1. When Two Become New Amalgamation Proposal of Central and St. John’s United Churches April 12, 2015

2. Our Recommendations 1.Fifty percent plus one at each church is necessary for proceeding with the amalgamation. 2.That our congregation join in an amalgamation of Central and St. John’s United Churches, as outlined in the amalgamation proposal, When Two Become New: Amalgamation Proposal of Central and St. John’s United Churches, with timelines and details for proceeding to be decided at a subsequent joint congregational meeting.

3. Background  Both buildings are quite large and differ in style. Both are busy during the week.  Over the past decade, attendance, regular givings, including M&S, have been declining in both churches.  Both churches depend on trustee funds to help them with financial issues.  Both churches are currently in interim ministry.  Many activities at both churches have been somewhat curtailed as a result of lack of participants (i.e. Junior choir, youth groups, various small groups etc.).  The histories of both churches have had periods of growth reflecting energy, commitment, and mission.

4. “Without amalgamation, we will watch one or both churches struggle to keep the doors open at the expense of one or both church’s mission and outreach.”

5. Vision and Mission Subcommittee  Appendix A: A Time for Sharing: A summary of Results from the Survey  Taken from the survey results, it was recognized that as a new congregation moving into the future, we need to continually reassess:  Our VISION (where we want to be). We want to be a vibrant Christian faith community with shared values and with the capacity to make a difference in our community and world.  Our MISSION (how we get there). We need to love and serve all generations and to provide a safe space for all to question, seek understanding, and take risks. We need to take and give support, nurturing others as well as the self.  Our VALUES o Inclusiveness, openness, and welcoming to all o Social justice o Care of creation

6. Worship and Fellowship Subcommittee  We examined all current church related activities and meetings at Central and St. John's Churches including: worship, education, outreach, and fellowship.  We found many similarities between both congregations, and some differences.  We recommend the following: 1. As much as possible, maintain and blend current activities and traditions of Central and St. John's Churches. 2. Choose a local outreach focus that might be a unifying force for the new congregation. 3. Look at introducing new possibilities and programs when the new congregation is more settled (perhaps 12-16 months).

7. Staffing Subcommittee Recommendations Ministerial  One full-time ordained minister  One part-time pastoral care minister (.25)  One part-time Ministry of Outreach and Development position (.75)  One part-time (.5) ministerial position for future needs Non-Ministerial  Director of music (20 hours per week) – employee position  Office Administrator – full- time employee position  Custodian – full-time employee position

8. Governance Subcommittee Proposed Teams Reporting to Council  Faith and Formation  Worship  Pastoral Care  Outreach  Congregational Life and Work  Stewardship and Finance  Property Council Executive  Chair  1 st Vice Chair  2 nd Vice Chair  Council Secretary  Treasurer Associated Bodies  Board of Trustees  Ministry of Personnel  U.C.W.  Chancel Team  Rent Review Team  Presbytery Rep

9. Governance Subcommittee Terms of Office  Each term of office consists of 2 years  A member of council can serve 3 consecutive terms of office and then needs to take a 1 year leave of absence  Any member can go into the executive level at anytime (if called upon) during their time on council  The Chair(s) of council will serve one year terms. Moving up a level at the beginning of a new council year  The Chair must take a one year leave of absence before taking up any other position on council

10. Governance Subcommittee Proposed Constitution The proposed constitution consists of the following guidelines: 1.Mission Statement (to be still written) 2.Council Structure 3.Council Members (who can serve) 4.Duties and Responsibilities of council members 5.Church Council Membership (terms of office) 6.Officers of the Council (Secretary, Treasurer) 7.Leadership Track 8.Teams and Associated Bodies of Council 9.Constitution of the Council 10.Meeting Format

11. Community Group Subcommittee  Our mandate was to look at current community use of the two buildings - rentals, scouts, nursery schools, Kiwanis, choirs etc., and communicate with these groups about the possibility of an amalgamation.  Decisions about further actions with reference to these groups need to be made after the congregational vote.

12. Heritage Subcommittee We completed the following tasks:  Compiled an historic inventory of donations for each church  Discovered the most important items: stained glass panels, musical instruments  Compared and expanded Memorial books  Surveyed the congregations to find a new church name (Name That Church)

13. Building Subcommittee As background we examined:  Renting  A new building  Inherent value of current properties  Architectural and engineering reports  Reality assessments We concluded:  The building at 194 Avondale Ave. should be extensively renovated as the home of the new congregation  During the renovations, the 175 Waterloo St. building should be used for all activities  When renovations are complete, the Waterloo St. property should be sold

14. Finance Subcommittee  Reduced projected disbursements as a single entity compared to two separate church budgets, approximately $160,000 less  Total staff and benefits of $253,622, approximately $101,000 less  Total building of $57,775, approximately $43,000 less  Total office of $19,375, approximately $6,000 less  Total general expenses of $40,966, approximately $10,000 less  Estimated Total Receipts $401,468 - require 88.5% general receipts to balance budget  Trustee transfer $29,000 as per respective budget  Combined Board of Trustees would administer a healthy reserve

15. Our Recommendations 1.Fifty percent plus one at each church is necessary for proceeding with the amalgamation. 2.That our congregation join in an amalgamation of Central and St. John’s United Churches, as outlined in the amalgamation proposal, When Two Become New: Amalgamation Proposal of Central and St. John’s United Churches, with timelines and details for proceeding to be decided at a subsequent joint congregational meeting.