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John Black Memorial United Church

Annual Report 2011

www.johnblackunited.com

898 Henderson Hwy., Winnipeg MB R2K 3T4 p:661-2579 f:661-2581 e:[email protected]

http://www.johnblackunited.com/

John Black Memorial United Church Annual Report 2011


Church Staff 2011 Ministry Team

Heather Sandilands Bill Corkum Dawn Ballantine-Dickson

Church Administrators June Kuznick Tracey Kenning-Needham Vicki McLarty

Music Directors Ashley Boychuk Helen Suh

Accompanist Elena Levina

Custodian Lily Howard

Table of Contents

A word from Dawn .................................. 3 A word from Bill ...................................... 4 A word from Heather .............................. 5 Chair of LT ............................................. 6 A New Creed .......................................... 7 Leadership Team 2011 .......................... 8 Ministry and Personnel ........................... 8 Choir ...................................................... 9 Board of Trustees ................................. 10 Pastoral Care ....................................... 10 Sunday School ..................................... 11 House Group Facilitators IG ................. 12 Worship IG ........................................... 13 Mission, Outreach & Peace IG ............. 14 Breakfast Program IG........................... 15 West Broadway IG ............................... 15 Friendship of Women Dinner ................ 16 Fundraising .......................................... 17 John Black Foundation ......................... 18 Statistics 2011 ...................................... 19 March 13 AGM ..................................... 21

April 10 congregational meeting……….22 Treasurer’s report……..……………...…24

A word from Dawn Ballantine-Dickson

What an interesting, dynamic place this is. Place is a noun, yet

somehow I think of John Black Memorial as a verb. I am

delighted to always be asking “What are you”—oops, “What

are we doing now?”

I have been here in active ministry for almost six months.

Forget getting my feet wet; there are days I have felt hip waders

would be more helpful than rubber boots. Whenever I have felt

that way there has always been someone to turn to before I got

in over my head. You will know who you are by the number of

emails sent and calls that you got from me, particularly the first

three months. Thank you.

I have been also blessed by the skill of our administrative

assistant Vicki McLarty, who reminds me of upcoming events,

welcomes the stranger, does a fine job of the bulletin and

PowerPoint, assists the treasurer, and makes us all feel at home.

I have been welcomed in your homes, at your interest groups

and your house groups, supported and guided in worship by the

Worship Interest Group, the choir and members of the

congregation whose comments act as a mirror and challenge me

to do things in ways new to me. As I have never worked with a

pastoral care team before, it has been a joy sharing the

responsibility for visiting and being made aware of

congregation cares and concerns. This church needs to be

commended for its continual reaching out to the community

(please see the Outreach report); what a gift you are to the

people of God.

As the only ministry staff person during this time I have needed

to set priorities each day. It has been a good discipline trying to

balance what I want to do and only beginning what I can

possibly accomplish, which often is to motivate and advise

others in their lay ministries. The important part of work that I

have not done is Christian Education. Meeting with the teachers

opened my eyes to the high degree of caring the teachers have

for the children and the frustration of not having adequate

direction. Hopefully by the time this report is out we will have

hired a person to work with these folks, setting out a program

and helping them strengthen the skills they now possess.

Thanks to all the folks that made the family room a reality. We

are looking forward to having it as a safe place for toddlers to

run and play under the care of a child care worker while parents

attend the worship service. Once we have these things in place,

then we will be able to welcome people here as a family-

friendly place.

(Continued on page 4)


A word from Dawn Ballantine-Dickson (Continued from page 3)

As vitally important as child and youth ministry is, our demographic in this neighbourhood demands that we

address both the young and elderly, and all those sandwiched in between often having responsibility to both.

We are taking a good look at the number and needs of the people who are home-bound or in care facilities,

and asking how we can best bring them the Good News. Often this takes the form of telling them that they

are not forgotten by way of a phone call or visit from the Pastoral Care Interest Group, or less often by me, or

to ensure that those who are able to come to worship can get a ride. Acknowledging the shared worship

services already held at Concordia Place and Bethania, we need to continue to ask how the worshipping

community may go to the others.

Unseen to the worshippers at John Black is the work and study I do outside my responsibilities here. As a

member of Presbytery accountable ministry, I need to spend part of my time helping in the larger church. I

attend the Winnipeg Presbytery meetings with our Presbytery delegates monthly, and I chose to serve as

board chair-elect of our prairie theological college, St. Andrews in Saskatoon. I am at the college for three

week days, three times a year and all my expenses are paid by the college. I am very excited about how

theological studies are changing and how we are sharing resources with other local colleges, and making

connections with colleges overseas. As for continuing education, I did not take any in 2011, but will do so in

2012.

John Black Memorial United Church is far more than a building. You are the people of God, working and

worshipping together, and reaching out to others. I look forward to dreaming, discerning and disciple-ing

with you in the next years. May God continue to bless us and make us a blessing to others.

Amen,

Dawn Ballantine-Dickson

A word from Bill Corkum (January-June 2011)

Holy smokes! A report is a tough job to prepare, especially when my Day Planner from last year remains

buried or hidden or stored away in some box among numerous other boxes. So this “report” is likely to be

more of musings or ramblings. Are you ready for that?

It’s not tough at all for me to say thank you to all the members of John Black Memorial, because I had a

great six months, the first half of 2011 in your midst, as well the six prior months. And your retirement party

for me in June was unforgettable; even my pet lobster thinks so, especially when he’s invited to sing.

I would also say thank you to Heather Sandilands, who made whatever adjustments to her usual state of

being that were required to carry out team work with me, within the congregation. She’ll probably never be

quite the same again.

Among my delights were the noon-time Everyday God book study group; the Supper and Study Group on

The Last Week; and participating in a tiny part of the work for your Market Day; and other times of sharing,

working and learning with participants, and hard-working volunteers. I got a boot out of receiving so much

feedback to the Faith Basics Sermon Series, “Rebooting our Faith” during Lent. I am appreciative to all who

were helpful in preparing the PowerPoint presentations for the screen, and hopefully enlivening the worship

experience. And the pie-making group…what a group to welcome a non-pie-manufacturer into their pie

preparation days!

I am still waiting for the news report that you have installed a “motion detector” for the Chancel area

between the pulpit and the choir seating area to alert Dawn or anyone else at the pulpit of the approach of the

“sneaky announcer.” It might just save some heart palpitations for Dawn, although maybe she has a stronger

heart for surprises. Let me know if you’re having a fundraiser for such a detector; I might make more

chowder and have the pet lobster sing.


I hope that my efforts and gifts were a good match for so many of the people of the congregation, so that

even more good, faithful, joyful “groundwork” was done to prepare the way for shared ministry between

Dawn B-D and John Black folks.

Keep the faith. Share the delight of the Gospel.

God Bless,

Bill Corkum

A word from Heather Sandilands (January-June 2011)

I am grateful for the time that I spent at John Black Memorial. I learned much about myself, and about

sharing with younger generations, what is life-giving, what is good news, about Christ’s way of living. I

appreciated the friendship, the affirmation of my ministry among you, the opportunities to learn together and

to support and empower people to take on the tasks they had an interest in.

In those last six months, I had to focus, and chose to spend my time on three primary areas: the Sunday

morning children’s program, encouraging the development of relationships with young families, and

exploring effective ways of communicating with folks who aren’t regular Sunday morning attenders.

For the children’s program I offered resources to teachers, and encouraged them to trust themselves enough

to interpret for themselves the Bible stories they were sharing. We had a workshop of creating pieces for our

Godly Play set. (Thank you men and woman, who brought jigsaw table saws and sanded and coloured!) With

the teachers, we found a way to divide the administrative pieces of work without overwhelming one person,

especially maintaining the required files of police record checks and volunteer applications in a way that is

both accessible and confidential. (These are required by the liability insurance carrier.)

I was very excited to be working with Bill Corkum and Jim and Heather Stephens to renew the children’s

space as a story-time room. The hope is that this space—with a mural of the Galilean countryside—will help

everyone feel like they are right in the middle of the biblical stories!

I loved, and felt honoured by, building relationships with families. The reflections we shared (both in the

home and in the revamped “Baptismal Seminar”) about how God, Spirit, Jesus and community are important

in our lives, offered holy moments. We shared insights on our spirituality, what it means to be part of the

United Church. For those choosing baptism for their children, we shared the concerns of making choices for

the children in our lives. There were more such holy moments with the three adults who were making similar

choices on their own behalf—choosing baptism or confirming baptismal vows, and choosing to exercise their

membership within the congregation of John Black and the United Church of Canada. We invited house

groups to be part of these choices by participating in the baptismal and membership services, showing our

“adoption by baptism” by promenading the children, and adults, through the congregation, and sharing the

gift of a prayer shawl.

I encouraged many different ways to be part of the church community. Hosting crafting days and movie

nights, games, events (and writing lots of emails), I encouraged (and sometimes nagged) house groups to

welcome and involve new and younger families in events outside of Sunday morning. I also worked with

Cody Creed and the office staff to develop the website into an interesting vehicle for communication and

interaction with the community. It is easy for we who are well established in church to forget what it’s like to

be new. It is incumbent on us to do the reaching out and inviting, rather than expecting new folks to jump in,

especially if there are no generational ties in the congregation.

I want to share a short reflection about the spiritual value of PLAY. We aren’t judged on what we produce,

we are valued for our contribution to the process. Play offers us the opportunity to live that radical equality (Continued on page 6)


A word from Heather Sandilands (January-June 2011) (Continued from page 5)

that Jesus taught us in his vision of the kingdom of God—and entering this process like a child. Jerome

Berryman, creator of the Godly Play curriculum, wrote “when we are engaging those tasks that bring joy to

our lives, that make us laugh and delight, we are really Alive. That is when God (or Spirit) can most fully

expand in us, and flow through us into the world.”

Play, he reminds us, is counter-cultural. It asks us to imagine a world that could be different. Play includes

reflection, and asking the questions like “what if?” or “I wonder how?” and “how do you imagine?”…When

we are alive to the Spirit’s leading, who knows what can happen? And isn’t that a primary task of church—

to practise living in the Kin-dom of God?

Blessings,

Heather Sandilands

Chair of the Leadership Team

The people in this congregation are amazing. They go out of their way to

help each other and their church. Fall suppers, teas, pastoral care, visiting,

Christian education, building repairs and many fundraisers wouldn’t happen or be successful if it were not

for all the people who contribute to the life of John Black Memorial United Church.

It is a pleasure to work with our new minister Dawn. After six months, she knows us better and is bringing

forward some new energy and ideas. Her sermons on Sunday mornings are relevant and thought-provoking. I

would like to thank the Search Committee for a job well done.

Vicki is in the office with her Can-Do attitude. She is also getting to know us better and is getting to know

how things work around our church. If you have not had a chance to meet her, I suggest you drop by and

introduce yourself.

I would particularly like to thank the Leadership Team (LT) for their commitment and attendance at LT

meetings. I would also like to remind the congregation that LT meetings are open if they would like to

attend. If you have a matter that you would like to bring to the attention of the LT simply get in touch with

Dawn, the LT Chair or another member and ask for time on the agenda.

At the upcoming annual meeting you will be asked to consider expanding the LT by another two voting

members. Discussions with the people requesting these additions are planned over the next few weeks to get

a better understanding of this request.

Our treasurer, Chris Kauenhofen, is at the end of his term. Chris’s work extends beyond the numbers; he led

the boiler replacement and often is called upon to help with the office computers. Thank you Chris! If anyone

is interested in taking on the role of treasurer please let me know.

The church needs someone to take on the role of “Supervisor of Building Repair and Maintenance.” There

are a number of individuals who will come out to help when asked so we are not in need of someone to do all

the work but rather someone to organize teams of painters, carpenters, etc. to keep this building in good

repair.

The church could also use a “sound and PowerPoint technician.” If anyone is interested please let me know.

Until we get a dedicated person in this role I am happy to give assistance and to provide some

troubleshooting tips. Thank you to all the people who volunteer to run the PowerPoint during services. The

PowerPoint technician would be responsible for getting the laptop hooked up and running before service.


Kerry Augustine and I, along with other members from the congregation, have attended two meetings with

our neighbouring United Churches to explore our futures and the potential to work together. What I can tell

you is that no common vision has emerged from these meetings but there is a willingness to continue the

conversations. I personally see this as an opportunity to bring people and resources together to benefit all

parties.

For example (based on discussions with my now deceased grandfather), in Southern Manitoba there used to

be a hospital in the town of Winkler and a hospital in the town of Morden. Two separate communities and

two separate health authorities in close proximity to each other. About 15 or 20 years ago, leaders from those

two communities started talking as they both had similar issues. Their hospitals were aging and required

massive upgrades, their budgets were not large enough to maintain all the staff and equipment they needed to

provide top notch care or attract doctors. As these leaders talked they put aside their respective self-interests

and formed a vision that created the Boundary Trails Hospital, serving both communities. They have a new

building, excellent equipment, they no longer have issues attracting doctors, and the people of Morden and

Winkler are benefiting from improved care. Once they were able to get over their issues of territory they

moved on to build a collective vision that has yielded great benefits to the people they care for.

As we continue to meet with our neighbouring United Churches my hope is that we will also create a vision

that can benefit people from all of these neighbourhoods into the future.

As the cold dark days of winter are behind us let us look forward to a spring that is full of new energy and

growth for each of us and our neighbours.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Toews

A New Creed

We are not alone, we live in God's world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit. We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God's presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.

In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.


Leadership Team 2011

Chair: Bill Toews

Past chair: Joan Swaffer

Vice-chair: Kerry Augustine

Treasurer: Chris Kauenhofen

Secretary: Laurel Curry

Members-at-large: Elaine Steski, Joedi Pruden,

Jim Treller

Trustee rep: Carole Kenning

M&P Rep: Art Bridges

Ministry and Personnel

The Ministry and Personnel Committee had yet another very busy year in 2011, as we said farewell to

some staff and welcomed others to the John Black family.

February 27th was a special day at John Black as we celebrated the retirement of Nell Dyck, who was our

much-loved, faithful church secretary for 29 years. For health reasons, Nell had not been working for

several months, and ultimately, she made the decision to retire. We were thrilled to know Nell was finally

getting the rest she so greatly deserved.

In March, we accepted the resignation of Tracey Needham-Kenning, who had joined us in September

2010 as our office administrator. We appreciated the assistance of our part-time office administrator, June

Kusnick, who helped see us through several weeks without a full-time person in the office. We’d also like

to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful people who volunteered their time at the office

during that period. We couldn’t have done it without you!

In June, Vicki McLarty became our new full-time office administrator and we said farewell and thank you

to June. Vicki brought her skills as a school secretary to John Black and we are very blessed to have her.

She works approximately 42 weeks of the year, ensuring the office runs efficiently and compassionately.

On June 26, we said goodbye to two very special people: Heather Sandilands, our diaconal minister who

served us with passion and grace since 2008, took leave of her position with us as a result of the

congregation’s decision to have only one minister. We take this opportunity to say once again: thank you

Heather, for your ministry with us. It was a wonderful three years!

We also marked the end of Bill Corkum’s tenure at John Black. Bill was our supply minister in 2010-11

and in the year he was with us, he found his way into all of our hearts. We said farewell to Bill, but we

also were pleased to be involved in planning a special retirement reception for him, as his 37-year career

in ministry drew to a close. The reception, held on June 23 at Bronx Park Community Centre, brought old

friends from Bill’s former congregation at Sturgeon Creek, as well as from farther afield, together to share

in the celebration.

On July 1, a new chapter in the life of John Black Memorial United Church began, when Dawn

Ballantine-Dickson became our full-time minister. Dawn had been minister at Oakbank United for 17

years, but took the leap of faith to move from her rural posting to join us at John Black. We are thrilled to

have her and appreciate the new energy she is bringing to our church.

In 2011 our employees were: Heather Sandilands, Bill Corkum, Dawn Ballantine-Dickson, June Kusnick,

Tracey Needham-Kenning, Vicki McLarty, Helen Suh (music director), Elena Levina (accompanist), and

Lily Howard (custodian).


The M&P Committee would like to thank all of our employees, past and present, for their wonderful

dedication to our church. Bless you all! We also extend a heartfelt thank you to Chris Kauenhofen, our

volunteer church treasurer, who works quietly and efficiently behind the scenes to take care of payroll.

Members of the M&P Committee are Ann Reichert, Art Bridges, Bob Fabbri and Wanda McConnell.


Wanda McConnell

Choir

The choir at John Black Memorial United Church continued its journey in celebrating and sharing God’s

word through the gift of music in 2011.

The choir membership varies between six and 15 people depending upon members’ personal schedules.

The choir membership increases when we are joined by individuals who bring their talents for special

“seasonal” music such as Christmas (Advent) and Easter (Lent). Practises continued to be held on a

Thursday evening. Under the direction of Helen Suh, the choir participated in weekly Sunday morning

worship services from January to April 2011. While Helen Suh was on maternity leave from May to June

2011, Elena Levina, our accompanist, also served as choir leader. Following our summer hiatus (June–

August) we resumed worship service participation on the Sunday following the Labour Day weekend,

under the direction of Helen Suh.

As the congregation prepared for the decommissioning of Rev. Bill Corkum, the choir participated in the

June 2011 service. The choir also presented special music for Nell Dyck’s retirement celebration. This

involved choir members providing costumes, writing lyrics and taking a role in her time of special

recognition. In addition to weekly practise sessions and worship services, two choir members (Janet

Kramer and Helen Suh) volunteered to sing a duet in a service at Concordia Personal Care Home led by a

representative of the JBUC Pastoral Care team.

We are fortunate to continue to be supported through the talent of Elena Levina as our accompanist. Elena

provides outstanding support for our music on both the piano and organ. Elena has also been asked to,

and has worked well with, guest musicians to enhance the accompaniment on specific pieces of music.

We are also blessed to have several members of the congregation who are willing to share their musical

talents through supportive instrumentation when asked.

The choir at JBUC is a unique interest group, sharing and connecting in a supportive network of caring

for each other through our daily lives as we blend in harmony to spread the Word of Jesus Christ.


Helen Suh, Music Director


Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees of John Black Memorial United Church is comprised of the following members:

Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson, Chair - Al Rouse, Secretary - Nellie Allen, Vice-chair -Vince Hykawy,

Ann Alexander, Ness Beattie, Michael Dunbar, Hal Heuchert, Carole Kenning, Bob Fabbri, Marilyn

Dudek, Joan Keachie , with Chris Kauenhofen, the treasurer for John Black Memorial, attending by

invitation.

The Manual of the United Church of Canada describes the responsibilities of the Trustees: “All property,

real and personal, held in trust or acquired for or to the use of a congregation shall be administered by

trustees appointed by or on behalf of such congregation.”

The function of the Board of Trustees is to oversee the proper use, upkeep and protection of the

congregation’s property and in that respect the Leadership Team must satisfy the trustees that the proper

stewardship of the congregation’s property is being practiced. This also applies to general oversight of the

financial affairs of the congregation.

The trustees held their annual year end meeting on January 16, 2012.

The trustees are satisfied that the affairs of John Black Memorial United Church are being conducted in

an orderly and prudent manner. Although the budget was balanced in 2010, the trustees are concerned that

givings are substantially down from previous years. We encourage giving by PAR. The cost to the church

is $45 flat rate per month. Visa is available but there would be a cost to us.

We are still negotiating with the Bright Future Day Care for a five-year lease.

The trustees suggested that a volunteer co-ordinator be found for the Property Committee.

The treasurer suggested that if there are questions about finances, etc., they should be referred to Vicki in

the office at 661-2579.

The treasurer advised the trustees as to the current balance in the manse account, which is $27,892.00.

Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson was commended by the trustees for how well she is doing and how

pleased we are with her. The trustees also commend all of our staff, as well as our treasurer Chris

Kauenhofen, for the fine work they do.


Nellie Allen, recording secretary

Pastoral Care Team

The Pastoral Care Team is a group of folks who stay in touch with members of our congregation who, for

one reason or another, are unable to take an active part in our congregation. Ministry staff and house

groups—the members of John Black—are an integral part of this team.

In 2011, we:

Visited and phoned those unable to be out and about

Sent cards of thanks, support and condolence

Continued to offer the prayer shawl ministry


Planned and conducted Sunday worship at Concordia Place on May 1st and October 21st

Provided hospitality and a ministry of presence at the Blue Christmas service December 6th,

conducted by Dawn Ballantine-Dickson

Assisted with baking and delivery of Easter baskets

Took an active part in assisting the Funeral Reception Co-ordinator, Edith Treller, in planning

and offering hospitality at funeral receptions—a committed ministry of our congregation

Co-ordinated our volunteer funeral hosts to represent the congregation at funeral services at John

Black

A heartfelt thank-you to:

the members of John Black who provide care and support for one another throughout the year—

who make our “pastoral care ministry” work!

our knitters who provide the beautiful prayer shawls. Special mention must be made of Sheila

Coulthard, Liz Chomyn, and Brenda Wedlake, whose prayers and busy hands craft many of our

shawls

Bea Letkeman, who with great enthusiasm continues to plan and organize the monthly West

Broadway Community Ministry lunches and the Seniors’ Tea.

Mavis Ott, Bea Letkeman and Terri Bridges who co-ordinate the creation and delivery of Easter

baskets

everyone who provided baking and hospitality at funerals. You do us proud!

those who bring to our attention those folk who may be ill or in need of a visit

last, but certainly not least, our minister Dawn, who encourages, challenges and guides us along

the way. Thank you, Dawn!

At the end of June 2011, our team said farewell to both our interim minister, Bill Corkum, and our part-

time diaconal minister, Heather Sandilands, who had participated in our activities with us. In August we

welcomed Dawn Ballantine-Dickson to John Black and to the pastoral care team. Dawn has become a

valued member of the team as well as a trusted friend to us all. With her “new eyes” Dawn is helping us

to re-envision our ministry for 2012 and forward.

Blessings to all in 2012!


John Black Pastoral Care Team: Ann Alexander, Bea Letkeman, Dawn Ballentine-Dickson, Sheila

Coulthard, Cathy Sokolowski, Nell Dyck, Susan Stastook, Hal Heuchert, Edith Treller, Mavis Ott, Joan

Zuk

Sunday School

At John Black, 2011 was a learning process for Sunday school teachers. After the paid position

supporting Sunday School ended, an organizational structure was put in place so Sunday School

volunteers could continue to present lessons week to week. The teachers delivered on this, maintaining

teaching for our youth in the church. The storytelling and teaching plan used the seasons of the church to

connect with Old and New Testament readings. Teachers combined reading and discussing the Bible

stories with hands-on learning to share the word of God in a meaningful way.



Sunday School (Continued from page 11)

Our class numbers were down, which matches a challenge identified throughout the church that fewer

young families are attending and engaging within the John Black congregation. Strategies were put into

motion during 2011 in relation to the JNAC report to provide support and direction to the church and

Sunday School teachers on how to connect and engage the young people who attend significant events

(baptism, weddings, church fundraisers, etc.) and don’t return on Sunday. The Christian education area

was redefined to create a space for stories and another place for crafts. The toddler space was completed,

which will encourage families with very young children by giving them an inviting space of their own. A

mural was put into the story space to help create an atmosphere of wonder during reading times. Work

also has been under way to hire two support staff—one for the toddler space and one to direct and guide

our teachers toward a unified and engaging curriculum. These changes, once they reach fruition, should

facilitate significant improvements in the quality and focus of our work with young people.

2011 was a joyful year with the learners in our church. Lots of our kids have been with us now for over

three years and they remember the stories and crafts (we are ever thankful for the fact that stories grow in

meaning year by year). With growing comfort based on familiarity and trust, students have been able to

respond in deeper, more thoughtful ways to the Word this year. This work culminated in December with

the creation of the nativity story puppet play (which is featured on our website). The project was inspired

by work done the previous year. Students wanted to tell that story again. It is a good sign learners are

engaged when they inspire each other.

This year, it will be that same old story once again, made fresh by those who tell it and turned anew by

the ears that hear it. Our story is new like a tiny baby and old as time itself. It is a pleasure and a privilege

to share this with our young learners.


Cody Creed

House Group Facilitators Interest Group

The House Group Facilitators are as follows:

Angels Susan Stastook

Bee-Attitudes Wanda McConnell, Phyllis Koricki

Care Crew Edith & Jim Treller

Divine Doves Marilyn & Earl Dudek, Carole & Jim Kenning, Laurie Curry

Eagles Wings Sheila & Dave Coulthard, Marilyn & Gene Leggatt

Faithful Friends Cara Chandler, Wanda Lavallee

Four Gs Luella & Jim Stephens, Marge Richards

Happy Hearts Joan Zuk, Donna & Bob Fabbri

Instruments of Change Eilleen Veley, Bea & Jake Letkeman

JBs Kris Soroko

Kindred Spirits Mary and Ken Bradshaw

Four house groups still only have one person or family in place as a facilitator. I encourage you all to

think about volunteering to ease some of the burden of being the lone facilitator or replacing someone

who has served for some time.


On Sunday, May 15th, we sat with our house groups during the worship service, and after church,

enjoyed a lunch consisting of pork on a bun (cooked by Manitoba Pork Producers) with coleslaw and an

ice cream bar in Robertson Hall. It was a great get-together before summer arrived.


Joanne Ward, House Group Co-ordinator

Worship Interest Group From January until June the Worship Interest Group met with Bill Corkum and Heather Sandilands to

plan services and worship events. Early in January, John Black and Winnipeg Presbytery covenanted with

Bill for his time with us.

Approaching Lent and Easter, John Black and Gordon-King were in dialogue about sharing a Lenten

study and Holy Week services but decided that each congregation would do their own and would

advertise each other’s events. John Black had a potluck dinner on Maundy Thursday including sharing

bread and wine and reflection on this earliest Christian meal. Gordon-King did host a joint sunrise service

on Easter morning. Bill led a Lenten book study over lunch through March and April.

We heard from Dianne Baker before her journey to Palestine, and then later upon her return in September

she shared some reflections on her accompanying experiences in the Holy Land.

We discussed youth confirmation and decided along with the confirmation class to wait until fall to have

a service so it felt less like graduation and more like joining the congregation when activities start up

again in the fall.

Questions about policy in the new structure were initiated by Bill with suggestions that we need to

continue assessing how interest groups are represented in both the Leadership Team and the House

Groups.

The Worship Interest Group and the Pastoral Care Team made a request to the Leadership Team to

reconsider the decision to close the church for the month of July, suggesting that informal services could

be led by lay members of the congregation. Bill assisted the two groups in planning those worship

services.

We met Dawn Ballantine-Dickson at a meeting in June and again in August to begin looking ahead.

Several new members also joined the Worship Interest Group at that time. John Black and Presbytery

covenanted with Dawn at an afternoon service September 25. In September we started looking ahead to

advent and Christmas. A decision was made to return to two Christmas Eve services—a child friendly

service at 5 p.m. and a quieter, reflective service with communion at 10 p.m.

In the spring the group began discussion about welcome packs for visitors and newcomers. In the fall we

continued working on these pew information pamphlets. Brenda Wedlake put together the information

and Jim Treller did a map and layout for the pamphlet. They were completed for distribution in the new

year.

A (blue) quiet Christmas service was planned with the Pastoral Care Team and hosted in the chapel

December 6. About 35 people from the congregation and the community attended.



Worship Interest Group (Continued from page 13)

The advent services were built around characters from the nativity story, one person per week telling

his/her story and lighting a candle. The story culminated with all the characters at the manger Christmas

Eve.

We welcomed 11 children by baptism, four youth and an adult by confirmation, and two people by

transfer of membership.

There are many people to thank for their assistance throughout the year:

Al Rouse for his help in planning and Evan Maydaniuk for providing the bagpipe music for the

Remembrance service

Jim Kenning for building the stable for advent and Christmas

Nathan McKay for designing and making a new advent candle wreath

Those who decorated the sanctuary for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The women who donated poinsettias for the Christmas season

The group who looks after hanging the banners for the changing seasons and special services

The choir for all the special music during lent /Easter and advent/Christmas

The worship leaders for the month of July

Alda Wingfield for leading the singing and providing an anthem when possible in July

The house groups for their continued assistance with Sunday morning duties.


Sheldon Emberly, Carole Kenning, Yvonne McQuarrie, Carole Sobie, Cathy Sokolowski, Susan Stastook,

Helen Suh, Jim Treller, Edith Treller, Brenda Wedlake

Mission, Outreach and Peace This past year has had the Outreach Group asking some questions: “What have we

focused on?” and “What will we be in the near future?” “What is our Mandate?”

“Should we create a new name?”

With the support of two new members, Barb Freed and Edith Treller, and guidance from Rev. Dawn, we

were energized when looking at the ongoing programs. And, we were able to create our mandate: “We

want to address a balance of local needs and global awareness each day to look beyond ourselves.”

Outreach Programs at John Black currently include:

Support of Mission and Service of the United Church of Canada

West Broadway Community Ministry (support, pastoral care, lunches, toonies for tuna)

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Concordia Place Sunday afternoon worship services twice a year

Bethania Personal Care Home morning service six times a year

Prince Edward Elementary School Breakfast Program

Ecumenical services including Blue Christmas, World Day of Prayer, Community Prayer

Services

Christmas Cheer Board collection of food for hampers, and Mitten Tree

Just Christmas (representative this year, Joan Swaffer)


Canadian Foodgrains Bank (1st Sunday of every month)

Blanket Workshop for Mennonite Central Committee aid projects

Genesis House Annual Dinner. (women and children’s shelter in Winkler)

Seniors Tea

The Memory Garden

Easter Baskets

Sunday School Card Ministry

Pastoral Care Card Ministry

Once again the congregation was very generous with its donations to the Christmas Cheer Board. The

mitts, hats, gloves and scarves were delivered to Prince Edward School, West Broadway, and Wolseley

Family Centre. The baby premee hats and mittens were delivered to the NICU at St. Boniface Hospital.

Christmas Cards were handmade by children after church and were offered to the congregation and the

remainder were offered to the chaplain at Concordia Hospital for their Christmas Service.

We are looking forward to a service in the new year in which we will “celebrate the outreach ministry” of

John Black Church.

Respectfully submitted by the newly named “Reaching Out” group,

Carolyn Westmacott, Lori McKay, Nell Dyck, Ann Alexander, Dawn Ballantine-Dickson, Marilyn

Leggatt, Barb Freed, Edith Treller

Outreach: Prince Edward School Breakfast Program

We continue with a successful breakfast program serving 20 – 25 children every Friday. We provide a

varied menu of cold cereals, hot oatmeal, toast with jam or cheese whiz, a fresh fruit, yogurt, and juice or

milk. This program has been shown to be beneficial to the children attending. The breakfast costs

approximately $20 per week and is part of the outreach of our church, right here in our community.

All donations are welcome, monetary or time. If you have about an hour or so one or two Fridays a

month, please contact the church office. All volunteers are welcome and appreciated.


Marilyn Leggatt

Outreach: West Broadway Community Ministry

John Black has supported and maintained an active participation in the programs at WBCM for over 15

years.

This year, WBCM’s lunch program was upgraded to provide hot soup with the sandwiches. This was

accomplished with a grant from one of the partner churches and the help of Winnipeg Harvest. Because of

this, the need has grown, with the ministry now serving in excess of 100 people on most days.

WBCM tries to provide a hot lunch once a week, and they count on the partner churches to accomplish

this. John Black is an integral part of this, thanks to Bea Letkeman and her volunteers. They show up

regularly and provide meals such as chili, stew and hot dogs. It is no coincidence that the lunch crowds

are much larger on the days that Bea and company are serving. Thanks too, to Luella Stephens, who

supports West Broadway through her Toonies for Tuna initiative, making it possible to serve tuna

sandwiches. (Continued on page 16)


Outreach: West Broadway Community Ministry (Continued from page 15)

The lunch is part of the Drop In program, which is intended not only to feed our clients, but to provide a

safe and warm area to congregate, socialize and maybe get the answers to some of their other needs.

Again John Black plays a major part in the success of this program. There are a number of very capable

people from our congregation that serve on the pastoral team.

The pastoral team’s duties are varied. They welcome clients and try to provide assistance to clients in

solving some of their problems. This can include referring clients to one of our mentors to help with

issues on welfare or housing, referring them to outside agencies for items such as furniture or clothing.

The largest duty however, is the provision of emergency food kits to those who for a variety of reasons,

have absolutely nothing to eat. The pastoral team members usually talk to the client about their situation,

to determine if it is a permanent one or just due to current circumstances. If it is determined that the

problem is temporary, they provide a kit with food for about two days.

John Black’s extremely capable pastoral team members are Edith Treller, Ann Alexander, Art Bridges

and Tom Boomer. They spend a half-day each week carrying out the tasks listed above and provide

general stability to the Drop In. Once a month, Art and Tom also drives to Harvest to pick up the lunch

program supplies. Tom is also the treasurer for WBCM.

There is another program that runs once a week, and that is the Community Kitchen. This program too, is

successful because of the efforts of John Black’s Ann Alexander. In addition to her pastoral duties, Ann

provides some expertise on the preparation of nutritious meals using very limited budgets. It is very

popular.

John Black’s ministry at West Broadway is built on the generosity of our whole congregation as the food

cart fills up each week with packaged food and produce, detergent, toiletries, and paper products. These

donations are delivered once a week by Art Bridges. Thank you to all of you who have provided money,

labour and prayers to help make the programs at WBCM possible.


Tom Boomer

Outreach: Friendship of Women’s Dinner

Our Friendship of Women’s dinner, in support of Genesis House, was held on Feb.11, 2011. We sold 78

tickets to this event and raised $1,296.74. This was divided between John Black (for expenses) and

Genesis House: $1,000 to Genesis and $296.74 to John Black. Genesis House received cash donations as

well as a generous amount of miscellaneous new items.

We had a guest from Genesis House to speak about the problem of women’s abuse and some information

regarding the shelter and what resources are available to help. The information was very enlightening to

all of us.


Bea Letkeman


Fundraising

This committee is here to help and give guidance but not do all the fundraising. We receive the ideas

brought forward and make sure the date does not conflict with any other fundraising event and that the

idea is appropriate. We have had many fundraiser events in 2011 which were very successful. Not only

did our congregation support in attendance and giving of their time and talents, but the community also

supported our events. Good job!!!

Some of the ongoing events are:

Homemade pies

Aluminum cans

Sobey’s Gift Cards

Fall Supper

Mom’s Pantry

Christmas Craft/Bake Sale & Tea

Market Day

Co-Op Gas (Our number is 114062)

I can’t remind you enough that before you announce your fundraising event you must contact either

Donna Fabbri, Elaine Steski or Luella Stephens for approval. In most cases this has been done but there

have been some events that we heard about either in the bulletin or through the pulpit without our

approval. Let’s all be on the same page!

We do have good relations with nearby congregations and they willingly announce our events in their

bulletins and we also do the same for them. We must refrain from bringing other church’s fundraising

events forward during announcements at church. Our time is so limited on a Sunday morning we must

focus on our own events.

As you may have noticed, we no longer sell tickets or other items in the narthex (lobby). This is now

being done in the chapel. This is to help create a feeling of a place of worship and a time for fellowship.

Fundraising is an essential part of our church and helps keep the doors open. However, don’t forget to

“slow down and enjoy God’s work!”


Donna Fabbri

Fundraising - Pie Makers

The Pie Ladies and One Man have had a successful year and above all else, a very fun filled year. We

make pies once a month for nine or 10 months of the year. The group varies each month. If we start

naming people, we are sure to forget someone so we will say a great big thank you to all who come out to

make pies. Your help is much appreciated. Even more appreciated are your smiling faces and good

humour. (Check out the John Black web page for pictures that Vicki has put up. See who you recognize.)

This past year we raised $3,060 from the sale of pies.

To all the folks who so generously donate fruit, flour, lard, pie fillers and anything else we might need,

we appreciate all that you do to help us. A great big thank you! To all the folks who buy our pies, a great

big thank you. We definitely could not do it without you.


Elaine Steski & Sheila Coulthard


John Black Foundation A highlight of 2011 for The John Black Foundation was hosting a fundraising concert featuring singer-

songwriter Lynda Dobbin-Turner. The concert was held in the sanctuary on Oct. 5 and was attended by

about 100 people. The foundation realized a profit of $944 from this event.

In 2011, we also welcomed Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson to the board of directors of the foundation.

The John Black Foundation made the following contributions to our church and to Christian work in the

wider community in 2011:

1Hope Winnipeg (West Broadway) $500

Christian Chaplaincy (RRC) Inc. $250

Keewatin Presbytery Aboriginal (Care Worker Committee) $250

Total: $1,000


(held in reserve – not yet paid) $2,500

Financial report:

As of Dec. 31, 2011, the financial position of the foundation stood as follows:

Bank account (Cambrian Credit Union) $5,376.10

GIC term (Cambrian Credit Union) $20,000.00

Investment portfolio through Credential Asset

Management (net worth December 31, 2011) $98,229.37*

TOTAL $123,605.47

* The funds on deposit with Credential are in an investment portfolio with diversified investments.

Consequently, that figure will vary from time to time based on market conditions.

Foundation members are: Alda Wingfield, Allen Rouse, Bill Toews, Bob Fabbri, Carole Kenning, Rev.

Dawn Ballantine-Dickson, Dick Mulder, Hal Heuchert, Nellie Allen, Ness Beattie, Wanda McConnell


Wanda McConnell


Statistics 2011

Marriages: 6

Funeral and memorial services conducted by

John Black United Church Ministers: 17

Infant and child baptism: 10

Young adult confirmations: 4

Adult confirmations: 2

Average Sunday attendance: 100

Sunday School registration: 18

New Members confirmed at John Black Memorial United Church

Ada Cordeviz Sheldon Emberly Braydon Augustine

Adam Heinemann Alexandra Magus

Julia Megan Schroeder

Transferred membership to John Black Memorial United Church

Hilda Peters from First Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Janet Kramer from Trinity United Church, North Bay, Ontario

Don Webster from Midall, Saskatchewan

Anne MacLaren from Windsor Park United Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Transferred membership out of John Black Memorial United Church

Darlene Lindsay to Charleswood United Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Children Baptised

Brodie Terrance Carlson

Bella Rose Nightingale

Caleb Joseph Ewachewski

Sydney Lauren Cordoviz

Avery Sara Mochnacz

Kylee Bryan Rand Gadient

Jackson Paul Sirant

Isabel Brunette Johnston

Autumn Lily Turner- Beauchamp

Sarah Susan Monita


IN MEMORIUM 2011

Mary E. Getz

McDougall (Mac) Allen

Shigeru Gary Tsuyuki

Mabel Isabelle Pitura

Donna Freeman

Ronald Hay

Barb Forzley

Ruth Eleanor Waltz (Johnson)

Margaret Malec

Julius Joseph Karl Zuk

Doris Margaret Scarrow

Agnes Iwankow

Eleanor Christina Chucko

John Donald McCosham

Audrey Anita Marie Douglas

Marriages Trenton Langon Schreyer & Irene Elaine Sheldon

Kevin Joel Schnell & Kristel Marie Kereluk

Ian Mark Walker & Kyla Dawn Johnston

Christopher Donald Fabbro & Jennifer Marie Manchu Lenko

David Aron Parker & Ashley Faye Franczyk

David Lawrence Dow Benko & Amanda Elizabeth Wittick


Minutes of Annual General Meeting – March 13, 2011

Attendance (based on sign in sheet) – 64

Call to order

The meeting opened at 12:15 p.m. with a prayer by Bill Corkum.

Election of recording secretary and chair

It was moved by Art Bridges and seconded by Cathy Sokolowski that Sandra Toews be nominated as

secretary for this meeting. Motion carried

Nominations for chair were called and it was moved by Art Bridges and seconded by Cathy Sokolowski that

Ross Wedlake be nominated as chair of this meeting. Motion Carried

Agenda and Minutes

It was moved by Donna Fabbri and seconded by Nellie Allen that the agenda be adopted as presented.

Motion Carried

It was moved by Carole Kenning and seconded by Brenda Wedlake that the minutes of March 21/2010

Annual General Meeting be approved as presented. Motion Carried

It was moved by Elaine Steski and seconded by Myrna Protosavage that the minutes of September 19/2010

congregational meeting be approved as presented. Motion Carried

It was moved by Joan Swaffer and seconded by Mary Bradshaw that the minutes of February 21/2010

congregational meeting be approved as presented. Motion Carried

Annual Financial Statement 2010 and Budget 2011

Motion #1

It was moved by Chris Kauenhofen and seconded by Al Rouse that the financial report be accepted as

presented. Motion Carried

Nellie Allan offered thanks on behalf of the trustees to Chris for his hard work.

Motion #2

It was moved by Chris Kauenhofen and seconded by Donna Fabbri to adopt the 2011 budget as presented.

Motion Carried

Joan Swaffer offered ‘thanks’ on behalf of the whole congregation for everyone’s hard work regarding a

balanced budget.

Annual reports 2010

It was moved by Joan Swaffer and seconded by Eilleen Veley that all reports presented in the annual report

2010 be accepted as presented. Motion Carried

Election of new Leadership Team members

It was moved by Cathy Sokoloski and seconded by Rick Sokolowski:

Members at large – Jim Treller Motion Carried

Approval of Ministry & Personnel Team

M & P Team accepted as presented.

Appointed Trustees

It was moved by Cathy Sokolowski and seconded by Brenda Wedlake the following trustees be approved:

Bill Corkum, Vince Hykawy, Nellie Allen, Carole Kenning, Ann Alexander, Bob Fabbri, Ness Beattie,

Marilyn Dudek, Michael Dunbar, Joan Keachie, Hal Heuchert, Al Rouse (chair)

Motion Carried

Presbytery Representatives

The two positions are vacant. No nominations received. (Continued on page 22)


Minutes of Annual General Meeting – March 13, 2011 (Continued from page 21)

House Group Co-ordinator

House Group Co-ordinator accepted as presented.

Capital Improvements as Recommended by Trustees

Bill Toews presented and explained the Capital Improvements 2010 and the Capital Improvements 2011

details. Item to add to the 2011 list of improvements: painting the outside of the church. The Capital

Improvement details are presented as information at this time.

Progress Report from the Search Committee

Judy Hykawy reported the progress the search committee has made to date. The committee is hopeful to have

a new minister in place as early as July/August.

Let’s Journey into the Future

Kerry Augustine and Nancy Wilson (Presbytery Facilitator) provided an update on the sessions held to date

regarding the future.

Emergent Matters

None

Adjournment

It was moved by Al Rouse and seconded by Brenda Wedlake that the meeting be adjourned. Motion Carried

Minutes of the Congregational Meeting – April 10, 2011

Joint Search Committee Report:

Mr. Robert (Bob) Kenyon, a representative from Presbytery, presided over the meeting as Chair.

Laurel Curry acted a recording secretary.

Bob Kenyon opened the meeting with a prayer. He then described the voting process and asked the

congregation to respond accordingly. A list of members and adherents attending the meeting was collected.

There being no further questions, Judy Hykawy was called to present the report on the Joint Search

Committee findings.

Motion: Moved by J. Hykawy, seconded by P. Aitchison that John Black Memorial United Church extends a

call to Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson.

As described verbally and on PowerPoint, the committee:

members were listed

highlighted a list of “skills required” approved in the JNAC report and gave a description of her

capabilities as they applied to those skills

The floor was then open for questions.

1. Position is to start July 1, 2011. Dawn is entitled to a month’s holidays to be taken in July and she

will start working August 1, 2011.

2. A question was raised about the possibility of the congregation hearing a minister and/or meeting

them prior to voting on the call but this is not allowed according to United Church policy. Members

of the Joint Search Committee, Peggy Aitchison, Cody Creed and Margaret Blain, went

unannounced to hear Dawn’s preaching abilities and gave their feedback. (Continued on page 23)


Minutes of the Congregational Meeting – April 10, 2011 (Continued from page 23)

3. Other questions were presented but due to privacy issues could not be answered.

4. A question was raised regarding the time line for the call and any problem with the call.

There is no time line but there is a process if a problem arises.

After a call for any more questions, the congregation was then requested to vote and a show of hands was

the accepted form of ballot. Motion carried.

Motion: Moved by J. Hykawy, seconded by P. Aitchison that John Black Memorial United Church request

Winnipeg Presbytery to approve the call to the Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson. Motion carried.

Motion: Moved by J. Hykawy, seconded by P. Aitchison that the Joint Search Committee of John Black

Memorial United Church be disbanded following a covenanting service.

Motion for adjournment: moved by J. Lang, seconded by D. Fabbri. Motion carried.

Meeting adjourned.



Income Statement - unaudited 2012 2011 2011

for the year ended December 31 Budget Actual Budget

REVENUE

Charitable Contributions 167,516$ 158,654 179,702$

Designated Donations 22,655 23,990 25,655

Fundraising and other 19,125 20,422 19,125

Rental Income 13,140 14,390 12,840

Weddings, funerals 3,095 8,623 2,495

Foundation grants - 1,730 -

TOTAL REVENUE 225,531$ 227,809$ 239,817$

EXPENSESDesignated Donations 22,655$ 21,730 25,655$

Fundraising Costs 4,680 4,349 4,680

Presbytery Assessment 10,800 10,576 10,800

Administration Expenses

Office and Copier Expenses 13,250 10,135 13,650

Payroll and PAR fees 1,500 1,015 1,500

Total Administration 14,750 11,150 15,150

Program Costs and Interest Groups 6,050 5,796 7,975

Building Expenses

Church Property Taxes 1,150 1,126 780

Church Repairs & Maintenance 9,000 8,978 9,000

Church Utilities 15,750 14,062 15,750

Church Insurance 4,650 5,159 4,650

Total Building Expenses 30,550 29,325 30,180

Salaries 136,046 137,684 145,377

TOTAL EXPENSE 225,531$ 220,610 239,817$

Operating Surplus(deficit) -$ 7,199 -$

Capital Donations 5,139

Capital Projects (5,593)

Net income for the year 6,745


Pro Forma Balance Sheet

As at December 31 2011 2010

Assets

Operating bank 18,408

Restricted capital bank 37,945 56,353 51,364

Accounts receivable 1,030 1,519

57,383 52,883

Liabilities

Accounts payable 10,519 10,526

Deferred revenue - capital 10,053 12,291

20,572 22,817

Equity

Held on behalf of trustees - manse sale 27,892 29,274

Cumulative Surplus 8,919 792

57,383 52,883


Celebrations in 2011

In 2011, we celebrated Heather Sandilands’ three-year

ministry with us. (Right)

We also celebrated the year Rev. Bill Corkum, our

supply minister for 2010-11, spent with us. (Below)

And, we had a big celebration to mark 29 years of

service to John Black by our faithful servant, Nell

Dyck, who officially retired from her position as

office administrator. (Below right)

To mark Jim Hatherly’s 15-year ministry with us, we

dedicated a bicycle stand in his honour. (Bottom right)

And, we welcomed Dawn Ballantine-Dickson as our

new minister. (Bottom left)

Heather shares a moment with our music director,

Helen Suh, and her new baby, Lauren.

Bill preaches a sermon at John Black.

Nell Dyck (with daughter Melanie seated behind her) smiles

for the camera during her retirement celebration.

Jim Hatherly has a close look at the bicycle stand installed in

his honour.

Dawn settles into her office.

john black memorial black annual...john black memorial united church annual report 2011 page 5 i...

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