The Vestry met for its Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 11th, 2024.
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Download the Rector's Charge to Vestry
Notes from Vestry
The annual meeting of Vestry was held on Sunday, February 11th. The official minutes will be published at a later date, but the following is a summary of the business conducted by the Vestry.
Members of Vestry gathered in the Guild Hall for a chili lunch and watched a short video introducing the diocesan Season of Spiritual Renewal. The meeting was called to order at 11:30. The Rector opened with prayer, appointed Carolyn Porteous to take the minutes, and read the names of those who had died in the last year.
Vestry accepted the Ministry Reports for 2023. The Rector's Warden presented the 2023 financial results for the general, capital, and trust funds and the Rector presented the results for One Roof Community Centre. Vestry accepted the financial reports. The People's Warden presented the Vision for Mission and Ministry (Budget) for 2024 and he and the Rector spoke to the deficit of approximately $76,000 and then addressed anticipated sources of revenue. It was noted that 71% of identifiable givers (that is those who take envelopes, are signed up for pre-authorised giving, or are clearly members of the congregation) give less than $1,000 per year and that this is not sustainable. Vestry approved the 2024 Vision for Mission and Ministry.
Nominations were opened for appointed and elected offices. Jennifer Passmore continues in her appointment as Rector's Warden. Jim Weldon will continue as People's Warden for one year to provide continuity while the Rector is on Sabbath leave. Andrew Vreugdenhil was elected Deputy Warden, with the expectation that he will become People's Warden in 2025. The two vacancies for Lay Members of Synod were filled by Karen Bisschop and Ellen Seddon. On the Parish Advisory Board, Don Freeman was appointed to a second term as Rector's Member-at-Large, Gerri Currier and AJ Trossman were elected for second terms as the People's Members-at-Large, and Adam Nymann remains as the Youth Member.
The Social Justice and Advocacy Motion as printed in the vestry circular was debated. An amendment, "We call on the Province of Ontario and municipalities to require a ratio of affordable housing units in all new developments", was introduced and the amended motion was passed. The Chair invited members of Vestry who might be interested in forming a housing round table in the parish to do so.
The canonical portion of the meeting adjourned at 1:00. For the next hour, parishioners sitting in table groups discussed two sets of three questions: what did you hear today that excited you? what did you hear today that concerned you? and, what next step are you prepared to take? And, what liturgy do you attend and why? what elements of worship are most important to you? and, what are your thoughts about the vision for worship outlined in the Rector’s Charge? At the conclusion of the conversations, the recorders at each table submitted their notes for consideration.