Annual Report 2010
Report from the Chair of the Board
As I write this, there is snow on the ground, but the recent cold snap is loosening its grip and the days are getting noticeably longer. Spring is only a few weeks away! I have been very grateful, as always, to have our warm church community to sustain me through the darker months. We have all benefited from the many opportunities that have come our way to worship together, especially with the beautiful Christmas services, and for the ample opportunities to have fun together in social activities as well, be it the curling in November, the Mamma Mia Sing-a-long in January, or the recent skating in February. Many thanks to all whom contributed to making the greyest months more colourful.
2010 was the year of Northlea’s 60th Anniversary and we had many opportunities to come together and celebrate our Church community. Some highlights include the Gala Dinner and Dance in April and a night of Curling. We also gathered pictures for a Book of Memories, which will be available shortly and a new Church Photo Directory was produced.
Inspired by our expected budget shortfall last year (fortunately, thanks to you, we did not in fact have a shortfall in the end), there have been a number of fundraising initiatives since our last general meeting, and our focus has been as much on fun-raising as the financial aspects. These events have had a cumulative effect in both raising money and in building relationships within our church community and within the neighbourhood.
In addition to the above -mentioned activities, we have had family events such as the 60th Anniversary Bowling Party, the Outdoor Picnic, and a visit from Alistair Ant. A very big thanks you to Robyn Dodge and the rest of the Ministry with Children and Youth for spearheading these welcome events. (They also were the skating coordinators.) Marc McNamara's concert, Euchre nights, the Welcome Back Barbecue, and Showtime have all been a great success as well. In addition, we have supported the Salvation Army for a second year with Caroling in the Pines. Many of these special events have been coordinated by our Congregational Life committee. There seems to have been something for everyone in our offerings.
In addition to fundraisers, there have been other ongoing efforts to reach out to the community, through our Taizé services, outreach projects, and our children's musicals that Marc has made open to children from the community. As you read the various committees’ reports, details about these and other activities will be shared in more detail.
All of the committees have thoughtfully and responsibly carried out their duties this year. As you read their reports, it is impressive to see how such a small band of volunteers can produce so much! I wish to thank each and every contributor to the committee work. Many hands make light the work. In April, we will have our annual Time and Talent campaign to ensure that we have people to carry out our plans for the new church year starting in June. It is not too early to be thinking about how you might wish to get involved. For example, the enticing role of Chair of the Board will become available this June!
Beyond the committee work, there are so many of you who volunteer regularly to do all of the many weekly duties, such as participating in worship services and providing the refreshments for our popular fellowship hour following the services. Thanks to all who contribute in this way.
Bob Atkinson, our treasurer, has worked with the finance committee on this year's budget. As usual, it has been a time consuming task, and Bob has been working with the committees to come up with a responsible budget and work within our means to achieve our visions. It is no mean task. I wish to thank, not only Bob and the finance committee, but also the committee chairs who returned to their respective committees after making their first budget submissions and did their best to trim their budgets to reduce the expected budget shortfall. Fundraising initiatives will continue.
We are blessed at Northlea by the worship leadership and spiritual ministry of Jim McKnight, by the musical ministry of Marc McNamara, by the building management of Robert Pringle, and, keeping us all on track in so many ways, our secretary Barb Ferguson. All of our staff members work hard at coordinating their efforts to sustain the mission of our church, and I wish to thank them all on your behalf for their dedication and commitment.
We are a busy group of people, with many responsibilities in our lives. Sometimes we sign on for various tasks at church out of a sense of duty, but end up fulfilling our tasks with joy and energy because of the spirit of this place. May God be with us all as we continue our spiritual journey together this year.
Respectfully submitted by:
Carol Anne Armstrong,
Chair of the Board
You can request a copy of Northlea's Annual Report by contacting the Church Office.
- Minister's Report
- Treasurer's Report
- Committee Reports
- Congregational Life Committee
- Ministry and Personnel
- Ministry with Children and Youth
- Outreach Committee
- Pastoral Care Committee
- Property Committee Report
- Toronto Southeast Presbytery
- The Board of Trustees
- United Church Women of Northlea
- Worship and Music
- Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday, February 28, 2010 Minutes
- Committee and Board Representation for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011
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