21st November, 2013
Present: Lesley Harris, Nigel Cox, Dave Shantz, Dianne Biggar, Dyanna Lewis (by invitation), Ed Lewis, Neil Denison, Bryan Hunt, Dan Coverdale, Gillian Fernie (admin).
- Neil leads reflection on 2 Timothy. Storing up treasures in heaven.
- Rector’s report. (phoned in – RD has the flu). ANiC response to the practice of borrowing from a restricted fund. Do we need to pay interest on funds borrowed from the building fund to meet a current operating shortfall? According to ANiC’s chartered accountant, it is not necessary or required. There is also no requirement to repay by the end of the fiscal year but it must be accounted for and a plan for repayment in place.
- Small Group begun at RD’s. 12 people. Much discussion about how to reach out into Alton Village. Annual Christmas Carols in the park suggested sometime in mid-December. Hot chocolate and song sheets for all attendees. More details to follow.
- Scripture Union challenge- E100. This program outlines the essential 100 Bible passages, 50 from OT, 50 from NT. It can be undertaken over 20 weeks or longer and can be done by individuals, small groups or whole churches. There are Bible reading guides, discussion guides, sermon outlines available. Could be started as early as January 1st, 2014. PC feels it is important that RD needs to say implicitly that Scripture reading is important, indeed essential to the life of a Christian and that it is an expectation that our congregation will be in the Word. Suggested that we make Scripture THE priority and focus of 2014. Need to intentionally disciple people in this. Do we need to run Alpha first? It was felt that we need to gear up for this now and not wait for the new building. PC heartily endorses the use of E100 and recommends that RD run with it.
- Electronic Synod. Worked very well. Votes were unanimous.
- Reach Up. Evensong December 1st, 22nd Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve 4 pm and 9 pm, Christmas Day 9 am.
- Building Update. Plans have been signed for tendering process. Working on building permit. Should be issued soon.
- Reach Out – no report
- Reach in. Bible-in-a-Day. 37 registered so far. Disappointing considering the emphasis placed on attendance by church leadership.
- Youth – no report
- Executive Council. Canada Helps reporting a problem again in givings letters but letters have been successful in prompting discussion around giving. Need to follow up on the tithing video series.
- Financials. Still in a deficit situation, currently $37,369.
Next Parish Council Meeting is Thursday, 12th December, 2013 at 7:30 pm
