Subject: Review of Key Themes and Important Facts for Upcoming Meeting
This briefing document summarizes important information from various reports and documents in preparation for the upcoming Presbytery of Westminster meeting on November 5, 2024. All motions were approved.
1. Budget 2025:
The Administrative Committee presents a draft 2025 budget, including financial statements up to October 31, 2024.
Key Recommendation: Adoption of the 2025 budget for the Presbytery of Westminster (Recommendation #1).
Presbyterian Sharing Allocation: Congregations will receive a joint message regarding the 2023 Dollar Base and 2025 Presbyterians Sharing Recommended Allocation, along with the Congregational Assessment for Pension.
Reporting Allocations: Congregations are requested to report their accepted 2025 Presbyterian Sharing allocation via email to sharing@presbyterian.ca or through the online reporting form.
2. Synod of BC - October 2024:
The 132nd Synod of BC was held at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church. A highlight video is available.
Key Points: A Westminster congregation is invited to host Synod in 2026.
Each presbytery can apply for a $10,000 LMA Regional Resourcing Grant (RRG) for educational projects benefiting multiple congregations. Grant requests should be submitted to the presbytery clerk.
A flat rate of $100 in Synod dues will be requested from each congregation for 2025.
3. Kerrisdale / West Point Grey Amalgamation Update:
Progress: The amalgamation plan, approved in 2023, is being implemented.
The West Point Grey building closing service was held on March 10, 2024.
The congregations are functioning as one, with joint session meetings.
New Name: A congregational survey revealed a desire for continuity and keeping "Kerrisdale" and "Presbyterian" in the name. The session decided to retain "Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church" for now, but will continue to explore possibilities.
Pastoral Leadership: Rev. Richard Watson will serve the amalgamated congregation. An updated call document with stipend details will be confirmed at a congregational meeting on November 17, 2024.
Property: Proceeds from the West Point Grey property sale will be distributed (30% to the amalgamated congregation, 50% to presbytery, 20% to national office).
The property was listed for $10 million, but three offers (ranging from $7 million to $8.5 million) were deemed unacceptable.
The listing price was reduced to $8.75 million. The committee is hopeful for a sale in the coming months.
Key Recommendations: Formal amalgamation of Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church and West Point Grey Presbyterian Church, effective November 30, 2024 (Recommendation #2).
The amalgamated congregation be known as Kerrisdale Presbyterian Church (Recommendation #3).
Affirmation of Rev. Richard Watson as pastor for the amalgamated congregation (Recommendation #4).
A formal amalgamation service and induction of Rev. Watson be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:00 pm (Recommendation #5).
4. Hummingbird Ministries Director's Report:
Film Project: The film project manager contract was not signed. The Hummingbird Ministries Council will discuss plans to contract another project manager and explore collaboration with filmmakers Michael Auger, Dave LeRoss, and Rev. Young Tae Choi.
Events: The postponed healing and reconciliation workshop for Erindale PC will be rescheduled.
Hummingbird Ministries plans to film the Christmas Circle (December 2024) and the Peace through the Arts Festival (November 2025) as part of reconciliation work.
Pulpit Supply: Brentwood PC received pulpit supply for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Sunday. Pulpit supply for Erindale PC is postponed.
Upcoming Meetings: The National Indigenous Ministries Council (NIMC) meeting will be held in Edmonton from November 8-10. The Hummingbird Ministries Council will meet via Zoom on November 13.
5. Presbytery Finances:
The Presbytery of Westminster’s balance sheet as of October 31, 2024, shows total assets of $1,220,360.40 and total liabilities of $10,860.00.
The income statement reveals a net income loss of $65,950.25 for the period from January 1 to October 31, 2024.
Significant expenses include salaries & benefits, strategic priorities (missions), and operating expenses, notably for Camp Douglas.
6. Commissioners to 2025 General Assembly:
The deadline to inform the General Assembly Office about commissioners for the 2025 General Assembly is January 1, 2025. The Presbytery Clerk will initiate contact with eligible teaching elders and sessions.
7. Presbytery Directory:
The November 2024 Presbytery of Westminster directory contains essential contact information for congregations, specialized ministries, personnel, officers, committees, and synod contacts.
The directory also includes the roll of the Presbytery, listing clergy and congregational representatives, as well as information on upcoming meeting schedules and general procedures for meetings.
This briefing document provides a comprehensive overview of the key themes and critical information to be discussed at the upcoming Presbytery meeting. Commissioners are encouraged to review the source documents for a more detailed understanding of the topics outlined above.