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Reflections on 2013
February 2014
2013 Annual Report
Riverbend United Church
Inside this issue:
Presbytery Report 2
Official Board
Report 3
2013 Statistics 4
Pastoral Care 5
Board of Trustees 5
Parish Nurse 6
Spiritual Formation 7
Columbarium 8
Outreach 8
IMAGINE RUC 9
Property & Maintenance 10
Finance Committee 11
Building Team 11
As I reflect on this past year I
recall many times when I was
inspired by the people and
the ministries present in our
congregation—the music, the
variety of gifts offered in wor-
ship, in Children’s Ministry,
by our Youth and Young
Adults, by the Women of the
United Church and their
spouses who offer fine food
and fellowship for families
recently bereaved, by the
willingness to try new things
and to venture forward in
faith.
There have been many times
when we could have chosen a
simpler, less challenging way
forward, and yet each and
every time the congregation
has decided to move forward
with our construction, by
engaging in a creative
“imagining process”, by em-
bracing a “Life Cycle Minis-
try”, by finding new possibili-
ties for mission and ministry
such as a Bereavement Minis-
try and possible Columbar-
ium, and by beginning the
discussions that are part of an
“Affirming Process” which
will help us imagine our fu-
ture together. New renters
have been found on a regular
basis and for occasional
events, too. All of this in-
spires me as we embrace these
possibilities with faith rather
than fear!
The Spirit blows and those
who sense her movement are
affected. The Spirit contin-
ues to blow through our con-
gregation—this was most
evident in the wonderful can-
tata offered by our youth and
young adults this past
Spring, by the Ensemble
whose gifts Chris encouraged
and led so they continue to
offer profound energy and
enthusiasm when they lead in
worship, by the Children’s
Christmas Cantata, and by
those who sustained our mu-
sic ministries when David
Smith was unwell and by Lois
Samis-Lund and our many
bell-ringers. We are truly
blessed by gifts of talent,
time, dedication, creativity,
and insight!
The Spirit moves in other
ways as the UCW discerned
new patterns for their life
together and in offering their
gifts of hospitality, friend-
ship, and service as Women
of the United Church. The
Walking Group offers deep
and profound support to one
another and especially those
with needs and concerns. The
Spirit Group meets twice
monthly to explore and share
their faith. The Turkey
Team offered many meals
with much enthusiasm, gen-
erosity, and grace.
The past year has been busy
for me and for the congrega-
tion. Jacqueline Hunt has
gathered around her a won-
derful team of volunteers to
assist with a variety of office
duties including updating our
database. She has been open
to a variety of rental possi-
bilities that have helped im-
prove our bottom line.
We tried one Sunday service
for July and August and the
experiment will be continued
this coming summer as we
move to one service for June
as well. Garage Sale, Photo
Directory, Golf Tourney,
Spirit Group, Confirmation
Class, Book Studies, Corn
Roast, Youth events, Sunday
evening focus discussions, and
more have kept us busy.
Chris Giffen’s decision to pur-
sue further education in the
United States presented us
with challenges around Chil-
dren’s Ministry, Sunday
Youth Discussions, Youth
Group activities, Ensemble
inspiration and leadership
… continued on page 2
Appendix I - Financial Reports:
2013 Balance Sheet
2013 Profit & Loss
2014 Budget
14907—45 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 5K8
Rev. Don Koots
and Confirmation classes. So
many people have stepped
forward in faith to sustain
those ministries as we search
for a new person to inspire,
lead, mentor, and guide us in
children’s and youth minis-
tries.
We will miss the inspiration
and leadership of Jack Tow-
ers and LaVon Holgate.
They each served the local
and wider church in a vari-
ety of ways with deep con-
viction, generosity of spirit,
and solid leadership!
Change continues to be the
norm for us. I trust that the
Spirit will continue to engage
us, guide us, sustain us, and
challenge us together for the
coming months and years.
With Chris leaving, there
was a change in the rhythm
and pace of our ministry.
The coming months will de-
termine much of the direc-
tion our mission and minis-
try will take for the next
generation.
The Congregation’s adoption
of the direction described by
the “Imagine Riverbend”
process has given us a road
map to follow into the future
that is filled with possibili-
ties and great potential. The
people who give and share so
much of their time, talent,
energy and resources are a
wonderful blessing who
shape and build our commu-
nity.
We are richly blessed by so
many lay leaders who have
helped us to imagine our fu-
ture; to fill staffing gaps for
the time being; to lead our
Board, Committees, Youth,
Children, and other groups;
and those who step up week
by week so we can offer a
wide variety of ministries
and possibilities.
David Smith has offered his
creative, inspirational, and
leadership skills to our music
ministry for decades. His
decision to retire due to his
health struggles will be an-
other significant change to
which we will need to adapt.
We have been so blessed by
his talent and direction of
the Choir and the coordina-
tion he has done in weaving
together the tapestry that
has been our Music Ministry!
May he recover his health in
ways that bring him hope
and happiness for the com-
ing years.
It continues to be my privi-
lege to work with Joanne
Olson as our Parish Nurse,
Jacqueline Hunt as our Of-
fice Manager, Andrew Sims
as our Church Musician, and
Lois Samis-Lund as our
Hand Bell Choir Director. I
have been richly blessed by
the talents, gifts, and leader-
ship of David Smith and
Chris Giffen in all the ways
they have contributed to our
ministries and mission.
I hope the congregation ap-
preciates the dedicated and
committed leadership offered
by Bev Sawyer as Board
Chair and all the others who
do so much to bring mission
to life in our congregation!
My thanks to the Rev. Tom
Sawyer for all the ways he
has supported me and led
within our congregation this
past year!
The year ahead will continue
to be busy and challenging.
May it be that we are able to
discern and work together
that God’s grace and glory
might be revealed in what
we do together and as we live
out our faith day by day.
~ Rev. Don Koots
Reflections on 2012 (continued)
Presbytery Report
Page 2
With the support of then
Mayor Stephen Mandel, our
standing committee of Inter-
church Interfaith was the
catalyst for Edmonton being
named first Partner City in
Canada with the Council of
the Parliament of the
World's Religions. A pro-
posal has been submitted for
Edmonton to be the host
city for the 2017 Interna-
tional Conference. Mean-
time, a series of pre-
parliament events have been
planned, including a spring
event (May 1-4) at the Uni-
versity of Alberta, featuring
speakers, films and work-
shops. There was a decision
made that there would be no
increase in congregational
assessments for the coming
year.
Other initiatives included:
Partners in Ministry: appli-
cation requests are $15,000
for Campus ministry;
$15,000 for Inner City Pas-
toral Ministry; and $100,000
for Bissell Centre.
Tuxis - Youth Parliament
(ages 15-21) - is held annu-
ally Dec. 26-31 . Participants
learn about parliamentary
procedures and practise pub-
lic speaking skills. They are
housed at Concordia College
and bussed to the Legisla-
ture.
"Glad and Generous Hearts"
- the ANWC mid-triennium
event - was held Nov. 1-3 in
Red Deer.
New Ministry sponsored a
highly successful fall corn
initiative, along with
Neighbours Together pot-
luck suppers to foster con-
versation among church
leaders.
This year's No Room in the
Inn campaign was desig-
nated to support the 8 Ox-
ford Houses in Edmonton.
They provide long term, safe
and affordable housing for
men and women recovering
from addiction. The amount
raised in the preceding year
was $67,000, making a total
of about $500,000 since the
start of the project in 1999.
Camps Maskepetoon/Wohelo:
In 1956, Edmonton Presby-
tery bought 243 acres on the
north shore of Pigeon Lake.
for camps. Christian Youth
Camps Incorporated (CYCI)
was formed to run the prop-
erty. In 1958, CYCI agreed
to lease property to CGIT for
… continued on page 4
Who knew in January 2013
what we would be working
on now, one year later? The
past year has indeed been
one of surprises, with pro-
gress made on several fronts
that I believe strengthen our
ability to identify and carry
out various ministries.
The most obvious change is,
of course, to do with our
physical facilities. The lar-
ger parking lot was finally
completed in spring 2013,
and has been very well used
since then, mostly for church
but also for community func-
tions in the park next door.
Last February, the congrega-
tion decided to proceed with
the building expansion that
had been under considera-
tion for several years. This
was far from a unanimous
decision; nonetheless, once
the decision was made, it was
good to see the construction
beginning and moving along
quickly. We should be able
to start using the space be-
fore summer.
In conjunction with these
developments, requests for
use of our space have greatly
increased. The brighter,
more open basement with its
wonderful new kitchen is in
high demand, and we are
already receiving inquiries
regarding availability of our
new expansion. This kind of
community interest helps
provide revenue, of course;
but it also exemplifies our
wish to interact with our
community and to provide a
service that helps meet the
needs of its people.
We have now become used to
following services as they are
projected on the screen at
the front of the sanctuary.
This exemplifies environ-
mental stewardship in terms
of paper reduction. As well,
images can be projected,
with photographs effectively
supporting a variety of pur-
poses, thus enhancing the
mood and tone of various
services or meetings.
We can see the impact of
these physical changes.
However, we have also had
some unanticipated staff
changes, the effects of which
are just as important but
perhaps less obvious. In the
spring, our Children, Youth
and Family Minister, Chris
Giffen, announced that he
would be leaving us to pur-
sue graduate studies in coun-
selling. Rather than moving
immediately to fill this va-
cancy with the same job de-
scription, the Official Board
decided to engage the con-
gregation in a thorough re-
view of our goals, priorities,
strengths and challenges
prior to determining our staff
needs. As a result of this
process, we adopted a new
model to visually express our
ministries and missions
(located elsewhere in this
annual report), and in turn
established a search commit-
tee to seek a Children and
Youth Minister. We are car-
rying on with the various
children and youth activities
thanks to some part-time
assistance from our young
adults, with support from
adult volunteers.
Then in late fall our long-
time Music Director, David
Smith, gave notice of his re-
tirement. He provided out-
standing service to this con-
gregation for many years,
but ill health has taken its
toll. A special service to ex-
press our appreciation for
David’s leadership is being
planned for March. Again, a
search committee has been
established to seek a new
Music Director. Meanwhile,
thank you to the two choir
members who have stepped
up to assist temporarily with
directing the senior choir.
Our sense of ministry and
mission have also been re-
freshed during 2013. For
many years, we have had
involvements with Bissell
and Elizabeth House. We
have remembered those in
our congregation who find it
difficult to get out and
about, and have found vari-
ous ways to support those
beyond ourselves who need a
helping hand. Two new ar-
eas have more recently be-
come a focus. The first is
development of a Bereave-
ment Ministry; the second is
to do with the Brander Gar-
dens social housing develop-
ment.
The concept of a Bereave-
ment Ministry grew from the
idea of a columbarium.
Board members first became
aware of the columbarium
possibility in spring 2013,
seeing in it both a service to
the community and a source
of financial support. With
congregational approval re-
ceived in November, we are
moving forward with this
development. However, it
has come to be much more
than simply the columbar-
ium facility. The congrega-
tion has also approved the
concept of a specialized Be-
reavement Ministry. The
columbarium would be an
integral part of such a minis-
try, but there would also be
various services and pro-
grams targeted toward those
in the congregation and the
community grappling with
end-of-life matters.
The second new ministry is
not as developed at this
point as the first. Brander
Gardens ROCKS (“Reaching
Out to Community Kids”) is
a co-operative venture
within the social housing
project north of the church
on Riverbend Road. Please
see my article in the January
29 edition of The Front
Pew for a detailed descrip-
tion. At this point, we offer
space to the group for some
of its activities, but there
may be some interest in ex-
panding our support.
Our volunteers and staff
must be acknowledged for
the work they do that en-
ables this congregation to
thrive. Don Koots, Joanne
Olson, Jacqueline Hunt,
David Smith, Andrew
Sims… we are so fortunate
to have this team provide
the steady leadership that
keeps us on course. They in
turn are supported by an
amazing number of volun-
teers. It is risky to mention
a few, for fear of slighting
others. But I must mention
two groups in particular.
… continued on page 4
Official Board Report Page 3
Presbytery Report (continued) Page 4
The ”turkey team” has pro-
vided good food and oppor-
tunities for the fellowship
that keeps us in touch with
one another; and those who
plan and carry out our whole
community worship services
every month or so help us to
experience the energy and
joy of enthusiastic worship.
There are so many others;
we need to be aware and ap-
preciative of their efforts.
I am very pleased to report
that the budget presented at
this congregational meeting
will include a small surplus
carried over from 2013. As
has frequently been the case,
substantial offerings were
received during December.
As well, our revenues from
the sale of Safeway cards
and from the September ga-
rage sale were gratefully re-
ceived. Nonetheless, it will
be a challenge to meet this
year’s expanded financial
obligations, particularly
with regard to the mortgage
for the building expansion.
Thank you to all for your
support and encouragement
as we look forward to a pro-
ductive and faithful 2014.
~ Respectfully submitted by
Bev Sawyer,
Official Board Chair
2013 Statistics Baptisms
Marriages
Deaths
Members (resident & non-resident)
Households (members & adherents)
In Memoriam
Deborah Joan Bentz Shawn Christopher McDonald
Robert Ronald Williams Marinus “Rene” den Heyer Rudolph Joseph Jarosch
Elizabeth “Betty” Lee Dersch Norman Warwick
Robina “Ruby” Murray Haig Gregory Wayne Tennant Rev. John “Jack” Towers
Willy Otto Kneisler Marjorie Amy Bishop
Margaret LaVon Holgate Barbara Metcalfe
13
5
13
396
350
the girls' camp (Wohelo).
The lease expired at the end
of December and was re-
newed this year.
Six remits were authorized
by General Council (GC41)
in 2013 in Ottawa. All were
discussed and approved.
Truth and Reconciliation
Commission (TRC) - The
Residential Schools' Settle-
ment Agreement had been
reached in May 2006. The
7th and final national event
is scheduled for May 27-
30/14 at the Shaw Confer-
ence Centre in Edmonton.
Jill Spaner continues to take
part in the GC Theology &
Interchurch Interfaith Com-
mittee meetings in Toronto.
Kay Quon completed Inter-
cultural Ministry reports to
National UCW, and contin-
ues reports to Conference
UCW and as past chair of
Conference IM.
Reverend Don continues to
take part in the local home-
lessness project, "Welcome
Home". He is GC represen-
tative on the Anglican-
United Church dialogue. He
was one of two clergy from
Canada to attend the inter-
national symposium held in
Geneva, Switzerland August
16-21, sponsored by the
World Communion of Re-
formed Churches organiza-
tion (WCRC).
Please watch for Presbytery
Matters from Presbytery
Communications and the
monthly reports posted on
the Bulletin Board.
W e b s i t e r e m i n d e r :
www.uccedm.org
~ Your Presbytery
Representatives,
Rev. Don Koots,
Jill Spaner and
Kay Quon.
Board Report (continued)
Pastoral Care
Throughout 2013 the Pas-
toral Care Committee has
worked hard to build com-
munity amongst the mem-
bers of the congregation at
RUC and to support the
spiritual well being of this
faith community.
The members of this com-
mittee are: Aleta Clarke,
Beth Corus, Cathie Graves
-Evans, Maureen Helfrich,
Ron Holgate, Anne
Leighton, Linda Schofield,
and Eileen Young. The
position of Secretary was
rotated between Linda
Schofield and Anne
Leighton with Maureen
Helfrich attending Board
meetings.
The Committee believes
that strong communica-
tion from and to the con-
gregation is essential in
building a strong faith
community. The distribu-
tion of the monthly News-
letter is critical in the
maintenance of this com-
munity, and this is sup-
ported by the website and
email messages. Thanks to
Ron Holgate for his con-
tinued dedication in ensur-
ing that newsletters are
distributed.
The Committee also be-
lieves that opportunities
to meet and eat together
are important in the devel-
opment of a close, con-
nected and caring faith
community. Maureen Hel-
frich, with the support of
the Committee organized
the monthly Muffin Sun-
days throughout 2013 and
also organized the bi-
annual Meet and Greet
Luncheons. We are grate-
ful for the youth who help
us set up these events with
such enthusiasm. All
these events are well sup-
ported by the congrega-
tion both through atten-
dance and the donation of
muffins and sandwiches.
Casseroles are supplied
when requested for deliv-
ery to individuals or fami-
lies as the need arises.
Transportation has been
provided to several indi-
viduals both to the church
and around the commu-
nity.
Special thanks to Beth
Corus for supporting
through our Card Ministry
those that are sick, suffer-
ing the loss of a loved one
or under other stress.
All members of the Com-
mittee are involved in the
creation and delivery of
Christmas Gift Bags and
Easter Baskets. These are
delivered to seniors unable
to attend church services
or individuals going
through particularly
stressful times. The Chil-
dren’s Ministry created
small decorations or cards
for each bag or basket.
Many members of the con-
gregations supported the
project through donations
of “treats”. Still more as-
sisted in the creation of the
Page 5
Board of Trustees
The 2013 Board of Trustees is comprised of:
David Hitesman (since 2012);
Terry Hunt (since 2012);
Tom LaPointe (since 2000);
Marg Morley (since 2013);
Joan Robinson (since 2006);
David Turner (since 2012); and
Lynne Wolford (since 2013).
The role of the Trustees is primarily to hold title to the real
and tangible property of the congregation and ensure its
proper use and protection. The Trustees act in conjunction
with, or as directed by, the (managing) Board of Riverbend
United Church acting on behalf of the congregation.
During the year, the Trustees held two significant meetings;
the first concerning the renewal and expansion of the cell
tower lease, and the second regarding the approval of the
Church expansion and financing arrangements.
The oversight role of the Trustees relating to the church
facility and the financing of the project is an important one
considering the plans for expanding the church building, a
major commitment by the congregation. Currently, the
construction contract is being financed by way of a mort-
gage; but it is hoped that this financing arrangement can be
reduced through the issuance of Community Faith Bonds to
our congregation members. This option would provide a
better return to purchasers and would reduce the financing
costs to the congregation as a whole.
~ Tom LaPointe,
Chair, Board of Trustees
baskets and bags as well as
the visitation of many indi-
viduals. These bags and
baskets were a way to reach
out and remind those that
Riverbend United Church
was thinking of them.
Thanks to all of you for
your sharing and caring.
To all of those who deliver
newsletters, provide trans-
portation, bake muffins and
casseroles, make sand-
wiches, greet on Sundays,
participate in our Christ-
mas and Easter visitation
programs, a heartfelt
THANK YOU.
~ Maureen Helfrich
In 2013, I served the mem-
bers of Riverbend United
Church in the capacity of a
part-time Parish Nurse.
For this staff role, I was
contracted for an average
of 10 hours per week over
11 months. This role nicely
integrates with my roles as
Professor, Faculty of Nurs-
ing, University of Alberta
and Associate Teaching
Faculty at St. Stephen’s
College.
The broad categories under
which my parish nursing
activities mainly fall in-
clude:
a) Integrating Faith and
Health,
b) Health Education,
c) Health Counseling,
d) Referral Advisor,
e) Health Advocate,
f) Developer of Support
Groups, and
g) Volunteer Coordina-
tion.
My specific activities
change on a week to week
basis but always aim to-
ward promoting the overall
health (spiritual, emo-
tional, social, physical) of
individuals, families and
the entire congregation,
especially in times of life
transitions. At times spe-
cific actions on my part are
required and at other times
I work to support all of
you, the congregational
members, in carrying out
actions that promote your
own health and well-being
and that of others among
us. We live in community
and health is best lived out
within that context.
During the past year, my
parish nursing ministry
may have appeared to indi-
viduals, groups, and the
congregation as a whole
when I:
Participated in
weekly ministry
team meetings
(offering continu-
ity in times staff
transitions)
Participated in
weekly worship
services (mainly at
the 10:30 worship)
Co-planned and co-
led a healing ser-
vice and a Sunday
summer worship
service
Planned and led
worship services at
retirement centres
as needed
Supported indi-
viduals and fami-
lies through home,
hospital and long-
term care facility
visits
Met with health
ministry commit-
tee members to
develop plans for
2013 and 2014
Coordinated with
the Pastoral Care
Committee for the
distribution of
cards to individu-
als/families and for
Easter and Christ-
mas basket deliver-
ies
Contributed to the
Front Pew, the
Website, and the
weekly announce-
ments when appro-
priate
Offered support to
the “Spirit Circle”
that meets to ex-
plore and support
spiritual growth
Worked with the
“Turkey Team” to
provide food and
fellowship at 5
community build-
ing events
Organized and led
a two session book
discussion (June 5
& 12) for 16 people:
You Could Live a
Long Time: Are
You Ready? by
Lindsay Green
Organized a Car-
diopulmonary Re-
suscitation (CPR)
class for 13 people
(held in early 2014)
– this added 13
new people for a
total of about 33
who have been
prepared in CPR
and the use of the
Automated Exter-
nal Defibrillator
(AED) in the nar-
thex of our build-
ing.
2014 promises to bring a
whole array of new health
ministry opportunities. I
look forward to working
with you as we continue to
build a healthy and vibrant
faith community!
~ Sincerely,
Joanne Olson, PhD, RN,
FAAN
Parish Nurse
Parish Nurse Page 6
Art in the Park
Community Corn Roast
September 21, 2013
Health Committee
The Health Committee of
Riverbend United Church
exists to support the ongo-
ing work of the Parish
Nurse.
At the end of 2013 the
Health Committee re-
quested completion of a
confidential Health Needs
Assessment to assist it in
identifying and delivering
programming needs for the
coming year.
~ Diana Kemp
Chair, Health Committee
Page 7 Spiritual Formation
We experienced significant
change in 2013 with the de-
parture of Chris Giffen, our
Youth and Family Minister.
Chris brought many gifts to
the congregation of River-
bend United in the three
years he was with us. He
helped us to explore different
styles of worship and music
and always did so with an
enthusiasm which was infec-
tious. Whilst we miss him,
we wish him every success as
he continues on his faith ad-
venture.
Children’s Ministry: We
welcomed Molly Spaner
as Children’s Ministry
Coordinator in Septem-
ber 2013. In December
we were blessed to have
the children perform a
Chri stmas Cantata
which was a very mean-
ingful worship experi-
ence for all who at-
tended.
Confirmation: There are
six youth attending con-
firmation classes which
are led by Doug Spaner
and David James. The
confirmation class or-
ganised a service of
Spiritual Healing and
Wholeness in December.
It was disappointing
that this service had
such low attendance as it
provided a wonderful
oasis to refresh the spirit
when all around was so
busy. Please consider
supporting the confir-
mands when they offer
the gift of worship, you
won’t be disappointed.
Music: Our music minis-
try continues to thrive
through the choir, bell
choir and music ensem-
ble. As well as our an-
nual community Christ-
mas Carol Sing we en-
joyed a fund raising con-
cert hosted by the music
ensemble with proceeds
going towards equip-
ment.
Special Worship Services:
We again held our Ash
Wednesday, Good Fri-
day and Easter Sunrise
services. On Christmas
Eve we held four ser-
vices. In June we held a
special whole commu-
nity worship to say fare-
well to Chris Giffen.
Whole Community Wor-
ship: The 10.30am wor-
ship on the third Sunday
of every month (Sept-
June) is designated a
whole community wor-
ship service. The music is
led by the Ensemble and
there is a small but dedi-
cated group of volun-
teers who plan the wor-
ships. This is an oppor-
tunity to experiment
with new styles of wor-
ship and we have en-
joyed children’s stories,
slideshows and new mu-
sic to name but a few.
Youth Group: The youth
group continues to flour-
ish. We again enjoyed a
wonderful Cantata in
May, a Shrove Tuesday
supper and delicious bib-
lical cakes. This year the
youth planned their
Christmas Eve service
themselves and did a
wonderful job. On Satur-
day nights they continue
to enjoy many activities
including skating, tobog-
ganing, swimming, make
a movie night and
church sleepovers, as
well as hosting the Pres-
bytery wide Halloween
dance which is a high-
light for all the Edmon-
ton youth groups.
Vacation Bible School:
This year VBS took
place in the first week in
July and was led by
Chris. The theme was
“Create with Creation”
with 9 children in atten-
dance.
Volunteers: We are ex-
tremely fortunate to
have such a wonderful
group of volunteers who
make sure everything
runs smoothly. From
preparing the commun-
ion elements, being an
usher, decorating the
Sanctuary, leading con-
firmation and youth
Sunday morning discus-
sions, teaching the chil-
dren; the list goes on and
on. In particular we
have been blessed this
year with individuals
who have stepped up to
help whilst we search for
a Children and Youth
Minister. To each and
every one of you who
give your time and tal-
ents to Riverbend
United Church. THANK
YOU!
We continue to look for new
members of the Spiritual
Formation committee. We
are so blessed that our faith
community continues to
thrive and looks for ways to
spread the Good News. Our
worship and ministries con-
tinue to grow and evolve.
Won’t you consider helping
us continue on this journey?
~ Carolyn Miller
Page 8
Outreach Committee
The Outreach Committee
had the usual two main
events this year:
Father's Day Lunch at
Bissell Centre – For this
event, we accept dona-
tions of sandwiches,
vegetables, fruit and des-
sert from the congrega-
tion for over 300 guests,
these being primarily
adults who live in the
inner city.
Volunteers from the con-
gregation attend the
church service at the
Bissell Centre and then
serve lunch to the atten-
dees. All seem grateful
and certainly no one ever
complains about the
quality or variety of
food at this event.
The Outreach Commit-
tee really appreciated
the fact that so many
volunteers signed up to
donate food, time and
energy. We also appreci-
ate the fact that several
families came as volun-
teers to celebrate Fa-
ther's Day together with
us and 300+ more
friends.
Elizabeth House Christ-
mas Party - This is a long
-term Women's Shelter
that assists women
who have social or sub-
stance abuse challenges
but are ready to work
towards starting a new
life.
Donations of 11 custom-
made baskets for women
who have moved out of
the house and of 24
stockings for current
residents were shared at
a dinner at Elizabeth
House.
T w o n e w g r o u p s
(including The Youth
Group) donated baskets
this year. Both members
of the Outreach Commit-
tee and other interested
folk from the congrega-
tion attended this fun
event.
Judi Cook also worked hard
at soliciting donations of
household goods for the new
Nigerian family in our con-
gregation.
T H A N K Y O U A N D
THANK YOU AGAIN to all
who donated items or time to
these worthwhile endeav-
ours.
The Outreach Committee
continues to look for ideas
for worthwhile projects that
extend beyond Riverbend
United. Please let us know if
you have ideas.
~ Joan Robinson
Columbarium Committee
A Committee was formed on
August 24, 2013 to evaluate
and investigate the incorpo-
ration of a Columbarium in
the expansion of RUC.
Members included R. Serne
(Chair), L. Wolford, K.
Quon, J.Enns, E. Mustonen,
T. Sawyer and J. Hunt.
Five meetings were held and
a report made to the Board
and to the congregation at
large.
Visitations were made to
existing facilities in Edmon-
ton and Saskatoon. Legal
conditions and appropriate
forms governing columbar-
ium operations and financial
considerations were re-
viewed. The Committee pre-
sented a unanimous opinion
that if the present finances of
the church could support the
additional construction cost
of a columbarium that the
Board should approve this
venture. The only caution
made by the Committee was
not to expect major initial
revenue from the columbar-
ium due to contingency
funding requirements for
maintenance and operations
of the columbarium.
A separate committee will be
necessary for the administra-
tion of the RUC Columbar-
ium when fully operational.
~ R. Serne
Parking lot dedication service
IMAGINE RUC 2013 Page 9
With the loss of Chris Giffen as our Children, Youth and Family Minister, the Official Board felt it would be wise examine
and analyze the dreams, goals, strengths and challenges of our congregation, and asked Corrina Chetley-Irwin to design
and lead this process. Under her leadership, surveys were completed, paper gardens were constructed in the sanctuary,
interviews were conducted, information was analyzed, and results were discussed. From this process, a series of recom-
mendations were formulated to guide the work of the congregation over the months and years ahead.
Two immediate outcomes were clear: the congregation clearly expressed that hiring a new Children and Youth Minister is
a priority, and also accepted the “Life-Cycle Ministry Model” as its guide in decision making and program development.
Other recommendations will be incorporated into the work of our various committees as we move forward.
~ Respectfully submitted
Bev Sawyer,
Official Board Chair
2013 started off with the ap-
proval of the building exten-
sion and the renewal of the
Rogers cell tower lease. The
crosses on the cell tower kept
coming off so Rogers took
them all off and did replace
them later in the year with
painted on crosses rather
than fastened on crosses.
They look attractive now.
Dan Madi of Burly Boyz
continued to clear the snow
off the new parking lot and
stock piled the snow on the
south west corner of the lot.
By the end of the winter it
was a sizable pile, but it
saved the cost of hauling the
snow away. Mark Destaca-
mento Cleaning Service con-
tinued to clear the sidewalks
of snow and clean the church
(vacuum and clean the car-
pets, clean the toilets, clean
and wax the floors, take out
the garbage, cut the lawn).
We had to replace the vac-
uum head up stairs.
During 2013 the following
events/projects occurred:
We had several minor
natural gas leaks in May
and had them repaired,
(small leaks in the pipe
joints going into two
furnaces and the hot wa-
ter heater)
a City Flood Prevention
Inspection was com-
pleted in May. We fol-
lowed up with a final re-
contouring of the land-
scaping, developed two
swales, build up the
l an d s c ap e t im b e r s
around the church
(except for the west side
where the new addition
was to be constructed) re
-seeded the lawn and laid
a new step at the back
door with extra drainage
and raised the retaining
wall around the step.
The Fire Marshal
wanted us to have the
retaining wall further
out from the back door,
so we did that. We raised
the air conditioners and
put a new base under
them to prevent settling.
All this was completed
over the summer.
In early July the Fire
Marshal came again and
recommended there be
no storage in the stair
wells and requested re-
pair of the emergency
light switch. They also
asked that the back step
retaining wall be ex-
tended out one meter.
This was all completed.
The garden shed was
moved by O’Hanlon
Paving to the south east
corner of the parking lot.
A foundation had to be
prepared with landscape
timbers and a form made
for the gravel ramp.
Lynn Wolford donated a
basketball hoop so it is
located by the shed.
During the spring the
trees and shrubs were
watered by Brent Skin-
ner until we found out
the landscape company
that put them in was
also watering so Brent
stopped and let them
finish for the summer.
Stucco was added
around the wall of the
back step. Cedar chips
were put under the trees
on the south.
I had many helpers with
the landscaping and re-
contouring the land as
well as preparing the soil
for seeding including:
Terry Lemiski, Tom La-
Pointe, Owen Bamford,
YiYi Datar, and Rick
Pawluk.
We installed new ceiling
tiles in the basement,
thanks to the help from
Tom LaPointe, Marvin
Severson, Terry Lemiski
and others. Jim Schetzle
helped fix a furnace that
was leaking.
New window blinds were
installed in the base-
ment, and the speakers
from the sanctuary were
installed in the basement
along with a new ampli-
fier, audio and visual
cables (sound and visual
can be broadcast from
upstairs to downstairs).
A wireless microphone
was donated by Brander
Garden Rocks courtesy
of TD’s MusiCounts
program.
Rogers built an exten-
sion onto the cell tower.
The City of Edmonton
did a final inspection of
the basement renovation
and electrical.
Construction of the
Church extension was
started. A key lock was
installed. A tree had to
be removed along the
new parking lot as it was
going to fall and hit one
of the new lamp posts
that lights the parking
lot.
~ David Galbraith
Property & Maintenance Page 10
Groundbreaking
September 10, 2013
Basement foundation
September 26, 2013
Significant progress
December 13, 2013
Page 11
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee’s
program was largely linked
to the Building Implementa-
tion Team in 2013 and its
activities in regard to devel-
oping the building expansion
project.
The main projects included:
completion of the park-
ing lot and making final
payments (huge thank
you to Brent Skinner for
leading the Building
Committee since incep-
tion);
holding a successful
capital fundraising cam-
paign that ended in 2013
and netted $200,000 in
new pledges;
getting congregational
approval in March for
developing a financing
plan for the final phase
of the building project;
discussing the concept of
the columbarium and
taking it to the congre-
gation for its further
consideration in August;
discussing the concept of
Faith Bonds with the
congregation in March
and receiving approval
for developing a Faith
Bond program in Au-
gust;
developing the financing
plan and submitting it
to the board and congre-
gation for approval in
August;
offering, receiving and
approving bids (for
Board consideration) for
the building expansion
construction;
appointing Matthew
Schoenhardt as the
building project man-
ager;
celebrating the ground-
breaking for the new
building expansion,
writing a third grant
application to the pro-
vincial Community Fa-
cilities Enhancement
Program for another
$125,000 donation to
support the building
expansion; and
selecting an interior de-
sign subcommittee and
an interior designer to
choose the colour pallet
and the furnishings for
the new expansion.
Members of the committee
in 2013 were: Bev Sawyer,
Christine Ens, Lynne
Wolford, Jill Spanner, David
Gailbraith, Erik Mustonen,
David Hitesman (completed
term) and Brent Skinner
(completed term).
Members of the ad hoc Fi-
nancing sub-committee
were: Tom LaPointe, Terry
Hunt, and David Turner.
Members of the ad hoc Inte-
rior Design sub-committee
are: Christine Ens, Lynne
Wolford, and Michelle Rum-
bold.
~ Respectfully submitted
David M. Olson, chair
Building Implementation Team
Construction on the expan-
sion is well underway and
g o i n g r e m a r k a b l y
smoothly. Thank you to
everyone for their patience
during construction. We will
soon be back and find that
our new normal is even bet-
ter! The scheduled date of
substantial completion – ob-
taining an occupancy permit
– is 31 March 2014 and my
current forecast is that while
we might miss this by a week
or two, it is a negligible
schedule slip in terms of the
entire project.
While we will be able to get
into our building this Easter,
certain seasonal issues will
need to be corrected after
spring has firmly arrived.
On the cost front on a total
budget of $1.22 MM, includ-
ing consultant and contrac-
tor fees, we will be slightly
over budget in the range of
3%. The only surprise to me
as a professional is the size of
the cost overrun – I firmly
expected a larger one. Fixed
-price contracts are a guaran-
teed minimum cost and our
project carried less than 5%
contingency. While I am
getting well versed in saying
“NO” to congregational re-
quests in order to contain
costs, certain things either
had to be done or just made
common sense. Reasons for
the likely minor cost overrun
include: some existing pre-
conditions that had to be
investigated and addressed
such as a partial sewer line
blockage; minor scope items
that were missed but needed
such as a central vacuum
system; functionality im-
provements such as a photo-
copier-storage room; and, pre
-building for the columbar-
ium to obtain construction
synergy and overall cost sav-
ings on this congregationally
approved second project.
All-in-all the project is basi-
cally on-time and on-budget.
A special thanks to Jacque-
line Hunt, whose daily
“minding of the shop” sup-
port in this project has been
fantastic!
~ Matthew Schoenhardt
Upstairs meeting
room area
January 2014
Page 12
Riverbend United Church
14907- 45 Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta
T6H 5K8
The mission of Riverbend United Church is to celebrate the Good News of
Jesus Christ, to embody the Good News for the world, and to welcome
one another in the name of Christ.
Donald E. Koots Congregational Ministry
Joanne Olson Health Ministry
Andrew Sims Music Ministry &
Accompanist
Lois Samis Lund Music Ministry,
Handbells
Jacqueline Hunt Office Manager
Bev Sawyer Board Chair Laurie Simonar Chair Elect Lynne Wolford Past Chair Finance David Olson Ministry & Personnel Doug Spaner Members-At-Large Dennis Allen Christine Ens Erik Mustonen Outreach Judy Cook Pastoral Care Maureen Helfrich Property & Maintenance David Galbraith Secretary Carolyn Miller Treasurer Jacqueline Hunt Youth Council Rep. Emily Severson Women of the United Lynne Wolford Church
RUC Official Board & Staff
Check out our new website
at :
www.riverbendunited.org
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