JNACReport - Southminster United Church

Southminster United Church Joint Needs Assessment - November, 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS

COMMUNITY PROFILE…………………………………………………………PAGE 2

PASTORAL CHARGE PROFILE…………………………………………….PAGE 8

COMMITTEE PROFILE……………………………………………………….. PAGE 9

MINISTERIAL POSITION PROFILE……………………………………. PAGE 11

RESOURCES PROFILE…………………………………………………………PAGE 11

SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION………………………………… PAGE 12

SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS…………………………………………. PAGE 17

RECOMMENDATIONS………………………………………………………….PAGE 19

POSITION DESCRIPTION…….…………………………………..………. PAGE 20

PROPOSED REMUNERATION & BUDGET………………………..….PAGE 23

APPENDIX A FINANCIAL LADDER. ………………………………….. PAGE 27

APPENDIX B SWOT ANALYSIS……………..…………………………..PAGE 30

APPENDIX C QUESTIONNAIRE/ ROUND TABLE DATA..…...PAGE 31

APPENDIX D ROUND TABLE COMMENTS…………………………..PAGE 34

“God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.”

Romans 5:5 CEV

Community Profile
Lethbridge, Alberta is a city that is moderate in many ways. It is moderate in size, moderate in climate, as well as moderate in lifestyle, politics and mindset. It has many amenities found in larger cities, yet it still maintains a “small town” flavour that is appealing to most. Neighbours are friendly, traffic is rarely a concern and most needs can be met within the general vicinity.
Location:
Located about 100 km north of Alberta-Montana border and 210 km south of Calgary, Lethbridge is situated right in the centre of southern Alberta, at the crossroads of three major highways, and is the geographic as well as economic hub of the region.
Highway # 4 leads directly south to the Alberta’s only 24-hour border crossing at Coutts, Alberta –Sweetgrass, Montana where it connects with the US highway system on a direct route to Great Falls.
Highway #5 exits Lethbridge leading southwest from the city towards Cardston and, in about 90 minutes, the majestic mountains of Waterton National Park, which is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.
Going east from Lethbridge on the “Crowsnest Trail” (Highway No.3) for about 90 minutes to Medicine Hat will lead to the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway #1) into Saskatchewan and points further east. Travelling west on Highway 3 for ½ hour takes you to historic Fort Macleod and the junction with Highway #2 north to Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton. Continuing on the Crowsnest corridor will lead through the Crowsnest Pass of the Canadian Rockies and the B.C. interior.
Demographics:
According to the 2009 census, the city of Lethbridge has a population of 85,492. A large portion of the population is comprised of young adults, here for an exemplary post-secondary education, and retirees enjoying our exceptional local golf courses and a reasonable cost of living.
The wide-spread reputation of our university and college for excellence in education as well as the tremendous work done in many areas of medical and other research as well as the work coming out of the local Federal Agricultural Research Centre give cause to a large presence of academics in our post -secondary institutions. The number of doctorate degree holders is said to be much larger than in many other Canadian cities relative to population.
There is great diversity in the cultural and lifestyle backgrounds of our population. This allows us to learn from one another in celebration of our similarities as well as our differences. The majority of our people come from a European background, particularly the British Isles, as well as a significant number with German, Dutch and French heritage.
The First Nation presence is also an important defining factor of Lethbridge because of its’ proximity to Canada’s largest First Nation’s reserve. The “Kainai Nation” is the home of the Blood Tribe members of the Blackfoot Confederacy.
Climate and Geography:
Lethbridge is, perhaps, the warmest place east of the Rockies, and one of the sunniest places in Canada with an average of 2,400 hours of sunshine per year. Lethbridge ranks as the second driest city in Canada with average precipitation of 160 cm snow and 262 mm rain. Temperatures range from a January average high of –2.6 C and low of – 14.2 C to a July average high of 25.9 C and low of 10.9 C.
Proximity to the mountains usually protects Lethbridge from the influence of strong northwest and southwest winds often associated with blizzard conditions. The warm winds, commonly called “Chinooks”, funneling through the Crowsnest Pass from BC frequently offer a reduction in severity and duration of winter cold periods and the relatively high elevation helps to alleviate the extreme summer heat sometimes experienced in other southern prairie locations.
All things considered, the moderate climate of the southern Alberta prairies is much to be desired. However, Lethbridge does have a reputation for severe wind conditions and an occasional peak gust can be gauged at 120 – 125 km/hr.
Geographically, Lethbridge has the advantage of having something to offer everyone, either in the immediate vicinity or within the space of a 1 to 2 hour drive. With little effort one can enjoy the attractions of mountains, lakes, trees, flat prairie farmland, desert, badlands, small towns, large cities, complete isolation, you name it.
The city, itself, offers high arid prairies and rolling hills forming deep recesses called “coulees”, often exhibiting the results of wind and water erosion, that lead to a beautiful river valley with its gamut of trees, grasses, and other natural vegetation as well as the animals that make their home there.
Economy:
With a trading area population of about 275,000, Lethbridge is the commercial, distribution, financial, and industrial centre of South-western Alberta. It is the home of one of five federal agricultural research stations and is sometimes referred to as the “Irrigation Capital of Canada”. The area’s primarily agriculture based economy includes extensive grain, sugar beet and corn farming; large cattle feed lots as well as mixed farming and market gardening. Unlike nearby Medicine Hat, which has a large reserve of natural gas, Lethbridge is not an oil patch city.
Although our top five employers are government based, the economy has diversified to include industry, education, hospitality, and retailing. There is abundance of shopping available in several malls, power centres, chain stores, big-box stores, and a variety of independent specialty shops. Recently, city council has embarked upon an ambitious plan to revitalize the city core with independent businesses, artistic institutions such as art galleries, a museum, and a performing art centre which is currently in early planning stages.
The Lethbridge vicinity is served by the “Lethbridge Herald”, a partner in the Alberta Newspaper Group, which is published daily with the exception of some public holidays.
Other local newspapers and periodicals are published weekly, monthly or, in the case of the “Lethbridge Magazine”, quarterly.
Travel and Traffic:
Although Lethbridge has ample amenities, it is still sufficiently limited in size to offer some of the flavours of smaller city life. Traffic jams are rare and generally occur only when there are accidents, construction or weather related road conditions. Most city destinations can be reached within twenty minutes or less by car. Lethbridge Transit offers adequate public transportation on 16 routes with 40 buses.
The highways to Calgary and the U.S. have four lanes with a speed limit of 110 km per hour. There are several 45 minute flights non-stop to Calgary daily from the Lethbridge County Airport as well as daily non-stop service to Edmonton. Greyhound offers bus service in four directions, including several routes to Calgary.
Education:
Lethbridge has a Public school division, a Catholic school division as well as Christian and Francophone school divisions for a total of over 30 schools in the city. In addition to Kindergarten to Grade 12 programs, there are opportunities for French Immersion, alternate senior high school, integrated occupational education and several outreach programs for students in special circumstances.
There are also excellent opportunities for post-secondary education. The University of Lethbridge offers a wide range of degree programs and has an enrolment of over 8,000 students. Lethbridge College has an enrolment of about 7,000 students and offers a large variety of non-credit courses as well. Red Crow Community College, located on the Kainai Nation Reserve, also has a campus in Lethbridge and provides adult upgrading, continuing education and some courses, such as Social Work, are offered in partnership with the University of Calgary and the University of Lethbridge.
Our institutions of higher learning, together with the large number of staff and teachers, constitute more than 20 % of the population and can give an impression of the whole city as a university town.
Culture, Sports, and Entertainment:
Lethbridge offers a variety of cultural opportunities, including a symphony orchestra, a chamber orchestra, community band, community choir, a musical theatre group, and a professional theatre group as well as several dance studios and groups.
The Yates Memorial Theatre with seating for 500 and the Sterndale-Bennet, a smaller black box theatre of 180 seats are the main venues for performing arts. Due, in large, to the superior acoustic properties of the sanctuary, many symphony and variety of other musical concerts are held at Southminster United Church, which offers the city’s largest seating capacity of 1,100. A larger performing arts centre is in a planning stage in the downtown area. The University of Lethbridge Faculty of Fine Arts offers a variety of musical, theatrical, new media and other visual presentations open to the public at its theatres.
The Enmax Centre with its 6,500 seats is a multi-purpose arena and is frequently the venue for pop concerts, circuses, skating events, and serves as the home of the Lethbridge Hurricanes team, a member of the major junior level Hockey League. The city hosts horse racing at Exhibition Park and the Lethbridge Bulls of the Western major Baseball League. The University of Lethbridge and the Lethbridge College have their own sports teams, and stage inter-varsity games throughout the term.
Lethbridge has a superb public library, a recently expanded museum and archives and several art galleries. The Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG), in particular, is known across Canada and internationally as a centre of excellence for contemporary art. Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden is also known as one of the excellent gardens of its kind on the continent.
In “Indian Battle Park” in what is commonly referred to as “the river bottom”, there is a nature preserve interpretive centre offering programs to many schools, youth groups and residents of the area. As well, there is an interpretive centre in a historic replica fort with a focus on early trading in the area, particularly in regards to the story of the encounter with the First Nations, American whiskey traders, and the North West Mounted Police.
A local landmark of note, visible from many angles throughout the city, is the CP Rail High Level Bridge. Completed in 1909, it is the longest – highest of its type in the world. This means that the design, called the viaduct by CPR bridge engineers, reached its culmination in the Lethbridge Bridge. The west end of the bridge is 21.31 ft higher than the east end, and at 314 feet (100 metres) in height and spanning 1.6 km (5327.625 ft    = 1mile, 47 feet) across the coulees of Lethbridge, it would be an engineering feat of accomplishment even in our time, let alone 100 years ago.
For movie lovers, there are two multi-screen cinemas; one is located downtown at the Park Place Mall and The Movie Mill, a discount cine-plex, can be found just off
Mayor Magrath Drive South
, the main north-south commercial corridor in town
Regional attractions within easy driving distance from Lethbridge, include the Alberta Birds of Prey Sanctuary, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre (an UNESCO designated World Heritage Historical Site), Remington Carriage Museum, Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Heritage Museum, Writing-On-Stone Provincial Park, Frank Slide Interpretive Centre, and Fort Macleod Museum of North West Mounted Police.
Leisure and Recreation
The Oldman River flows through the city, providing the location for one of the largest urban park systems in North America with a myriad of natural pathways connecting an extensive system of hiking and cycling trails throughout the river valley and various other parts of the city.
We have seven swimming pools, five of them are indoors and open all year around. There are five golf courses, twelve tennis courts, an eight-diamond softball complex, a curling rink, a skateboarding park, BMX bicycle track, nature reserve and six indoor ice centres, one of which usually has ice during the summer. The YMCA and YWCA both have fitness centres and there are other facilities for disc golf, indoor and outdoor soccer, racquetball, squash and an ascent-climbing wall. The University’s recently completed “Centre for Sport and Wellness” also offers many of the above-mentioned facilities to the public.
Castle Mountain Ski resort is located 150 km west of Lethbridge. Fernie and Banff also offer extensive skiing opportunities. Waterton National Park has excellent cross-country skiing trails.
Health Care:
Health care in Lethbridge has been rated within the top five in the small city category many times.
The Chinook Regional Hospital has 232 acute care beds and five geriatric beds. It serves as a general hospital for the Lethbridge area as well as a referral centre for the Chinook Health Region. It provides a comprehensive range of health services including an intensive care unit, a neonatal intensive care unit, CAT scan, MRI, angiography, laparoscopic surgery, general surgery and has several clinics and educational support services. The hospital grounds are equipped with a helipad for use when transporting severely ill and trauma patients to Calgary by helicopter and the STARS Air Ambulance Team. An addition is currently under construction and renovations are underway that will open a radiation unit for cancer patients in the near future.
St. Michael’s Health Centre operates a 210-bed residential care facility with a range of rehabilitation, palliative and continuing care services. Lethbridge and vicinity has over 160 physicians and surgeons, about 40 dentists, 30 chiropractors, and 15 optometrists.
Governance:
One Member of Parliament and one member of the Senate represent Lethbridge in Ottawa. The city has two members of the Legislative Assembly in Edmonton, respectively representing Lethbridge East and West ridings to our provincial “powers that be”.
Lethbridge City Council is comprised of the mayor and eight aldermen elected at-large from the community in October every three years. City council presides over an annual operating budget of about $200 million with more that fifty percent of its revenue coming from property tax assessments.
Further Information
www.chooselethbridge.ca/easymove/                    www.lethbridge.ca
www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca                        www.uleth.ca
www.lethbridgeherald.com                           www.lethbridgechamber.com
www.countylethbridge.ab.ca              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethbridge
Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28


Ministry of SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH Pastoral Charge
Mission Statement- 1990
We believe that the purpose of Southminster United Church is to create a welcoming, caring, faith community through which we can provide congregational care to all, opportunities for spiritual and personal growth, participatory, meaningful, celebrative worship and to preserve our heritage at Southminster.
Community Churches:
Lethbridge has a large number of churches in its community, representing a diverse range of faiths, including congregations of the Baha’i, Hebrew, Muslim and Buddhist belief traditions, amoung others.
Many Christian denominations maintain churches and fellowship groups in our city. Over 60 congregations in Lethbridge are served, Of these, 4 are United Churches of Canada, 5 are Roman Catholic, 5 are Baptist, 3 are Lutheran, 3 are Jehovah’s Witness, 3 are Reformed, 2 are Pentecostal, 2 are Presbyterian, 2 are Alliance, 1 is Anglican and there are over 30 others. In addition, there are at least 14 Stake centres of the Latter Day Saints.   Lethbridge is also home to the Miracle Channel television and radio broadcasting studios.
Southminster United works within the Downtown Ministerial Association. Our ministers have done a lot of work developing a better understanding and mutual respect with other churches in our community. There are ongoing opportunities with the potential to improve future relationships in our community with ecumenical projects and programs such as a joint worship service on Pentecost Sunday and participation in annual Lenten Lunch study series.
Southminster United hosted an Inter-United Worship Service in May of 2009. This service was born of an idea originating from McKillop United and all the United churches in Lethbridge took part in the planning and execution. It was a great success. We hope to do this kind of bonding service again in the future.
The Southminster philosophy and reputation:
Our beautiful, historic Church building is located centrally in downtown Lethbridge providing easy accessibility from all corners of the city.
The need for action to meet the challenge of keeping our Church alive and creating innovative ways to increase revenues to meet the demanding expenses incurred by having an older, large building was met with recent improvements made possible through our “Dare To Dream” renovation project.
Already recognized for the impressive acoustic quality of our sanctuary and its large seating capacity that has long allowed us to enjoy a vibrant, ongoing music connection within the community, word of the renovations has brought public notice to our greatly enhanced chancel area and updated bathroom facilities thereby creating an awareness within the city that has, ultimately, brought us significantly increased rental revenues.
Often, our building brings people into Southminster for the first time. Others enter on the referral of friends who have returned to our doors on Sunday morning because of our deliberate emphasis on music. We have incredible instruments finely tuned for the enjoyment of our listeners; a rare Casavant organ, a grand piano, hand bells, guest musicians and the harmonic voices of our various choirs.
The United Church of Canada in general, and Southminster in particular, is known for our open-minded, inclusive theology. We make an effort to be warm and welcoming and generally consider our members as part of one big faith family. We enjoy one another’s company and seldom turn down an opportunity to work, play and eat together. We are not afraid to have a good laugh, even at our own expense and even in church. Newcomers and visitors are usually able to ease into our Church community.
GOD CALLS AND WE RESPOND.
Southminster United offers many outreach services such as supporting the Food Bank and Soup Kitchen as well as the Ecumenical Campus Ministry, to name only a few.   We gather together Campus Care packages for University students, and encourage the purchase and consumption of Fair Trade coffee. We offer Healing Touch Ministry, Yoga classes, book studies and look forward to a new Jazz Vesper Series starting in November 2009.
We dream of working to provide our Church with a more secure future by fostering spiritual growth, expanding our numbers and meeting the needs of our congregation.
Well done good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” Matthew 25:21 NKJV
Southminster Church Family and Committee Roles
Southminster United is situated on the eastern edge of the mainly commercial downtown core and is adjacent to some aging residential areas. Church members not only come from the immediate area, but from all over the city and outside of Lethbridge as well. Southminster is the closest United Church to the west side of the city and, therefore, draws many members from there.
Like many mainstream churches, our congregational numbers are dwindling as we watch our population age and die. This may be related to the fact that Lethbridge is a retirement-friendly community with a demographic that is similarly aging. While we must recognize a change in the mindset of the general North American population to an emphasis on personal spiritual relationships without the need for organized religion or religious practices to act as an intermediary between oneself and one’s God, as well as a growing doubt of the Divine, we do have many young families who are members or adherents. Most, however, are not regular in attendance, often due to challenging schedules and other commitments. Nor are they consistent in their givings as they are often in the early years of their careers and family financial concerns take precedence.
Collectively, Southminster congregants enjoy a traditionally structured Sunday worship service with occasional contemporary supplements. While mainly liberal in theology, a more conservative approach is taken with regards to making changes to the rote traditional elements of the worship service.
Southminster is governed by a Church Council comprised of the chair and a minimum of one representative from each committee. Council and committees hold meetings ten times per year. Special interest groups meet as required and select members to participate in Council meetings.
A brief description of the duties of each committee follows.
Music and Worship
arranges for all regular and special music for all worship services.
facilitates communion and other special Sundays.
maintains the integrity of the sanctuary and authorizes use by others
Finance and Stewards
manages all church financial accounts and budgeting
organizes some fundraising ventures and an annual Stewardship campaign.
Ministry and Personnel
handles all aspects related to staffing
Elders and Pastoral Care
performs pastoral care through visiting, hosting social gatherings, approving new memberships, and more
Faith Formation
co-ordinates programming for the Christian development of the Sunday School and the entire congregation.
Church in Society
works to extend the people of Southminster into the world.
Property
oversees the maintenance and upgrades of our facility as required
Other groups that regularly meet and contribute to the vitality of Southminster include: United Church Women, Men’s Club, Healing Touch, SUCh Players, Tuesday Book Club, Drop-in Book Club, Youth Clubhouse, Chancel Choir, Gospel Gang, Tinee Tunes, Dare to Dream, Trustees, Stephen Ministry (currently inactive), Canyon Church Camp, Memorial Committee, Emerging Spirit, Planned Giving, and many more.
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.”    Mark 10:45 NKJV
Current Team Ministry Job Profile
Southminister’s ministerial needs are currently being served by a team ministry:
Rev. Lois Punton                                          Rev. Frank Lewis
Combined Major Duties and Responsibilities
Sunday worship preparation
Wedding/Funeral preparation
Staff meetings- Attend
Sunday school- provide leadership and support to volunteer coordinator
Hospital visiting/ Pastoral care visits to homes- as needed
Lodge/hospital services – as scheduled
Committees and Church council: ex-officio of all committees, attending as necessary
Presbytery/wider church – attend
Downtown Ministerial/ Ecumenical Ministry - attend
Newsletter- submit article such as “Message from the Minister”
Youth clubhouse- provide leadership and support to volunteer coordinator
Combined Minor Duties and Responsibilities
Administration of day-to-day matters relating to the operation of the church (eg. Office time, phone calls, emails, correspondence)
Drop-ins, emergency calls
Baptism/Confirmation/membership classes/meetings
Workshops for Communion, Greeters, etc.
Prayer chain
Lenten lunches – provide leadership and support
Special services: Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise, Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve (2 services)
Adult studies (minimum of 2 per year @ six weeks each)
Miscellaneous committees: Nominations, Budget
Alberta Conference meetings
Congregational AGM
Attendance at Special Southminster Events such as:
Men’s Club suppers          Ladies Spa Day      Christmas House Tour     UCW teas
Symphony Tea      Congregational picnic       Newcomer’s breakfast
Book exchange      Gala supper Golf tournament              75+ Dessert Party
Women’s Ministerial         UCW            Men’s breakfast
Resource Profile
Southminster is a downtown church located at 1011,
4th Avenue South
, across the street from the Yates Theatre of Performing Arts, the Cenotaph and our modern City Hall. In 1913 building began on an 1,100 seat sanctuary for the Methodist folk in Lethbridge, a city of less than 10,000 souls. This enterprise was realized in 1914 and was known as Wesley Church until 1925. In this year the United Church of Canada was created and we became Wesley United Church. Ten years later in the midst of the great depression, Wesley and its sister Knox United became one! The amalgamated church continues to be known as Southminster United Church.
In 2008, Southminster United Church completed a $ 398,000 (phase 1) upgrade to the Chancel area of the Sanctuary, washrooms and nursery. The project was completely funded through donations from businesses, the congregation, Lethbridge extension council, Lethbridge Foundation, Kiwanis club and the City of Lethbridge. The Southminster congregation volunteered countless hours for the success of the upgrade. Future plans for Southminster United Church is to upgrade the audio and video systems for the sanctuary (phase 2) and (phase 3) to repair the exterior sandstone of the Church.
We look forward to celebrating the 100 year history of our building in 2013. However, its age and size does offer the challenge of continued expenses to facilitate the upkeep of the property. The building and property are maintained in good condition through the combination of our full time caretaker and volunteer property committee
Our heritage is woven closely with the city we serve in Christ's name. We continue to partner with the arts and university community in the hosting of musical events. Our 4 manual Casavant organ invites organ recitals annually and contributes greatly to our 'blend' of traditional and contemporary music in worship weekly.

Staff Positions
Lois Punton – Ordained Minister                    Frank Lewis – Ordained Minister
Val Paterson – Office Manager             Cathy Papp- Office Assistant
McKade Hogg – Director of Music                  Andrew Gierulski – Organist
Howard Archibald- Security                           Shona Archibald – Security
Manley Bourne – Security                            Arden Sipe – Church Custodian
Summary of Financial Position
Projection for the next five years for Southminster United Church are as follows;
Based on the fact that, over the past 5 years, we have had an annual financial deficit of $ 30,000 to $40,000, it is apparent that, if we do not change our expense structure within one year by $ 40,000 annually, Southminster United will be required to finance the annual deficits out of equity in the Church by borrowing money against Church held Securities.
Currently, Southminster United Church has a $ 50,000 term deposit secured against a $ 50,000 line of credit at Servus Credit Union and has no other loans outstanding. $ 256,255 in investments is held at BMO Nesbitt Burns. The funds are restricted and administered under Planned Giving. They cannot be used for operating deficits.
Southminster United Church building is valued at $ 1.6 MM for insurance purposes
Treasurer’s Report to August 30, 2009
August Income for the month                                 $ ( 9,562)
August YTD                                                            $ (36,763)
August 31 acct balance at Bank                              $ (32,412)
Aug -if all cheques cleared                                      $ (45,340)
August 2009 YTD Income from offerings
- $ 100,207 against YTD budget of $ 136,666. (a difference of $ 36,439)
Last 3 years income for comparison purposes as at Aug 31;
August 2008 YTD Income from offerings                $102,049
August 2007 YTD Income from offerings                 $ 119,282
August 2006 YTD income from offerings                 $ 132,732
Southminster has an aging congregation. The majority of the congregation that attend Church on a regular basis are middle aged and older with a minority of young families with children. This is confirmed by SUCH statistics included with the 2008 Annual report

2008
2007
2006
Number of Baptisms
6
2
4
Number of Funerals
29
25
26
Looking at changes in financial givings—
With a loss of only 40 “givers” from 80-100 people at a household donation of $500 annually that accounts for a loss of $20,000 in annual givings.
The Church building requires continued maintenance and upgrades consistent with current building codes and will require a conservative $10-15,000 in annual structural reserve funds to ensure our ability to maintain the Church facilities and address potential future issues of concern.
Currently, Southminster pays the Ministers at the highest salary level of the United Church of Canada payroll grid. Over and above the guidepost criteria, we pay the Ministers’ employee portion of benefits as an incentive to attract and retain the best Minister available for the job.
Please refer to Appendix C (pg 27) for the following:
The ladder of financial commitment by homes for 2009.
2009 contributions up to September 22, 2009
          – Total of 268 contributors for $ 135,713 to date
2008 contributions          – Total of 268 contributors for $ 261,894 for the year
2007 contributions          – Total of 268 contributors for $ 316,034 for the year
Please note. Contributions are down and the difference is:
2007                              > $ 3000 annual contribution had 25 contributors.
2008                             > $ 3000 annual contribution had 26 contributors.
2009 year to date > $ 3000 annual contribution had 5 contributors
This is a reduction of 20 contributors at this level. The only saving grace is the fact that the year is not over and Oct, Nov and Dec could have some additional contributors.
Southminster United Church 2009 annual operating budget of $ 339,000.
Economic uncertainty will more than likely continue to reduce the amount of annual contributions. In the past, Southminster United Church received $ 5000 to $ 8,000 annually for interest income from our Planned Giving investments. With the low interest rates and the reduction of our principal, interest income will be 1/3 of what was received in the past.
Southminster United Church requires a reduction in $ 40,000 to $ 50,000 in annual expenses in order to have a balanced budget going forward and to start to save money as it has depleted all of its financial reserves.

2009 Expense Budget

Ministerial Expense
Budget 2008
Sept 30, 08 actual
Dec 31, 08 actual
Budget 2009
1st Minister's salary
38000
28486
38000
42140
2nd Minister's salary
38000
28486
38000
20600
1st House
17400
13050
17400
17400
2nd House
17400
13050
17400
8990
Minister's Book Allowance
1500
702
768
1000
Minister's Phone
600
36
45
400
Computer allowance
1200
900
1200
900
Prof Development
2500
1250
1250
1750
Sub total
116600
85960
114063
93180

Staff Salaries

Music Director
11730
7414
10654
11000
Office
39000
26690
40427
42000
Custodial, security
38000
27805
38651
43000
Organist
8300
6303
8405
8650
Sub total
97030
68212
98137
104650

Other

Honorarium
350
0
130
350
Staff Travel
750
540
720
750
Guest Minister
1200
500
500
2000
Guest Organist
300
300
360
300
Sub total
2600
1340
1710
3400

Employer Expense

Payroll taxes
13000
9261
11353
13000
WCI
700
332
332
700
Employee Benefit Expense
26000
25522
34283
26000
staff training /M&P expense
1000
419
418
1000
Sub Total
40700
35534
46386
40700
Total Pers. Costs
256930
191046
260296
241930

Budget 2008
Actual Sept 30, 08
Dec 31, 08 actual
Budget 2009
Administration

Bank Charges
350
478
745
700
Office Supplies
2000
343
860
1500
Postage
1600
801
1068
1600
Photocopy
4000
2634
3651
4000
Insurance
7300
4714
7072
7300
Initial Envelope(net)
475
350
350
350
Observer expense
550
525
524
550
Church Phone
1400
1079
1445
1400
Misc.
400
421
797
400
Fax/internet
1000
766
1011
1000
Conference/Presb Dues
10229
7671
10228
10171
Computer Expense
1000
684
830
1000
Total Office Expense
30304
20466
28581
29971
COMMITTEES
Budget 2008
Actual Sept30, 08
Dec 31 actual
Budget 2009
Property

Building Supplies
3600
4089
5235
4500
Utilities
12100
9318
12594
13000
Heat
15000
13332
15869
16000
Maintenance
3000
1848
2988
3000
Improvements
5500
1556
1621
6000
subtotal
39200
30143
38307
42500

Church in Society

Workshop and Literature
150
0
147
150
Subtotal
150
0
147
150

Faith Formation

Sunday School
1900
1233
2359
1900
Youth /Adult
1100
57
216
1100
Leadership Development
500
0
-15
500
Library
50
0
0
50
subtotal
3550
1290
2560
3550

Music and Worship

Worship service supplies
2000
653
937
2000
Advertising
5000
3587
5738
5500
Workshop
0
460
972
0
Music supplies and equip
800
47
826
1000
Organ/ Piano Maintenance
1000
195
332
1000
sub total
8800
4942
8805
9500

Elders and Pastoral Care

New comers Breakfast
50
0
0
50
subtotal
50
0
0
50

Finance and Stewardship

Stewardship campaign
100
0
0
100
Committee expense

Sub Total
100
0
0
100

Planned Giving

Seminars
100
0
0
100
Sub Total
100
0
0
100

Committees Total
12750
6232
11512
13450

TOTAL EXPENSES
339184
247887
338696
327851

Revenue Budget

Budget 2008
Actual Sept 30, 08
Dec 31, 08 actual
Budget 2009
Offerings
225000
123664
196160
205000
Rentals
40000
35800
54117
70000
Sunday School
500
270
475
500
Interest
8000
2881
9047
5000
Misc, Spec. events, initial
9000
3196
7460
9000
Property Improvement
22000
12434
16026
20000
Observer ( net )
50
341
341
340
Term Deposit/ pay down deficit
30031
42310

Total Revenue
304550
208617
325936
309840

Deficit
-34634
-39270
-12760
-18011
Rentals includes: $ 8400 Grace Community for 09
Maintenance includes: $ 5000 outside Thermostat
                                          $ 800 re-key Church
Southminster is its people. We extend an invitation where, with God's help and with you, we can continue together opening hearts, opening minds, and opening doors to Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus invited his followers to "Come and See"-- Southminster invites you to “Come and See”.
Joint Needs Assessment Summary of Observations
Our analysis of the responses received from our congregants has led us to make some fairly strong conclusions as to what our faith community holds as their highest priorities for the life and future of Southminster United Church.
Our priorities include, first and foremost, a desire to see Southminster as a vital part of our own faith journey, the faith community of downtown Lethbridge and a prominent presence in the future of Lethbridge and surrounding area for many years to come. We can do this through strong worship leadership, an emphasis on music, good communication, a feeling of welcome, mutual concern & belonging, as well as greater involvement of our members in the life of our church and the community at large.
With this in mind, our committee brings forth the following recommendations to our church Council for consideration:
Suggestions to enhance our Worship Service Experience:
We note that music was the #1 concern and positive comment from the surveys and round table discussion.   Therefore, we recommend an increase in the use of contemporary music in the services, including, but not limited to, new hymns, uplifting Christian music and updated versions of more traditional hymns. This could include guitars, drums etc and the possibility to have this music prior to the service.
Increase our guest musician performances. We would suggest the inclusion of this added highlight to our worship in our advertising within the community.
Increase the interaction between the pulpit and the congregation.
Increase participation of congregants, including youth, in the worship services. This could include readers of scripture, announcements and Minute for Mission.
Suggestions to enhance the opportunities to grow in faith as a community:
1. Revisit the “Core Values” Southminster accepted in 2004 and create both a Mission and Vision Statement for the church. The Mission Statement added to this report was written in 1990. Currently Southminster does not have a Vision Statement.
2. Reactivate visitation/palliative care by minister.
3. Increase bible and book studies to include both evening and daytime scheduling.
4. Increase the Stephen Ministry involvement in the congregation. Use these trained professionals to help soften the workload of the ministers.
Improve communication between the council and congregation. Currently, there is only limited communication about the decisions and activities of the committees to the congregation.
6.     Completely reorganize committee structure. Amalgamate the committees as appropriate for ongoing concerns that require consistency and continued expertise. Utilize the gifts of congregants for short term “power” or “passion” projects that will allow for important work to be completed through volunteers with a keen interest in a specific task or objective, without having to commit to a significant time frame.
7.     Look at ways to improve our financial situation by significantly reducing costs. Sadly, our options are limited. Our highest cost is in staffing. We have considered a reduction in support staff, but have determined this is not a viable alternative. We have considered the additional costs associated with increased use of our facility and have determined that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Additional staffing costs are more than covered and any increase in utility costs would be almost non- existent. Therefore, the only option is to look at reducing our payroll expense associated with our ordained ministerial staff and to find ways to cover gaps that will emerge in meeting the needs of our faith community.
The Ministerial obligations currently met by our team of ordained leaders each consume approximately 40 hours per week. Additional hours of personal time are spent fulfilling expectations of our congregants with no compensation. The following are areas in which the Ministers could reduce the time and effort spent by filtering tasks to Stephen Ministers and other volunteers. Please be assured that this is not to say they could or should not be involved, but the lion’s share of the work could be handled by others.
1.     Faith and Film - share the load of picking, planning and leading the activity.
2.     Ministers are currently ex-officio members of all committees and their attendance helps with the planning of activities and reduces overlapping of events. Reducing committee time will not only reduce the time Ministers spend at committee meetings, it will also increase participation by congregants.
3.     Media Communication – Enlist a volunteer to oversee the Newsletter and webpage organization, design and implementation, as well as audio-visual requirements.
4.     Use volunteers to assist with confirmation, baptism, membership classes, bible and book studies.
5.     Volunteers could organize the prayer chain.
6.     Newspaper Ads to be formatted by the office in consultation with the Ministers.
7.     Co-Lead the Youth Clubhouse to decrease hours.

We realize that some of these suggestions are already in the process of being implemented. We see the comments from our congregants leading to these suggestions as an affirmation that these steps are in the right direction.
Our committee believes that the majority of our congregants are aware and agree that change is necessary, though sometimes difficult, in order to maintain and create a strong Southminster United Church that will still be meeting the needs of our faith community for decades to come.
Joint Needs Assessment Recommendations
The Southminster United Church Joint Needs Assessment Committee recommends to Council:
1. THAT the Joint Needs Assessment report is accepted as a true and accurate reflection of the current position and needs of the Southminster Pastoral Charge.
2. THAT Council requests South Alberta Presbytery:
a.     To accept the Joint Needs Assessment of Southminster Pastoral Charge.
        b.       Declare a change in Ministry Staffing needs for Southminster Pastoral Charge from a Ministry Team of 2 full time persons to a Single Ministry position;
c.      To declare a vacancy at Southminster Pastoral Charge for a single minister effective ______;
d.     To offer a compensation package consistent with the job description within the guidelines set out by United Church of Canada General Council.
e.     Authorize the formation of a Joint Search Committee to seek an individual for the position of Ordained Minister consistent with the pending Position Description.
f.      Declare the Joint Needs Assessment Committee’s work complete, and disband the committee with appreciation for the work done.
3. THAT pending approval, by Presbytery, to declare a change in Pastoral Relations and to set up a Joint Search Committee, the congregation of Southminster United be authorized to elect members to the Joint Search Committee, and
4. THAT Southminster United Church enroll with the national payroll program as required by The United Church of Canada in order to comply with United Church policy. This will not significantly affect the workload of our office staff. Any time saved will be offset in the continued need to administer the remuneration paid in terms of our enhanced package.
_                                   _______________
Jane Meaker         Chairman                                   Marilyn Fleming           Secretary
Position Description
Ministry Personnel Position, Full Time
Ordained Minister, for a vocation of “Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care”, having the required academic training and experience.

Ministerial Duties:
We are seeking a spiritual leader who will enable our members to live our Christian mission as individuals and as a church family. This person must be able to work effectively with all age groups. Cultivating young families and growing the Sunday School will be important elements of this ministry.
The minister is accountable to the Church Council through the Ministry and Personnel Committee, as well as to the South Alberta Presbytery. The full-time position is considered to be 40 hours per week. The congregation is aware that flexibility is required to determine the balance of time committed to various aspects of ministry.

The most significant areas of responsibility described below are estimated percentage of time to be spent on each, with the balance of available time to be distributed among the others.

1. Preaching and Worship (30%)
-Prepare and lead worship, working with the Music and Worship Committee and Music Director, for weekly and special services such as Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise Service, Candlelight Service, Christmas Eve Service.
-Using both traditional and contemporary forms of worship, encourage the participation of youth, lay and licensed worship leaders.
-Officiate at baptism, confirmation and communion
-Prepare and officiate at weddings and funerals
-Occasionally share services with local churches.

2. Pastoral Care (20%)
-Visitation - to the elderly, shut-ins, the sick, the bereaved and others with pastoral needs
-Be attentive to needs within the congregation and provide guidance and support to lay visitors who participate in pastoral care.
-Provide leadership in the delivery of services to members living in seniors residences, which is presently one of the programs offered at Southminster.

3. Christian Development (15%)
-Organize and deliver confirmation classes.
- Be a resource for Sunday School curriculum
-Support and assist Youth Group activities when needed.
-Prepare parents for baptism; couples for marriage; youth seeking confirmation and those seeking membership.
-Lead / facilitate Bible study groups.

4. Fellowship
-Support congregational activities that provide opportunities for members to meet for social activities or fundraising.

5. Outreach
-Provide appropriate support to outreach activities, in consultation with the Church in Society Committee, including:
Local projects within the pastoral charge and wider community
Mission and Service commitments

6. Professional Development
• Undertake studies or attend educational activities on an annual basis, for professional development and to enhance the ministry at Southminster.

7. Administrative Responsibilities
The overall administration of the church is the responsibility of the church council. The Minister is expected to:
- Participate at meetings of the Church Council, as required by the U.C.C.
- Meet as needed with the Ministry and Personnel Committee.
- Understand and appreciate the functions of the other paid staff members and encourage a cooperative working relationship with them. (please see Human Resources in the Resources Profile).

8. Stewardship
-Encourage and support stewardship programs at Southminster.

9. Contact with the Broader Church and Lethbridge Community
- Fulfill responsibilities or related committee work as a member of the South Alberta Presbytery.
- Establish and maintain communication with other clergy.
- Participate in activities with Lethbridge community organizations as time and circumstances permit.

                                                       Skills Profile
General Qualities
Someone who is warm and welcoming, compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others, and with the ability to inspire. The candidate will need to have a sense of humour, enthusiasm and energy; be creative, patient and diplomatic.

Communication Skills
- An engaging preacher able to relate biblical teaching to everyday life in a variety of styles.
-Strong communication skills for small group leadership and pastoral care.
-A good listener, open to new ideas
- Consultative

Leadership Skills
- Identifies, recognizes, acknowledges and encourages the gifts and contributions of others
-Empower and facilitate with others to work as a team
-Possess the ability to meet and respond to congregational change in a flexible manner.
-Promote inclusivity in all aspects of ministry

Administrative Skills
- Possesses good organizational and time-management skills
- Computer literate (competent in Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Environment, Internet)
REMUNERATION
Salary
The minimum salary will be set in accordance with the 2010 Salary and Allowances Schedules Applicable to Ministry Personnel, section 036 in The United Church Manual (“The Manual”) plus 5 – 10% above the national minimum based on category of minister. Southminster United Church will be enrolled in the payroll service provided by the United Church of Canada.
Vacation
Within each pastoral year, the Minister will be eligible for one month vacation leave. The Minister will consult the Ministry and Personnel Committee as far in advance as possible regarding vacation hours.
All vacation leave will be mutually agreeable to the Minister and the needs of Southminster United Church and should normally avoid the Easter and Christmas seasons. Long vacations should be avoided during the peak period between September and June.
Work Week
The work week is based on a 40 hr week.
The minister may work at home from time to time to prepare sermons, write reports etc., but will be required to keep some regular office hours.
Travel Expenses
Travel expenses for mileage and parking will be reimbursed for work carried out on behalf of Southminster United Church at a rate set in accordance with the Manual, Section 036h (the rate for 2010 is set at 41 cents a kilometer). This expense will be paid monthly upon submission of mileage on an appropriate form to the Office Manager.
Housing Allowance
The housing allowance will be provided at a minimum of 20% of base salary consistent with South Alberta Presbytery guidelines. (Currently $14,400)
UCC Pension/Group Insurance/Payroll
The Pastoral Charge will comply with the mandatory requirements for EI, CPP, UCC pension and Group Insurance. All applicable source deductions will be remitted on the minister’s behalf.
Book Allowance/Continuing education and Learning Resource Allowances
The Minister is entitled to reimbursement for expenses up to $1250 per calendar year. The continuing education and learning resource allowance covers the cost of books, attending workshops and conferences and obtaining electronic resources, all relevant to providing ministry. Expenses will be paid monthly upon submission of a claim under this program.
Professional Development
The Minster is entitled to 21 days of study leave within the pastoral year for professional development and continuing education relevant to the providing of the ministry of Southminster United Church.
Moving Expenses
The Pastoral Charge will be responsible for reasonable costs.
Telephone Expense
$ 600 annually to cover basic service provided at home plus church related long distance charges.
Wedding/Funeral fees reimbursement
Fees for officiating at weddings and funerals as established by the Church Council
APPENDIX B       PROPOSED BUDGET BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS

Projected cost based on a single Minister

Ministerial Expense
Budget 2008
Budget 2009
2010 projected

1st Minister's salary
38000
42140
42140

2nd Minister's salary
38000
20600

1st House
17400
17400
17400

2nd House
17400
8990

Minister's Book Allowance
1500
1000
750

Minister's Phone
600
400
600

Computer allowance
1200
900
600
**
Prof Development
2500
1750
1250