President’s Report – June 2011

Leadership “Success”-ion Planning

Our church continues to grow in many ways. Besides improving our organizational structure, bylaws and policies, and communications; we are nearing the 200 member milestone. Congratulations! To ensure sustained growth, however, we need to be intentional about “succession planning” and, as we plan for the next fiscal year, we need to continue to develop leaders for our Board of Directors. The good news is that, except for one, the current board members will continue to serve. The bad news is VP, Bruce Roe, will step down at the end of his 3 year term in October. Thanks, Bruce! In addition, I will stay on the Board for my final year of my three year term, but as Past President, so Larry Philips and his Volunteer Resource Committee are actively looking for one new Board member, as well as a new President and Vice President. To support the process, it is important that we are open and transparent, so the Board recently approved detailed Board position responsibilities (click to download BOD Position Responsibilities). Please see details on the Board of Directors page on our website.

Leadership development occurs in many ways in our congregation, one of which is the Chairs’ Leadership meetings. The Board hosted two meetings over the church year to share information. At the May 3rd meeting, each committee talked about 1 of this year's accomplishments along with 1 planned goal for next year. In addition, Don Ayre, Chair of the Shared Ministry Team, talked about their plans for the next church year. Don, Barb Fuller, and Carolyn Hill-Carroll have been very busy this winter and the Board recently approved their revised Terms of Reference. Quoting from these, “The mandate of the Shared Ministry Team is to strengthen the quality of congregation’s ministry. Ministry is what the congregation does to fulfill its mission. In order to do this, the SMT counsels with the minister regarding the effectiveness of ministry, engages in regular assessment of all aspects of ministry, makes recommendations to enhance ministry based on assessment, and is prepared to deal with issues, complaints, concerns, and suggestions that affect ministry.” Please see their article in the Communicator newsletter or on our website for more details.

Did you know?

Canadian Unitarian Universalist Leadership (CUUL) School is in Nanaimo, BC from July 14-17. A subsidy for 50% of the registration cost is available – please talk to myself or another Board member for details.

Claire Rudyk takes over from Lorna Turnbull as the new Chair of the Religious Exploration Committee. Thank you Lorna!

The new Chair of the Lay Chaplaincy Committee is Kelvin Seifert and the Board recently approved their Terms of Reference. Quoting from these, “The Lay Chaplaincy Committee exists to support the work and development of the Lay Chaplains. The Lay Chaplains are members of the congregation who are trained and authorized to perform marriages, funerals and memorial services, child dedications, and other rites of passage either for members of the congregation or for the larger community.”

We are in good financial shape. As of the end of April, total annual revenue is expected to be $310,000. This is about $8,000 greater than the 2011 budget. Total annual expenses continue to remain within budget and are expected to be $300,555, slightly lower than the budget of $300,997.

On behalf of the congregation, the Board made a $50 donation toward a plaque dedicated to the late Katy Simons, a longtime member of our church, for her work helping Jews escape during the 2nd World War. Katy was honoured by the Winnipeg Holocaust Education Centre, located in the Asper Centre.

Your Board hosted John Orlikow, City Councilor for River Heights/Ft. Garry at April’s meeting to discuss our letter to him about the Harrow Street barricade and its negative effect on access to the church. He informed us the barricade is permanent, however, the summer barricade on Wellington Crescent will be moved from Harrow to the west side of Guelph St. allowing access to the Crescent.

The CUC Annual General Meeting and conference was held in Toronto in May. Along with your delegates Milie & Roger Rochester, Leuba Franko, and myself, Youth Advisor Jim Gardiner accompanied four of our youth for the national youth conference, where Matt Gilbert was Worship Co-Chair.

The Hnausa Family Camp Weekend is August 26 - 28 at a beautiful historic UU campsite on the shore of Lake Winnipeg, just north of Gimli. There will be planned activities, evening worship, shared meals, a Sunday service, and tons of fun in the sun. Contacts are Liz Redston and Jim & Kay Gardiner.

Looking forward to a great summer...

In faith, Craig Edwards