“Christians will be found in the neighbourhood
of Jesus – but Jesus is found in the neighbourhood
of human confusion and suffering, defencelessly
alongside those in need.
If being baptized is being led to where Jesus is,
then being baptized is being led towards
the chaos and the neediness of a humanity
that has forgotten its own destiny.”
― Rowan Williams
“It is good to have an end to journey toward;
but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ernest Hemingway
Come join us as we continue to
Journey together with God as
community. Let us seek the leading
Of the Spirit.
ST. AIDAN’S VESTRY
REPORT 2015
Join Us on The Journey
FEBRUARY 15
12 PM
Lunch Will Be Provided.
Child Care Available
Annual Meeting of Vestry
St Aidan’s Anglican Church, London ON
Sunday, February 16th, 2014
DRAFT – not ratified until next Vestry meeting
Attendees List:
1. Mary Townshend
2. Bill Swanson
3. Greg Smith
4. Phil Spencer
5. Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko
6. Pearl LeMesurier
7. Diana Scott
8. Joe Corcoran
9. Suzanne Gautreau
10. Ann Jury
11. Nancy Postons
12. Art Postons
13. Stephen Nelles
14. Cheryl Horn
15. Anne Kershaw
16. Don Kershaw
17. Maxine Meunier
18. Roger Meunier
19. Shannon Honsberger (formerly Howson)
20. Shirley Richmond-Korchuk
21. Peter Andersen
22. Ron Brewe
23. Janice Wettlaufer
24. Jim Townsend
25. Pam Townsend
26. Patrick O’Neill
27. Mary Anne Emmerton
28. Lorraine MacLeod
29. Pat Taylor
30. Sandi Burns
31. Robert Southern
32. Charlotte Southern
33. Percy O’Driscoll
34. Sue O’Driscoll
35. Pat Ferguson
36. Karen Ferguson
37. Cheryl Shavalier
38. Harry Favell
39. Rene Alie
40. Sheila Windsor
41. Maret Galbraith
42. Lydia Keczem
43. Michael Tattersall
44. Carol Tattersall
45. Ann McKenzie
46. Roy McKenzie
47. Pam McKenzie
48. Joan Burgess
49. Jennepher Cahill
50. Rose Cahill
51. Nick Wilson-Hodge
52. Hana Scorrar
53. Fil Cappa
54. Dianne Cappa
55. Eileen Allen
56. Jim Hands
57. David Weaver
58. Eric Saward
59. Kevin George
60. Charlene Kerr
61. Brenda Fazekas
62. Kaitlin Psotkas
63. Wendy Kilgour
64. Sandi Cole
65. Anne Jaikaran
66. Andra O’Neill
67. Shari Parker
68. Doug Wilson-Hodge
69. Rose Perry
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Minutes of 2014 Meeting
Opening Prayer & Opening of Vestry
Kevin George opened the meeting with a prayer.
Nomination of Vestry Clerk
Lorraine MacLeod nominated Rose Perry as clerk. Pam McKenzie seconded. Motion carried.
Kevin reminded all assembled that when we speak to one another, we must speak with/to the
compassion of Jesus. Remember who we are and called to be as a people of God.
------------Vestry Reports & Minutes from Feb 2013
Corrections, Errors & Omissions
Attendees were directed to open up their books to review:
1) Page 5 “god” should be capitalized
2) Page 6 under Wardens Report “(sp)?” should be removed
3) Page 8 “question from Michael _______” - believe it was Tattersall
4) Page 9 “question from Pam Townsend” - Pam Townsend wasn’t there. Wrong last name –
unsure who this was. If anyone has clarification they can offer, please do.
5) Page 10, seconded by “Bev Castles” - should be Castle
6) Page 24 “150th“ - should be 125th anniversary.
7) Page 45 Correction for designated funds - Jazz by the Bog to be added; Apportionment to be
removed. Capital Account statement needs to be added as well.
Attendees were asked for further corrections, errors and omissions:
1) Page 12 Addition for Hosannas’ Vestry Report. Under Building and Maintenance, Bob
Stephenson’s last name wasn’t recorded
(raised by Pam Townsend)
2) Janice Wettlaufer should be noted in attendance last year
3) Page 10 – Jim Hands’ name spelled incorrectly
4) Page 6 Bob Sutherland should be corrected to Bob Southern
Noting the above corrections it Moved by Joe Corcoran Seconded by Cheryl Horn that the
Minutes of 2013 be adopted. Motion Carried
------------Evaluation of Our Life in Christ Together in 2013
Doug Wilson-Hodge
Church activities broken down by each quarter were presented to attendees.
First Quarter: Merging of two parishes
Second Quarter: Listed Church of the Hosannas’ building for sale, held a Special Vestry,
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contemplated a new ministry
Third Quarter: New lawn sign project was initiated (started the process for applying for
permits), held Service of Deconsecration
Fourth Quarter: Finalized new logo design, sold the Hosannas’ building in December (dealt
with flood/roof damage and theft).
As we go through and understand where we are now with our financials and new parish of St.
Aidan’s, I think we all deserve quite a pat on the back for what we’ve achieved.
------------New Logo & Lawn Sign Project
New lawn sign and new logo design was shown. The sign will be quite large for visibility
purposes.
A memorial tree will need to be removed. Will possibly plant a new tree between the church and
office to replace a dead tree.
It took three months to get the permit from the city. The sign should be on the front lawn by the
end of April.
A down payment has been made with funds from the Capital Account to Davies Signs to
purchase the LED component. The total cost of the sign will be $25,000. We did competitive
pricing with three different companies.
------------Rector’s Report for 2013 – Part 1
The Parish statistics were briefly overviewed. Attendees were directed to look at the report in the
Vestry Book for further elaboration.
Key points:
1) Our average weekly attendance rate was higher for all services (as compared with 2012).
2) Our parish saw growth in 2013 in terms of its overall membership and we are up in all
categories including baptized members
3) Our Easter service attendance was almost the same as the year prior
4) Our Christmas service attendance increased by 29%. We surmise this is attributable to the
elimination of the late evening service and changed times for the other two services.
2013 Reflections
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Last year’s Vestry was very positive and it gave us a good start to 2013. There is much to
be thankful for in this community.
Last year, I was transitioning into my new role as Rector at St. Aidan’s; my experiences
over Lent and Holy Week solidified my place here.
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Our special Book Discussion groups have been well attended and have inspired great
discussions about how we can be a people of God in this place. Look forward to hearing
about one I have planned for the Lenten season soon.
Early on in the year, we were able to come together to celebrate our collective history
with the Church of the Hosannas. The Deconsecration Service was moving, emotional
and spirit-filled. We are truly blessed to have the richness of that community poured into
our new collective parish. I was honoured to be a part of that.
This year, we had Alex Strong come on as Interim Director of our CYFM. She’s a great
young teacher and we’re thrilled with what she’s doing. That ministry remains a vital and
integral part of what we do.
We’re so fortunate to have a very dedicated and gifted musician as our Director of Music
(David Weaver) and also fortunate we have such a tremendous choir. It’s also wonderful
we have so many lay people getting involved in Liturgical assisting at our services.
Additionally, we have very strong ordained leadership as parishioners. We have Todd
Townshend Greg Smith and of course Percy O’Driscoll and Bob Townshend.
We have a number of great Outreach efforts going on including the Ronald Mcdonald
House project with our CYFM, the Out-of-the-Cold project and Christmas Share.
Importantly 2013 also saw the launch of Silver Saints. Anne Jaikaran came over to us
from Hosannas as Assistant to the Rector. Before Hosannas’ property was even sold, she
began to mobilize volunteers for this.
------------Wardens Report – Updates/Questions & Comments
One of the Wardens’ jobs is to support and facilitate ministries at St. Aidan’s through “enablers”
which include things like the sign (community outreach), coffee hosting (supports hospitality and
fellowship) and the kitchen (supports ministry of meals/breaking bread).
Support/Facilitate - Current Priorities
1) We’re looking to make Coffee Hosting easier by creating a “coffee clatch”. It was clarified
that Coffee Hosting takes place upstairs because it encourages more people to stick around
following service.
2) Before we can begin the renovations on the kitchen we need to get some asbestos removed.
We have someone identified for this service already – just need to contract them.
Another major job of the Wardens is managing transitions. This past year we handled dealing
with any real estate concerns surrounding the sale of Hosannas and we contracted a new
custodial service after hearing many complaints about the former one.
The Wardens’ other major task is to handle the fiduciary responsibilities of the parish. In 2013,
we had to merge finances from two parishes. We’re thankful for the additional help of Andra
O’Neill (Finance Committee), Brenda Fazekas and Kaitlin Psotka.
Fiduciary - Current Priorities
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1) We’re in the process of hiring a paid external party to handle our bookkeeping as Brenda
Fazekas (current Treasurer) has indicated she’s ready to move on. We’d like to head toward
establishing the practise of receiving full audits every five years.
2) We are also aiming to provide the parish with better reporting as far as our investments and
endowments. These funds are important for us because they earn interest we can use toward
operating costs.
Kevin George then thanked Doug Wilson-Hodge, Sandi Cole, Kara-Lee Carson-Simpson (who
left partway through the year) and Wendy Kilgour for all the work they undertook this past year
as Wardens. It was indicated that Sandi Cole is stepping down as Warden this year but remaining
on Parish Council.
------------Ministry Reports – Questions & Comments
Silver Saints Ministry
Kevin George informed attendees that the Silver Saints’ Ministry report that was sent via
email/handed out today is to be included as part of the Vestry Report.
Property Report
Rene Alie inquired about the amount spent on the elevator. Peter Andersen clarified there was a
sizable expense we incurred with regard to maintenance. We had a surprise TSSA inspection
and were informed we needed to bring some things up to code.
Motion to adapt reports moved by Bill Swanson. Seconded by Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko.
Motion Carried
------------Financial Reports Review 2013
At last year’s Vestry, we proposed a budget of $236,000. The Church of the Hosannas’
concluding budget was $17,990.
If you look at the budget numbers on the sheet handed out today and compare them with last
year’s, you’ll note they don’t match. The reason why is because the current numbers reflect our
combined budget for 2013.
Income - Key Points
1) Last year we planned a deficit budget of $7000. This was approved at Vestry.
2) Our 2013 expenses were lowered than expected in some cases (ie: CYFM because we were
without a Director for several months; building utilities because it was a warmer winter), but
higher in others (ie: photocopier due to in-house production of our newsletter/reports).
3) Line 58: Our budgeted income total was more than we anticipated but as lines 8, 9 and 10
demonstrate, we ran a shortfall of about $8900 in givings (ie: we were short to what we budgeted
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in terms of givings.) The reason we managed to stay afloat however is because we received
money for an insurance claim from the theft at Hosannas. We cannot “budget” for that this year.
Kevin George added we had a budgeted 13% increase on envelope givings; we achieved almost a
10% increase. This is still a tremendous achievement and increase from years prior.
Rene Alie encouraged parishioners to convert to automatic givings as a means to reduce our
givings shortfall (ie: revenue won’t be lost throughout the summer months even if you’re away
on holiday). To this, Doug Wilson-Hodge added in 2012 our preauthorized givings amount was
$73,000; in 2013 it was up to $82,000. We’d like to encourage this trend.
Expenses – Key Points
1) Line 63: Apportionment was paid this year in full
2) Line 77: Associate Rector. Note Anne Jaikaran’s salary was paid out of the Hosannas’
account.
3) Line 150: Utilities are less due to last year’s winter being mild.
4) Line 180: Capital Fundraising. $13,500 is for the sign deposit.
Bottom Line for Expenses: Budget of $254,000 (combined)
Actual Budget of Expenses: $258,000
------------Balance Sheet – Andra O’Neill
The Income/Expense sheet tells you how much money was earned and how much was spent in
one year. The Balance Sheet illustrates at one single point in time what the assets/liabilities are
of this organization.
Assets - Balance Sheet
a) TD Chequing General Account
b) CIBC Chequing Account (Hosannas’ General Account)
*These two accounts are going to be merged together.
c) TD Capital Account – represents savings allocated to specific capital projects we’ve
committed to/need to anticipate for (ie: kitchen, sign, boiler). Jazz by the Bog makes their
donations to this account.
d) Endowments: we have a number of smaller endowments from Hosannas that grouped together
equal $41, 385; invested in Diocesan fund
e) Hosanna’s Rectory Fund: $75, 580 (*Invested in Diocesan fund; $50,000 approved to be
released to use toward our sign and kitchen)
f) Trust Proceeds from the Sale of Hosannas’ Church: Invested in Diocesan fund. Income will be
used to support the Silver Saints ministry.
Liabilities – Balance Sheet
Nothing significant to report
Designated Funds (ie: monies specifically for one area) include: Pastoral Visitation Team,
Atrium (CYFM), Outreach Memorial Fund.
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Permanently Restricted Funds (ie: monies for a very specific purpose) include the proceeds
from the sale of Hosannas.
Patrick O’Neill inquired about St. Aidan’s endowment held by London Community Foundation.
Andra O’Neill clarified London Community Foundation is an organization where you can
arrange to have your own endowment.
An endowment for St. Aidan’s was set up there before I came on as a member of the Finance
Committee. There is approximately $10,000 in that fund. When it reaches $100,000, it’s able to
start granting.
If you desire to have your donations to the church perpetually protected, it’s your best bet. The
actual capital belongs to London Community Foundation. Any income earned belongs to St.
Aidan’s. We have members of our community who are interested in “donation matching” if
individuals want to work toward getting it up to $100,000. This is something we can all think
about.
------------Explanation of General Account – Andra O’Neill
Balance for 2012: $66,760
Closing Balance for 2013: $48,860.
*with the addition of the Hosannas’ account: $56,478.
We still need to move the Jazz by the Bog monies over to Capital account.
Reconciled Balance: $53,050.
------------Capital Expense Summary – Andra O’Neill
Starting Balance for 2012: $19,081.
Money that was put aside into a CIBC Wood Gundy account years ago was recently transferred
into the Capital bank account when the investment matured. Balance with added monies:
$37,709
$13, 500 was withdrawn from this account for the new sign deposit.
Closing Balance for 2013: $24,209
Reconciled Balance: $27,638 (includes Jazz by the Bog monies transferred over after expenses).
------------Devotion –Reflection
Kevin Led a prayer before the discussion of 2014 Budget
A hymn was sung, followed by a moment of silent prayer.
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------------Rector’s Report – Part II – Kevin George
Encouraged the congregation to focus on:
1) Our Children and Youth Ministry: we hope to be able to continue moving forward with this
ministry. I’m inviting you to think about how you might have gifts to lend.
2) Outreach: We’d like to be able to bring together the various communities within our church
that have in the past done individual forms of fundraising and outreach. There are many different
ways we can think about how we can help our parish connect to the community around us – we
want your input with regard to this. Greg Smith is very deeply involved with the Huron Hunger
Fund and the Primate World’s Relief and Development Fund. He has agreed to be our
representative for PWRDF.
3) Worship: Having a dedicated worship team/committee is important to me. I’d like to discern
together how we can use our full senses to be able to experience worship.
4) Silver Saints: funded by the sale of Hosannas and led by Anne Jaikaran, we’d like to be able
to explore further conversations with other congregations in NW London to be able to expand
the pastoral care we can provide to seniors. We already have a group of volunteers undergoing
training for home visits.
Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko offered her support for this and suggested that Silver Saints
might connect with Age Friendly Working Group for Civic Participation. She also suggested St.
Aidan’s consider membership with the Pillar Non-Profit Network ($250/year) to open up doors
to further networking opportunities and opportunities within the community to serve.
A motion to formalize Anne Jaikaran as the Director of Silver Saints was presented by Kevin
George. Moved by Doug Wilson-Hodge. Seconded by Stephen Nelles.
Motion Carried unanimously
Anne Jaikaran thanked the volunteers who’ve helped her out with the Silver Saints social events
and the Home Communion teams. She asked attendees to let her know if they know of someone
who may want a visit or home communion. She also noted that Silver Saints will be expanding
their retirement home services.
5) Parish Nursing Ministry /Health Cabinet: We’re fortunate to have Pat Ferguson and his
gifts among us. He began training to become a Parish Nurse in October 2013. A health cabinet
has been assembled. Pat will be a non-stipendiary member of our staff. Parish Council has
budgeted this ministry $1000 annually as a place to start. We will be commissioning this new
ministry on Mar 23rd.
A motion to adopt the Parish Nursing Ministry with Pat Ferguson as St. Aidan’s Parish Nurse
was raised by Kevin George. Moved by Sandi Burns. Seconded by Roger Meunier.
Motion Carried unanimously
Pat Ferguson commented that the Parish Nursing Ministry will supplement much of the work of
the Silver Saints but is not restricted to it. Nursing will be offered to the parish at large: from
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prenatal to death. He welcomed anyone to speak with him that desired his assistance in this
capacity.
------------2014 Operating Budget – Doug Wilson-Hodge
Attendees were presented with a walkthrough of the proposed budget for 2014 with key areas
highlighted. It was asked that any questions or discussion points were held until the presentation
was finished.
Proposed Income Target: $258,555 (7% increase); Line 58
Proposed Expense Total: $263,465 (2.4% increase); Line 220
Proposed Net Difference: Operating deficit of $4910
This tracks what we proposed last year: an operating deficit for two years in a row. If the trend of
attracting new members and givings increases continues, we’ll be in the black by next year.
1) Apportionment: Line 63, has increased by an additional $6250 due to our merge with
Hosannas.
2) Salaries: Line 66, proposed modest increase (2%) in salaries for our Rector, Director of
Children’s Education and Parish Administrator in line with government/Diocesan
recommendations.
3) Custodian: net increase of $65 over what we budgeted last year due to hiring of external
service that provides their own supplies.
4) Organist/Music Director: Line 103, proposed 3% raise for David Weaver. Last year we
proposed a 2% increase. We were going to pay David through the Diocesan payroll through
which they’d deduct CPP and so forth. But this never happened. Our objective was to make
things easier for our Treasurer. The 3% increase is to offset the employee payroll deductions.
5) Treasury Assistance: was not used in 2013; we will need it in 2014 when we hire a paid
bookkeeper.
6) Administrative Expenses: Line 118, high mostly due to the photocopier. We anticipate
actually needing these expenses this year. We do all reports and newsletter production now inhouse as it’s more cost-effective to do so.
7) Utilities: we’ve budgeted for an anticipated increase here.
8) Building Maintenance: Line 161. Last year’s budget included snow removal, grounds
maintenance and repairs for Hosannas in addition to St. Aidan’s. That extra expense has been
removed for 2014.
9) Other Building Expenses: Line 174, includes the storage locker we’re renting for items
removed from Hosannas; the insurance we purchased for the stained glass windows we have
ownership of still at Hosannas.
10) Sign Expenses to Date: Line 180
11) Worship: Line 185 – includes altar guild and hospitality expenses.
12) Outreach: Line 199 – includes Rector’s Discretionary Fund ($2000); other outreach
($1000); Parish Nursing Fund ($1000); Special/Other ($980).
Members of Parish Council were invited to share their thoughts about their experiences at the
Pre-Vestry budget meeting:
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Mary Townshend noted she felt the budget accurately reflected the kinds of outreach and
fundraising we hope to accomplish as a parish and is a guide for us to move forward/expand into
the community.
Sandi Burns commented it’s difficult to bring a budget to a group, especially a deficit budget.
She noted we have a number of individuals who continue to support St. Aidan’s out of pocket
through gifts-in-kind which are not represented in our figures and save us a great deal of money.
Our deficit would be much higher without these contributions.
Stephen Nelles indicated he felt the budget was “outward-looking” and that it’s exciting to see
how we’ve put down on paper what we feel the spirit is calling us to do.
Doug Wilson-Hodge stated he feels the budget is a reflection of what we as a parish discerned we
needed to focus more on a couple of years ago, prior to our merge with Hosannas (ie: outreach
and ministry for seniors).
Andra O’Neill expressed that attendees shouldn’t focus on the “deficit” aspect as we have money
in the bank. An income/expense statement can only say so much. Instead, we need to ask
ourselves if this is a commitment we think we can make as individuals for our parish community.
Originally a 5% increase was proposed by the Finance Committee, but given our momentum this
past year, Parish Council raised it to 7%.
Joe Corcoran invited attendees to look at the budget as an “investment in celebrating what we
have”. He’s been a member of St. Aidan’s for 10 years and it’s been one of the greatest gifts in
his life. We all receive gifts here that we cannot receive anywhere else in the world.
Bill Swanson commented that we are all “tools” of God and it’s important for us to do what we
have to do as believers. It’s really important to be able to pass on the love and experiences of St.
Aidan’s.
The floor was then opened up for general questions, comments and discussion from attendees:
Maureen Spencer-Golovchenko and Phil Spencer committed to increasing their givings by 10%.
They expressed they felt we’re in a time of hope and aspiration throughout which it’s important
to take on a bit of risk. St Aidan’s, with the gifts of Kevin George, Anne Jaikaran and our Parish
Council, has a lot to give.
Charlene Kerr (on behalf of Heather Mills) asked for the $1000 income contribution challenge
posed to the ACW be stricken from the budget (Line 11).
A moment was taken to acknowledge and note our prayers are with Heather Mills as she deals
with her recovery.
Kevin George then indicated as a council, they felt $1000 was a modest challenge given the
ACW’s ability to raise funds. That being said, Doug Wilson-Hodge suggested the $1000
fundraising challenge be moved from Line 12 (ACW) to Line 17 (General Fundraising). This was
a friendly amendment. Charlene Kerr then indicated the ACW won’t be holding their
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disbursement meeting until three weeks following Vestry and anyone is welcome to propose
ideas for disbursements.
The 2014 budget was moved by Jim Hands. Seconded by Rene Alie. Motion Carried
Kevin George thanked the Wardens and Parish Council for their hard work on putting this
together.
------------Parish Council Nominations
Jim Hands was thanked for his years serving on Parish Council. It was indicated he is stepping
down for 2014.
Nominees for 2014:
Rector’s Warden: Doug Wilson-Hodge
Deputy Warden: Mary Townshend
People’s Warden: Wendy Kilgour
Deputy Warden: Jim Smythe
Hearing no other nominations, Bill Swanson moved that nominations cease. Seconded by Sue
O’Driscoll. Motion Carried
Lay Representatives to Synod: Pam Townsend & Stephen Nelles.
Alternative Representative: Joe Corcoran
Hearing no other nominations Pat Ferguson moved that nominations cease. Sheila Windsor
seconded. Motion carried
Council Members Members-at-Large: Sandi Cole, Bill Swanson, Lorraine MacLeod, Sandi
Burns, Sheila Windsor, Andra O’Neill, Michael Tattersall & Pam Mackenzie, Brenda Fazekas
Hearing no other nominations Pat Ferguson moved that nominations cease. Seconded by Roger
Meunier. Motion carried
Ex-Officio Members were noted: Kevin George, Anne Jaikaran, Alexandra Strong, Rose Perry
& Pat Ferguson
------------Other/New Business
Members of Parish Council were thanked for organizing and providing lunch for today’s
meeting. All attendees were thanked for their participation.
The meeting adjourned in a prayer led by Kevin George followed by singing of The Benediction.
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REPORTS for 2015
Rector’s Report – Inviting Folks to the Table
Vestry meetings are such wonderful opportunities. Also known as Annual Meetings in some circles, they
are opportunities to clue up a year past and to look to the years ahead. Yet vestries are also times that
leaders in the church often dread, and some people are downright afraid of these meetings. Granted, there
have been enough church vestry meetings to reinforce the notion that they are to be feared, but I have
always held that our annual opportunity to meet as a congregation provides us a blessed and holy
opportunity to seek the leading of the Holy Spirit for our communities and to respond to that leading.
There is no doubt that these meetings can be painful when their focus is solely on the bottom line. How
did we finish up 2014? How much will the budget go up for 2015? Why are we paying so much for toilet
paper? – You get the idea! When a church community heads down that road, it really is a lost opportunity.
Those sorts of questions are not really driven by seeking the leading of the Spirit.
[Now, I want to be clear; I am not suggesting that our financial stewardship is unimportant. It makes no
sense for me to suggest that church budgets and our stewardship of them are not a part of how we
faithfully respond to God’s call. On the contrary, I am suggesting that our financial stewardship is an
important measure of how we respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our community. You will find, in
fact, when you come to Vestry 2015 that we have responded well to the Budget of 2014 and now have to
prayerfully consider how we respond to 2015. Those positive responses are indicators of what God is
doing at St Aidan’s, as well as of the faithfulness of our response to the Spirit in this community.]
Our Vestry meeting is our opportunity to seek what God is calling us to in the community around us. It is
a time to pray, to dream, and to discern how we can make a difference. It is a time to pause and reflect on
the twelve months behind us and to see how we have grown in the Spirit. Then, looking at the months
ahead, we seek to understand how we can be a community that is a living witness to the Body of Christ.
We are a community well situated to be responsive to those who are seeking love, seeking community,
and searching for Light. Last month, I read Sara Miles’ book, Take This Bread. Miles is a convert to
Christianity. She found herself in her adult life seeking and searching and surprising herself with where
she found Life and Light:
At a moment when right-wing Christianity is ascendant, when religion worldwide is rife with
fundamentalist crusades and exclusionary ideology, I stumbled into a radically inclusive faith centered on
sacraments and action. What I found wasn’t about angels or going to church or trying to be ‘good’ in a
pious, idealized way. It wasn’t about arguing a doctrine… the Virgin birth, predestination, the sinfulness
of homosexuality and divorce… or pledging blind allegiance to a denomination. I was, as the Prophet
said, hungry and thirsting for righteousness. I found it at the eternal and material core of Christianity:
body, blood, bread, wine, poured out freely, shared by all. I discovered a religion rooted in the most
ordinary yet subversive practice: at a dinner table where everyone is welcome, where the despised and
the outcasts are honored…And so I became a Christian.
Powerful words. As we prepare for Vestry 2015, I find myself asking how attentive we have been to the
very core of our Christianity. I find myself praying about where we are today and where we may be in
five years. I find myself excited about the ways that we can be present to those who hunger and thirst.
God is at work in our community and continues to provide us with opportunities to join one another
around the dinner table, to break bread, to welcome all, to embrace the vulnerable – and to visibly reflect
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the Body of Christ.
In these past twelve months we have seen Christ made visible in many ways. We have been present to
thirsting children. Our Children’s Ministry has continued to provide opportunities for strong Christian
Education, fellowship between our Church School students, and opportunities for our children to minister
to one another and to the wider community. Over a year and a half ago, we welcomed Alexandra Strong
as an “Interim Director of Children’s Education.” Alex’s ministry with us came to a close at the end of
2014. While we were sad to say farewell to her, we did so offering her the support of a loving community
with every good wish for her future endeavours. Alex, along with a strong and dedicated team of Church
School teachers, have fostered an environment where children are an integral part of the dinner table.
As we look ahead, we are conscious that there is much work to do. We are searching for a new
Director of Children and Youth Ministry. Our volunteers have stepped up and are doing a great
job of not just maintaining, but growing, our church school ministry. That said, they need support
and our Youth need our help to find ways to be effective ministers in our community. Our
children and our youth hunger and thirst – We will continue to seek a leader to help us discern
how we can make that happen. Our youngest members have much to teach us, and we hunger and
thirst for their presence at our table – now more than ever.
I invite you to ask – How can I help welcome children and youth to our table?
In these past months, we have come around the table with our seniors. After the sale of the Church of the
Hosannas, and after the reorganizing of the Hosannas’ and St Aidan’s communities, we invested in a
ministry that would bring Christ, Body and Blood, to our seniors. We started a ministry named Silver
Saints. The Rev’d Anne Jaikaran took on the role of Assistant to the Rector, and became coordinator of
our Silver Saints Ministry. While Anne is rarely with us on Sunday mornings when she provides Sunday
services to the Church of the Transfiguration, she is busy throughout the week seeing to the silver saints
among us, and reaching out to those who have yet to join us at the table. This ministry has grown
significantly and we now welcome nearly 50 seniors at our lunches. Many of those who come to us
thirsting and
hungering are
thankful that they are
provided with more
than bread, with more
than physical
nourishment. Many of
the seniors who come
are new to our church
and would be dining
alone if not for the
opportunity provided
by this important
ministry. We also
have a group of pastoral volunteers who are ministering to the many vulnerable who cannot be present in
our community – so we make the community present to them. We also provide Church services at three
Long term Care Residences.
Looking ahead, we hope to expand our community Silver Saints Lunches. We will strive to
welcome as many as we can to our table. With our community partner, Remarks Farm Fresh
13
Market, we will continue to feed our seniors who hunger and thirst. This year, we will also work
to solidify our pastoral care visitors. We are conscious that many cannot get out to church. I
believe that God is calling us to do more to help seniors in the Northwest. We are currently also
looking at expanding the ministry our Silver Saints provides to Long-term Care facilities in our
city. This is work that really does provide for those who hunger and thirst and the needs are
many.
I invite you to ask – How can I help welcome seniors to our table?
In these past months, we have come around the table with those who are ill. Just about a year ago, Pat
Ferguson was commissioned as our Parish Nurse. In the first year of this critical ministry, we have been
able to provide a healing presence to many whose health has left them thirsty for compassion and mercy.
Pat has assembled a Health Cabinet, and they have been busy tending to the very core of our Christianity;
finding ways to be the compassionate and loving presence of the Body of Christ. Pat has been called upon
often to provide advice and support to parishioners in their needs. Lunch and Learn opportunities have
been well received. Blood Pressure clinics, held monthly, have provided people an opportunity to monitor
their health. I personally am grateful for the BP clinics as they raised concerns for me that led me to see
my doctor, which subsequently led to a diabetes diagnosis. I am now on a path to addressing health
concerns that may yet have gone undiagnosed if not for our Parish Nurse. In conjunction with our
Worship Committee, we provided opportunities for anointing and laying on of hands for healing after our
Sunday services. The response for each of these has been strong. People have been welcomed in their
vulnerability and Christ was made visible again.
In the months ahead, we know that our Health Cabinet and our Parish Nurse will continue to seek
opportunities to help us all live healthier lives. There will be opportunities to learn together over
lunch. Pat will continue to make himself available to members of all ages to offer a caring and
pastoral presence, and sound advice where he can provide it. In the immediate weeks ahead, we
will focus on Mental Illness and what we can do to help those who suffer. In May, we will hold a
special service of healing – reaching out to the community around us to invite all those who
hunger and thirst for healing because of Mental Illness. There will also be Healing Eucharists
throughout the year. There is much work to be done, as many thirst for care and for healing.
I invite you to ask – How can I help welcome the sick and suffering to our table?
In these past months, a newly formed Worship Committee has been meeting to assist me in planning
liturgy and worship. This group has consistently asked important questions and offered sound advice on
ways that we can make our Sunday celebrations around the table more accessible to those who hunger
and thirst. With the direction of Canon Greg Smith, this group has been also a key part of planning our
healing liturgies, as well as offering great feedback and advice about seasonal celebrations like Advent,
Christmas, Lent and Easter. The Worship group this year helped us refine how we pray for those who are
sick, and planned a beautiful prayer space which now sits at the front of our church.
In the months ahead, this group will continue to meet, to pray, to discern and to assist and support
me as Rector in planning liturgy and worship. There are many ways to serve in worship.
I invite you to ask – How can I help welcome those seeking meaningful worship to our table?
In these past months, we have done a tremendous amount of work in how we manage our parish. With
direction from your four wardens, Doug Wilson-Hodge, Jim Smythe, Wendy Kilgour, and Mary
Townshend, as well as the sound management and advice of Andra O’Neill, we have fully merged two
14
congregations’ books, hired a bookkeeper, and simplified our reporting process. The sound
administrative leadership from Doug, Mary, Wendy, and Jim was made all the stronger by a very
dedicated and gifted Parish Council. The wardens do a lot of heavy lifting. They are often the last ones to
leave our church, and usually the first ones complained to. Mary Townshend is stepping down as Warden
and also from Parish Council. This past year, she has been a tremendous support and a hard working
leader. We thank Mary for all that she has offered to us. This year, many projects were completed, not the
least of which was our new lawn sign! Much of the property work was accomplished with the assistance
of Peter Andersen, Pat Ferguson, and Bill Swanson. We offer our gratitude and thanksgiving for all that
they do for us. Your wardens and Parish Council have also been discerning all of these decisions with a
long view to where God is leading us. These efforts to make our parish financially sound, structurally
sound, and administratively sound, are all important factors to welcoming those who hunger and thirst to
our community.
In the year ahead, we will see more work, more leadership, and more visioning. We are
progressing towards a Kitchen renovation and will no doubt be addressing other Capital concerns.
We will also be asking questions about the ongoing growth that we are experiencing. We have
much to celebrate as more and more people are welcomed at our table. We have to prayerfully
discern how we might make room at the table for more who hunger and thirst.
I invite you to ask – How can I help do some of the lifting required to make more room at our
table?
From our Altar Guild to the Choir, from our Lay readers to our Servers, from our Out of the Cold
volunteers to our ACW, from those who serve lunches at funerals to those who organize golf tournaments
to community sales, to trivia nights… from Eucharistic
Ministers to our Sidespeople and Readers, many people
have been busy working to
be present to those who
hunger and thirst. I am
excited about the many
opportunities we have for
ministry here. I am excited
for Vestry to come because
we have so much to be
thankful for and so much that
God has yet to accomplish as
we break bread together, as we
embody Christ.
I invite you to ask – How can I
help welcome all who hunger
and thirst to our table?
Respectfully Submitted
The Rev’d Canon Dr. Kevin George
15
Report from Assistant to the Rector
This is a short report as most of my activity has taken place within the
Silver Saints ministry which has its own report.
I continue to deal with the challenge of also being priest-in-charge at
Church of the Transfiguration which precludes me attending regular
Sunday worship and therefore, as St Aidan’s grows, there are some families
I have not had the opportunity to connect with. One attempt to deal with
this limitation has been to drive over to St Aidan’s once a month after
worship has finished at Transfiguration and I am usually able to arrive just
in time for the final hymn. Towards the end of the year I timed my visits to
coincide with the week healing prayer was taking place so I could
participate in that ministry. This ministry is an initiative of the Health
Cabinet which I have supported through attendance at their monthly
meetings. Another initiative of the Health Cabinet was the six week workshop on prayer which I
really enjoyed leading.
Together with assistance from parishioners from both St Aidan’s and Transfiguration I have
conducted monthly Eucharistic services at People Care, Amica and McCormick seniors’ homes
which is always a rewarding experience. Thank you to Suzie Dann for playing the keyboard at
these services; the residents enjoy singing the old-time hymns.
Other ways I have been involved in the life of St Aidan’s are: attending and sometimes
officiating at the Wednesday morning services, assisting at special services such as the Easter
Vigil and Christmas morning, pastoral visits, officiating at funerals, attendance at as many
functions and fundraisers as possible.
I continue to have office hours on Thursdays from 9.30am to 12.00pm and visitors are always
welcome.
I am very grateful for all the support I have received for my ministry from the congregation at
large, the wardens and parish council and, last but definitely not least, Kevin. It is my privilege
to be a part of this flourishing community of faith and I look forward to the future with
excitement.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev’d Anne Jaikaran
16
Parish Nursing Ministry Vestry Report 2014
Parish Nursing Ministry is a health ministry that emphasizes the wholeness of body, mind and
spirit. It finds its source in the mission of the church as it reclaims the Scriptural mandate to
preach, teach and heal. It recognizes and affirms that it is God's desire that we achieve abundant
life, discovering life in its fullness on our personal journey to wholeness, the shalom promised by
God (InterChurch Health Ministries Canada, Parish Nursing Ministry/History, n.d.).
What a year it was! After Parish Council approval of this new ministry in
November of 2013 and Vestry approval of this ministry in February 2014 I
was required to complete at least one hundred hours of service to the parish
in the January to June period of 2014. This followed the in class completion
of Level 1 of the InterChurch Health Ministries (ICHM) at Emmanuel
College in Toronto during the fall of 2013. This practicum was under the
supervision of a mentor, Betty Behm, a parish nurse in the Kitchener –Waterloo
area for almost 20 years.
This ministry has been embraced by Kevin and Anne and with their
assistance a Health Cabinet was established. The Health Cabinet and I
were commissioned as The Parish Nursing Ministry on Sunday March
23/14 the Third Sunday of Lent. At this time I had the opportunity to
preach and highlight that this is not a ministry of one or a few but a
ministry of the entire congregation. We all bring our gifts to support each
other in this community.
“Christ has no body now but yours. No hands, no feet on earth but yours. Yours are the eyes
through which he looks compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do
good. Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world. Yours are the hands, yours
are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body. Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”
― Teresa of Ávila
Some other highlights from the year include:
February – Partnership of St. Aidan’s with InterChurch Health Ministries
April - the beginning of a weekly Parish Nursing Ministry Information corner in the bulletin, also
posted to the St. Aidan’s Facebook page.
May – The distribution and collection of the Congregational Health and Wellness Survey
July – Initiation of Monthly Blood Pressure Clinics
September - First Lunch and Learn with a presentation by the VON – Victorian Order of Nurses
17
October/November – Prayer/Meditation Workshop (requested through the congregational
survey) presented by Rev. Anne Jaikaran
November – first Healing Prayer time following Sunday morning service
December – Prayer station established at front of church
Over the year I had the opportunity to provide ministry to more than 70 individuals, either at the
parish, in their homes, by telephone or in the hospital. There were more than 100 contacts in
group settings.
I give thanks to Kevin, Anne and the Health Cabinet (current members – Rene Alie, Sandy Cole,
Joe Corcoran, Trish Henderson, Pauline Spenser and theological student Jenn Renouf) my
mentor Betty Behm and the other parish nurses of ICHM for their support with this ministry.
I am truly blessed to have been called to this ministry. Thanks be to God!
Grace and Peace
Pat Ferguson RN
Parish Nurse (Candidate)
Director of Children’s Education
What an action packed year it’s been! Here is a brief account of what
CYFM has been up to in the last year (2013-2014):
Curriculum: Bubbles, Splash and Xtreme with the exciting addition of The
Grid for our older kids
Teachers: Jen Andersen, Mary Townshend, Megan Andersen, Meredith
Wakelin, Rose Cahill, Clare Tattersal and Alex Strong with the
further talents of Beverly Saward, Chloë Harle and Suzie
Dann
Events: 2013
October: attempting Apple Picking, canceled due to weather
November: 1st ever Waiting Tree Activity-families gathered to make
ornaments depicting those waiting for the birth of Jesus, ornaments were
then hung on a pine tree
December: annual Christmas Pageant
: Outreach Project Welcome Bags for Ronald McDonald House London
18
2014
January: dedication of books for the lending library in Devon
Parker’s name
March: cookie bake for residents at Ronald McDonald
House
May: cookie bake for residents Ronald McDonald House,
plus a tour of facility
September: introduction of The Grid as part of our
Sunday School curriculum
October: Teacher Appreciation Sunday-reception to thank
our awesome teachers!
December: double header of Welcome Bags (created during
Sunday School)
: pizza lunch and Waiting Tree Activity
: Christmas Pageant
While I am sad to leave my position at St.
Aidan’s, I take comfort in knowing that I have
made wonderful friends, and that I have a
supportive spiritual community in St. Aidan’s to
lean on when I encounter bumps in the road.
The good news is that I have started my first
Long Term Occasional at a school in Woodstock.
It’s in an especially challenging Grade 7/8 class,
so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I
can use as many as you have to offer! I am
thinking about and missing you folks. Hope to
see you soon!
Alex Strong
19
Silver Saints
The Silver Saints Ministry has enjoyed a
busy year both socially and pastorally.
On the social side six lunches were
hosted for an ever growing group of
people. Our office administrator
advertised in the local community
newspapers and this brought in some
new friends from the area and we
also added to our number from the
parish. The lunches always took
place on a Wednesday so those
attending had the option of first
participating in our regular 10.30am service
of eucharist. Four out of the six lunches were catered for by Remark and
we are very grateful for their generosity; we unfailingly enjoyed an abundance of delicious food.
Our after-lunch activities were very varied in their scope. In February I gave a talk on my ten
years of living in Guyana. April saw us visiting our neighbours at the Egyptian Coptic Church
where we listened to an informative talk on the history of Egyptian Christianity and enjoyed
some Egyptian snacks. In June, as we celebrated a final end to a long, cold winter, we had an
indoor picnic with a BBQ lunch cooked by Kevin and Bill Swanson and fun games which
involved using our heads rather than our bodies. Come September we enjoyed travelling
vicariously through Mike and Carol Tattersall’s photo presentation of their
trip to Ireland and Europe. In November we listened spellbound to John
Davidson’s inspirational talk on Jesse’s Journey and finally at our
Christmas lunch in December we were well entertained by a young
violinist who was a student at Western. At these lunches there was
always a birthday cake to informally acknowledge any birthdays
around that period of time but we also celebrated milestone
birthdays at Sunday worship with a letter from the bishops and a
cake at coffee hour. During this past year we celebrated the 90th
birthdays of Marie Smith and Dick Beamish. I am always
grateful to anyone who informs me of an upcoming milestone
birthday and I am also glad to receive ideas for the lunches. It has
become very clear that our lunches are serving a great need in
providing an opportunity for seniors to come together for
fellowship and simply enjoy eating a meal in the company of others.
They could not take place without tireless and energetic help from my
team of volunteers and I am extremely grateful for all their support.
20
On the pastoral side training sessions have been held on how to
conduct a pastoral visit and police checks have been obtained
from the volunteers to comply with Safe Church regulations.
Visits, some including the provision of home communion,
have taken place and we have also collaborated with Pat
Ferguson in his role as Parish Nurse in some of the
visits. In the coming year I plan to put a process in place
to better regularise and monitor these visits and the aim
will be for all shut-ins to receive a visit every month in
addition to the team responding to requests for visits
dealing with short-term situations.
Another project in the works for this coming year is the
implementation of a ministry known as ‘The Alongsiders’.
‘Alongsiders’ are parishioners who are perhaps no longer able
to be as physically active in the church as they were in former years
but still wish to support it as they are able. They commit to support the
activities and ministries of the church by praying ‘alongside.’ They are provided with a monthly
calendar of events taking place and a booklet with sample prayers and tips for praying. It is good
for parishioners to know that all their ministry is undergirded with prayer and for our less active
members to know they are still providing an invaluable ministry.
This first complete year of the Silver Saints has
been very exciting and rewarding. I offer my
heartfelt thanks to all
who have helped
make it so; Kevin, the
volunteers, the
speakers and most of
all the Silver Saints
themselves who have
participated with such
enthusiasm. I look
forward to another great
year ahead.
21
Anglican Church Women Report
Sue O’Driscoll - Acting Head
Katherine Keeling - Secretary
First of all we need to express our deep gratitude to Heather Mills for her leadership over the past
14 years. Having her as president meant a great deal to many of us.. We wish her well for the
future as she takes a well earned rest to look after her health.
Members of the ACW looked after four funeral receptions in 2014 as well helped out with two
Rummage Sales. Our disbursement of funds meeting, the details of which you will see in the
Financial Accounts, took place in June 2014.
One of our Church members takes it upon herself to buy cards, stamps and send out cards to
parishioners who are ill. In 2014, 27 cards were sent out. This is a great Ministry and we thank
her for her contributions.
Toonies for Turkeys - once again we supported the Fellowship Centre at St. Paul’s Social
Services by raising $340.00 for the 2013 Christmas season which is being reported in the
attached Financial Statement. Also in the 2014 Christmas season we raised $305.00 for Toonies
for Turkeys. .
Recently, as most in the Parish remember, our Bakeless Bake Sale was wonderfully supported to
the tune of $1,117.00.
We continue our involvement with the children in the Limberlost Area. Anne Kershaw writes –
“St. Aidan’s has several teams of two who alternate monthly with teams of women from
Church of the Transfiguration to provide a dinner to the children of the London
Community Chaplaincy Afterschool Program. There are usually 12 – 15 children and
perhaps 2 or 3 staff who welcome our casseroles, salad and dessert during the academic
year. It is a very rowdy but usually happy group that receive us at their recreation building
in the Limberlost area”.
At the time of writing we are involved in preparing for the local World Day of Prayer service for
this area of London for which we are the Host Parish. The country we are celebrating this year is
The Bahamas. The Service takes place on March 6th, 2015 beginning at 2 p.m. Everyone male
and female is invited to attend. Following the Service there will be a reception in the Church
Hall.
22
As Acting Head, and as this is all new to me, I would especially like to thank Katherine Keeling
for her patience with my many questions. To all the ACW members many thanks for your
support. It is a good group of people and I enjoy their company.
ACW 2014 Operating Budget
Date
Disbursements
Receipts
01-Jan-14
Description
Bank Account Balance
06-Jan-14
$
340.00
St Pauls Fellowship Turkeys - Cheque 387
11-Mar-14
$
29.51
Charlotte S- Cheque 388
11-Mar-14
$
12.65
Katerine K - Cheque 389
11-Mar-14
$
37.80
Shirley K - Cheque 390
11-Mar-14
$
19.06
Norma H - Cheque 391
11-Mar-14
$
6.40
Anne K - Cheque 392
17-Mar-14
$
900.00
30-Jul-14
$
80.00
Funeral Receptions (2 Deposits)
Clown (Doll) Proceeds
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Canadian Aid Sudan - Cheque 270
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Sleeping Children - Cheque 271
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Bishop of Arctic - Cheque 272
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
London Chapaincy - Cheque 274
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Huron Church - Cheuqe 275
28-Jul-14
$
240.00
Teen Challenge - Cheque 273
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Mission Services - Cheque 277
28-Jul-14
$
220.00
Jamaica Self Help - Cheque 276
15-Aug-14
$
45.00
02-Nov-14
$
100.00
17-Nov-14
Altar flowers (Nov 28)- Cheque 278
Anne K - Funeral/Kitchen
$
200.00
Deposit Marathon Bridge
23
Balance
$
2,279.14
$
1,939.14
$
1,909.63
$
1,896.98
$
1,859.18
$
1,840.12
$
1,833.72
$
2,733.72
$
2,813.72
$
2,539.72
$
2,373.72
$
2,153.72
$
1,933.72
$
1,713.72
$
1,473.72
$
1,253.72
$
1,033.72
$
988.72
$
888.72
$
1,088.72
21-Nov-14
$
450.00
Funeral Reception
28-Nov-14
$
305.00
Deposit Toonies for Turkeys
03-Dec-14
$
305.00
St. Pauls Fellowship Turkeys - Cheque 279
19-Dec-14
$ 1,117.00
Deposit Bakeless Bake Sale
29-Dec-14
$
Funeral Reception Deposit
100.00
$
1,538.72
$
1,843.72
$
1,538.72
$
2,655.72
$
2,755.72
ACW 2015 Operating Budget
Date
Disbursements
01-Jan-15
13-Jan-15
Receipts
$
Description
Bank Account Balance
Funeral Reception
200.00
Balance
$ 2,755.72
$ 2,955.72
ACW 2014 Financials for Vestry Report
Total Disbursements funeral expenses, altar flowers, etc.
$
Total Receipts from donations and fundraising efforts
$ 3,152.00
Total ACW Donations to Outreach - 2014
Canadian Aid Sudan
Sleeping Children
Bishop of Arctic
London Chapaincy
Huron Church
Teen Challenge
Mission Services
Jamaica Self Help
St. Pauls Fellowship
$ 2,425.00
Bank Balance as of December 31, 2014
$ 2,755.72
24
250.42
WARDEN’S REPORT - VESTRY
The last comment in the Warden’s Report at the Feb 2014 Vestry meeting was “the Holy Spirit is
moving us, stirring the waters of change. The waters will not grow still in 2014”. That is exactly
what has taken place here at St. Aidan’s in 2014.
Fundraising - This year saw many social events, meant as fundraisers, but really functions to
gather our community and enjoy fun times together. Our beloved Jazz by the Bog was a huge
success again this year with three concerts, winter, spring and fall, to get our fundraising efforts
started. June brought our first annual ‘fun’ Golf Tournament, with the highlight of Canon Kevin
‘driving’ a golf cart! Two well organized and attended community sales took place in the spring
and fall. The fall brought another first, Treats and Trivia Night, which was a lot of fun. St.
Aidan’s wear and mugs was another addition this year, clothing and swag - a great way to
proudly tell others who we are.
Ministries - Two new important Ministries began this year; Silver Saints and Parish Nursing.
Anne Jaikaran and her group of volunteers hosted many fun events for seniors this year,
providing a caring community to meet the needs of our Silver Saints. Pat Ferguson and the
Health Cabinet have come out of the gate running with the Parish Nursing Ministry. An
educational and caring roster of clinics and events were held this year. Please be sure to read
Anne and Pat’s reports for more information. We thank God for these Ministries.
St. Aidan’s Children’s Ministry grew again this year under Alexandra Strong and the dedicated
teacher’s leadership. An additional age group was added to the curriculum Light this year for 911 year olds. We are so happy to see your children growing and learning. The
year ended with the highly entertaining Christmas Pageant!
THE SIGN! In April we were so excited to have our beautiful sign fully
installed and running. The notices and warm welcome that the sign
generates has encouraged the larger community to join in a number of
our events. Special thanks goes to Doug and Kevin for the ‘over and
above’ patience to get this done. It is so important for our St. Aidan’s
family to let everyone know who we are and what we do.
Finances - We want to thank Andra O’Neill for her outstanding leadership
as Chair of the Finance Committee. 2014 saw us hire a part time bookkeeper,
Michelle Milligan, who has reduced a large burden on the Wardens. Andra, Michelle, Rose and
the Wardens and Clergy worked hard this year to complete the merging of finances of St.
Aidan’s and Church of the Hosanna’s. Powerchurch, our new operating Program, was fully
loaded and is now our permanent database for finances, parish lists for mailings, project tracking
and many other functions. The program allows very specialized access to specific units,
password protected for confidentiality.
25
The Kitchen – the Kitchen Project Charter was completed and approved by Parish Council. The
project is ready for next steps in 2015.
Personnel – The Wardens and Clergy are in the process of reviewing resumes and interviewing
for two positions. We will miss our “Interim” Director of Children’s Ministries, Alexandra
Strong, and want to thank her for sticking with us for as long as she did, and travelling from
Kitchener. We wish Alex all the best in her new teaching career and thank her for the love she
showed each child in the Parish.
Rose Perry, our Parish Administrator, will also be missed. Never has there been a more
passionate person for completing a job well done! She was a hard worker and cared for all of us
at St. Aidan’s. We wish Rose the very best as she continues on her journey.
There are so many people who made this year a success. To thank them all would take pages
and pages. This is what makes our community so special. Whatever your role, big or small, we
thank you for all that you do.
If you would like to get involved in even a small way, please speak to Canon Kevin or one of the
Wardens. When we pool our talents and ideas, great things will continue to happen.
Doug Wilson Hodge
Wendy Kilgour
Jim Smythe
Mary Townshend
Choir Report
What a terrific year! Our annual 'world famous' St. Aidan's pancake
supper was a fantabulous success with fluffy pancakes, savoury
sausages, and jubilant music. This allowed the choir to add to our
Grand Piano Fund. Thank you to everyone who supported this
endeavour!
We joyously welcomed Suzie Dann and Judy Robertson.
A big thank you to our guest musicians, instrumentalists, and
visitors: Jim Smythe on guitar, Rose Cahill on viola, Christian, Susan
Gross, Heather Slaven, Brent Slaven, and Amira McCavitt.
The choir is thrilled to announce we currently have $1,600.00 designated to the Grand Piano
Fund.
Thank you to the Choir and Choir Master David Weaver for your amazing dedication, and talent!
Choir practice is on Thursday evenings at 7:15 PM. All are welcome in our marvelous choir!
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Wettlaufer, President
26
St. Aidan’s Anglican Church Choir
Statement of Receipts and Disbursements - Year Ending 31 Dec 2014
Bank Balance as of 31 Dec 2013
1252.48
Receipts
Pancake Supper
1106.00
Disbursements
Pancake Supper
Royal School of Church Music
Choir Gift Fund
472.65
80.00
204.98
757.63
Bank Balance 31 Dec 2014
1600.85**
**$1600.00 designated to purchase of grand piano
Respectfully submitted,
John D. Shaw, Treasurer
Worship Ministry (Vestry 2015)
In 2014 several interested and willing members of St. Aidan’s formed a group with an
intentional ministry of focussing on the worship life of the congregation. The group
has chosen to title themselves as a ministry rather than a committee because of a desire
to reflect the ongoing work of the congregation in living out and expressing the life of
Jesus rather than a piece of business to be accomplished.
The ministry sees its work as working to understand the goals of the congregational
worship life; to examine current practices with a critical eye to the goals and values of
the congregation and contemporary theological and liturgical practice; to support the
Rector in making choices from among the various options in contemporary Anglican
worship practice; and to continue to develop the tradition of good and meaningful
worship at St. Aidan’s.
The Ministry of Worship intends to meet prior to each of the major seasonal shifts in
the liturgical calendar with an additional meeting for planning the Triduum (the Great
Three Days of the Easter weekend).
In 2014 the Ministry of Worship has worked with the Rector
 to consider some small alterations to some aspects of the Triduum services
27



to experiment with some changes in regards to the practice of Sunday intercessions: the
placement of an intercession book in a visible place in the Church for individuals to enter
prayer requests; the addition of prayer candles for
individuals to light
offering suggestions for Holy Cross Sunday as a
re-gathering time in the Fall
suggestions for the Advent season, including
support for a large wreath made from live
evergreens
As the Ministry continues, it will be welcoming
of suggestions for consideration from the
worshipping community, as well as offers of
participation in its work. Since contemporary
principles of liturgy consider as key elements:
participation, diversity, hospitality, the
experience of all the senses of the worshipper,
and a meaningful relationship with God that leads
to the mission of the Church, there will always be
plenty of work for such a ministry.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg Smith, convenor on behalf of Vickie Andersen, Joe
Corcoran, Sheila Windsor, Susan Warner, Pat Ferguson , Jennifer
Renouf, Todd Towshend, Doug Wilson-Hodge.
FUNDRAISING
This year Parish Council decided to broaden our fundraising efforts from the
usual Spring & Fall Community Sales (aka rummage sales), and the ever
popular “Jazz by the Bog” concert series by trying some new initiatives and
events. In addition to raising funds for St. Aidan’s we wanted to have
events/projects that would appeal to different age groups and interests, offer
opportunities to work together and to socialize, and to have an element of
hospitality and outreach to the wider community.
With those goals in mind, the following events and projects took place in
2014:




Spring and Fall Community Sales
Jazz by the Bog – 3 Concerts
The 1st Annual St. Aidan’s Golf Tournament
Trivia and Treats
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 St. Aidan’s Travel Mugs
 St. Aidan’s Wear
We would like to thank everyone who worked on these projects, as well as everyone who
supported them. We would also like to thank the law firm of Foster, Townsend, Graham and
Associates who generously sponsored Trivia and Treats with the donation of the time and
expertise of the event organizers and the prizes.
It was a successful year and we move forward into 2015 with energy and enthusiasm!
Respectfully Submitted,
Pam Townsend
St Aidan’s Altar Guild
This year we said goodbye to Marilyn Speed who has been a faithful member of the Altar guild
for many years. We wished her well in her new home!
The response to my request for flower donations has been excellent and we are in good shape
again this year going forward. My thanks to our congregation for their generosity.
None the less, we do ask the congregation to consider donations to the altar guild in memory or
thanksgiving of loved ones. Rose has provided envelopes and calendar for this purpose.
This year I have had some health problems so have been even less available to the guild than
usual! I thank them for their patience and also Kevin and Rose for their understanding.
I am, as usual, grateful to
Charlotte Southern for being our treasurer and she will submit a separate report. She also
arranges for the pickup of our weekly flowers.
Eileen Allen for doing our schedule,
Nancy Postons and Eileen Allen for looking after our linen- a big job!
All members of our guild deserve my thanks for their dedication to the work of our guild.
My thanks also to Kevin for his ongoing support and to Rose who is always very helpful .We
shall miss Rose who has been extremely helpful to me.
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Harth
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ALTAR GUILD
Charlotte Souther, Altar Guild Treasurer
2014 Statement of Receipts & Disbursements
Bank Balance (as of January 1, 2014) ----------------------------------------------------
$1278.39
Receipts:
Support from St. Aidan’s Budget ---------------------------------------------------------Weddings -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Funeral Donations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Altar Flower Donations --------------------------------------------------------------------
$700.00
$150.00
$200.00
$2040.00
Total Receipts --------------------------------------------------------------------------- $3090.00
Total Assets ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $4368.39
Disbursements:
Wine -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $460.25
Wafers ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $43.00
Candles, Palms & Ashes --------------------------------------------------------------------- $189.56
Miscellaneous ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $8.46
Altar Flowers -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2362.21
Total Disbursements -------------------------------------------------------------------- $3063.48
Bank Balance as of December 31, 2014
Note:
Reserve Funds Designated for Altar Flowers from 2013 ------------------------------- $507.31
Donations Received for Altar Flowers 2014 -------------------------------------------- $2040.00
2547.31
Cost of Altar Flowers During 2014 ------------------------------------------------------- $2362.21
Current Cash in Bank Balance Designated for Altar Flowers -------------------------- $185.10
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FLOWER MEMORIAL FUND
Charlotte Southern, Altar Guild Treasurer
2014 Statement of Assets & Disbursements
Bank of Montreal G.I.C. --------------------------------------------------------------------- $2750.00
Bank Balance January 1, 2014 ---------------------------------------------------------------- $700.33
Receipts:
Interest Earned During 2014 ----------------------------------------------------------------- $0.06
Total Receipts ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $0.06
Total Assets (as of December 31, 2014) --------------------------------------------------- $3450.39
Disbursements:
No Disbursements During 2014
Assets – December 31, 2014
Bank Balance December 31, 2014 ------------------------------------------------------- $700.39
Bank of Montreal ------------------------------------------------------------------------- $2750.00
Total Assets December 31, 2014 ----------------------------------------------------------- $3450.39
Note: The G.I.C. was purchased in March 2014. No earned interest has been deposited to date.
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Out of the Cold Vestry Report 2014
St. Aidan’s has continued its support of the Out of the Cold program that is run by St. John the
Evangelist Church in downtown London.
Out of The Cold is a meal program that provides opportunities for those in need of accessing a
hot meal. There are several downtown churches that participate in this program and there is a
meal available every night of the week in the downtown area. St. John’s provides the Saturday
night meal 52 weeks a year.
There are teams of shoppers and cooks that prepare the meals on Friday and then serving teams
that attend the parish hall on Saturday, set up the hall, reheat or cook the food, serve the guests
and clean up following the meal. St. Aidan’s has been providing serving teams about 5
times/year, including a team of Scouts that serve the guests once/year.
In addition to the food and fellowship provided on a Saturday evening to the guests, St. John’s
has also established a clothing cupboard to assist guests. St. John’s has been very appreciative of
the many bags of clothing that have been provided by the St. Aidan’s community. They are
always commenting on the “quality” of the items that are delivered from our congregation.
The main cost of the program is the food that is served, although there are many companies that
provide donations of items such as bread and milk. To offset the food costs St. John’s has an
annual fundraising walk in October to cover this cost. Reverend Anne Jaikaran continues to
complete this walk and welcomes any donations to support the program. The rest of the program
is entirely run by volunteers.
If you would like to become involved in this Outreach Ministry either with helping hands,
donations of clothing or funds for food, please contact Pat Ferguson.
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Nomination Sheet
Wardens:
Doug Wilson-Hodge
Jim Smythe
Pam McKenzie
Wendy Kilgour
Lay Representatives to Synod:
Pam Townsend
Stephen Nelles
Council Members:
Bill Swanson
Brenda Fazekas
Sandi Burns
Michael Tattersal
Andra O’Neill
Sandi Cole
Lorraine MacLeod
Sheila Windsor
Ex-Offico:
The Rev’d Canon Dr. Kevin George
Patrick Ferguson
Joe Corcoran (Alternate)
The Rev’d Anne Jaikaran
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Baptisms
Ivy Lynn Farrell
Thomas Percy Watson
Eithne Casper Cahill
Benjamin Casper Harle
Caelen Thomas Hillier
Leah Elizabeth Marie Nielsen
Charlotte Sonia Carter
Grace Louise Winklemolen
Funerals
Patricia Fearnell
Ted Peters
Raymond White
Robert White
Susan Getchell
Bessie Barker
Joan MacDonald
Lois Drinkwalter
Weddings
Bradley FitzGerald and Teresa Hands
Patrick Gregus and Alison Weaver
Andrew Coats and Erin Dragasevich
Matthew Spence and Sarah Fox
Carlos Martinez and Heather Taylor
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Envelope Secretary Report
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandi Burns
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