After a very long journey Rev. Carolyn is at the rectory in Neil’s Harbour. Her belongings are on route and should be arriving within the next few days. We wish her well and would like everyone to do their part in welcoming Carolyn not only to our Church but our communities.

A Parish update

This has been a very busy month and a half for our Parish; the lobster supper at St. John’s was a huge success to start the long weekend with, followed by the St. John’s ACW Breakfast, Vestry meetings at both Churches, a Parish Council meeting, a very successful St. John’s Silent Auction (thank you to the communities and local Ingonish businesses for your donations) and a very tasty Strawberry Shortcake tea.  To wrap up the fundraising this month on Friday, July 26^th St. John’s is hosting another Lobster Supper and we invite all to come and join us.  The dinner begins at 4pm. 

On this coming Sunday, July 28^th we are sharing our last services with our “Priest in Charge” Gloria McClure-Fraser.  Rev. Gloria has been a blessing to us since January, we have enjoyed her company, wisdom, advice and charm, she is a very special lady who will never be forgotten and always appreciated, 

On Tuesday, July 30^th our student minister Lorraine Otto is sharing her final service, an evening service with the Parish at St. John’s Church at 7pm.  We wish to thank Lorraine for her time and dedication to our Parish during her stay and wish her the best in her education and life achievements.  We would also like to thank all who donated items to the rectory to insure that Lorraine had a home to come to when she arrived and to those that came out to set it up as many hands certainly made light work. 

On Monday, August 5^th the Wardens of our Parish will meet at the rectory to discuss a three week work project to prepare the rectory for

Rev. Carolyn.  If you or anyone you may know would be willing to donate any skill or talents to the effort please let one of the warden’s know. There is painting to be done inside, a step to be built, odds and ends to be repaired such as screens, loose tiles, cleaning etc.  Any amount of time you are willing to give would be appreciated.   Rev. Carolyn is due to arrive on August 26^th or 27^th. 

Rev. Glen Kent will be joining us for services on August 4^th and 25^th; the layreaders will be leading services on August 11 and 18^th.  Rev. Gloria has made arrangements for us in the event of any emergencies until Rev. Carolyn arrives, please feel free to contact one of the Wardens is you need to and they will make the necessary arrangements. 

Wardens in Ingonish are Eleanor March 285-2931 and Clara Hardy-Scott 285-2117
Wardens in Neil's Harbour are Sheldon MacKinnon 336-2678 or Steve Coutts 336-2543

Welcome Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp

It is with great joy that we announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sharp to our Parish effective September 1/13. 
Rev. Sharp comes to us from the Diocese of Ottawa and we are looking forward to sharing our lives, Parish and villages with her.   Welcome Carolyn. :)

Parish Annual Meeting 2013

Parish Annual Meeting

March 19^th 2013

St. John’s Hall 5:30pm to 9:00pm

Attendees:  Lenora Dunphy, Darlene Williams, Rhadie Murphy, Linda Symes, Dale Hussey, Donna Lynn MacLean, Eleanor March, Carl March,

Clara Hardy-Scott, Kelvin Hussey, Wayne Budge, Keith Hussey, Steve Coutts, Sheldon MacKinnon, Rev. Gloria,  and Adrianne Chapman-Gorey.

Or annual meeting began with a lovely meal this year, with many thanks to Donna Lynn, Eleanor and Carl (and Katelynn) for preparations and to all attending for your donations to the meal.

Rev. Gloria opened the meeting with prayer. 

Sheldon nominated Rev. Gloria for Chair, this was seconded by Kelvin. 

Kelvin nominated Clara for secretary, this was seconded by Wayne.

Kelvin read the minutes of our 2012 annual meeting. 

Questions arising from the minutes:

• Kelvin confirmed the safety deposit box held at Scotiabank is indeed a Parish one and the cost for it will be a sharable.
• David Donovan has taken papers into Dan Chiasson in Baddeck to find us the deeds to Neil’s harbour property or land grants. Lorrianne Slowpeck from the Diocese was contacted numerous times by Sheldon over the past 1 ½ months with her returning his call only today.  Ms. Slowpeck will be in touch with Sheldon tomorrow, March 20/13 with numbers so that he will be able to look up the deeds/grants himself. 
• Cemetery, “ALL” funds must be used be used for cemetery purposes.
• Rev. Gloria suggested that Parish Council have a conversation as was stated in 2012 minutes about a Memorial Wishlist so that the word can be spread to our Parishioners.  Money in memory of should be going into our general account, not left in memorial account.  Any monies given for something specific must be used for that purpose within a year or the money goes to the general account.

Sheldon moved that the minutes from 2012 be adopted as revised, Keith Seconded, motion carried.

New business: 

Keith asked about the status of the rectory and the parish wishes for it in the midterm of seeking an incumbent.  It was agreed by all that the heat remain on 10 degrees until we meet again.

Rev. Gloria asked if the safe at the rectory is indeed fire proof and she was insured it was. 

Rev. Gloria mentioned that there needs to be two people at all times, opening envelopes and counting money, a safety precaution for all. 

Sheldon and Clara asked to be let know when someone in our Parish is sick or in need as often they just don’t hear and they need to be letting Rev. Gloria know and perhaps visiting themselves. 

Rev. Gloria said that she is loving her time here with us in this Parish.  We in return enjoying having her and are most grateful.  

Regional Council will be meeting in Ingonish on September 21^st. 

Clericus will be meeting in Ingonish on June 20^th. 

Both visits will require a meal being prepared.

Correspondence: 

Reed Moore contacted Keith about 2 prizes that are needed from our Parish for the “Friends of the Bishop’s” Dinner.  It was agreed that each Church would come up with one prize each. 

Sheldon moved that all written non-financial reports be adopted as read and this was seconded by Kelvin.

Presentation of Audited Financial Reports

St. John’s investments are stated to be used for the general day to day operations of the Church.

There was much discussion on endowments and investments, as it seems noone has a clear picture Rev. Gloria suggested we invite the Regional Dean, Rev. Carl Fraser down answer any questions we may have. 

Insurance declaration was reviewed.  Kelvin asked that perhaps our Regional Dean may speak on this as well when he is invited down.

Sheldon asked for a confirmation of Rev. Gloria’s cost to the parish while there were many around the table so everyone would know. 

$100 per month for being Priest in Charge

$100 for Sunday’s in both Churches, $75 for the first $25 for the second, there are two per month.

$100 for a visitation day, there are two per month

$50 for visitation on Sunday afternoons while she is doing the services

.35 cents a km return each trip into the Parish.

It was moved by Kelvin and seconded by Steve that all financial statements be adopted, Motion carried.

Presentation of the Parish Budget

It was noted that the Parish Budget should be completed each year in December; this is to be done with the Minister, all wardens and treasurers. 

Motion to accept the Budget 2013 by Kelvin and seconded by Rhadie.

Note:  All Parish buildings are now on the Diocese Oil Rate of 98.6 as of January 2013.  Kelvin is looking into how far back the company can go for reimbursement.

Rev. Gloria encouraged us to use the budget and as well to have our money from each Church into the Parish treasurer in a timely manner.

Election of Officers

Wardens   Eleanor March (Two to three year)

                 Sheldon MacKinnon (One to two year)

Treasurer:  Kelvin Hussey

Secretary:  Clara Hardy-Scott

Members at Large:  Steve Coutts, Linda Symes, Lenora Dunphy,

Valerie MacKinnon, Darlene Williams, Helen Budge, Dale Hussey,

Rhadie Murphy, Keith Hussey, Donna Lynn MacLean, Wayne Budge

Synod Delegates: Keith Hussey, Valerie MacKinnon

 and Adrianne Chapman-Gorey

Auditors:  Dean Lefriend, Rhadie Murphy, Karen Smith and Dale Hussey

Regional Council Representatives:  Kelvin Hussey, Sheldon MacKinnon, and Wayne Budge

Correspondence – Diocesan Times:  Donna Lynn Maclean

Opening for Parish Priest

Notification of Openings

In accordance with Diocesan Canon 25, The Right Rev’d Sue Moxley is inviting applications for the positions of Rector of the following parishes:     Neil’s Harbour with Ingonish     Aylesford/Berwick The Parish Profile is on file with the Bishops’ Office and may be reviewed by any prospective applicant.  If you wish to be considered for this position, the profile and application form may be obtained by contacting – in advance – Jana O’Neil at joneil@nspeidiocese.ca or phoning 902-420-0717. * Clergy from outside the Diocese of Nova Scotia and P.E.I., must present confirmation that they are a priest in good standing and have their bishop’s permission to seek employment opportunities outside their own diocese. The deadline for receiving applications is Friday, April 19th, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. A copy of Canon 25 can be found on our website at : http://www.nspeidiocese.ca/canons/Canon%2025.pdf The Right Reverend Sue Moxley Bishop of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island 1430 Martello Street Halifax NS  B3H 2Z1

Annual Meetings

St. John’s Annual Meeting was held on March 4^th, 2013. 

Warden for a 2 year term          Clara Hardy-Scott

Warden for a 1 year term          Eleanor March

Treasurer              Lenora Dunphy

Secretary              Darlene Williams

Members at Large

2 year:  Rose Donovan, Keith Hussey, Stewart Best,Donna Lynn MacLean and Kelvin Hussey

1 year:  Marilyn MacKay, Richard Nolan, Rhadie Murphy and

St. Andrew’s is hosting it’s Annual meeting on March 10/13

St. John's Annual Warden's Report

St. John’s Warden’s Report, 2012

2012 proved to be another challenging year in our Parish and our Church.  We have had many a stumbling block appear, we have suffered financially, we have had many deaths, we have had members step down from their positions, we have had our Parish Priest move west so that his family may be together.   But we have had positives as well.   Rev. Gloria was appointed Priest in Charge, and her husband Rev. Carl became our  Regional Dean, with these two wonderful people to help us and with Rev. Brenda as our Archdeacon  what a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow.  With their wisdom, strength, and open personalities new light shines on our Parish

The Parochial Committee was formed in December, and the Parish Profile is complete.  The open position of Parish Priest will be advertised across Canada shortly.  We thank our fellow warden’s at St. Andrew’s, Linda Symes and Sheldon MacKinnon,  as well as Wayne Budge and Kelvin Hussey who all worked many hours to develop the Parish Profile and were once again rewarded with a new sense of respect, strength and camaraderie between one another.   

We have talked at great lengths this past year about beginning a stewardship campaign, something we hope to get underway in the near future. 

We will have the job of doing some touchups to our buildings as an independent building inspection was done in the fall of 2012, and we hope to prioritize the list and begin the work in the spring.

The wonderful gift of windows from the memorial donations in the memory of Melvin Hardy will certainly be a beautiful addition to our already quaint hall.

 

Our finances are in somewhat stable condition, thanks to our loyal weekly contributors, to the ACW for their never-ending devotion and to

“The Friends of St. John’s”, spear headed by Ann Hussey. 

Our music ministry continues to grow with Adrianne Chapman-Gorey and our latest musician, Katelynn March, we thank you both for your wonderful gifts of music. 

To our extended Church ministries, those that do it all behind the scenes,  a huge thank you, your gifts that you constantly give without even thinking are never forgotten, we appreciate the snow removers, the altar guild, the side persons, the readers, our fellow vestry members, Dorothy who takes hall bookings, Stewart who is our go to guy, to Ewart for the hours of work maintaining the cemetery.  To Lenora and Keith for their excellent, bookkeeping skills, there are no words to fully express our constant gratitude to you both for your ministries.  To the people who donate to our functions and volunteer to help out in anyway we are indebted to you all.

As we journey into 2013 we are most thankful to our lay readers, Kelvin, Keith, Darlene, and those from St. Andrew’s (Sheldon, Linda, Valerie, Wayne, and Cheryl) we welcome you all gratefully into our Church to make our services possible while we await a new minister. 

To our families who gracefully permit us the time to give of ourselves to our Church, thank you for your unending support.

Blessings,

Clara and Eleanor

Parish Council Minutes Nov. 20th, 2012

Parish council minutes for Nov. 20^th 2012

In Neil’s Harbour 6:30pm ending at 9:20pm

Meeting attended by:  Linda Symes, Helen Budge, Dale Hussey,

David Donovan, Keith Hussey, Dean Carl Fraser, Stewart Best,

Lenora Dunphy, Steve Coutts, Wayne Budge, Kelvin Hussey, Darlene Williams,

Clara Hardy-Scott, Rev. Warren, Eleanor March, Valerie MacKinnon.

Meeting opened with prayer. 

Rev. Warren graciously agreed to chair the meeting.

Clara read the minutes from the previous meeting. Hearing no errors or omissions the minutes were accepted as read by Kelvin and seconded by Steve.

Business Arising

Land papers sent to Dan Chiasson were only for the land Van Seffland Bros. is interested in.  Wayne will drop in to check on these and to inquire about deeds for Parish property while there.

Co-op land update:  Co-op Atlantic will be making a presentation to the local board on Dec. 3^rd.  The plan is to go to the right of the existing store about half the size again, extending the parking lot as well and covering the area where the little building is.  The land in the back toward the ocean was viewed and determined not to be usable by them.  There was discussion as to the land they have included in their plan being in fact usable as there is a culvert running through the area. 

Layreaders:  One gathering so far, two new people have shown a slight interested in joining the group, they will be getting back to Rev. Warren.

Messy Church:  No takers on this.  However Clara may be interested in starting a Church School had has made inquires to the school board to use Cape Smokey. 

Insurance: No updates, Valerie thought Sheldon had the copy of the Church inventory for St. Andrew’s and will check on this.

Kelvin explained that as it stands presently St. John’s has full replacement, an AA rating coverage on St. John’s Church of $630.000 with a cost of $1807 and the hall of $507.900 at $1466 This replacement is prorated and you must replace.  If they were to switch to B Ratting and an allowable cost of $300.000, it would cost $1633 for the Church, only a savings of $174 but with the B rating you get a cash settlement of the full $300.000. 

Dean Carl felt that this is something we should consider………if St. John’s burned, would we want to replace it as it stands now or with 5 buildings in the Parish would it be not a smart idea?  Food for thought.

Travel: Review for the 3^rd quarter is complete. Rev. Warren asked council to direct Bev Hawley not to pay him a travel cheque for the month of December 2012.  Steve made the motion and Wayne seconded it. 

Parish Treasurer: Kelvin still has not heard from Bev Hawley concerning a meeting to discuss procedures with Kelvin taking the position as Parish Treasurer in January 2013 this is of the upmost importance.  Valerie agreed to phone Bev and ask her to meet with Kelvin.  The paper work for this matter was filled out and signed by Eleanor March at this meeting so it may be forwarded to the Diocese.    

Sexual Misconduct Policy: Rev Warren will put these in the Churches for signatures.

Correspondence:

David MacKenzie who did our building inspections has not gotten back to Eleanor yet with the written documentation of recommendations.  She has left several messages.

Irving Maintenance Agreement for the Rectory Furnace has been renewed.

St. John’s General Account is up this month because the ACW gave them a $3000 donation.  Lenora now is believed to have the correct numbers for allotment and stipend fees, as she has been without since January, she made a guestamit and St. John’s has been overpaying approximately $200 a month so presently has a credit.

The wardens met with Rev. Warren and discussed a door to door campaign to try and increase our many ministries.  Perhaps develop a check list to ask, who in the household is Anglican? What talents or gifts you may have time to give to the Parish ministries.   What are we missing as a Parish that we are not giving you?  It was suggested by Wayne B. at St. Andrew’s vestry meeting to do a positive letter up, visit with the letter and return two weeks later for discussion.  Items such as PAR, What programs people care about?

Dean Carl mentioned we all get mail asking for money…………remember if you go door to door and/or do a letter remember that this is about your ministry not money.  Knock, shake their hand and let them know we care about you. How can we help you?  Do you have any questions? Can we restore your relationship to the Church?  He then did an interesting exercise by asking those present individually in one word to describe how you feel about our current financial situation.  Scared, perplexed, hopefully and proud that we had come so far and concord so much in the last year. He asked this because some may think we are in crisis.  We are not.  We have money in the bank, our bills are paid.  What we are is a Parish with a Challenge.

 He suggested we plan the annual meeting dates, think about what we are going to talk about, the positives and the issues. A letter about your future together needs to go out to let people know you are going door to door, think about what we want our Parish to look like. Think about the next years budge and ask yourselves, will we be in a position in Sept. 2013 to hire a priest? Think about officers to represent you.

Motion was made by Keith and seconded by Kelvin to accept the Parish Financial Statement.

No Warden’s report

Rector’s Report

Rev. Warren is very proud of where we have come and the hope that is here. You have overcome your goals, and keep talking about your ministries, keep focusing on that. They have a load of items ready for the dump.  The many lists required to be in order before Warren’s departure are coming to together many thanks to everyone for their assistance.  

Dates:

Vestry meetings: December 3^rd St. John’s, 4^th St. Andrew’s and 11^th for the Parish in Ingonish. Clara will contact Brenda Drake to see if she needs to speak with us about ministry Brenda’s wishes for travel times will determine the time of the meeting. Clara will be in touch with everyone. Clara as well will contact the Diocese Stewardship group and ask if they may be able to work with us on our approach with the door to door campaign.

Candlelight services St. John’s Dec. 18^th and St. Andrew’s 19^th

Christmas Eve: St. John’s at 8pm, St. Andrew’s at 11pm. 

Farewell service Dec. 30^th 11am at St. Andrew’s with lunch to follow in the hall.    

Tentative dates for Church Annual Meetings FEB 17^th and 18^th

Parish annual Feb. 19^th

New Business:

Carl’s celebration of New Ministry into live as Regional Dean is taking place at St. John’s in North Sydney at 7pm on Wednesday, Nov. 28^th.  He is looking for a person from each Parish to give a little speech about how life is in our Parish. Every Parish has also been assigned another Parish to pray for on this night.

The meeting closed with the Grace. 

Respectfully submitted by

Clara Hardy-Scott

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

We begin our 2013 year with changes to our Parish, our priest Rev. Warren and his family leave us this week for new adventures in Saskatchewan.  We wish them safe travels and much happiness in their new life. 

Rev. Gloria McClure Fraser was announced this week as being our “Priest in charge”.  Rev. Gloria is a dear friend of this Parish and we are excited to be working with her.  The Wardens are meeting with Rev. Gloria this evening, January 06 at 5:30 to discuss scheduling. We will send out calendars once the schedule is in place.

The Parochial Committee was elected as you know on Dec. 11^th.  Clara has been working on the Parish Profile.  The Parochial Committee will need to meet this coming week to finalize the written copy and review what has been completed.  It is then entered electronically into an on line form and forwarded to Archdeacon Brenda  who will read it, make suggestions and then return to Ingonish for a meeting with Parish Council to be voted on.  This all needs to take place by Feb. 9^th.   January will certainly be a challenging month but we will do our best to keep everyone updated.