A Free Methodist Church in Canada Congregation

Annual Report

to the Society

April 2020

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Nominating Committee We recommend to the Society the following roster of people up for re-

election (to a second term) and standing as nominees at the 2020 Annual

Society Meeting originally scheduled for March 29 (new date TBD).

Official Board:

Jones Asamoah, Brent Brown, Jabin Carrasco, Alison

Morgan, Rick Smith, and Emmanuel Tetteh are

continuing on elected terms:

• Norbert Amafu, nominated

Finance Team:

Alison Morgan (Treasurer), and Randy Simmons are

continuing on elected terms:

• David Campbell, standing for re-election

• Jan Burgess, standing for re-election to 2nd

term

Property Team:

Jerry Asiedu, Shawn Bullock, and Paul Hogeboom are all continuing on elected terms:

• Kasper Hinds, standing for re-election to a 2nd term

Pastor’s Cabinet:

Tim Gonyou, Heather Hogeboom and Ann-Marie Smith are continuing on elected terms.

Delegates:

Nominees: Sharon Howell (1st), April Lansing (2nd), Tim Gonyou (3rd), and Johnny Owusu (Reserve).

Thanks to all the staff & volunteers that served the Lord through

Kingsview this past ministry year! We’re encouraged by the number of

new volunteers serving in the Nursery/Toddler, Sound, and Worship

ministries!

Special Mention:

The following people have

stepped down from their

service; we appreciate your

contributions: Sabrina Hinds

(1st Delegate), Matthew

Smith (Treasurer), Lois Tomc

(Reserve Delegate), and

Marcella Uzeda (Property

Team).

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Official Board The official board is responsible for the general supervision of the ongoing

operation of the local church and, as such, establishes policies that govern

the day-to-day operation of the church and its ministries. We are

intentionally developing this team to prayerfully discern decisions &

direction.

Team:

Jones Asamoah (Secretary), Brent Brown (Vice Chair), Jabin Carrasco (Chair), Sharon Howell (1st

Delegate), Alison Morgan (Treasurer), Rick Smith and Emmanuel Tetteh. This elected group of

members meets monthly (except in July) and, according to the FMCiC by-laws, is responsible for:

• Developing the mission & vision of the church

• Monitoring & evaluating ministry effectiveness

Ministry Highlights:

• Board retreats in September and January

• New Lay Ministers (Sarah Amafu, Jabin

Carrasco)

• New policies (Gift policy, holiday closure)

• New Communication plan

• Official board Ministry Calendar

• Prayer with and for various ministry groups

• Pastor Darrin’s Sabbatical plan approved

Prayer Requests:

1. Wisdom and discernment,

2. The Health of our church,

3. Vision of what the church looks like five years

from now.

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what we’re planning for the 2020-2021

ministry year:

• Revamp and relaunch Kingsview’s core values

• Revamp and relaunch our Mission Statement

• Plan for Pastor John-Mark’s Sabbatical (2021)

What is a Sabbatical?

The FMCiC encourages pastors to

practice appropriate self-care in

all areas of health: physical,

mental, emotional and spiritual.

There are many ways that we

can support our pastors in this:

• allow a weekly Sabbath

• allow time for retreat(s)

• provide reading week(s)

• grant a sabbatical

A sabbatical is one of the many

tools in the ‘toolbox’ that we can

use to maintain and improve

pastoral health. A sabbatical

operates from the perspective of

“from health, for health.”

Pastor Darrin’s last sabbatical was

in 2011; his sabbatical is planned

for June 8 to Sept. 8.

Pastor J-M’s is being planned for

early in 2021.

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Finance Team This team responsible for the overall administration of the financial assets of

the church, as directed by the official board. It is important that the team

members be spiritually mature, with a vision for supporting and developing

the ministries of the ministry of the church.

Team:

Janet Burgess, Dave Campbell (Assist. Treasurer), Alison Morgan (Treasurer), and Randy Simmons.

Ministry Highlights:

• 2019 surplus of $18K

• Lifetime surplus of $24K

• Positive change in giving pattern

Prayer Requests:

1. God’s provision during the COVID crisis

2. A new team member in 2020-21

3. Discernment for ministry direction

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what we’re planning for the 2020-2021:

• A 2% increase in staff salaries (otherwise

the budget is essentially unchanged)

• Developing a narrative-style budget

• Expanding online giving options

Volunteers:

We are thankful for those that have served as part

of this team! A special mention goes to our Tellers

that count the tithes & offering each week.

Comments:

Further thanks to our Communications

Coordinator, Marcia DaCosta, Bookkeeper,

Nancy Burrell, and Auditor, Peter Hogg, for

their support as we steward the resources

God has given Kingsview.

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Property Team The Property Team is responsible for routinely inspecting the church’s

building, property and equipment to ensure that all are being maintained

adequately, and to prioritize maintenance and replacement projects within

the constraints of the budget. The team also responds appropriately to

maintenance requests, organizes workdays as needed, and ensures that the church facilities

are kept clean. They also manage the rental units in #11 and #17 Kingsview Blvd., and all of our

contracted services: custodians, landscaping & snow removal to name a few.

Team:

Jerry Asiedu, Shawn Bullock, Kasper Hinds (Chair), Paul Hogeboom, and Lusper Weir. Staff

support from Pastor Darrin, and Marcia DaCosta.

Ministry Highlights:

• Large landscaping project completed

• New blinds installed in the Broadview

• Painted window frames in Broadview

• Small projects completed in rental units

• Evasive flat roof leak repaired!

Prayer Requests:

1. New team members in 2020-21,

2. Discernment in prioritizing projects,

3. Provision for upcoming major projects.

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what we’re planning for the 2020-2021

ministry year:

• Repainting Broadview Centre main floor and entryways

• Washroom and foyer minor refresh

• Complete longstanding electrical repairs

• Cleaning pew cushions, refinishing wood floors in sanctuary

Special Thanks:

We are very grateful for our all of our contractors that assist us in keeping the property in good shape,

especially our custodians, Dan & Lisa Hasanalie, who go above and beyond in the work they are

contracted to do.

Planting new trees and shrubs in early June 2019

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Discipleship Ministries Children, Youth, Small Groups, Men’s and Women’s events, and Membership

and Baptism classes all fall under the umbrella of Discipleship. Thank you to

all those who volunteer and give their time in these vital ministries!

Children Highlights: (Marcia DaCosta)

Our Sunday School Teachers continue to create a warm, caring and welcoming environment for our children which makes them eager to come to Sunday School. We continue to use the video-based curriculum from the Meeting House, tailoring it to the different age groups when necessary. Our children remain engaged in the lessons, as we receive frequent feedback from parents on how our little ones are helping spread the love and word of God to others! Throughout the year, the children were engaged in various aspects of the worship experience at Kingsview Church. On Palm Sunday they led a congo line with palms; for Harvest they marched with various produce and gifts; they performed the song “God of Wonder” as part of the worship service in October and then closed the year by performing with the Adults and Youth in the Christmas play “A Gift Fit for a King”. For the play our children acted, danced, sang and did Sign Language. We Look forward to all that God has in store for the Ministry in 2020.

Sunday School Teachers: Nancy Brown, Marcia DaCosta, Sharon Howell, Dean and Sharon Taylor, Aart

VanEwyk, and Yong Zhang.

Youth Highlights: (April Lansing)

The Youth Group meets on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month September-June for TnT (Truth and

Transformation) and on most Sundays during the sermon time for D&D (Donuts and Discussion).

We also meet about once per month for some special events: laser tag, car rally, Fall Retreat, Today’s

Teens conference – these have all been great times to get to know each other and grow spiritually.

What our teens had to say about this past year:

“The reason I love being a part of Kingsview’s Youth Group is because we are very honest [with

each other].” “You don’t have to be afraid to speak out about [Jesus] or how you feel in terms

of your faith.” “The connection everyone has is comforting.” “I learned being a Christian isn't

just about your personal growth but being part of his church.” “We are all individuals with the

same intent, to grow our connection and understanding with Jesus.”

One of the ways we have been encouraged by our youth is their willingness to grow in prayer! We

are so encouraged to see our youth growing in faith, in leadership, and in their gifts.

Youth Leaders: Rebecca Bruce, April Lansing, Johnny Owusu, Fatima Zane, and Pastor J-M (with help

from other parents and volunteers at various events).

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Adult Ministry Highlights:

• Two new groups: Gather group (ladies) and

Parents small group

• Ladies Bible Studies and small groups

continue to meet regularly and support one

another beyond the meeting times

• Summer Sunday Picnics in the Park

• Men’s Bocce Ball Tuesdays in the summer

and ongoing games night into the Fall

provided good connection and discussion

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for new discipling relationships that are developing. Pray for our commitment of time to

one another for these to flourish.

2. Pray for our youth to be bold for Jesus as they reach out to friends and take on leadership roles

in church and our community.

3. Pray for willing volunteers to connect with our children and youth!

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what discipleship ministries hope to see in the 2020-2021 ministry year:

• intergenerational opportunities to mentor and to learn together

Needs:

We would love to have you join us in these teams. We are currently looking to fill the following

positions:

• men’s/women’s group co-ordinators, small group facilitators

• Sunday School teachers and youth leaders

• small group hosts and facilitators

Speak to Pastor J-M if you have an interest in any of these areas!

Men’s Bocce Ball and discussion group at Fairhaven Park.

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Missional Resources Team The Missional Resource Team (MRT) is the ministry group that encompasses

the former Global Missions Team, the Refugee Sponsorship & Settlement

Team, and brings all our local missional activities under one umbrella.

Team:

This past year, Sabrina Hinds, Shawn Bullock, Dean Taylor, Jan Burgess and Pastor J-M comprised the

team. The MRT is the group tasked with discerning the direction of our local & global missional

activities and creating a ministry plan/strategy for Kingsview regarding

• Free Methodist missionary support

• local & global para-church partnerships

• congregation-based missional activities

Please pray wisdom for the MRT as we discern a strategy for evaluating new requests for support as

well as implement that strategy to keep our congregation connected and informed on all our

missionaries and partners.

Ministry Highlights:

Tearfund is the FMCiC’s official partner for disaster relief and international aid.

Thank you to Yvonne Weir and her team for organizing our yearly Fall Harvest offering – this year we

raised over $1600! The MRT also made a $5000 donation (part of funds that were laying dormant

from a previous Haiti project) on behalf of Kingsview to the Venezuelan refugee crisis in December.

Those funds were matched by the FMCiC Bishop’s Relief Fund, doubling our gift!

Looking ahead, Tearfund will be playing a key role in preparing communities in sub-Saharan Africa to deal with the COVID19 pandemic. The MRT will update you on how to participate! Pray for Venezuela, and also countries in Africa and Asia who have fewer resources for combatting pandemics.

Kingsview also participated in Operation Christmas Child which is run by Samaritan’s Purse. Thank

you to Winifred Sookdeo for her leadership and coordination in this initiative! 48 shoeboxes were

sent out from Kingsview in December 2019.

As of January 1, 2020, The Kingsview Sponsorship Program is now officially a separate charitable

entity. Under the leadership of John & Michelle Stewart KSP will continue to engage sponsors for the

empowerment of children in the Dominican Republic. KSP will continue to be Kingsview’s first

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recommendation for child sponsorship. Pray for a smooth transition and growth as KSP expands its

partners beyond our denomination.

Debbie Hogeboom (former FMC missionary to Kenya and East Africa) is now retired and living in

Kingston, Ontario. Debbie has had cancer treatment for the past 18 months. Pray for complete

healing for Debbie.

Dave & Jenn Wright had been serving in Niger when Kingsview began to direct part of our FMCiC

mission support to them. Dave and Jenn are no longer in active mission service with FMCiC. They are

both working and ministering as lay leaders in St Catharines. Kingsview will be redirecting their

support to new initiatives.

Sam & Jenn Harris have moved to Texas where Sam is teaching university math. They have settled

into a new church and are discerning what ministry will look like in the coming years. We continue to

support their involvement with Power to Change (P2C) and their long-term goal of serving overseas.

Pray for the Harrises as they adapt to a new church and community in Texas.

Refugee Sponsorship is Kingsview’s pilot project in sponsoring the Sohail family (Sohail, Sonia, Sarah,

Sharoon John) as refugees to Canada. In October of 2019 their refugee claim was denied. The

Refugee Sponsorship team has hired a lawyer who has reviewed the file and asked for their case to be

reviewed. Pray that the Sohails receive a favourable review of their case from the new Canadian

judge in Asia. Also pray for their health and perseverance as they wait.

Loreli Cockram is the Young Parents Director with Youth Unlimited in the GTA. Lori sets vision for this

ministry, recruits and equips volunteers, prepares curriculum, and resources five active young parents

groups in the GTA. Lori is thankful that her support level increased to 75% in 2019. Young Dads

ministry is also expanding. Pray for the young parents who are seeking a supportive church

community and for Lori as she empowers new leaders.

In the Spring and Summer months of 2019, Pastor J-M and Steve Frieswick along with a small group of

volunteers repaired and gave away over 100 bicycles to families in our community. While we

appreciate all the goodwill this initiative has generated, the MRT has discerned that the season for the

Bike Shop in its current form has ended. The City of Toronto is attempting to form a new bike hub in

Dixon, and both Steve and Pastor J-M are at the table but currently talks have stalled with other

community partners.

In the place of the Bike Shop, we are hoping to support youth from our church and community to

work with newcomer settlement during the summer months. We have applied for funding for 4

youth to work with local partners from Martin Grove Baptist Church (who also lead ESL at Kingsview

during the week). Pray for the youth who will be ministering locally this summer – especially

regarding how health concerns may change that proposal.

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Pastor J-M has also been building bridges to the community by attending and supporting the

Kingsview-Westway Neighbourhood Action Plan (KVW-NAP) which is a group that works on

developing local resources for a thriving community. He also is a part of the Etobicoke Strategy which

is a partnership of local churches whose purpose is to address and respond to gun violence in the

community. Prince Gbeklui is Kingsview’s representative on the Community Police Liaison

Committee (CPLC). Pray that these connections yield new local opportunities and spread the shalom

of Jesus in our neighbourhood.

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what we hope to see 2020-21:

• welcoming the Sohails to Canada!

• increasing involvement of Kingview

members in activities in our neighbour-

hood & beyond

• assigning a layperson to be a

“champion” for each missionary or

partner organization

• completing a missions strategy/policy

• visits/updates from all supported

missionaries

• expand/identify local needs to build

bridges in our community

Opportunities:

Ways you can be involved in Mission at Kingsview:

• teach or assist in an ESL class

• become a “champion” for one of our missionaries/mission partners: learn about their work,

help keep Kingsview informed, stay in contact with them

• join the refugee team to assist the efforts to see the Sohails join us in Canada

• donate to any of Loreli’s supply drives for young parents, run/walk in October funrun

• assist with Christmas giving initiatives

• write a letter of encouragement to one of our missionaries

• go on a short-term mission trip with one of our partners

• attend a community meeting with Pastor J-M

• support any youth who may go on a summer mission trip

ESL students in Broadview Ed. Centre with Pastor Darrin.

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Prayer & Care The Prayer and Care Ministries at Kingsview encompasses all of the ways we

support one another, including Hospitality. Many Kingsview members assist

with individual needs as they arise. We are very thankful to Kingsview for

their generous care for our brothers and sisters when they are in need.

Teams:

Prayer & Connie Asiedu, Elma Balfour, Lucy Biggs, Sharla Gottschalk, Ivy Graham,

Care Victoria Hogg, Norma Reynolds, Yvonne Weir, and Pastor Darrin.

Hospitality Shawn Bullock, Rayma Fletcher, Sara Moreno, Ann-Marie Smith and Lois Tomc.

Ministry Highlights:

• Events: Among others, Birthday

celebrations, summer BBQs, 56th

Anniversary celebration, Advent

Basement Party, and ChiliBowl.

• GriefShare support group (started again

in January 2020)

• Faithful, consistent Prayer Team ministry

and answered prayers!

• Distribution of Benevolent funds,

including Generous Christmas gift cards

• Development of a set of Care Guidelines

Prayer Requests:

1. A new team member or two; especially need some more men

2. Find good tools to organize, expand and deepen care ministry

3. Begin equipping every church member in essential pastoral care skills

Looking Ahead:

Here’s what we’re planning for the 2020-2021 ministry year:

• Further organizing, expanding, deepening care ministry, including more training of

Care Team members

• Offering GriefShare support group as a regular part of ministry (2021)

• Exploring additional support groups; e.g. DivorceCare, Celebrate Recovery, etc.

Celebrating Delsie Bailey’s 90th birthday in May 2019.

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Opportunities:

If you are interested in serving in any capacity in prayer, care and/or hospitality, or would like to

receive further training in any of these areas please contact Pastor Darrin or Connie Asiedu.

Personal Testimony: Approximately 10 yeas ago, I was invited to Kingsview Free Methodist Church and

was greeted with a warm welcome and great fellowship. I felt that this is a place

where I could also learn and grow as a Christian. At times, if I didn't show up for

church, members would call me to check if I was okay. That was so heartfelt that I

decided to call Kingsview home.

The caring, compassionate, loving, discipleship nature of the pastors and

congregation continues to this day, even through this pandemic of the covid 19

virus. God's people are at work, taking care of each other and praying for

everyone around the world.

Recently, I lost my mother. She was strong, healthy, vibrant and independent and

within 10 days, she was gone. This has been devastating to our family because we

loved her dearly and she was everything to us. When mom was in hospital, my

church family at Kingsview was with us for support and comfort from my first phone

call to pray with us, visit us at our homes, send words of encouragement, attend

and participate in the funeral and subsequent follow up even with GriefShare.

I am so grateful and feel so blessed to be included in the body of Christ at

Kingsview.

Shawn Riley-Kennedy

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Worship Ministries This group prays for our musicians and singers, creatively plans services and

reviews our songlist. They plan learning opportunities for the music and

audio-visual teams as well as booking guest speakers and musicians.

Team:

Worship Leadership Team consists of Sharon Lindsay, Sara Moreno, Dean Taylor and Pastor J-M.

Ministry Highlights:

• Several child dedications and

baptisms

• Baptisms and Affirmations on Nov 3

• Our Christmas program presented

by our children, youth and some

adults, written by Marcia DaCosta

• Palm Sunday Praise Service and

Easter Choir

• Visiting speakers from YU, Tearfund,

EFC and our Bishop Cliff Fletcher on

Anniversary Sunday

• Our youth group leading Good

Friday service

• Powerful preaching series on Awakenings, New Wine, and the Apostle’s Creed

Prayer Requests:

1. Pray for openness to the Spirit as we worship together – that we would be free in our response

to God’s Word and his presence as we gather

2. Pray for a continued openness to our wonderful variety of cultural expressions in worship:

new songs, different ways of praying, visual arts and dance

3. Pray that our youth and children will continue to use their gifts as they lead us in worship

4. Pray for volunteers in all areas, especially more sound and media operators

Coming This Year:

• more services where we experience the power of prayer and praise!

• introducing new songs from various cultures

• increasing our use of visual arts, dance, and creative expressions of worship

Blessing our children and youth in September 2019.

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Volunteers: “One highlight for me was when Toronto Mass Choir came. I love their sound and enthusiasm for

worship” “The last baptism service we had was superb. Lots of people involved and everything that

was done was very meaningful.”

We are thankful for those that have served as part of this team! They are too numerous to list here

but each one has played a valuable role in directing us toward our Triune God in worship. Over 60

people regularly participate in our worship ministry! Thanks to our worship leaders, musicians,

vocalists, sound techs, decorators, media operators, preachers, readers, prayer leaders, ushers,

communion helpers and greeters.

We would love to have you join us in leading

others in worship! We are currently looking to

fill the following positions:

• sound techs

• musicians and singers for music teams

• media computer operators

• readers for liturgy and scripture in our

services

• special music soloists and groups

• painters, quilters and dancers!

• choir members – we need more men!

➢ To join our seasonal choirs, no application is necessary. Come out and

enjoy singing together!

➢ There is an audition/interview process for those who play/sing on

Sunday Mornings. You can request an application from anyone on

the Leadership Team.

➢ If you are interested in reading Scripture or leading liturgy, please

contact Pastor J-M directly.

View from the platform during Advent worship service.

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The Previous Year in Pictures

Kingsview Children and Youth

Kingsview Ministry Events Church Work Days

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The Previous Year in Pictures

Kingsview Celebrations & Events

Kingsview Baptism & Affirmation Service

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Pastoral Team

Co-Pastor Darrin Lindsay

Assistant Pastor Sabrina Hinds,

Ministerial Candidate

Jabin Carrasco,

Lay Minister Marcia DaCosta

Communications Coordinator

Co-Pastor John-Mark Cockram

Sarah Amafu,

Lay Minister

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Official Board

Jabin Carrasco, Chair

Alison Morgan, Treasurer

Sharon Howell, Delegate Richard Smith

Brent Brown, Vice-Chair

Jones Asamoah, Secretary

Emmanuel Tetteh