Highlands United Church 2016 Annual Report · Welcome to Highlands United Church 2016 Annual Report...

Highlands United Church 2016 Annual Report Presented at Highlands United Church Annual General Meeting March 19, 2017

Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, BC V7R 2P1 Ph: 604-980-6071 [email protected] www.highlandsunited.org

2016 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Minister’s Welcome Page 3

Staff and Lay Leaders Page 4

Agenda Page 5-6

Minutes Page 7-13

LB Terms of Reference Page 14-15

Administration & Leadership

• Ministry Report 2016

• Leadership Board Page 16-17

• Ministry & Personnel Page 17-19

• Property Committee Page 20-21

• Board of Trustees Page 21

• Building Committee Page 22

• Van-Burrard Presbytery Page 22-23

• Membership Statistics Page 24

• Memorials, Weddings, and Baptisms Page 25

Worship and Music

• Worship Committee Page 26-27

• Music Page 28-29

• Welcoming Ministry Page 29

Education and Faith Formation

• Sunday morning Programming for Children and Youth Page 30

• IGNITE Worship Page 31

• Youth Groups / Young Adults Page 31-32

• Other Children, Youth and Family Programs Page 32

• Summer Programs Page 33

• Library Page 34

• Book Circle Page 34

Social Action and Community

• Climate & Environment Action Page 35

• Local Connections Page 36

• Global Connections Page 37

• Highlands Quilters Page 37

• Shelter to Home Page 38

• Saturday Lunch Page 39

• Sandwiches for First Page 38

• Refugee Committee Page 40

• Flea Market Page 41

• English Language Learning Page 42

• Scouts Page 43

• Christmas Dinner Page 44

• Scottish Dance Page 45

Caring & Seniors Ministry

• Seniors Connection Page 45

• Hospital, Hospice Visits Page 45

• Caring Ministry Packages Page 46

• Visiting Ministry Page 46

• Healing Hands Ministry Page 47

• Prayer Shawl Ministry Page 47

Congregational Life

• Thursday Dinners and Sunday Lunches Page 48

• Birthday Celebrations Page 48

Ministry Development

Adult Ed & Faith Formation

• Walk ‘n Talk Page 49

• Be You! Art Journaling Page 49

• Membership Page 49

• Nativity Exhibit Page 50

• Social Media Workshop Page 50

• Grants Page 50

Financials

• Finance Committee Report Page 52-53

• Receipts and Disbursements Page 54-56

• Segregated Funds Page 56-58

• HUC Foundation Page 59

• Continuing Capital Campaign Page 59

• Tucker-McKone Fund Page 59

• Stewardship Page 60-61

• 2016 Budget Page 62-64


2016 Annual Report

In his wonderful book “The Heart of Christianity”, the late biblical scholar Marcus Borg tells an anecdote about a mythical conversation that takes place in the parlour of a church back in the days when churches had parlours. You enter the parlour full of people and a conversation is going on. If you are wise, you stand on the edge of the conversation with others, observers to the conversation that has been going on long before you ever entered. You notice key people in the room speaking passionately. Others sit back thoughtfully. The conversation ebbs and flows: at times hot and conflicted, at other times placid and peaceful. Different people take the floor and make significant points. Others are satisfied to murmur around the edges.

Over time, you notice that some people leave the conversation altogether, while others come along and join in. You decide to weigh in, becoming quite involved, making your own points and sharing your own convictions. Someone agrees with you, but others think differently. Someone questions your position. You do your best to say it as you see it.

However, the discussion is interminable. The hour grows late. It is time for you to leave. And as you leave, you look back and see the conversation still vigorously in progress.

The Christian faith has been likened to an unending conversation. In 2016, I left Northwood United Church after 7.5 years in that conversation, and I joined in the conversation already in progress here at Highlands United Church. As you can likely easily imagine, it was a sad and poignant thing to leave Northwood and an exciting thing to enter the conversation at Highlands. And as I step into this conversation, I am delighted at the new relationships I have, the new passions and convictions that I hear. I am aware that sometimes the conversation will be placid and peaceful and other times it will be passionate and even conflicted.

I am also aware that this conversation has been going on since long before I entered the room and will be going on long after I leave. It is also good to remember that the Highlands conversation is but one part of a much larger conversation of which Northwood, the United Church of Canada and communities of faith all over the world are all a part.

Some would say that this is a conversation about Christianity. Some would say it is a church conversation. Others would say it is a religious conversation. I am one who believes that all of those topics are good and valuable but too small a frame for the conversation I think we are in. I believe we are in a conversation about making the love of God visible, about healing the world, about the creation of peace. To me, this is an important, sacred conversation.

In your hands is a record of a year in the life of the unending conversation. I am grateful for people like Don Robertson, Deborah Laing, Rob Smith, Cheryl Black and so many others who have dared to offer their two bits in the time that they were part of the conversation here. I can hear their voices echoing still, and likely you can see their faint fingerprints on the reports of the life of the church here even still. I am grateful for the mountain of commitment that is represented in these reports, hours of staff and volunteer time given to God in this place. I am grateful for the skill and grace with which so many people offer their gifts to make the conversation so rich and engaging.

So read through the chronicle of a year in the life of Highlands, and as you do, perhaps consider ways in which your voice, your time, your gifts, your questions might enliven the conversation in the coming year. I’ll be listening.

Submitted by Rev. Will Sparks, Lead Minister

Welcome to Highlands United Church 2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church—Staff and Lay Leaders

Staff Lead Minister Rev. Will Sparks

Ministry Development Sandi Parker

Minister Seniors and Hospitality Colleen Blair

Children, Youth and Young Adult Coordinators Andria Irwin and Allie Keir

Administrator Carol Smith

Administrative Assistant Tatina Lee

Lay Worship Leader Ken Irwin

Minister Emeritus Rev. Bob Shank

Music Ministry Music Coordinator Geordie Roberts

Choir Directors Gillian Irwin, Spirit Singers

Geordie Roberts, Genesis II

Jeannie Denault, God’s Free Spirits

Roz Hollett, Hand Bell Choir Accompanists Geordie Roberts and Jeannie Denault

Custodial Amir Faritous, Iranca Care Ltd.

Board of Trustees Bill Denault, Chair

Judy Anderson, John Haley, Joan Kosick, Peter Ackhurst and Al Lill

Leadership Board Janet Warren & Susan Hogman, Co-Chairs

Cullene Bryant, Craig Madill, Wendy McNaughton, Stephen Molnar, Ardis Nelson, Marie Rice, Michael Soderling, Tanis van Drimmelen, Will Sparks/Sandi Parker ex-officio

Standing Committees: Finance David Boal, Chair Doug Margerm, Treasurer Cameron Forde, Scott Hughes, Laverne G’froerer, Janet Warren, Sandi Parker/Will Sparks ex-officio Ministry and Personnel Ardis Nelson, Chair Diana Bomford, Betty Chapin, Craig Madill, Kathleen Whyte, Sandi Parker/Will Sparks ex-officio

Worship Tanis van Drimmelen, Chair Colleen Blair, Cullene Bryant, Joy Dancey, Gill Irwin Andria Irwin, Ken Irwin, Allie Keir, Geordie Roberts, Sandi Parker, Will Sparks ex-officio

Presbytery Representatives Simone Carrodus, Ardis Nelson and Hugh Creighton


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church

68th Annual Meeting

March 19, 2017

Agenda 1. Opening – Call to Order

Opening Prayer: As we begin our Annual Meeting, we pray that our work today will be an opportunity for us to serve God and one another. We pray for the courage to be open to each other and to embrace new and different ideas. We are thankful for those who have gone before, the founders and builders of Highlands, who were prepared to take risks for the sake of the Ministry of this Congregation. We give thanks for the current leaders, in all generations, who share their vision, resources and energy today. We hope that, with your guidance, we will be a transforming agent for love in your world. Amen.

2. We Remember / Memorials

3. We Welcome / Baptisms, Weddings and New Members

4. Procedural Motions Approval of Agenda Motion: That the Agenda for the Highlands 68th Annual Meeting be approved. Voting by Adherents Motion: That all persons present at this meeting be given the right to vote on all matters arising at this meeting. Approval of the Minutes of the 67th AGM, April 23, 2016 Motion: That the Minutes for Highlands 67th Annual General Meeting be approved. Approval of Minutes from the Congregational Meetings of April 17 and May 29, 2016. Motion: That the Minutes for the Congregational Meetings of April 17, and May 29, 2016 be approved.

5. Annual Reports 2016 Ministry and Committee Reports (excluding Financial) 2016 Financial Report (David Boal, Chair, Finance Committee) Approval of Annual Report Motion: That the 2016 Annual Report, including the Highlands Financial Statements as at December 31, 2016 be approved.

6. Staffing Report (Ardis Nelson, Chair, Ministry and Personnel Committee)

a. Renewal of Appointment b. Sabbatical


2016 Annual Report

7. 2017 Operating Budget Report (David Boal, Chair, Finance Committee) Motion: That the 2017 Operating Budget be approved.

8. New Business a. Growth and Innovation: Developing our On-Line Community b. Value Proposition Update c. Confirmation of new appointments to the Leadership Board d. FaithFest 2017: Soul on Fire e. Godspace II Celebration

9. Courtesies and Acknowledgements

10. Adjournment Motion: That the Highlands United Church 68th Annual Meeting be adjourned.


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church 67th Annual Meeting

April 3, 2016 Minutes

1. Opening – Call to Order

At 11:30am Co-Chairs Susan Hogman and Janet Warren called the meeting to order and welcomed all attendees who then read the opening prayer together.

2. We Remember/Memorials The names of all eighteen for whom memorial services were held during 2015 were read aloud in remembrance. Regretfully, the Power Point presentation prepared with a slide for each individual was not operational. The names were also listed on page twenty-five of the annual report.

3. We Welcome/Memorials Five weddings and six baptisms were celebrated in our Sanctuary during 2015; these are also listed on page twenty-five.

4. Procedural Motions

Approval of Agenda Motion: That the Agenda for the Highlands 67th Annual Meeting be approved. Moved by: Lisa Madill, seconded by Steve Beaton. CARRIED.

Voting by Adherents Motion: That all persons present at this meting be given the right to vote on all matters arising at this meeting. Moved by Sheila Stanway, seconded by Peter Bell. CARRIED.

Approval of the Minutes of the 66th AGM, April 19, 2015. Motion: That the Minutes for Highlands 66th Annual General Meeting be approved. Moved by Simone Carrodus, seconded by Judy Anderson. CARRIED.

Approval of Minutes from the Congregational meetings of June 7, September 20 and December 6, 2015. Motion: That the minutes for the Congregational meetings of June 7, September 20 and December 6, 2015 be approved. Moved by Cullene Bryant, seconded by Linda Greven. CARRIED.

5. Annual Reports

The financial report was ably delivered by Scott Hughes, Chair of the Finance Committee, who also responded to four questions from the floor. He acknowledged two long serving members, Jim Parsons and Kent Anderson, who were stepping down. He also welcomed Leanne Robertson as provider of accounting services.

Continued...


2016 Annual Report

Motion: That the 2015 Annual Report, including the Highlands Financial Statements as at December 31, 2015 and the appointments to the Management Committee of the HUC Foundation, be accepted, with gratitude for the ministries represented.

Moved by Scott Hughes, seconded: Craig Madill CARRIED

6. Staffing Report

Presented by Ardis Nelson, Chair of Ministry and Personnel Committee.

Motion: That the congregation of Highlands United Church approve the fulltime Co-ordinator of Children, Youth and Family Ministry and Social Media Position for the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Moved by Ardis Nelson, seconded by Kathleen Whyte CARRIED Motion: That Andria Irwin and Allie Keir be appointed to fill this position at existing terms. Moved by Ardis Nelson, seconded by Wendy McNaughton CARRIED Motion: That the congregation of Highlands United Church approve the half time position of Ministry Development for the period July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017. Moved by Ardis Nelson, seconded by Ken Irwin CARRIED Motion: That Sandi Parker be appointed to fill this position at existing terms. Moved by Ardis Nelson, seconded by Craig Madill CARRIED

7. Ministry and Personnel Search Committee Update

It was announced that a Congregational Meeting would be held on April 17, 2016 to receive the name of the candidate for Ministry as selected by the Search Committee.

8. 2016 Operating Budget Report

Presented by Scott Hughes, Chair of Finance

Motion: That the 2016 Operating Budget be approved. Moved by Scott Hughes, seconded by Peter Bell. CARRIED.

Continued…

9. New Business


2016 Annual Report

Serving Beer and Wine

Background: Two years ago at the annual meeting the motion was passed to allow the use of alcohol at events at Highlands within certain parameters. This was to be a trial period for two years to be reviewed at the 2016 AGM. Over the past two years there have been several events where wine and beer have been served. To date there have been no concerns raised about this, nor were there any problems at these events due to alcohol being available. As a result, the Leadership Board brings forward the following motion:

Motion: That the congregation authorize the serving of beer and wine on site when requested with licensing subject to the following criteria:

That event liability insurance provided by any outside group include liquor liability

The event co-ordinator will purchase the required license and present it to the church office prior to the event

A non-alcoholic alternative will always be available

No BYOB events will be allowed: the event co-ordinator will provide the beer and wine

No hard liquor will be allowed

The event co-ordinator will ensure that responsible drinking is practised

The Lead Minister and the Administrator together have the authority to refuse a group’s request to license an event

Service will be allowed only to not-for-profit groups

The Leadership Board will review this practise on an annual basis

Moved by Janet Warren, seconded by Lisa Madill

Discussion around insurance for church sponsored events arose.

Amendment to the Motion: That in the first criteria the word “all” be substitute for “any outside” group so that it reads “That event liability insurance provided by all groups include liquor liability.”

Moved by Kent Anderson, seconded by Cullene Bryant, One Opposed, CARRIED

Motion: That the motion around serving beer and wine as amended be adopted.

Moved by Janet Warren, seconded by Jon Carrodus, Three Opposed; CARRIED

Continued...

Leadership Board Terms of Reference


2016 Annual Report

Motion: That the Terms of Reference for the Highlands United Church Leadership Board be approved. Moved by Marie Rice, seconded by Tanis van Drimmelen CARRIED

10. Courtesies and acknowledgements

Janet Warren reported that HUC had had an “outstanding year”. She expressed the thanks of the congregation to all heads of committees as listed in the annual report. In addition she conveyed her appreciation to:

• Al Lill for his “time and energy” making sure that “money was spent well and with great integrity” on the Godspace Building projects

• Carol Smith in particular for her key roles as both host and administrator for rental groups • Leadership Board Members for their work and their willingness to support new activities • Phyllis Ferguson Bottomer for taking minutes and Krystal Stone for managing the sound system

for this meeting • The Ministerial Team of Ken Irwin, Colleen Blair, Andria Irwin, Allie Keir and particularly Sandi

Parker for enabling the congregation to continue through the past year without hiring an interim minister.

11. New Business

A proposal came from the floor that a list of new members should be provided in the annual report along with the weddings and baptisms. Motion: It is recommended that the names of new members be included in future annual reports. Moved by Bonny Ball, seconded by Jacqueline Scott CARRIED

On behalf of the congregation Tanis van Drimmelen thanked Susan Hogman and Janet Warren for the energy and skill that they had shown as Co-Chairs.

12. Adjournment

Motion: That the Highlands United Church 67th Annual General Meeting be adjourned. Moved by Janet Warren, seconded by Susan Hogman CARRIED.

Meeting adjourned at 12:30pm


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church Congregational Meeting May 29, 2016, 11:20 am

Minutes

1. Announcement—Sanctuary Chairs

Al Lill informed the congregation of the decision to remove the pews and replace them with chairs.

He stated that this decision was unanimously approved by the Worship Committee, the Property

Committee and the Extended Leadership Board. He suggested that there would be an opportunity for

anyone who might want to have one of the pews.

2. Chair of Finance

Scott Hughes introduced David Boal as the new Chair of Finance

Motion: To appoint David Boal as chair of the Finance Committee

Moved by Scott Hughes, seconded by Jon Carrodus CARRIED

Janet Warren warmly thanked Scott for his contribution to the Finance Committee as chair for the past

five years.

3. Nominating Committee Report—Leadership Board Positions

Ardis Nelson presented the nomination committee report for Board vacancies.

Motion: To confirm the appointments of Dave Keir and David Boal to the Leadership Board of Highlands

United Church

Moved by Ardis Nelson, seconded by Scott Hughes CARRIED

Susan Hogman thanked the outgoing Board members Craig Madill and Cullene Bryant for their

contribution to the work of Highlands over the past several years.

4. HUC Foundation Committee Members

Peter Bell presented the new members for the Foundation Committee

Motion: To confirm Judith Walker and Doug Margerm to the Highlands United Church Foundation

Committee

Moved by Peter Bell, seconded by Al Lill CARRIED

5. Adjournment—the meeting was adjourned at 11:35am

Moved by Janet Warren, seconded by Sean Shenfield CARRIED


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church Congregational Meeting

April 17, 2016 Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM by the Leadership Board Co– Chair, Susan Hogman

Purpose of Meeting:

To hear and confirm the recommendation of the Ministry Profile & Search Committee to call our new Lead Minister.

The Report of the MPS Committee was given by the Chair of the Committee, Wendy Grant. The report is attached (see next page).

Motion: That the Congregation of Highlands United Church call Rev Will Sparks as their new Lead Minister.

Moved by Wendy Grant, seconded by Sheila Stanway CARRIED

Janet Warren, Leadership Board Co-Chair thanked the committee for their work. She reminded the congregation of the confidentiality needed for the next short period of time.

Motion: That the meeting be adjourned.

Moved by Lisa Madill, seconded by Phyllis Bottomer CARRIED


2016 Annual Report

MINISTRY PROFILE AND SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT

April 17, 2016

The Ministry Profile and Search Committee is very pleased today to be able to present our report to the Congregation of Highlands United Church. In presenting this report, we would like you to know about the work we have done in the process of selecting a new lead minister.

The Committee has been working almost non-stop and very diligently since being commissioned by the congregation September 20 of 2015. In reflecting on just how much work this has been, I want to take the opportunity to thank personally, and on the behalf of Highlands United Church Congregation, the members of the committee: Sandi Parker, Chris Bochon, Ardis Nelson, Recording Secretary, Kathleen Whyte, Corresponding Secretary, David Boal, Sheila Stanway, Julie Hunt, Nicole Byrom, Laverne G’froerer. I want to say what an incredible gift it has been to work with this group of fine people. Every person brought their individual gifts to this work, and a wide range of perspectives. I was constantly amazed at the wisdom in the room, and also wonderfully surprised that we worked together in such harmony.

The committee received guidance from Marc Coulombe, the Conference Minister for BC Conference. He conducted a workshop for us on September 29, where he explained the new procedures in place for calling a minister; a different process from the old JNAC. Marc has been very wise counsel for us in this process and I am grateful to him for his mentorship.

The committee initially worked on the Ministry Profile and Search document. This report defined who we are as a Congregation, what we are doing, what we want to do, and included a vision of our five-year plan. It also stated the things we thought were important qualities for a prospective lead minister to have. To this end, we actively sought congregational feedback. I attended the Leadership Board meeting October 8 in order to get feedback from the board. We also consulted as thoroughly as could be with the congregation through an electronic survey, through asking for feedback from various groups including the Spirit Singers, G2, the Staff, Men’s and Women’s breakfast, and we had a suggestion box. We also had some conversation “events” where people were invited to stop by and have a conversation with a member of the committee to discuss what they valued in a minister. All of this feedback was carefully considered by the committee, and was included in the Ministry Profile and Search Committee Report which was approved by Leadership Board November 12 and approved at a Congregational meeting December 6, after which a Vacancy was declared at Highlands. The position was posted on our Website and that of BC Conference, and we began accepting applications. We closed our application process January 31st, 2016, at which time we had 8 strong candidates. Some were from the Lower Mainland, but applications were received from as far away as Ontario.

After having preliminary interviews with all candidates, some by Skype, we shortlisted three very strong candidates and had second interviews with them. One was brought from out of town. We also visited some churches to hear candidates preaching and hear what their home congregation thought of them. One stood out as a particularly good fit for the Highlands Congregation and on that basis, it is our great pleasure to announce that the congregation has approved the call to The Rev. Will Sparks.


2016 Annual Report

Annual meeting time and an Annual Report offers us a chance to look back and pay loving and grateful attention to the details of our life together at Highlands. As Coordinating Minister, Sandi did a spectacular job of guiding the ministry of Highlands in 2016 during a time of transition. She genuinely loved the life God has given this community and we owe her a debt of gratitude for this.

When asked to name some significant elements of that ministry she offered gratitude for:

• The diversity of preachers and guests we experienced throughout the transitional period who challenged, inspired, irritated, and moved us, and always gave us something to talk about! And the 10 people who participated in the Prayers of the People writing workshop who stepped up to help in worship leadership.

• The hard work of discerning whether to remove the pews in the sanctuary and replace with chairs, and adapting to a month of worshipping in the gym while the work was done

• The ministries that still continued even though we were without a lead minister: outreach and service, study groups, music, meals, new ways to connect with one another (Music United, Walk’n’ Talk, Bible and Brew, Prayers of the People workshop…) and of course, Fiddler on the Roof! Truly during this transitional time the whole congregation came together to ensure that Highlands stood strong and continued to live into its mission and ministry as disciples of Jesus. The work on governance & policy development that began…

• The work of the MPS committee under the leadership of Wendy Grant who collectively contributed many hours of prayer, discernment, paper work, and navigating google drive to interview and call our new minister.

I spent the last half of 2016 since arriving at Highlands watching, learning, and catching up to the considerable speed with which things move in this ministry. I offer a few observations:

The Highlands community throws itself wholeheartedly into whatever it does. The Flea Market, the Nativity Exhibit, the music program are three I witnessed in 2016, but I could also see the effects of Godspace I and II which were massive endeavors the results of which are a daily blessing.

Highlands is gifted with strong and wise lay leadership. It is true that finding volunteers for many tasks is an ongoing challenge, but when I witness the work of the organizational fabric including but not limited to the Leadership Board, and when I watch the ESL teachers, the music leaders, the fabulous team of young leaders in the Children’s Ministry, seniors volunteers, and the many people who offer care behind the scenes, I count our blessings.

There is thoughtfulness in the way we try to do things at Highlands. I look at the 5 year ministry plan and the 10 year business plan, and I see people wanting to think through what God is up to here, and plan thoughtfully for the future.

When I look ahead, I believe Highlands faces the same challenging spiritual and social climate that every other United Church in Canada faces: aging population, desire within our current culture for spirituality but a suspicion of organized religion, shrinking volunteer base. Yet I also believe Highlands has the capacity to offer faith-community rooted in the Christian gospel that can flourish in this climate and make significant contributions not only to our neighborhood but to the United Church of Canada.

It is too early yet for me to say definitively in what direction I believe God is calling us. However, I would say that our capacity and willingness to take

Ministers’ Report 2016


2016 Annual Report

calculated risks and experiment, our attention to not only the breadth of our ministry but its theological and spiritual depth, and our desire to never stop growing in our faith and deepening in our relationship with God are all critical to that future.

I carry deep gratitude into 2017 for the staff at Highlands who have welcomed me with open arms and who pour themselves out daily and weekly for the sake of God’s love in this place. Your skill, compassion, openness and grace have been such a gift to me.

In 2016 we bid farewell to a number of members of the family who have served Highlands with wisdom and grace for generations. May God grant us a portion of their spirit. So here we give thanks for:

John O’Neill, Dick Piercy and Trevor Watson

Submitted by Sandi Parker and Will Sparks


2016 Annual Report

Leadership Board

2016 was a year of transition and new beginnings, and the Leadership Board welcomed the opportunity to embrace both of these exciting realities at Highlands. We celebrate the inspired work of our staff team before the arrival of our new minister: Sandi Parker's capable and forward-thinking leadership; the ongoing nature of our ministries and programs under the direction of Colleen, Andria, Allie, Ken, Geordie and our music team, our office staff Carol and Tatina, and all of the volunteers who made the year seamless and productive. The Leadership Board recognizes the care and thought that went into our church community over the course of 2016.

The highlight of the year was, of course, the arrival of Rev. Will Sparks to his role as Highlands' new Lead Minister. The Board congratulates and thanks the members of the Ministry Profile and Search Committee for their diligence and integrity in the preparation of the search document, and for their choice in bringing Rev. Sparks into our community. The Board is enjoying working with Rev. Sparks as we benefit from his knowledge of the United Church remits, creative small group ministries, and a revitalized leadership style.

The Board is appreciative to groups at Highlands for their conscientious work on compiling information for a directory of working groups at the church. It has made questions from newcomers easy to answer, as well as being a wonderful guide to the ongoing activities at Highlands. Our Governance group, formed in 2015 to deal with lack of policy and procedure, is still meeting and continues to bring interesting and vital decisions to the Board. And we are happy to have in place a current Highlands Directory--an invaluable resource involving the entire Highlands community.

The Board held a second annual Retreat in the fall, which allowed us an opportunity to spend time together over an extended afternoon-evening, get to know one another, and set some goals and priorities for the upcoming year. It was a pleasure to have Will Sparks as our facilitator, along with Rev. Deb Bowman. We came away with ideas, visions, and excitement about possibilities for projects and ministries; as well as much-needed affirmation of our completed and in-progress work. We renewed our commitment to volunteerism and meeting the needs of our many groups.

The Board also agreed to participate in a value proposition exercise to meet the goal in our current Five Year Ministry Plan to “clarify, describe and communicate what it means to be a member of Highlands United Church.” As a start to planning for the next Five Year Plan (2019-2024), the Board felt a need to determine how people were feeling about Highlands and what being part of this community means/has meant to them. This will be an ongoing project, and the Board recognizes the expertise of David Keir in facilitating it.

The Board has welcomed and embedded in Highlands structure, the Shelter to Home ministry and the new Climate and Environmental Action Group. The structure of the Flea Market has been revamped to allow for a more efficient sorting and

Administration and Leadership


2016 Annual Report

distribution of the donations. We are proud of the outreach and engagement of the Highlands community in the greater North Shore and world communities.

You will read elsewhere in this report of the completion of the Godspace II project, the impact of our new Welcoming Space together with the refurbished Sanctuary. The stewardship of many toward the upkeep and efficiency of our building is recognized and greatly appreciated by the Board.

The Board also recognizes the work of Sandi Parker in accessing grant funds to enable many of our programs to function. This is a “new” aspect of financial viability, and Sandi has gained much expertise in researching, accessing, and writing grant applications, including United Church, government, and private grants.

It is an honour to work with the committed community that makes up Highlands United Church. The energy and vitality of the members of the Leadership Board make for exciting and well-informed decision-making on behalf of this vibrant congregation. We try always to speak for you, and to reflect what you would have us do.

Submitted by Janet Warren and Susan Hogman, Leadership Board Co-Chairs

Committee Members: Will Sparks and Sandi Parker (ex-officio), David Boal, David Keir, Wendy McNaughton, Stephen Molnar, Ardis Nelson, Michael Soderling, Marie Rice, and Tanis van Drimmelen

Ministry & Personnel (M&P)

We are blessed at HUC to be inspired by thoughtful and inspiring worship, and to be supported, mentored and served by wonderfully gifted, motivated, energetic, and effective staff.

The year 2016 began with HUC in our transition time, and ended with our new Lead Minister, Will Sparks, in place.

The Ministry Profile and Search Committee presented their recommendation to call Will to Highlands in April, and in great anticipation we waited for his start with us in August.

For M&P, it has been a pleasure in these last few months to get to know Will, and to work with him on human resource matters. We look forward to a long association.

We’d like to recognize the efforts of staff during the transition period. To a person, they worked to ensure things ran smoothly at Highlands, and we are grateful for their dedication to leading us through that time.

With Will in place, Sandi Parker moved in to her Ministry Development role. Sandi and Will are working to define the parameters of this position and to establish its role and purpose for HUC. Sandi’s skills in grant writing have secured funding for a number of projects at HUC.

Workspace for staff is at a premium in the building, so, temporary workspace for Sandi had to be set up in the Sunday School supply room while an Office Space task group searched for additional staff office space. The best solution was determined to be repurposing some of the chapel space as office space. Consultation with users and benefactors of the chapel took place, and blessing was given to create a work space. It is noted that the Chapel was originally the Minister’s office when HUC was first built; part of the space has now


2016 Annual Report

often the first contact visitors to Highlands have, and her friendly welcome and efficient handling of requests represents the face of Highlands to the wider community. M&P appreciates the time and care Carol takes with the payroll functions, and consults with her on various payroll issues and interpretations.

Ministry, Admin and Music staff received a 1.1% cost of living increase effective January 1, 2017. This increase is set by the national church.

The new compensation model for ministry staff, combining salary and housing allowance, became effective at HUC when Will came on board. The financial impact of the change was minimal.

We did not do formal performance reviews this year, but M&P members met with staff individually for a check-in at the end of the transition time. Staff reported general satisfaction with how things had gone over the year. Discussions highlighted that staff expectations of themselves are very high. As the Human Resources overseers of our staff, M&P is aware, too, that we ask our staff to do big jobs, and we need to be mindful of the resources needed to do those jobs.

The annual M&P staff appreciation evening was held this year, attended by staff and significant others. Thank you to Betty Chapin for organizing the event.

As M&P Chair, Ardis Nelson sits on the Leadership Board.

The M and P Committee provides ongoing consultation and support to staff, oversees the staff/congregation relationship, continuing education for staff, the effectiveness of our actions towards the church mission, our five year plan, and the necessary consultation and liaison with other committees of the church and Vancouver Burrard Presbytery. As always, members of the committee

Administration and Leadership cont’d. come full circle. Thank you to Diana Bomford for leading the Office Space task group on behalf of M&P.

Allie Keir and Andria Irwin, ‘The A Team’, lead the Children, Youth and Young Adult programs. They job share this position, each working halftime. Over the last year, their responsibilities have settled in to distinct areas, so we will be bringing a proposal at the AGM to create two distinct positions reflecting that reality. They will continue to work together in a number of areas, but will each lead their specified areas of responsibilities. Both Allie and Andria have identified future needs and hopes for this part of HUC’s ministry. Grant funds have been requested to increase their summer hours to support summer programming.

Colleen Blair leads the Seniors’ and Hospitality Ministries. One of Colleen’s hospitality initiatives this year was to encourage us to wear our nametags. This has not only helped Will to learn names and faces, but has made us more aware of who our fellow worshipers are. The Seniors biweekly programming continues to be popular. It will be interesting to see the impact the opening of Amica has on attendance at that program.

Colleen will be taking Sabbatical Leave September through November of 2017.

Ken Irwin continues to lend wisdom, insights, warmth, and humour to his Worship leadership and preaching duties.

We continue to be blessed with the marvelous gifts of music Geordie Roberts and Gill Irwin offer us each week.

Carol Smith is the go -to person for all matters administrative, assisted by Tatina Lee. In addition to financial and administrative functions, Carol coordinates our building rentals and use, ensuring the numerous events and activities taking place at Highlands have the space they need. Carol is very


2016 Annual Report

are available as sounding boards for both congregation and staff. We are fortunate to have Kathleen Whyte on the committee. Her knowledge of HR best practices and of relevant employment legislation are valuable contributions to the work of this committee.

This past year, one of our longtime members, Janie Ackhurst resigned from the Committee. Thank you to Janie for your years of service to the committee.

We welcomed Craig Madill as a new member this year.

Committee minutes are available in the office.

I am grateful for the knowledge, time, and thoughtful wisdom contributed by each committee member.

Submitted by Ardis Nelson, Chair

Committee Members: Diana Bomford, Betty Chapin, Craig Madill, Kathleen Whyte


2016 Annual Report

Property Committee

The Property Committee is responsible for the repair and maintenance of facilities and services throughout the church building and property, including the full-time rental areas. Some of the periodic maintenance is done under regular contract (boilers and hot water heating systems, elevator, fire alarm systems and fire safety equipment, and general alarm system), and some by calling in specialist trades, while the remainder of the maintenance is done by volunteers from the congregation. Daily janitorial service is also contracted out.

Volunteers have helped this year with painting, plumbing, electrical, drain cleaning and carpentry work – much of which is done by committee members. Volunteers, including now-90-year-old Peter Shearer, have also kept our gardens looking great.

The Repair and Maintenance budget is approximately $26,000 per year, excluding janitorial. However, approximately 50% of this budget is allocated to the fixed costs of required maintenance completed under contract. We also have a partially funded, 20-year program of reserves for expected major repairs/replacement of infrastructure.

Most of the building’s lighting fixtures are now either fluorescent or LED, saving up to 80% in energy use over incandescent/halogen. The sanctuary’s lighting is still incandescent, but plans are in place to convert the entire sanctuary lighting – currently roughly 20,000 incandescent/halogen watts when fully on – into LED during early 2017. This is a more complicated and expensive process than simply replacing bulbs as the new LEDs need to work well with our current control/dimming system and not compromise the look and tasks required in this large area. Once completed, payback in direct energy costs alone is within a

couple years; plus, burnt-out bulb replacement (which is a very difficult task in the sanctuary) is decades away. Len Horvath, of Quantum Lighting Inc., has been working with us on the technology and design on a volunteer basis, with access to discounted lighting supply. The current hanging pendant fixtures will remain but will be retrofitted with LED lamps.

Our heating system has dealt well with this winter’s cold temperatures – the coldest extended period that we have had for some time, where the temperatures at night regularly dropped to minus five to seven degrees. The only major problem caused one furnace to be down for a few hours when a control card failed and needed to be replaced. Room temperatures were monitored daily during the cold spells and all set points were fine tuned. Together with new weather-stripping around


2016 Annual Report

doors and newly installed double-pane windows, and despite the cold winter, all of this added attention resulted in the lowest gas consumption and costs in 13 years for the church. Further window replacement will continue this year. Much thanks to Alex Wood, for the ongoing management of our heating system, and a special thank you to Jon Carrodus for compiling our 13-year heating summary based on Fortis Data.

Thank you everyone for all your help.

Respectfully submitted by Dave Wilson, Chair

Committee members: Jim Beattie, Kevin Woodman, Brian Wyatt, Alex Wood.

Ex-officio: Sandi Parker and Carol Smith.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees holds all of the property of the Congregation for the use, and the benefits of the Congregation, as part of the United Church. The activities are restricted and governed variously by the Public Statute, the United Church’s Trust of Model Deed, and the lawful directions of the Leadership Board or the Church Board and other Courts of the United Church having jurisdiction. The Trustees are responsible for property taxes and insurance.

Annual Assessment

The 2016 Property Assessment Notice shows Land valued at $5,967,000 and Buildings at $1,242,000, an estimated increase of 31%. Insurance Assessment was completed on March 18, 2016 by Hollett Real Estate Advisors.

Annual Insurance

The Insurance policy is from HUB international UCC Protect and the fee is $11,605. Our Broker is Kent Anderson. Additionally, our current lease agreements expire August 31, 2019 (Highlands Preschool) and August 31, 2018 ( Waldorf High School ).

Additional Activities

In 2016 Bill Denault signed a Crane Swing Agreement with Grosvenor Edgemont Holdings and a Shoring / Underpinning and Crane Swing Agreement with Boffo Properties Inc. to the satisfaction of all parties.

Submitted by Bill Denault, Chair,

Trustees: Judy Anderson, Joan Kosick, Al Lill, Peter Ackhurst, John Haley.


2016 Annual Report

Building Committee

In 2016 we made major progress on our way to completing the renovation and renewal projects funded through the Godspace II Capital Campaign as well as doing additional work funded through agreements with developers of adjacent properties.

Roof Renewal: Godspace II $101,000

Broadway Roofing was awarded the contract for renewing the two big flat roofs over the 200 wing and the Waldorf school/ gym wing and completed the work in the early spring of 2016. This project marked the complete renewal of all the roofs at Highlands under Godspace I and II.

Window Replacements: Godspace II $17,000; Agreements $ 14,800

The north-facing single pane and Jalousie windows in the 200 wing were replaced with double pane opening and fixed panes and the remaining single pane windows in the office were also replaced with double pane. Some repairs were required to wood window frames and they were painted after new panes were installed.

The windows in the Lead Minister's office, the main kitchen and in a Waldorf classroom that face the new Boffo development were all replaced with double opening and fixed panes with laminated glass to reduce noise transmission. The cost for this was covered by an agreement with Boffo.

We have now eliminated all existing Jalousie windows in space used by HUC on the main floor

except in the Music Room. The remaining Jalousies in the Gym, pre-school office and the gym will be replaced in 2017 with either fixed or opening double pane windows and we also plan to replace as many fixed single pane with double pane as our budget allows.

Sanctuary Floor, Seating and Ventilation: Godspace II $62,000; Agreements $4,500

Along with the Chancel renovation done previously, the new floor and chair seating replacing most pews, was probably the biggest change for enhancing our worship and increasing the versatility of our sanctuary. Once a decision was made by the Worship Committee to replace most of the pews with chairs, Dave and Bonny Ball took on the big job of finding new homes for the surplus pews. We ordered plastic black ganged chairs for temporary use in the sanctuary, but mainly as a replacement for worn out wooden and metal chairs in the gym. A lot of work was required in preparing

Administration and Leadership cont’d.


2016 Annual Report

the sub floors for the new tiles which had been purchased previously so the dye lots would match those in the narthex and welcoming space. The new flooring was complete by late summer. We bought enough of the new blue interlocking chairs for the sanctuary to handle overflow into the narthex and/or the welcoming space for large services and events. The new chairs arrived in September. Some of our pews were refinished and installed around the perimeter of the sanctuary seating area.

Alex Wood designed a new exhaust fan and associated enclosures and louvres to provide for much improved ventilation at the balcony end of the sanctuary. The equipment has been ordered and delivered for installation in 2017.

Planning for 2017 and 2018

At our November meeting we discussed plans for the completion of Godspace II. Our total expenditures to the end of 2016 have totaled $1,088,000. It is projected by the Continuing Capital Campaign Committee that donations will reach approximately $1,205,000 leaving a balance of approximately $137,000. There is also a free balance available from three agreements and capital grants received in 2016 of approximately $20,000.

The new exhaust fan will be installed in the sanctuary and we need to replace some rotten siding outside the gym. We plan to at least double the original plan for window replacements from $40,000 to $80,000 with Godspace II and agreement funding.

We also plan to install a new ramp leading down into the Lower Hall and possibly do some renovations to the courtyard to eliminate an unsafe ramp, improve functionality and drainage. The small northwest parking lot will also receive improvements supported by agreement funding.

In the fall we were asked by the Leadership Board and Ministry and Personnel to create a new office space for Sandi Parker and plans were completed to convert one end of the chapel for this purpose. The chapel was completed in 1983 in space occupied previously by the Minister and the church office. While a bit smaller than before, the chapel will be freshened in the new renovation and still provide a beautiful sacred space in conjunction with the memorial garden.

We are also working with an hoc committee charged with replacing the main chancel furnishings including the communion table and the baptismal font.

Submitted by Al Lill, Chair of the Building Committee

Members in 2016 were Judy Anderson, Dave Ball, Marni and John Haley, Doug Irwin, Dave Wilson, Alex Wood, Brian Wyatt and Will Sparks/Sandi Parker ex officio.


2016 Annual Report

Vancouver Burrard Presbytery

Highlands is one of 21 churches belonging to the Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery, which itself is part of the BC Conference. Presbytery boundaries are Boundary Road to the east, 16th Avenue to the south, and everything north including the Sunsine Coast, up to Pemberton.

Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery is made up of ordered clergy from these churches, and lay representatives from their congregations. The work of the Presbytery is to provide oversight and decisions on matters relating to property, finances, and congregational life.

Chair of the Transition Executive is Blair Odney and Vice Chair is Nancy Talbot.

Highlights 2016:

• Lynn Valley United Church redevelopment completed; beautiful church space, and market housing, with 4 units of affordable housing for the disabled operated by the North Shore Disabled Housing Association.

• Gibsons UC property for sale with Gibsons UC moving to leased space in the Gibsons Public Market and reimagining their purpose.

• Trinity UC has sold its St. James property to the City of Vancouver and closed Heartwood Café. They have made some major grants, and are discerning their future with a report due to the Presbytery in Sept 2017.

• First United: Executive Director Genessa Greening resigned, and Don Evans has filled the gap; Community Minister Sally McShane also resigned, and Bob Burrows has been filling in. Ariel Creighton has been working hard to find permanent replacements.

• New director appointed at Camp Fircom, Margo Dunnett

• Squamish UC redevelopment ongoing

• Voted to support 3 Remits arising from General Council 2015 regarding Ministry Partners, Candidacy Pathway, and New Model for Membership.

• Adopted on a trial basis, criteria we might use to consider property and mission proposals from congregations within the Presbytery.

• Vancouver-Burrard Presbytery, under the leadership of the Transition Executive continued discernment process for how VB Presbytery will look after changes to UC Canada structure are implemented. Hugh Creighton is working with B.C. Conference on this on behalf of the Presbytery.

• The structures being considered as replacements for presbyteries are “clusters and networks that, while not formal governance bodies, are central to the living out of the faith of the United Church:

• clusters: local clusters of communities of faith that provide community and support for communities of faith and their leaders, and focus on worship, mission, learning, collegiality, and strategic planning; and

• networks: linking people working on specific issues (e.g. supportive housing, intercultural ministry, youth ministry) or for project work (e.g. event planning) that function through the whole church, depending on the issue.”


2016 Annual Report

• B.C. Conference meeting to take place at UBC May 2017.

Will Sparks, Sandi Parker, Colleen Blair attend Presbytery meetings as ordered clergy; Ariel Creighton is a member-at-large; and Simone Carrodus, Hugh Creighton, and Ardis Nelson are the lay representatives from Highlands.

Submitted by Simone Carrodus and Ardis Nelson


2016 Annual Report

Membership and Attendance Statistics

Eve 4:30 Eve 6:30 Eve 8:30 Eve 11:00 Day 10:00 24-Dec 24-Dec 24-Dec 24-Dec 25-Dec Total

2009 Christmas Season 350 450 200 75 32 1107 2010 Christmas Season 305 402 211 195 21 1134 2011 Christmas Season 313 446 239 175 47 1220 2012 Christmas Season 400 490 225 120 30 1265 2013 Christmas Season 404 497 149 148 29 1227 2014 Christmas Season 385 500 151 168 51 1225

New Service Times 2015: Eve 4 pm Eve 8 pm Eve 10 pm Day:10 am 2015 Christmas Season 355 - 624 120 - 1099 2016 Christmas Season 393 - 448 190 68 1099

Membership Statistics 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Total Members 487 482 475 459 447 402 415 420 408 430 426 443 451

Members Removed by Death 9 15 9 4 6 8

New Members Confirmation 0 6 13 0 0 0 13 6 0 13 0 6 4

New Members Transfer 8 3 18 0 17 12

Weddings 7 4 7 12 12 5 3 2 3 5 3 5 3

Baptisms 7 2 9 8 16 7 12 6 11 9 11 6 6

Memorials 30 20 31 14 20 20 20 22 28 14 9 18 21 Total Households Served 547 540 490 480 470 542 588 592 612 650 677 703 711

Sunday Morning Attendees 2016

Christmas Eve and Day Attendees 2016


2016 Annual Report

Memorials (24)

Deborah Anne Dunn (interment only)

Elizabeth Alkenbrack

Linda Darlene Baxter *

Verva Carter

Wilma Joan Cotter

Jean Crabtree (service not held at HUC)

Dave Doldon

Elizabeth Myra Gleeson

Ralph (Bud) Hollett

Edna (Eddie) Mae Horwood *

Lois Marjory Inkringil

Helen Kalls * (service not held at HUC)

Pauline Klassen

Christopher Longley

June Matheson

John William O’Neill *

Richard (Dick) Arthur Piercy *

Bob Sibson

Gregory Edward Smith

Gary William Stigter

Trevor Watson *

Marie Westervelt *

Cynthia Wolff

Helen Woodman * * Member

Weddings (3)

Pak Ning (Priscilla) and Ting Fai (Perry) Cheung

Kyle Wiltshire and Irene Banares

Jingyu Zhang and Tianyi Zhang

Baptisms (6)

Heather Soderling

Reeve Clarke Haynes

Jonae Claire Correia

Elias Kade Correia

George Michel Malachy McLaren Bogle-Tardif

Elwoin Hope Christopher

New Members by Transfer (12)

Margaret Currie

Alida Schneider

Linda Ann Russell

Helen Hackey

Gerald Hackney

William Denault

Evelyn van’t Riet

Ann van’t Riet

Stephen Molnar

Pia Henriksson

Julia Wilson

Kerry Karram

New Members by Confirmation (4)

Heather Soderling

Stephen Irwin

Anisha Navaratnam

JoAn Maurer


2016 Annual Report

Worship Committee

Worship services at Highlands are the significant opportunities we have to 'gather our family together'. Worship is like the heartbeat or rhythm of Highlands.....where a space is created for all to engage with others in song, prayer, reflection and education. It is a time to be challenged, to be inspired, to celebrate God's presence....and then to live out our faith in action throughout our community.

The first half of 2016 found us still in a time of transition. The Search committee was busy seeking our new minister, and our Ministry Team, coordinated by Sandi, continued to provide leadership that was inclusive, inspirational and empowering. And we will be forever grateful for the dedication, wisdom and joy that both Sandi and Ken Irwin (lay worship leader) brought weekly to worship at Highlands.

During the winter and spring we experienced a diversity of voices and thinkers in our worship services. Those included: Bethel Lee, Brian Thorpe, Janet Gear, Mark Whittall, Julie Lees, Tiffany McNaughton, Karen Millard, Simon LeSieur, Scott Swanson, Catherine Ross, Don Robertson, Cullene Bryant, Bill Dyer, and Ruth Kershaw. What an abundance of wisdom, challenge and support we received from these guests.

In the spring the Worship committee met with members of the Building and Property committees, to discuss the proposal to replace some of our pews with chairs. The pews were in need of an expensive refinishing project, and as part of the Godspace campaign, the idea of chairs had already been discussed. The opportunity for alternative worship styles, including 'in the round' gatherings, had always been a part of our ongoing worship plans. Following much debate regarding style and colour, the process of removing pews, repairing floors, and receiving chairs, took place with much support from Dave and Bonny Ball, and many of the congregation over the

Worship and Music summer. A Chancel Furnishings group has also been formed, to complete the Godspace work of the Chancel. They will be having conversations with woodworkers regarding the commissioning of new and creative pieces of furniture, including the communion table, baptismal font, and lectern. It is hoped to have our Chancel and Sanctuary enhanced with these significant pieces of our worship life by the summer of 2017.

In August, we welcomed Rev. Will Sparks and his family to our Highlands' family. Will has immersed himself in the historical and present life of Highlands.....and the congregation has been gifted with his enthusiasm and passion for ministry, his deep and reflective sermons, and his vision for future possibilities in the life of Highlands and the wider church. Thank you Will, for your eagerness, your compassion and your sense of humour!

In response to one of the goals in our Five Year Ministry Plan.......'to be a church for all generations', the IGNITE worship service has made an enormous impact with both young and older folks alike. It is a time of awesome music (band and vocals), reflection, personal experience and witness, followed by a time of great food and conversation. We offer our heartfelt thanks to coordinators, Allie and Andria, as well as the band members for their leadership and enthusiasm.

Throughout our worship services, each of us is moved by different aspects of the service, be it prayer, silence, children, or the spoken word. But for many, it is the music that allows their spirits to soar. And Highlands music program has always been an integral part of worship life. We are so


2016 Annual Report

grateful for our skilled and dedicated music team, coordinated by Geordie Roberts: Gill Irwin, Jeannie Denault, Roz Hollett, Heather Soderling, Demi Chao; and the multitude of voices from God's Free Spirits, Genesis II, Spirit Singers, ReSound, the Bell Choir, and our Praise Band groups.

Doug Irwin continues to coordinate our 'tech team', headed on-site by Krystal Stone, with Elliott Best, Matt de Boer, Corey Hollett, Noel Hollett, and Dave Wilson filling

out the team. Huge appreciation is offered to this group who weekly, provide the sound, Power Point and Livestream for our services. The preparation, operation, and

maintenance of the technology requires much expertise and patience, and we are truly grateful for their work. At least 10-20 people participate in our worship on a weekly basis through Livestream, and almost 60 joined us one particular Sunday! An amazing opportunity to learn and share with the wider church.

Travelling through 2016 in review is almost an exhausting experience! But what an opportunity to appreciate the gifts of the entire staff and worship team who, along with an abundance of wonderful volunteers, create a space and environment that welcomes, challenges, and nourishes our hearts and souls.

Submitted by Tanis van Drimmelen, Chair

Worship Ministry Team: Ken Irwin, Sandi Parker, Geordie Roberts, Colleen Blair, Gill Irwin, Allie Keir,

Andria Irwin, Joy Dancey, Cullene Bryant and Will Sparks ex-officio

IGNITEworship

IGNITEworship — an alternative service open to all— began by ‘The A Team’ in September 2015 as a new way of engaging Highlands in worship and community. Focused around contemporary praise music led by HUC young adults, testimonies of faith from members of our own community, spiritual practices, and messages that engage scripture in a tangible way, we have dubbed this service to be for “the adventurous in Spirit.”

When IGNITE began we anticipated the Senior Youth as the group who would be engaged in this worship the most, and while we are still welcoming our Senior Youth to this event each month, the service has expanded to include the wider demographic of the community. The senior youth are now joined by the junior youth, the young adults, and even ‘the adults’! The average numbers of this congregation range from 45-75, with over 75% of people staying for dinner afterwards. We are proud of Highlands’ spiritual adventurers and look forward to the growth and reformation of this service as 2017 unfolds.


2016 Annual Report

Music Ministry

Highlands continued to support and encourage a vibrant and engaging music program in 2016. Four vocal ensembles with a combined membership of 175 singers, a handbell ensemble and Ignite worship band form the core of our music ministry. All groups experienced growth in the past year and attracted new members both from within and from outside the church community. Summer Choir is now a long-standing tradition at Highlands and up to 35 people gathered to contribute to summer worship, a welcome addition to our "gymnasium" church services. The highest highlight of 2016 was the production of "Fiddler on the Roof"; thanks to Gill and Doug Irwin and the many, many, many capable people who made Fiddler possible. Geordie Roberts was presented with a beautiful collage of memorable photos to mark his 25th year at Highlands and is very grateful for the support and enthusiasm for music that he has enjoyed as part of this congregation since 1992.

The renovations to the Sanctuary have made Highlands a destination for ensembles from all over the North Shore as a performing space and as a rehearsal space. The addition of a parking facility

across the street in the near future can only serve to enhance our attractiveness to "outside user groups" of all kinds.

Appreciation is extended to all the music leaders, both paid and avocational, who contribute to Highlands musical life. We are providing meaningful musical offering for worship, reinforcing the message of the Way, and preparing the music leaders of tomorrow for service, but really, we are having a great deal of fun together, and thank the congregation for allowing us to do that.

Submitted by Geordie Roberts Coordinator of Music


2016 Annual Report

Welcoming Ministry

For members and visitors alike the Welcoming Space on Sunday morning is a gathering place to receive guests and one another with the best of who we are. It is a place for sharing news, coffee, laughter and tears.

In an informal way, the Welcoming Ministry belongs to everyone at Highlands but it is the particular focus of the Welcome Hosts and Greeters who make an intentional commitment to being the face of hospitality in this place. Through their efforts, the physical space becomes invitational in nature, drawing us into something deeper both as individuals and as a community. It is a first and vital step in the journey on which this community becomes a place of belonging and offers that deep sense of finding home…..and coming home. I am very grateful for the deeply generous and gracious spirit of hospitality that the Greeters and Welcome hosts bring to the experience of Christian community that is found here each and every Sunday morning. We can all be grateful for their gentle eyes and seeing hearts! Particular thanks to Jon Carrodus for his great work at reaching out to newcomers.

Submitted by Colleen Blair Minister for Seniors and Hospitality


2016 Annual Report

As we put 2016 behind us and head forward into a new year, ‘The A Team’ (Allie Keir and Andria Irwin) are thrilled to reflect on the previous year of our ministry here at Highlands.

The past year has encouraged the growth of a ministry unique to ‘The A Team’s’ skillset and the children and youth it encompasses. We have been thrilled to watch the young life at Highlands emerge from their shells at one of our musical theatre camps, endeavor to take on new leadership roles through our training and work opportunities, engage deeper in prayer and spiritual practice at events like the Easter vigil and monthly at IGNITE, develop new relationships through FUEL and the senior youth group, as well as engage with the community regularly outside of this building through social events or media. The word “vibrant” is one we truly feel can be used.

When we began here close to two years ago, we created a mission/vision statement that both included Highlands’ community values while also emphasizing our personal ministry values. This mission statement continues to faithfully guide us in our work here at Highlands:

We exist to explore, inspire, question and discover the role of God in our lives.

At Highlands United Church we exist to love and be loved, to know and be known, to serve and be served, to learn, pray and grow together. We

believe that the future of our church lies in the faith of our children and we support this journey in every way we see possible. We play together. We adventure together. We laugh together. We worship together. We burn with a desire to live the life Christ wanted for us — freely, with compassion and with great joy.

The two of us cannot wait for all the adventures of 2017. We feel tremendously supported by our lead Minister Rev. Will Sparks, as well as the staff and the congregation as a whole. As a direct result, ‘The A Team’ has had room to learn and grow and explore where our Ministry might take us. We could not be more grateful.

Submitted by Andria Irwin & Allie Keir AKA ‘The A Team’ Children, Youth, Young Adult & Social Media Coordinators

Sunday Morning Programming for Children and Youth

This past year there has been a buzz and a sense of excitement here at Highlands. We have welcomed many new families into our building and the place feels vibrant and full. Many new children have joined our choirs and Sunday morning programs, and we are finding that these families are keen to be involved with the events that we run. Sunday school classes regularily have higher attendance than the previous year and this new energy is infectious for those attending and our Sunday School staff!

We have approximately 100 children participating in Sunday School at Highlands yet, as always, it is difficult to document this number as not every family is registered. While Sunday mornings are a busy time for young families, we continue to be amazed by the number of children coming to worship with us. We have also been blessed with many new babies and toddlers this year, so Alexa

Education and Faith Formation


2016 Annual Report

Villalpando, our Nursery Co-ordinator has been busy! On any given Sunday, we have up to 10 toddlers enjoying some creative play and social time in the nursery. Alexa has done a wonderful job in creating a safe, happy and inviting space that the children love to come to. She has also successfully transitioned many of our preschoolers now into the Sunday School classroom. We are so lucky to have Alexa on our team!

We also have 4 Sunday School classes this year: Grades 7-12, 4-6, 1-3 and Preschool to K, with a total of 10 teachers sharing the leadership responsibilities. We feel very privileged to have such dedicated Sunday School staff, that care for the children of this community by making Christian education fun, accessible and relevant. We continue to use Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum for all the three youngest classes, and the Senior Youth are using the Holy Moly Ancestors Curriculum. As always, it is important to The A Team that whatever the adults are discussing during worship is reflected in the teachings during Sunday School so that families have continuity for any discussion that may happen back at home.

This past year, the Sunday School children and youth were part of a partnership over the Advent season with the Saturday Lunch program — providing small comforts to those in need. We look forward to focusing on further outreach in 2017 as a way of engaging the young community of Highlands in Christian living beyond the walls of the church.

Youth Groups

Our Junior Youth Group, F.U.E.L (Faithfully United, Energetic Living) meets twice a month under the leadership of Lianna Rushworth and Colin Madill with directional supervision from ‘The A Team’. We continue to see a core group of about 10-15 children enjoying spending time together through theme

based energetic activities and fun, team building challenges. Both Lianna and Colin stepped into this role in September 2016 and have developed a unique and energetic approach to leadership as well as facilitating new friendships within the group.

Senior Youth

The Senior Youth Group at Highlands is made up of those of our youth in grades 7 through 12 and led by Andria Irwin, Allie Keir and Chris Bochon. This group is a busy, adventurous, and supportive cohort and not only engages in their own activities, but in the work of the Highlands community. Our senior youth not only organize the Highlands Carnival and the Flea Market Bistro as fundraising events, but also actively volunteer in church-wide events such as the Nativity Exhibit. This past year we also gathered together for bonfires and sing-alongs, camp-outs, movie nights, prayer vigils, costume parties, red carpet events, faith formation, and lots of food.

While this time in the lives of youth is filled with ups and downs and so much ‘stuff’, we are elated to see that our youth uphold each other through it all. The new friendships that are consistently being made and revitalized in this group are tools these youth will have going forward with their lives from this place. The diversity and solidarity of this group speaks a truth to the Gospel we can all learn from.


2016 Annual Report

Young Adults

The young adults at Highlands (19-35’ish) began meeting under Andria Irwin and Chris Bochon last year after the IGNITE worship service for a thematic study of that month’s worship service. While the group of 8 originally met at the Two Lions Pub, we quickly outgrew that space (and out-yelled the band!) and have since moved back into the Highlands’ building where we continue to meet monthly for Bible & Brew. Our numbers now range from 10-20 and there is a rumor circulating about a second bible study being in the works.

Other Children, Youth & Family Events

We feel very fortunate to have an enthusiastic group of over 40 families that are excited to participate in events when we host them. In 2016 we held the HUC carnival, several PJ’s and Pancake breakfasts, a young families potluck/get together evening, the All Hallow’s Eve party, and our wonderful Christmas Eve pageant titled “A Special Part to Play”, featuring the Puppet ‘Reverend So-N-So’ and his friends Donkey and Sheep!

In

addition to these HUC events, we have had some of our children and youth attend Presbytery-wide events including the Imagine! Children’s Retreat and the EVOLVE conference — both held at the Stillwood Retreat and Conference Centre in the Fraser Valley.

Highlands Summer Program

Our Highlands Summer Program continues to be a vibrant part our Children and Youth Ministry, with families from our Highlands community and the wider North Shore community. Last summer (2016), Highlands ran four camps in total; two musical theatre camps, for both grades 1-4 and grades 4-12, and two faith-based day camps (VBC). We hired 10 summer staff, ranging from high school to university students as well as 10 leaders and leaders in training (L.I.T’s). Our theme for the first VBC day camp was WildLife, where we worked to discover that God has equipped us with the tools we need to transform unexpected obstacles in our lives into part of a wonderful adventure. The second VBC was Space Jam, a program focussing on the love of God — a love even bigger than the universe! We were pleased to see our registration numbers at 165 participants. ‘The A Team’ was energised by the success of last year’s camps and we look forwards to what this summer will bring.

Education & Faith Formation cont’d...


2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Report

Finding ways to help people make deep connections with one another is a one of Highlands’ key goals. One way this is done is through offering a variety of study and small groups in which people can get to know others and explore their interests and faith. Examples are scattered throughout this report, but some that were offered in 2016 are listed here.

Book Circle

Since our first meeting in the fall of 2004, the HUC Book Circle has provided a monthly small group activity where any member of the congregation is welcome to drop-in and share in our discussion on the Last Tuesday of each month.

Participants get to know each other better as we explore our reactions to a wide variety of intriguing books.

At the start of the year we mourned the loss of one of our co-founders, Linda Baxter, who was a kind, reliable and enthusiastic member at over sixty meetings. The day after her memorial service, the book we gathered to discuss was aptly entitled "Coming Ashore" which reflects our hope for our cherished friend.

Through the remainder of 2016 we enriched our lives by reading through three classics (Austen's Emma, Dickens's Hard Times and Flaubert's Madame Bovary) and various memorable, current best-sellers including Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See. Our choices for the current year are equally varied. Please join us!

Submitted by Phyllis Ferguson Bottomer

Church Library

Highlands Church Library supports the ministry and outreach of the church by providing resources that encourage spiritual exploration and growth. It offers material for leaders of children, youth and adult groups as well as individuals. The library aims to serve new and regular patrons with a varied selection of books and DVDs. In 2016 library volunteers selected and displayed materials to support worship, festivals and church seasons, and assisted patrons of all ages. A focus this year has been inputting book information on the Resource Mate database which will allows people to digitally search for titles, subjects and authors in the future (Karen Rouse has kindly been inputting the data). A second focus has been updating the library collection. We will be continuing with the database and updating the collection in 2017. We are active members of the Church Library Association of B.C.

Submitted by Betty Chapin, Robin Rivers and your Library Volunteer Team

Living the Questions From January through to December approximately a dozen people completed the 21 session ‘Living the Questions’: a DVD study and discussion group exploring the tenets of progressive Christianity and how our faith continues to bring life and meaning to us in the 21st century, even as we realize that there are often more questions than there are answers. Inspiring and thoughtful theologians and ministers, such as Walter Brueggemann, Yvetter Flunder and Marcus Morg challenged us (on DVD) to view the Bible and our traditions through a different lens, and ensured that our conversation was both lively and deep.

Submitted by Sandi Parker

Adult Education and Faith Formation


2016 Annual Report

Music United

Led by Music Therapist Corey Hollett, Music United gave participants the chance to gather weekly around the Sunday morning scriptures and reflect on their meaning drawing on favorite music ranging from hymns to rock to country to classical. Sometimes the scripture opens up in a new way when brought to life through music.

New Members—Asking the Big Questions

In the fall of the year, Will and Sandi led a 6 part evening study series gathered people interested in asking some big questions: How can we talk about God? How can we reconcile claims about God and science? What happens when we die? What is the most important thing? Who am I called to be and what am I called to do?

After some lively exploration, one person chose to be baptized, two became a members of Highlands through Confirmation, and one person transferred their membership.

Yoga at Highlands

In 2016, people had the opportunity to participate in 2 different yoga opportunities: Dru Yoga, led by JoAn Maurer, and Yoga Chapel led by Bethel Lee. Providing an alternative path to both spiritual and physical fitness, these offerings provided meditation and centering for the whole person.

Walk ‘n Talk

Held each Monday, this group allowed congregation members an opportunity to chat with each other and with ministry staff while enjoying trails and neighborhoods in the Edgemont area. During the transitional year, it provided a chance for ministry staff to get a sense of how people were feeling, what dreams they had for Highlands, and where there were concerns that needed to be addressed. We discovered that walking together nurtured us both physically and emotionally, and conversation flowed freely, easily and deeply. Perhaps one or two new ideas were hatched on these walks too!


2016 Annual Report

Local Connections

We actively partner with five main groups both on the North Shore & the Downtown Eastside (DTES), so we may directly know, the needs of our partners. We meet every two months to hear reports from our partners and know how we can best help. Our outreach budget has been $17,300 since 2005 & was increased the last 2 years to $17,500. During our annual Advent Appeal in December, the total dollars given, has been declining each year. December 2016 was half the amount of December 2008. The cost of food is steadily increasing which has a huge impact on the struggling groups, feeding the hungry, on the DTES. The annual Sock Appeal for the homeless in the Fall has always been a huge success, with a record 2,000 pairs of socks (or financial contributions for socks) donated this past year. We thank you for your generosity.

Our outreach partners are:

First United Church received $8,000 from Highlands for programs such as foot care, advocacy, social gatherings, cost to maintain storage facility, outings etc. and $1,600 which goes directly toward purchasing food for community meals & emergency food to feed the hungry.

WISH Drop-In Society received a total of $3,000 for programs of education, advocacy, retraining, & the cost of food serving over 600 sex trade workers on the DTES. A donation of $200 was sent to help with emergency losses after a flood in the building in December.

Capilano Community Services received $3,500 for programs for isolated Seniors & Youth at Risk on the North Shore. Social programs, use of bus for shopping & social time, drives to medical appointments, Red Cross medical equipment loan program & telephone check-ins are some of the

Social Action and Community

Climate and Environment Action Group

The United Church of Canada affirms that “we are called by God to live in harmony with all of creation; and that a Stewardship commitment to care for the earth requires us to be aware of the present and impending threats to our environment and to take action to preserve the integrity of creation.”

(1990 General Council social policy position on global warming).

The CEAG grew out of its members’ concern for our environment and recognition that we all must play a part in reducing our environmental and carbon footprints. Our purpose is: “to understand, clarify, and act on our role in faithful stewardship of God’s world.” We have 13 active members at present, plus 7 “corresponding members.”

Our work in 2016 included planning an Earth Day worship service in April, clarify the recycling sorting process at the church, beginning to develop an environmental policy and a greening checklist for Highlands, investigating ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and providing educational opportunities for ourselves and the congregation.

We meet on the first Sunday of each month, after worship, at about 11:30 am in Room 202, for a potluck lunch and meeting. New members welcome.

For more information: Jon Carrodus, 604-987-2595, jcarrodus (at) shaw (dot) ca.


2016 Annual Report

programs for Seniors. Drug, alcohol & sex counselling, musical & physical activities to engage Youth are offered in 3 Secondary schools & two Elementary schools on the North Shore by three C.C.S.S. Youth Workers.

Camp Fircom received $665 from Highlands to send a needy child to camp and help with the organic farm.

North Shore Shelter received $400 for bus

passes so clients may get to job interviews, medical appointments or family visits.

Christmas Hamper Ministry received $300 for gifts for 7 needy family gifts at Christmas.

We try and distribute our budget of $17,500 where it is needed most. We could always do with more. Thank you to the Highlands community for your volunteer and monetary contributions to these needy groups and the disenfranchised in our community. We live out our Vision Statement by “living out our faith in action, to seek peace, justice and healing, to share time, ministries and money”.

Submitted by Sheila Durward, Chair Committee Members: Sharon Allison, Jean Gabrielse, Bernice Lill, Doree Piercy, Buff Squire and Sheila Stanway

Global Connections

The mandate of the Global Connections Committee is: To raise awareness, both in the congregation and the wider community, of global issues and realities and of the mission of the church; and to encourage involvement. We focus particularly on Guatemala, through our partnership with the Artesana Collective. We help the congregation support Mission and Service of the United Church of Canada; emergency M&S appeals; and groups or individuals going on “exposure tours” or other global ministry.

During 2016, the congregation gave our annual grant of $1,850 for the work of the Artesana Collective. (A lot more than 2015: the US exchange rate meant that we could only buy $1,400US, rather than our usual $1,500US.) Sharon Yetman was granted $200 to help with expenses as she led the Healing Pathway delegation to Guatemala in March.

We attempted, not very successfully, to continue to lead the congregation through M&S involvement during the time of transition: both since John O’Neill’s death and while welcoming Will to pastoral leadership. Our intent is to meet very soon with Will to discern our goals and how we may work to reach them.

We are a committee that functions by consultation rather than meetings, and would welcome new members to support the work.

Submitted by Sharon Yetman, Chair

Committee Members: Jon Carrodus, Simone Carrodus, Ian Bennett


2016 Annual Report

Highlands Quilters

The quilting group at Highlands has been in existence for about 40 years but these days the number of active quilters has fallen to just three.

Over the past year we have completed the quilting on several quilts belonging to members of the group and have just completed the quilting on a single bed quilt for Elizabeth Glavin, who quilted with this group for many years.

Do come and join us on a Monday morning in the Choir Room as we stitch up a storm while ‘putting the world to rights’! The kettle is on at 10:30 am if you would like to join us for a cup of tea any week during the school year.

Submitted by Chris Robertson

Social Action and Community continued...


2016 Annual Report

Shelter to Home

Shelter to Home is an outreach program of our church. Our mission is to provide furniture and household items, at no cost, to people living on the North Shore, who are either transitioning from homelessness to independent living or who are living on limited incomes. We believe that acts of compassion in crucial circumstances can change lives. 2016 was the eighth year of operation of the program. We have a free telephone line for donations, 778-331-8465, monitored by volunteers.

In December the Shelter to Home Team presented a proposal to HUC Leadership Board that Shelter to Home be recognized as part of the ministry of Highlands United Church and be embedded in the structure of the church. Many are not aware that Shelter to Home was operating as an outreach ministry outside the bounds of HUC structure. We have reached the stage in our growth where we need the support of staff and leadership resources to continue our outreach. Leadership Board unanimously supported our proposal.

We received grant funding from the City of North Vancouver Community Fund, and donations from the BC Girls’ Choir, and Canadian Bridge Federation. As well, dollar donations from individuals provided much needed financial support for transporting furniture donations to our storage.

Of course, we would not be able to do what we do without the donations of furniture and household items, and we are thankful to all those who donate their good quality, no longer wanted items. Our heartfelt gratitude to all donors. Special recognition to Rolf Paterson of Gulf Pacific Property Management for his ongoing and generous contribution to our rental expenses.

Our website www.sheltertohome.ca is live, and work continues on it to refine its look and content.

Our 2017 goals include securing funding for a storage space manager, polishing our website, establishing a firm policy for requesting donations for furniture donation pickups, establishing a process for thanking donors, and increasing our number of volunteers.

In 2016, we had 11 regular volunteers: Bonny Ball, Steve Beaton, Judy Buttress, Joy Dancey, Ruth Kershaw, Margaret Manning, Warren Myers, Ardis Nelson, Debbie Sigsworth, Dave Thomas, Marguerite Wilson. In the Fall, Warren Meyers left the committee, passing the website to Nancy Forde. In 2016, we used professional movers to augment the work of volunteers, picking up donations and delivering to some clients.

Some facts about Shelter to Home

• 150 clients were living on the North Shore when referred, 6 were living in Vancouver.

• 102 clients stayed on the North Shore.

• 54 clients were housed off the North Shore.

• 25 clients were seniors, representing 16% of our clients

• 16 clients had been assisted by Shelter to Home in a previous year, representing 10% of clients.

• Community referrals came mostly from churches and former clients.

• Most of the Highlands United referrals came from the church's outreach program, Saturday Lunch or from the Church web site.

• Shelter to Home has served 1,156 clients since its inception in September 2008.

• A comparison of Statistics from 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 shows that there are more women and children in each successive year.

• The number of clients forced to leave the North


2016 Annual Report

Shore to find affordable housing is rising.

• We use the services of the Lookout Movers, a social enterprise providing work experience for men re-entering the work force.

• Rent paid for the storage space for Shelter to Home is about 1/5 market rate, thanks to the generosity of the owners of the space, Gulf Pacific Property Management.

• Funding was received from North Vancouver City Community Grants.

Volunteers have given over 1,600 hours to the running of this program.

Submitted by Ardis Nelson and Ruth Kershaw

Highlands Shelter to Home—Income & Expenses with 2017 Projected Expenses

Revenue

Donations $3,537.35

Grant 4,800.00

Projected

Expenses Expenses

For 2017

Rent * 3,690.00 4,500.00

Phone 887.02 900.00

Transport ** 2,151.50 5,000.00

Expenses 208.75 225.00

Domaine fee 230.55 235.00

______ ______ ________

7,167.82 8,337.35 10,860.00

*We expect a rent increase effective April 2017, although it will still be below market rate. **We expect our transportation expenses will increase; we hope to offset most of that with a firmer policy on donations for picking up furniture.

Shelter to Home Client Statistics 156 clients were served in 2016:

69 men, 65 women, 22 children

Referring Agencies Number of Clients

% of Total Clientele

Lookout North Shore Homeless Shelter 52 33.33

Sage House 30 19.24

Community (including word of mouth) 23 14.74

Hollyburn Seniors & Family 18 11.53

Canadian mental Health Assoc 12 08.00

Atira Housing (Vancouver) 06 03.85

Highlands United Church 07 04.49

Vancouver Coastal Health 03 01.92

Salvation Army 02 01.28

North Shore Neighbourhood House 01 00.64

Harvest Project 01 00.64

West Van Youth Outreach 01 00.64


2016 Annual Report

Saturday Lunch

Partnering with North Shore Neighbourhood House, Saturday Lunch is a Highlands United Church Outreach program. 2016 has been its eighth year of operation. We provide a nourishing lunch of soup, sandwiches, fruit, home baking, juice and coffee every Saturday, year round, to people who are living on extremely limited incomes, including a few people who are homeless. We have 45 to 55 guests each week, including some families with children. Our guests come from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Each Saturday, 8 to 10 volunteers are involved, shopping, cooking, providing baking, setting up, serving, greeting and cleaning up. There are two shifts of volunteers: the cooks who work from 10:30am until 1:00pm and the server-greeters who work from 12:15 until 2:30pm. Additionally, the head cooks volunteer 4 to 6 hours the day before the lunch, buying the groceries, baking desserts and doing prep for Saturday morning. When we began this program 8 years ago, all the volunteers came from our church. In 2016 there were 25 volunteers, half from the church and half from the community. We have volunteers from age 13 to 70+.

A week before Christmas a special meal was served and each guest was given a large hamper of groceries, gloves, hats and a few treats. The hamper items were donated by the Saturday Lunch volunteers, the Tai Chi group, and the Scouting groups. There was generous financial assistance from congregational members. The hampers had a value of over $100. Additionally, each guest was given a $10 Walmart card to buy fresh produce. We distributed 60 hampers. Our guests have told us that having enough money for food is their biggest challenge. They have also thanked us for contributing to stability in their precarious circumstances. Most food providers close over the summer and on statutory holidays but we don't.

The funding for this outreach ministry comes from individual donations and, in the past, from grants from the City and District of North Vancouver, the City of West Vancouver, and the North Shore Foundation. For a second year, we did not apply for grants. Operating costs came from a generous bequest from the estate of the late Jill Ashdown, who was a tireless and enthusiastic worker in the program until a few months before her death. We are in the process of applying for grants for 2017. The cost of the food is about $175 weekly. Additionally, there is a charge of $153.50, 6 to 8 times annually to have a maintenance person open NSNH on long holiday weekends when the building is closed. So the annual cost of the program is $10,000.

Saturday Lunch is one of our church programs addressing outreach into the community, to provide community, hospitality, welcome, compassion, respect for a diversity of people, and practical help for those living on limited incomes. Given the success and importance of this program we need more Highlands volunteers! There is considerable pressure on the core of this team to fill the schedule. Check the Volunteer Schedule on the Highlands United website and join our dynamic team, volunteering as little as twice a year, and as much as once a month. For more than five years, Emily Heidrich has been the Volunteer Scheduling Coordinator and has recently submitted her resignation. We thank her for her long service and hope we can find a new scheduling coordinator soon. This is good work we do!!

Submitted by Ruth Kershaw

Saturday Lunch is administered by: Ruth Kershaw, Judy and Dave Thomas, Wendy Grant, Emily Heidrich.


2016 Annual Report

Submitted by Marilyn MacDonald, Chair Committee Members: Peter Ackhurst, Catherine Alkenbrack, Stephen Beaton, Lindsay Bottomer, Bill Dyer, Phyllis Ferguson, Wendy McNaughton, Kumu Navaratnam, Anne Van’t Riet, Marguerite Wilson.

Syrian Refugee Sponsorship Sub-Committee: Stephen Beaton–Lead, Cullene Bryant, Sylvia Korteling, Esta Murenbeeld, Sandi Parker, Robin Rivers

Ex officio Member: Jean Gabrielse

Refugee Committee

During 2016, we continued to support our sponsored refugee, Hasna Mohamed (from Ethiopia) in all aspects of Canadian settlement in her new North Shore community. In June 2016, Hasna marked her one year anniversary in Canada and we celebrated with cake and photo presentation at Highlands. In her moving speech to the congregation she spoke of how thankful she was for all the support and love from her new “family”. All were proud to hear that she has transitioned from sponsorship to financial independence with a full-time job at Fishworks Restaurant and part-time work at Highlands.

In addition to work, Hasna continues English lessons and volunteers with Highlands Saturday Lunch program and Flea Market. On July 1st she attended her second Canada Day festivities at Canada Place and talked of her dream to one day become a Canadian citizen. An Ethiopian dinner was held at Axum Ethiopian Restaurant in Dec 2016, with many who continue helping her with language, cultural and social activities.

Globally, as the crisis in Syria escalated, Highlands joined with six North Shore churches to fundraise for sponsorship of two Syrian families through the North Shore Refugee Response Group (Kawa family of 7 and Badran family of 8) from the Erbil, Iraq, refugee camp. In December, we learned that medical and final interviews were booked for Canadian Immigration approval and that the families should arrive by early-to-mid 2017.

The Refugee Committee expects to be very busy in 2017 assisting these large families and welcomes new members!

Social Action and Community continued...

Edgemont Village Community Christmas Day Dinner

Each year, Highlands hosts an Edgemont Village Community Christmas Dinner which is open to the whole community. The event is supported by financial donations from Edgemont Village Merchants, private donors and organizations, members and friends of Highlands and Highlands United Church. We would like to express our gratitude to the folks at Thrifty Foods for the donation of 18 turkeys last year and to Columbus Market for all the vegetables. Each year, we serve up a traditional turkey dinner with roast turkey, stuffing, yam casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy for over 175 guests including adults, children and seniors. Volunteers gather on Christmas Eve in the church kitchen to peel vegetables, carve turkeys and bake dozens of mincemeat tarts and cookies. Thank you to all those who come faithfully to prep and set-up, lead sing-alongs, roast turkeys and especially to the fabulous clean-up crew!

Submitted by Carol Smith


2016 Annual Report

Flea Market

Upwards to 40 people gather every Tuesday morning to sort, price, pack and store the items that will make up the sale known as

the Gigantic Flea Market which is held each year in October. As well, we donate items to such areas as Shelter to Home, Lions Gate Thrift Shop, First United and the Developmentally Disabled Association (DDA). Many articles are recycled.

This was the year to hold an “Antique Sale” and details are shown below.

A special part of the morning is the coffee break; an opportunity to visit with each other and to share ideas, all amidst much laughter and fun.

At the sale in October, as many as 200 volunteers are involved to make this church fundraiser a great success. We wish to thank all these wonderful people for their continued support and hard work.

2016 Flea Market Revenue

Misc sales during the year 707

Gigantic Flea Market Sale–Net 35,930

Total Flea Market 36,637

Add Antiques Sale 14,328

Sub-Total 50,965.

Less transfer to Ministry Initiatives Fund 5,000

Net 45,965

Submitted by the Jim Parsons for the Flea Market Committee:

Jim Parsons, Susan Hughes, Bonny Ball, Jan Snee and Jonathon Maillie.


2016 Annual Report

English as a Second Language (ESL)English for Language Learners (ELL)

The ESL/ELL Conversation and Spiritual Study Classes meet two mornings a week with, in 2016, about 45 students registered and 13 teachers sharing the teaching responsibility. We have 2 classes each morning, one for Beginners and one for more advanced learners. In 2016, our students originated from South Korea, Iran, China, Mexico, Japan, Venezuela and Azerbaijan and ranged from immigrants to temporary visitors, mid-20’s through late-60’s in age. They were Christian, Muslim, Jewish or of no particular faith.

The first part of each day is spent in some form of guided conversation on topics varying from discovering Canadian customs, current affairs, grammar, driving or health problems to cooking classes, and Christmas wreath making. The second half of the morning is spent discussing aspects of Spirituality, sometimes reading Bible excerpts, sometimes learning about personal faith journeys. The emphasis is on sharing perspectives of a multi faith group and learning from each other. This Spirituality aspect of the class is very popular with the students.

Social Action and Community cont’d...

We go on an annual field trip to VanDusen Gardens and enjoy seasonal potluck parties for a purely social occasion. We are also offering a Speakers Club on Thursday afternoons, led by Diana Bomford, for those newcomers who would like to improve their public speaking skills.

The students pay a minimal fee to attend which covers craft supplies, coffee and other sundries as well as contributing somewhat to the church coffers. Each morning a couple of the students volunteer to bring a snack for the class. Several of the students have chosen to participate in the Highlands Community apart from the class and have become contributing members.

Submitted by Judy O’Neill

ESL/ELL Teachers: Bonny Ball, Janie Ackhurst, Carol Beattie, Diana Bomford, Sandi Parker, Linda Greven, Sunny Park, Anne Muirhead, Aishah Parkinson, Cheryl Irwin, Karl Ireland and Will Sparks with frequent assistance from Susan Sherwin, Sharon Worley and Charlotte Julian


2016 Annual Report

15th Capilano Highlanders Scout Group - Chartered in 1954

Scouting's Mission: to help develop well-rounded youth, better prepared for success in the world.

The 15th Capilano Highlanders Scout Group provides learning and leadership opportunities for

youth age 5 through 26. In 2015, the membership included 69 youth and 42 adults. Broken down, that was 26 Beavers, 18 Cubs, 12 Scouts, 10 Venturers, 3 Rovers and 42 Leaders / Group Committee . They offered an active program involving youth leadership and adventure. The Group was proud to have a Scout complete the requirements and receive the Chief Scout Award in June.

All sections met weekly September through mid-June, with the senior sections continuing through the summer. Some of the Venturers and two advisors did a week-long hike in southern BC in August. The Rovers met regularly to plan for their annual Sept. Mardi Gras camp at Camp Byng, Sunshine Coast. Attendance was again 400+ Scouting & Guiding youth and Advisors. A special tribute was paid to deceased Scouter Art Bates, and a plaque was posted in Byng's Spiritual Centre in memory of his many years of service to Rovering.

Leaders and Group Committee included volunteer parents, community Scouters and Rovers. The committee members were Tyson Thorhaug (Commissioner), Dawn Martin-Smith (Administrator), Becky Knight ( Registrar), Michele Stewart (Secretary), Margaret Moore (Treasurer) and Eleanor Oakley (Church Liaison).

Service to the church and community was a major focus of the group. It included clean-up campaigns,

salmon fry release, tree planting, Flea Market help, food and sock drives and Xmas hamper donations. A hot dog sale to support the Church's Saturday Lunch Program was very successful.

Funding for the group's activities and supplies, and the annual honorarium to the Church, was raised through registration fees and the annual Apple Days, Popcorn and Manure sales.

The 15th Capilano Scout Group greatly appreciated the support of Highlands Congregation and Staff, and showed its gratitude through the annual Church Parade Sunday. We feel very blessed to be part of this wonderful partnership, now in its 6th decade.

Submitted by Eleanor Oakley

Church Liaison & Deputy Commissioner, North Shore Area Pacific Coast Council, Scouts Canada


2016 Annual Report

Ministry with and amongst Seniors, continues to flourish in deeply beautiful and meaningful ways, with seniors nurturing and caring for one another and offering inspiration, wisdom, insight and resources to this community as a whole, and beyond. The Seniors Connection programme meets at Highlands, twice a month with attendance that ranges from 50 – 90 participants and involves about 12 volunteers each time. Chair exercises are being offered by Jim McDuffie, and presentations being given by a host of amazingly generous guests and musicians. Delicious and nutritious meals are prepared by Barbara Hunt and Anne Wood; Alan Cowdery sets up tables and chairs and does dishes; and another whole group of dedicated volunteers ensure that tables are set, guests are welcomed,

meals are served and clean up happens!

With the support of a grant from the United Church of Canada, The Connection Café Seniors drop in was started in October and operates on alternate Wednesdays. The conversation has

been valuable and the gatherings intimate.

We had a number of outings that provided an exciting change of pace and the opportunity to visit places that might not have been easy or as much fun to do otherwise. These included: The International Buddhist Temple and Steveston Village, The British Museum/ Dickens Sweet Shop and Minter Country Garden Nursery, and an overnight dinner and theatre event in Chemainus.

The heart of ministry with and between seniors at Highlands lies in a rich and diverse tapestry of relationships that contribute to the physical and

Caring & Seniors Ministry

spiritual well being of everyone involved. It has been a wonderful privilege to work with Seniors and volunteers alike!

The fact is that relationships are the alchemy of life. They turn the dross of dailiness into gold. They make human community real. They provide what we need and wait in turn for us to give back. They are a sign of the presence of a loving God in life. There is no such thing at any stage of human development as life without relationships. Joan Chittister, “The Gift of Years”

Submitted by Colleen Blair


2016 Annual Report

Hospital, Hospice & Follow-up Visits

During 2016, several of our members have found themselves in difficult times of illness, crisis or trauma. Families need to know that when the Church Office receives information regarding the hospitalization of a member, either Colleen Blair or myself will call the family to ensure that a visit would be welcome or appropriate.

We are responsible for the acute care visiting in hospital, hospice and follow-up home visits when needed. We appreciate the opportunity to "listen from the heart", and be sensitive to the individual needs of the patient and family, compassionately, and with confidentiality.

Submitted by Tanis van Drimmelen

Caring Ministry Packages

One of the ongoing programs of the Caring Ministry, is the twice annual preparation and delivery of goodies and plants to shut-ins and those recently bereaved.

We hear heartwarming stories of recipients whose feelings of isolation or loneliness had been lifted up with a few kind words and a bit of hospitality.

Thank you to all those (including several children) who take a few moments of their time to spread the love and healing prayers of our congregation, to those in need of friendship and compassion

Submitted by Tanis van Drimmelen

Visiting Ministry

Trusting in God & being the followers of Jesus, Highlands United Church Visiting Ministry Team worked diligently with big hearts in 2016 to provide ‘Monthly Visits’ to Congregational Members who call various Care Facilities their home. We have kept our Vision Statement & our Five Year Plan in our hearts while visiting.

We as a Team, base our visits on “Loving, Knowing, Serving & Praying’ together to keep this Ministry a strong one we all believe in. Church members who are not able to attend regular Sunday services or many of our church events, are blessed to receive a ‘Monthly Visit’ from a Highlands Friend to keep them informed of what is happening in the church they helped build & support. As a Ministry, we do not want to forget these lovely folks!

In 2016, we continued to share with folks the excitement of our improvements on our lovely church building & provide news of new programs & interesting events. We not only bring news, but, we are the listening ear for some and provide ‘an extra pair of eyes & ears’ for the caregivers of these folks. We receive many thanks from the Families of our Friends!

The ‘Team of 6’ dedicated and committed volunteers visited ‘6’ Senior Care Facilities on a monthly basis. We had ‘19’ congregational members in these facilities. Each team member is designated to a facility, choosing the appropriate time for their visits, within their busy lives & schedules. The Ministry also has ‘5 Sub/Alternate volunteers’ who have committed to be the support system for the regular visitors for holidays, etc. Sadly, we lost a few of our Friends in 2016. We prayed for them & their loved ones & offered the necessary support for the grieving process.


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United appreciates the dedication of the caring team of volunteers. In no particular order, Maureen Pople, Sandi Goldie, Barb Margerm, Doree Piercy, Cathy Johannson, Maureen Hoodless, Ann Echols, Carol Beattie, Judith Lee, Anne Kenway & Gloria Strong.

Our Team was supported in the beginning of 2016 by the loving care of Colleen Blair (Minister for Seniors & Hospitality) and was joined by our New Lead Minister, Rev Will Sparks in August. As a church who loves and cares for their ‘Church Family’, we are blessed to have so many Staff members who have excellent Pastoral Care skills.

We are always looking for new faces, new enthusiasm and a love for serving God in our community to join our Team! If you think this is for you, please contact me through the Church Office at 604-980-6071.

Submitted by Jacqueline Scott Co-ordinator – Seniors Visiting Ministry

Healing Hands Ministry

The Healing Hands ministry team has just completed 19 years of offering healing sessions at Highlands Church. We continued to offer healing sessions weekly to members of the church and the wider community at the church, in homes and in hospital. In April, Sharon Yetman led the Healing Pathway delegation to Guatemala for the tenth year. In the fall, we changed our offering time to be available after the Senior’s luncheons. We are blessed by this opportunity to serve. All are welcome to receive. For an appointment, call Lorraine Elliott 604-985-4502.

Submitted by Sharon Yetman

Prayer Shawl Ministry

We are a group of knitters both experienced and learning, who love to knit for a cause. We enjoy companionship, laughter and good conversation that

happens when a circle of people with a common interest gather together.

The shawls that are created are given, with love, by the Highlands Pastoral Care Team to those who are experiencing grief or loss in their lives, to those who are ill or recovering from an illness, to those who are engaged in any personal journey that would benefit from the comfort of a shawl. We also give the shawls as celebration of life giving events.

We gather at Highlands on Mondays and the door is always open for new knitters to join. All are welcome. Just Walk In!!

Submitted by Joy Dancey


2016 Annual Report

Christian hospitality is at the very heart of our faith and is intricately interwoven in the fabric of congregational life. It is the breaking down of barriers, the building of relationships and the invitation and welcome to a deeper and more meaningful way of being in the world. There are many aspects of congregational life and hospitality that are inherent in aspects of ministry described elsewhere this report, to which we add the following activities. In all instances, small groups of volunteers work hard to make amazing things happen! To all of you, we extend our very great thanks and appreciation.

Colleen Blair

Birthday Celebrations

The birthday committee hosts a gathering to celebrate birthdays each month throughout the year. This is very much an intergenerational small group ministry. The committee itself consists of individuals widely ranging in age, and we welcome those celebrating birthdays throughout the decades. Each month 15 to 25 people gather in the Fireside Room to engage in conversation and to get to know each other a little better. It is so much more than cake!

Submitted by Wendy McNaughton

Meals

The Thursday Dinner serves between 40 & 60 people from babies to elders each Thursday during the school year. This meal is meeting a need for busy families and those who enjoy not having to cook for one meal, and it also provides an opportunity to connect and get to know others. New friendships have been formed and relationships deepened through the good food, good conversation and playing together. Without the many hours the volunteer cooks and their teams put in this meal could not happen. A special thank you

to Marie Rice, Sheila Stanway, Sharon Robinson and Wendy Grant who have done the menu planning, shopping and cooking supervision for these dinners. In addition to the 4 lead cooks, there are an additional 20 or so people who come and chop, stir, serve and clean to make sure the dinner goes ahead – even in the snow! We are also grateful to the team of students from Handsworth Secondary who volunteer to set up and do dishes each Thursday evening.

About once a month, a meal (coordinated by Sheila Stanway) is prepared and served following worship, serving nearly 100 people a time. Also once a month, following Ignite worship on Friday night, 40 – 60 people sit down to a fun family meal. And of course, there is the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper and the Easter Brunch! Sharing a meal together is something we at Highlands do very well. Plans have been made, dreams have been hatched, friendships built, stories shared and meetings held while cooking or sharing in a Highlands meal. While we love to cook traditional simple comfort food, we are experimenting with a variety of vegetarian options and learning to cook gluten free too.

If you enjoy cooking or like hanging (helping!)around in the kitchen, please contact Sandi Parker [email protected]


Congregational Life


2016 Annual Report

Nativity Exhibit

The eighth annual Nativity Exhibit was held on the first weekend of Advent. New this year was the inclusion of a labyrinth on the floor of the Sanctuary. Because the Sanctuary is now flexible space, it meant that chairs could be removed to allow for the large portable labyrinth to be set up in the space. With the healing pathway practitioners present, people could choose to walk the labyrinth, receive from the Healing Hands Ministry, or simply enjoy the candlelit space to meditate. Once more, this event drew in 100’s of people of all ages from the church and community, and was made possible by the gifts of time of many, many volunteers.


Scottish Dance Fundraiser

Our friendship with the Vancouver Fiddle Orchestra results each year in a delightful Scottish Concert and Dance (Ceilidh). Each November, members of the church and the orchestra join forces to transform the Gym into a Scottish country hall complete with tartans and banners. Net proceeds from the event are divided equally between the church and the orchestra and help support the church’s outreach and social action programs.

Thanks to all the amazing volunteers who help make this annual event a success.

Submitted by Carol Smith


2016 Annual Report

The duties of this position include providing support to ongoing ministries and programs (which you will read about in other areas of this report) such as the Thursday dinner, the Nativity Exhibit, ESL and Adult Education and Faith Formation.

Additionally, the work includes envisioning and discerning the need for new work and ministries and helping program leaders look at next steps in their respective areas. Sometimes this involves seeking sources of funding through grants, exploring new approaches, or looking for connections to the Highlands’ 5 year ministry plan. Some examples of this include the work begun in 2016 envisioning an expansion of our Livestream to include the support and creation of a virtual community and the resourcing of small and rural congregations who may have limited access to ministry staff. The Shelter to Home program has expanded its capacity and is now seeking to find a part time employee to manage the storage facility and client services. Additionally, Dru Yoga and Music United, as well as Ignite Worship were initiated as new and experimental ministries, supported in part by the Ministry Development position. Each of these new initiatives requires careful discernment, planning, goal setting and fundraising.

In addition, Ministry Development means consulting with the congregation and interpreting results of some of the proposed additions/changes in our physical space that reflect who we are as a community in this time. In 2016, this included the hard decision of moving from pews to chairs in the Sanctuary and the continuing work of envisioning and commissioning new furnishings for the chancel. The ministry in which we are engaged and this building that is home for us are intimately connected.

Grant funding in 2016 was applied for and received in the following areas:

• Summer Children and Youth: Service Canada

• Summer Employment

• Summer Children and Youth: ProVision

• Ignite Worship: ProVision

• Courtyard Restoration: Ralph Sultan’s Office

In gratitude for the vision, service, commitment and faith of the congregation of Highlands United, this report is respectfully submitted.

Sandi Parker Minister for Ministry Development

Social & Multi-Media

In 2016 our social media ministry expanded to include more multi-media projects (like our Welcome Back Sunday video that reached over 1,600 views on Facebook!) While the use of social media is always a work in progress for the church — just like our face-to-face relationships — we remain excited by the possibilities of the future. As we look into 2017 we are excited to be developing the Livestreaming capabilities of Highlands and work more vigorously with the use of our main platforms (www.highlandsunited.org and Facebook).

In addition to our main Highlands United Facebook page we maintain a HUC Youth page, a HUC Senior Youth page, and separate event pages. We also manage an Instagram account, a Twitter account, and a YouTube account. While these platforms aren’t new, the content is. Take a look!

‘The A Team’

Ministry Development


2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Report

Finance Committee Report

For the Finance Committee, 2016 was a mercifully uninteresting year: consistent staffing, no broken sound system, and an infusion of cash from nearby residential developments that permitted much-needed window replacement to proceed without funds from the central budget. Consequently, the income and expense statement for 2016 contains no wholesale surprises: most of the receipts and disbursements are fairly close to their estimated amounts in the annual budget prepared a year ago.

On the income side, total offerings remain relatively flat at $416,000 to $420,000, which are still our largest source of revenue. However, building rental income continues to rise, and has reached the $200,000 mark. This important income source is not without outlays incurred for maintenance, renewal, custodial services and utilities, but the revenue from it permits many of HUC's array of programs to continue. Fundraising activities have also been successful in 2016, more so than indicated in the attached financial statement. As mentioned in the discussion of the 2017 budget, a total of $15,000 from the spring musical and the Antiques and Collectables sale was carried over to the next budget year to compensate for the lack of either of these events in 2017; this amount does not appear on the 2016 statement.

Actual staffing expenses for 2016 are roughly in line with budgetary expectations: the anomalously high disbursements in Worship and Music staffing included $3,500 for guest preachers before the lead minister position was filled in mid-summer. One item worth noting is the substantial drop in utility costs, owing largely to the expiration of the expensive long-term gas contract signed some years previously. We expect utility bills will not rise dramatically in the near future, as energy-efficiency projects continue to be implemented throughout the building.

The committee took advantage of 2016's calm financial waters to develop a new chart of accounts that more closely matches the way HUC's financial position is interpreted and presented to the congregation. This badly needed review was not an easy undertaking: the existing chart was more than a decade old and could not be replaced without extensive discussion and consultation. However, the new chart was completed in December and is being implemented for 2017 - we hope it reduces the work needed to track and summarize HUC's income and expenditures. Thanks go to the committee members as well as John Haley, Carol Smith, LeeAnne Robertson and Gordon Lowe for their efforts.

We gratefully acknowledge the central role and hard work of Carol Smith in the financial operation of Highlands, including record-keeping. Monthly accounting services are provided under contract by LeeAnne Robertson. The annual accounting summary has been prepared for more than a decade by John Haley, who stepped down from this role at the end of 2016, but not before spending many volunteer hours on the new chart of accounts. Accountant Ted MacCormac will be handling the 2016 Notice to Reader under contract.

The current members of the Finance Committee are David Boal (Chair), Cameron Forde, Laverne G'froerer, Scott Hughes (Past Chair), Doug Margerm (Treasurer) and Will Sparks (ex-officio). In addition, Janet Warren and Sandi Parker (ex-officio) served effectively on the committee for the first six months of 2016.

Submitted by David Boal, Chair

Financials


2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Report

Highlands Segregated Funds As at December 31, 2016

A number of fund accounts maintained at Highlands are segregated from operational revenues and expenses as the donations are designated for specific purposes within the work of the church. In reviewing the December 31, 2016 balances of these funds, note that:

*The Building and Equipment Fund is deliberately accumulative, and will be drawn down as needed for long-term replacement projects.

*Memorials and Celebrations now contains the Tucker-McKone Fund (see fund info at end of this report)

*The Grants Fund includes a grant for the renewal of the courtyard.

*Ministry Initiatives harbours a carry-forward from the Antiques and Collectables sale into 2017.

For specific activities relating to many of these fund accounts, please see the related committee report contained elsewhere in the Highlands annual report. Transactions involving all the funds are recorded through the Highlands United Church administrative office and are reviewed at regular intervals by the Finance Committee. A summary of the various accounts, their purpose, and the balance in each fund at the end of 2016 follows:

Segregated Fund Balances

Refugee Fund: Directed donations are received in response to sponsorship activities. Administered by the Refugee Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $2,864

Memorial Garden Fund: A donation is requested from those interring ashes in the garden to be applied to garden upkeep and improvements and maintenance of the church grounds. Administered by the Property Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $15

Christmas Dinner Fund: Gifts and donations received are carried over for the following Christmas. Administered through staff and Congregational Life. Balance Dec 31/16 – $3,360

Flower Fund: Chief source of funds – Family memorial contributions received during Easter season. Administered by the Chancel Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $1,419

Music Fund: Donations to the fund are received from individuals through the year to be applied to Highlands’ music programs. Funds are applied to the purchase of music, organ repairs, piano tuning, etc. Administered through consultation among the Finance Committee, music staff and the Music and Worship Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $11,118

Healing Hands Fund: Chief source of funds is donations received from clients. Administration is provided by the group of Healing Hands practitioners. Balance Dec 31/16 – $1,295

Saturday Lunch Fund: Funds are provided by donations from members of the congregation, the City and District of North Vancouver. The funds are used for the weekly Saturday lunch program run by Highland’s volunteers. The Fund is administered by the volunteer group involved in the program. Balance Dec 31/16 – $5,778

Food for First United Fund/Feeding Ministry: Funds are provided by specified donations from members of the congregation and an allocation from the Local Connections Committee. The funds are provided directly to First United Church in the downtown eastside of Vancouver to purchase food which they provide to individuals in that community. The Fund has oversight by the Local Connections Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $1,212

Financials continued...


2016 Annual Report

Socks for First United Fund: Funds are provided by specified donations from members of the congregation to provide clothing items to First United Church. The Fund has oversight by the Local Connections Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $661

Shelter to Home Fund: The Fund is an outreach ministry of Highlands United Church that provides furniture and household needs to North Shore people transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Sources of funding include individual donations and grants from the City and District of North Vancouver, the Lower Lonsdale Legacy Fund and the Toskan Foundation. Administration, including annual reports to the grant-providing agencies, is provided by the Shelter to Home core group of volunteers. Balance Dec 31/16 – $11,536

Memorials and Celebrations Fund: Donations are gifts received as memorials and undesignated bequests. The fund is administered by the Finance Committee and decisions on the application of funds are made towards unforeseen expenses or specific purchases through consultation with related committees and church staff. Balance Dec 31/16 – $69,018

Lay Education Support Fund: Current funding has been provided by individual donations specified for this purpose. The fund provides financial assistance to those attending courses, events or training relevant to the life and work of Highlands. Applications are vetted by a trustee after consultation with relevant staff. Balance Dec 31/16 – $2,386

Building and Equipment Reserve Fund: The reserve receives an allocation from the annual budget. It is intended for major building repairs and upkeep, for the periodic replacement of equipment at the end of its useful life, and for the acquisition of new equipment. Non-capital items of an enduring and non-routine nature will be charged to this fund, and capitalized expenditures with a life expectancy of more than one year and a cost greater than $500. The fund is administered by the Finance Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $68,521

Ministry Initiatives Fund: The fund receives revenues from project initiatives and from fees from certain programs which are new. Related program expenses are charged to the fund. The program offerings are designed by church staff and lay congregation members and funding levels are decided in consultation with the Finance Committee. Balance Dec 31/16 – $45,952

Minister’s Discretionary Fund: The fund receives donations from the congregation. It supports ministry staff to respond to circumstances of need that come to their attention within the North Shore community. Balance Dec 31/16 – $969

Senior’s Ministry Fund: Receives donations to support specific ministry activity aligned with the emerging Seniors Ministry. Funds are drawn as ministry staff design ways to increase engagement with the seniors community. Balance Dec. 31/16 – $11,163

Summer Programs Fund: Revenues and expenses associated with the operation of the Summer Youth programs at Highlands are managed through this fund as well as other fund raising activities. Funds are used to support summer youth programming and administered by the CYAYA ministry leaders.


2016 Annual Report

Balance Dec. 31/16 - $0

Grants Fund: Grants received for the work of specific ministry initiatives are placed in this fund to ensure appropriate expenditures as permitted under the terms of the grant funding. Grant funds are administered by leaders responsible for the associated programs. Balance Dec. 31/16 - $24,243

Youth Programs Fund: Initially funded by a bequest directed towards support for children’s ministry, this fund receives contributions from fundraising for youth programs and is administered by Highlands CYAYA ministry staff. Balance Dec. 31/16 - $260

The Tucker-McKone Memorial Fund was established in 1975 by Joan and Glenn McKone and their family in remembrance of Joan's parents, Ellen and Claude Tucker, and Glenn's parents, Rex and Merle McKone. The Fund is available to assist those in ministry at Highlands to pursue opportunities leading to educational enrichment and spiritual renewal. The administrators also consider other matters brought to their attention that could be of assistance to Highlands ministers. The administrators of the Fund are a member of the McKone family, the Leadership Board chair, the Ministry and Personnel chair and the Church Treasurer.

Financials continued… / Segregated Funds


2016 Annual Report

Highlands United Church Heritage Fund

Our HUC Heritage Fund has as its purpose the future enhancement of the Church’s ministry in a wide field of projects and activities through the creation and administration of a permanent Fund and the use of the generated revenues toward these ends.

The Heritage Fund, established in 1995, manages a balanced growth investment fund of equities and bonds through the services of Connor, Clark & Lund Private Capital Ltd., who monitor the Fund and report to the Fund Management Committee on a quarterly basis.

During 2016, the invested portfolio rose to $167,649, reflecting net investment growth of $13,555; memorial bequests received of $11,180 and a withdrawal in the form of a grant of $20,000 to Highlands to assist in the cost of the new Church sound system.

Two long-standing Committee members resigned in 2016. Our sincere thanks go to Pia Henriksson and Keith Miller for their contributions. Douglas Margerm and Judith Walker were welcomed to the Committee complement, as follows:

Members: Judith Walker and Scott Hughes 3 year term

Joan Kossick and Doug Margerm 2 year term

Peter Bell and John Haley 1 year term

Chair: Peter Bell Secretary: Doug Margerm Treasurer: Scott Hughes

The Committee offers its thanks to the many members of the Congregation who made Memorial bequests to the Fund in memory of Trevor Watson, a founding member of the Heritage Fund, who died this past year.

In 2016, Leadership Board approved the name change from Highlands United Church Foundation to Highlands United Church Heritage Fund and the fund bylaws were amended by the Committee and are available for viewing on Highlands website under Key Documents.

Please contact any of the Committee members for further information regarding your tax efficient donation toward the future of our Church.

Submitted by Peter Bell, Chair

Continuing Capital Campaign

The Godspace II Capital Campaign is almost complete! By the end of 2016, 254 generous donors from our congregation had contributed a total of $1,196,101 to the renovation and renewal projects of Godspace II. A few donors have pledges continuing into 2017-18, which will raise the total to $1,204,965. This means we will just surpass our original goal of $1.2 million!

Thanks to the congregation for its generous support of Godspace II. Through this project, Highlands United Church can continue to be a place of Christian community, worship and work for future generations.

Submitted by Jon Carrodus and Janet Warren, Continuing Capital Campaign Committee


2016 Annual Report

Stewardship

“Abundant Joy – Overflowing Generosity” provided the theme for this year’s Stewardship Connection,

expressing wonderfully the spirit with which Highlands folks give generously of their time, their insights, their energy and their financial resources. The 2016 Stewardship Connection was launched on October 2nd and “passing the pouch”

began in earnest. Rev. Will Sparks challenged us throughout the month to recognize our blessings and discern our response.

The Pouch Captains and Team Coordinators were commissioned on the Kickoff Sunday and the pouches started on their journey to over 300 households. Stewardship and our busy church life during October were celebrated at the amazing, annual Upside Down Lunch following worship on October 28th and the Stewardship Connection concluded formally on November 6th with all 40 pouches accounted for.

As the Givings/Pledges chart on the following page illustrates, the number of pledges received was down slightly compared with the prior year, offset somewhat by a modest increase in the average amount pledged. Actual givings during 2016 were up from the preceding year as was the average amount given. Predicted givings for budgeting purposes in 2017 have been adjusted to reflect the 2016 actual givings and this year’s Stewardship pledge results.

In addition to supporting the Stewardship Connection, the congregation continued to meet its pledges to the Godspace II Capital Campaign. Other doors were opened for making an enduring impact at Highlands via legacy gift funds such as the Heritage Fund and the Building Reserve Fund.

Committee members are Bob Brown, Nicole Byrom, Jon Carrodus, Craig Madill, Robin Rivers and Will Sparks. Special thanks to Jon for his continued diligent work on the computer system that provides the framework for the annual pouch campaign. Thanks as well to Carol Smith for her special touch that helps create the Stewardship booklet, as well as other myriad support activities.

As always, we were assisted during the Stewardship Connection by a cast of thousands, to whom we say “couldn’t have done it without you”. And, of course, a big “thank you” to all Highlands folks for continuing to be generous in your support of God’s work.

Submitted by Bob Brown, on behalf of the Stewardship Committee

Financials continued...


2016 Annual Report

Stewardship—Givings & Pledges 2016

Givings/Pledges spreadsheet Updated Feb. 11, 2017

No. of members pledging ... 2017 2016 2015 2014

$500 or less 50 22% 52 22% 65 26% 61 24% $501-$1000 54 24% 62 26% 61 24% 68 26%

$1001-$1500 40 17% 44 19% 47 19% 41 16% $1501-$2000 25 11% 18 8% 21 8% 28 11% $2001-$2500 16 7.0% 14 5.9% 14 5.6% 15 5.8% $2501-$3000 19 8.3% 17 7.2% 12 4.8% 17 6.6% $3001-$3500 2 0.9% 5 2.1% 4 1.6% 5 1.9% $3501-$4000 6 2.6% 10 4.2% 9 3.6% 8 3.1% $4001-$4500 6 2.6% 6 2.5% 8 3.2% 7 2.7% $4501-$5000 5 2.2% 4 1.7% 5 2.0% 2 0.8% $5001-$5500 2 0.9% 1 0.4% 1 0.4% 1 0.4% $5501-$6000 2 0.9% 2 0.8% 3 1.2% 3 1.2% $6001-$7000 2 0.9% 2 0.8% 1 0.4% 1 0.4% $7001-$8000 1 0.4%

Total no. of pledges received 229 100% 237 100% 251 100% 258 100%

Con nuing PAR, no pledge rec'd 21 16 18 14

Pct received of pledge forms issued 71.8% 72.0% 71.7% 73.1%

Pledge forms issued 319 329 350 353

Total amount pledged * $352,815 $356,642 $358,391 $373,853

Average amount pledged * $1,541 $1,505 $1,428 $1,449

Predicted givings * $400,000 $400,000 $410,000 $398,876

Actual givings * $409,179 $398,589 $413,578

Number of givers * 341 342 349

Average amount given * $1,200 $1,165 $1,185

* these figures include pledges & givings to budget items only (General, M&S, Outreach)

* the predic ons do not include "open collec on" -- i.e. uniden fied cash givings


2016 Annual Report

2017 Budget

The proposed Highlands budget for 2017 represents an increase in expenditures of about $18,000 over 2016 levels, which is less than the $28,000 rise in expenditures from 2015 to 2016. As a percentage, this increase is less than 3%, and part of it originates solely from inflation. Fortunately, there are inflationary increases in a few of our income sources, as well as a decline in some non-salary operating costs such as utilities and the office copier.

Many of the income sources in the budget are little changed from the actual figures for 2016. The offerings estimated by the Stewardship Committee for 2017 are very close to 2016, but Finance has chosen to be slightly more optimistic, without justification. One item deleted in 2017 is Designated Outreach, which appears identically under both receipts and disbursements in 2016. This is a flow-through item beyond our control and doesn't really have a role in budgeting.

There will be neither a musical nor an Antiques and Collectables sale in 2017, and consequently revenues of $10,000 and $5,000 respectively have been carried forward from these events in 2016 to help reduce the year-to-year fluctuations in their revenue. Both events have been held biennially, and may occur in alternate years in the future; one should not necessarily expect their sum to be $15,000 in 2018. Also, to avoid running a deficit, the budget proposes that $15,000 be drawn from the Ministry Initiatives Fund on a one-time basis. This amount represents about one-third of the current fund balance and is clearly not a sustainable income source for the core budget for 2018 and beyond. Hence, unless new sources of revenue appear in the coming year, the income side of the 2018 budget may be reduced by about $15,000 - $20,000.

Moving to expenditures, we anticipate some ebb and flow in staff salaries compared to 2016. After a vacancy of one year arising from Rev. Black's departure, staffing levels are once again full and one staff member will be taking a short sabbatical. Two areas where personnel costs continue to rise incrementally are technical support (Livestream etc) and administration (primarily financial). On the financial side, mounting an increasingly diverse program mix requires administrative support that formerly may have been provided by volunteers but now comes from professionals under contract. For example, $11,500 is needed for accounting services. In addition, the budget for the Building Reserve Account has been increased by $5,000 compared to recent years; this is a badly needed boost, but is still $10,000 short of the long-term average of $35,000 that must be earmarked for maintaining the Highlands building. Given the amount of building rental income we depend on, particularly as a fraction of our income, it is doubly important that the facilities be well maintained.

On balance, most of the anticipated increases in expenditures for 2017 have been met without incurring a significant deficit. The projected shortfall of $1,900 can be met from the cash balance on hand from the 2016 financial year. However, 2018 is likely to be a different story and it is important that the congregation lay out its ministry priorities before the 2018 budget is prepared.

We thank the Stewardship Committee for preparing estimates of the 2017 offerings.

Submitted by David Boal on behalf of the Finance Committee


2016 Annual Report


2016 Annual Report

2017 Budget


2016 Annual Report

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