and the leaders participating in the pilgrimage will be in Bay of Quinte Conference July
28/29. We are in the process of planning for their stay in our conference.
CRCC (Camping Retreat Centres Committee) Trevor White – chair
A successful camping season was enjoyed by all three camps. 12,545 camper days happened over
this past summer – camps for first campers were 3 days, most camps were 7 days, a few camps were
two weeks often including canoeing and camping. One grant from the Charlie Ketcheson Fund for
Leadership Development was given to Camp Quin-Mo-Lac for their leadership training in community
building activities.
Representatives of the Dancing Circle Group met with the Camping and Retreat Centre Committee
to see how their mandates might merge. There was agreement that experiencing the creation which is
integral to camping is an easy entrance point for sharing the naming of first people’s lands and inviting
elders to camps seemed like a wonderful opportunity to the directors.
LaFF (Leadership Education and Faith Formation) Larry Doyle – chair
We continue to work on our major project of creating an online “Spirit Hub” for materials pertaining to
faith formation, worship, spiritual practices, etc. The idea is to have an online hub where excellent
spiritual formation materials and links to spirituality websites are gathered and annotated.
Our Conference prayer cycle continues to be used and is appreciated and our Conference Labyrinth
has been in near constant use since its inaugural appearance at CAM 2014! Anyone can sign out the
labyrinth for free at the Conference Office.
We co-sponsored the Clergy Day Apart initiative in February to promote the spiritual health of
ministry personnel, and through Jackie’s gifts, published a Conference “Lenten Breath Prayer”
brochure for people to use as a spiritual practice through Lent.
We issued Learning Fund grants in 2014 of over $16,500 to support laity and clergy in continuing
education and spiritual formation endeavours.
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57.
Standing Committees
Archives & History: Wayne Harris, Chair
As Chair of the Conference Archives and History (A&H) Committee, I would like to encourage ALL
Presbyteries and Pastoral Charges to gather your old records and minute books and send them to the
Conference Archives for preservation before it is too late. This is so important on so many levels that
it does not matter how many times we hear it, as long as it eventually sinks in and we finally do
something about it! Well folks IT HAS sunk in, October 2013 to October 2014 Bay of Quinte deposited
14.3 meters of documents with the Archives. Our average is 4.2 meters, WELL DONE.
NOW that we have patted our own backs let us not slow down, we all know that there are still lots of
documents sitting around in basements and churches so please box them up and send them in.
Part of the committee’s mandate is to encourage Congregations and Presbyteries to submitted their
past records (suggested any over 5 years) to the Archives for preservation. As I have already
mentioned we are called to address the very great challenge of encouraging and, hopefully,
successfully convincing our congregations and presbyteries to send old records to the Central
Conference Archives in Toronto for cataloguing and preservation. If you have not been to the new
home of the Archives at 40 Oak Street, Toronto you should make the trip, these facilities were
renovated keeping in mind that they would be housing the archives collection.
The number of researchers using the Archives increases each year. Their research results are only
as good as the information they are able to access. Every year more and more congregations in the
Central Conferences come on board and decide to send their record to the Archives. There are still
many Pastoral Charges and Presbyteries who are holding tight to those precious pieces of paper.
And, on an even sadder note, those treasures are quickly disintegrating due to the ravages of time
and improper storage or getting lost sitting in someone’s home. The Archives are climate controlled
and can extend the life of these documents immeasurably.
We have a small but dedicated group of people, representing all but one of our Presbyteries, who
work tirelessly to carry out the second part of our mandate, which is to visit each of the congregations
in our Presbyteries on a triennial basis to review the minute and record books. It is important to send
these books to the Archives but it hardly matters if the records are so poorly kept that their information
is meaningless. The members of A&H know what is needed and will help you to ensure your records
are kept in a meaningful and correct manner. They will also help you determine how to gather your
papers together for transport to the Archives. It is a privilege to work with such a devoted and
committed group of people. Please welcome them when they call on your congregation, they are
there to help, not to criticize the minute and record keeping.
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Bay of Quinte Conference
The A&H committee is working at listing all churches and cemeteries, both past and present, that are
situated within the Bay of Quinte Conference. So, again, when approached by your Presbytery
Representative please give all the help that you can.
As Chair, I continue to attend various gatherings on behalf of this committee - the Trustees of the Old
Hay Bay Church and the National Archives & History Committee.
Finance Committee: Don Willmer, Interim Chair
The Finance Committee comprises the treasurers of each of the 8 presbyteries that make up the
Bay of Quinte Conference, also the Conference UCW treasurer, and 5 members at large. During the
past Conference year, the Committee met twice, in November and for budget forum in March.
Investment
So as to improve the return on the considerable monies being held by the Conference, in designated
funds and in accumulated operating surpluses, the Committee developed and finalized a policy for the
investment of those monies. The investment policy was approved by the Conference Executive in
November.
The policy provides that the monies being held by the Conference are to be pooled, although in
several instances separate ledgers continue to be maintained; after deduction of an operating float
portion, the remainder is to be invested equally in guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) and
mutual funds. The GIC portion is to be laddered over 2 years, with one-quarter of the amount
becoming available every 6 months.
The sum of $110,000 has already been invested in a GIC with a two-year term, and roughly the
same amount will be invested in each of 6, 12, and 18 months’ time. The sum of $445,000 is being
invested in units of a balanced fund mutual fund through the same brokerage firm used by The United
Church of Canada Foundation; this fund complies with The United Church’s socially responsible
investment policy, and is the vehicle used by 3 other Conferences as well as 6 congregations within
the Bay of Quinte Conference.
Returns on the Conference’s GIC and mutual fund holdings will be apportioned among its various
designated funds, pro rata. An investment subcommittee of 3 members of the Finance Committee will
be overseeing the Conference’s GIC and mutual fund holdings on an ongoing basis.
Mission Support Grants
Members of the Committee profess no especial expertise in the disposition of mission support grant
applications, and must rely on the thoughtful recommendations of the presbyteries within which the
applicants are located.
For 2015, the sum of $130,246 was made available to the Bay of Quinte Conference for mission
support grants, the same as for 2014. The 19 requests across the Conference totaled $176,500. And
the Presbytery recommendations totaled $148,450.
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59.
After application of the super-priority in favour of aboriginal congregation applications, the Finance
Committee applied the current mission support funding guidelines, to prioritize the remaining
applications as follows: (1) pastoral charges; (2) chaplaincies; (3) church-based outreach ministries;
and (4) non-church-based outreach ministries, in that order. Also, 5% of the total was to be used for
new applications.
2016 Budget
Meeting in advance of, and so as to guide the work of, the Budget Forum held on March 26th, the
Conference Executive made the following recommendations: that there be an annual meeting in 2016;
that the 2016 and 2017 budgets for Conference staff salaries and benefits be not less than the budget
for 2015; that Presbytery assessments for 2016 be not greater than the amount for 2015; and that any
operating shortfall be financed out of accumulated operating surplus. These recommendations are
reflected in the budget being presented to the annual meeting for its consideration.
The Conference holds a significant operating surplus accumulated between 2010 and 2013, due
largely to an incomplete staff complement during those years. As of December 31, 2014, that
undesignated surplus totalled $389,800. To that amount can be added the balances in the Presbytery
restructuring fund and the UCW restructuring fund, $31,900 and $4,800 respectively, for a total of
$426,500.
The Conference holds certain restricted funds, the restrictions on which are outside of the
Conference’s control, such as the Student Bursary Fund, the Queen’s Theological Heritage Fund, and
the Lending Library Trust Fund. But the Conference also holds certain other restricted funds, the
restrictions on which are within the Conference’s control, such as the transformational ministry fund,
the working fund, and the presbytery support fund. In certain circumstances, those restrictions could
be changed or lifted, such that some or all of such latter funds could be added to the accumulated
operating surplus.
Accordingly, the expenditure budget for 2016 being recommended to the Conference Annual
Meeting does not reflect any significant reductions, which might have followed from changes to the
way in which the Conference lives out its vision statement. For now, we can cover any shortfall
between expenditures, and revenue from Presbytery assessments and the General Council operating
grant, by drawing down that accumulated operating surplus.
We cannot, however, continue to draw down that surplus, to finance future operating shortfalls,
indefinitely. Also, some of those monies might wisely be set aside to assist in any transition to new
governance. Here there is a tension between the desire to care for the future church, both within and
beyond the boundaries of this Conference, and the desire to apply those surplus funds while they
remain within the control of the Conference.
A total of $903,832 was requested by the various spending units. The Budget Forum developed an
expenditure budget for 2016 of $875,555, a decrease of 2.71% from the expenditure budget for 2015.
The expenditure budget includes, at line 68, a 6.1% increase in grants to the three camps within the
Conference, which the Budget Forum deemed to be an important ministry to children, when some
congregations no longer have a Sunday school program. The expenditure budget also includes, at line
60.
Bay of Quinte Conference
54, an entry for anticipated overall standing committee under-expenditure of $4,811, the average of
annual under-expenditure over 2012-2014, and, at line 64, an entry for anticipated overall permanent
committee under-expenditure of $33,943, the average of annual under-expenditure over 2012-2014.
This $875,555 expenditure budget for 2016 is what the Finance Committee is recommending to the
annual meeting.
We anticipate that the operating grant from the General Council, out of the Mission and Service
Fund, for 2016 will decline by $81,000, to $191,052, remain the same in 2017, and disappear
altogether in 2018.
The Finance Committee wrestled with the problem that, although the Conference Executive had
recommended that Presbytery assessments in total for 2016 be not greater than $580,775, the amount
for 2015, that amount would be paid by fewer pastoral charges and fewer members in 2016. There
was a 6.38% decrease in resident and non-resident membership in the Conference between 2011 and
2012, the last years for which statistics are available.
A consideration taking us the other way was the prospect that assessments will increase if the
recommendations of the comprehensive review are adopted and the concomitant remits enacted–the
comprehensive review proposals suggest an average increase in assessments of 25% over current
levels.
The Finance Committee decided to recommend that the Presbytery assessment reflect the decrease
in resident and non-resident membership, but only to the extent of one-half of that decrease.
Accordingly, the revenue budget includes, in line 88, a figure of $562,248 for Presbytery assessment, a
decrease of 3.19% from 2015, or one-half of the 6.38% decrease in resident and non-resident
membership.
Given a General Council operating grant of $191,052, and Presbytery assessments of $562,248,
covering the expenditure budget would require a draw of $122,255 on accumulated surplus. That is
what the Finance Committee is recommending to the annual meeting.
Motion
“that the Bay of Quinte Conference approve an expenditure budget for 2016 of $875,555, and
Presbytery assessments for 2016 of $562,248, any operating shortfall to be covered out of
accumulated surplus.”
Appreciation
Thank you to Conference staff who work with the Committee: treasurer Nicola Lupton, Judy
Ormshaw who administers the mission support granting process, and Executive Secretary Bill Smith.
Thanks also to Lloyd Williams, who represents the Committee at meetings of the Conference
Executive.
Bay of Quinte Conference
61.
Regulations for Conference Finances for 2015/2016
The funds of Bay of Quinte Conference will be administered according to section D.2.13 of The
Manual (2013) of The United Church of Canada and the following regulations:
1.
Budget requests shall reach the Conference Finance Officer by January 21st of the year
preceding the fiscal year to which they apply. (The Conference fiscal year is January 1st to
December 31st).
2.
All Presbyteries, camps, retreat centres, and the Old Hay Bay Church shall present an annual
reviewed financial statement to be received by the Conference Finance Officer by February
21st of the following year. If the Finance Officer deems it advisable, he/she may request the
Conference auditor/reviewer to review the statement. This shall be a condition required to
receive any future funding from the Conference.
3.
All participants in the Conference budget shall report, in advance, to the Finance Officer all
grants and other sources of funds anticipated. The Conference allocation will be set according
to needs beyond these other sources of funds.
4.
a.
Participants in the Conference budget may arrange priorities within their budget
allocations but must seek the approval of Conference or its Executive before incurring
expenses in excess of the approved budget.
b.
Conference Executive will deal only with those money-related motions that have been
reviewed by the Conference Finance Officer and/or the Conference Finance Committee
prior to their presentation.
5.
6.
The budget of each Committee of Conference shall include any expenses related to the annual
meeting of Conference for that year.
Monies unused from the budget at the end of the previous fiscal year will be used to replenish
the Legal and Pastoral Charge Support Fund; the Presbytery Support Fund; and the Office
Capital Equipment Fund. Any additional unused monies will be applied against subsequent
years’ Presbytery assessments or otherwise used as recommended by the Finance Committee
and approved by the Bay of Quinte Conference. The maximum amount in these funds shall be
set by the Finance Committee. The current recommended maximum for the Legal and Pastoral
Charge Support Fund is $15,000.00; the recommended maximum for the Presbytery Support
Fund is $45,000.00; the recommended maximum for the Office Capital Equipment Fund is
$25,000.00. Conference has established a reserve for working funds, with a maximum of
$90,000.00.
The Legal and Pastoral Charge Support Fund may be used by Conference to assist Pastoral
Charges with unanticipated legal and personnel expenses. Requests for financial assistance
from this fund shall be made to the Finance Committee for its recommendation to the
Conference Executive which shall decide on any disbursements.
62.
7.
8.
9.
10.
12.
Bay of Quinte Conference
The Conference assessment shall be distributed among the Presbyteries according to the
following formula, using figures from the most recent United Church Yearbook, as adjusted to
reflect the eight (8) Presbyteries: half the total Conference budget based on the average of the
last three years of line 6 (number of financially supporting households) plus half the total
Conference budget based on the average of the last three years of line 40 (expended for
operation of pastoral charges (including all salaries)).
Conference assessments are due from the presbyteries according to the following formula:
25% by March 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and December 15th of the fiscal year.
Normal Conference policy is that meal and accommodation costs will not be paid.
Offerings received at the celebration of ministries service shall be turned over to the
Conference Student Bursary Fund unless otherwise designated by the giver.
a. Travel expenses for annual meetings shall be paid to lay delegates and ministry
personnel without appointment who incur costs and who submit travel claim forms. Claim
forms are due during the first full day of the annual meeting and expenses shall be paid
the last day of the annual meeting. Conference delegates shall be notified of this policy
and of the latest time for the receipt of travel claim forms at the annual meeting. Travel
expenses shall not be mailed to delegates unless they supply a stamped self-addressed
envelope.
b. Conference will not pay expenses incurred by daily commuting to the annual meeting of
Conference.
c.
Where possible, delegates to the annual meeting from each pastoral charge should
arrange among themselves to travel in one car.
d.
Reasonable fare for other methods of transportation to meetings or to the Annual Meeting
shall be paid at actual cost.
e.
At annual meetings for which billets are offered to all delegates by the Conference Local
Arrangements Committee, this shall be the only accommodation supplied and
Conference shall not pay any accommodation expenses with the exceptions of
President, staff, special guest, working committees, and those approved by the Executive
or Sub-Executive.
The travel policy for all Conference committee meetings, excluding the Conference annual
meeting, is:
a.
that Conference meetings be held in a fully accessible, central location, and that
whenever possible meetings be facilitated with technology;
b.
that whenever possible, car pooling is encouraged when attending Conference events;
c.
that Conference travel expense rate shall be paid at 41 cents per kilometre.
d.
that should circumstances require any attendee to travel more than 250 kilometres, or 3
hours driving time, one way, to attend a meeting, they may be reimbursed for the cost of
overnight accommodations upon presentation of that receipt; and
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63.
e.
that where an attendee is expected to attend back-to-back meetings in the same general
area, the cost of overnight accommodations versus the cost of making a second trip be
considered. Should the participant opt to stay overnight, the cost of travel and
accommodation should be divided equally between the two spending units.
f.
Your travel cheque may be endorsed payable to the Conference and returned for a
charitable donation receipt.
Bay of Quinte Conference Financial Guidelines 2015/2016
1.
Number of Bank Accounts
- General fund
- Bursary Fund
- Charlie Ketcheson Camping and Leadership Fund
- Queen’s Theological Heritage Fund
Conference funds may be held in a single bank account but separate ledgers must be
maintained for each.
In our present location, banking will be done at the Bank of Montreal in Belleville.
2.
Number of Funds
- Bursary Fund
- Charlie Ketcheson Camping and Leadership Fund
- Queen’s Theological Heritage Fund
- Legal and Pastoral Charge Support Fund
- Presbytery Support Fund
- Office Capital Equipment Fund
- Working fund reserve
3.
investments
See the investment policy adopted by the Conference Executive in November 2014 (attached).
4.
Financial Statements

A statement of income and expenses, actual to budget and year to date, shall be issued
monthly for the Conference, with copies for the Executive Secretary, the Finance
Chairperson, and the Bookkeeper/Treasurer

These shall also be distributed to each member of the Finance Committee and the Bay of
Quinte Conference Executive for their meetings.

A balance sheet shall be issued monthly to the Executive Secretary, the Finance
Chairperson, and the Bookkeeper/Treasurer, and to the Finance Committee members for
their meetings.
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
Detailed operating statements for income and expenses, actual to budget and year to date,
shall be produced quarterly or on request, for the various spending units, and provided on
request to the Executive Secretary and/or the Finance Chairperson.

Financial statements shall contain a comparison to the previous year.

Volume I will contain an audited or reviewed year-end (December 31st) statement of
income and expenses, actual to budget, and an audited or reviewed year-end (December
31st) balance sheet of assets and liabilities.

The auditor/reviewer’s statement and Bursary Fund report are to be included in Volume I.
Audit/Review Policy
It shall be the policy of the Bay of Quinte Conference to have the books audited or reviewed by
a licensed public accountant firm by March 31st.
6.
Cheque-Signing Authority
Any two of the President, the Executive Secretary, the Bookkeeper/Treasurer, and the Office
Administrator may sign cheques on behalf of the Bay of Quinte Conference on the general
account. For cheque signing on the investment account, see the investment policy (attached).
7.
Authorization for Cheque Disbursement
No cheques shall be issued unless an invoice and/or cheque requisition form is approved by
the appropriate Conference committee chairperson, the appropriate staff person, the Executive
Secretary, or the Acting Executive Secretary.
8.
Recovery of Taxes
The Bookkeeper/Treasurer is to maximize recovery of HST/excise tax, in an efficient manner.
9.
Office Practice
10.
11.

Develop monthly invoice practices with suppliers to minimize cheque writing and bank
charges.

Travel expenses for those committees meeting in the Belleville office will normally be paid
during the meeting time.
Bookkeeping/Office System

We will utilize a computerized bookkeeping system that meets the needs of the above
policies and guidelines.

The computerized data system must be backed up at least daily and also requires a weekly
backup to be kept off site.
Guidelines for Committees
 Authorization for payment is to be made by the appropriate Conference committee
chairperson, the appropriate staff person, or the Executive Secretary. Conference
committee chairperson’s expenses should be approved by committee secretary or other
designated committee representative.
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65.

Original bills should be attached to requisition forms if possible, to enable us to claim the
appropriate percentage of HST.

The cost of alcoholic beverages will not be reimbursed.

Approved invoices and/or cheque requisition forms are to be submitted electronically, by
mail or in person to the Conference office.
Bay of Quinte Conference Investment Policy (07 November 2014)
Application
1.
Application. This policy applies to all monies held by the Conference, whether restricted funds,
unrestricted funds, proceeds from the sale of assets (both real property and other assets,
including the net proceeds from the sale thereof), or undesignated cumulative operating
surplus.
2.
Separate Ledgers, As Necessary. While the balances in each of those funds will be pooled for
investment purposes, and the return on investment–interest income, dividend income, or
capital gain (or loss)–will be allocated to each of those funds semi-annually in proportion to the
amount invested, separate ledgers will continue to be kept for each of those funds.
Objectives
3.
Objectives. This policy is intended to achieve an appropriate balance among three mutually
inconsistent objectives: maintaining of necessary liquidity; minimizing risk; and maximizing
return.
4.
Three Portions. A portion of the fund pooled for investment purposes will remain available in the
Conference’s bank accounts–current and high-interest savings)–in order to provide the needed
liquidity (the “float” portion). The remainder of the funds pooled for investment purposes will be
divided in two, with one half being invested in guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) in
order to provide a moderate return with relatively less risk (the GIC portion), and the other half
being invested in mutual funds in order provide a higher return with somewhat greater risk (the
mutual fund portion).
5.
Deposit Insurance. Accounts and GICs with terms of 5 years or less, held with chartered banks
and other member financial institutions, are insured through the Canada Deposit Insurance
Corporation, to a maximum of $100,000 per depositor. Mutual funds are not-CDIC-insured.
6.
Mutual Fund Risk. The main risk associated with mutual funds is that, while the longer-term
trend in the value of a fund may provide a higher rate of return than would GICs, at any given
time when the Conference may need to use the money invested in mutual funds, the value of
those funds may be low, such that the return actually realized may be lower than GICs or
indeed negative.
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Float Portion
7.
Float. Every 6 months, calculate and set aside:
(1) the amount of the estimated maximum shortfall if any during the coming 6 months, between
cumulative anticipated operating revenues and cumulative anticipated operating expenses;
(2) the amount of any known extraordinary or non-operating payments during the coming
quarter, as for example the disposition of proceeds held from the sale of property of a
congregation that has ceased to exist; and
(3) a contingency amount of an additional 10% of the sum of components (1) and (2).
8.
Accounts. The total of those three amounts is to be held as an operating float in either a current
account or a high-interest savings account with the Conference’s bank. The proportion of the
operating float to be held in the current account and the high-interest savings account
respectively is to be determined from time to time by the Conference Treasurer.
9.
Draws on Surplus. In establishing the size of the float portion, it needs to be borne in mind that
the revenue budget for 2014 contemplates $34,770 being drawn from undesignated cumulative
operating surplus, and the revenue budget for 2015 contemplates $50,885 being drawn from
the undesignated cumulative operating surplus.
GIC Portion
10.
Guaranteed Investment Certificates. Of the funds pooled for investment purposes, remaining
after deduction of the float portion, one half will be invested in non-cashable GICs with the
Conference’s bank (the GIC portion). GIC investments will be laddered over 2 years, with 4
rungs in the ladder, such that a GIC representing approximately one quarter of the GIC portion
will come up for renewal for a further 2-year term, every 6 months.
11.
Initial Investments. When this policy comes into effect, one-quarter of the amount calculated as
the GIC portion will be invested in a non-cashable GIC with a 2-year term; the remainder of the
GIC portion will be deposited in the high-interest savings account. 6 months later, one-quarter
of the amount then recalculated as the GIC portion will be invested in a second non-cashable
GIC with a 2-year term; the remainder of the amount then recalculated as the GIC portion will
be deposited in the high-interest savings account. 12 months later, one-quarter of the amount
then recalculated as the GIC portion will be invested in a third non-cashable GIC with a 2-year
term; the remainder of the recalculated GIC portion will be deposited in the high-interest
savings account. 18 months later, one-quarter of the amount then recalculated as the GIC
portion will be invested in a fourth non-cashable GIC with a 2-year term.
12.
Subsequent Renewal. Every 6 months, the amount to be held as the GIC portion will be
recalculated. And a GIC will come up for renewal every 6 months. One-quarter of the amount
then recalculated as the GIC portion will be invested in a non-cashable GIC with a 2-year term.
If additional monies are required to renew the GIC at the recalculated amount, those monies
will be drawn from the float portion. If monies are available after the GIC is renewed at the
calculated amount, those monies will be deposited as part of the float portion.
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67.
Mutual Fund Portion
13.
Initial Investment. Of the funds pooled for investment purposes, remaining after deduction of
the float portion, one half will be invested in balanced (moderate-risk) mutual funds, through
The United Church of Canada Foundation (the mutual fund portion). Those mutual funds will
conform to the ethical investment policy of the United Church.
14.
Subsequent Adjustment. Every 6 months, the amount to be held as the mutual fund portion will
be recalculated. If additional monies are required to increase the mutual fund portion to the
recalculated amount, those monies will be drawn from the float portion. If monies are available
after the mutual fund portion is reduced to the recalculated amount, those monies will be
deposited as part of the float portion.
Other
15.
Investment Subcommittee. Investment decisions would be made in accordance with this policy,
by an investment subcommittee comprising the chairperson of the Finance Committee and two
other members of the Finance Committee appointed by the Finance Committee, with staff
advice from the Conference Executive Secretary and the Conference Treasurer. The
investment subcommittee would meet semi-annually, for the purpose of determining the
amounts to be held in the float portion, the GIC portion, and the mutual fund portion, and to
oversee investments generally. The investment subcommittee would meet additionally at the
call of the chairperson of the Finance Committee.
16.
Large Receipts. If any extraordinary or non-operating revenues are received that are not
expected to be disbursed during that quarter, then the investment subcommittee would be
called to meet to decide how to hold those receipts pending the next regular semi-annual
meeting.
17.
Large Unanticipated Expenditures. If at any time there is an unanticipated expenditure that
significantly depletes the operating float, then the investment subcommittee would be called to
meet to decide how to restore sufficient liquidity until the next regular semi-annual meeting.
18.
Current Investments. Some of the Conference’s reserves and funds are already invested in
forms that do not permit their immediately being switched; those amounts would be re-invested
in accordance with this policy only as they become available.
19.
Apportionment of Return. The return on investment–interest income, dividend income, or capital
gain (or loss)–will be allocated to each of the funds comprising the investment pool, semiannually in proportion to the amount invested.
20.
Quarterly Reporting. The investment subcommittee would report to the Conference Executive
semi-annually.
21.
Investment Policy Review. This investment policy is to be reviewed annually by the Finance
Committee at its fall meeting, and any recommendations made to the Executive.
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Nominations Committee: Phil Hobbs, Chair
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then
prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is in serving, then serve; if it is in teaching, then teach; if it
is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is in giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, then
do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12.6-8
A heartfelt word of thanks to all who have volunteered to use their gifts for the service of Bay of
Quinte Conference and its varied ministries in the Conference Year 2014-2015.
Without the God-given gifts that you have shared, the Conference could not succeed in its work and
ministry.
In this Volume One, you will read reports of that important activity as the Conference lives out its
work as one of the four courts of our United Church of Canada.
During the year the Nominations Committee has met, in person and by Conference Call, to consider
Expressions of Interest that have been submitted. Exercising discernment, we have then brought
forward recommendations to the Conference Executive, which takes responsibility for appointing the
members of the various committees and boards.
In the reading of the reports of Volume One, you may find yourself especially interested in the work
of a particular committee. Maybe it is the work of the Rural Life Committee; maybe the Finance
Committee; maybe the Transformational Ministry Committee; or the Leadership Education & Faith
Formation Committee that you find of particular interest. There are a total of twenty such groups and
committees that need volunteers.
You will find in your Docket, or on the Conference Website, and on page 108, an Expression of
Interest Form. Please prayerfully consider how you might serve – what gifts God’s Spirit has given to
you, that might be exercised for the benefit of the whole people of God. Please complete the form and
either drop it off at the Business Table at CAM, or email it to the Conference Office.
At the Annual Meeting in 2014 your Nominations Committee was asked to work to bring the
nominations process of Bay of Quinte Conference in line with the process of the General Council. We
were particularly asked to consider advertising available positions on the Conference Website, so that
potential volunteers would know what was available – what positions they might wish to apply for.
Although we had the best of intentions, I must admit that we failed to make much progress in this
regard. We will continue to work toward this goal.
Part of this process involves helping folk to understand the function of each committee (its mandate)
so that they can seek to match their gifts with the needs of the church, in completing the Expression
of Interest form.
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71.
This is a General Council Year. The vitally important Comprehensive Review Report will be coming
to the Council in Corner Brook Nfld. in August. It seemed prudent to await the outcome of the General
Council before pushing forward with detailed work on existing committees.
The structure of our United Church of Canada could be quite different following the Corner Brook
meeting. Only time will tell.
I wish to acknowledge with thanks the work of those who have served on Nominations Committee in
the Conference year 2014-2015; these include Bob Matheson (Kente Presbytery), Bill Sheaves
(Lakeridge Presbytery); Mary Smiley (Member at large); Norma Thompson (Hills & Shores Presbytery,
General Council Nominations Committee); Michelle Brotherton (Past President); with staff support
from Rev. Dr. Bill Smith, Conference Executive Secretary. Near the end of the year we were joined by
Margaret Martin the new representative from Four Rivers Presbytery. Welcome aboard Margaret.
(You will note that we are lacking representatives from Upper Valley, Four Winds, Shining Waters,
and Kawartha Highlands, Presbyteries. Please consider whether you might serve with us on
Conference Nominations. We are seeking persons who are familiar with the gifts and abilities of the
laity and ministry personnel in their area. Such knowledge will help us in the discernment process.
Please fill out an Expression of Interest Form and submit it to the Business Table or email it to the
Conference Office.
Settlement Committee: Bonnie Davidson, Chair
The Settlement Committee membership consists of one member of the Order of Ministry and one lay
member appointed by each Presbytery, a chair and a secretary appointed by the Executive of the
Conference, the Conference Minister of Personnel and the Conference President. We appreciate all
the work of the Support Staff at the Conference Office do to direct the flow of paperwork related to the
Settlement Committee.
At the October meeting, representatives of the eight Presbyteries reported on the status of the
ministry personnel in their respective Presbyteries. Because Bay of Quinte Conference is part of a
pilot programme Candidacy Pathways, many of the pastoral charges that have traditionally been
settlement sites are now a SME site (Supervised Ministry Education). Also at this meeting Settlement
committee spent some time discussing and revising a document entitled "Handbook for Changing
Ministry Positions" compiled by Rev. David Timpson, Conference Personnel Minister. As yet this
document has not been implemented by any presbytery. The Bay of Quinte Conference profile was
updated for the 2015 National Transfer Packet and the Budget Request for 2016 was decided.
There is a conference call meeting planned for May 5, 2015. Presbytery Secretaries, Pastoral
Relations Chairs and Settlement Representatives work very hard to complete and forward the
paperwork necessary to complete changes in ministry personnel and pastoral charges throughout the
year. Many calls and appointments now take place during the year and not on July 1st. Appointments
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are often not for a full year but for a few months. These calls and appointments are also often for part
time. Churches are amalgamating, pastoral charges are joining together or sharing a minister and
some churches are closing. It is a challenge to ensure that all congregations receive the necessary
support from presbytery and conference. It is important that all Pastoral Charges complete in a timely
fashion all the paperwork necessary for calls and appointments.
Because candidates may now seek their own Provisional Call, the work of the Transfer Committee
and Settlement Committee is greatly reduced. The last few years have certainly been transitional
years in the life of ministry personnel and pastoral charges.
I look forward to representing the Bay of Quinte Conference at the National Transfer meeting via
Live Minutes on April 11, 2015.
Staffing Committee: Mary Smiley, Chair; Bill Smith, Executive Secretary
The mandate of the Staffing Committee of Bay of Quinte Conference is to be aware of changes that
will affect those in Ministry at the Conference Office and to provide guidance and support. The
Staffing Committee is responsible for ensuring that the environment they serve in is safe, inviting and
supportive. We meet twice a year – once face to face and once by conference call. The members of
the committee are: Ian Miller, Mary Smiley (Chair), Rev. Wanda Stride and Norma Thompson with the
Rev. Dr. Bill Smith as our resource person.
We provide advice and guidance on a variety of topics that impact on our staff and the Ministry they
do for us. We work with our Conference Executive Secretary as a sounding board to ensure that the
direction given at our Conference Annual Meetings (CAM) is acted upon; at the same time we assist
in complying with direction from the General Council.
We are fortunate with the caliber of staff that serve in Bay of Quinte Conference. We invite you to
take a moment during CAM 2015 to say hello and thank each one for their commitment and
dedication.
Rev. Dr. Jackie Harper
Rev. Mary-Jane Hobden
Nicola Lupton
Judy Ormshaw
Rev. Dr. Bill Smith
Rev. David Timpson
We look forward to continuing as we work with the changes that may come with the Report of the
Comprehensive Review and decisions at General Council 42. - Mary Smiley
Bay of Quinte Conference
73.
Last September, laden with boxes and books, our staff sojourned from Frankford to Belleville to take
up residence in our new abode in St. Matthew’s United Church in Belleville. We moved into a bright
and cheery place that gives us all more room and wonderful neighbours with the St Matt's staff and
congregation. Because we have access to their halls on the lower level, this allows us to offer more
meeting and programming on site. At time of writing, we still have not sold our building in Frankford,
but we are hoping the summer breezes will blow in new offers to buy.
This past Conference year saw us ‘almost’ with a full staff compliment. Jackie completed her wellearned sabbatical but, at the end of June, lost mobility in her legs, which landed her in a rehab facility
for three months. She returned to work part time in September and quickly was back to full time. We
give thanks for her miraculous recovery and her joyful presence back in our midst.
Jackie has a broad portfolio with an emphasis on children and youth, partnering in mission and
social justice programs. As well as being here during the week, Jackie can be found leading many
workshops throughout our Conference.
Our Two Conference Personnel Ministers are also kept busy. Mary-Jane's focus has been in the
Candidacy Pathways Project while David has been focusing on Pastoral Care. Together, they have
dealt with many pastoral relations issues and have visited many congregations within Bay of Quinte
Conference.
Judy and Nicola can be found in the main office. In Frankford, they were the first ‘smiling faces’ you
saw as you entered the building. They are a little tucked away now, so be sure to pop in and say hi to
them. Judy oversees the work of the Conference and Nicola keeps our books balanced and our
computers running! I am grateful for this wonderful team and their commitment to the work of our
Conference.
Between Staff leader’s meetings, GCE, Comprehensive Review and meetings of the GCO (of which
I am a rotating member), I have spent more time in Toronto than usual. While this is a transitional and
somewhat stressful time within our Church, I am thankful and humbled to be entrusted with this
responsibility of being your Executive Secretary.
Within the Conference, life is busy with meetings and travel and I have had opportunity to share in
worship and workshops in many sites throughout our geography.
I am grateful for our President Bill Sheaves and corresponding secretary Lynda Price, to our
multitude of committees who faithfully carry out the work of the Gospel in the Bay of Quinte. I would
also like to express my appreciation to the Staffing Committee for their support and encouragement
throughout times.
Finally, a word of thanks to our great staff, Jackie, Mary-Jane, David, Judy and Nicola. They
understand their ‘work’ as calling and their jobs as ministry for which I am deeply grateful.
As a Conference, we know things are changing, but we cling to the words of Martin Luther ‘if I knew
the world was going to end tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree.”
Look for the apples, for God is alive in the Bay of Quinte Conference - Bill Smith
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Conference Candidacy Coordinating Committee (4C): Dorinda Vollmer, Chair
We have had another busy year and we have all been very aware that General Council meets in
August 2015 so there are changes coming and we have been reading all the reports and relevant
documentation.. Our Committee members have all worked very hard these past four years and I
know I can say on behalf of our members it has been a priviledge to do this work and we appreciate
the support of the Bay of Quinte Conference. We can’t say enough about our staff resource person,
Reverend Mary-Jane Hobden who has been outstanding in her work in advising both 4C and the
Conference Assessment Board (CAB).
What has made this Pilot Project work has been the willingness of the members of 4C to listen, to
remain flexible, to regroup when necessary and to keep an open mind. This has been a wonderful
group of people to work with: Cheryl Mound our Secretary, Patti James, Reverend Sheryl McLeod,
Reverend Caroline Geisbrecht, Reverend Jeannette Millar and Reverend Wendy Bulloch . Former
members were Reverend Bill Smith, Reverend David Timpson, Reverend Tim Hayward, Reverend
Alan Boyd who was our original Chair, and Reverend Mary-Jane Hobden who was our original
Secretary.
Our committee was tasked near the beginning of this Pilot Project by the Executive of Conference
to oversee the work of the Conference Assessment Board (CAB) and to have two members from 4C
to sit on this Board. The members of CAB have had a huge amount of work to do since it started
and have worked very hard to make the best decisions possible for the students/candidates and are
committed and dedicated. The present members of the Board are: Reverend Frank Hamper Chair,
Caroline Vanhorne-Coffey, Secretary; Mary Smiley; Dr. Julie Bryson; Reverend Alan Boyd; Reverend
Dorinda Vollmer, 4C; Reverend Jeannette Millar, 4C; Reverend Marg Goodwin; Reverend Ryan
McNally; Stan Durward; Denise Boyd, DLM; Reverend David Spivey.
We know more changes are coming and for one I will be going off the Conference Assessment
Board as of the end of June 2015 and I will be going off the Conference Candidacy Coordinating
Committee after our meeting June 2015 and Reverend Jeannette Millar will be the new Chair of 4C. I
want to say it has truly been a great honour to be part of this Pilot Project.
Transformational Ministry: Larry Doyle (on behalf of the Team)
“Behold! I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:19
God is up to something! And we’ve been trying to help!
Mandate: to support new initiatives and new ways to approach or enhance ministry – e.g. Innovative
or Collaborative/Co-operative Ministry that is new and is beyond survival. We categorize our funding
in three groups with increasing levels of documentation needed for each level:

Small Projects – under $1000

Medium Projects - $1000-$5000

Major Projects - $5000+
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75.
So Far…
Here is a list of the churches and groups we’ve been able to fund so far:
 Shining Waters group, Woodville UC, Kawartha-Highlands Presbytery, Four Winds Presbytery – for
EDGE consultations
 Prince Edward County – facilitated conversations
 Warkworth UC – for IMNA survey
 Kente Presbytery – for “Shared Ministry” EDGE consultations including property
 Shining Waters Festival – (a medium project)
 Bedford House ministry – (a major project)
 [others in discussion stages]
We strongly encourage people to look us up on the Conference website and learn how you can apply for funding for your new ministry initiatives. Our goal is to not say ‘no’ to any group but to work with
them until a proposal can be funded as ‘transformational.’
Getting the Word Out
Website – Last summer we were able to share our Transformational Ministry Fund information on
the Conference Website. Just click on the “butterfly” and it will take you to all the information you need
to get started in asking questions and applying for grant money.
[Did you notice that the CRTG proposal #1 pointed at our BQ Transformational Ministry fund as an example of what they are hoping to do?]
Webinar – On February 24, 2015 we hosted a Transformational Ministry webinar featuring the Executive Director of the United Church EDGE Ministry Network Rev. Rob Dalgleish. It was called “God is
Up to Something: Stories of Transformation.” A link to a recording of that webinar is now on the Conference website.
Membership
Since CAM 2014 the Transformational Ministry Team met once in person (Sept 2014) and once via
conference call (February 2015), and we corresponded frequently via email.
Currently the Team consists of: Ryan McNally, Nancy Wilson, Dick Prince, Lynn Watson, Larry Doyle
(chair), and Bill Smith (ES).
Since CAM 2014 our Team has lost several members. Three members withdrew due to time commitments last fall, Jennifer Canning accepted a call in Brantford in early 2015, and recently Rodney Smith
-Merkley has withdrawn due to new commitments as Presbytery chair. Further, Larry Doyle will be
stepping aside as Chair this summer as he begins a sabbatical.
We recognize that all the current members are clergy, however we are very much hoping to draw lay
people into this group. We are finding that our work as a Team has largely been administrative and
foundation setting rather than a more hands-on approach that many of us would prefer. To this end,
we’re wondering if there may be people willing to join us in our work who have skills in reviewing proposals and doing communications work. If this sounds appealing to you please speak to someone on
the Team!
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IMNA
The Identity, Mission and Needs Assessment (IMNA) survey tool is a version of Natural Church development that has been tailored for the United Church of Canada. If you would like to use this tool we
can help fund it for you!
Ongoing
Please read the information on the Conference website, watch the Transformational Ministry webinar,
and ask as many questions as you like of any Team member.
We still have significant funds that we would love to use to support your innovative, collaborative, or
cooperative ministry ideas. What new thing might God be doing in your neck of the woods?
Bay of Quinte Conference
77.
Related Organizations
Grand River Spiritual and Educational Resources (AVEL)L Jackie Childerhose, Director
Background:
The AVEL Ontario outlet became a partner in the Grand River Bookstore & Video Library on January
2, 2000, along with Five Oaks Education & Retreat Centre, Erie Presbytery and the Division of
Communication of the United Church of Canada, under the umbrella of a Pilot Project for Resource
Distribution. United Church Bookrooms closed March 31, 2002 and on April 1, 2002 the Grand River
Bookstore & Video Library began operating with the following partners: AVEL Ontario, Erie Presbytery
and Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre. This partnership incorporated in 2004 with a new
name: Grand River Spiritual and Educational Resources. In 2010 AVEL West ceased operation and
in January 2011 AVEL Ontario began serving Chinook Presbytery in Saskatchewan Conference
through presbytery membership in AVEL and other United Church of Canada congregations East and
West through congregational membership or through single usage fees.
Mission Statement:
A ministry of the United Church of Canada providing and promoting resources: audio-visuals,
books, United Church programming materials, church supplies and skilled resource people offered in
one location and by one operation:

That supports current programmes and issues

That enhances the ministries of worship, education, social justice, spirituality and faith of the
individuals or groups who use the outlet

That equips individuals and groups for the mission of God as articulated and personified in Jesus
Christ.
Actions Taken:

Resources promoted at regular presbytery meetings

Resource displays organized for workshops held at Five Oaks and other locations

Book and video displays taken to Presbyterial and Conference gatherings and Annual General
Meeetings

Book and video displays taken to individual churches

Books/DVDs chosen and purchased to support the many events at Five Oaks

Book and DVD reviews at events held at Five oaks and other locations

Workshops organized and presented for Five Oaks programs, hosted groups at Five Oaks and
other locations
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
Webstore available for non-local bookroom customers

Easy to use and up to date web store with secure online payment methods

Produce specialized videographies for various user groups

Regular communication through monthly newsletter

Network with resource centre directors and conference staff regularly and as requested

In 2014 we will begin the process of moving the AVEL database online, which will enable our users
to access information about a title and order it for use online. This initiative was made possible by
a technology grant from Hamilton Conference. We are currently working with PeaceWorks to
offer an online data base that will: provide a catalogue of resources available, featuring
program description and availability; offer online order fulfillment to members and nonmembers alike. Non-members will be charged a fee for use and shipping charges; we will
offer easy online access to The United Church of Canada’s YouTube channel for live
streaming and United Church Resource Centre products available to order and ship; we will
offer regular newsletters from the data-base with current information about the service. We
expect AVEL Online to be fully functional for users in Spring 2015.
Challenges:

To creatively function within two systems, one that generates revenue through the sale of print
material and one that offers a video loaning library with free one-way shipping.

To raise the awareness of United Church resources both print and DVD and their potential as part
of challenging, creative and transformative programming.

To enthusiastically support all ministries within the United Church of Canada by promoting
resources produced for their various programmes.

To continue to provide the same level of ministry without increase in partner funding.

To continue to uphold the unique partnership between five Ontario Conferences, Erie Presbytery
and Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre and to include conferences, presbyteries,
congregations and individuals who are inspired to invest in education
United Church Women: Nancy Sutherland, President
“Jesus, you are the light of the world. Fill my mind with your peace and my heart with your love.”
This is the statement that begins each of our Executive meetings before we light the “Christ Candle.”
With the opening of the new Conference Offices in Belleville, the UCW Executive is no longer
meeting at Norwood United Church. Belleville is more central for our Presbyterial Presidents and we
find it very convenient to have our meetings there.
Since May 2013, our Affirming Action Team has been working hard as we progress toward a final
vote in April 2015 at the UCW Conference AGM. They have presented skits, workshops, a prayer cycle
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at Quin-Mo-Lac, and information sessions at each UCW gathering. Please keep them in your prayers,
as we move forward with this critical issue.
Two thousand and fifteen will be another challenging year as we continue with our National UCW
Five Year Initiative to End Child Poverty in Canada. Our members continue to support Food Banks
and Breakfast Programs in their areas. This is such an important part of outreach and brings
awareness to the ever present poverty in our neighbourhoods. Mahatma Ghandi said, “Poverty is the
worst form of violence.” The gospels tell us that children have a particular significance in the reign of
God. However, they are also among the most vulnerable people in our society. Almost one million
children in Canada live in poverty, with racialized and Aboriginal communities facing high levels of
poverty. The 2006 Canadian Census showed that the poverty rate for non-racialized persons was
9%, while it was 22% for racialized persons and 40% for Indigenous children. A culture that
emphasizes the well-being of all children, contributes to the well-being of society as a whole, providing
better opportunities for health, employment, education and community involvement for entire families
in the present and for strong, resourceful, compassionate adults in the future. Nelson Mandela said,
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.”
Bay of Quinte Conference UCW Annual Meeting is April 15, 2015 at Pickering Village United Church
in Pickering and is being hosted this year by Lakeridge Presbyterial. Our theme is “The Real Deal”
and the theme speaker is Shane Risto, a Paralympics Medal winner who works at Variety Village
The annual UCW camp weekend was held at Camp Quin-Mo-Lac on September 5 to 7, 2014, with
about 120 campers present. The theme was “I Believe” and the them speaker was Rev. Mary-Jane
Hobden who spoke on “Bad Girls of the Bible.” There were three workshops on Saturday afternoon:
Liturgical dance led by Patricia Browne, a food demo by Carol-Ann Eason, and Pat Gilmore of UCRD,
presented her “Journey of Belief.” In spite of heavy rain on Saturday, a great time was had by all.
The Annual Leadership Workshop was held on October 8, 2014, at Frankford United Church. The
theme was “What’s the Big Deal.” The workshop centered around learning how to open our hearts
and minds to becoming an Affirming Ministry within The United Church of Canada. Elizabeth
Macdonald led us in discussions around “What Does the Bible Say?” We viewed a DVD entitled “Fish
Out of Water”, a documentary which reveals many opinions and ideas around homosexuality. A
“Rainbow” skit created by St. Mark’s of Cannifton was presented by the women of the UCW.
Mid-Week 2014 was hosted by Four Rivers Presbyterial on October 28-29, 2014 at Zion Memorial
United Church in Carleton Place. “Spiritual Wellness” was the theme with VU 375, “Spirit of
Gentleness” as the theme hymn. On the evening of October 28 the DVD, “Anyone and Everyone”
was presented by the Affirming Action Team followed by question and answer time. The guest
speaker of the day was Rev. Wendy MacLean and her topic was “Spiritual Wellness” using the
Canadian Food Rules as a guide for spiritual direction. Seventy-one people were present for the
event.
In October of 2014, I presented a Proposal to Bay of Quinte Conference Executive “That the
National UCW President be granted full voting privileges on the General Council Executive.” The
proposal was accepted by the Executive and in now awaiting approval from General Council at the
Executive meeting in March 2015.
My term of office as President of Bay of Quinte Conference UCW finishes in April at our AGM. I
have enjoyed my time as President and thank the UCW for allowing me this privilege in my Faith
Journey. Roberta Plunkett will be the new President.
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Theological Schools and Centres
Emmanuel College: Mark Toulouse, Principal
 EC, as part of the Toronto School of Theology, is participating in the development of a new Master
of Arts in Theological Studies program, conjoint with the University of Toronto, that will be ready to
receive entering students in Fall of 2016.
EC continues to offer full tuition grants to each year's entering class of MDiv students.
Recruitment for leadership in the church remains a challenge which will be best met by working
together with ministers, lay leaders, and congregations to help us identify and encourage tomorrow's
leaders.

EC continues its exploration of a new Bachelor of Arts in Theological Studies degree, conjoint with
the University of Toronto, to enable third and fourth year undergraduates to study at the College;
graduates could combine this BA degree with completion of the new one-year MA degree thereby
receive the testamur for ministry.

Paul Wilson, Professor of Homiletics, published his new book, Preaching as Poetry: Beauty,
Goodness and Truth in Every Sermon (Abingdon Press, 2014).

Leif Vaage, Professor of New Testament, received the 2014 United Church's Davidson Trust
Award "for excellence in teaching and scholarship in theological education."

Beginning in the Winter term, January 2015, EC began offering academic courses leading to a
Diploma in Buddhist Mindfulness and Mental Health; in addition, faculty are working to create a new
Buddhist Studies track within the Master of Pastoral Studies program.

On April 16-17, 2015, EC faculty are meeting in consultation with representatives from five
conferences (Bay of Quinte, Hamilton, London, Manitou, and Toronto) at Emmanuel College to
discuss contemporary connections and challenges, professional development within the church, and
the future of theological education. The purpose of the conference is threefold: (1) to nurture
conversation and communication between the College and the conferences, (2) provide opportunity
for the faculty at EC to hear about issues of interest to the leadership in the five conferences, and (3)
to create a forum for discussion concerning the content and structure of curricular offerings within
theological education.

Phyllis D. Airhart, Professor of the History of Christianity, is a finalist for the 2015 Canada Prize in
the Humanities for her book, A Church with the Soul of a Nation: Making and Remaking the United
Church of Canada (McGill-Queen's University Press, 2014). The Canada Prizes are awarded
annually by the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. Celebrating the best Canadian
scholarly books—not simply within a single academic discipline, but across all the disciplines of the
humanities and social sciences—the Canada Prizes recognize books that make an exceptional
contribution to scholarship, are engagingly written, and enrich the social, cultural and intellectual life
of Canada.
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Queen’s School of Religion: Richard Ascough, Director
Last year at this time I reported that after consultation with a broad range of stakeholders, in
January 2014 the Dean of Arts and Science announced the temporary suspension of new admissions
to the Theology programs Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and Bachelor of Theology
at Queen’s University. Since then, the School has continued to consult with a wide range of
stakeholders, and it has become increasing clear that the decline in enrolment numbers over the past
decade is not temporary. The School’s goals of providing a solid, challenging, fulfilling program to all
students and of having a strong cohort of students contributing to the academic culture no longer
seem possible. Thus, in January 2015, the Dean initiated the Senate Policy and Procedures for the
closing of the Theology programs (http://www.queensu.ca/secretariat/policies/senateandtrustees/
closure.html). This process will be undertaken throughout 2015 and should be formally completed
with a vote at Queen’s Senate in November 2015.
No tenure-track or tenured faculty members of staff will lose their position as a result of the closure
of Theology programs at Queens and all current Theology students have been provided with the
opportunity to complete their studies at the School before closure. The school of Religion has a
strong undergraduate program in Religious Studies and a growing MA program in Religious Studies,
so faculty and staff resources will be redirected to these ongoing programs.
Rational for the Closure
Having noted a trend towards declining enrolments in Theology programs over a decade ago, the
School of Religion undertook extensive recruitment efforts, including:
 Hiring a Recruitment and Development Officer from 2005-2009
 Sending staff to recruitment workshops and seminars
 Redesigning the School’s website
 Deploying targeted advertisements, brochures, and emails
 Holding bi-annual Open Houses
 Undertaking extensive conversations with leaders in The United Church of Canada’s Head Office
and with members of local UCC education committees
 Attending school fairs and UCC annual conferences
Despite these efforts, student enrolments remained at around 23 full-time equivalent through 2008.
In 2009-2010, The United Church of Canada cut its funding to Queen’s Theology programs, and
while the financial impact was minimal, incorrect rumours spread that the programs were closing and
the school’s full-time equivalent dropped to 16. In response, in 2010 the School re-formatted its
Theology programs so that the M.Div/B.Th. Could be completed in 24 months and the M.T.S. in 16
months, significantly reducing the time students would be in school. Three-hour seminar courses
were clustered into 3 or 4 consecutive weekdays to reduce the time needed for students to be on
campus, and some courses were offered in intensive formats. Finally, generous bursaries were
offered to potential students. Despite these efforts, the full-time equivalent continues to be 15 to 16.
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As a requirement of the reintegration of the School of Religion with Queen’s University in May 2012,
Theology programs were to go through the Queen’s University Quality Assurance Process as new
programs. The initial report to the Theology programs was drafted in Fall 2011. The process
demonstrated concretely that the Theology programs were not financially sustainable at their current
enrolment levels and needed to attract more students; using the budget template in was clear that 30
full-time equivalent students are required in the Theology programs. Despite three intake
opportunities and a few offers of admission that include significant bursary support, only one offer of
admission was accepted by a part-time student in calendar year 2013, and subsequently she chose
not to attend for personal reasons.
In June 2013, the faculty and staff involved in the Theology programs agreed that the programs
could not continue in their current state due to the lack of enrolments, nor could any program changes
be made to the current programs to attract more students. It was unanimously decided to approach
the Dean of Arts an Science with a recommendation to consider suspending admissions in to the
Theology programs offered through the School of Religion.
In early August 2013 this recommendation was brought the Dean, and to the Principal and Provost
of Queens’ in early September 2013. At all levels the rationale for the recommendation was affirmed.
In late January 2014 the Dean announced the temporary suspension of admissions to Theology
programs, and now a year later we have now moved towards the formal closing of the programs.
Impact on Students Currently Enrolled in the Program
With the decision to suspend Theology program admissions, the School of Religion committed to
offer a full complement of Theology courses until August 2015 in order to ensure that full-time students
enrolled in the programs would fulfill the requirements of their degrees as planned. The School has
also worked individually with part-time students to forge a plan for their studies.
The School is confident that all but a very few currently enrolled Theology students will complete
their degree requirements by August 2015 (assuming they take the courses offered in Summer 2015)
and will graduate at Fall 2015 convocation, at the latest. Those that may not complete their degrees
by this time are either working on their final degree requirements (ie., research essay; language
requirement) or, in the case of a single individual student who was admitted to the program as a fulltime student, chose to go against the advice of the Chair of Theology and reduced his load to parttime.
If you have any questions or if you need additional information about the closure of the Theology
programs at the School of Religion at Queen’s University, please be in touch via email at
[email protected] or by telephone at 613-533-3174.
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Centre for Christian Studies: Maylane Maybee, Principal
Educating leaders for justice, compassion, and transformation.
On the brink of enormous change. For the Centre for Christian Studies, 2013 was a year of
charting our course in the face of a promising but uncertain future. As The United Church of Canada
redefines its relationship with theological schools, including grants and the role of testamur, we need
to hold tight as we discover the consequences for ours and other theological schools.
Leading from the edge. Yet even in this time of transition, CCS continues to lead from the edge,
through our excellent programming and our award winning program staff, who equip our students for
transformative ministry in the diaconal tradition. We find strength from knowing what it is to be at the
edge of systems and on the brink of change, from learning through action and reflection how to
respond and adapt to our context, and from belonging to a community of justice and faith.
Program and Students. Students who enter the diploma program at CCS must complete two
weeks of intensive learning in leadership development. The “LDM” (Leadership Development Module)
is also open to students in the Designated Lay Ministry program, and anyone who is looking for the
chance to explore ministry or a continuing education opportunity.
In June 2014 we plan to offer the LDM in London, Ontario (June) and Winnipeg (August). And in
2015 we have our sights on Quebec City (January), and Montreal (June) as well as Winnipeg
(August).
In 2013, six students graduated from CCS with a Diploma in Diaconal Ministries and Transformative
Leadership. Currently we count two students in the Educational Ministry Theme Year from the Bay of
Quinte Conference: Lynn Smith and Catherine Underhill, both of Peterborough, ON. We would
welcome more!
For more information on Diaconal Ministry, Leadership Development, the Diploma course, and our
“theme years” in Education, Social Ministry, and Pastoral Care, go to http://ccsonline.ca/program/
Staff and Volunteers. Ted Dodd, Ann Naylor, Scott Douglas and Principal Maylanne Maybee form
the program team at CCS. Scott Douglas also manages the CCS website which we think is really
great, and edits Common Threads, our bi-monthly newsletter. Lori Stewart came on staff as our
Development Coordinator in July 2013, and Meytal Lavy joined us as our administrative assistant in
December 2013.
CCS would not be able to deliver its community-based program without a company of over 400
volunteers who serve as learning facilitators, mentors, and supporters of our students, and who
participate in our governing body as Committee and Working Group chairs, conveners, and members.
Charting the Course with a new Strategic Plan. In anticipation of the changes ahead, CCS
initiated a strategic planning process for the next three to five years. We crafted a renewed mission
statement (“Educating leaders for justice, compassion, and education”) and reshaped our core values
under these headings:

Acting in faith;

Living a theology of justice;
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Educating through action/reflection, integration, transformation;

Grounding ourselves in sacred community;

Living out of a spirit of abundance and gratitude;

Participating in a larger story.
Details can be found on our website at http://ccsonline.ca/about-ccs/mission-and-values/
There is no other school like us… Come and prepare to make a difference. Together we can
transform the world!
Sandy Saulteaux spiritual Centre: Adrian Jacobs, Keeper of the Circle/Principal
A History to Carry into the Future
The rich history of the 1970’s Indian Ministry Training program, the Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource
Centre, the Francis Sandy Theological Centre, and now the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre is being
carried into our uncertain and changing future. We lament the loss of many former leaders and
teachers, our elders who have taught us so many things and kept our languages alive. We owe all that
we have now to our ancestors who learned how to survive on this land. The land remains and is still
here to teach us as it taught our ancestors. The land is our teacher. The land that gave us our
languages – “The land is our language, The language is our land” – as our banner says.
The white man faces the future and forgets the past, and keeps on repeating the mistakes of the past.
Aboriginal people face the past to help us find our way into the future. We remember our heritage. We
remember our relatives. We remember our culture. We remember our languages. We remember our
mistakes. We remember what the land taught us. We remember what our elders taught us. Our past is
our resource to move into our unseen and uncertain future.
Comprehensive Review
All the theological schools of The United Church of Canada are meeting to address our concerns in
the coming changes that are being reviewed in the Comprehensive Review. We are a strong voice in
this process to not forget the history that brought SSSC into existence – the Methodist Indian mission,
the more recent Aboriginal ministry, the Apologies, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Living
into Right Relations, and the UCC commitment to Aboriginal people and Aboriginal ministry training.
We were asked to train people for Aboriginal ministry and we have – 62 graduates (38 from DJSRC,
16 from FSTC, and now 8 from SSSC). The needs in our community are increasing, not decreasing.
The needs in our communities are changing and require us to change in order to meet them. We will
meet these needs by changes in our curriculum that move us even closer to the healing and hope
giving ministry Jesus left with his disciples and is our great need now in the Aboriginal community.
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Student Recruitment
Our single greatest need is for new students. Our capacity calls for 5 to 10 more students and our
best recruiters are our elders and former students and graduates. Right now the money is available to
train and we are making our adjustment to find and raise the money elsewhere to deal with the
declining support we may get in the future. We will figure out how to survive, and to thrive, just like our
ancestors did. The land will support us. The land will feed us. The land will teach us once again.
Students from St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon are required to take one of our Learning Circles at
SSSC. The University of Winnipeg offers a Diploma in Indigenous Spiritual and Pastoral Care and
SSSC has provided three of the courses for this program so far and will continue in this partnership.
Our June 2014 Learning Circle on Church History as taught by Dr. Lorraine McKenzie Shepherd will
be made available, through the University of Winnipeg, at a Masters degree level. We are hoping to
make this possible with more of our courses as new students are coming and have expressed interest
in our program but want more academic credit for their work.
Ministry Training in Ontario/Quebec
We take our responsibility to remember FSTC and the Aboriginal churches there and welcome
Wayne Williams from Rama Ojibway Reserve in Ontario as a full time SSSC student and hope more
can be recruited from the east. SSSC is the National Aboriginal ministry training effort of the UCC and
we look forward to Aboriginal students and ministries all across the country, from the Atlantic coast to
the Pacific coast to the Arctic coast to the US border.
Curriculum Development
Currently our 45 credit curriculum requires five years to complete and if a student misses one course
it takes five years for that course to be offered again. We are working on a curriculum design where a
student can come for any five years and complete the program. Students often have to take breaks
due to family issues. Any breaks students take will not force them to wait five years.
Continuing and Cross Cultural Education
Ongoing education and training in many areas are critical for us to minister to the growing needs in our
community and we are planning to offer:
 Urban and Youth Ministry Learning Circle – October 27 to 31, 2014 (with several Indigenous urban
and youth resource people who are engaged effectively in urban and youth activism and ministry)
Inenimowin Circle – Survivors of abuse leadership training that helps you deal with your own
issues arising from trauma and then helping others deal with this in healthy small group settings.
Dates TBD.
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Aboriginal History, Culture and Issues Orientation – Non-Aboriginal clergy serving in or near Native
communities need to be sensitive to Aboriginal communities and not cause offence. It should be a
requirement for all M.Div. students across the UCC to take a mandatory course on Aboriginal
History, Culture and Issues. The Native congregations in Onatario and Quebec have asked for this
and we are preparing to meet this need.
The necessary funding for this kind of continuing education for our Aboriginal clergy must be found
and we at SSSC are committed to doing our best to secure it.

Hope
We face an uncertain future. We face drastic cuts in funding from the UCC. We face the growing
needs of our community. We face the ongoing pain of Indian Residential Schools. The Common
Experience payment has not ended the pain in our families and communities. We face tough times.
But we have a big Creator. We have a powerful Jesus. We are empowered by a Spirit that has, can
and will raise the dead.
“In the time of the Seventh Fire New People will emerge. They will retrace their steps to find what
was left by the trail. Their steps will take them to the Elders who they will ask to guide them on their
journey. … The task of the New People will not be easy. There will be a rebirth of the Anishnabe Nation
and a rekindling of old flames. The Sacred Fire will again be lit.” Anishnabe Seventh Fire Prophecy
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Camps and Retreat Centres
Five Oaks Centre: Melissa Connor, Executive Director
In 2014, serving 6600 total people, increasing 10% from 2013, we are constantly reminded of the
need for sacred space, retreat and for programs which provide spiritual nurture, Christian faith
formation and lay leadership development.
2014 programs were well-attended and life-giving to so many. These included:
Spiritual Nurture and Renewal
Spiritual Direction and Day Away
Sound and Silence Mindfulness
Silent Retreats
Soul Care through SoulCollage®
Spirituality and Photography
Work Camps
Male Spirituality Circle
Five Oaks’ Reads: Book Club
Courage and Renewal ®
Spiritual Practices Certificate
Ontario Jubilee: Certificate Program in Spiritual Deepening and Spiritual Direction
Christian Faith Formation and Lay Leadership Programs:
Neos – Youth Ministry Certificate Program
Licensed Lay Worship Leaders
Hand in Hand – Equipping Congregations in Pastoral Care
Spiritual Journey Groups for Clergy
Lay Foundations: Certificate Program in theology and Bible
Introduction to Godly Play
Common Life Community
Children & Youth Ministry and Right Relations Programs:
Confirmation Retreat
Art Adventure Camp
Go Project Camp
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Wampum: Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth Experience
Wampum: Junior Leaders
Avodah Experience: Work and Worship Experience for Youth
As the United Church of Canada continues to evolve so does Five Oaks. We hear the longing for
spiritual deepening in both those who attend church and those who don’t. We hear the need for strong
lay leaders who can meet the challenges of the changing church. We feel called to live into Right
Relations with all people. As such, we are developing new ways to live into our commitment to inspire
spirituality, encourage lay leadership and foster connections across cultural divides. We are working to
expand our current mission to allow programs to serve the national church through online engagement
and regional gatherings. Partnership conversations with Emmanuel College Continuing Education,
United in Learning and Haliburton School of the Arts, are taking shape and will strengthen Five Oaks’
core mission. Continue to watch for announcements in 2015 about the exciting future of Five Oaks
programs.
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To further strengthen our mission, we are creating a model that will allow this ministry to flourish for
decades to come.
As such, 2014 was a year of discovery and learning for Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre. We
learned what we did not want to become (big business, far from mission and closed). We learned about
the truly fragile state of Education Centres across the country, watching two of our United Church sister
centres close their doors. We learned the passionate support that rallied behind Five Oaks, even when
we were not quite sure what pathway we were being called onto. We listened carefully and took chances.
As the year progressed, we became quite certain we were being drawn down a new path; a path that
would allow mission, ministry and our value of the earth and Right Relations to collide. A pathway that
would bring new life to the Centre’s mission.
What has emerged is a partnership opportunity with an eco, humanitarian organization called Earthship
Biotecture. Earthship’s mission is to make off-grid, self-sustaining homes available to people around the
world, respond to global humanitarian needs (disaster relief) for self-sustaining homes and to provide
education on how to live gently on this earth. Earthship and Five Oaks are working together to define
partnership which will be mutually beneficial to both missions, to better our church, community and world.
Five Oaks will retain ownership of both land and buildings, realize a new off-grid Education and Retreat
Centre and peacefully co-exist with a partner that shares similar values of Right Relations and caring for
the earth.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Bay of Quinte Conference for your support during the
past year and allowing us the opportunity to discover a new pathway for Five Oaks!
As the plan for the future continues to unfold, we ask that you keep us in your prayers. We ask that
you share this hopeful news, help to rally support and to be part of building this positive and incredible
momentum forward. There is so much light and hope for the future of this cherished ministry.
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
We ask that you join us.
Golden Lake Camp: Beth Payson, Director
Summer Camp 2014! What an exciting summer. After the chilly and wet end to the summer we were
sure thankful this summer that our dining hall contains a large fireplace! One of the many highlights this
summer was our 15 Leadership Development Campers. Not only was this the largest group of campers
we’d had participate in the two-week program in years, but they all were able to do at least one week of
placement throughout the summer and many are hoping to return this summer as staff or volunteers. I
was able to participate in some of their activities, including planting 100 trees on site, and dropping them
off in Algonquin Park for their 3-day canoe trip, and they were a privilege to get to know.
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In other ways – this past summer was like all the ones that have come before it – over 400 campers
enjoying ‘traditional’ camp actives (like canoeing and archery) and then the ‘Golden Lake’ specialties
– like hiking Blueberry ‘Mountain’, creative and energetic worship in the craft shack, sponge wars and
our new outdoor gagga-ball court. We had an incredible turnout to our ‘Bonfires, Building and
Bonding’ weekend in September where 25 volunteers spent a gloriously beautiful weekend clearing
out a section of woodland, burning brush and helping build a low-ropes challenge course. We have
another similar event planned for May 22nd to 24th where we hope to get the site ready and finish our
course in time to be able to introduce our campers this summer to the thrill of co-operative low-rope
challenges.
Camp in 2015! Looking ahead to this summer is an exciting and daunting thing. We’ve decided to
take the risk – and with the late labour day – have extended our summer season to allow us an
additional week of intermediate camp and junior outdoor adventure camp. With this in mind, we are
able to offer our staff another week of work and are busy planning ways to encourage and uplift them
during what is sure to be a tiring extended season.
New Programs – With our chance this summer to shuffle our programs we are introducing a
Family Weekend Camp. After years of starting the summer with a week-long Family and Adult
Camp, we’re hopeful that the shorter format will give more families the chance to come to camp over
the August Civic weekend to enjoy all the programs and community that camp offers.
Engaging our local community and camp alumni is a focus for us. We’re planning a camp open
house on Saturday June 6th as an opportunity for people to explore and support the camp. It would
be great to see you there!
As always, the cost of camp for a typical family continues to be a factor in whether we can offer
programs to the families, children and youth who want to participate. Last summer 25% of all
campers attended camp on a reduced rate and we feel unbelievably blessed that we were able to
offer so many weeks of quality camping experiences with our easy, discussion-focused subsidy
program. With that in mind, we still need your help. We are grateful that Conference continues to
include the camps in their budget – but beyond that – you and your congregation can help us.
Displaying the camp poster (with the registration forms in the pocket) that your church will receive
soon, and passing the forms on to parents, grandparents, and children is a great step. Sign up for
our camp newsletter on the website and share our Camp Wish-list. We appreciate all the visits to our
camp website (www.goldenlakecamp.ca) and the camp itself!
Another way to help? Find just one child (or more) in your church, neighbourhood, and family you
know who would benefit from a week of adventure and think of how you can help them get to camp.
If every member of Conference did that, the result would be amazing.
Thank you again for helping us bless children and young people!
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Camp Lau-Ren: Ron and Joanne Hartnett: Co-directors
Camp Lau-Ren continues to be an important part of United Church Outreach. We touched the lives
of 377 campers and young adults by providing a Christian experience in an outdoor setting.
Our fourth Annual Open House is already set for Saturday, June 13, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. Bring a camper (young or old) and come see the camp! We are very proud of the many
renovations done at camp. Come and see them for yourself! Bring a friend!
Plans are underway to add a large screened program building in the sports field but this much
needed addition will have to wait until 2016 or beyond to be built. Due to the recent decline in camper
enrollment, we have had to postpone this project until more funds are available.
Our 2014 Mission Project was the “Vera Forrest Campership Fund”. Campers and staff donated over
$2600.00, which will allow at least 8 campers to attend camp that would not otherwise be able to afford
to attend. We believe it is important for our campers to donate some of their “tuck” money to a
worthwhile cause. We thank all the campers, their families and the staff who supported our Mission
Project.
Thank you to the churches in the Four Rivers and Upper Valley Presbyteries that support Camp LauRen through their monetary, volunteer staff and material donations. Thanks to the United Church
Women of the two above mentioned Presbyteries, as well as, the Bay of Quinte Conference UCW, Bay
of Quinte Conference, Division of Mission and all the individuals who provided their monetary support.
A special thank you to all the individuals that volunteered their time and talents, without your efforts we
would not have been able to do all the work we accomplished last year.
Our L.I.T. program will be provided in a new format with only 12 individuals being able to apply to
attend. This will be a 10 day camp that will include an off-site camping trip. This camp is already 90%
full!
This will be the second year that we will be running a Family Camp. We hope to entice more families
to come and enjoy Camp Lau-Ren together.
A Tadpole Camp (for 6 - 7 year olds), a Jellyfish Camp (for 8 - 9 year olds, usually 1st timers), a
Junior Camp (for 8 – 10 year olds), a Junior/Intermediate Camp (for 8 – 11 year olds), two Intermediate
Camps for (11 - 12 year olds) and a Senior Camp (for 13 - 14 year olds) round out the summer
sessions.
We sincerely believe that the Christian instruction and atmosphere of our Camps are a very real part
of United Church outreach. We strive to provide high quality care for our campers by ensuring that all
staff, both paid and volunteer, are well trained. Our daily Bible Studies ensure that all campers receive
Christian education, values and ethics which is so important these days with the declining enrollment
in Sunday Schools. Our camp provides invaluable opportunities for understanding God’s creation. It
is a place of nurturing and peace; a place of acceptance that provides opportunities to learn about
God. Each camp is directed and staffed by volunteer Directors, Leaders and Counsellors who plan a
unique and exciting program for that week. We are always in need of new Leaders to plan and run the
camps. We also need new Counsellors to staff our camps and bring their enthusiasm and special
skills to camp.
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By the time you are reading this report, we will be busy planning for another great summer at Camp
Lau-Ren! Our Training Weekend for our new Counsellors, Leaders and Directors is the 23rd and 24th
of May. By then, we will have hired all our paid summer staff and will be busy at camp repairing and
renovating for the upcoming season. Last year more than 40 volunteers worked at camp providing
close to 1200 hours of free labour to ensure that the camp was maintained and improved! Thank you
volunteers! Thank you also to the two co-chairs of our Property Committee for ensuring that the camp
was in terrific shape for the start of the summer season.
We have already hired six of our Summer Staff and five of our Paid Counsellors. We offer these
positions to former staff members first starting early in the year. We are very fortunate that we have
all these terrific staff members returning. It will make the training of our staff members much easier
with so many returning employees.
We need churches or pastoral charges to come forward and be sponsors for our weekly camps. We
will need new Directors, Leaders and Counsellors to come forward to assist us in running the planned
camping sessions. If you know of anyone or would like to personally volunteer, please give us a call
or email us.
Please consider coming to our fourth annual Open House at Camp Lau-Ren. It will run on Saturday,
June 13, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or if you would like to help us improve and sustain the
camp, please think of coming for our 2015 Work Week! It is scheduled for the 1st to the 5th of June.
Meals and accommodation will be provided onsite.
If you need any more information concerning Camp Lau-Ren, please visit our website at
www.camplau-ren.com.
We thank you for your continued support. Don’t forget our Open House. See you there!
Camp Quin-Mo-Lac: Trevor White, Director
The summer of 2014 will be remembered as another one of those pivotal moments in the life of
Quin-Mo-Lac when we witnessed an incredible Christian community unfold as the summer
progressed and the staff continued to grow. Camp is a stimulating and energizing place to be with
young people leading other young people. The dynamic of each group, and camp overall, changes
each week, but the kindness, compassion, enthusiasm, creativity, and general good will to others, is
evident on a daily basis.
Our theme was ‘Pass It On’ and the chaplains and staff were able to use it to show the importance
of sharing lessons, skills, stories and positive energy with one another. When we look out for each
other and pass along positive values, we are showing that we care. It was obvious at our final
vespers on the last night of camp that even our youngest campers know what is important about how
we interact with one another and they, too, want to be able to ‘pass it on’.
We had a total of 1,136 campers and 93 young people on staff this year. It was the end of an
impressive seven year camp career for our two Assistant Directors and an absolute pleasure for me to
work alongside them. They were equally thoughtful, knowledgeable, creative and fair, and they have
both played a major part in the success of our program during their time with us. Our program staff
was exceptional and could be counted on to do whatever needed to be done and our Staff
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Counsellors and volunteers worked hard to address the varied needs of their campers and make
camp a special experience for them.
Creativity keeps camp interesting and there was no shortage of creative scams, a live ‘Morley’ on
the move through camp making everyone smile and a constant parade of characters in costume
making campfires, Special Days and Special Snacks a highlight. Puppets made an appearance at a
special presentation brought to camp mid-summer and again in Coed 7 with our very own puppet
stage and make your own puppets used in the Chaplain’s program. Kids of all ages loved them.
Two much needed additions to camp included the purchase of a new red cedar aluminum 80’ dock
and the installation of a new larger and brighter walk-in fridge complete with chrome shelving. The
kitchen foyer was converted into a much more functional Tripper Room. The interiors of the Cook’s
Cabin & A.O.T.S. Cabin were painted and students from the local high school re-sided Vanderburgh
Lodge. The Orienteering Course was re-vamped with two different levels of challenge and the
volleyball courts were refurbished.
Every summer has its challenges. It can be camper behaviour that is unacceptable, counsellors
who struggle to adapt to their role, or diminished camper registration. For the second year in a row,
end of school dates proved to be an issue and we found ourselves short 50 campers for the first
camp. As a result, a third Junior Camp was added during the latter part of that week and thirteen
campers took part in it. This may not be a problem next year with Labour Day falling later in
September, but we will be looking into options as to how we can better promote this camp for the
years ahead.
A very special thank you is extended to the Board of Directors for being so actively involved in
continuing the Quin-Mo-Lac tradition of ‘Camping with a Purpose’. This is an exciting group of
individuals with a wealth of experience to guide us and I am grateful for their leadership and support. I
would also like to thank the Bay of Quinte Conference for the support it continues to send our way
along with the many churches and individuals that see a Christian camp experience as a meaningful
outreach for the many young people who come through our gates. Christian camping is a wonderful
way to teach positive values to these young people as we strive to live together peacefully.
I am always impressed that the Quin-Mo-Lac community remains so dedicated and passionate, and
it is truly energizing to know that that there are so many people who are so excited about what
happens in this special place!
Old Hay Bay Church: David Jones, Board of Trustees, Chair
The Old Hay Bay church opened in 1792. It has been officially designated as a National historic
Site of Canada, and also recognized as an historic site by the Province of Ontario.
On behalf of Bay of Quinte Conference, protection of the site and supervision of the ongoing
spiritual use of the church are managed by a Board of Trustees.
In 2014, we welcomed Jake Tapper, the CNN television host. His ancestors were among the
colonists who founded the church. Jake came with his program’s editor and cameraman, visited the
church, interviewed two of our Trustees who are also descended from founders, and recorded the
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whole visit for broadcast on CNN last Autumn.
Every August, on the fourth Sunday, there is a “Pilgrimage Service,” an afternoon for fellowship, a
touch of history, music, and the inspiration of Scriptures, prayer and preaching. The 2014 guest
speaker was Peter Milliken, P.C., formerly MP from Kingston, also the longest-serving Speaker of the
Canadian House of Commons, and an Honorary President of the U.E.L. Association of Canada. An
enthusiast for history but also for our future, his words included heartfelt concerns about a recent trend
towards excessive partisanship negatively affecting the work of MPs in debates and the committee
work of Parliament.
Or 2015 guest speaker will be Michael Putnam, the Intern Minister at the Selby Pastoral Charge.
Co-founder of the ‘Loyalist Fife and Drums’, he brings considerable knowledge and enthusiasm about
Loyalist heritage to this year’s service (Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 3p.m.)
The Old Hay Bay church undoubtedly has many visitors who come simply to enjoy this quiet place
next to the waters of Hay Bay, east of Picton and south of Napanee. And, of course, we are an obvious destination for those exploring the early history of Ontario. The church is available for weddings
and other special events.
The Trustees:
 Protect the structural integrity of the building by arranging necessary repairs
 Enhance the overall site, including the custodial cottage and church
 Communicate OHBC’s presence and mission to Church Presbyteries and the UCW
 Arrange the on-site display of historical items and print publications
 Advance study of the site; in 2014, there were significant discoveries re: previously unknown apparent burial locations beside and under the church building
 Discuss long-range vision for the life and ministry of the OHBC
 Operate a website: www.oldhaybaychurch.ca
Financial givings for the Old Hay Bay Church come from generous individuals, and in 2014 also from
equally generous UCW contributions towards the cost of church window replacements.
Annually we depend on Bay of Quinte Conference budget for funds that cover the insurance costs,
and we express our true appreciation for your continuing support.
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Proposals
Correcting the Unintended Consequences of the November 2010 Approved Maternity and
Parental Leave Policies Proposal
General Council 42 Notice of Motion
Title: Correcting the Unintended Consequences of the November 2010 Approved Maternity and
Parental Leave
Originating Body: Westbrook United Church Pastoral Charge, Kingston, Ontario, Four Winds
Presbytery, Bay of Quinte Conference
Financial Implications: During approved maternity leaves and/or parental leaves, this proposal will
reduce and/or nullify the negative monetary impacts of such leaves on the finances of small pastoral
charges. If the costs are borne by the National Office in the form of an insurance plan benefit, there
will be costs, yet to be determined.
Staffing Implications: This initiative requires research and implementation time by the staff and
members of various bodies including the Finance Committee and the Permanent Committee of the
Ministry and Employment Policies and Services.
Source of Funding: it is proposed that new funding for an Approved Maternity or Parental Leave be
created and that the application for new funding be sent to the Ministry and Employment Services
Unit.
The Pastoral Charge of Westbrook in Kingston proposes that:
The 42nd General Council (2015) direct the United Church of Canada Finance
Committee and the Permanent Committee of the Ministry and Employment Policies
and Services take active steps to correct the unintended consequences stemming
from the implementation of the 2010 Approved Maternity and Parental Leave Policies.
Background: In November 2010, The United Church of Canada (UCC) approved maternity and
parental leave policies. These policies supported employees of the United Church in their work and
family life, and recognized "the unique situation brought about by new parenthood."
The policies were aligned with government insurance plans and provided for a salary payment equal
to 95 percent of an employee's weekly rate of pay during the qualifying two-week period to receive
maternity or parental leave benefits under the government insurance plan and for a salary top-up to
95 percent of an employee's salary up to 15 weeks for maternity leave and up to 10 weeks for
parental leave.
In approving these policies, the UCC(United Church of Canada) sought to follow the best practices
of Canadian employers who choose to support their employees in their choice to become parents and
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facilitated parental care of a new family member and the early bonding among all family members.
Social science research over many decades had documented the benefits of maternity and parental
leaves to families and to society more generally.
In approving these policies, the UCC(United Church of Canada) honoured the sanctity of family life
and demonstrated its commitment to be a good employer. These general goals conjoined with a
commitment to serve affiliated pastoral charges and supported congregational life through faithful and
effective ministry.
Anecdotal information, based on the recent experience of a small number of pastoral charges in
Four Winds Presbytery suggests, however, that the implementation of the 2010 maternity and
parental leave policies has had serious and unintended consequences for both ministry staff and
pastoral charges. These included serious conflict within the pastoral charge--among members of the
pastoral charge and between ministry staff and the pastoral charge--before and/or during the
employee's leave and continuing on the employee's return to work. Such conflicts have lead to
irreparably broken relationships within the pastoral charge and threatened the very survival of the
pastoral charge.
A healthy relationship between a minister and his or her pastoral charge is a deeply personal one.
That is why the news of a new baby is exciting not only to the prospective parent(s) but also for the
pastoral charge. It is an event to be shared and celebrated. This excitement may be mitigated by the
anticipated and inevitable disruptions in congregational life resulting from the absence of a employee
who is seen as central to the ministry within the pastoral charge and its role in the larger community of
faith.
Such natural concerns may be significantly aggravated, and potentially divisive, when the
responsibility on the pastoral charge to pay salary top-up costs and 50 percent benefit costs for an
employee on leave, in addition to salary and benefit costs for replacement personnel, are seen to
threaten the financial viability and the very survival of the pastoral charge itself. For small
congregations, particularly in rural and remote areas, what is seen as a personal cause for celebration
is tempered by concern for the potential risk and loss of the pastoral community.
In many organizations, the salary and benefit costs incurred for employees on maternity and
parental leave are carried by the central corporate unit. These costs distributed across the
organization. In such situations the financial "risk" of these additional employee costs is borne by the
full corporate entity on behalf of all employees across individual units. This reduces the vulnerability of
any particular unit within the corporate entity to the sudden and significant demand on limited
resources. In such organizations, this strategy functions like an insurance plan just as the
Employment Insurance does. It provides benefits to anyone who experiences the "risk" of
unemployment, including childbirth and new parenthood, through the contributions of all employees.
**In the United Church of Canada, the costs of a private and individual decision to choose to
become a parent is currently and wholly borne by a smaller unit, the congregation/pastoral
charge, regardless of its capacity to pay! Under the terms of a policy designed and
implemented by the National Office, this is unfair and resentment may be directed to an
employee whose private decision to become a parent requires the pastoral charge to solely
bear the financial burden of this decision, whatever their capacity to do so, and carry on
essential pastoral work. **
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In Four Winds Presbytery (the former Kingston Presbytery), members of the Ministry Facilitation
Action Team (MFAT) share responsibility to support, oversee and mediate pastoral relations between
called ministry staff and the lay leadership serving the pastoral charge. With deep sadness, the MFAT
(Ministry Facilitation Action Team) has seen the painful and irreparable breakdown of pastoral
relationships as the financial responsibility to meet often unbudgeted expenses for replacement staff is
considered unfair and even punitive, when a minister chooses new parenthood and quite
appropriately accesses the maternity and parental benefits to which they are entitled. In such cases,
the pastoral charge finds itself in the position of dealing with a challenge for which it may have neither
the tools or the resources.
On December 9th, 2014, the MFAT(Ministry Facilitation Action Team) received notice of a motion
passed by Westbrook United Church. The motion approved at a meeting of the Official Board of the
Westbrook pastoral charge on October 14th, 2014, calls for consideration to be given to creating a
financial assistance fund administered by the National Church, that would provide support to small
congregations experiencing financial hardship during maternity or parental leaves of the ministry
personnel. While the monetary issues are important, failure to recognize the human factors and the
impact on the future of the church to support and mentor ministers of child-bearing/rearing years will
have serious consequences such as:
1. The present system whereby small pastoral charges are solely responsible to pay these leaves is
inherently unfair and stressful to both the congregation and the minister;
2. Continuance of the present system means that small congregations will be extremely reluctant to
hire ministers of child-rearing or child-bearing years due to the financial hardship of paying both
leave and pulpit supply/short-term appointment simultaneously,
3. It may restrict searches to older, retired ordained and designated lay ministers which would be a
loss for those congregations of the vitality of a youthful minister, and therefore, furthermore, a loss
to the United Church of Canada.
Knowing the circumstances which have prompted the Official Board of Westbrook United Church,
the MFAT(Ministry Facilitation Action Team) was very sympathetic to their request, and recognized the
proposal that the National Office provide financial assistance to small congregations experiencing
financial hardship during parental leaves of the ministry personnel is one possible option, to address a
failing of the 2010 design and implementation of maternity and parental leave policies.
This proposal honours several important and complementary principles:
“to act as a supportive, encouraging employer in order to support their ministry personnel,
to support UCC pastoral charges to serve members in their faithful communities of faith,
and lastly, to sustain and grow our church,.”
The Four Winds Ministry Facilitation Action Team (MFAT) requests that Kingston Presbytery and the
Bay of Quinte Conference recommend to the National Office and the next General Council that a
change in its maternity and parental leave policies be undertaken, to reduce the financial obligation of
small congregations during such leaves. This action will reduce the potential risk of conflict within
pastoral charges/communities of faith, so that the church as a whole can satisfy its responsibilities to
employees and the pastoral community.
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Intermediate Court Action:
October 14, 2014 motion approved at a meeting of the Official Board of the Westbrook pastoral
charge.
December 9th, 2014, the MFAT(Ministry Facilitation Action Team) received notice of this motion
passed by Westbrook United Church.
That full Voting Status be Granted to the National United Church Women President
General Council 42 Notice of Motion
Title: That full Voting Status be granted to the National United Church Women President
Originating Body: Bay of Quinte Conference United Church Women
Financial Outcomes: None
Staff Implications: None
Source of Funding: Already funded by General Council
The UCW proposes that
The 42nd General Council (2015): Grant full voting privileges of the
General Council Executive to the NUCW President effective with the approval of this proposal at the
42nd General Council (2015).
This proposal is to be directed to the General Council Executive for action and may be referred to
the appropriate committee for permanent action.
Background: The UCW was formed in 1962 and at its inception was the largest adult organization
within the church. Membership is declining, much as church membership is declining but the UCW is
still a significant presence in the church.
In 2013, our National President attended the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church
Women area meeting in Chicago. She also was present at two General Council meetings during
which the Comprehensive Review Task was named; the 2013 budget was discussed and approved;
met with members of the Ghana Calvary Methodist United Church congregation during which an
agreement was signed establishing an association between our two denominations. The executive
supported the call of the Native Women’s Assembly of Canada and the Assembly of First nations for
the Government of Canada to strike a national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women
and girls. In August she attended the World Federation of Methodist and United Church Women’s
League national meeting in Regina.
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The NUCW has taken up a five-year commitment to fight child poverty in Canada. “We are looking to
serve as an advocate for children and youth. Who better than the UCW to intentionally look at child
poverty in our local communities, our Conference and beyond!” says our new National President, Phyllis
Buchner.
Statistics provided show that the UCW has raised $129 million for the Mission and Service Fund in its
52 years of activity. An organization capable of this commitment and dedication to our church and our
Mission & Service is entitled to have our National President as a full voting member of the General
Council Executive.
As our 50th Anniversary Initiative in 2012, the UCW raised $268,000. nationally, for the Morogoro
Training Centre in Tanzania to train mid-wives in maternal health in the region. Our goal had been
$50,000. Each course costs $15,000. and the cost per participant is $425. As of September 2013, seven
(7) courses had been held. The Training Centre has determined that it is more efficient to travel to where
the women are, than to have them come to the Training Centre. By the end of 2014, our donations will
have trained 500 women in the region and have contributed to improved maternal health immensely.
We are an organization 35,000 strong that provides opportunities for Christian Witness, Study,
Fellowship and Service for the total mission of our Church.
Physician Assisted Suicide
General Council 42 Notice of Motion
Title: Physician Assisted Suicide
Originating Body: Shining Water Presbytery
Financial Outcomes:
Staff Implications:
Source of Funding:
Background: In the February 2015 Issue of The United Church Observer there is an article “As a
Christian, I think I would say that death is not the enemy.”
The Moderator RT. Rev. Gary Paterson is calling United Church members into conversations about
end-of-life ethics where the personal, the political and the spiritual collide.
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Commentaries by the Moderator
“Going into that Good Night”
Blog Posted on October 13, 2014 by Gary Paterson
Just over 18 months ago I sat at my mother’s bedside during her final days. Her decision had been
not to pursue further medical treatment, which inevitably meant that her death would be imminent.
But she was content, and at peace. The palliative care that she received provided comfort and she
left this world as she had lived her life – with dignity.
A dear friend chose a different path as he struggled with health issues over the past few years. He
courageously endured numerous rounds of treatments that, at times, tested him mercilessly. But he
was a stubborn, determined soul who squeezed as much time as he could from a life that had been
well-lived.
Two different people, two different choices, yet their decisions are strikingly similar when you realize
that in both cases, when faced with death, they determined they wanted to be the authors of their
own destiny.
As a United Church minister, I have often journeyed with people as they grasp onto, sometimes
firmly, sometimes not, every last moment of life. It is a privilege to be with people during these times –
but it can be a challenge when faced with troubling questions about what constitutes a “good death”,
and how does one achieve that when pain or disability can sometimes prevent an individual from
living as they would want to during their last weeks, days, or hours on this earth.
The question of being able to die with dignity has been on my mind lately as I listen to renewed public
debate over the question of whether assisted suicide and euthanasia should be legalized.
In June, the Quebec government approved legislation that allows doctors in that province to assist
terminally ill patients who wish to die. In the months leading up to that decision, voices were heard
both for and against what some people consider legalized murder, and others believe is
compassionate care. It is a debate that is unlikely to be over soon.
This week, the Supreme Court of Canada is scheduled to once again address the issue of assisted
suicide and euthanasia when it hears an appeal by the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association
(BCCLA) in the Carter v Canada case. The BCCLA is challenging the laws that criminalize doctors for
helping competent, seriously ill individuals who wish to hasten death.
Legal arguments aside, often the most compelling advocates for the right to die are the people who
were faced with that fight in their own lives. Sue Rodriguez, Dr. Donald Low, and Gloria Taylor are
just a few of the voices that have spoken passionately for the right of Canadians to die in a manner
and a time of their own choosing.
For others though, any form of physician-assisted dying is a slippery slope that society must avoid at
all costs. Clearly consensus is not something that will be easily achieved.
And so what insight or wisdom might I offer as a religious leader as the Supreme Court listens to
arguments on both sides of a question that I believe challenges us as a society to hold in tension not
only the legal ramifications of this debate, but also the moral and ethical issues that arise when
discussing assisted suicide and euthanasia.
For Christians, life is a sacred gift from God and needs to be valued and protected. But we also
know that both life and death are part of the whole created order. Life itself isn’t absolute. Nor
certainly is death. To speak of the sanctity of life is to affirm God’s desire for abundance of life for all
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of creation. God is love, and the Christian affirmation is that God’s love is the only absolute. “In life, in
death, in life beyond death, God is with us” says our creed.
So the United Church’s theological tradition is not to suggest that believing in the sanctity of life
means that any attempt to end life must be prevented. Instead, what we are called to do is first listen
to the struggles of those who are facing hard decisions and to make sure that they are not alone in
those decisions, and second, to trust people with difficult choices about their own lives.
We also live, however, within the legal framework of our society and are bound to honour our
laws. But laws change and this is an area where I think they should change in order to allow
physician-assisted dying in circumstances that meet carefully defined criteria.
I came to this conclusion after weighing a persuasive range of moral, ethical, and legal arguments
on all sides of this question. In the end, I concluded that as a society we have to talk more about
death and dying. Our communities need to be places where no one struggles with life and death
decisions without a listening ear and a warm hand. And as individuals we need help with the difficult
choices we are called to make in our lives today, choices that all too often involve having to choose
between the lesser of evils.
Hastening death should never be a first choice, but sometimes, for some people, when faced with
the unbearable suffering of ALS, or a hundred other terminal illnesses, it may be the right choice. We
need only listen to the stories of those who are walking and have walked this path, and trust the
decisions they make about their own lives. Sue Rodriguez, Dr. Donald Low, Gloria Taylor, and I
believe God, would want it that way.
“Third Space: Being Church for our Times”
Blog Posted on November 4, 2014 by Gary Paterson
Third space is a common-sense term for where people gather — first space, home; second space,
work; and then, third space: the local pub, the bowling league, the book club; or broader, perhaps a
political party, or maybe a church — a space where people feel welcome; where important
discussions can happen because there is respect, you feel safe, and there is opportunity to share your
story and listen to other perspectives and other stories. It is a space to gather in community, and talk
about things that matter.
I have read with interest the many responses to my blog post on doctor-assisted suicide, “Going into
that Good Night” — the variety of understandings, questions, and concerns; the stories of personal
journeys with loved ones in their final days. There have been more responses to this post than almost
any other. I think this reflects an interest in the wider community for opportunities to talk about this
issue.
As we await the wisdom of the Supreme Court, I can imagine churches hosting conversations about
doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia, becoming “third space” for the community to come together
— not to be preached at, as if we as a church were of one mind, and completely clear about what is a
faithful, ethical, and loving response to the questions of choosing to end one’s life. But rather, church
as “third space,” where people are welcomed with their questions; where further questions get raised;
where a variety of options can be explored and discussed. People will go away feeling more informed,
aware of deeper issues, and clearer about the choices involved. And, hopefully, they will be
strengthened for their own journeys and better able to understand what decisions they might need to
make personally in the future.
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I wonder if this might be an important role for our church, to host conversations about faith and ethics
important issues and decisions that need to be made.
United Church Social Policy Positions Prior to the Supreme Court Decision:
“Euthanasia / Assisted Suicide”
(Materials prepared in advance of the Supreme Court appeal hearing of Carter v. Canada, October
2014)
Euthanasia comes from the Greek language and means “good death.” Another word for euthanasia
is “mercy killing.” The aim of euthanasia is to end the life of someone suffering from an incurable
(usually final stage) disease. Euthanasia involves someone taking active measures to end life.
In physician-assisted suicide, the physician provides the means to terminate life, and the patient
carries out the action. Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, often requested by the patient, elicit
significant controversy and debate. The controversy stems from the morality of the act, the duty and
liability of the physician, issues of informed consent, potentially conflicting wishes, and the sanctity
and quality of life.
The General Council of The United Church of Canada has not made a statement in its capacity as
the governing authority of the church on euthanasia or assisted suicide, nor is there a plan to take this
matter further at this time.
Euthanasia and assisted suicide are defined as criminal acts in Canada (Bill C-384 defeated in
2010), and this position is supported by the Canadian Medical Association (Euthanasia and Assisted
Suicide: 2007). However, some physicians and health professionals, academics, legislators, the
judiciary, and the church are all deeply divided about the advisability of changing the criminal code.
In the early 1990s, The United Church initiated a major study entitled, Care for the Dying: Choices
and Decisions [PDF: 36 pp/1.3 MB] in response to the considerable concern amongst our ministers
and lay people about the impact of advances in medical technology on the decision-making of
individuals and their families as they face the end of life. The study outlined thought-provoking
arguments both in favour of euthanasia/assisted suicide and arguments against it, including biblical
and theological reflections.
The study summarizes, "…that it is appropriate to withdraw medical treatments that are not
benefiting the patient and that are prolonging suffering and dying when the competent patient so
decides, and when firm evidence of disease irreversibility exists. We believe that much can and
should be done to facilitate the gentle, peaceful death that so many of us wish for, and that The
United Church should give leadership in this area. We do not believe, however, that the legalization of
assisted suicide/euthanasia is justified, or will make such a death possible."
As Christians, we believe that God intends for us to live an abundant life in all its fullness. We also
believe we are called to accept death as the culmination and last act of a person's life on Earth, and
we trust that God's love endures through illness, disability, and death. We express our hope for that
enduring love when we affirm that..."In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not
alone."
102.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Following the Supreme Court Decision:
“Supreme Court of Canada”
(Proposals put forward by the Theology and InterChurch InterFaith Committee to the Executive of
the General Council)
In October 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada heard arguments in the appeal of Kay Carter and
Gloria Taylor v. the Attorney General of Canada and has unanimously struck down the ban on
providing a doctor-assisted death to mentally competent but suffering and “irremediable” patients, and
has given the Canadian government 12 months to draft new laws in the area.
The Theology and Inter-Church Inter-Faith Committee reviewed the background materials and
supports the overall direction advocated in them. However, the committee was not able to explore the
key theological issues involved in the legalization of physician assisted dying in the depth it wishes.
The committee also recognizes that the Supreme Court decision will involve Canadian society and
possibly the church in further consultation on the parameters of the new laws. It therefore offers the
following proposals 1 through 4 as laying a foundation grounded in past United Church practice.
Proposal 5 invites the Committee to develop for consideration of the Executive of the General Council
a formal church statement on physician assisted dying:
 Enable the Church to be prepared to respond to a change in the laws of Canada that will
provide a greater number of options in end of life decision making.
 Affirm the right and capability of individuals to engage with all of the issues involved in end
of life decisions. That in all of the complexity of end of life decision-making, the church
affirms moral reasoning undertaken in relationship with family, loved ones, close friends
and community and one’s physician as taking precedence over absolute statements.
 Encourage congregations to develop pastoral capacities to assist those who are facing end
of life decisions, including a willingness to talk openly about death and dying.
 Direct the General Secretary to provide resources for study, sermon development, worship
and conversation on end of life decision making, including options for advance directives
for end of life care.
 Direct the Theology and InterChurch InterFaith Committee to examine the theological
implications of physician assisted dying and to offer guidance to the Executive on the
development of a church statement on the issue.”
Bay of Quinte Conference
103.
Revision to the Comprehensive Review Proposal for the Creation of a “College Of
Ministers”
General Council 42 Notice of Motion
Title: Revision to the Comprehensive Review Proposal for the Creation of a “College of Ministers”
Originating Body: Cordelia Karpenko and Laura Springate
Financial Implications if known:
Staffing Implications if known:
Source of Funding if known:
Cordelia Karpenko and Laura Springate propose that Lakeridge Presbytery recommends to Bay of
Quinte Conference that they recommend to the 42nd General Council that:
The Comprehensive Review Task Group’s proposal for the creation of a “College of Ministers” be
revised as follows:

The scope of the College’s role be expanded to include inquiry, hearing processes, and discipline
of communities of faith.

The size of the College’s Board be increased from 20 to 30 members to reflect the expanded
workload this broadened scope will create.

The name of the College be altered from “College of Ministers” to “College of Ministry” to reflect its
broader scope.
Background: The inclusion of communities of faith in a College of Ministry would aid communities of
faith in living into their covenantal relationship with regional councils by providing inquiry into alleged
breaches of the covenantal relationship, as well as formal hearings and disciplinary action, where
deemed necessary by the College. Regional councils would retain oversight of communities of faith.
The regional council would involve the College of Ministry when communities of faith are suspected of
not functioning effectively in living into their covenantal relationship.
A College of Ministry would provide for more effective processes of inquiry, hearing, and discipline
of communities of faith as ministers and laypersons on the board of the College would be, or become,
more experienced in dealing with investigations and conducting formal hearings and appeals than in
the current system. This increased expertise would result in processes that are and are perceived to
be more fair and transparent, and results that are timely and consistent.
A College of Ministry would increase the size of the currently proposed College of Ministers by 10
people (from 20 to 30). This would mean an increase in necessary funding for the College. We
104.
Bay of Quinte Conference
believe, however, that this financial increase would be more than balanced by healthier communities
of faith with stronger commitments to covenantal relationships, as well as by a reduced workload
placed upon regional council staff.
Intermediate Court Action:
Bay of Quinte Conference
105.
Vision and Mission
Vision and Mission Statement as adopted at the 2013 Annual Meeting of Bay of Quinte
Conference
Vision Statement
‘Enlivened by the Holy Spirit, the Bay of Quinte Conference in its ministries will nurture and enhance
our network of relationships with the intention of deepening the lived faith of all within the Conference
in light of the Good News of Jesus Christ and the traditions of The United Church of Canada, as we,
an Affirming Ministry, recognize and celebrate diversities”
Mission Statement
Mission Goal #1
We are called to prayerfully discern and respect the wide range of diversities within our
Conference including, but not limited to, sexual orientation, gender identity, life experience, differing
abilities, ethnicity, race, generational differences, age, geographic location and economic
circumstances.
As such, Bay of Quinte Conference will:
1. Engage in intentional and ongoing study and dialogue in all aspects of its life and work.
2. Celebrate the participation of diverse individuals and communities in our life and work.
3. Seek justice for all who are marginalized.
4. Identify and dismantle barriers with regard to full participation of marginalized individuals and
groups in Christ’s ministry.
106.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Mission Goal #2
Bay of Quinte Conference is called to be partner with Presbyteries in strengthening congregations as
the body of Christ.
As such, Bay of Quinte Conference will:
1. Encourage, with Presbyteries, all congregations to deepen spiritual roots and lived faith
2. Provide opportunities for educational and training initiatives
3. Improve and provide resources for communication among Conference, Presbyteries and
Congregations including digital communication
Mission Goal #3
We are called to be a thriving community that facilitates healing:
As such Bay of Quinte Conference will:
1. Enhance our practice of faithful and (w)holistic stewardship, living with respect in creation and to
live into being a visible ‘Greening Ministry’ actively acknowledging responsibility to our natural
environment.”
2. Assist, with Presbyteries, all ministries (of any type and size) in missional engagement, both
locally and worldwide
3. Uplift, with presbyteries, the health and well-being of ministry personnel and the congregations in
which they serve
4. Maintain existing networks and encourage initiatives for engaging children, youth and young
adults in the Conference
5. Be a resource to groups that seek to walk with those seeking wholeness and personal support
6. Continue our journey of healing, reconciliation and embracing relationships with First Nations
communities
7. Live into being an Affirming Ministry that seeks to create safe and welcoming space for all
Bay of Quinte Conference
107.
Mission Goal #4:
We are called to engage and support innovative and authentic expressions of ministry, both emerging
and traditional, within Bay of Quinte Conference;
As such, Bay of Quinte conference will:
1. Practice radical hospitality as church and in conversation with other faith communities
2. Create the space for courageous conversations about the future of ministry
3. Support and nurture ministry networks
4. Identify and resource emerging ministry opportunities
5. Provide opportunities for discerning a call to ministry
6. Walk with those preparing for ministry”
108.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Nominations Committee: Expression of Interest Form
Is God calling you to share your gifts by serving on a committee or task group within the Bay of Quinte
Conference? The Nominations Committee requests that people submit an expression of interest for
specific positions that are available within the Conference. The Nominations Committee, through a
process of discernment, seeks to select the person who is best suited to fill the position at this time.
Opportunities to serve are listed on the conference website, as well as included in regular Conference
mailings. If you feel called to serve, please complete the following. Attach a page if you like.
Date _______________________
Name ________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________
Address____________________________________________________________________________
Ministry Personnel
Lay
Email address_______________________________________________________________________
Congregation/Pastoral Charge/Presbytery_________________________________________________
Position(s) of Interest _ ________________________________________________________________
Why does this opportunity interest you? ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
A brief summary of your experience and skills as they relate to each position: (use another page)
___________________________________________________________________________________
Your current and recent involvement in The United Church of Canada (Pastoral Charge, Presbytery,
Conference or General Council):
___________________________________________________________________________________
Names of Three References
Telephone Number(s)
__________________________________
_________________________________
__________________________________
_________________________________
__________________________________
_________________________________
Please attach any other relevant information. Submit to Nominations Committee, Bay of Quinte
Conference, 25 Holloway St., Belleville, K8P 1N8 or [email protected] with BQC
Nominations re (position) in the subject line.
109.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Sessions of Conference
The session date for 1925 is the inaugural date, October 1925; the 1926 date is May 1926. Subsequent years refer to the Annual Meeting held in May/June of the year just completed.
1.
2.
3
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
Year
Location
President
Executive Secretary
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933
1934
1935
1936
1937
1938
1939
1940
1941
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
1950
1951
1952
1953
1954
1955
1956
1957
Peterborough
Kingston
Oshawa
Smiths Falls
Napanee
Cobourg
Belleville
Lindsay
Bowmanville
Brockville
Peterborough
Oshawa
Smiths Falls
Napanee
Kingston
Port Hope
Belleville
Lindsay
Gananoque
Peterborough
Oshawa
Napanee
Brockville
Smiths Falls
Picton
Peterborough
Kingston
Lindsay
Oshawa
Belleville
Port Hope
Brockville
Renfrew
Charles W. Barrett*
Charles W. Barrett*
George A. Brown*
C.W. DeMille*
James Rollins*
J.U. Robins*
A.J.Wilson*
T.P. Perry*
T.E. Holling*
M.C. MacKinnon*
George McQuade*
James Semple*
R.T. Richards*
J. Maxwell Allen*
E.P. Woodger*
P.L. Jull*
H.W. Cliff*
W.P. Fletcher*
J.J. Black*
George S. Easton*
Basil W. Thompson*
Harold B. Neal*
James E. Beckel*
Charles McLellan*
J.V. McNeely*
J.E. Anderson*
H.A. Kent*
J.E. Griffith*
George Telford*
Alfred Poulter*
H.C. Wolfraim*
D.H. Woodhouse*
H.A. Mellow*
M.C. Mackinnon*
M.C. Mackinnon*
Charles Baldwin*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
George McQuade*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
James E. Beckel*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
H.C. Wolfraim*
J.R. Trumpour*
K.J. Crawford
K.J. Crawford
110.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
Bay of Quinte Conference
1958
1959
1960
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
1971
1972
1973
1974
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
Peterborough
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Peterborough
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Peterborough
Kingston
Peterborough
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Kingston
Belleville
Peterborough
Perth
Lindsay
Brockville
Port Hope
Oshawa
Napanee
Peterborough
Pembroke
Beaverton
Kingston
Belleville
W.F. Banister*
J. Fred Lane*
M.C. Fisher*
D. Mansell Smith*
Eli C. Kelloway*
Elias Andrews*
Albert E. Larke*
R.K.N. McLean*
Harry M. Davis*
J.A. Davidson*
D.M.J. Buttars*
Harold G. Lester*
James A. Payton Sr.*
J. Newton Reed
John A. Black*
John M. Smith
Edward W. Horton*
George Richardson*
F. James Burn*
Ronald C. Smeaton
Basil E. Long*
Harold Wilson
Richard Boehme
Glenn Ashford*
N.E. Schamerhorn
John May
Marion Brown*
William Wells*
Edward Colwell
Edward Bentley
Mary Kellogg
Walter Von Boetticher
Genevieve Payne
Paul McLenaghan
Barry Saint Germain*
Tom & Norma Thompson
Wendy Bulloch-MacIntosh
Joyce Holden
Linda Mainse
K.J. Crawford
K.J. Crawford
K.J. Crawford
K.J.Crawford
K.J.Crawford
K.J. Crawford
J. Newton Reed
J. Newton Reed
J. Newton Reed
J. Newton Reed
J. Newton Reed
John Fullerton
John Fullerton
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
W. Joseph Price
G.Victor Levan*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
Peter McKellar*
David Iverson
David Iverson
David Iverson
David Iverson
David Iverson
Wendy Bulloch
111.
Bay of Quinte Conference
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Belleville
Belleville
Belleville
Kingston
Kingston
Renfrew
Kingston
Lindsay
Peterborough
Oshawa
Baltimore
Napanee
Pembroke
Brockville
Lindsay
Peterborough
Peterborough
Baltimore
Wellington
Peter Walford-Davis
Sandra Bell-Buttars
Alan Bennett
Myra Garvin
Paul Currie
Mark Ferrier
Pam Pickle
Noreen Ueberer
Paul Reed
Bruce Hutchinson
Richard Hollingsworth
Bronwen Harman
John H. Young
Warren Vollmer
Jean Wilson
Bob Fillier
Mary Smiley
Michelle Brotherton
William Sheaves
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Wendy Bulloch
Gary Magarrell
Bill Steadman
Bill Smith
Bill Smith
Bill Smith
Bill Smith
112.
Bay of Quinte Conference
Agenda
Friday
8:30
Registration
9:00
Orientation
9:30
Gathering music
9:45
Welcome & Greetings
10:00
Words of Constitution
Consent Docket
Opening Resolutions / Motions
Introductions
11:00
Worship
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Finance 2015 Balance Sheet
2:00
Theme Speaker
3:00
Break
3:30
Comprehensive Review 1 – Presentation & Table Discussion
5:00
Theological Reflection
5:15
Worship
5:30
Concluding Remarks
6:30
Retirees Banquet
Saturday
8:30
Worship
9:15
Theme Speaker 2
10:15
Break
10:30
Dancing the Circle
10:35
President Elect
Commissioners
11:00
Music United
Bay of Quinte Conference
Report of Executive
Motions Concerning Finance
12:00
Lunch
1:00
Comprehensive Review
2:30
Pilgrimage of Youth
2:45
Break / Voting
3:00
Results of Voting
& Proposals
Five Oaks Report
Facilitated Discussion / Vision & Mission
Further Proposals and Other Business
Budget
GCE Report
Staff Report
5:30
Theological Reflection
5:45
Worship
6:00
Closing Remarks & Grace
Sunday
Bridge St United Church
8:25
Gathering Music
8:30
Prayer
- Youth and Children
Reports
Settlement
Rural Ministry
Stewardship
Camping
Dancing the Circle
Sexual Harassment
Shining Waters
UCW
Partners In Ministry
11:00
Worship
113.
Bay of Quinte Conference