While this report focuses on Grace’s financial aspects, we can’t understate the unrecorded value of contributions of time and energy from members who have led and/or participated in the church’s operations and its projects. Without these efforts, the finances have little meaning. Your gifts of time, talents and treasure support the following key activity areas:
Worship and music
Our worship is participatory. Everyone is invited to sing lively and meaningful hymns, respond to prayers and assume leadership roles with their gifts and exploring interests. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- hire a new musician to provide music leadership
- acquire music licenses and plan, organize, rehearse and perform the music of worship
- acquire altar resources including a new pascal candle, flowers and seasonal decorations
- greet people as they arrive and make them feel welcome
Learning
Christian learning provides our members the ability to grow in their awareness and understanding of the grace of God in their lives and in Christ’s church. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- plan curriculum, purchase materials, and provide fun and welcoming learning experiences
- confirm five of our youth
- conduct weekly adult Bible study sessions
Benevolance
God’s grace connects us to all of God’s people in the world. We share the concerns of the hungry, the blind, the oppressed and all who long to see the fullness of God’s peace and justice revealed in our world. We express our concern for global human need through our donations and support of multiple need programs. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- support the Synod and its programs such as Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the ELCIC Praise Appeal
- support SafetyNet
- support Sleeping Children of the World
- serve free community dinners at Kerr Street Ministry
- collect and deliver food for local food banks
Membership development
Throughout the year we gather with family, friends and neighbours for social and themed events at Grace. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- host the Harvest Dinner
- provide weekly coffee ministry after Sunday worship
- improve communication to the congregation through the Herald and weekly newsletters
Property
All our activities depend on maintaining our property and the resources in it. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- renovate the kitchen
- paint the church windows and trim
- repairs the heating systems in the church and parsonage
- maintain the cleanliness and safety of the church and grounds
Office and administration
Office and administration functions are vital to the smooth operation of our activities and coordination of volunteers. In 2017, your gifts allowed us to:
- hire a new parish administrator
- maintain accurate financial records, issue receipts for donations, and pay bills on a timely basis
- prepare Sunday bulletins and slides
- publish weekly emails and regular newsletters
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