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The Open Gate ChurchANNUAL REPORT for 2014Presented at the 7th Annual General Meeting ofThe Open Gate Church SocietyFebruary 25th, 2015
Table of ContentsAGENDA . 2MINUTES. 3STATISTICS . 6REPORTSRECTOR . 7RECTOR’S WARDEN . 8TREASURER . 9OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR. 9ENVELOPE SECRETARY . 10ALTAR GUILD . 11YOUTH MINISTRY . 12CHILDREN’S MINISTRY . 13MUSIC MINISTRY . 14MISSIONS COMMITTEE. 15SOCCER CAMP 2013 . 17PRAYER GROUP . 18IN MEMORIAM . 19REVIEW OF BOOKKEEPING PRACTICES . 20FINANCIAL REPORTS . 211
Agenda7thAnnual General Meeting of The Open Gate Church SocietyAnglican Network in CanadaFebruary 25th, 2015Opening PrayerApproval of AgendaApproval of MinutesOf the 6th Annual General Meeting of The Open Gate Church Society, February 25th, 2014.New Business1. Reports2. Review of Spending Projections for 20153. Nominating Committee Report4. ElectionsMotion to AdjournClosing Prayer2
MinutesOf the 6th Annual General Meeting of The Open Gate Church SocietyAnglican Network in CanadaFebruary 25th, 2014CHAIR: Allister HaversRECORDING SECRETARY: Lia AltonATTENDANCE: 46 in attendance, 44 membersA statement of Review of Financial Records of The Open Gate Church for 2013 was made available prior to themeeting, submitted by Sherri Pankiewich. The meeting was preceded by a time of praise and worship.Pastor Andrew did a reading starting from Philippians 3:7 and then opened in prayer.The meeting was called to order at 7:50 PM.AGENDA:It was noted that item 4 of New Business should read “Bylaw Article 7” not “Bylaw 7”.David Rand moved to accept the agenda as amended, seconded by Linda Mooney, and all in favor.Motion carried that the agenda be accepted as amended.MINUTES:Under New Business, item 1, a name spelling should be corrected from “David Johnson” to “David Johnston”.Under New Business, item 3, it reads that the Spending Projections for 2013 “by accepted as presented” andshould be corrected to “be accepted as presented”.Moved by Trevor Martin, seconded by Cindy Denman, and carried unanimously that the Minutes of theFebruary 26th, 2013 Annual General Meeting be adopted as amended.BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:No additional items for discussion were raised.NEW BUSINESS:1. REPORTS:Pastor Andrew spoke about his experience as interim Priest in Charge. He expressed how very glad he is tobe here. He believes that 2014 will be a year of growth and new life. He encouraged everyone to give of theirtime, talent, and treasure to this fellowship in Christ Jesus. He gave thanks to all who serve selflessly here atThe Open Gate Church.The chair stated that we would look at the rest of the reports as a group with the exception that the financialreport will be looked at as a stand alone item to go through.A question from the floor was raised regarding whether or not there would be discussion tonight to hearabout our Pastor’s status. The chair stated there will be an item associated with this so that it can be furtherdiscussed later in the meeting.Allister thanked those involved for their time spent writing the reports.A special thank you and applause went out from the floor to everyone on the Music Team for the wonderfulworship experience they help create.Moved by Elizabeth Gaunt, seconded by Joan Bradley and carried unanimously that the reports (with exceptionof the financial report) be accepted as presented.2. REVIEW OF SPENDING PROJECTIONS FOR 2014:3
Presented by Margaret Mercer.Andrew Hewlett (accompanied by Lucy Hewlett) left the room while salaries were being discussed. LaurelDeGruchy was not present at this time. Employee benefits and costs figures for Office Administrator andMusic Director were incorrectly switched around in that the Office Administrator’s figure is in the place ofthe Music Director’s figure and vice versa. Andrew and Lucy Hewlett returned to the meeting after the StaffSalaries and Employee Benefits and Costs were discussed.It was clarified that the projected spending figure for the Youth included the projected costs of a youthconference for training purposes.Education supplies figure would allow for the Pastor to buy books (for example).It was asked whether the Missions outreach would include The Anglican Relief and Development FundCanada (ARDFC). Pastor Andrew stated that he assumed there would be a good connection between ARDFCand our Missions Committee. Margaret asked if the Mission’s Committee would please stand up so peoplewere aware who they could talk to.Synod projected costs considered that we would have three representatives from The Open Gate Churchattending Synod (with one representative’s trip being covered by ANiC as they are already attending as anANiC delegate). There were concerns that this figure might be low. It was noted that in the past we have hadadditional help covering traveling costs. It was mentioned from the floor that we are also entitled to a youthdelegate. Bud Boomer stated that it was felt that three representatives (although we are entitled to more),would probably be sufficient representation and would be cost effective.Question from the floor regarding what is Worship Supplies. It was noted that this usually falls under AltarGuild, but it can be, for example, things like candles (not altar related) used at special services.Moved by Margaret Mercer, seconded by Trevor Martin and carried unanimously that the Spending Projectionsfor 2014 be accepted as presented.3. NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT:Presented by Bud Boomer.Bud gave thanks to Trevor Martin, Linda Mooney, and David Gibbs for completing their terms, but also beingwilling to come back on council.Question from the floor in regards to why Bev Shaw was nominated for a one year term, when a two yearterm is what The Open Gate Church Bylaws state for those newly appointed members of the board.Correction noted that Bev Shaw should be nominated for a two year term.The following are stepping down from Parish Council:Bud BoomerRector’s WardenMargaret MercerTreasurerThe following are continuing on Parish Council:Andrew HewlettPriest in ChargeAllister HaversPeople’s WardenLia AltonSecretaryEcho Eaton-ThorneLindsey MansfieldTrevor Martin(reappointed for 1 year term)Linda Mooney(reappointed for 1 year term)4
David Gibbs(reappointed for 1 year term)The following are newly appointed to council:Dave GuthrieRector’s WardenSherri PankiewichTreasurerAnne ElliotSynod DelegateBev Shaw(2 year term)Margaret Mercer was thanked for her service as Treasurer and Bud Boomer was also thanked for his serviceas Rector’s Warden.Bud Boomer addressed Andrew’s current interim Priest in Charge position. The Bishop wanted to allow foran interim period of 6 months and for Parish Council to have a conference (scheduled for March 15th). TheBishop is coming to meet with Parish Council on April 3rd to make some canonical decisions. Bud expressedthat it is his hope that we would have Andrew continue on as our Rector and that we could bypass the searchprocess. Andrew stated that the Bishop did say there is a process that needs to be followed and that Andrewcan apply but that nothing is presupposed.Moved by Bud Boomer, seconded by Echo Eaton-Thorne, and carried unanimously that the NominatingCommittee report be accepted as amended and the positions filled as per its recommendations.4. DISCUSSION OF BYLAW ARTICLE 7, SECTION 6 RE: WORDINGAl read from The Open Gate Church’s Bylaws the section in question (Article 7:6):“6. If there exists any vacancy caused by the early retirement, resignation or termination of a Board member,or otherwise, a Board member may be elected for such retiring, resigning or terminated Board member onlyto complete the term of the Board Member being replaced, subject to the Bylaws.”The issue with the wording in this section is that the process is unclear. The suggestion was to clarify theprocess by inserting the language ‘by a quorom of the board’ after “a Board member may be elected” so thatthe Parish Council can be permitted to make this decision. Andrew said that he has since learned that the BCSociety Act does already state that it is the Board who gets to make this decision. Parish Council has thepower to elect people to replace existing members in such circumstances. David Rand added to refer toSchedule B section 27 of the BC Society Act because it is very clear that the directors have the power toappoint other members to director status in order to fill vacancies. Andrew added that if anyone would liketo see and obtain a copy of Schedule B to just ask him. There may be no need to make any changes to TheOpen Gate Church Bylaws after all.It was brought up from the floor that if we were to attempt a change in our church’s Bylaws, we would needto meet specific requirements before doing so. Clarification: we are at this current moment just having adiscussion about possible changes. A concern was voiced about making changes to this Bylaw.There will not be any motions for this particular item tonight.ADJOURNMENTDavid Fuller welcomed the newcomers present at the meeting and the vision of the new projected budget.In addition, David gave thanks to Lighthouse Christian Academy and all those who serve in the variousvolunteer ministries within the church.A motion that the meeting be adjourned from David Rand was received by the chair, seconded byMargaret Mercer. Motion to adjourn accepted at 8:55 PM.5
StatisticsNumber of ServicesMorning Prayer – SundayHoly Communion – SundayHoly Communion - mid-weekSpecial Services & EventsParishioners Confirmed (# individuals)Baptisms (# baptized)WeddingsFunerals/Memorial verage Weekly AttendanceAverage Sunday AttendanceAverage Wednesday Attendance107973104963Attendance – Special EventsAsh WednesdayMaundy ThursdayGood FridayEaster SundayInduction ServiceAdvent - CandlelightCarolingChristmas EveChristmas DayLessons and tal Attendance: Special Services & Events4416126
RectorGreetings in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve at Open Gate Church. This really is a church “family” and itis a real joy to minister together with other brothers and sisters in Christ. I am very excited about the future andI trust you are as well.2014 was a challenging year for Open Gate Church. There was significant uncertainty for our fellowship and forour own Hewlett family but I believe the Lord was at work through the whole process. The official Inductionservice on September 7th was a great blessing. Lucy and I really do feel supported and upheld by this fellowshipand as we gather in worship on Sunday morning we have a real sense that the Lord is present in our midst.In many ways 2014 was a time of healing following significant upheaval in our community. Nevertheless, OpenGate remained faithful in carrying on with our day-to-day mission and calling. I am very thankful that we wereable to maintain support for mission giving and further develop mission and ministry to young people with thehiring of Eric Guthrie. We were also able to give financial support to the effective outreach youth ministry ofEcho and Nic Thorne.I have the strong conviction that 2015 will be a year of spiritual and numerical growth. However, I believe thatdeveloping our church “health” must be the underlying priority for this year. As church development guru RickWarren has said: “The key issue for churches in the twenty-first century will be church health, not churchgrowth.” When we grow in love, grace and authenticity, we will be attractive to others.There are several key items on my radar as we head into 2015:Worship and Ministry Space: During the coming weeks and months I will be working with Parish Council on ideasfor changing / developing / enhancing our physical space. This will be important as we want to create attractiveplaces for ministry and have room for numerical growth.Ministry to Children: Children are a vital part of our corporate life. I am praying for more workers in this area ofGod’s vineyard. If you believe God might be calling you to this area of ministry please talk to me or my wife Lucywho is providing leadership to KidZone.Home Groups: Home fellowship groups are truly the heart of Open Gate Church. With parish council’s help Iwant to develop a workable plan for getting everyone participating in these vital mid week gatherings.Strategic Planning: Leadership within the Anglican Network in Canada is encouraging all churches to develop anongoing process for strategic planning and church development. This will be a vital and ongoing work of ournew parish council and will involve the wider congregation later in the year.Please note: You can always talk to the Wardens or members of Parish Council about issues, concerns orcreative ideas. Feel free to give me a call too. I’d love to discuss issues or ideas over a cup of coffee.Special thanks goes out to my wife Lucy, David Fuller, Laurel DeGruchy, Liz Gaunt, Sherri Rattee, Leslie Spray, AlHavers, Dave Guthrie and the many others who go above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you all for yourcontinued support in the ministry of Jesus Christ our Lord.Sincerely in Christ,Pastor Andrew Hewlett7
Rector’s WardenThis has been an eventful year at Open Gate Church. With the year starting out with Pastor Andrew as thePriest in charge, I had the opportunity to meet with him regularly and hear his ideas on where Open Gate couldgo. What impressed me the most is that despite the uncertainty around who was going to end up as our seniorpastor, he was patient and respectful during the entire process and always seemed to demonstrate that Godhad the right future for Open Gate no matter what the outcome would be. It is this demonstration of faith inaction, integrity and a true pastor’s heart, that I consider it an honor to be Pastor Andrew’s Rector’s Warden.With Pastor Andrew now appointed as the permanent senior pastor, there is a level of calm stability in theleadership that will enable Open Gate to move forward and continue to grow as a life equipping church in theWest Shore. I have had the opportunity to hear from Pastor Andrew about what God has put on his heart. It isexciting stuff!He has begun to draw out a plan template that will enable us to strengthen our foundation and grow in our loveand witness as a community. Over the next few months and years, we will get to fill in the details of this multiyear flexible plan that will strengthen our ability to be an essential pillar of this community. It is a God givenplan, and you can have an exciting part in it.A plan template is just that. It is an idea that can come to pass as long as there are key players with vision,encouragement and a willingness to follow Jesus even if they end up going through setbacks on occasion. Thisis a new chapter for Open Gate. All of you are the key players in this plan, if you are willing to be part of it. Iknow that I am!“And it shall come to pass in the last days, says the Lord God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: your sonsand daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: And onmy servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.”Acts 2:17-18, Scofield Reference Bible Translation.We live in uncertain times where this church has the opportunity to be a powerful witness in this communityand beyond. Will we prophesy to this generation that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he has a plan for them? Ibelieve God is just starting to warm us up again. This church is a living testimony of who God is, and He is still incharge. Amen!Respectfully,David Guthrie8
TreasurerIt has been my privilege to serve as Treasurer for the past year. Your faithful giving in the past year allowed usto cover not only all of our financial obligations but meet our budgeted commitment to Missions and end theyear with a surplus. Our expenses were 10,000 under budget due mainly to the Youth Leader positions notbeing brought under contract until October 1st. The Projected Spending for 2015 is higher than last year withthe goal of growth and improvements in mind.As always, I would like to thank Liz Gaunt for her continued invaluable work as bookkeeper.With your continued generosity and support we can look forward to an exciting new year for The Open GateChurch.Respectfully submitted,Sherri PankiewichOffice AdministratorI think we had a smooth year in the office, the new computer we were able to get in January 2014 hasmade every task for me that much quicker and easier. I believe that we can further grow and develop ourpublic presence and ministries using all kinds of on and offline platforms and strategies. Pastor Andrew is keento use modern tools while respecting our existing traditions, which is a nice balance. It lends a freedom to “upour game” in certain areas and try new things while remaining consistent. We have already implemented somehelpful changes over the last few years, building off of the awesome work of others like Lia Alton and Liz Gauntin the office ministry before me. I enjoy planning for things such as getting flowers for Mother’s Day, socks forFather’s Day, designing bulletins, working out details for our special times like Advent and Holy Week, andespecially Soccer Camp. While it is always busy and at least a little bit crazy, those kids, parents and volunteersare such a blast. If you haven’t been on the field while it’s happening, even if you don’t have time to volunteer,I highly recommend just having a look at how much fun is happening every day of camp.While being in the office ministry the last few years has had major ups and downs, it has been a privilegeto serve the body of Christ in this area. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the church. In future, while I hopeto continue in my role for the time being, I may not be able to remain in this ministry forever. However, I’d liketo believe that I have respected our roots, left it better than I found it in some new areas, and got it ready tohave the next set of hands put their signature on it as well if need be.In His love,Laurel DeGruchy9
Envelope SecretaryThe total value of receipts issued under The Open Gate Church (BN 84119 5357 RR0001) for the yearJanuary 1st, 2014 to December 31st, 2014 was: 205,889.80 for cash donations (down from 229,017.56 in 2013), and 370.65 for non-cash donations for which proof was provided as tothe value of the gift (down from 786.27 in 2013).The statistics quoted below reflect the total cash and non-cash donations received from our parishioners &other identifiable givers over the course of the year.Identifiable Giver StatisticsAverage Range per Week Offeringper YearUnder 0Over 400.01Over 20,801Total Givers / Envelopes Used# ofDonorsin Range9131213137641078Change from2012-2-2-8No change 4-3-2No change 1-1-13Offertory envelopes provide a confidential means for making donations while also providing a mechanism forensuring that accurate charitable tax receipts are issued in accordance with Canada Revenue Agencyregulations. Only you submit tax receipts to CRA if requested to do so, though The OGC must make our copiesof receipts available in the event we are audited.It is extremely helpful for all regular donors to use numbered envelopes and to enter the amount of yourdonation on the front. Weekly envelopes provide some hard evidence of donations received should we ever beaudited. I suggest keeping a supply of envelopes in your car or your bible, so that you have them handy eachSunday! The date on the envelope is not important, just the number and donation amount and designation(s)!If you have any questions about using envelopes, or about your 2013 tax receipt, please feel free to contact meat home (250) 474-1919.Respectfully submitted,Elizabeth Gaunt10
Altar GuildThe Open Gate Church Altar Guild continues to consist of 10 active members (Joan Bradley, Lin Bremner, CindyDenman, Liz Gaunt, Christine Havers, Jane Matthews, Lynne Morton, Kathé Parsons, Wendy Pretty, and DianeWebb). Audrey Jenkins is a member-at-large, ready to share her knowledge and experience as needed, and IanYoung acts in an altar guild capacity at the Wednesday communion services at Alexander Mackie, ably assistedby Joan Bradley and Rose Gaunt.Members of the Altar Guild continue to take turns setting up the altar area in our worship space at Lighthouseschool each Saturday, re-setting the altar table between the services, and putting everything away after theservices each Sunday. It is the Altar Guild who makes sure there are adequate supplies available for all services,including wine, wafers, grape juice, Priest’s hosts, candles and clean linens.For the special seasons of the year (Advent, Christmas, Easter & Thanksgiving), it is the Altar Guild who cometogether to decorate for and clean up after the church services, usually donating the plants and flowers that areused & then passing them along to members of the congregation to enjoy.While a membership of 10 persons may seem generous, we are, in fact, STILL in need of new members. Ourroster is set up so that 2 people are assigned to each Sunday of the month (e.g. Liz & Lin for the 1st Sunday,Cindy & Wendy for the 2nd, etc.) This allows for the option of one person to mainly look after the setting up(on Saturday’s) while the other looks after putting away on Sunday’s. At this time, Christine does not have apartner for the 3rd Sunday of the month and we are in need of one or two spares to help when members areon extended vacations or have work obligations. Since set-up takes place on a Saturday, this is suitable for aperson who attends either of the 2 Sunday services, while putting away is best suited for a person who attendsthe 2nd service.In 2014 we were able to purchase a beautiful pottery bowl and matching jug as a baptismal set. Part of thefunds used to purchase this set were from donations made in memory of Christine’s mother, Joan Buvyer, so itseemed most fitting that the first time the new set was used was for the baptism of Christine’s and Al’s greatniece!May God bless you, and each member of The OGC Altar Guild, as we work together to serve Him with gladness!In His Service,Liz GauntOur Altar Guild maintains and prepares the altar each week for communion.They also supervise the decorations and flowers that enhance our worship space.11
Youth Ministry2014 was a great year for the Junior and Senior youth groups, as both continued to expand while theattendees are forming meaningful relationships and are more comfortable opening up in discussion and prayerwith one another.We consistently have anywhere from 12-24 junior youth groupers each week, and regularly 5-10 senioryouth groupers. Our weekly activities for junior youth remain largely game based with short devotionals atsnack time that keep their focus and attention effectively.Senior youth group does have fun activities, but is much more study-based; in 2014 we completed ourstudy using the Bible miniseries, and also did studies on the movie ‘God’s not Dead’ and a challengingintrospective study ‘Not a Fan’ by Kyle Idleman (both of which are now in the church office for anyone else whowould like to try it). At the end of the year, the Senior Youth group members voted on tackling a large studyusing the book ‘The Story’, a narrative of the bible (based on NIV).With both age groups, one of our primary objectives continues to be fellowship. We hope to be aresource to the youth however we can, and strive to act as positive role models for them to look up to andconfide in. It has been reassuring that a connection is being made when attendees have sought individualcouncil, requested prayer, or asked to discuss their personal struggles. Although we were allowing attendees toattend both groups for a more comfortable transition period, this year we are going to encourage them tocomplete the transition and attend the appropriate age group to enable the richest possible spiritual growth.Highlights of this year were the Harvest Party, the camping trip and movie nights at our home. Afterpolling the attendees, most seem eager to participate in some heavier fundraising to enable a potential trip toCreationfest this summer - as a previous Creationfest concert-goer, Echo has a strong feeling that this would bevery impactful on their spiritual walk, in addition to being a bonding experience with lifelong memories.We look forward to continuing to see the youth grow as people and in their faith. It hasbeen a very encouraging year and we anticipate that God has great things planned in 2015.Submitted byNic & Echo Thorne12
Children’s MinistryOn September 14, 2014 KidZone (Christ-centered church for Kids) was launched at Open Gate. If you haven’thad a chance to look in the door on a Sunday morning, please do. You might want to stay one day andexperience the fun atmosphere and hear how the children’s hearts and lives are being impacted by the gospel.Our team is comprised of: Kathe Parsons & Leslie Spray (Jessica Dunn assistant) with the Littles group(Preschool/Kindergarten), Lucy Hewlett, Perrin and Liam Thorson who work with elementary ages, and EricGuthrie our Junior High Youth worker.We’ve had some highlights this year too Light and BrightNeon Sunday (Who is the light of the world?) and theproduction of the Christmas Story Video (Youtube linkavailable on request). Some events to come include SundayValentines breakfast (Love with all our heart, soul, mind andstrength), and Mad Science Sunday (God’s creation isamazing!) stay tuned for more information.KidZone is so blessed to have amazing leaders, but I can’toveremphasize how much we need you to be involved too.If you’d like to join our team let me know. If you can come one day a month or every six weeks, we would loveyou to volunteer! You could help lead a craft, or play games, lead a group in prayer, become a prayerpartner, serve a snack, set up, take down, lead worship, act in a skit, or share your testimony, to name just afew. Call me, Lucy Hewlett 250.893.5828 or email me at kidzone@theopengate.ca.Thank you for your words of encouragement, they are wonderful to hear. Thank you for your prayers for theprogram, the leaders and the children, with your support we will step out in faith and trust God to work throughus all.Sincerely in Christ,Lucy HewlettLucy was able to represent KidZone at Soccer Camp and engaged with both the kids and their parents!13
Music MinistryWe’ve had a pretty awesome 2014. This year we were able to resolve the technical difficulties we’d had in2013 by implementing our new sound board equipment. It has allowed us to get consistently good sound and weare no longer having speakers cut out. This allows us to be focused on our worship on Sunday mornings andgetting ready to offer ourselves to the Lord as opposed to dealing with sound issues.We were so blessed by the fantastic group of people who joined our music team and choir in preparationfor the Advent Candlelight Service and Christmas Eve Service. It was so much fun adding them to our team andexperiencing a heightened level of beauty in our sound over the special season. We had 22 of you join us forcaroling as well, which was wonderful.Our music, sound and projector ministry has a profound effect on both of our regular Sunday morningservices as well as our special events throughout the year. I can’t thank our faithful volunteers and musiciansenough. They show up week, after week, after week to serve the Lord and make our Sunday morning experiencesmooth and enjoyable. I truly appreciate your willingness to serve each week. That being said, we also have roomto grow in this ministry. We need more volunteers to operate the projector occasionally and to be willing to learnhow we set up the sound equipment each Saturday afternoon. This is important for a couple of reasons:1 – It may be your gifting! If you’re looking for a role in ministry, this may be a good fit for you.2 – We don’t want to burn people out. We like our music, sound and projection ministry to be life giving.Extra sets of hands can help someone else keep a sense of joy for their ministry!So please keep us in your prayers and let me know if you have questions or are interested in helping us out.Our purpose is to facilitate God’s people bringing their hearts before the Lord through praise and worship.Our goal is to encounter Jesus on a daily basis. He’s the reason why we gather on Sunday. He inhabits the praisesof His people. While we like our music to sound easy on the ear, it’s not a performance. It doesn’t actually matterhow we sound when we’re worshipping. The power of God enters the room when we declare He is worthy of ourdevotion, prayer and love. Especially when we do it corporately. So I would like to encourage you to feel freeduring our times of praise and worship, to sing loud if you want to, raise your hands if you want to, sit down if youwant to, get on your knees if you want to, sing in t
7thAnnual General Meeting of The Open Gate Church Society Anglican Network in Canada February 25th, 2015 Opening Prayer Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes Of the 6th Annual General Meeting of The Open Gate Church Society, February 25th, 2014. New Business 1. Reports 2. Review of Spending Projections for 2015 3. Nominating Committee Report 4.
