Beginning in February 2019 a Special Growth Committee was struck by Session to support the mission of this growing church in order to maintain it’s momentum and continue to invite others to  join us.  The committee then examined the role of the minister and made recommendations felt to have a positive impact on the overall mission of the church.  This new structure will allow the minister to sustain focused attention on his responsibilities as teaching elder.  At the same time, through increased elder participation, church operations will improve and be more coherent.  Responsibility of each oversight area include responsibility for activities as well as budget lines associated with that area.

The full details for the new structure and the associated ruling elders;

WORSHIP – TEACHING ELDER – MATTHEW RUTTAN

Oversees all aspects of worship including all services.  Acts as Session liaison for Choir &. Choir, weddings, funerals and sacraments.  Provides leadership as teaching elder for creation of the mission, strategy and direction of the church.  Works through the Worship Committee and Worship Co-ordinators to allow them to execute on worship service requirements (ie: banners, candles, sound, streaming etc.…).

 

 

CLERK OF SESSION – OVERSIGHT ELDER – CATHY CLARK

Collects reports from each Oversight Elder and distributes prior to session meetings. Oversees session minutes for accuracy and distribution.  Guides elders in the execution of their oversight areas and ensures follow-up.  Conducts review of governance structure (first review within 6 months of implementation of new structure) annually.  Works closely with Minister and Session members.

 

FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION & HUMAN RESOURCES – OVERSIGHT ELDER – TOM WALSH

Oversees the finances of the Congregation and prepares draft annual budget in consultation with each elder for their oversight area.  Oversees the preparation of National Church reports and works with the Treasurer to provide timely reporting to Session and the congregation. Oversees the administration team which includes the Coordinator of Congregational Life and Office Volunteers to provide clear and accurate administrative processes.  Supports the minister, elders and congregation in understanding the new governance structure by being key point of contact for distribution of requests.    Oversees Human Resources team.

 

CHURCH OPERATIONS – OVERSIGHT ELDER – AARON HARRIS

Oversees the operational activities of the church which includes communications, building usage and maintenance.   Works through the Coordinator of Congregational Life, Building Usage Leader and Maintenance Leader to deliver a consistent experience for the congregation and visitors for all aspects of the church (ie. communication and physical preparedness of the church for Sunday morning worship).

 

MISSION, STEWARDSHIP & OUTREACH – OVERSIGHT ELDER – GUY GAGNON

Oversees all aspects of mission projects and stewardship campaigns (including fundraising).  Oversees relationship with the community to ensure they are welcomed at church services and events.  Acts as a resource for external partners in a public relations capacity.

 

 

PRAYER & CARE -OVERSIGHT ELDER – MARY COLVIN

Oversees all the church’s prayer and care programs.  This includes Pastoral Care, Outreach Ministries, Prayer Ministries and the Personal Financial Assistance Team (Deacons Fund)

 

 

GROWING OUR FAITH – YOUTH ACTIVITIES –OVERSIGHT ELDER – STEVE SAINSBURY

Oversees all Youth activities that are focused on growth of personal faith and fellowship with other young people within our church community.  Through the Youth Coordinator oversees all programs including Youth Vine, March Break Camp and Vacation Bible Camp.  Oversees Sunday School operations, Nursery and Parent & Tots Playgroup through the volunteer leadership in each of these areas. Works jointly with Oversight Elder for Adult Activities for all Intergenerational Events.

 

GROWING OUR FAITH – ADULT ACTIVITIES – OVERSIGHT ELDER – COLIN LEONARD

Oversees all Adult activities that are focused on growth of personal faith and fellowship    with others within our church community.  This includes Bible Study, Adult Social Club, Stitch & Chatter, Thursday Morning Social, and fellowship focused dinners and teas by working with volunteer leadership for each group.  Through the Coordinator of Congregational Life, oversees Vine groups, our key small groups program.  Works jointly with Oversight Elder for Youth Activities for all Intergenerational Events. Includes the Leading with Care Training program.

 

SPECIAL PROJECTS – OVERSIGHT ELDER – CAROLYN TROTT

The elder is responsible for special or unique projects or events which don’t necessarily fall under the jurisdiction of other oversight areas. Any projects or events overseen by the elder need to be approved at session. The elder should endeavour to coordinate and work with other elders when the projects or events have an impact or overlap with those areas.

 

 

PRESBYTERY REPRESENTATIVE – OVERSIGHT ELDER – CATHY CLARK

Represents Westminster Church at Presbytery of Barrie meetings and participates in the work of the Presbytery.  Acts as the liaison between Session/Congregation and the Presbytery.  Coordinates functions at Westminster for the Presbytery as needed.