report - sydenham street united church

Sydenham Street United Church

Report

of the

Sydenham Street United Church

Joint Needs Assessment Committee

on the

Current Status

and

Future Ministerial Needs

of the

Congregation

May, 2016

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http://www.sydenhamstreet.ca

Table of Contents Sydenham Street United Church

Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report May 2016

Part A............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Parties to the Needs Assessment.............................................................................................................. 3

Part B ............................................................................................................................................................. 3

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3

1. Community of the Pastoral Charge ...................................................................................................... 3

2. Ministry of Pastoral Charge .................................................................................................................. 4

3. Resources ............................................................................................................................................. 5

Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund 2010-2015 .................... 6

Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses 2010-2015.......................................................................... 6

4. Ministry Personnel Position Description .............................................................................................. 7

Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February 2013 ...................................................... 8

5. Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel .................................................................. 9

Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC ................................................................................. 9

6. Terms for the Ministry Personnel ...................................................................................................... 10

7. Summary ............................................................................................................................................ 11

8. Recommendation ............................................................................................................................... 11

FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship ................................. 12

APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey ............................................................................................ 13

APPENDIX II – Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE .......................................................... 23

http://www.sydenhamstreet.ca/

https://www.facebook.com/Sydenham-Street-United-Church-228916980495947/

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Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) Report

May 15, 2016

Part A

Parties to the Needs Assessment Name of Pastoral Charge: Sydenham Street United Church

Presbytery: Four Winds Presbytery

Conference: Bay of Quinte

Part B

Introduction In the United Church of Canada, a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) examines and reports on

the ministry personnel needs of a congregation on the retirement of a minister. The congregation of

Sydenham Street United Church appointed our committee upon the notice of retirement, effective June

2016, of The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald. Reverend Macdonald has served the community, the

wider church, and this congregation from our pulpit for the last 14 years.

The JNAC consisted of Barb Carr, Susan Doerksen, Barb Landon, Jim Leake, Cathy Purcell, Murray Rielly,

Don Robinson, Vicki Ruthven, and from Presbytery, Reverend Mike Bohler and Mary McColl. On January

13, 2016, in light of Chalmers United Church ongoing Jubilee process, SSUC Executive Committee

appointed Ms. Juliet Huntly, Chalmers moderator, as an observer.

Our task was to describe the congregation in terms of its position in the community, its demographic

and financial status and to discern its ministry needs and collective wishes for its future. We had

presentations from The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald and Juliet Huntly. We consulted documents,

records, and conducted a member survey (see Appendix I). We processed 82 survey returns from

members or adherents, plus comments from 2 others. We also collected feedback on the survey results

by means of table discussions with those attending worship on April 17. Based on all this information,

we considered options for the future and hereby provide our report and our considered

recommendation.

1. Community of the Pastoral Charge Kingston is the second largest city in Eastern Ontario and is comprised of an urban area, growing

suburban areas and a large rural area. Kingston is a community of 169,000 people of which 18.6% are

aged 65 yrs. or older. Sydenham Street United Church is located at 82 Sydenham St., in Kingston’s

downtown.



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Kingston is a public services community. The five largest employers in descending order are: Queen’s

University, The Canadian Armed Forces, Kingston General Hospital, Limestone District School Board, and

Correctional Services Canada. Kingston is promoted as having an excellent style of living with close

access to high quality health care, university education, and cultural amenities.

While the quality of life can be high, greater needs in health care, housing, and food are experienced by

many. The second annual food providers report shows that Kingston service agencies supply over 3000

meals per day and others receive food hampers, food vouchers and snacks. Affordable housing is a

problem; the City/County housing strategy report found that 20% of all households are not able to

afford rental units and this is a greater problem for lone-parent families.

2. Ministry of Pastoral Charge SSUC documents claim 158 resident members and adherents under pastoral care. Financial records

show that in 2015, SSUC had 111 donors. The JNAC survey (Appendix I) shows that over half of our

respondents were aged 70 years or older and 83% were 60 years or older. The members of the

congregation are old and the congregation is not being sufficiently renewed by younger people.

Sydenham Street United Church’s Vision Statement reads:

As an Affirming Congregation, we seek to be a vital faith community within The United Church of Canada:

engaged in spirituality, justice and creativity;

informed by Jesus Christ and the Bible;

and discerning the call of the Trinity; as we celebrate diversity, inclusivity and abundant life.

Our worship style is imaginative and flexible. The services from Easter to Pentecost incorporated the

poems, music and images from our Light Into Light reflection series. During April (2016) as part of the

worship services, we have had: Mr. Jeff McLaren, a city Councillor, engage in a dialogue on basic income

guarantee; and a table discussion on the findings of the JNAC survey. We also have been joined by

members of five other congregations, who are part of the Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP), to

worship with members of the Inshallah Choir, based at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary in Waterloo. We

also had one traditionally ordered service.

We have an active Social Justice and Outreach program. In 2015 we supported the UCC M&S fund with

$51,300. We supported a local nursery school and share in the operation of a child outreach program in

partnership with Frontier College and Queen’s University students. We operated a Christmas food

basket program for 44 families and a voucher program that, in 2015, provided nearly $24,000 in food

vouchers to needy individuals and families. We dedicate a large portion of our front lawn space for a

community garden which Queen’s students tend. We are a staging area for congregants and neighbours

to deposit fresh foods which are collected and distributed to families in need by Loving Spoonful. We



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are also a strong partner in the Inter-Church Refugee Project (ICRP) which is on track to bring 5 families

of refugees to Kingston.

Included in our vision for social justice was the decision, taken over 15 years ago, to become an

Affirming Congregation. This publicly proclaims our strongly held value that we should welcome all,

regardless of sexual or gender orientation.

The Circles of Companionship program operates to offer pastoral care to members, adherents and some

others. The Congregation has been divided into seven geographic districts, each containing roughly the

same number of people, in order to facilitate pastoral care. Each group has a facilitator/leader who

helps to pull the group together for activities that promote friendship and pastoral care among group

members. While not all participate, the Circles include 163 households and 231 people. Figure 1 shows

the percent distribution of the 231 people within the seven geographic circle districts.

Our children’s programing, Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) offers activities and Christian Education during

the worship service to young people in the congregation. The program has recently lost the leadership

(due to graduation) of a talented and much-loved Queen’s student who is a strong United Church

member and a leader of our shared community garden project. The MGOS program will need support in

order to continue as the number of children is small.

For a number of years the congregation has offered the use of the building to self-help groups, such as

Al Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous, and arts groups, such as Cantabile Choirs of Kingston and the

Kingston Choral Society. Four not-for-profit groups and one music teacher rent office space in the

building which helps offset building operational costs. Other groups rent from time to time for their

events and as a result of these and the congregation’s activities, we estimate that more than 1000

people pass through our building each week.

3. Resources

The congregation worships in a heritage-designated, limestone building. The original structure was built

in 1852 in the Gothic Revival style, by the architect/builder, William Coverdale. In 1885 John Power

added two large wings to the exterior and rebuilt the interior including adding balconies. In the 1950s

space was added for Sunday School use.

Trends in the congregation’s recent financial status are shown in the following tables. Note the

dramatic fall in donors between 2010 and 2011, and the continuing drop-off over the last 5 years. Still,

between 40% and 60% of those fewer donors continue to support strongly the Mission and Service Fund

of the United Church and the congregation’s Benevolent and Christmas Basket programs.



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Table 1. Trends in Givings to M&S and Benevolent/Christmas Basket Fund 2010-2015

Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s)

*From preliminary year-end report – not audited

Table 2 shows the operational revenues and expenditures for the same six years, again in thousands of

dollars. It is telling that despite increasing revenue from rentals, donations for the operation of the

congregation and the maintenance of the building have not met expenses over this whole period.

Table 2. Trends in revenue and expenses 2010-2015

Dollar figures are in thousands ($000s)

Year Identified Donors

Revenue for operations ($000s)

Expenses ($000s)

Deficit ($000s)

Number

Rent

Special Events

Givings and other revenues

Total (excludes Xmas Bskt, BF, M&S)

Congreg Program

Property

2010 171 60.5 15.1 196.3 271.9 240.9 73.3 42.3

2011 133 67.0 2.9 190.1 260.0 268.1 72.6 80.8

2012 128 61.6 7.2 201.7 270.5 259.3 86.7 75.5

2013 119 68.7 3.5 194.5 266.8 254.6 96.8 84.6

2014 116 76.2 0.9 188.0 264.3 256.5 88.4 80.6

2015* 111 80.1 15.9 (Planning project)

184.3 280.4 266.3 60.6 53.6

*From preliminary year-end report – not audited

The continuing deficits have been covered by withdrawals, mainly from the endowment fund, which at

the end of 2015 amounted to $316,000 of which $107,000 are restricted as to their use.

Non-budgeted donations Percent of identified donors contributing to M&S

(%)

Year

Number of Identified Congregational Donors

Benevolent Fund and Christmas Baskets

($000s)

Mission and Service Fund

($000s)

2010 171 22.8 53.0 40

2011 133 26.4 52.1 57

2012 128 26.4 50.8 59

2013 119 20.3 48.1 48

2014 116 26.2 49.8 43

2015* 111 21.8 51.3 45



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In recognition of the decline in numbers and ageing of the congregation and the continuing operating

deficits, previous congregational meetings have approved taking action to:

1. increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building

more self-supporting;

2. create a group of ‘Friends’ of the building, with congregational and community membership, to

raise funds from the community in order:

to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation

for building accessibility; and

to build an endowment fund at the Community Foundation for Kingston and Area to

fund maintenance projects;

3. reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which could mean less ministerial and

other staff time; and

4. explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and

programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston.

Actions 1. and 2. are interconnected and depend on a potential capital campaign to have the building

renovated to meet legislated standards for accessibility and thereby allow increased access to the

second story.

In regard to Action 4., the opportunity for reducing expenditures yet continuing a strong United Church

presence in downtown Kingston hinges on sharing resources with other congregations. Four United

Church congregations (Chalmers, Princess St., Zion, Calvary) are located within an eleven-minute walk of

Sydenham Street United Church. Information derived from the United Church of Canada year book on

two of these shows they are experiencing similar trends in demography and financial health. Towards

this end, we are in active discussions with leaders of Chalmers United Church, and have had early

discussions with one other congregation.

The survey results (Appendix I, Question 14), supported by the results of the table discussions on April

17, demonstrate strong support within Sydenham Street United Church for such sharing initiatives.

4. Ministry Personnel Position Description The Reverend Elizabeth Macdonald has served the congregation since 2003. A February 2013 document

shows her time distribution for 2012 (see Table 3). The actual hours added up to considerably more

than 40. Nearly 2/3 of her time was spent on the work of ‘Engaging the Spirit’ mostly planning and

preparing worship services.



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Table 3. Percent of time spent by SSUC Minister - February 2013

Activity Annual Percent

Engaging the Spirit 65.6%

Social Justice & Outreach 5.7%

Art & Soul 3.3%

Administration 6.6%

Wider Church Responsibility 4.1%

Continuing Education 4.9%

Holidays 9.8%

TOTAL 100%

The focus of the ministry of SSUC is encompassed by the three streams of our operations. They are: Art and Soul - incorporating artistic experiences into worship and nurturing the arts community; Engaging the Spirit - deepening our spiritual relatedness through worship and caring for one another;

and Social Justice and Outreach - promoting fair treatment for all in our community and the world at

large. Each stream has a committee chair and working members. Reverend Macdonald spent 75% of

her time on the activities of these streams.

The purpose and roles of the streams are well or very well understood by 55% - 77% of the respondents

to the survey. Among the very few written comments in this area, respondents to the survey advocated

for the continuing focus on excellence in the arts and fulfilling our social justice commitments.

SSUC also has a Worship Committee, a Ministry and Personnel Committee, a chair of property and a

Treasurer. SSUC also has a Building Use Task Group which focuses on renewing the building for wider

community use.

As shown during April (see pg. 4), creativity in our worship services is common. In addition, we have

original visual art and poetry surrounding the sanctuary and poetry and music part of many services.

The Art and Soul stream of the congregation continues to find creative means to enhance the

congregation’s experience throughout the church year.

In addition to the ordered minister, our staff-team consists of an (Administrative) operations manager

(30 hrs/wk) and office administrator (18 hrs/wk) along with a contract bookkeeper plus 2 part-time

maintenance staff. The position of operations manager was created following a 2010 staffing



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committee report. That position is responsible to the Building Use Task Group to maximize the rental

income of our space.

5. Skills and Knowledge Required of the Ministry Personnel Our survey asked respondents to indicate how important were seventeen ‘… qualities, gifts, or abilities

in a new minister’. As seen by the results (Appendix I, Question 17), ten of these were ranked as

important or very important by 90% or more of respondents and another three were ranked similarly by

80% - 90% of respondents.

The questions that had the highest percent of people indicating ‘important’ or ‘very important’ were:

Question 17.1 – the ability to work with and relate to people of different ages (100%);

Question 17.2 - the ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way (98.7%);

Question 17.5 - the ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the

congregation, the community and the world (98.7%);

Question 17.11 – the ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of

discernment, challenge and change (97.4%); and

Question 17.14 – the ability to work with and guide and support congregational committees and

church staff (97.4%).

Based on the above and from the report on time-distribution of the incumbent`s work, we propose the

following position description.

Proposed Position Description, Minister of SSUC

Duties Hours per 40 hr week

1. The minister, in consultation with the Worship Committee, is responsible for: a) preparing all aspects of regular Sunday worship including:

delivering appropriate prayers and reflection;

conducting communion services at regular intervals and baptisms as requested;

coordinating the music in conjunction with the music director;

facilitating lay involvement;

encouraging baptism and special recognition events; and in addition b) preparing and providing special services such as funerals, weddings, and joint worship services with other congregations.

18 hrs

2. The minister will support the work of the three streams of SSUC operations by:

attending meetings of the three streams to provide information to coordinate their operations; and

supporting, occasionally with her/his own time and effort, their initiatives and programing, e.g., Christian Education for children (MGOS), small group ministries, Affirm United.

10 hrs



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3. The minister will support the development of, and partner with, lay leadership by:

reporting relevant information to Executive, Worship and Ministry and Personnel Committees and The Board of Trustees and working to implement the decisions made there.

2 hrs

4. The minister will provide pastoral care by:

meeting and welcoming newcomers;

meeting and supporting individuals and families in crisis (some of whom may be ‘drop-in’ individuals);

visiting critically ill members and friends of the congregation; and

supporting lay endeavours for pastoral care through the Circles of Companionship.

3 hrs

5. The minister will participate in the management of staff and congregational resources by:

presenting staff perspectives at meetings of Ministry and Personnel and Executive Committees; and

providing input at regular or ad hoc staff meetings designed to coordinate events, building use and resources.

2 hrs

6. The minister will represent SSUC in the wider community and the courts of the church by:

supporting community initiatives aimed at developing a better community (e.g., poverty reduction; food security; housing interest groups, ICRP);

attending regular meetings of Presbytery, Conference and, if selected, General Council; and

continuing close liaison with leaders of downtown United Church congregations and other Kingston faith groups and denominations.

3 hrs

7. The minister will maintain competence by:

taking, and using appropriately, allocated study leave;

enrolling and participating in locally presented or country-wide ‘webinars’ or ‘live streamed’ events addressing religious and social issues of the day; and

taking allocated holidays as a time of renewal and refreshment.

2 hrs

40 hrs

6. Terms for the Ministry Personnel We propose the following terms:

Salary commensurate with training and experience as per the UCC Document ‘Minimum Salaries for Ministry Personnel (2016)’;

Basic residence telephone service and Church-related long distance charges will be covered;

Travel Expense Reimbursement at 41 cents per kilometre, up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, with mileage statements submitted to the Ministry and Personnel Committee;

One month vacation, including five Sundays within each Pastoral Year (July 1 to June 30), scheduled in consultation with the Ministry and Personnel Committee;

Study Leave of three weeks per year (including Sundays) as per United Church Guidelines;

Education Allowance up to a maximum of $1,359 per year;

CPP, EI and WSIB Benefits, in compliance with Government programs;

Time off for sickness, disability, parental leave, compassionate leave and sabbatical leave will be in accordance with the United Church Policy; and

Secretarial services are provided as required.



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7. Summary 1. We note the continuing decline in numbers, increasing age, and financial deficits of Sydenham

Street United Church. We understand that these trends are consistent with many other United

Church congregations in Kingston and across Canada.

2. We note the Congregation’s previous directions to its leaders to vigorously explore options in

order to maintain its building and service heritage for the benefit of the community.

3. We understand that the results of these explorations are not yet apparent but the congregation

needs an ordered minister during what, we expect, will become a period of transition.

4. We realize that the congregation desires a minister who relates well to people, who prepares a

meaningful worship service and who can support the congregation through a time of

‘discernment, challenge and change’.

5. We note, as revealed by the survey and the table-discussions held on April 17, the

congregation’s strong support for seeking to share resources and programs in order to maintain

a strong United Church of Canada presence in downtown Kingston.

6. We feel that a full-time minister would be best able to support the congregation through the

expected period of transition.

8. Recommendation The Sydenham Street United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee hereby recommends: That the congregation of Sydenham Street United Church (SSUC) request that Four Winds Presbytery accept the Joint Needs Assessment report of SSUC and declare a vacancy at SSUC effective July 1, 2016,

for an ordered, full-time ministry personnel in a supply appointment, and that it disband the Joint Needs Assessment Committee and authorize a Joint Search Committee.



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FIGURE 1 Geographic Location of Members of the Circles of Companionship

Although the church is located in the downtown core, members are widely distributed around the

city. The west zone (14%) includes some people who live west of the city. An additional 4% live a

considerable distance from the city.



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APPENDIX I - Results of the JNAC survey

Results

of the

Sydenham St. United Church

Joint Needs Assessment Committee’s

Survey

on the

Current Status and Future Needs

of the

Congregation

March, 2016



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Frequency of responses to the 2016 SSUC JNAC survey Note: The ‘n = ##’ provides the number of respondents. The numbers in front of the response categories, or in the boxes, gives the percent of valid responses, i.e., omitting from the denominator those who did not respond to that question. 1. Are you: n= 82 29.3 Male 70.7 Female 0.0 other 2. How old are you? Are you: n= 81 2.5 19 years-old or under 1.2 20-29 years-old 1.2 30-39 years-old 3.7 40-49 years-old 8.6 50- 59 years-old 29.6 60-69 years-old

32.1 70-79 years-old 21.0 80 years-old or older

3. How long have you been a member or adherent of Sydenham St. United Church? n= 80

2.5 less than one year 10.0 1-5 years 13.8 6-10 years 21.3 11-19 years 52.5 20 years or more 0 don’t know

4. How long have you been a member or adherent in the United Church of Canada? n= 81

0.0 less than one year 8.6 1-5 years 1.2 6-10 years 13.6 11-19 years 76.5 20 years or more 0.0 don’t know

5. About how often do you attend worship services? n = 82

78.0 2 - 4 times a month 6.1 1 time a month 6.1 5 - 11 times a year 2.4 1 - 4 times a year 4.9 seldom 2.4 never



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6. In the text-boxes below are two statements on how people view the Bible’s truths. The row of 10

small boxes represents the continuum between these two statements. Please mark with an X in the

position on that continuum which most closely aligns with your own reading of the Bible. n = 73

7. Here are two views on the way to live out God’s word: a) through personal spiritual growth;

b) through reaching out to help others. Which of these statements most closely represent(s) your view? n = 80

1.3 a) 17.5 b) 78.8 both a) & b) 2.5 neither a) nor b) 0 don’t know

8. What aspects of worship services are, or would be, important for you?

Aspect of Worship

Not at all important

Not important

Important

Very important

Don’t know

1) Singing traditional hymns. n = 79

1.3 15.2 57.0 26.6 0.0

2) A thoughtful sermon. n= 80

1.3 1.3 28.8 68.8 0.0

3) Choir anthem. n= 80

2.5 10.0 57.5 26.3 3.8

4) Singing more contemporary hymns n= 78

16.7 25.6 43.6 12.8 1.3

5) A jazz or rock/pop music service n = 80

35.0 43.8 15.0 2.5 3.8

The Bible is the

literal, Divinely-

inspired Word of God

– the authors' pens

were guided by the

hand of God, and

thus the Bible is in a

sense perfect.

In order to correctly

understand and

interpret the Bible,

you must place the

Bible in proper

historical and

theological context

1.4 2.7 1.4 9.6 17.8 67.1



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Aspect of Worship (cont’d)


Not important

Important

Very important

Don’t know

6) Meaningful prayers. n = 80 0 5.0 55.0 38.8 1.3

7) Conversation and coffee. n = 78

1.3 12.8 50.0 32.1 3.8

8) Having a time for contemplation and renewal. n = 78

1.3 9.0 59.0 29.5 1.3

9) The organ as the main musical instrument. n = 79

3.8 35.4 39.2 20.3 1.3

10) Lay participation. n = 77 0 10.4 61.0 28.6 0

11) Use of language which is accessible, inclusive and affirming of the beliefs and lives of diverse groups of people. n = 79

2.5 5.1 38.0 54.4 0

12) Alternative worship in lower hall. n = 79

17.7 50.6 19.0 3.8 8.9

13) Creativity in presenting different ways of worshiping and approaching the Christian message. n = 79

3.8 24.1 38.0 31.6 2.5

14) Congregational art creation as part of worship. n = 79

7.6 39.2 36.7 15.2 1.3

15) Silent meditation as part of worship. n =76

3.9 14.5 55.3 25.0 1.3

16) Use of modern spiritual texts. n = 78

5.1 17.9 47.4 21.8 7.7

17) Rituals or gestures such as candle lighting. n = 77

2.6 32.1 48.7 16.7 0

18) Opportunity for conversation with others during sermon. n =78

24.4 52.6 15.4 2.6 5.1

19) Use of art forms such as dance and drama in worship. n = 77

13.0 40.3 32.5 13.0 1.3

20) Use of multi-media techniques to project hymn/prayer words. n= 76

10.5 40.8 35.5 6.6 6.6

21) The setting of our historical sanctuary. n=77

1.3 20.8 48.1 28.6 1.3

22) Use of name tags n= 76 0 25.0 50.0 23.7 1.3



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9. If you do not attend services, do you maintain contact with SSUC through:

Note: For question 9 only, the number reported is the number of people who marked that choice. Number

7 Circle(s) of Companionship (neighbourhood groups, pot lucks, etc.) 11 Participation in small group(s), e.g., book groups, Just Lunch etc. 6 Web site 6 Committee work 4 Outreach work 5 The minister 7 A friend 1 I’m not feeling in contact with SSUC 10. In the last 12 months have you, or members of your household, contributed money to the following

programs of Sydenham St United Church?

Program No Yes Don’t know

1) General operating funds n = 79

0 97.5 2.5

2) Benevolent fund for food vouchers or Christmas baskets n = 75

4.0 92.0 4.0

3) Mission and Service Fund n = 70

17.1 77.1 5.7

4) Refugee family n = 72

18.1 76.4 5.6

5) Endowment or Memorial Fund n = 55

47.3 40.0 12.7

6) Star Campaign n = 58

32.8 58.6 8.6

7) Other n = 33 18.2 63.6 18.2

11. If your household received a charitable donation receipt from SSUC for 2014, are you the one who claimed it on your income tax return? n= 77

23.4 No 71.4 Yes 5.2 Don’t know

12. How well do you understand the purpose and roles of the three streams of SSUC’s organization?

Stream Not at all Somewhat Well Very well

1) Engaging the Spirit n = 78 5.1 39.7 29.5 25.6

2) Art and Soul n = 79 8.9 29.1 35.4 26.6

3) Social Justice and Outreach n = 78 3.8 19.2 42.3 34.6



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13. In the past 12 months have you personally participated in/as?

SSUC program or activity

No Yes Don’t know

1) An after church study group n = 81

61.7 35.8 2.5

2) A small group activity, e.g., movie night, Just Lunch, walkers, Prayer Shawls, book club, Fixers, etc. n = 80

35.0 65.0 0

3) A member of Engaging the Spirit, Social Justice and Outreach, or Art and Soul Committees n = 76

72.4 26.3 1.3

4) The work of those committees, e.g., choir, food vouchers, ushers, Helen Tufts programs, reading scripture, coffee hour n = 77

28.6 70.1 1.3

5) The Executive Committee or Board of Trustees n = 74

78.4 21.6 0

6) A Circle of Companionship n = 77

35.1 64.9 0

7) The men’s joint congregation lunch meetings (with Chalmers’ men) n = 75

74.7 25.3 0

8) The building use task group (BUTG) n = 74

90.5 9.5 0

8b) Friends of 82 Sydenham St., also known as The Spire on Sydenham n = 76

77.6 19.7 2.6

9) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership (ICRP) n = 77

55.8 40.3 3.9

10) Representing SSUC in outside activities, e.g. Pride Parade, Queen’s sidewalk sale, Princess St. UC Christmas Dinner. n = 74

70.3 29.7 0

Now we seek your views on our future, but first some context.

Along with most other traditional Christian congregations, the people in our congregation are getting

older and shrinking in number. Over the last several years, this has resulted in a deficit in the operating

budget which, so far, has been covered by the endowment fund. To avoid depleting the endowment

fund completely, we must balance our operating budget. Thus, previous congregational meetings have

approved taking action to:

increase rental income from community-based, not-for-profit organizations to make the building more self-supporting;

create a group of ‘Friends of the building’, with congregational and community membership, to raise funds from the community in order:

i. to install improved washrooms and an elevator to comply with provincial legislation for building accessibility; and

ii. to build an endowment fund at the Kingston Community Foundation to fund maintenance projects;



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reduce all program budgets, including the salary budget, which will mean less ministerial and other staff time; and

explore cooperation among nearby United Church congregations to share resources and programs in order to maintain a strong United Church presence in downtown Kingston.

All of these options are currently under discussion. No immediate resolutions are at hand, but it is clear

that we can’t continue as we have been. Question 14 seeks to learn of your support for some of the

possible directions we may take.

14. Please indicate the extent to which you favour these possible directions by marking an X the

appropriate box.

Possible direction

Strongly not in favour

Not in favour

In favour

Strongly in favour

Don’t know

1) Sharing ministerial staff and costs with other congregation(s) n = 77

0 10.4 53.2 29.9 6.5

2) Sharing custodial and/or administrative staff and costs with another congregation n = 78

0 5.1 53.8 38.5 2.6

3) Worshiping at a different time n = 74

0 25.7 43.2 8.2 23.0

4) Appointing an interim, or supply, minister until we determine our direction n = 78

1.3 11.5 53.8 25.6 7.7

5) Alternating worship sites with other congregation(s) n = 76

2.6 21.1 63.2 9.2 3.9

6) More lay-led worship n= 77

2.6 28.6 46.8 7.8 14.3

7) Sharing music ministry with other congregations n = 77

0 5.2 62.3 23.4 9.1

8) Having a ‘building management group’, with representation from the community, responsible to the congregation for the budget and for the management of the building n = 79

0 5.1 39.2 34.2 21.5

9) A long-term, part-time minister of ‘our own’ n = 76

6.6 18.4 36.8 14.5 23.7

10) Formal amalgamation with another congregation n = 77

6.5 11.7 53.2 14.3 14.3

11) Merging some of our programs with those of other congregations n=77

1.3 1.3 66.2 24.7 6.5

12) Closing the congregation and selling the building. n = 77

48.1 31.2 2.6 2.6 15.6



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Possible direction (cont’d)

Strongly not in favour

Not in favour

In favour

Strongly in favour

Don’t know

13) Expanded use of the building by arts or other types of community groups. Note: This would require the installation of an elevator with funds raised from sources external to the congregation n = 78

0 2.6 39.7 52.6 5.1

14) Joining other congregations or community groups in outreach or mission programs. n = 77

0 0 53.2 42.9 3.9

15. Please share (please print) your suggestion(s) for a program or plan that would meet your hopes for

SSUC’s future (You may attach a separate page).

32 (39% of 82) people made comments

16. For the more immediate future, say to the end of 2017, how strongly do you support continuing

with the following (See detailed examples in question 13)?

Current programs

Strongly Oppose

Oppose

Neither oppose nor support

Support

Strongly Support

Don’t know

1) After church study groups n= 79

0 0 24.1 50.6 16.5 8.9

2) Small group activities n = 79

0 0 11.4 45.6 34.2 8.9

3) Food voucher program n = 78

0 1.3 3.8 34.6 55.1 5.1

4) Helen Tufts Child Outreach Program (with Queen’s students as mentors) n = 79

0 0 13.9 41.8 36.7 7.6

5) Christmas baskets n = 79

0 1.3 2.5 44.3 50.6 1.3

6) Helen Tufts Nursery School subsidy n = 79

1.3 8.9 24.1 34.2 19.0 12.7

7) Circles of Companionship for pastoral care n = 79

0 0 21.5 38 30.4 10.1

8) Many Gifts One Spirit (MGOS) for the Christian education of the children n = 78

0 0 16.7 46.2 29.5 7.7



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Current programs (cont’d)

Strongly Oppose

Oppose

Neither oppose nor support

Support

Strongly Support

Don’t know

9) Stewardship campaigns n = 79

0 2.6 17.1 44.7 23.7 11.8

10) Inter-Church Refugee Partnership. n = 79

0 0 10.1 39.2 46.8 3.8

17. How important, to you, are the following qualities, gifts, or abilities in a new minister.

Qualities of a new minister


Not important

Important

Very important

Don’t know

1) Ability to work with and relate to people of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities n = 78

0 0 34.6 65.4 0

2) Ability to communicate the Christian message in a meaningful way. n = 78

0 1.3 32.1 66.7 0

3) Ability to support people who are ill, shut-in; grieving or celebrating n = 78

0 1.3 44.9 53.8 0

4) Ability to develop and encourage leadership of Christian Education for people of all ages n = 75

0 13.3 58.7 24.0 4.0

5) Ability to plan and conduct worship that is relevant to the needs of the congregation, the community and the world. n = 76

0 1.3 35.5 63.2 0

6) Open and affirming for people of diverse social classes, sexual and or gender orientations, people living on the margins. n = 78

1.3 2.6 30.8 65.4 0

7) Being creative and an advocate for the arts. n = 77

0 32.5 48.1 18.2 1.3

8) Interested in seeking new ways to be a vital Christian community n = 75

1.3 8.0 44.0 45.3 1.3

9) Open to carrying on the traditions of the congregation n = 76

0 27.6 46.1 21.1 5.3



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Qualities of a new minister (cont’d)


Not important

Important

Very important

Don’t know

10) Willingness to get involved and work with the congregation and other faith groups and community organizations on worship or on social justice issues n = 76

0 5.3 46.1 48.7 0

11) Ability to guide, support and lead a congregation through a time of discernment, challenge and change (such as options outlined in Question 14) n = 77

0 1.3 39.0 58.4 1.3

12) Interested in helping the congregation connect with other United Church congregations n = 76

0 10.5 60.5 27.6 1.3

13) Commitment to serve in the organization and work of the wider church. n = 74

0 18.9 58.1 16.2 6.8

14) Ability to work with, guide and support congregational committees and other church staff n = 75

0 2.7 66.7 30.7 0

15) Willingness to consult with the congregation re sacraments (baptism & communion) and rituals like funerals as per United Church policy n = 74

2.7 9.5 59.5 27.0 1.4

16) Having a gift for planning and facilitating alternative worship services, study groups and congregational events n = 74

2.7 23.0 50.0 23.0 1.4

17) Willingness to speak honestly and plainly about current scholarly interpretations of the Bible. n = 76

0 5.3 39.5 53.9 1.3



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APPENDIX II – Demographic, Financial & Community PROFILE

THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA L’EGLISE UNIE DU CANADA BAY OF QUINTE CONFERENCE

Financial and Demographic Profile (BQ FD )

PURPOSE: To collect information about the local ministry and community

If you are preparing a vacancy for an outreach or other non-congregational ministry; please contact the Conference Personnel Minister regarding a more appropriate Demographic, Financial and Community Profile.

For multipoint charges, please complete this profile for each point.

PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE: Number of congregations: 1

Sydenham St United Church _158 resident_ 50 + choir 12-18 (Name of Congregation) ( # on roll) (Avg. Sunday attendance)

We think of ourselves MAINLY as: Urban

Most of us live: In single-family homes

The rest of us live: In apartments

Our congregation includes (approx. number in each group)

Infants and pre-school ___4______ Children (5-12) _5_ Teens (13-19) __ 1__

Young adults (20-30) _6__ Adults - (35-50) __10____ Adults- (51+) __130____

Young retirees (51-64)_32_ Older Retirees (65-70)_33_ Seniors (over 70) __65__

Most of us…: (choose one)

Grew up in this area X Moved to this area for work

Moved here to be close to family or other resources Moved here for other reasons



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Many of us work in the following industries or sectors: (check all that apply)

X Health or social services X Education Manufacturing Transportation

Agriculture and food production Tourism/Hospitality Retail

Environment Mining/Forestry Information

Technology

Government Professional Services X Other = retirement

Our congregation is like: (choose one that best applies)

A family where we all know each other, many members are related to each other;

A medium sized church with some people very involved and others participate mostly by attending

worship;

A church with an ethnic identity or diverse inter-cultural mix

A big church with a staff team and lots of different programmes and small groups.

X A medium sized church with some people very involved and others strongly supporting the work of the

congregation but do not often attend worship;

Other description:

We think of our local ministry unit as in the following way: (choose one that best applies):

We have a new vision and are really excited; still working out how to live into that vision

We are clear about our vision and purpose and have/are developing the skills and gifts to bring it

about; we are excited and optimistic about our vision.

X Our congregation is changing and it is clear that we can no longer continue as we have been; we are

working on how to go forward and have some anxiety. We believe that we have a future but it’s not yet

clear.

We see that the ministry within this community is probably winding down after many positive and

productive years of faithful ministry, mission and service; we want to celebrate what we have been as

we intentionally and graciously end this ministry.



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PART B: ABOUT OUR TANGIBLE ASSETS

Governance structure:

How many people are on your Governing Body? ___12 + 2 non-voting staff_______

How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? _____8-10________

Our Church Building(s): (include information for each building if more than one)

We don’t have a church building. (if you check this one, please comment briefly on where you worship

and what other spaces you use for your ministry.)

Is your church fully wheelchair accessible? Yes Tell us how:

X No

Is it mostly accessible? X Yes Tell us how:

Ground floor of Sanctuary, conference room, meeting hall, and kitchen are accessible. We have

a full-size wheel-chair accessible washroom

No

What other measures of accessibility do you provide? (e. g. Assistive Hearing Devices, Large Print)

We provide hearing devices and occasionally large print orders of service

Do you have plans for improving accessibility? X Yes Tell us how:

We have engaged consultants to provide plans for new washrooms and elevator. We lack

funding but the vision is to gain funds through a public appeal to further develop the building

into a recognized community resource.

No

Sanctuary holds __~ 850_____ people

Seating/set up in sanctuary (pews, chairs, choir loft etc)

Pews for congregants, chairs behind the screening for choir members

Is the sanctuary used other than for Sunday Worship? If so, how?

Yes, Sanctuary used for fundraising concerts, special readings and commercial concerts by

Cantabile choirs



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Are there meeting (multi-purpose) rooms? X Yes No

What are they used for?

AA, Al Anon, Congregational Committees, food voucher program, Christian Education (MGOS)

Is there a nursery? Yes X No

Are the nursery toys/furniture compliant with current safety standards? Yes No

Are there Sunday Schools rooms? Yes X No

How many? Are they also multipurpose use?

Are there activity rooms? (i.e., quilting, gym, library) X Yes No

The lower hall and the conference room are used for prayer-shawl knitters, after church study

groups and occasional pot luck dinners by Circle of Companionship groups

Where is the office located for the minister? Is it shared?

In the church building, beside church office: not shared

Describe it:

Approximately 10 X12 on an outside wall with natural light; close to customarily used entrance

What computers/telephones are provided at the church?

Church office, minister and director of operations have computers

Is internet provided at the church? X Yes No if yes X High Speed Dial-up

What Social Media accounts and Webpages does the church hold? Who maintains, updates them?

Web page operated by a member of the congregation as advised by a committee of two or

three

Is there a photocopier in the church? X Yes No

Is the building used by outside groups as well as ministry activities? X Yes No



27


Brief descriptions (tenants, occasional rentals, frequency of use)

Rooms are permanently leased to Bev Porter (piano teacher) and various non-profit

organizations e.g., Cantabile Choirs (office and shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Choral Society

(shared rehearsal hall), Kingston Association of Museums, Art Galleries, and Historic Sites, ,

Reel Out Arts Project (film festival), and Kingston Canadian Film Festival.

Administrative Support:

What administrative support is provided?

Director of operations (part-time -30 hrs) and congregational administrative officer (part-time-

17 hrs) and contracted bookkeeper (1 hr).

How many hours per week? (see above) Is this X paid or volunteer?

Ministry and Personnel Committee:

How many members? __5___

How often does the committee meet? ___~ every 2 mos____

Has one or more of the committee members attended a M&P Committee Training event in the last

three years?

X Yes No

PART C: ABOUT OUR FINANCES

Attach the previous two years financial information, including:

Balance Sheets (assets and liabilities)

Revenues and Expenditures

Charity Tax Returns (T3013)

Also include the current year’s budget.

The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is:

Abundant Adequate Not meeting expenses but optimistic

X Not meeting expenses and relying on bequests and reserves to fund operating budget.

Other (describe)



28


Our Revenue Sources are (please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget

($345.9 2014) that comes from each source:

Congregational givings __$179.0 = 51.7%__Congregational Fundraising Activities _(Star) 2.6%__

Rental of building/services _22%_ Bequests/Reserves/Investments _23.6%__

Other (please briefly describe):

Our Financial Reserves:

We have sufficient reserves in the bank that we could cover three months of expenses if we had an

emergency.

X Yes No

Our Financial Accountability:

Our financial statements are reviewed by an external person each year:

X Yes: a formal third-party review.

No.

Our Statistics from the last five years of submissions to the United Church of Canada show:

Line # in the Yearbook

Current year 2015

One year ago

Two years ago

Three years ago

Four years ago

Average weekly attendance Sunday

20 60-70 70-80 80-90 80-90 80-90

Identifiable givers (local)

18 111 116 119 128 133

$ expended for pastoral charge operations

40 266.3 257.1 254.6 259.3 268.1

# households under pastoral care

5 158 193

PART D: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY

This is what we love about our community. This is what makes it unique.

Its history, geography, and cultural (40 choirs, orchestras, live theatre) resources

The three economic, demographic or political challenges facing our area are:



29


Employment for youth, ageing, inequality in incomes

Here are two or three websites that offer detailed information about our community:

Vital signs Kingston at: http://www.cfka.org/?q=publications/vital-signs

Wikipedia at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston,_Ontario

City of Kingston at: https://www.cityofkingston.ca/

Kingston Economic Development Corporation

http://business.kingstoncanada.com/en/statistics/demographics.asp

Other faith communities represented in our community/region are:

Islam, Jewish, Protestant, Roman Catholic,

We have close ties with the following faith communities:

Islamic Society, Lutheran, Presbyterian & other United Church congregations



http://www.cfka.org/?q=publications/vital-signs

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingston,_Ontario

https://www.cityofkingston.ca/

http://business.kingstoncanada.com/en/statistics/demographics.asp

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Changes in Fund Balances

Statement of Operations

Schedule of Operating Expenses

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHFINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014

General Benevolent Total TotalFund Fund 2014 2013

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash 45,291 $

11,388 $ 56,679 $ 54,113 $

A/R and HST recoverable 9,622 9,622 9,325

54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 $

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts payable 6,412 $ $ 6,412 $ 7,878 $

FUND BALANCES

Internally restricted (note 1) 3,122 11,388 14,510 22,079

Unrestricted 45,379 45,379 33,481

48,501 11,388 59,889 55,560

54,913 $ 11,388 $ 66,301 $ 63,438 $

Note 1 Internally restricted General Fund2014 2013

Christmas Basket 1,000 1,000

Memorial fund 2,122 13,423

3,122 14,423

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHStatement of Financial Position

as at December 31, 2014

General Benevolent Trustee Total Total Fund Fund Funds 2014 2013

Fund balances, beginning 47,904 $ 7,656 $ 0 $ 55,560 $ 74,759 $

of year

Surplus (deficit)General Income 80,602) ( 80,602) ( 84,571) (

Benevolent Fund 360 360 5,533) (

Christmas Basket 3,372 3,372 2,606

Trustee funds 1,000 0 1,000 434

Memorial Fund 11,301) ( 11,301) ( 2,714

87,531) ( 360 0 87,171) ( 84,350) (

Interfund transfers 3,372) ( 3,372 0 0

Transfer from trustees 92,500 92,500 65,585

Transfer to trustees 1,000) ( 0 1,000) ( 434) (

Increase (Decrease) in Year 597 3,732 4,329 19,199) (

Fund balances, end of year 48,501 $ 11,388 $ 0 $ 59,889 $ 55,560 $

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCH

Statement of Changes in Fund Balancesas at December 31, 2014

CONGREGATIONAL INCOME 2014 2013Envelope contributions 174,420 $ 174,638 $

Loose Collections 3,286 4,321

Anniversary and Initial 60

95

Observer 840 765

Interest (Trustee restricted funds) 0 2,703

MGOS 420 2,270

Rent 76,201 68,739

Special events 103 3,487

STAR 8,927 9,670

Lightintolight 50 70

Other 0 0

264,307 266,758

CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES - ScheduleOutreach 14,804 15,602

Program 8,690 7,522

Administration 10,215 9,620

Special events 1,000 83

Employment 221,817 221,745

256,526 254,572

OPERATING SURPLUS 7,781 12,186

PROPERTY EXPENSESChurch maintenance 18,227 18,283

Organ/Piano maintenance 655 3,072

Utilities 20,144 25,128

Insurance 10,151 10,151

Major maintenance projects 31,931 25,284

Rental expenses 6,438 14,069

Grounds maintenance 837 770

88,383 96,757

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) 80,602) $( 84,571) $(

INTERIOR RESTORATION 1,000 $ 434 $

BENEVOLENT FUNDContributions 21,608 $ 16,507 $

Expenses 21,248) ( 22,040) (

360 $ 5,533) $(

CHRISTMAS BASKETContributions 4,548 $ 3,800 $

Expenses 1,176) (

1,194) (

3,372 $ 2,606 $

MEMORIAL FUNDContributions 800 $ 3,545 $

Payouts 12,101) ( 831) (

11,301) $( 2,714 $

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHStatement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2014

CONGREGATIONAL EXPENSES

Outreach 2014 2013

Helen Tufts Nursery School 7,200 $ 7,200 $

Outreach discretionary fund 564 796

Presbytery assessment 7,040 7,606

14,804 $ 15,602 $

Program supportObserver 957 975

Worship

- Choir/Music/Honoraria 2,400 505

- Anniversary/Pulpit Supply 300 150

- MGOS supplies 734 2,728

- Candle/Worship supplies 514 198

Affirm - net 218 100

Newspaper Notice/Public Relations 3,029 2,371

Art & Soul 381

Hospitality 103 200

Other 54 295

8,690 $ 7,522 $

Administration & SuppliesStationery 139 $ 127 $

Postage - net 252 534

Office supplies 1,958 2,073

Photocopy supplies - net 915 505

Konica Minolta Supplies 1,103 1,085

Konica Minolta rental 2,923 2,569

Telephone - Office 1,720 1,686

Bank charges 300 305

PAR charges 386 424

Computer support 519 312

10,215 $ 9,620 $


Schedule of Operating Expenses


cont….

Employment expenses 2014 2013Salaries/Housing 170,326 $ 160,929 $

Travel 1,080 1,033

Books - Minister 1,225 769

Contract services 3,699 25,074

Casual employment 8,680 103

Spiritual direction - Minister 184 888

Staff development 768 24

Communications 736 1,124

Employment levies 35,119 31,801

221,817 $ 221,745 $

Special events 1,000 $ 83 $

Mission and services 2014 2013

Mission and service contributions 49,801 $ 48,138 $

Mission and service payments 49,801) ( 48,138) (

0 $ 0 $

Opening balance 415,821 $ 423,669 $

Donations received by church 0 0

A/R from general fund (interior & organ) 1,000 434

Dividends & Interest 18,906 13,323

Increase (decrease) in Market value 36,482 46,683

472,209 484,109

Less:

Transfers 92,500) ( 68,288) (

92,500) ( 68,288) (

Year end balance 379,709 $ 415,821 $

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHTRUSTEE ENDOWMENT FUNDYear Ended December 31, 2014

SYDENHAM STREET UNITED CHURCHMISSION AND SERVICES


Schedule of Operating ExpensesYear Ended December 31, 2014


Treasurer’s Report for Executive Meeting January 13, 2016

*2015 Revenue to Budget -$20,400 *2015 to 2014 Revenue -$898

*2015 Expenses to Budget -$26,822 *2015 to 2014 Expenses -$29,550

*OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$1,678 *OUTREACH PROGRAMS -$42

*CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS -$4,039 *CONGREGATIONAL PROGRAMS +$421

SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$0 SUPPORT OF UNITED CHURCH -$50

ADMINISTRATION -$1,941 ADMINISTRATION -$226

EMPLOYMENT -$5,597 EMPLOYMENT -$4,843

PROPERTY -$8,599 PROPERTY -$21,784

RENTAL -$985 RENTAL +$958

*totals do not include monies for feasibility study or refugee program

2015 2014

Trustees Transfer $62,544 $91,500

Note:

Giving through envelope and PAR were up slightly from last year but other areas of

giving were down ie: loose collection, observer and the star campaign etc. This meant

that total congregational giving’s were down from last year by $4,832. This total does

not include the generous one time donation by members of the congregation of about

$11,000 to the feasibility study.

report - sydenham street united church

Documents