2009 Annual Report - The United Church of Canada
2009 Annual Report - The United Church of Canada
2009 Annual Report - The United Church of Canada
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eport <strong>2009</strong><br />
annual<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> • L’Église Unie du <strong>Canada</strong>
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
We celebrate the <strong>2009</strong> mission and ministry <strong>of</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
congregations: 3,300 <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> congregations<br />
worshipped in our 13 Conferences in <strong>Canada</strong> and Bermuda. Over<br />
500,000 church members along with adherents and visitors<br />
met to pray and praise, to learn and serve, to reach out to friends and<br />
strangers in good times and bad. Congregations were served by 1,700<br />
ordered ministers and almost 300 lay ministers; 74,000 children learned<br />
about Jesus in 2,000 Sunday schools. Through the Internet we<br />
reached out to the 3 million Canadians who identify as <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> but<br />
do not worship in a congregation.<br />
In August <strong>2009</strong>, commissioners from across the country gathered for the<br />
40th General Council in Kelowna, B.C., under the theme “Down to<br />
the Potter’s House,” to establish church priorities for the next<br />
three years. Our new Moderator, Mardi Tindal, expressed her belief that<br />
God is calling us to the abundance that is possible when we gather as<br />
community and listen deeply to Spirit, to creation, and to one another.<br />
Congregations served countless programs in their communities: we put<br />
coats on kids and food on tables, advocated for social justice, and<br />
provided shelter for the homeless. We supported programs ranging from<br />
theological education to community development with over 160 partners<br />
in more than 35 countries. <strong>The</strong> world economy was harsh, and emergencies<br />
threatened lives and livelihoods, yet the Spirit was strong and our faith<br />
secure.<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> pastoral charges and members raised $400,000,000<br />
for the work <strong>of</strong> the church in the congregation, in the community, and in<br />
the world, and many left a lasting legacy to the church in their wills.<br />
As you read these stories <strong>of</strong> shaping and being shaped in God’s mission,<br />
we invite you to hear the hum <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Potter’s wheel turning…<br />
“ God is calling the church to<br />
engage in a covenant for<br />
healing toward wholeness<br />
<strong>of</strong> soul, community, and<br />
creation.”<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal
C“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will<br />
let you hear my words.” Jeremiah 18:2<br />
Contents<br />
2 General Secretary’s Message<br />
3 Moderator’s Message<br />
4 Stories from across the <strong>Church</strong><br />
20 Join Us in Making a Difference<br />
22 <strong>The</strong> National Accounts <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
24 <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Foundation<br />
28 <strong>The</strong> <strong>2009</strong>–2012 Executive <strong>of</strong> the General Council<br />
20 09
2<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Dear Friends,<br />
I am delighted to share with you the <strong>2009</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>. In these pages, you will find<br />
exciting stories <strong>of</strong> how we are living out our faith in diverse ways<br />
and contexts.<br />
I“I came that<br />
they may have<br />
life, and have it<br />
abundantly.”<br />
John 10:10<br />
It has been a busy year. <strong>The</strong> 40th General Council met in Kelowna,<br />
B.C., in August to make decisions and discern priorities and<br />
directions for the church for the next three years. We continued to<br />
live into our commitment to establish right relations with Aboriginal<br />
peoples at the first National Aboriginal Spiritual Gathering in June,<br />
and in our work with the residential schools Truth and Reconciliation<br />
Commission. We also continued to seek social, economic, and<br />
environmental justice in congregations and ministries across <strong>Canada</strong>,<br />
and with global partners around the world.<br />
Our story is one <strong>of</strong> faith in action. It is a story that is still being<br />
shaped as new ways to live out God’s mission in the world are<br />
revealed. I hope it will inspire you to join us in this faithful work.<br />
Blessings and peace be with you,<br />
Nora Sanders<br />
General Secretary, General Council<br />
Chers amis-es,<br />
Il me fait plaisir de vous présenter le rapport annuel <strong>2009</strong> de l’Église Unie du <strong>Canada</strong>. Vous y trouverez<br />
des présentations sur les façons dont nous vivons notre foi dans une diversité de contextes.<br />
<strong>2009</strong> a été une année occupée. Le 40 e Conseil général, du mois d’août à Kelowna, a pris des décisions et<br />
établis des priorités et des orientations pour les trois prochaines années de la vie de l’Église. Nous avons<br />
poursuivi notre engagement à établir des relations justes avec les peuples autochtones lors du premier<br />
Rassemblement spirituel autochtone national au mois de juin, ainsi que notre travail avec la Commission<br />
de témoignage et de réconciliation concernant les pensionnats amérindiens. Nous avons continué à<br />
rechercher la justice sociale, économique et écologique dans nos paroisses et nos ministères au <strong>Canada</strong><br />
ainsi qu’avec nos partenaires internationaux.<br />
Notre histoire, c’est celle d’une foi en action, une histoire qui continue à prendre forme. Je souhaite que<br />
vous y puiserez l’inspiration pour vous joindre à nous dans cette œuvre de foi.<br />
Que la bénédiction et la paix soient avec vous,<br />
Nora Sanders<br />
secrétaire générale du Conseil général
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 3<br />
Amis-es en Christ,<br />
Vous avez entre les mains des récits de foi. C’est grâce à vous que<br />
ces choses ont pu se réaliser puisque vous avez fait vos choix dans<br />
la foi et ainsi créé les conditions propices à l’abondance. Vous avez<br />
choisi l’espérance plutôt que le désespoir, la communauté à la place<br />
de la compétition, l’engagement dans une perspective d’ensemble<br />
au lieu de l’étroitesse des intérêts propres. Et à cause de vos choix, la<br />
vie abondante du Christ est connue.<br />
J« Je suis venu<br />
pour que les<br />
humains aient la<br />
vie et l’aient en<br />
abondance.»<br />
Jean 10,10<br />
Chaque jour nous entendons parler de situations qui focalisent sur le<br />
manque en générant peur et isolement, des inégalités économiques<br />
croissantes et des problèmes écologiques. Tout au contraire, ces<br />
récits communautaires de nos engagements de foi sont le reflet de<br />
l’intégrité de l’abondance divine et de la guérison de l’esprit, de la<br />
communauté et de la création. Ces récits seront pour vous, comme<br />
ils l’ont été pour moi, une source d’inspiration. Vous y trouverez une<br />
conscience renouvelée du privilège et du défi qui sont nôtres, en<br />
reconnaissant qu’ensemble nous faisons vraiment une différence et<br />
que la nécessité d’une générosité radicale demeure urgente.<br />
Merci d’être un élément important de cette œuvre. Bien des gens<br />
dépendent du témoignage énergique de notre Église pour<br />
poursuivre leur épanouissement.<br />
Soyez bénis-es en abondance,<br />
Mardi Tindal, modératrice<br />
Dear Friends in Christ,<br />
You are holding an inspiring collection <strong>of</strong> stories <strong>of</strong> faith. You and others in the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> have made<br />
these stories possible by faithfully choosing to sustain the conditions for abundance. You have chosen<br />
hope over despair, community over competition, a global commitment over narrow interests.<br />
And because <strong>of</strong> your choices, the abundant life <strong>of</strong> Christ is known.<br />
Daily we hear tales that arise from an assumption <strong>of</strong> scarcity, leading to fear and isolation, growing<br />
income disparity, and ecological crisis. In contrast, our communal stories <strong>of</strong> faithful action, told here<br />
in words, pictures, and financial statements, reflect God’s abundant wholeness and healing <strong>of</strong> soul,<br />
community, and creation. I trust that you will feel as inspired by them as I do. You may also feel privileged<br />
and challenged, knowing that together we make such a big difference, and that the need to contribute<br />
sacrificially is as urgent as ever.<br />
Thank you for being an important part <strong>of</strong> this work. So many are counting on the strong witness <strong>of</strong> our<br />
church to continue to flourish.<br />
Blessings in abundance,<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal
4<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> Family Sharing<br />
An economic crisis gripped <strong>Canada</strong> and the world in <strong>2009</strong>. Past<br />
Moderator David Giuliano shares two examples <strong>of</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
people reaching out to others during these tough economic times:<br />
When the congregation <strong>of</strong> Emmanuel <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in Sault Ste.<br />
Marie heard about the mill closure in nearby Marathon, Ontario, and<br />
the economic hardship that resulted, they raised $700 to help out.<br />
<strong>The</strong> funds were presented to the local curling club, an important<br />
community centre for many <strong>of</strong> the laid-<strong>of</strong>f mill workers. <strong>The</strong> club<br />
was in danger <strong>of</strong> closing, but Emmanuel’s gift helped folks get<br />
through a long, desperate winter <strong>of</strong> unemployment.<br />
Kathleen Stephenson<br />
A <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> member from southern Ontario also worried<br />
about how St. John’s <strong>United</strong> in Marathon was faring, though he<br />
had never been there. He knew they would have a financial shortfall<br />
and wondered if he could help with regular donations to St. John’s<br />
through PAR.<br />
This is what it means to be a part <strong>of</strong> a big family: <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>. We are not alone.<br />
Sharing Bread<br />
One <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> response to the economic crisis in <strong>2009</strong> was Sharing<br />
Bread: $500,000 earmarked for Canadian ministries, global partners,<br />
and ministry staff training.<br />
From Canadian ministries, 63 applications were approved from coast to<br />
coast. Sharing Bread projects ranged from food banks and camp fees<br />
to innovative ways to increase skills, obtain financial assistance, share<br />
resources, distribute food, raise funds, and work with the economically<br />
marginalized.<br />
Learn more about global partners supported by Sharing Bread:<br />
www.united-church.ca/partners/global_sharing
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 5<br />
Worship and Celebration<br />
In <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> congregations, we celebrate a diversity <strong>of</strong><br />
worship. Worship Matters: A Symposium on Preaching, Music, and<br />
Worship Leadership is an annual national or regional event that<br />
supports the gifts <strong>of</strong> our worship leaders.<br />
Ottawa was the site for the national Worship Matters/Célébrons<br />
Ensemble <strong>2009</strong>. With generosity and enthusiasm, Dominion-<br />
Chalmers <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> played host with true Christian hospitality.<br />
Thank you, Dominion-Chalmers. A local arrangements team<br />
made sure that creative energy infused the event, from theme<br />
presentations to workshops, to ancient Middle Eastern drumming.<br />
Participants enthused: “Here I was very close to God and God to<br />
me.” “I went home re-energized.” “Worship Matters gives renewed<br />
confidence and hope in <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>.”<br />
Worship included evensong, blues, and café styles. <strong>The</strong>n-Moderator<br />
David Giuliano preached at the closing worship, and on witnessing<br />
the swirling energy <strong>of</strong> the event, said that he felt he was “two days<br />
behind a really great party.” We are grateful for the wonder <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Spirit that is shaping our church.<br />
Shaping Our Spaces<br />
Our buildings proclaim our presence as<br />
church in community. In <strong>2009</strong>, churches<br />
across the country faced issues <strong>of</strong><br />
renovating, amalgamating, and even<br />
closing as they sought to envision how<br />
their space supported their worship,<br />
ministry, and outreach.<br />
Okotoks <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in Alberta had<br />
sold their building in 2000 and purchased<br />
the Ginger Tea House, turning it<br />
into a centre for activities and outreach<br />
programs with the planned addition <strong>of</strong> a<br />
sanctuary. It takes years, though, to give<br />
birth to a new building; the exterior was<br />
completed in <strong>2009</strong> and the sanctuary is<br />
on target for Christmas 2010.<br />
St. John’s <strong>United</strong>, Halifax, moved to<br />
a temporary home in the Maritime<br />
Conservatory and will redevelop the<br />
former site into a smaller, greener<br />
church and a seniors’ independent<br />
living complex. <strong>The</strong> initial planning was<br />
begun in <strong>2009</strong>; in 2010 St. John’s is<br />
continuing the planning and beginning<br />
construction.<br />
Robert Schwab<br />
Explore upcoming Worship Matters events:<br />
www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/events/worshipmatters<br />
Read more about renewal and development:<br />
www.united-church.ca/renewal/buildings
6<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
“I really like how the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is making the General Council accessible to<br />
members… Kudos to all those involved.” from WonderCafe<br />
Networking in a Digital Age<br />
In <strong>2009</strong> the church blogged and tweeted with the best. No, that’s<br />
not a commentary on our singing or sermons! It’s a reflection <strong>of</strong><br />
how our people stay connected.<br />
<strong>The</strong> 40th General Council in Kelowna in August <strong>2009</strong> is a great<br />
example <strong>of</strong> how we keep in touch and in tune with technology.<br />
Almost 10,000 people visited the special GC40 website and thanks<br />
to streaming, church members watched the General Council in<br />
action with daily video clips. Members subscribed to e-mail updates<br />
and participants shared videos on the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s YouTube<br />
channel and photos on Flickr.<br />
Some followed or posted on the <strong>of</strong>ficial GC40 blog, and still others<br />
started discussion threads on WonderCafe. Tweeters kept up with<br />
General Council on the GC40 Twitter feed, and <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> youth<br />
chatted on their Youth Forum Facebook group.<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> individuals and congregations, as well as the national<br />
<strong>of</strong>fice, maintain their Internet presence all year long on websites,<br />
blogs, YouTube, and Facebook.<br />
See the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in action:<br />
www.united-church.ca/tvmm/youtube<br />
<strong>The</strong> Printed Word<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> Publishing House publishes books each year that reflect our<br />
faith and challenge and inspire readers. UCPH additions for <strong>2009</strong> include:<br />
• Jesus 24/7 Youth: A Short Course in Christian Faith for the Questing Youth<br />
• Seeking Sabbath: A Personal Journey<br />
• Advent Awakenings: Daily Devotions for the Season <strong>of</strong> Advent, Year C<br />
• <strong>The</strong>re’s No ATM in the Wilderness: Daily Reflections for Lent<br />
Keep up with new and upcoming books: www.united-church.ca/sales/ucph
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 7<br />
Julie Kinkaid<br />
Reaching Out across <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Poor health, no job, and no place to live—it’s hard to imagine<br />
the fear and despair <strong>of</strong> being in that situation. Yet daily, hundreds <strong>of</strong><br />
Canadians wake up wondering how to survive. Thanks to the donations<br />
and volunteer labour <strong>of</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> people, there are safe and<br />
supportive places to go. Here are just three stories:<br />
“We are the clay, and<br />
you are our potter; we<br />
are all the work <strong>of</strong> your<br />
hand.” Isaiah 64:8<br />
It’s not easy to job hunt when you have no shower, your haircut is eight months old, and your clothes<br />
need mending. Solutions like a laundry, clothing repair, haircuts, and shower facilities are some <strong>of</strong> the<br />
practical services <strong>of</strong> Ottawa’s drop-in Centre 507, located in Centretown <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>. <strong>The</strong> centre also<br />
operates a job bank and <strong>of</strong>fers training, resumé writing, health services, and referrals.<br />
Daily life at First <strong>United</strong> in Vancouver is a beehive <strong>of</strong> activity. Some come for mail collection or pastoral<br />
care; others need a bite to eat before curling up with a blanket on the pews for a safe sleep. It takes time<br />
and money to provide meals and programs. At First <strong>United</strong> much <strong>of</strong> it comes from <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> people<br />
who <strong>of</strong>fer generous contributions as well as hands-on service.<br />
Thanks to <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> donations and assistance, Bridges To Hope in St. John’s, Newfoundland, is<br />
reducing the impact <strong>of</strong> poverty on families. Clients receive food and clothing; toys and books; Christmas<br />
hampers and back-to-school kits; and learn basic food preparation, budgeting, and shopping skills.<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, thanks to <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> people, Canadian programs like these helped reshape lives and create<br />
wholeness <strong>of</strong> soul, community, and creation.<br />
Read about our Canadian outreach partners in the August M&S special edition <strong>of</strong> Mandate:<br />
www.united-church.ca/sales/magazines/mandate
8<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>es Go Green<br />
Across the country, <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> members, congregations,<br />
and Conferences are doing their part to care for the environment.<br />
General Council was no exception: efforts at the General Council<br />
meeting in August included group travel whenever possible and a<br />
donation to the church’s carbon <strong>of</strong>fset project; local, seasonal food<br />
and some meatless meals; reusable water bottles and no disposable<br />
dishes or cutlery; delivery <strong>of</strong> information online or by overhead<br />
projection; and use <strong>of</strong> recycled paper and double-sided printing<br />
wherever possible.<br />
“Every time I choose to act differently, especially in concert with others,<br />
I have a deeper sense <strong>of</strong> living in the abundant life <strong>of</strong> Christ.”<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal<br />
Offsetting Our<br />
Carbon Footprint<br />
In <strong>2009</strong> an allocation <strong>of</strong> $115,000<br />
was made to the Vision Fund—<br />
which supports innovative, creative,<br />
and new congregational youth and<br />
young adult ministry—to <strong>of</strong>fset costs<br />
<strong>of</strong> air travel undertaken by General<br />
Council staff and for major meetings.<br />
Grants from this fund have a green<br />
focus in 2010 and are available<br />
to church youth and young adult<br />
groups for projects that <strong>of</strong>fset carbon<br />
production, such as installing solar<br />
panels, building efficiency projects,<br />
alternative travel ideas, eco-gardens,<br />
and waste alternatives.<br />
Larissa Kanhai, a member <strong>of</strong> the Moderator’s Advisory Committee,<br />
mobilized members <strong>of</strong> her community to reduce their energy<br />
consumption enough to <strong>of</strong>fset the travel carbon impact for 60<br />
commissioners!<br />
St. Paul’s <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in Kindersley, Saskatchewan, responded<br />
to the Moderator’s appeal for help in <strong>of</strong>fsetting her travel carbon<br />
footprint. Members decided to make changes to their church<br />
building that will reduce their gas consumption and achieve a<br />
reduction <strong>of</strong> 33.9 tonnes <strong>of</strong> carbon emissions per year!<br />
With hope for our children and respect for creation, we in the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> integrate our beliefs with our work.<br />
In addition, a new Carbon Offset<br />
Project is available to other church<br />
groups for projects that reduce<br />
carbon footprints.
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 9<br />
Pearce Williams Christian Centre<br />
Pearce Williams Christian Centre<br />
Lake Scugog Camp<br />
Camping: A Vital Ministry<br />
In the spring <strong>of</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, London Conference camps and the<br />
Conference <strong>of</strong>fice began a camping awareness campaign, creating<br />
“I Am Camp” postcards for every <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> camp across<br />
<strong>Canada</strong>. <strong>The</strong> idea was for campers, staff, and parents to mail<br />
completed postcards to Nora Sanders, General Secretary <strong>of</strong> the<br />
General Council. Cards streamed in to both <strong>Church</strong> House and the<br />
General Council meeting in August. By the end <strong>of</strong> <strong>2009</strong>, the General<br />
Secretary had received almost 3,800 postcards!<br />
<strong>The</strong> postcard campaign coincided with General Council proposals<br />
requesting that camping ministries be recognized as a place for faith<br />
formation and as a priority for the church.<br />
<strong>The</strong> results: General Council decided to continue support <strong>of</strong> the<br />
national Camping Task Group; continue Connections, the church’s<br />
national camping conference; and continue providing faith<br />
development resources and financial support for camps.<br />
Throughout 2010, innovative initiatives to connect camps and<br />
congregations in partnership for youth ministry are being promoted<br />
by a continuing awareness campaign.<br />
“Camp changed my life.”<br />
“Camp is why I joined the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>.”<br />
“My mother was a<br />
camper, I was a camper,<br />
now my children are<br />
campers.”<br />
Read all about it: www.united-church.ca/exploring/camping
10<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Bill and Karen Butt<br />
Girls create banners for<br />
AIDS awareness and<br />
use dolls in a scene<br />
from one <strong>of</strong> their AIDS<br />
plays in Molumbo,<br />
Mozambique.<br />
“We never in our lives imagined that daughters from our<br />
small, isolated village could stay in school and graduate<br />
as teachers.” parents <strong>of</strong> PEDRA girls<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> around<br />
the World<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> funded over 160 partners in more than<br />
35 countries working to make a better world through education,<br />
human rights, emergency response, care for creation, strengthening<br />
faith communities, and building peace.<br />
Ripple Effect<br />
Educating girls can improve an entire community! That’s the belief<br />
<strong>of</strong> PEDRA, a school program in Mozambique operated by <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> partner Christian Council <strong>of</strong> Mozambique. PEDRA’s bursaries<br />
allow girls to stay in school past the normal Grade 5 level. <strong>The</strong><br />
curriculum includes theatre to educate peers and communities about<br />
real-life topics: HIV/AIDS, family violence, first aid, or staying in<br />
school. It’s well established in international development work that<br />
the ripple effect <strong>of</strong> educating girls is the best investment <strong>of</strong> all. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
help their families financially and become role models for others.<br />
<strong>The</strong> PEDRA girls show that this is true.
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 11<br />
Learning Leads to a Better Life<br />
Costurart is a women’s co-operative in Salvador, Brazil, supported<br />
by Coordenadoria Ecumênica de Serviço, a <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> partner.<br />
Since 2002, Costurart has been a place where survivors <strong>of</strong> domestic<br />
violence have gathered to share and learn new skills, support<br />
one another, and build a highly successful clothing design and<br />
production company.<br />
Kathleen Stephenson<br />
Caring for Community<br />
In <strong>2009</strong> the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> continued supporting the garden<br />
project <strong>of</strong> the Evangelical Seminary <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong>ology in Matanzas, Cuba.<br />
<strong>The</strong> seminary received a grant for its successful vegetable garden<br />
maintained by the 40 full-time ministry students living on campus.<br />
This contribution helped them supplement the students’ meal<br />
program, benefit staff, and provide food for an orphanage and<br />
hospital in Matanzas.<br />
Walking in Solidarity<br />
Jim Hodgson<br />
In September <strong>2009</strong>, the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> expressed outrage at the<br />
murder <strong>of</strong> the Rev. Father Cecilio Lucero in San Jose, Samar, in the<br />
Philippines. He was one <strong>of</strong> 1,000 killed defending the poor and<br />
marginalized in that country. <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> joined its Filipino<br />
partners in calling on President Gloria Arroyo to immediately<br />
investigate and urged the Government <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> to condemn the<br />
brutal killing.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> funds partners such as the National Council <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>es in the Philippines and Cordillera Peoples Alliance to help<br />
people organize and protest violations against communities and the<br />
environment. Recently a mining application was successfully opposed,<br />
with the company removing its application to mine that area.<br />
We walk in solidarity with partners who resist corporate greed and<br />
government corruption in order to sustain their land and culture.<br />
Nicole Smith<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> staff visitor Sarah<br />
Shepherd celebrates International<br />
Human Rights Day, participating in<br />
a public march led by the Cordillera<br />
Peoples Alliance, Philippines.<br />
Discover more about global partners: www.united-church.ca/partners/global
12<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Committed to the Long<br />
Road <strong>of</strong> Truth Telling<br />
“Mould your church, holy God, to reflect the contours<br />
<strong>of</strong> your kingdom.” Brian McIntosh (Gathering, LEP 1998)<br />
In October <strong>2009</strong>, the Truth and Reconciliation<br />
Commission held a Witnessing<br />
the Future ceremony at Rideau Hall,<br />
Ottawa, with the Governor General as<br />
Honorary Witness. <strong>The</strong> ceremony focused<br />
on listening to and learning from the<br />
legacy <strong>of</strong> Indian Residential Schools.<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal attended the<br />
commission hearings with residential<br />
school survivors, <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> representatives,<br />
and other Aboriginal and<br />
church leaders.<br />
How Do We Become an<br />
Intercultural <strong>Church</strong>?<br />
What it means to become an intercultural church was the<br />
question explored by the RiverRunning Conference at the University<br />
<strong>of</strong> Winnipeg in November. Congregations and leaders came to<br />
RiverRunning to participate in dynamic worship, practical workshops<br />
in a multilingual space, theological reflection on intercultural issues,<br />
and celebration and analysis.<br />
Diverse young people came together for the Youth Consultation<br />
held in November <strong>2009</strong> in Canterbury Hills, Ontario. Here racial<br />
minority, Aboriginal, and Metis youth <strong>of</strong> the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> shared<br />
their racial and cultural experiences in the church.<br />
Explore intercultural ministries: www.united-church.ca/intercultural<br />
Fred Cattroll<br />
Vernon Immersion School Singers at<br />
General Council’s opening worship.<br />
Marie Wilson, a member<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Truth and<br />
Reconciliation Commission<br />
and Yellowknife <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>, introduces<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal to<br />
Michaëlle Jean, Governor<br />
General <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
Read about Aboriginal peoples and the church:<br />
www.united-church.ca/aboriginal
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 13<br />
Moderator Mardi Tindal at a KAIROS climate<br />
change rally at the Ontario legislature, Toronto.<br />
Serving with Others<br />
KAIROS<br />
Through KAIROS: Canadian<br />
Ecumenical Justice Initiatives,<br />
the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> works with<br />
many churches and churchbased<br />
organizations in faithful<br />
action for justice and peace. In<br />
<strong>2009</strong>, the church took part in<br />
initiatives including Earth Hour<br />
celebrations in March and a<br />
Week <strong>of</strong> Action connecting<br />
climate justice and poverty<br />
in October. We appealed to<br />
members to sign the Kyotoplus<br />
petition, urging the Canadian<br />
government to make a strong<br />
international commitment to<br />
climate action in Copenhagen<br />
and to invest in a green<br />
economy at home.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>2009</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> grant<br />
to KAIROS was $490,000.<br />
In December the church<br />
asked members to call on<br />
the government to reinstate<br />
cancelled federal funding to<br />
KAIROS.<br />
World Council<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es<br />
<strong>The</strong> World Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es,<br />
continuing a focus on climate<br />
change, <strong>of</strong>fered congregational<br />
resources in <strong>2009</strong> on the Kyoto<br />
Protocol and a new climate<br />
framework.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> and<br />
ecumenical partners<br />
participated in a WCC visit to<br />
Honduras, organized after a<br />
military coup d’état, and called<br />
for the return <strong>of</strong> President<br />
Manuel Zelaya.<br />
<strong>The</strong> World Council’s Decade to<br />
Overcome Violence continues<br />
through 2010; we participate<br />
by working for right relationship<br />
between Aboriginal and non-<br />
Aboriginal peoples and through<br />
our membership in Project<br />
Ploughshares, a key Canadian<br />
partner in peace campaigns.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>2009</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
grant to the World Council <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>es was $519,000.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Canadian<br />
Council <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>es<br />
<strong>The</strong> Canadian Council <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>es is the largest<br />
ecumenical body in <strong>Canada</strong>,<br />
representing 21 Christian<br />
churches, including ours.<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, delegations from the<br />
CCC met in Ottawa with senior<br />
leaders <strong>of</strong> all political parties<br />
to build relationships, raise<br />
concerns, and urge <strong>Canada</strong><br />
to increase its contribution to<br />
achieving the UN Millennium<br />
Development Goals. <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> supported this work<br />
with a <strong>2009</strong> grant <strong>of</strong> $85,000.<br />
Marion Currant<br />
Learn more about our interfaith and ecumenical relationships:<br />
www.united-church.ca/partners/relations
14<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Paul Jeffrey/ACT Alliance<br />
Rainer Lang<br />
Special Appeals<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> sometimes issues a special fundraising appeal to its members. One example was the<br />
<strong>United</strong> for Peace Campaign, an education, advocacy, and fundraising effort that ran from November 2007<br />
to December <strong>2009</strong> to benefit peace efforts around the world. In <strong>2009</strong> funds went to the Angolan Council <strong>of</strong><br />
Christian <strong>Church</strong>es and the Jerusalem Link, a Palestinian and Israeli women’s joint venture for peace.<br />
Responding to Emergencies<br />
“Be prepared” is not just a<br />
good motto for the Scouts or a<br />
song from <strong>The</strong> Lion King. Today<br />
emergency preparedness is a<br />
common watchword. Although<br />
the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is not<br />
primarily an emergency relief<br />
agency, we have taken steps<br />
to ensure that we can respond<br />
immediately when disaster<br />
strikes.<br />
Our Emergency Response<br />
Fund helps alleviate the<br />
effects <strong>of</strong> crises and supports<br />
long-term rehabilitation and<br />
reconstruction. Each year the<br />
Emergency Response Fund is<br />
replenished from the Mission<br />
and Service Fund ($130,000<br />
in <strong>2009</strong>).<br />
In addition, the Emergency<br />
Response Fund receives<br />
15 percent from supragifts—<br />
those donations earmarked<br />
for specific disaster appeals.<br />
Since all administrative costs<br />
are covered by the Mission and<br />
Service Fund, every dollar given<br />
to a disaster appeal is available<br />
for relief and reconstruction.<br />
Applying 15 percent <strong>of</strong><br />
such gifts to the Emergency<br />
Response Fund prepares the<br />
church to act immediately, and<br />
Keep up to date on <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> emergency response: www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 15<br />
Ghulam Rasool/CWS-ACT International<br />
Canadian Foodgrains Bank<br />
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is able to organize substantial food aid<br />
interventions in emergency situations in the global South. As a member,<br />
the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is able to use church equity each year for specific<br />
emergency responses.<br />
strengthens the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s<br />
capacity to respond to other<br />
disasters that affect partners but<br />
do not receive media attention.<br />
NCCP<br />
October 18, <strong>2009</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> following is from a letter sent after the<br />
<strong>2009</strong> typhoon from Father Rex Reyes, General<br />
Secretary <strong>of</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> partner NCCP, the<br />
National Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es in the Philippines:<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Canada</strong> sent funds for flood relief<br />
in Mozambique, for emergency<br />
aid after Typhoon Frank in the<br />
Philippines, to benefit displaced<br />
persons in Sri Lanka, and for<br />
assistance to victims <strong>of</strong> conflict in<br />
Peru and Israel/Palestine.<br />
Dear Friends,<br />
We thank you all for the outpouring prayers and support. We can<br />
all feel these and thereby have the courage to declare to people not<br />
to lose hope. We have the audacity to declare hope because <strong>of</strong> your<br />
journeying with us.<br />
Padi Rex Rb Reyes, Jr.
16<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Sylvie Gallant<br />
“It is not we who shape God;<br />
it is God who shapes us.”<br />
attributed to Irenaeus, circa 200 CE<br />
A Legacy <strong>of</strong> Faithful<br />
Commitment<br />
Over the years, the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> Women have faithfully<br />
served the church in a multitude <strong>of</strong> ways, committing themselves to<br />
love God and foster Christian faithfulness, spirituality, commitment,<br />
and devotion. Here is a sampling <strong>of</strong> the work <strong>of</strong> various UCW groups<br />
in <strong>2009</strong>:<br />
Morley Davidson<br />
In West District, Newfoundland and Labrador, Bethany UCW in<br />
Summerside knit blankets for Daffodil Place, a new hostel for cancer<br />
patients and their families.<br />
Wadena UCW in Saskatchewan held its 25th annual motherdaughter<br />
banquet.<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> Women in Montreal and Ottawa Conference studied<br />
the themes “living in empire” and “caring for creation,” learned<br />
about Centre 507 in Ottawa, collected glasses for the Vision Care<br />
Program, and supported Grannies for Africa and Ryan’s Well.<br />
In Bay <strong>of</strong> Quinte, the UCW worked on an Extra Measures Project,<br />
raising money to support training events for UMMON, a women’s<br />
group <strong>of</strong> the Moravian <strong>Church</strong> in Nicaragua.<br />
In Alberta and Northwest Conference, the UCW was involved with<br />
the Child Well Being Initiative.<br />
Across the church, UCW locals held meetings and rallies to boost<br />
support and to discern their purpose and future.<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, the UCW gave $1,896,000 to the Mission and Service Fund<br />
and raised over $13,000,000 for local purposes.<br />
As One That Serves<br />
AOTS is a men’s service club <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> made up <strong>of</strong> 50 clubs and<br />
national and regional <strong>of</strong>fices. It aims to<br />
renew a spirit <strong>of</strong> Christian service in<br />
homes, communities, and the country.<br />
Local, national, and international<br />
initiatives were addressed in <strong>2009</strong>:<br />
a youth-to-camp program, hospital<br />
fund, national scholarship program,<br />
and support for rebuilding a school in<br />
Angola.<br />
In 2010 AOTS will focus on work with<br />
the men’s ministry network and with<br />
youth in the church.<br />
Learn more about men’s and women’s ministries:<br />
www.united-church.ca/allages/adults
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 17<br />
Children Are at the Heart <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong><br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> children are full and welcome participants at the heart <strong>of</strong> each congregation,<br />
bringing ideas and unique talents that can inspire the entire church. Children in General Council<br />
participated in learning, worship, and decision-making. <strong>The</strong>ir experiences will last a lifetime.<br />
From Children in Council<br />
Je suis arrivé à Kelowna le samedi après-midi, au commencement<br />
du 40 e CG. J’étais un peu nerveux, mais les bénévoles ont été très<br />
gentils. Je faisais partie du CINC (Les Enfants au Conseil général)...<br />
J’étais content de me faire de nouveaux amis et de parler avec les<br />
personnes candidates au poste de modérateur.<br />
J’ai appris que Dieu est comme un Potier qui nous a créé et qui<br />
continue à créer. C’était amusant de servir la communion. Je me suis<br />
senti en confiance parce que je suis très impliqué dans mon église à<br />
Wetaskiwin. —Daniel Lumax, Wetaskiwin, Alberta<br />
<strong>The</strong> 40th General Council was a great experience for me! Even<br />
though this was my first time going, I felt as if I belonged there, it’s<br />
my home.<br />
On the first day, I had no idea what was going on, I felt embarrassed<br />
about my colour, and I felt lonely. But, I made many new and great<br />
friends who are supportive, fun loving, creative and compassionate.<br />
<strong>The</strong>y encouraged me to be myself, so I did. I never want to forget<br />
these wonderful people I met. —Anna Kihara, Surrey, B.C.<br />
Youth Inspire at Council<br />
<strong>The</strong> Youth Forum at General Council<br />
inspired the Council to leave a legacy <strong>of</strong><br />
environmental care from that meeting,<br />
raising almost $16,000 to support the<br />
installation <strong>of</strong> solar panels at the <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>’s Naramata Centre in British<br />
Columbia.
18<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Thankful Living,<br />
Joyful Giving<br />
“<strong>The</strong> Moores’ gift<br />
to the work <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> is a<br />
wonderful affirmation<br />
<strong>of</strong> all who have been<br />
a part <strong>of</strong> their spiritual<br />
journey. Paul and<br />
Laura pass their faith<br />
and generosity on to<br />
many others who will<br />
be touched by their<br />
legacy.”<br />
Rev. Heather McLean,<br />
Financial Development Officer<br />
Paul and Laura Moore were lifelong members <strong>of</strong> Norwich<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in southwestern Ontario near Woodstock and ran a<br />
successful seed company in the area. Mr. Moore died in 2003 and<br />
Mrs. Moore in 2007. In their lifetimes they were generous to their<br />
congregation, to the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>, and to the Mission and Service<br />
Fund. <strong>The</strong>y gave <strong>of</strong> their time and their money. When asked about<br />
his generosity to overseas missions, Paul Moore said, “If I can’t go,<br />
then my money should.”<br />
<strong>The</strong> Moores wanted to make a difference, so they listed 51<br />
charitable or religious organizations in their wills. Among those<br />
remembered was the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>. <strong>The</strong> Moores looked beyond<br />
themselves and wanted our church to do the same. On their deaths<br />
they made bequests to their local congregation, the national <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> through the Mission and Service Fund, and for global work<br />
through World Development and Relief. When the estate was settled<br />
in <strong>2009</strong>, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> had received a total <strong>of</strong><br />
$3.1 million.<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, the church received $1.6 million in such gifts from<br />
individuals. Local congregations <strong>of</strong> the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> received<br />
667 estate bequests valued at $16.8 million.<br />
Learn more about legacy giving:<br />
www.united-church.ca/<br />
getinvolved/donate/howto/<br />
planned<br />
Will Power<br />
Never underestimate the power <strong>of</strong> your will. It ensures that your<br />
family is cared for and your wishes are fulfilled. Each year, hundreds<br />
remember <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> in their estate plans—local<br />
congregations, the wider <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> through the Mission and<br />
Service Fund, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Foundation, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> Observer, or a community-based program. Please remember<br />
the church in your estate plans. You can order the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s Will<br />
Workbook or speak to a regional Financial Development Officer at<br />
1-800-268-3781 (or locally 416-231-7680) ext. 2024.
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 19<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
Observer<br />
Marking its 180th anniversary in <strong>2009</strong>, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
Observer is the oldest continuously published magazine and the<br />
most decorated denominational magazine in North America today.<br />
“<strong>The</strong> Observer is everything a denominational magazine should<br />
be,” wrote a judge in awarding <strong>The</strong> Observer top honours in the<br />
Canadian <strong>Church</strong> Press <strong>2009</strong> competition.<br />
<strong>The</strong> Observer is unique among North American church magazines.<br />
Though its editorial outlook reflects the theological values <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>, and most subscribers sit in <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
pews, the magazine operates independently. It sets its own editorial<br />
policies and programs, hires staff, and operates from its own<br />
premises. About 7 percent <strong>of</strong> its funding comes from the Mission<br />
and Service Fund; the rest is self-generated through subscriptions,<br />
advertising, government grants, and <strong>The</strong> Friends <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> Observer<br />
Fund.<br />
<strong>The</strong> magazine’s editorial excellence is tied directly to its<br />
independence. It broadens the scope <strong>of</strong> the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s ministry<br />
by identifying and exploring issues <strong>of</strong> faith, ethics, justice, and living<br />
beyond the church’s traditional borders. Innovative articles such as a<br />
cover story on radical atheism are catching the eye <strong>of</strong> commentators<br />
outside the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>. <strong>The</strong> Observer’s reporting on the <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> provides the perspective readers need to live more faithfully<br />
in an increasingly secular culture.<br />
Visit <strong>The</strong> Observer’s website: www.ucobserver.org<br />
Aujourd’hui Credo<br />
Since 1954, Aujourd’hui Credo has been the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s Frenchlanguage<br />
periodical. <strong>The</strong> only French-language magazine from the Reformed<br />
tradition in North America, Aujourd’hui Credo is the face <strong>of</strong> the <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong>. It covers events and themes with a Christian perspective, and keeps<br />
francophone congregations up to speed on church developments.<br />
Read Aujourd’hui Credo:<br />
www.united-church.ca/fr/sales/magazines/credo
20<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Join Us in Making<br />
a Difference<br />
You can make many different kinds <strong>of</strong> gifts to support the<br />
mission and ministry <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
Give Locally<br />
Most gifts to the church benefit the work<br />
<strong>of</strong> local congregations: worship, programs,<br />
maintenance, and community outreach. <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> people gave about $400,000,000 to<br />
their congregations in <strong>2009</strong>.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Foundation<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Foundation is a<br />
way <strong>of</strong> giving to the future needs <strong>of</strong> our <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> community. Several focus funds,<br />
including Peace & Justice, Faith & Mission,<br />
and Sustaining funds, support worldwide<br />
ministry. In <strong>2009</strong>, donors gave $118,000<br />
for all purposes to the Foundation. <strong>The</strong><br />
Congregational Investment program allows<br />
congregations and ministries to participate in<br />
a pooled investment plan. See pages 24–27<br />
for more about the Foundation’s work.<br />
Support the Mission and Service Fund<br />
<strong>The</strong> Mission and Service Fund finances the ministry and mission that we do together as<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>: our worship life, work for justice and peace, and advocacy<br />
for environmental reforms are just three examples. Through the M&S Fund we respond<br />
to needs in <strong>Canada</strong> and around the world. <strong>The</strong> Mission and Service Fund, totalling<br />
$29,900,000 in <strong>2009</strong>, is the largest contributor to the annual budget <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>.<br />
MISSION AND<br />
SERVICE FUND<br />
<strong>The</strong> Gift <strong>of</strong> Sharing<br />
In Memoriam: Create a lasting remembrance in honour <strong>of</strong> a departed loved one.<br />
In Celebration: Honour a loved one on their special occasion with a gift that makes<br />
a difference.<br />
Support World Development and Relief<br />
World Development and Relief (WDR) is the only<br />
designation within the Mission and Service Fund.<br />
Gifts to WDR support our global budget for work in<br />
development and relief. <strong>The</strong> Mission and Service<br />
Fund augments these gifts to complete our planned<br />
work. In <strong>2009</strong> gifts to WDR totalled $521,000.<br />
Contribute to the Healing Fund<br />
<strong>The</strong> Healing Fund was originally established as a<br />
fundraising and educational campaign to address<br />
the impacts <strong>of</strong> residential schools on Aboriginal<br />
people. It now continues as one facet <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s ongoing reconciliation work with<br />
Aboriginal people.<br />
Learn how to give: www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/donate
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 21<br />
Give for Emergency Response<br />
In the event <strong>of</strong> a major disaster, the church can issue an emergency response appeal for extra donations.<br />
All administrative costs for such gifts are covered by the Mission and Service Fund. A small portion (15%)<br />
<strong>of</strong> emergency donations is retained to replenish the Emergency Response Fund (see pages 14–15).<br />
When You Are Ready<br />
to Make a Gift<br />
• Give to your local <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> congregation. Many<br />
congregations have their own websites that outline<br />
opportunities for support and ways to give.<br />
• Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) allows you to support your<br />
church through an automatic monthly withdrawal from your<br />
bank account. Speak to the PAR treasurer in your congregation.<br />
• Give directly to <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>:<br />
Online at www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/donate<br />
By telephone at<br />
1-800-268-3781 ext. 2026 or<br />
locally 416-231-7680 ext. 2026<br />
Legacy Giving<br />
Gifts for future ministries<br />
<strong>of</strong> the church can be made<br />
through legacies. You may<br />
designate your estate gift<br />
to any aspect <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>—for<br />
example, the Mission and<br />
Service Fund, your local<br />
congregation, a local mission<br />
unit, a <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> camp,<br />
a theological college, <strong>The</strong><br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Archives, or <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Foundation.<br />
Christmas Gift: Give someone a gift that keeps on giving.<br />
M&S labels: Make a donation and send friends a page <strong>of</strong> return address labels.<br />
Or purchase them for your own use on correspondence, books, or belongings.<br />
By mail to: Direct Giving Program<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300<br />
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4<br />
• Give a gift in your will. Each year <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> receives many gifts from the estates <strong>of</strong><br />
faithful donors. Call 1-800-268-3781 (or locally 416-231-7680) ext. 2024 to speak to a regional Financial<br />
Development Officer.<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> is pr<strong>of</strong>oundly grateful to all those who give to support the mission and ministry<br />
<strong>of</strong> Christ’s church.<br />
Charitable number: 10810 2435 RR0003
22<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> National Accounts <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> Financial Position as at December 31, <strong>2009</strong><br />
(amounts in thousands)<br />
General Trust and Property and<br />
Operating Endowment Annuity Building <strong>2009</strong> 2008<br />
Funds Funds Funds Funds Total Total<br />
Assets<br />
Current<br />
Cash $ 8,960 $ – $ – $ – $ 8,960 $ 7,949<br />
Accounts receivable 5,286 – 93 98 5,477 12,951<br />
Inventory 590 – – – 590 674<br />
Other 375 – – – 375 427<br />
15,211 – 93 98 15,402 22,001<br />
Investments 53,614 25,679 17,406 20,495 117,194 107,469<br />
Capital loans – – – 6,373 6,373 8,751<br />
Capital assets – – – 2,796 2,796 2,860<br />
$ 68,825 $ 25,679 $ 17,499 $ 29,762 $ 141,765 $ 141,081<br />
Liabilities and<br />
fund balances<br />
Current<br />
Accounts payable<br />
and accrued<br />
liabilities $ 3,038 – $ 168 $ 70 $ 3,276 $ 5,387<br />
Payable to external<br />
beneficiaries – – 6,409 – 6,409 6,871<br />
Deferred lease inducement 2,688 – – – 2,688 2,901<br />
Fund balances 63,099 25,679 10,922 29,692 129,392 125,922<br />
$ 68,825 $ 25,679 $ 17,499 $ 29,762 $ 141,765 $ 141,081<br />
Audited statements are available on request.
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 23<br />
<strong>The</strong> National Accounts <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Statement <strong>of</strong> Operations for the Year Ended December 31, <strong>2009</strong><br />
(amounts in thousands)<br />
General Trust and Property and<br />
Operating Endowment Annuity Building <strong>2009</strong> 2008<br />
Funds Funds Funds Funds Total Total<br />
Revenues<br />
Contributions to the Mission<br />
and Service Fund<br />
Congregations $ 27,028 $ – $ – $ – $ 27,028 $ 27,691<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> Women 1,896 – – – 1,896 2,011<br />
Investment income 3,648 1,969 1,061 1,538 8,216 3,999<br />
Retail sales 2,259 19 – – 2,278 2,563<br />
Group insurance premiums 18,285 – – – 18,285 19,062<br />
Annuities – – 512 – 512 585<br />
Legacies 1,303 293 – 7 1,603 5,957<br />
Recovery <strong>of</strong><br />
administrative costs 2,908 – – – 2,908 2,651<br />
Donations 770 228 – – 998 1,781<br />
Other revenue 3,458 – – 23 3,481 7,216<br />
Total revenues 61,555 2,509 1,573 1,568 67,205 73,516<br />
Expenses<br />
Grants 20,237 1,451 – 423 22,111 23,011<br />
Staff costs 15,646 73 – – 15,719 14,668<br />
Group insurance payments 16,226 – – – 16,226 17,754<br />
Resources 3,138 10 – – 3,148 3,711<br />
Travel and meeting 3,654 41 – – 3,695 2,675<br />
Office 3,170 5 – 614 3,789 3,606<br />
Annuities – – 1,895 – 1,895 2,333<br />
Pr<strong>of</strong>essional fees 3,226 2 – 2 3,230 3,181<br />
Property and<br />
insurance 708 – – 13 721 1,019<br />
Investment expenses 371 26 13 – 410 396<br />
Other – – – 2,700 2,700 –<br />
Total expenses 66,376 1,608 1,908 3,752 73,644 72,354<br />
Surplus (deficit) before unrealized losses (4,821) 901 (335) (2,184) (6,439) 1,162<br />
Unrealized losses as a result <strong>of</strong><br />
an other than temporary<br />
impairment – – – – – (12,200)<br />
Surplus (deficit) $ (4,821) $ 901 $ (335) $ (2,184) $ (6,439) $ (11,038)
24<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> Foundation<br />
Fondation de l’Église Unie du <strong>Canada</strong><br />
“Endowed by the Generous,<br />
Enduring for Generations,<br />
Enabling God’s Mission”<br />
<strong>The</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Directors <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Foundation is pleased to present this report <strong>of</strong> its activity in <strong>2009</strong> as<br />
part <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>’s <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong>. <strong>The</strong> purpose<br />
<strong>of</strong> the Foundation is captured by the mission statement above. We<br />
seek to enable God’s mission now and into the future in a number<br />
<strong>of</strong> ways:<br />
• through personal endowment funds where donors set up an<br />
endowment to support ministries, mission activities, and other<br />
charitable acts that are important to them (a minimum <strong>of</strong><br />
$50,000 must be established over time for such endowments)<br />
• through the Mission Focus Funds established by the Foundation<br />
to enable a variety <strong>of</strong> ministry activities through Seeds<br />
<strong>of</strong> Hope grants<br />
• through the Congregational Investment Program, which allows<br />
congregations to have reserve funds managed through the<br />
Foundation with Fiera Capital, the Foundation’s Fund Manager<br />
• through individual gift funds that allow people to give a<br />
special gift (cash, securities, or other immediate gifts) to a<br />
congregation, outreach ministry, or mission partner<br />
Explore how you can participate in the Foundation’s<br />
programs: www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca<br />
Staff at the Foundation work within the<br />
Financial Stewardship Unit <strong>of</strong> <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>. <strong>The</strong> Acting President<br />
since July 1, <strong>2009</strong>, is Bill Steadman,<br />
also the Executive Minister <strong>of</strong> Financial<br />
Stewardship. He took over that role from<br />
Gary Magarrell. In <strong>2009</strong> Sarah Charters<br />
was the Donor Relations Manager until<br />
the end <strong>of</strong> July. Since then Jason Novelli<br />
and later Jamie Wilder have filled the role<br />
during Sarah’s maternity leave.<br />
Regional contact with donors primarily<br />
occurs through the Financial Development<br />
Officers <strong>of</strong> the church, under the leadership<br />
<strong>of</strong> Doug Flanders, Director <strong>of</strong> Major<br />
and Planned Gifts (1-800-268-3781 ext.<br />
2027, or dflander@united-church.ca).<br />
<strong>The</strong>y are, by Conference region:<br />
Jane Harding, British Columbia<br />
(jharding@united-church.ca)<br />
Kathryn H<strong>of</strong>ley, Alberta & Northwest,<br />
Saskatchewan, Manitoba &<br />
Northwestern Ontario<br />
(kh<strong>of</strong>ley@united-church.ca)<br />
Heather McLean (to June 30, <strong>2009</strong>),<br />
London, Hamilton<br />
Lisa Di Veto (since August <strong>2009</strong>), London,<br />
Hamilton (ldiveto@united-church.ca)<br />
Deb Hopper, Toronto<br />
(dhopper@united-church.ca)<br />
Keith Stam, Bay <strong>of</strong> Quinte, Manitou<br />
(kstam@united-church.ca)<br />
Paul Sales, Montreal & Ottawa<br />
(psales@united-church.ca)<br />
Pam Harrison, Maritime, Newfoundland<br />
& Labrador (pharriso@united-church.ca)
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 25<br />
Montreal City Mission<br />
Every Kid Choir after the<br />
Dead Man’s Bones show.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> Gift<br />
Fund Activity<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> donors: 90<br />
Every Kid Choir<br />
Nobody could have predicted the great partnership that would<br />
blossom when Montreal City Mission (MCM) moved into St. James<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> in 2005. In an effort to bring both ministries closer<br />
together, they started the Every Kid Choir, blending MCM’s expertise<br />
in reaching out to vulnerable refugee and immigrant populations<br />
with St. James <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s exceptional music program.<br />
Since that time, children from different cultures, faiths, and social<br />
backgrounds have come together to sing songs that speak <strong>of</strong> hope<br />
and love. Before they knew it, the Every Kid Choir was performing at<br />
important social justice events throughout Montreal; it has come to<br />
embody hope for the biblical vision <strong>of</strong> peace and justice.<br />
In 2010 Montreal City Mission is celebrating 100 years <strong>of</strong> “Justice<br />
in the city—Un Montréal pour tous.” <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Foundation was pleased to make Every Kid Choir a <strong>2009</strong> Seeds <strong>of</strong><br />
Hope grant recipient.<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> beneficiaries: 142<br />
Total received: $823,777<br />
Total disbursed: $744,934<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> Investment<br />
Program Activity<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> clients: 76<br />
Total number <strong>of</strong> accounts: 83<br />
Dollars under investment: $17,061,004<br />
Donors to the Foundation<br />
Number <strong>of</strong> donors<br />
to the Foundation<br />
in all programs: 146
26<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
Seeds <strong>of</strong> Hope<br />
As <strong>of</strong> July 1, <strong>2009</strong>, the Foundation entered into a new relationship with <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>. Part <strong>of</strong> that<br />
agreement was the establishment <strong>of</strong> a Joint Grants Committee to oversee the allocation <strong>of</strong> funds from the Foundation<br />
endowment funds and the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s trusts and endowment funds. <strong>The</strong> grants made in <strong>2009</strong> are below. As both<br />
parties move into this agreement, more grants will be available year by year.<br />
<strong>2009</strong> Seeds <strong>of</strong> Hope Grant Recipients<br />
Grant Recipient Project Name Project Description Grant<br />
Amount<br />
Brunswick Street<br />
Mission, Halifax,<br />
Nova Scotia<br />
Saint Columba<br />
House, Point Saint<br />
Charles, Quebec<br />
Out <strong>of</strong> the Cold<br />
Emergency Winter<br />
Shelter<br />
Sexual &<br />
Reproductive<br />
Health Awareness<br />
Day Conference<br />
A “shelter <strong>of</strong> last resort” providing<br />
15 beds and a sustained response<br />
to homelessness, poverty, and<br />
marginalization, November–April.<br />
Community-wide education with a<br />
special focus on youth and parents,<br />
inviting 14- to 19-year-olds to<br />
submit safer sex messages as<br />
posters, videos, song, or art.<br />
Source <strong>of</strong> Funding<br />
$9,000 $1,000 – Peace &<br />
Justice Fund<br />
$8,000 – Living Spirit<br />
Fund<br />
$2,400 $2,400 – Peace &<br />
Justice Fund<br />
Wesley Urban<br />
Ministries, Hamilton,<br />
Ontario<br />
Wesley Youth<br />
Housing Program<br />
Aiming to move street-involved or<br />
homeless youth to safe, affordable<br />
housing and to train them with<br />
skills for independence and selfsufficiency.<br />
$7,500 $5,000 – Davey<br />
Family Fund<br />
$2,500 – John<br />
Abraham Fund<br />
Montreal City<br />
Mission, Montreal,<br />
Quebec<br />
Every Kid Choir<br />
Drawing together children from<br />
diverse backgrounds to sing<br />
songs <strong>of</strong> peace and praise, the<br />
choir hopes to broaden children’s<br />
acceptance <strong>of</strong> difference and be<br />
a visible symbol <strong>of</strong> intercultural<br />
peace.<br />
$5,000 $4,600 – Brian &<br />
Belva Piercy Fund<br />
$400 – Peace &<br />
Justice Fund<br />
Carlington<br />
Community<br />
Chaplaincy, Ottawa,<br />
Ontario<br />
Mentoring Moves<br />
Mountains<br />
Training volunteers who provide<br />
one-on-one mentoring for adults<br />
living in a multicultural, multi-faith<br />
social housing community who<br />
request to participate.<br />
$8,800 $8,800 – Living Spirit<br />
Fund<br />
Sparrow Lake<br />
<strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
Camp, Alliston,<br />
Ontario<br />
Leaders-in-Training<br />
Building<br />
Helping build a dormitory and<br />
meeting space for 24 Leaders-in-<br />
Training and two staff in time for<br />
the camp’s 100-year anniversary.<br />
$10,000 $9,900 – Living Spirit<br />
Fund<br />
$100 – Davey Family<br />
Fund
<strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> 20 | 09 27<br />
Foundation Financial Summary<br />
BALANCE SHEET <strong>2009</strong> 2008<br />
Assets<br />
Investments $ 2,015,040 $ 1,787,692<br />
Cash 372,238 355,841<br />
Accounts &<br />
contributions receivable 48,274 55,333<br />
Prepaid expenses 2,225 1,959<br />
Capital assets – 384<br />
Total assets $ 2,437,777 $ 2,201,209<br />
Liabilities<br />
Accounts payable &<br />
accrued charges $ 307,637 $ 366,393<br />
Fund balances<br />
Operating fund 111,461 45,862<br />
Gift funds 3,639 878<br />
Endowment funds 2,015,040 1,787,692<br />
Capital fund – 384<br />
Total, liabilities & fund balances $ 2,437,777 $ 2,201,209<br />
ENDOWMENT REVENUES<br />
Donations to endowment funds $ 122,368 $ 420,120<br />
Investment income 42,274 76,347<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Canada</strong> Foundation<br />
Board <strong>of</strong> Directors<br />
Marion Best<br />
Fred Braman, Chair<br />
Bruce Cook<br />
Kay de la Ronde, Secretary Treasurer<br />
John Durfey<br />
Doug Einarson<br />
Peter Harder<br />
Jon Jessiman<br />
Amber Ing<br />
Tim O’Neill<br />
Barbara Rafuse<br />
Rob Richards<br />
Nora Sanders<br />
Total endowment revenues $ 164,642 $ 496,467<br />
GIFT FUND REVENUES<br />
Gift Fund donations $ 827,568 $ 1,630,123<br />
GRANTING ACTIVITIES<br />
Seeds <strong>of</strong> Hope grants $ 48,100 $ 74,550<br />
Gift Fund grants 824,310 1,623,477<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> total $ 872,410 $ 1,698,027<br />
Total grants since inception $ 5,173,135 $ 4,300,725<br />
OPERATING ACTIVITIES<br />
Operating donations $ – $ 3,400<br />
Sustaining grant from<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> 145,000 290,000<br />
Investment income & fees 162,817 164,432<br />
Total operating revenues $ 307,817 $ 457,832<br />
Salaries & benefits $ 106,502 $ 157,405<br />
Fund development &<br />
investment programs 82,717 133,071<br />
Administrative expenses 94,725 84,908<br />
Total operating expenses $ 283,944 $ 375,384<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Canada</strong> Foundation/<br />
Fondation de l’Église<br />
Unie du <strong>Canada</strong><br />
www.unitedchurchfoundation.ca<br />
fdn@united-church.ca<br />
416-231-7680 ext. 3410<br />
1-866-340-8223<br />
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300<br />
Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4<br />
Charitable number<br />
863109021 RR0001<br />
Audited statements are available on request.
28<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>2009</strong>–2012 Executive<br />
<strong>of</strong> the General Council<br />
As <strong>of</strong> December 31, <strong>2009</strong><br />
Mardi Tindal<br />
Nora Sanders<br />
David Giuliano<br />
Claude Hender<br />
Florence Sanna<br />
Shirley Cleave<br />
David Hewitt<br />
Brian Cornelius<br />
Charlotte Griffith<br />
Bruce Hutchinson<br />
John H. Young<br />
Barbara White<br />
Lynella Reid-James<br />
Lewis C<strong>of</strong>fman<br />
Thom Davies<br />
Sharon Willis-Whitwell<br />
Charles McMillan<br />
Cynthia Désilets<br />
Bill Rogers<br />
Betty Kelly<br />
barb janes<br />
Linsell Hurd<br />
Bev Kostichuk<br />
Louise Rogers<br />
Armand Houle<br />
Heather Burton<br />
Alvin Dixon<br />
Allan C. Sinclair<br />
Donna Kennedy<br />
Amber Ing<br />
Emmanuel Ofori<br />
Nicole Beaudry<br />
Darla Sloan<br />
Ted Kostecki<br />
Sheryl Johnson<br />
Colin Phillips<br />
Mary Royal<br />
Donald Hunter<br />
Paul Stott<br />
Tracy Murton<br />
Christine Williams<br />
Carmen Lansdowne<br />
Ray Jones<br />
Jim White<br />
John Thompson<br />
To be determined<br />
To be determined<br />
To be determined<br />
Arlyce Schiebout<br />
Stéphane Vermette<br />
Moderator<br />
General Secretary<br />
Immediate Past Moderator<br />
Newfoundland and Labrador<br />
Newfoundland and Labrador<br />
Maritime<br />
Maritime<br />
Montreal and Ottawa<br />
Montreal and Ottawa<br />
Bay <strong>of</strong> Quinte<br />
Bay <strong>of</strong> Quinte<br />
Toronto<br />
Toronto<br />
Hamilton<br />
Hamilton<br />
London<br />
London<br />
Manitou<br />
Manitou<br />
Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario<br />
Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario<br />
Saskatchewan<br />
Saskatchewan<br />
Alberta and Northwest<br />
Alberta and Northwest<br />
British Columbia<br />
British Columbia<br />
All Native Circle<br />
All Native Circle<br />
Ethnic Ministries Constituent<br />
Ethnic Ministries Constituent<br />
Francophone Constituent<br />
Francophone Constituent<br />
Member at Large<br />
Member at Large<br />
Member at Large—Youth and Young Adult<br />
Member at Large—Youth and Young Adult<br />
Permanent Committee—Finance<br />
Permanent Committee—Governance and Agenda<br />
Permanent Committee—Ministry and Employment<br />
Policies and Services<br />
Permanent Committee—Programs for Mission<br />
and Ministry<br />
Representative to the World Council <strong>of</strong> <strong>Church</strong>es<br />
Central Committee<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
Aboriginal Ministries Council<br />
<strong>The</strong>ology and Inter-<strong>Church</strong> Inter-Faith Committee<br />
General Council Planning Committee<br />
<strong>The</strong> Executive also has corresponding<br />
members representing the national <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> Women, <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
Observer, and our global partners.
Remember,<br />
Renew,<br />
Rejoice!<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong> is<br />
85 years strong in 2010.<br />
Learn all about our history, our beliefs, and<br />
our ministry: www.united-church.ca<br />
Join the discussion at WonderCafe:<br />
www.wondercafe.ca<br />
View the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> channel on YouTube:<br />
www.youtube.com/unitedchurch<strong>of</strong>canada<br />
Also, explore websites maintained by many<br />
<strong>of</strong> our local congregations and community<br />
ministries.<br />
<strong>The</strong> following priorities guided <strong>United</strong><br />
<strong>Church</strong> work in <strong>2009</strong>:<br />
<strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong>/L’Église Unie du <strong>Canada</strong> 2010<br />
3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4<br />
1-800-268-3781 www.united-church.ca<br />
Writer: Julie Kinkaid<br />
Design: Carina Cruz Domingues<br />
All biblical quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible,<br />
copyright © 1989 National Council <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Church</strong>es <strong>of</strong> Christ in the <strong>United</strong><br />
States <strong>of</strong> America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.<br />
Textes bibliques en français tirés de La Bible en français courant révisée ©<br />
Société biblique française, 1997. Avec autorisation.<br />
Front cover images and pottery images throughout: Design Pics<br />
Uncredited photos: <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Canada</strong><br />
For copies <strong>of</strong> this annual report, visit www.UCRDstore.ca.<br />
La version française complète de ce rapport annuel est disponible en<br />
ligne au www.united-church.ca.<br />
• deepening our experience <strong>of</strong> intentional<br />
and authentic communities; stretching<br />
beyond the familiar expressions and<br />
concerns <strong>of</strong> our church, with particular<br />
commitment to youth and young adult<br />
ministry, an intercultural church, and<br />
living with respect in creation<br />
• supporting and developing<br />
congregational ministries<br />
• supporting and empowering ministry<br />
personnel<br />
• addressing the church’s brokenness in<br />
the relationships with Aboriginal peoples<br />
and moving toward healing and building<br />
right relations<br />
For comments on this annual report or story<br />
suggestions for future reports, please e-mail<br />
giving@united-church.ca.<br />
090287
2008–<strong>2009</strong><br />
Bringing you up to date<br />
A Christian Response to Hunger<br />
Last year we reported on our partnership with<br />
Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB). In <strong>2009</strong>, CFGB<br />
extended food relief in Kenya after the spring<br />
drought and distributed seeds and tools in Haiti<br />
after a hurricane in the fall. Prior to the UN climate<br />
change summit in Copenhagen, CFGB prepared a<br />
brief for the federal Finance Minister on helping<br />
vulnerable communities adapt to climate change.<br />
Emerging Spirit<br />
In <strong>2009</strong>, the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong>’s 40th General Council<br />
directed the Executive to find ways and means<br />
to preserve the WonderCafe website; to consult<br />
across the church about applying what we learned<br />
from Emerging Spirit; to invite the Emerging<br />
Spirit leadership team to provide consultation;<br />
and to incorporate emerging church principles to<br />
leadership development, needs assessment, search<br />
practices, and curriculum development.<br />
Wendy Galloway<br />
Design Pics<br />
Alex Neve<br />
<strong>The</strong> Values <strong>of</strong> Rural Ministry<br />
In the 2008 <strong>Annual</strong> <strong>Report</strong> you read about a trust<br />
fund supporting rural ministry. Both Anne McGrath<br />
and Leigh Sinclair were encouraged to reapply for<br />
the <strong>2009</strong> Clifford Elliott rural ministry award, and<br />
each received the award for a second and final year<br />
<strong>of</strong> study.<br />
Training Our Future Leaders<br />
In 2008 we told you about our connections with<br />
Future Quest, a summer experience for youth held<br />
at Queen’s theological school in Kingston, Ontario.<br />
Thanks to support from <strong>The</strong> <strong>United</strong> <strong>Church</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Canada</strong> Foundation, a Future Quest winter reunion<br />
encouraged participants to stay connected and to<br />
continue their interest in community, theology, and<br />
leadership.<br />
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