Thursday, June 27, 2024
Hello everyone – hope you are enjoying the break from last week’s heat. Barb and I were not feeling well – some strange bug we picked up but both of us are doing much better this week. Today, I want to celebrate the work of a few people within the church who are actually doing some pretty amazing things. It is important to take time to thank people for their efforts and to tell them how much we appreciate them.
First the Camp K staff. On Sunday morning I met with 33 Camp K staff including senior staff and both junior and senior counsellors. What a great group of people. They participated in the Camp K BBQ last Thursday. There is a strong bond forming within the group and they are excited about the possibilities of sharing their gifts of kindness and relationship building in creative ways with the hundreds of children they will encounter this summer. Kudos to the Camp Director Elena Amariucai and to the Camp K committee made up of Jackee Arlein Roth, Alex Arlein, Connor Watson, Pam Meirowski, Yaruby Franco and Jan Ashton. They plan all year long and do wonderful work.
Second to the Property Committee under the leadership of Stephen Eade and including Paul Rea, Cam Yule, Jim Krampien and Paul Wilson. The reason we are able to readily seek our partners in ministry including other churches, a daycare and other renters is because of the condition of our beautiful building. In the last few weeks in particular the energy and skill of Stephen Eade in addressing issues is vast – the latest being the air conditioning units. Stephen is an awesome leader who has the full support and confidence of the committee. He works tirelessly with our excellent head custodian, Jeff Lehman. They make a great team.
Third is a shout out to our Sanctuary choir under the direction of Gord Burnett and our Director of Music Ann-Marie MacDairmid. Gord and Ann-Marie have made a great team and although Gord’s position as Choir Director has been phased out by mutual consent we take time to celebrate Gord’s achievements here at St. Andrew’s over the last 7 years. This Sunday we will take time to celebrate Gord’s ministry of music among us during the service. For both Gord and his wife Valerie, the Buddy Choir has a special place in their hearts. The Buddy Choir will be present this Sunday to help us celebrate, give thanks and say good bye. Please don’t miss this service. At the same time, we know that the choir is in the very capable hands of Ann-Marie.
Fourth is the work of the Human Resources Committee. There has been a lot of changes in personnel over the last year and this intrepid committee has led fearlessly. Under the direction of Pauline Rennie Tomlinson and Bev Middlemass the team has not lost focus. Restructuring of the roles within the office staff have been paramount lately including the creation of a social media co-ordinator, changing the job description of the office co-ordinator to a smaller and more focused role and the introduction of a Executive Assistant to the Lead Minster and Office Manager. In addition HR through the session are looking at the establishment of a Property Manager to oversee long term relationships and partners with respect to the building and potentially short term rentals as well. More to come from this great team of people.
And finally, a shout out to both the Finance Committee and to the Trustees. As you know our annual deficits over the last couple of years have created significant stress and anxiety for both of these groups. It has been a difficult time, but there is great news! With persistence and a desire to work together, knowing we are all working towards the same purpose, these two groups are creating a path forward. Short term emergency funds for the deficit in terms of loans have been arranged. A more complex program ensuring the financial needs of the church are met in the short term is going to the session tomorrow night and a very solid workable plan to ensure we return to a balanced budget is taking shape. This does include rental and lease agreements with churches, a daycare and other potential renters. Right now, I can say that the financial outlook of the congregation is strong. It will require the continued financial support of the people of St. Andrew’s – people who have supported this congregation for years, and people who are brand new. We are a growing congregation. We have much to be thankful for.
On a more personal note, Judy Hight has been acting as the interim executive assistant to myself as well as being the office manager. Judy has done a phenomenal job. Singlehandedly, she has calmed me down by addressing needs within the office. Judy and Linda Paterson have worked together seamlessly and have been able to get a lot accomplished. A personal thank you to both Judy and Linda.
I could go on and on about more people and more teams and committees and the wonderful work they do. Please know that if your name or group has not been mentioned, you are no less an integral part of this church and its work. We are doing great work in the community and I believe our future is bright.
Take good care and God bless each and every one of you.
Rev. Marty Molengraaf (he, him)
Minister, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church