Board Highlights - August 27, 2024 Meeting

The Board met from 7:30PM to 10:00PM on August 27. The following are some highlights from the meeting. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Robin Pilkey, Board Chair at Boardchair@runnymedeunitedchurch.org

 - 100th Anniversary: David Ambrose presented a comprehensive plan of events created by the 100th Anniversary Committee for September through June 2025. The facilitated events will recognize not only the 100th Anniversary of UCC, but also the learning of our history (Runnymede and Windermere) through a range of celebratory events such as worship, music, speakers, flyers, and a special logo. The planned events are focused on creating a deeper understanding for our congregational and denominational history as well as an opportunity and space for envisioning the next century for Runnymede and the United Church of Canada. There will be timely communications ensuring congregants and the community are aware of the events in celebrating our successes and acknowledging the challenges over the last 100 years.

 - Kenyan Aids Orphan Fund: Robyn Salter and John Rossall outlined the almost 19 years of support and learning and involvement. The youngest child will be completing their post-secondary education in September 2025. The original plan positioned that the support program would come to an end in September 2025. However, the Obaras are facing very difficult fiscal challenges and there is significant political and social unrest. The Board, therefore, has approved the continuance of support through fundraising beyond the original deadline of September. Continued support will extend to December 2025 and the Board may re-address at that point.

- Welcome Back BBQ: Robin confirmed that the Welcome Back BBQ will be on September 22nd with a planned outdoor service (weather permitting), followed by the barbecue prepared and served by Board members.

- Annual Planning Process: As a continuation from Board discussions and work on identifying key priorities, ensuring better co-ordination and awareness, Alex Cruickshank and Debra Horsfield presented the potential process and support tools to the Board before the summer break. In the August meeting the Board reviewed and approved the process moving forward. Debra and Alex are providing any required support to committees and project groups as this will be a ‘learning’ year as we transition into more formal planning. The focus this year will be on establishing better discipline for planning and building Board awareness.

- Stewardship Annual Giving Program Plan: Jeff Horbal and Alex Cruikshank walked through a high level plan with proposed targets, theme, and communication support. The Committee is also working on improvements to data analysis and reporting and graphics for communication of the campaign as well as ways to expand donors beyond the congregation.

- Committee Reports: All Committees submit a monthly report to the Board but there are some outlined below:

-        The Trustees have approved funding for the Community Outreach programs to ensure continued growth and expansion of our outreach (Soup, community meal, etc.). There has been positive response to the programs and volunteers beyond just our congregation, ensuring a wonderful message within our broader community.

- Finance and Property: The Board approved the contract process with the selected boiler supplier for the Windermere Campus. Work has commenced with a target completion of November 1. Equally, the Board approved the obtainment of bids and selection of a contractor to complete urgent repairs to the Jewitt Hall roof.

- The WRAP Committee (Windermere Runnymede Accessibility Program) has concluded that there is a need for a more specific engineering feasibility study to support the prioritization at both campuses. For Memorial Hall there is a plan taking shape on installing more aesthetically pleasing storage units. The committee is working on a proposal to this end. Other ongoing projects include upgrading the security systems and the door locks at both campuses.

- Faith Formation: We are in the final stages of confirming and hiring a new Sunday School teacher, targeting a start date of September 8th.