Saint George's Anglican Church

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Rector called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. and led us in prayers and a reading from the Epistle of St. Jude (p. 298 Book of Common Prayer).

Attendance of  33 people.

Regrets were received from Ray & Barb Joudrey, John Staples, Ken Arbeau, Roy Boutilier and Linda Dupuis.

 

It was moved by Diane Mugridge and seconded by Mike Ogburn that the agenda be adopted with a change. Deanery Budget Task Force Committee should be Deanery Committee on Rural and Struggling Parishes.

 

It was moved by Iris Colford and seconded by Marilyn Rice that the minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting be adopted as circulated. Motion carried.

 

It was moved by Norman Dupuis and seconded by Michael Lipton that we accept the Rector, Wardens and Organizational reports as circulated. Motion carried. The Rector thanked all of those who prepared reports.

 

Phil Haylock of the firm Stevenson & Partners LLP presented the Auditor’s report. 

It was moved by Mike Lipton and seconded by Gerry Clayton the report be accepted. 

Motion carried.  

 

The Rector thanked Phil for once again being our auditor. He also extended thanks to the Envelope Secretary and treasurer for their work.

 

It was moved by Kathy Chapman and seconded by Marilyn Rice that the Envelope Secretary Report and the Report on Charitable Giving not reflected in the Financial Statements be accepted. Motion carried.  

 

Discussion was held on the deficit budget. It was decided that we would publish more information in the bulletin so that those who were unable to attend would be aware of what was going on. The Organ Enhancement fund will not be actively promoted but will be available for those who wish to contribute to it.

Ralph Black moved the budget be accepted as presented. Seconded by Noel Eustace.

 

It was moved by Mike Ogburn and seconded by Allen Urquhart that the number of the Vestry be 12 plus the Wardens and Vestry Clerk, totaling 15. Motion carried.

 

 

The following names were put forward for the offices of Warden

Senior Warden – Ralph Black

Junior Warden – Gerald Clayton

We have a 3 year rotation for Vestry.

The following names were put forward and elected.

Roy Boutilier                Noel Eustace                Diane Mugridge            Mike Ogburn   

Iris Colford                   Rocky Rothwell            Marilyn Hayre              Shirley Kelly    

Ron Freeman                Mike Lipton                 Ken Arbeau                 John Lingley

 

As there were no further nominations it was moved by Diane Mugridge and seconded by Norm Dupuis that all of the offices of Wardens and Vestry be filled by acclamation.

 

Honorary Vestry -Betty Woodhouse.

 

The Rector thanked all those who were willing to serve on Vestry. He extended thanks to those leaving Vestry this year – Ray Joudrey, Marilyn Rice (who was our liaison to the Cubs, Beavers and Scouts) and Peter Jobe.

 

Iris Colford                   Norm Dupuis                Debbie Ritchie             

Ray Joudrey                 Diane Mugridge            Marilyn Rice

 

As there were no further nominations it was moved by Gerry Clayton and seconded by Shirley Kelly that the positions be filled by acclamation. Motion Carried

 

Marilyn Rice                             Margaret McLeod

Both of these ladies have represented us for many years and agreed to let their names stand again. We are linked this year with Notre-dame l’Assumption Cathedral and Marilyn Rice read a lesson at one of their services a few weeks ago.

It was moved by Jeannie Lipton and seconded by Shirley Kelly that Marilyn and Margaret be our representatives again this year. Motion Carried

 

Debbie Ritchie

It was moved by Shirley Kelly and seconded by Kathy Chapman that Debbie be our representative this year. Motion Carried

The Bishop has requested that four people from each parish attend a meeting to discuss questions concerning Rural and Struggling Parishes. Our representatives will be Pam Ogburn, Jeannie Lipton, Norm Dupuis and Kathy Chapman with the Synod delegates and Senior Warden as alternates.

The Rector thanked the nominating committee for their work.

 

It was moved by Ralph Black and seconded by Gerry Clayton that Phil Haylock of the firm Stevenson and Partners LLP be appointed as auditor for 2008 Motion carried.

 

Kathy Chapman inquired about the After School Music Program. The Rector explained his vision for this project.

 

The Rector asked if anyone was interested in or has a passion for visiting the sick and shut-ins of the parish to please speak to him.

 

Mike Ogburn asked about the statistics as compared to last year. They are very much the same. There are some new members who have been attracted by the way the Prayer Book arranges scripture for prayer. The Rector thanked everyone for welcoming them and encouraged us to continue to speak to anyone you don’t know.

 

Our website is up and running and can be found at www.stgeorgesmoncton.com.

 

The Rector explained the requirements for marriage at St. George’s as found in the booklet “Getting Married in the Church” have increased to attendance of 6 months (at least 18 services) as well as assisting with the community meal.

 

The Rector thanked the Wardens, Property Committee, Parish Secretary and Office Administrator and the Envelope Secretary for their service this year.

 

Their will be a brief vestry meeting immediately following this meeting in the Ladies Parlor.

 

Mike Ogburn thanked the Rector for his spiritual guidance, leadership and humor.

 

The Rector thanked everyone for the support he and his family had received and shared how much they appreciate the new rectory.

 

It was moved by Gerry Clayton that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried.

 

The Rector led us in closing prayers.

 

 

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

 

Dear friends in Christ,

 

Once again it is my privilege to write this annual report as your Priest and Rector. I am grateful for the opportunity, by God’s Providence, to work with all of you in this portion of the Lord’s vineyard. Looking back over the past year, we have witnessed God’s faithful love in so many ways: He has been with us in our times of sickness, and while we watched at the death beds of our loved ones. He has given us moments of great joy and celebration, too, in the births of our children and grandchildren, in baptisms and weddings, and in birthdays, to mention just a few. In a wonderful way, all of these events – happy or sad – find us looking to Jesus, our Saviour; and, as His children, we do this through His Church. This should be the plan of every Christian: with a humble heart, to “look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12.2). For, always He is ready to hear our prayer and to help us; and, therefore, He feeds us by His Word and by His precious Body and Blood each week. “Come unto Me, all that labour and are heavy laden,” He says, “and I will refresh you.” (St. Matthew 11.28)

 

I was reminded of how urgently past generations of this parish sought this Divine refreshment and Heavenly Food during the preparations for our 160^th Anniversary. Those past Congregations and Clergy were serious about their faith, and they were willing to give all they had to establish a Church in this place, known then as ‘the Bend’. For them, life was much more uncertain and fragile, and Christ was truly their All in All, their Hope and Strength, and their Salvation.

 

Of course, who among us would not agree that life is uncertain? It’s not that we don’t know this, it is just that we have too much. As North Americans, our hearts and minds have become spiritually fat, and dull to the urgency of our spiritual need. There are a hundred other things that we can do in place of Sunday worship, and they are easier and more appealing to our flesh. As Jesus told His disciples, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. (St. Matthew 26.41)

 

Given this, the Parish Anniversary was very helpful to me. It was not simply a journey back in time to reminisce, but also a way of learning from the past in order to move ahead. Thanks to the Anniversary Committee and to all who assisted in the preparations. The Anniversary DVD is a special token of our efforts, and it will no doubt be used for many years to tell the story of the first 160 years of God’s faithfulness to St. George’s Church and the Parish of Moncton. (A special ‘Thank you’ to our video technician!)

 

On another note, you will remember that in my report to you last year I underlined our potential financial crisis – we budgeted for a deficit of more than $18,000. However, many people responded in prayer and by increasing their offerings; and, in the end, we fell short by only $1,500. Thank you very much! Together, let us praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

 

As you can see in this year’s proposed budget, we need to continue to pull together. Our potential deficit is $24,446. Why? The largest piece of this is due to a projected loss in investment interest because of the economic recession. As I mentioned last year, it is true that St. George’s has some endowments and investments, but their total annual interest this year is projected at $12,300 instead of $17,000 last year. At the present, we are using all of this interest money to balance the budget. While we are very fortunate to be able to do this, we have to be careful about this practice. The challenge before us is to give freely to the Lord of our time, talent and treasure in thanksgiving for all that He has given us.

 

As the diocesan clergy were reminded at our Annual Clergy Conference in August, money and material things gain a certain power over us if we do not give them away. We allow our possessions to get a grip on us if we are not willing to part with them. So, what’s the answer? As the retired Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina, the Rt. Rev. Ed Salmon, told us, we must offer the ‘first-fruits’ to the Lord. What does that mean? The ‘first-fruits’ offering was stipulated in the Jewish Law (eg. See Exodus 23.16-19, etc.), and it meant giving the first and the best of the harvested crops to God. When you stop and think, that was quite an act of faith, because what if the rest of the crop failed? However, as Bishop Salmon reminded us, this is how every Christian is called to live – by faith, that is. Setting aside your offering first – as the number one priority in your budget – is much different from the alternative which involves giving God our leftovers. If we operate from the leftover mindset, we will never be set free from the fear of not having enough.

 

God’s immeasurable generosity to us came in the Suffering and Sacrifice of His only-begotten Son on the Cross. It is necessary, then, that every disciple of Christ – every child of God – do their best to imitate that generosity.

 

Interestingly, it was in response to the Lord’s generosity that our monthly Community Dinner program began three years ago; and, by His grace, it has continued. We might say the same thing of the 1^st George’s Beavers, Cubs and Scouts; or the Parish Christmas Outreach program; or the Music Club at Edith Cavell School; or the Wok with Faith Program; or our GriefShare program on Monday nights; or the support we are able to extend to The Karing Kitchen, the YMCA ReConnect Program, the Operation Christmas Child, and the Primates’ World Relief and Development Fund. These are some of the ways that we attempt to reach out as the Body of Christ with grace in imitation of Christ Jesus.

 

‘Grace’ comes from the Latin word gratus which, of course, is the root of our English word grateful. So, to give generously, or to be gracious, is really an expression of our gratitude. As we say at the presentation of the Bread and Wine and our Offerings, “All things come of Thee, (O Lord), and of Thine own have we given Thee.” (1 Chronicles 29.14) May our good and gracious Lord help us in this New Year to be faithful stewards of all that He has given us. May we not look for a return on what we do in the Name of Christ. Let us not count the costs, for Jesus surely didn’t when He stretched out His arms on the Cross for us. Rather, let us seek only to bring honour and praise to our Lord’s Holy Name. God will provide the increase. He always has and He always will. He simply asks us to be faithful.       

 

As a final note on this topic, I want to underline the fact that the offering of our first-fruits to God involves everything – not just our money. In the words of the Summary of the Ten Commandments (p.69, BCP): “Our Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first and great commandment.” Sometimes people think that the Church just wants their money. Not true! The Church wants all of us for Christ – heart, soul, mind and strength. So what should we do? Pray. What? Give more time in your life to prayer and Bible reading. As Anglicans, we have a beautiful pattern of this kind of thing: it is called Morning, Mid-day and Evening Prayer (see pages 1-24 in the Prayer Book; there is also Family Prayer for morning and evening, pages 728-736). Anyway, over the next year, may the good Lord help us to see the value of daily prayer, and may He convict us to undertake it!   

 

In closing, may I take this opportunity to thank each one of you for your many kindnesses to me and my family. We appreciate very much your daily prayers and all the things you do to help and support us. Also, I would like to thank the many organizations, groups and individuals of our parish for their dedication to our Lord and His Church: to our Sunday School and Nursery Care volunteers; to our Vestry Members (with special appreciation to those who have just finished their three year term); Willing Workers (especially for their support of the Music Club and the Parish Christmas Outreach program); Altar Guild; Acolytes; Property Committee; Finance Committee; Advisory Committee; our ‘Rural and Struggling Parishes’ Representatives to the Deanery; our Layreaders; our Moncton and Area Council of Churches Representatives; Offering Counters; Community Dinner Volunteers; Parish Picnic Crew; our Wedding Custodian; Easter Breakfast and Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Cooks; Monthly Pot-Luck Managers; Sunday Greeters; St. Michael’s Club Youth and Leaders; Scout, Beaver and Cub Leaders and Group Committee Representative; to the Parish Flower Arrangers and Waterers; the Christmas and Harvest Thanksgiving Decorators; the Music Club Instructors; to all of those who faithfully bring food for the Food Bank, and to those who support the good work of Reconnect; our Sunday School Treasurer; our Parish Photographer; our Coffee, Tea and Cookie Convenor after the 10 AM Service; our Camden Terrace –People’s Park Tower Altar Guild; our WOK with Faith Leaders; all those who assist with Funeral Receptions; all those who sponsored Beavers, Cubs or Scouts; our 160^th Anniversary Committee; all those who contributed to the Parish Christmas Outreach program; to those who assist with the Spencer Home monthly Holy Communion; to our Blanket and Mitten Knitters; our Organist; our Choir Director; Choir and Choir Convenor; our Envelope Secretaries; our Memorial Fund Treasurer; Auditor (who has once again come to our rescue); Synod delegates and alternates; our PWRDF representative; bell ringers and bell fixers; Archdeacon Stockall for his teaching series on the Parables and for his supply during my vacation; our superb Caretaker and Sexton (who also helps a lot at the Rectory); our amazing Church Wardens; and our very efficient and talented Parish Treasurer and Office Manager. Many, many thanks to each one of you!

 

But above all, may all thanksgiving, praise, glory, dominion, power, honour and majesty be ascribed unto Almighty God, the Holy and Blessed Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Ghost both now and evermore. AMEN.

Respectfully submitted,

Chris VanBuskirk +      (Priest and Rector)

  

 

 

 

Peter Lee Mailman and Liette Anne Chesser

Joel David Gagnon and Lisa Joanne Palmer

Owen Gareth Evans and Amy Janet Barley

Kevin Thomas Jones and Sarah Lynn Keating

Howard Buddy Smith and Kathy Ann Foster

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Rector, Jr. Warden, Vestry, and Congregation of St. George's Anglican Church, I am pleased to submit the following report.

 

Each time I have served as warden I have been impressed with the great number of people that volunteer with the various groups and/or activities in our parish, not counting those who assist with the regular services of worship. This year is no exception and those I talk with are agreed, that volunteerism in any capacity has its own reward..

 

Our Rector is a good leader, with a vision of what we should be about. I am very pleased with the new programs for our youth as well as those that meet the needs of our adult members. The commitment oftime by all the volunteers that are needed is "awesome", as the youth of today would say. Please read this annual report and you will see what I mean.

 

I am grateful to the members of our Parish who responded to our [mancial need in 2008. You will remember that we budgeted for a deficit of $18,356 and with your help we came close to a break even, being down only $ 1,588. This year we face an even greater challenge but I am confident that we will meet this need.

 

The support of my fellow warden Gerry Clayton, the vestry and congregation is acknowledged and very much appreciated.

 

Respectfully Submitted

 

Ralph Black Sr. Warden

 

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Congregation of St. George’s Anglican Church, I am pleased to submit this report on behalf of the Property Committee.

 

The major project for the past year was the repair of the exposed portion of the exterior foundation wall. The wall was repaired and coated   with   Emaco S88   and sealed with Thorocoat Fine. The work was completed by Nap Fougere.

 

On the recommendation of our insurance company, we contacted Sattler’s Stained Glass Studio of Pleasantville, NS to do a thorough cataloging and inventory of our stained glass windows. All the windows were photographed, appraised and a regular inspection routine recommended. In the event of any damage to the windows this company will be able to repair or replace them to match the originals. This inspection service was provided free of charge.

 

The other major project this year was the completion of the new roofing at the Rectory, half of which was completed last Fall. This work was done by P.E. Cormier Ltd.

 

The Priority List of potential projects which was started last year was updated and should continue to be updated on a yearly basis.

 

I would like to thank Noel Eustace, the other member of this committee, the Rector, Wardens, Vestry, Debbie Ritchie and Bill Roy for their continued support and assistance during the past year.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ron Freeman,

Chairman

 

Annual Report 2008

 

Members of the Vestry, Father VanBuskirk,

 

The year 2008 was another satisfactory year bringing us a number of things. As usual, in July, some members of the choir participated in the Diocese of Fredericton’s annual choir school in Rothesay. In total we had over ten choristers attend; for three of those people it was their fifth or sixth year attending the school. Also, the school was privileged for the third year to be able to have our own Nhat-Viet Phi as their accompanist.

One of the choir’s main highlights this year was the celebration of our parish’s 160^th anniversary. For the occasion, a message was sent out to neighbouring congregations, and, with a little help, we formed an “Anniversary Choir” under the direction of Nhat-Viet Phi and accompanied by our organist Albert. In total, the Anniversary Choir was on hand for multiple services. We would like to thank Albert, Toto, and members of other congregations for their help with our anniversary choir.

The other event that we worked toward this year was music for the Christmas season. Over a number of weeks before the Christmas season, there were a few practices held in preparation for Christmas Eve, and for the service of carols and lessons. This was achieved again with the help of Toto and Albert, and we would like to extend our thanks once again.

There were also many other occasions at which our choir attended and there is not enough room to mention all of them. However, at this time, thanks should go to all who support the annual choir school, all who sing in the choir, and to our organist Albert.  We are always looking for new members to be able to help to worship our heavenly Father. You do not have to be young, you do not need to be old, we just need voices.

Respectfully submitted,

Nicholas J. Saulnier

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and congregation of St. George’s Church, I wish to submit the following report of receipts and disbursements from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008.

Opening Bank Balance January 1, 2008                                                 $2,110.60

Pewter Ornaments                                                              120.00

Mail / Book Sorts                                                            1,315.00

Receptions                                                                         800.00

Fashion Show                                                                     674.64

Sobeys Tape Program                                                        355.11

Dinners                                                                               790.00

ReConnect                                                                         760.00

Pennies & Tea Money                                                          69.50

Donations                                                                             11.00

Dues                                                                                    75.00

Reversal Bank Service Charge                                              35.70                  

Total Receipts                                                                                       $5,005.95

ReConnect                                                                      1,260.00

Community Dinners                                                            300.00

Christmas Stocking Stuffers                                                545.47

Camp Brookwood                                                             300.00

Camp Medley                                                                    300.00

Choir School Scholarship                                                    300.00

Dinners 759.36

Elevator Fund                                                                     385.00

Sobey’s Gift Cards (Needy Families)                                  300.00

Music Program                                                                   650.00

Flowers                                                                              195.43

RBC –Our Daily Bread                                                        35.00

Aids Relief – Pennies                                                            26.50

Reception Expenses                                                              11.91

Turkeys (2 for Turkey Drive)                                                50.12

Bank Service Charge                                                            71.40

Total Expenses                                                                                      $5,490.19      

Closing Bank Balance December 31, 2008                                            $1,626.36      

 

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Spinney, Treasurer

 

 

 

 

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Congregation of St. George’s Church, I wish to make the following report:

 

We began our sessions on January 8, 2008 with “Expository Thoughts of the Gospels” by Bishop J. Ryle. These were “precious facts about the Lord Jesus”.

 

We experienced a very short Epiphany season in 2008, so on January 22 we did a study of the 4^th century homilies of St. Basil of Caesara. It was a most interesting study of only the first chapter of Genesis, finishing on March 25^th.

 

From April 1^st to June 17^th we resumed viewing and discussing the DVD’s of Richard J. Foster which we had started in the fall of 2007. The topics covered were Solitude, Submission, Service, Confession, Worship, Guidance and Celebration.

 

After the summer break, we started a study of the book “The Divine Novel”, by A. LeDrew Gardner. By the time we broke for Christmas on December 8, we had covered 8 chapters.

 

If anyone feels like joining us on Tuesday mornings at 10 o’clock at the Rectory, we would love to have you. Father Chris is so generous with his time and his patience in explaining and answering our questions that we look forward to each weekly session

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Connie Spinney

 

 

 

                                                    Wok with Faith
                                                  Annual Report 2009
 

"Wok with Faith" is a dual-effort program designed to teach young women practical cooking skills as well as teaching them about character and relationship development and abstinence.  The first session took place on April 27, 2008.  The "Wok with Faith" group meets on the last Sunday of every month from 4:30-7:00. The first hour and a half are spent making, preparing and enjoying a healthful and delicious meal and dessert. After supper, a skills-based and biblical supported approach to healthy relationships is taught.  Using the WAIT Training System (Why Am I Tempted?) teens are provided with skills and affirmations:

       ·To help value who they are.

      ·To understand the positive benefits of utilizing self-control.

      ·To raise expectations for responsible behaviour.

      ·To learn how to set limits and boundaries, and use refusal skills.

      ·To value abstinence, marriage, and safe and stable family formation.

The sessions are continuing each month with an average of 8 young women from both inside and outside of our parish in attendance.  The church's updated kitchen provides an ideal setting for creating the meals and the relaxed and safe church environment gives the youth a chance to open-up during discussions about the relevant issues facing society's teenagers.

-Angelique Ross

 

 

 

 

 

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Members of St. George's Congregation I submit the following report:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Carolyn VanBuskirk

To the Rector, Wardens, Vestry and Members of St. George's Congregation I submit the following report:

 

 

Another energetic youth group at Saint George's, was the 1 st. Moncton Cub Pack. The enrolment at year end, was 22 boys and girls.                     .

 

to wear on their sash.                                                                                                .

2008 was a year when not only the youth of 1 st. Moncton were recognized for their effort, but several of their leaders, were recipients

were presented at our year end Family B.B.Q.                              .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2008, there were 191 individual envelope contributors, 86 unique contributors who do not have regular envelopes, 20 parishoners who donate using PAR, and 15 Youth who contributed to the Sunday School weekly offering. The total monies to be receipted this year are $218,179.23

 

Thanks to Debbie Ritchie for her patience and continued guidance and to the Wardens and Greeters who have helped to distribute the envelopes and tax receipts. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Dale and Kathy Chapman