Monthly Presbytery Update

Presbytery Nov 2026

Camp Douglas

Presbytery receives the update it asked for in September: Camp Douglas's 2026 financial position, the recommended plan for 2027, and strategic work with the Barfield Group. Draft 2027 budgets show a small deficit on a five-week season or a small surplus on a four-week season. Camper targets and congregational support figures are higher than 2026 year-to-date. The package prints no motion for this slot.

Community Engagement

Recommendation: that Presbytery endorse Camp Douglas's application to the Regional Resourcing Grant Fund for $12,937.42 toward two Leaders-in-Training directors for summer 2027. If endorsed, the application must reach Canadian Ministries by December 1, 2026. The report also notes Metro Vancouver Alliance assembly material and PCC fund deadlines.

Ministry Committee

Recommendation: that the committee be given power to issue on changes to Rev. Michelle Yoon's call, from a 50/50 split between St. Paul's and Bradner to 60% St. Paul's and 40% Bradner (current agreement ends December 1, 2026). For information: West Vancouver PC's strategic plan is under review with its interim moderator; St. John's White Rock reports candidate movement and volunteer strain; study leave is approved for Rev. Thomas Kim, November 9–22.

Student Support & Certification

Information only. Updates include people under care who have transferred to other presbyteries, one not seeking recertification, one on medical leave remaining under Westminster care, and one called to Memorial PC in Alberta who hopes to be ordained in Vancouver.

Strategy and Leadership

For information: final West Point Grey Presbyterian Church sale summary. Net proceeds before GST adjustments were about $5.92 million, shared 20% national church, 30% Kerrisdale, 50% Presbytery. Two recommendations follow.

1.Approve the third and final year consecutive grant of $40,000 to Brentwood PC for Jazz Ministry (Year 2 was $30,000). Reviewers recommend approval while noting the ministry is not yet self-sustaining and succession planning continues.

2.Approve a first-year consecutive grant of up to $20,000 to St. Paul's PC, Mission, for the Seniors' Lunch ministry (the congregation asked for $13,890; reviewers recommend room for rising food costs and possible extra help).

Administrative Committee

1.Nominate Rev. Dr. Ross Lockhart (Dean, St. Andrew's Hall) for Moderator of the 2027 General Assembly (national deadline November 27, 2026).

2.Vote approve or disapprove on four Barrier Act remits (show of hands on the constituent roll; no discussion; a qualified approval counts as disapproval):

a.CLK-001: allow certain long-serving conveners, clerks, and treasurers to be added as equalizing ministers.

b.CLK-004: allow secure e-signatures on digital minutes and digitize session minutes through the Archives every five to ten years.

c.CLK-005: route harassment complaints through SASH and harassment policy rather than straight to judicial process.

d.LMA-009: allow online interviews for reception except under extraordinary circumstances.

3.Approve the 2027 operating budget, balanced at $113,678 (congregational assessments in, same amount out). Largest lines include Camp Douglas property, insurance and utilities ($74,000), clerk honorarium, legal, student certification, Synod, and GA commissioners.

4.Give the clerk power to issue on the 2027 General Assembly commissioners list (due January 1, 2027).

5.Invite the 2028 General Assembly (June 4–8, 2028) to meet within the bounds. The Assembly budget carries costs; the host provides welcome, volunteers, local events, and suitable venues.