KNOX-ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH
Cornwall, Ontario
JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
November 2017
“Helping Build A City Where No One Journeys Alone”
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
SYNODE MONTREAL AND OTTAWA CONFERENCE
PROFILE 1: DEMOGRAPHIC, FINANCIAL AND COMMUNITY
Purpose: To provide information about the Mission Unit/Pastoral Charge to
prospective applicants.
PART A: ABOUT OUR PEOPLE:
(Multi-point Pastoral Charges: please complete a profile for each congregation/mission unit)
Number of congregations:x1☐2☐3☐N/A (e.g. Outreach Ministries)
Congregation: Knox-St.Paul’s 394 64
(Name of Congregation)(No. on roll)(Average Sunday attendance)
We think of ourselves mainly as:☐Rural☐Remote☐Small town☐Suburban
X Urban☐Inner City☐Other______
Most of us live (check only one):☐ in an apartmentX in single-family homes
☐in retirement homes☐in long-term care homes☐on working farms ☐on rural retirement properties ☐ in low income or rent-to-income housing
The rest of us live (check all that apply):☐in apartments☐in single-family homes
Xin retirement homes☐in long-term care homes☐on working farms☐on rural retirement properties ☐ in low income or rent-to-income housing
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PART B: ABOUT OUR PASTORAL CHARGE:
Our congregation includes:(approximate numbers in each group)
Infant and preschool 3 Children (5-12) 5Teens (13-19) 2
Young adults (20-35) 2 Adults (36-50) 5 Adults (51+) 50
Breakdown of Adults (51+):
Young retirees (51-64)7 Older retirees(65-70)15 Seniors (over 70) 28
Most of us: (choose one)
XGrew up in this area☐Moved to this area for work
☐Moved here to be close to family ☐Moved here for other reasons
Many of us work in the following industries or sectors: (check all that apply)
X Health or social servicesXEducationX Manufacturing
☐Transportation☐Agriculture and food production
☐Retail☐Environment☐Mining/Forestry
☐Information☐Technology ☐GovernmentX Other– Construction/Gen. Labourers and Retired
Our congregation and/or community includes a significant number of people considered low-income or on social assistance. XYes☐No
Our congregation is like: (choose on that best applies)
X A big family where we all know each other;
☐A medium sized church where we recognize each other but may not know each other well;
☐A big church with lots of staff, where small groups are close to one another based on common interest;
☐Other description:______
Our heritage as a Pastoral Charge: (check one that best applies):
a)XHas roots as a Methodist/Congregationalist/Presbyterian/Local Union
Churches/Aboriginal congregation prior to Union in 1925;
or b) we began: ☐between 1925 and 1945☐between 1945 and 1965 ☐between 1965 and 2000 ☐after 2000
We have been officially designated an “Affirming Congregation”. ☐Yes x No
We have a marriage policy allowing same-sex marriages. ☐Yes x No
We have a congregational policy on “Violence & Harassment in the Workplace”. xYes ☐ No
NOTE: We already are a small “a” affirming congregation. We are inclusive of the sexuality spectrum and so much more. We are inclusive of peoples of all faith, all race, all nationalities and include them in our public ministry. By all accounts we believe we are an affirming church.
We think of our pastoral charge in the following way: (choose the one that best applies)
☐We have a new vision and are really excited; still working out how to live into that vision
X We are clear about our vision and purpose and have/are developing the skills and gifts to bring it about; we are excited and optimistic about our vision.
☐Our congregation is changing and it is clear that we can no longer continue as we have been; we don’t know how to go forward and have some anxiety. We believe that we have a future but can’t quite see it.
☐We see that the ministry within this community is probably winding down after many positive and productive years of faithful ministry, mission and service; we want to celebrate what we have been as we intentionally and graciously end this ministry.
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PART C: ABOUT OUR MINISTRY
Describe the ministry in our congregation at this time.
We are a very welcoming, openly accepting congregation. We have one full-time minister. We have a well respected Musical Director and active Sr. Choir. The UCW are also very active in our church.
What would a newcomer experience in worship and church community life?
A newcomer would see a welcoming, open congregation. They would see our Vision highlighted in the Message Bible verses and sermons. Each Sunday, members participate in open faith sharing, the reading of the Prayer for Illumination and
Gospel Readings, greeting, ushering and sharing in coffee hour. Members lead worship when the minister is absent.
A newcomer would see the opportunity to participate in workshops, training and dialogues throughout the year.
What do we do well as a pastoral charge?
What are our strengths?
We look outside our church walls to do the work of God.
We partner with the Bereaved Families of Ontario, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.
We created and have run the Feed My Sheep program since Thanksgiving in the year 2000. We serve meals to the needy at Agape Centre on all public holidays.
We participate and provide a venue for Muslim-Non-Muslim dialogue.
Cornwall Interfaith Partnership and Transition Cornwall+ are also partners.
We have a small Benevolent Fund which the Minister oversees to provide food vouchers.
The UCW organizes Rummage Sales, Soup and Sandwich days, Tealess Teas and events throughout the year.
We keep excellent financial and historical records.
What aspects of our congregation’s ministry could use development and growth?
Continue to do the work of God.
New members who are willing and able to consistently participate in supporting our public ministry partners.
What is our dream? (if we had unlimited financial and/or volunteer commitment)
Continue with our Vision of Helping Build a City Where No One Journeys Alone.
What are the three most important ministry programs we offer?
- Provide a location for events supporting our Public Ministry partners
- Pastoral Care Team
- Feed My Sheep
What are the biggest challenges to ministry in our congregation right now?
The age of members and our financial resources which are directly linked. Monies raised go to support the building and not our Vision.
What will be the biggest challenges to ministry in our congregation 5 years from now?
Same as above.
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PART D: ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY
This is what we love about our community. This is what makes it unique.
Cornwall has a rich history and is a growing multicultural community. About 40% of our residents speak the French language. We overlook the St.Lawrence River and have an International border with the United States. We have a Mohawk Reservation and are within an hour and a half from Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. You can drive to Toronto in five hours and reach Montreal in an hour and a half. One can easily commute across the city with public transportation. A wide variety of recreational and cultural opportunities exist for all ages.
The three economic, demographic or political challenges facing our area are:
- Aging population. Most youth leave the city for educational institutions or employment.
- Lack of employment for high skilled jobs. Traditionally a mill town which experienced several closures. Small companies and businesses remain.
- We are well served demographically as we have two 400 series highways, an International Border, a Provincial Border. We have a train station, we have a small airport in the area and a Voyageur depot.
Here are two or three websites that offer detailed information about our community:
Other faith communities represented in our community/region are:
Many faith communities are represented in our community. Google “Cornwall Churches” for an extensive list of churches and faith communities in the area.
We have close ties with the following faith communities, social services or community outreach services: (e.g. food bank, community associations, etc.)
We have close ties with the Cornwall Interfaith Partnership (Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist, Bahai etc.), United Church of Christ in the USA.
Agape Centre – where Feed My Sheep delivers its program
Pastoral Care program – community wide
Are there opportunities for ministry in your congregation or community that could/should be explored? (e.g. with schools, youth, the elderly, families, etc.)
Attempts to start a youth group failed but could be explored or perhaps a before and afterschool daycare program. We could explore such programs as Girl Guides, Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, Youth Choir etc. We have a great facility with direct access (no stairs) and a lift to the lower hall.
We have an affiliation with Lazarus House and Camp Kagama and Agape Centre.
Are there opportunities for shared ministry between congregations (United Church or other denominations) in your wider community/region that could/should be explored?
Absolutely. No stone should remain unturned in regard to sharing ministers, facilities or both.
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THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
SYNODE MONTREAL AND OTTAWA CONFERENCE
Synode Montreal and Ottawa Conference
Montreal and Ottawa Conference consists of four (4) Presbyteries: Québec, Ottawa, Seaway Valley, and Consistoire Laurentien. Spanning most of the province of Quebec and eastern Ontario, this bilingual Conference embodies a diversity of cultures and ethnicities that shape a unique flavour of ministry for those who offer leadership here.
For further information visit our Website:
Seaway Valley Presbytery
The Seaway Valley Presbytery spans a large geographical territory in Eastern Ontario extending south and east of the city of Ottawa. On the south, the Presbytery extends from the Quebec border following the St. Lawrence River almost to Brockville. On the east, it extends north to the Ottawa River. Its western boundary extends north to Merrickville and the Rideau River. It is served by three major highways (401, 416 and 417) which allows easy travel throughout the Seaway Valley Presbytery, as well as access to Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
Seaway Valley is a friendly and enthusiastic presbytery 30 pastoral charges representing 49 congregations.It meets seven times a year throughout the Presbytery. The pastoral charges which comprise the Seaway Valley Presbytery are small town and rural, with rural needs and concerns. The one exception is an urban pastoral charge in Cornwall. Within the presbytery is the House of Lazarus, an outreach mission, which partners with the United Church, other denominations and many other agencies to alleviate the pain of the disadvantaged.
Like many presbyteries, Seaway Valley has several pastoral charges who are approaching a cross road in regard to their future ministry and have been actively exploring new futures in partnership with other congregations. Seaway Valley welcomes all who feel called to this journey.
Seaway Valley Presbytery has had a history of successful Settlement experiences.
For further information, visit our website: seawayvalleypresbytery.ca
PART E: ABOUT OUR ASSETS
Governance structure:☐Official Board☐Council☐Church Board
X Other If “other”, please describe: Board with Public Ministry Teams
How many people are on your Governing Body? 9
How many are typically present at a meeting of your Governing Body? 9
Our Church Building(s): (include information for each building if more than one)
Located at 800 Twelfth St. E., Cornwall and we also have a 4-5-bedroom house adjacent to the church, which is currently rented.
or ☐We don’t have a church building (if you check this box, please comment briefly on where you worship and what other spaces you use for your ministry)
Our Sanctuary holds 300 people.
Are there meeting rooms?XYes☐No
What are they used for?
Sunday School classroom, not currently in use
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous
Swinging B’s Square Dancers
Is there a basement/lower level?X Yes☐NoUsage:
Fully operational kitchen. Dinners, Dance Group, External rental for members ie Birthdays, Funeral lunches, Rummage Sales, special events.
Is there a nursery?☐Yes XNo
Is the nursery toys/furniture compliant with current safety standards? ☐Yes ☐No
n/a
Are there Sunday School rooms?XYes(currently not in operation) ☐No
How many? 1 classroom & large hall. Are they also multipurpose use? X Yes ☐No
Are there community rooms, church hall or activity rooms? (i.e. quilting, gym, etc.)
X Yes☐No
Largest community room holds 300 people.
Brief descriptions:
The main rooms in our church building are:
The Sanctuary which is multi-purpose (no pews), airconditioned and fully accessible with a coffee nook. Off the Sanctuary is a choir room, small office.
The Office of the Minister and Administrative Assistant along with a washroom and storage area are located off the entrance.
Downstairs:
Osmond Hall – accessible from outside and inside
Kitchen
One classroom
Furnace Room
Storage area
Accessible Washroom (elevator/lift access)
Male and female washroom stalls
Do you own a Manse? ☐Yes X No (If yes, please complete PR 436 MI – see Appendix B)
If yes, do you expect it to be occupied by the minister? ☐Yes ☐No
If yes, briefly describe the general condition of the manse?
Where is the minister’s office located? In the church building proper.
Describe it:The office is located just off the foyer and contains desk, bookshelf, small conference table and chairs with a large window, fire place and window air conditioner.
Is the building used by outside groups?X Yes☐No
Brief descriptions (tenants, occasional rentals, frequency of use):
Church events ie rummage sale, dinners, training sessions, birthdays, funerals, weddings.
(See our Public Ministry Page for additional usage)
Is there audio-visual capacity inXthe sanctuaryX church hall
Is there a photocopier in the church?X Yes☐No
Is internet provided at the church?X Yes☐No If yes, is it XHigh Speed☐Dial up
Is the church accessible per United Church Accessibility Guidelines?X Yes99%☐No
Are all areas of your building accessible? X Yes☐No
If yes, how: X wheelchair ramps X elevator/lift☐power-assisted doors
X accessible washrooms☐braille signage☐hearing-assist system
Xlarge-print worship materials☐increased lighting
X Service is project to screen
If no, please list areas in the building which are not accessible:
If available, estimate of the cost to meet accessibility needs: ______
Support Staff:
Is there support for administrative tasks (e.g. bulletin, scheduling, and reception)?
X Yes☐No
If yes, how many hours per week? 20 hr/wk.If yes, is thisX paid ☐volunteer?
Is there support for caretaking tasks? X Yes☐No
Caretaker on staff – 10 hrs/wk. - paid
Cleaning contract in place for weekly cleaning
If yes, how many hours per week?4 hr/wk.If yes, is thisX paid☐volunteer?
Briefly describe the music for Sunday Service:
Chorale music for Sunday Services is selected by the Musical Director/Organist. We have a Senior Choir and full range of hand bells. From time to time guest performers are in attendance. Input from Clergy is always welcome.
Is there someone specifically named to supportto your music program? X Yes ☐No
If yes, how many hours per week?15 hr/wk.If yes, is this X paid ☐volunteer
Do you have a choir? X Yes☐No If more than one, how many? ______
Who provides Sunday Supply when your minister is way on vacation or study leave?
Members of our congregation may provide Sunday Supply.
Number of worship services each Sunday: 1 Time(s) of service(s): 10:00 am
Do you have an active Worship Committee? X Yes ☐No
Ministry and Personnel Committee:
How many committee members? 4 How often does the committee meet? Quarterly
Has one or more of the committee members ever attended an M&P Committee training event in the last three years? X Yes ☐No
Pastoral Care:
Do you have a trained Pastoral Care Team in place?X Yes ☐No
Are there volunteers who help with the hospital, shut-in member visits?
X Yes ☐No If yes, how many volunteers? Approx. 10
Does this area of the congregation’s ministryneed to be developed:☐Yes XNo
If yes, explain how:
Christian Development / Faith Formation:
Do you have a Christian Development Committee? X Yes☐ No
We call in an Educational Team.
Is there someone specifically named to support to your educational program?XYes ☐No
A member of the board acts as a liaison and provides support when needed.
If yes, how many hours per week? ______If yes, is this☐paid Xvolunteer?
Refer to our Organizational structure – Appendix F
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PART F: ABOUT OUR FINANCES
The word or phrase that best describes our current financial situation is:
☐Abundant☐Adequate☐Not meeting expenses but optimistic
X We are not meeting expenses. We relyon bequests and reservesto fund operating budget.
☐Other
Our Revenue Sources are:(please indicate approximate percentage of your current operating budget that comes from each source)
Congregational GivingX Congregational Fundraising Activities X
Rental of building/services X Bequests, Reserves, Investments X
X Other (please briefly describe): Rental of house adjacent to the Church
Is there a Finance Committee?X Yes☐No
Financial statistics:
How many weekly offering envelopes do you issue? 127
How many people are on Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)? 38
How many active givers are there? 110 currently giving $100. + annually
What is the annual income of the Pastoral Charge? 2016 - $205,000
What amount of money is directed toward the Mission and Service Fund? 2016 - $13,193
What are your fundraisers?
Dinners, UCW have Mini-market bazaar, rummage sales, luncheons, choir fund raisers.
What amount is paid for the minister’s salary? 2017 $74,000
What was the total travel allowance given last year? $.41/km
How much of money raised goes for building maintenance? 2016 - $15,000 which includes utilities, lawn care, snow removal and supplies
Church building maintenance and repair:
Who does the repairs? Contractors and Volunteers when able.
Are major repairs required?☐YesX No- None at this time
List in priority with estimated costs:______