Our Committees and Groups
The Church Board – February 2012 to February 2013
On Sunday, November 20th 2011, the congregation ratified our new constitution and acclaimed the members of the new Church Board for 2012. Our heartfelt thanks to the hardworking members of the outgoing 2011 Church Council: Lynne Busby, Peter Busby, Leah Gray, Jayne Slawson, Carol Prochaska, Collin Ludwar, Bill Costain, Margaret Stacey, Donna Strongman, Judy Cameron, Roy Nelson, and our ministers David Boyd and Christine Dudley, of course.
We welcome the new Church Board members and thank them for taking up the challenge of a new process and structure and helping us discover new directions: Peter Lee, Nancy Jones, Theresa Hall, Greg Stacey, Morgan Gould, and Peter Busby and Leah Gray as Presbytery representatives. David Boyd will also serve on the Church Board as ex officio member.
| Chairperson: Secretary: Treasurer: Presbytery Reps (2) other Members |
Nancy Jones Peter Lee Morgan Gould Leah Gray, Peter Busby Greg Stacey and Theresa Hall |
The Christian Development & Communications Committee
This committee is responsible for facilitating the development of Christian life through educational programs, communication resources, and leadership pertaining to congregational life. This means that we:
- maintain the Church and Cradle rolls,- produces a newsletter, the Mustard Seed, published periodically throughout the year and distributed at church and on this website. You may contribute suitable articles for the Mustard Seed to the
Editor, Kathy Baker, or dropped off at the Church office.
- with the assistance of the "webminister", maintains the NUC Website
- collect and maintain church history and archives,
- support the Sunday School which is under the supervision of Janet Boyd and a group of dedicated teachers, the Nursery for newborns to 2 years, and our Youth Group which meets once a month,
- maintain the church Library,
- organizes the congregational subscription to the Observer, with the help of Ron Monty
- develop adult continuing educational programs
Our committee meets at 7:00pm on the first Tuesday of each month from September through June. Please join us.
Our committee members are:
Jayne Slawson
David Boyd
Janet BoydSandy Potkins
Robin Murray
The Ministry & Personnel Committee
This Committee, chaired by Donna Strongman, manages the paid staff. It is responsible for the management of salaries, pensions and benefits, and staff relationships, as directed by Council.
The M&P Committee members:
| Bill Potkins Linda Hoskin |
Peter Busby |
| and Donna Strongman – Chair | |
The Outreach Committee
This committee promotes a vision of the world that reaches beyond the congregation. It is made up of people who are interested in social issues, justice and global/community concerns.
Our committee members are:
| Mary Ann Morris Ann Alma |
Fran Flesaker Marion Bergevin |
| David Boyd | |
The Pastoral Care Committee
This Committee is currently chaired by Aliesje Carruthers. With care and sensitivity, it promotes the wholeness of congregational members. They provide visitation to shut-ins or hospital patients, welcoming new comers, and working with our ministers in providing pastoral care to the congregation.
Committee members:
| Diane Holt David Boyd Judy Cameron |
Ethel Glover Charlotte Nelson Edna Whiteley Irene McIlwaine |
They meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month in Trinity Lounge. All are welcome!
Prayer Shawl Ministry is a new program of the Pastoral Care Committee. It invites knitters to join in creating shawls to be presented to others in "need of comfort and support". This group comes together on the 3rd Monday of each month in one of our homes for a time of knitting, prayer , and fellowship.
We have 13 knitters who have knit prayers and hugs into the shawls that have comforted, nurtured or celebrated so many people. We range from beginners to experts who gather once a month to share and learn from each other. A shawl can be given as a gift to a church member, family member or friend by speaking to David, Lois or one of our knitters. For more information, contact Anne Corbett.
The Steward & Finance Committee
This committee is responsible for the management of the financial and property affairs of the congregation, including, but not limited to: Building Repair & Maintenance, Equipment Repair & Maintenance, Insurance, Fire Safety, Finances, Security
Committee members:
| John Pengelly Lois Berg Steve Marshall |
Barb Couch Jean Elliot Colin Ludwar |
| Chair – Margaret Stacey | |
Heating system project by Bob Steed.
John Pengelly, as custodian, is an ex-officio member.
The Trustees
This committee is responsible for the management of the financial and economic viability of the congregation. They have the responsibility to protect the integrity of the funds and reserves under their care. Periodically, the Trustees recommend to Council that invested earnings be distributed to the various Trustee's reserves and these transfers are in line with the requirements of the Trust of Model Deed.
Committee members:
| Mike Berg Norm Carruthers Ralph Elliot Richard Drew |
Mel Ferraro Elaine Henderson Bess Rathbone Dorothy Wayling |
| Chair – Roy Nelson | |
Fund Raising Team
This committee takes on fund raising through the creation of inovative projects and activities.
Their first project was selling plants through DeVry Greenhouses in Chilliwack.
They have a Fall Fashion Show, showcasing winter apparel in partnership with Cottons on Baker Street.
Committee members:
| Nancy Jones Marg Stacey Alie Jonker |
Loni Snyder Jean Elliot |
The Worship & Music Committee
This Committee, co-chaired by Lynne Busby and Roy Nelson, provides oversight and order for the worship services, use of worship space, hours of public worship and church music. They work in partnership with the our two paid accountable ministers and the Minister of Music and have an awareness and interest in worship, music and liturgical practices.
They prepare a Taizé Sevice on the first Sunday evening of each month.
Members:
| David Boyd Alie Jonker Roy Nelson |
Leah Gray Carol Allan Verna Kidd John Pengelly |
| and Lynne Busby, Chair | |
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The Presbytery Representatives
Leah Gray and Peter Busby are our Presbytery Representatives. They attend Presbytery meetings on our behalf and report to our congregation/presbytery on Church activities.
PRESBYTERY REPORT October 14, 2011
Theme: "Building Trust and Sacred Relationships"
Your Presbytery team met in Fernie, October 14-16. Attending were David, Peter, Leah, and Robin as Koolaree Representative. There is still a vacancy for one more representative from Nelson. Linn Murray attended this meeting as youth representative. Quite apart from the normal business of presbytery, the major highlight was a presentation on Friday evening and Saturday morning by Conference Personnel Minister, Treena Duncan. She led us through the core of conflict, followed by the types, sources and levels of conflict. "Conflict is: Two good ideas trying to occupy the same space at the same time."
The sense of threat and fear of loss are at the core of most conflicts. Some people enjoy conflict and one party may be heavily invested in the conflict. Hurts can be deep, painful and lasting. Fear has a strong role in conflict.
Common sources of conflict in congregations are: (based on Alban Institute work)
– disagreement about values and beliefs
unclear structure
– lack of clarity of the role of the minister
– the structure no longer fits the congregation size (ie committee structures) leadership styles of lay and minister don't match
– changes are made too quickly
– communication lines are blocked (parking lot conversations?) conflict is managed poorly
– disaffected members hold back money or their presence relaxed vigilance concerning boundaries or limits
– escalation of conflict through e-mails
There are 6 commonly understood levels of conflict.
1. Level 0 – conflict repression and suppression. This is a benign level but can escalate to other levels. Trust is present.
2. Level 1 – there are problems to solve. Trust still exists but people may have concerns about taking risks.
3. Level 2 – self-protection. Fear sets in. People want to solve the problem but need to make sure their "self" is safe.
4. Level 3 – Winning is top priority. Sometimes willing to make a sacrifice to win. May lose sight of the original goal. More fear is involved. Less tolerance for individual opinions. Outside involvement may be required.
5. Level 4 – Taking Sides. Factions develop clear leaders and the exodus starts. The balance is lost. To solve, an outside person must be involved.
6. Level 5 – Destroy! No desire to resolve the problem. Secrets exist, distortion is evident, and anger could escalate into physical violence.
Following this informative and engaging presentation by Treena, the business of presbytery commenced.
The revised mission statement was discussed, using the "circle technique". The revised statement is as follows: GIFTED BY THE SPIRIT, KOOTENAY PRESBYTERY IS CALLED TO NURTURE VITAL AND FAITHFUL MINISTRIES AND CONGREGATIONS WHICH EMBODY GODŐS LOVE AND JUSTICE IN JESUS CHRIST IN ALL OF CREATION.
Highlights of the business:
1. Renewal of several Lay Worship Leader licenses, including Jayne Slawson's.
2. A training model for Licensed Lay Worship Leaders, revised by Anne Pollock was introduced and accepted.
3. Robyn reported a good camping season with 126 participants attending Camp Koolaree this summer.
4. Mission and Service offerings exceeded $37 million this year.
5. David Boyd is the newly elected treasurer of presbytery. A recording secretary and chair of presbytery will be elected at the next meeting. The Planning and Visioning Team membership will in future be limited to a 3-year term with some changes in composition.
6. The Support to Congregations team will be applying for another Home Missions grant of $9,000 for 2012. The team plans to present worship workshops in the East and West Kootenays, as well as Resource Fairs in both areas. More focus this year will be placed on meeting the needs of individual pastoral charges.
7. Creston pastoral charge presented their plan for a combined low-cost housing/Creston United Church building. A request from the pastoral charge for support of their grant application for $750,000 was tabled. More information concerning the financial implications for the United Church of Canada will be forthcoming.
8. The Arrow Lakes pastoral charge request for an $8000 Home Missions grant was supported by presbytery.
9. Fernie provided several Free Time options for the 2-hour break on Saturday afternoon. Linn enjoyed his guided hike to see the ammonite deposit, while Peter and Leah joined others for a most interesting tour of the Fernie Forge in Hosmer , the Arts Co-op (old railway station), and the Miners' Walk at City Hall. We enjoyed seeing a little of the culture of Fernie.
Submitted by your Presbytery Team
The Sunday School
Sunday School is an important and busy part of the life of our church. Children, ages 3 and up, come together on Sunday by gathering with the whole congregation for the opening of the worship service. After an exciting children's story told by either David or Christine, the children leave to go to their classes. Our current curriculum is Seasons of the Spirit. At the heart of Seasons of the Spirit is the integration of three vital aspects of faith: worship, learning and mission/outreach. Through prayer, play and creative activities, our lessons help us learn the Bible story and how we can understand and make its message and meaning part of our lives today.
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Throughout the year, we celebrate special Sundays with intergenerational services. On the first Sunday of the month, the children return to the worship service when communion is celebrated. Children are invited to be part of the congregational life by presenting the Bible and lighting the candles at the start of our worship service. On occasion children participate by reading the lectionary, by presenting Christmas pageants, and other presentations of special celebrations.
United Church Women
The Nelson United Church UCW continues to be a vibrant and dedicated group of about 85 women. It is largely a fund-raising group, meeting regularly for tasks and fellowship. The NUC UCW now consists of four separate units:
Caritas – chaired by Lynn Busby
Fifty Six – by Bess Rathbone
Jubilee – by Grace Smith and
Unity –by Edna Whiteley
The executive in charge of co-ordinating the groups as a whole consists of:
President – Judy Cameron
Recording Secretary – Lynne Busby
Corresponding Secretary – Bev Robertson
Treasurer – Grace Smith
Publicity – Carol Allen
All units rotate at Sunday Services with greeting visitors, supplying coffee and tea after Church. Together they cater for special events such as choir concerts, funerals, youth group, dinners, and fundraising brunches and luncheons. They provided goodies for the CBC reading of the Christmas Carol. Along with the Men's Group they hold the annual Christmas Bazaar and Garage Sale.
In the words of the UCW Creed, " Oh Lord God, let us not forget to be kind."
The Men's Group
The Men's Group, chaired by Bill Costain, is a gathering of "energetic and innovative" men who meet monthly to plan and execute Church repairs and carry out renovations and improvements. One of their fund raising events is the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. The group also hosts the annual fall Fowl Dinner, which is eagerly awaited by all.
New members are always welcome. Come join the fun.
We meet the 3rd Tuesday each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Lounge.
Chancel Choir
John Wesley, (1703-1791) was an outstanding preacher; wrote and published sermons and theological papers; translated hymns and wrote several hymns; organized his life and that of his followers methodically; saw hymns as a way of winning people to Christ. He provided his instructions for singing hymns.
John Pengelly, our Minister of Music, conducts our Chancel Choir. Open to all who would like to sing, regardless of talent. The members meet Thursday evenings for practice in the sanctuary. This choir regularly contributes an anthem and provides music leadership to our Sunday Worship.
Listen to the Choir: