Council Highlights-May 21, 2025

Church Council Recap – May 21, 2025

Contributed by Allison Adamovits, Church Coordinating Council Member and Faith, Formation and Nurture Team Lead.

The Council of Zion-Memorial U.C. held its regular monthly meeting on May 21, 2025.

Following the Call to Order, the establishment of quorum, lighting of the Christ Candle, Land Acknowledgement, and opening prayer, the agenda and minutes from the March and April meetings were approved.

The Treasurer was pleased to report a 15% increase in offerings over 2024. While there is still work to be done to reduce our overall deficit, the Stewardship Campaign is also progressing well.

The Outreach Team was excited to report another very successful Indigenous Fair, with new vendors offering a wide variety of delicious Indigenous foods. Both visitors and vendors were delighted with the event and are already planning to return—bigger and better—next year! As the fair continues to grow and becomes a valued community experience, the team is exploring grant applications through the United Church Justice & Reconciliation Fund.

The Faith Formation & Nurture Team has been busy arranging pulpit supply and worship leadership from the first Sunday in July through at least October, possibly longer. Although the Search Committee cannot share details due to confidentiality, they are actively working, and interest has been expressed by potential candidates. A reminder to the congregation: once a suitable candidate is found and hired, they must give their current church a minimum of 90 days' notice before joining us.

The Faith Formation & Nurture Team is also launching a pilot project this summer to continue offering Sunday School and childcare. With input from the team, parents, volunteers, and older children, new programming will be introduced for our two distinct age groups: children 7 and under, and those aged 7 to teens. Recognizing their different needs and interests, we are tailoring programs accordingly. Watch for more updates and opportunities to contribute or volunteer—both in church announcements and future newsletters.

The Communications and Marketing Team reported continued collaboration with the CP Rec Club/Daycare program, providing an important service to the community. As part of our commitment to the environment, they are also piloting the Just Good Compost service.

After the fantastic job of removing the pulpit, Andy Mutch, Mark Dorland, and the Property Team are now working with a stonemason and carpenters to begin repairs on the Tower. Andy and Theresa will be away on vacation in July, August, and half of September, but Mark Dorland will keep the Property Team running smoothly during their absence.

Council also discussed the availability of 11 seats at $25 each on the coach bus Trinity United Church in Smiths Falls has hired. Our congregation has decided not to reserve seats but will instead carpool. Anyone interested in taking the bus may sign up independently.

Please note: anyone planning to attend the Anniversary Service should notify the region so seating and logistics can be arranged. A sign-up sheet is available in the narthex for those attending.

The meeting was then adjourned. Next Council Meeting: June 18 at 7:00 p.m.