PROFILE OF THE WESTMINSTER CHURCH AREA COMMUNITY
Westminster Church is an urban church located in the West End of the City of Winnipeg, surrounded by the West Broadway and Wolseley communities. It is &rhquo;a congregation coming out of a diversity of residential areas, socio-economic and racial backgrounds, ages and faith experiences and yet called into a unity by our common discipleship to Christ&lhquo; (Mission Statement 1986).
Westminster is home to the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra concerts, a Concert Organ Series, many school and college graduation ceremonies, choral concerts and classes of the Winnipeg Music Festival. A Day Care operates out of Westminster and works closely with the Westminster Housing Society to provide affordable housing for low-income tenants and to upgrade housing stock in the West Broadway area. Project Peacemakers works out of its office located on the second floor.
Westminster Church shares with the West Broadway Community Ministry and with Agape Table to help in providing food and services to some of the underprivileged.
The church sponsors mid-week groups (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts) for young people in the community. A Blue Christmas Service is held yearly to provide consolation to those who have suffered a loss in the past year. On a global perspective, Westminster supports International H.O.P.E. in providing usable medical and surgical supplies and equipment to needy countries around the world.
OUR HISTORY
Westminster first opened its membership roll on October 22, 1892. In a few years, due to increasing church membership, a new facility was erected at the corner of Notre Dame and Charlotte. By 1909, Westminster’s membership had tripled and the congregation was faced with the need for a new, larger facility. A site at Maryland and Buell (later named Westminster) was selected and on June 16, 1912, more than 1300 people were in attendance for its inaugural service.
On June 10, 1925, after years of discussion, the union of the Methodist, Presbyterians, and Congregationalists into The United Church of Canada became a fact. On Sunday, June 21, the congregation voted to join the Union and Westminster United Church was born.
An extensive discernment process was conducted over four years beginning in 2002, regarding the issue of same gender marriage. In 2006, at a Board meeting, the motion &lhquo;That all couples who may be legally married in the province of Manitoba may be considered for marriage at Westminster United Church&rhquo; was passed. The motion regarding the corresponding policy on the Solemnization of Marriages was also carried. This included the statement that &lhquo;The ministers of Westminster United Church will be expected to be governed by their conscience, as informed by their understanding of the gospel of Christ, in exercising their discretion as to whom they will marry on behalf of Westminster Church.&rhquo;
PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH
Westminster Church, a Manitoba heritage building is a cathedral-style church that can accommodate approximately 925 persons.
The main floor has office space for two ministers that open into a common administrative area; a large lecture hall, chapel, library and ladies’ choir room.
The second floor consists of a large room (known as the Concert Hall), and series of multi-purpose meeting rooms that also accommodate Sunday School classes. Also on the second floor is the Men’s choir room and choir office space.
The basement has a large gym, a planned full service kitchen and multiple storage areas. The basement is also the home of the Westminster Daycare.
An exterior wheelchair ramp and interior lift was recently constructed to accommodate the needs of our congregation and community at large.
WORSHIP AT WESTMINSTER CHURCH
Sunday worship services at Westminster emphasize the importance of the proclamation of the Word and the praise of God through hymns, anthems, spiritual songs, and musical offerings. We aim to have a special time for children in each service before they depart for Sunday School.
The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is celebrated six times a year during the Sunday morning service and on Maundy Thursday. The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated as often as six or seven times a year early in the service so that children can be present before departing for Sunday School.
In our services of worship, we aim for a spirit of reverence. We understand that while reverence includes awe before the mystery of God, it does not preclude smiles, laughter, and, occasionally, heartfelt applause from God’s people. Paying careful attention to the church year, the reading of scripture and preaching often follow the lectionary; however, the lectionary is treated as a resource, not a prescription, and there is freedom to depart from it.
Our preaching is biblical and aims always to be a witness to Jesus Christ, our risen Saviour and Lord. Many at Westminster comment that they appreciate having biblical texts illumined and then brought to bear upon specific issues in public and personal life today. It is gratifying that people find our preaching to be helpful in this way. Our preaching is focused on making us relevant to the way and world of Christ that is revealed to us in the Bible. We are citizens of the kingdom of God, and our preaching and praying needs to help us understand and exercise that citizenship.
Weddings comprise a large part of our summer ministry to the community, with an average of 35 – 50 ceremonies performed throughout the year, with the majority taking place during the summer months.
MUSIC MINISTRY
Music has always been an important part of services at Westminster and a strong draw for many members. The Casavant organ, installed in 1912, is one of the finest pipe organs in Winnipeg.Organist, Don Menzies has beenour organist for 45 years, and is one of the founders of the Westminster Concert Organ Series. Now in its 23rd year, it continues to showcase the splendid four manual organ by bringing in three exciting world-renowned international artists every year. A major revision to the Organ, planned for May through September of 2012 will bring new life and vigour to the instrument.
The adult choir membership has always been strong and varies from 35 to 50 singers. There are generally two choral offerings each Sunday, one by the choir and one by one of our soloists. Our Director of Music in Worship, Nathan Poole, is now in his 3rd year at Westminster, and the choir has been showing the results of his vital approach with many new, young members. Nathan’s overriding concern is that our music support the text and theme of the liturgy. The largest choral worship event every year is the Christmas Eve service at 11 pm, enjoyed by a packed church for at least 50 years. The service is preceded by an organ recital at 10:30.
Every year, the music of the Church has been enriched by many special voices. Outstanding soloists have contributed much to the music program. The ‘Betty Halstead Choral Scholarship’ supports young student soloists who add their skills and energy to the choir.
CHURCH ACTIVITIES
An office administrator, an Executive Council and a General Board consisting of a chair, secretary and representatives of the various committees, provide the administration of the church. The Executive Council and General Board meet on a monthly basis. Westminster also has a dedicated group of volunteers who actively participate in the everyday life of the church. The Budget and Management Committee manages the financial activities of the church.
a. PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care is a very important dimension of Westminster’s service to its church community. The ministerial staff and lay visitors are dedicated to visiting shut-ins and hospital patients. Communion and counselling are provided when requested.
We have a need to emphasize the level of our pastoral care to reach out both to the regulars in the congregation and those who have recently been affiliated but no longer active. Pastoral care is of great importance to our future programs of ministry.
b. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CE plays a vital role in the life of our church. A new Superintendent is working hard to recruit teachers and is using curriculum entitled, The Kids’ Travel Guide. The 2010 program covered the The Lord’s Prayer, and in 2011 they are learning about The Ten Commandments. Family activities are planned three times during the year: a worship festival in Advent or Lent, an outdoor activity in February and the Sunday School wind-up in May after church. A Christmas or Easter play is undertaken every two years. Sunday School enrollment is currently at 21, with average attendance around 12 weekly. A part-time Youth Director was hired in 2008 who attends on Sunday mornings and also plans events once a month during the week. The participation has grown to 10 young people. Youth Confirmation is held every two years.
There have been several adult study programs over the last four years. The Disciples program ran successfully for four years until 2008. The &lhquo;Busy People Bible Study,&rhquo; currently led by Rev. Szemok, meets on alternate Tuesdays and is exploring the Bible through lecture and discussion.
c. COMMUNICATION
Up until 2008, Westminster Church published a monthly newsletter and news items in the weekly bulletin. It was decided last year to focus energies on the website which would allow for photographs, articles and news items and be accessible by anyone belonging to Westminster or interested in knowing more about the church. It is being well-used although we know there are some members without computer access. The committee continues to update the website (westminsterchurchwinnipeg.ca) to include service videos. The Sunday bulletin includes updates of weekly church activities, hospital updates and news and achievements of church members. In late 2011, the Newsletter is again being produced to meet the needs of shut-ins and those members without computer access and an updated congregational directory is in progress.
d. OUTREACH
The Outreach Committee is an active group dedicated to supporting outreach activities of the church that address local, community and global needs. Outreach supports local charities such as Agape Table, Houseblend Ministries, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata, and Art City that provide nourishment for the body, mind and spirit of our vulnerable populations.
Supporting International Hope strengthens and enriches our ties to the global community while support for Westminster Housing enables local community members a quality place to live. Outreach is actively involved in Upstream Cluster Group of Partners in Mission, a group of churches with outreach programs in the inner city.
The Outreach desire to support the growing refugee population in our community manifests in a Westminster scholarship presented annually to a refugee student of English as an Additional Language at Gordon Bell High School. Two educational events with guest speakers are held after church each year to keep the congregation in touch with pertinent community issues.
A &lhquo;Kids Christmas Gift Sale&rhquo; is held annually where children from the community surrounding Westminster Church can purchase gifts for their family and friends for $1 or less.
PROFILE OF WESTMINSTER CHURCH/ RESOURCES
Due to cautious budgeting, the church is debt free and mortgage free. We generate most of our finances by annual pledges by membership though envelopes, post-dated cheques and PAR. The annual stewardship campaign results in pledges of approximately $295,000. Rental revenues for office space, for the Child Care Centre, for use of the sanctuary for weddings, funerals, concerts and similar events generate $70,000 annually, and the revenue from rental of the office building adjacent to the church at 120 Maryland generates approximately $42,000 per year with $17,000 generated through other donations. In addition, the Westminster Foundation with assets of approximately $2,100,000 generates about $85,000 a year with respect to buildings and major maintenance items, resulting in a well-maintained building. Special fundraising generated approximately $9,800 in 2010.
Westminster spends the bulk of its budget on staff salaries and allowances. In 2010, $279,900 of a total budget of $416,430 was allocated to total salaries and allowances. Other expenses such as heating, insurance, water lights, security, repairs and maintenance, and office supplies amounted to $103,000. Westminster is always prepared to make a generous donation to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church-$34,000 in 2010.
Other salaried staff includes a secretary and 1 full-time and 2 part-time custodians. The church treasurer and the envelope secretary receive honoraria. Westminster employs a director of music, an organist, 4 soloists and a choral scholar to maintain the glorious music ministry that is so much a part of this church and its heritage. All these personnel are an integral part of life at Westminster.
The annual Stewardship campaign for financial pledges also encourages the donation of time and talent. The Nominating committee is actively involved through out the year seeking volunteers for Board committees and for other activities and fundraising events.
The annual Stewardship campaign for financial pledges also encourages the donation of time and talent. The Nominating committee is actively involved through out the year seeking volunteers for Board committees and for other activities and fundraising events.
WESTMINSTER MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
Westminster United Church is a congregation not far from Winnipeg’s city centre. We draw our membership from virtually every postal code in Winnipeg, with perhaps three quarters coming from beyond the local church area. There are 492 members as of December 2011. Sunday attendance varies from 125 to 150 on a weekly basis, with approximately 350 in attendance for Easter Sunday, and 900+ on Christmas Eve.
In 2008, a very thorough pastoral oversight report was undertaken by Winnipeg Presbytery. With specific reference to membership, the report mentioned that the congregation in 2006 had participated in a program designed to help”increase the membership by improving the ways in which we welcome newcomers.” During this period one could sense a definite change as one entered the church on Sunday mornings or spoke to ‘coffee hosts’ after church or stayed for the monthly lunches provided by the fellowship committee.
Recently, the congregation embarked on an extensive period of self-evaluation to discover the kind of church that God is calling us to be into the future.
JOINT NEEDS ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
In September 2009, a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) was struck for the dual purpose of understanding the congregational requirements for the on-going ministry and using those requirements as the basis for any call issued for a new minister resulting from the resignation of one of the two ministers at Westminster United Church who had accepted a call to an Outreach Ministry position at the Conference level.
This committee recommended that:
- Westminster United Church board request assistance from Winnipeg Presbytery to form a working/task group consisting of resource people from Presbytery and members of the congregation with a mandate to:
- engage the congregation in a conversation about future directions, vision, and mission, including worship, christian education, pastoral care, stewardship/finances and outreach components, taking into account the responses received by the current JNAC
- make recommendations regarding the kind of church God is calling Westminster to be in 2010 and beyond, and the implications for staffing needs
This process resulted in a year of consultation and dialogue, resulting in the “WOW” committee recommendations document (attached). ** Appendix I
In October of 2011, the Board of Westminster appointed the following members to the 2011-2012 JNAC committee:
- Carol Latter(chair)
- Grace Aoki
- John Badertscher (Presbytery Rep)
- Sheri Dyck
- Vivian MacDonald
- Ron Miller
- Jan Nato
- Sherrie Steiner
At the meeting of the Church Board in November, 2011, the priorities assigned by the Board to the WOW document were as follows:
- The congregation will intentionally focus on “Making Connections”
- Managing Potential Conflict
- To establish a “Ministry Team”
- The congregation to enter into a period of ‘Experimentation around Worship’
- 5. Exploration of a new governance model
The committee met a total of 6 times through November and December and consulted with Eric Stewart, chair of Budget & Management, and both Rev. Campbell and Rev. Szemok.
The recommendations that the current JNAC committee proposes are based on the following assumptions:
- That Westminster Church is in a financial position to sustain the salary of two full time ministers for at least the coming 3-year period.
- That the “WOW” document and priorities set by the Board represent a slight ‘shift’ in priorities from the 2010 JNAC report, focusing on making connections within and beyond the congregation.
- That the model we propose is based on the parallel model for multiple staff ministers1, and as such, the Job Description to be advertised is for that of a Diaconal Minister, with all orders of ministry being encouraged to apply.
We therefore recommend:
- That Westminster United Church request Winnipeg Presbytery to declare a vacancy for a Diaconal Minister, Ordained Minister or Designated Lay Minister at Westminster Church, with primary responsibilities for Congregational Visioning, Faith Formation, Pastoral Care and Outreach.
- That Westminster United Church approve the amended job description of the Ordained minister and affirm, in accordance with Sections 051 and 052(d) of the United Church manual, that the changes in the job description do not constitute a material change in the pastoral relationship between the congregation and Robert Campbell.
Appendix I: WOW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS TO WESTMINSTER UC BOARD
January 18, 2011
The meaning of our name ‘WOW’ — A full reflection is available in Appendix A.
The name WOW stands for Walk On Water, a reference to the story of the disciples seeing Jesus walking on water while they are in a boat buffeted by a storm. Jesus says to them, “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid!” Peter asks to come across the water to Jesus.
Jesus says “Come.” Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water towards Jesus, but then begins to sink, yelling “Save me.” Jesus grabs him and returns him to the community in the boat, saying “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The boat has been a commonly used symbol of the church. The story can be seen as a story of the church community sailing blissfully to the shore ahead, then suddenly finding itself in an unfriendly environment, struggling just to stay afloat. The community discovers that Jesus is nearby, although not necessarily easily recognized by those who are fighting for their survival.
Peter wants to go to Jesus, to walk on water — to be immune to the effects of the storm. When Peter pays more attention to the storm than to Jesus he begins to sink. Jesus brings him back to the church boat.
Jesus says Peter has little faith, perhaps reminiscent of Jesus&’s teaching about mustard seed faith. The words may suggest that we don’t need to be miracle water walkers, but trusting ‘little faiths,’ who spot Jesus in the storm.
WOW has emerged from Westminster’s trust in God amidst the storms which swirl around the church today, and asks us to explore questions of being the church of Christ in these stormy times.
Our understanding of what we were asked to do:
- To build upon the feedback received through the JNAC process by engaging the congregation in conversations about possibilities for renewal in all aspects of church life.
- To make recommendations regarding the kind of church God is calling Westminster to be in 2010 and beyond, and the implications for staffing needs.
Background:
The WOW committee facilitated three congregational discussions after the morning service on the last Sundays of September, October, and November 2010. Between forty and sixty congregational members attended each session, with several other members answering questions on paper in between sessions if they could not attend.
The first session focused on a general conversation about members’ personal connection to “church” as a concept, as well as what they envisioned “church” to be. Exit slips asked members to consider how Westminster can best be “church” today, as well as changes that may be necessary in order to become that church.
At the October session, members brought forward their answers to these questions and several main themes were identified: 1) Reconnecting the Congregation 2) Alternative Worship and what that means to us 3) Renewal of Congregational Leadership 4) Youth and 5) Music. During the third session in November, presentations were made by Nathan Poole, our Director of Music, as well as Jana Venter, our Youth Leader, and Helen LaRue, Chair of Christian Education (representing the Sunday School). They provided information about how these ministries were moving forward. The congregation then broke into three groups to discuss the three other highlighted priorities. The WOW recommendations were drafted from a synthesis of congregational voice(s) heard in the JNAC 2009 survey, the three conversations in fall 2010, and written input.
Recommendations:
After the considering the feedback from our consultations (as described above) the WOW committee makes the following five recommendations:
1. The congregation to enter into a period of ‘Experimentation around Worship’.
The congregation and leadership (volunteer and paid accountable) formally agree to experiment with new elements in worship (i.e. drumming; more people involved in worship; more guest preachers, a youth service). This does not mean radically changing the worship service, but to introduce a less formal/structured approach. The Worship Committee would work closely with the worship leader(s) to make this happen.
2. The congregation will intentionally focus on ‘Making Connections’:
Making connections with God and self (Discipleship)
Making connections within the congregation (Faith formation/Pastoral Care)
Making connections beyond the congregation (Outreach)
Creating Life Groups or Interest groups who gather around a particular interest to them
Continuing to have Faith Forum conversations (set a specific number of times) in order to touch base with one another about the collective health of the congregation.
Offering pastoral care to nurture the health of the individuals within the church congregation
Evaluating the current approach to stewardship see what works well with people and what components of the stewardship campaign might be revised.
We believe it to be important to initially focus on connections within the congregation prior to looking at outreach initiatives. This is not to say that outreach projects don’t continue during this time but that they become more of a focus after the congregation has had some time nurturing relationships with one another.
3. To establish a ‘Team Ministry’ focusing on the areas of ministry listed below.
Although no ‘official’ definition is cited by the United Church of Canada, in the United Church document, How Will we Team?, team ministry is defined as “two or more ministry personnel working cooperatively, engaged by a pastoral charge, Presbytery, Conference, or some other church body.”2
In the Westminster situation, it would be the recommendation of this committee that these paid accountable leaders would be expected to work collaboratively, sharing ideas and ways to give life to the various priorities of this congregation. Each member of the team would have equal levels of authority and responsibility.
To create a ‘team ministry’ which focuses on the following priorities:
Worship
Making Connections/Discipleship (this portfolio would reflect the priority as outlined in number two where someone is responsible for working with the congregation to come up with new ways to make connections with God, self, within the congregation, the community – this would have traditionally been known as the Faith Formation/ Outreach/ Pastoral Care portfolio)
Youth
Music
These priorities would require the equivalent of 2 full-time positions and could be filled by ordered ministers or designated lay ministers. The ministry of youth and music would continue with the energy and momentum they currently have.
Along with the new job descriptions that will need to be created, the roles of paid accountable ministry and roles of laity will need to be clearly communicated as in our discussions it became apparent that people have different understandings about the role of the Board and that of the ministers.
* We recognize that this recommendation will need to be fleshed out more fully in the JNAC process (i.e. creation of job descriptions, etc.)
4. Exploration of a new Governance Model
To gather a group together to explore what governance structure might be best suited to help the ministry and mission of Westminster move forward in this context.
They can evaluate the current system, receiving feedback on what is currently happening or not
Examples of different models of governance are available from the Presbytery and the United Church handbook.
5. Managing Potential Conflict
As this period of experimentation is pursued and diversity is introduced, it can easily be the breeding ground for conflict within the congregation. Therefore, we recommend the creation of a mechanism/process so that when conflict arises it can be addressed directly and in a timely manner. There are Presbytery/Conference resource people who are able to help in Conflict Management.
We have not ‘examined’ the financial situation of the congregation. Instead, we make these recommendations based on the feedback, interest and passion of the congregation, and the potential we see for continued faith formation and exploration as the Body of Christ in this community.
APPENDIX ‘A’: The full reflection on how WOW got its name.
Jesus’s disciples are in a boat on the lake when the wind picked up and the waves began smashing against the boat. Jesus is seen walking on the lake. The disciples are afraid, thinking it is a ghost (undoubtedly a Holy Ghost). Jesus says to them “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid” (‘Hey, it’s just me, don’t panic)
Peter says, “if it is you, Lord, tell me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus says “Come”
Peter gets out of the boat and walks on the water towards Jesus. But then he sees the wind, becomes afraid and begins to sink yelling “Save me”
Jesus immediately reaches out, grabs him and climbs back into the boat with him, saying “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The wind dies down when Jesus gets into the boat.
Those in the boat worship Jesus and say “Truly you are the Son of God”
The boat was a commonly used symbol of the church in the early history of Christianity (and today with the World Council of churches). The story can be seen as a story of the church community sailing blissfully to the shore ahead, and suddenly finding itself buffeted, stormed, in an unfriendly environment, and feeling that they have to struggle just to stay afloat.
In fact, they are not alone. Jesus is nearby, although not necessarily easily recognized by those who are fighting for their survival. Jesus lets them know he is in the vicinity and they shouldn’t give in to their fears.
Peter decides he wants to go to where Jesus is, and wants to be able to walk on water, basically to be immune to the effects of the environment, the changed conditions. Jesus invites him to try. One might wonder how the other disciples felt who are still struggling to steer the boat in the storm, but now have one fewer crew persons to help.
Peter initially seems to be fine, but then starts paying attention more to the storm than to Jesus and so begins to sink. Jesus is very close (does Peter only sink when he gets within arms distance of Jesus? does getting close to Jesus on our own sometimes make us more aware of the storms around us) and Jesus pulls him out of the storm and brings him back to the church boat with everyone else.
Jesus says Peter has little faith – but Jesus’ teachings also contain the story of the small mustard seed, and the assurance that if his disciples have a little faith, like that seed, they can move mountains, so ‘Little faith’ may not be a criticism but an assurance that Peter doesn’t need greater faith (Luke 17:6), but trust not to doubt that Jesus is present with the church even during the storms. It may be an assurance that you don’t need to be a miracle water walker, but a trusting little faith.
WOW has emerged from Westminster’s recognition of the storms which swirl around the church today – financial stresses, fewer people connecting with congregations for spiritual direction and nurturing, changing patterns of work hours and technology…- WOW emerges from a trust in God, that we are not alone, that the presence of the resurrected Christ is in our world, and is near. WOW – walk on water – suggests that the church needs to spot Jesus in the storm, and asks us to explore questions such as “How do we live out of faith/trust, not out of fear in the midst of the storms” “will the church sail to a new shore, despite the storms, or will it turn back to the familiar shore?” “do we trust that Jesus is always near, and will get back into the boat with us?” “Does the hope of the church rest in super stars of faith walking on water, or does the hope of the church rest in people of little faith rowing together until we re-discover Jesus in or midst”
We chose the name WOW because the story of the boat in the storm is a parable, a great story of faith that raises more questions than answers, but which invites us to let the questions awaken our imaginations and see where the questions and the story may lead us, trusting that Jesus – whether found in the storm or in the boat – is still okay, present and near us.
Appendix II – Definition of Parallel Team model, per “How Will We Team? Making the Most of Multiple Staff Ministry”, by Catherine Barnsley and Carol Stevenson Seller.
Parallel Model
Staff is assigned to separate (clear and well-defined) job descriptions.
Each staff member works in particular areas of expertise and consults with one another only as work crosses over into another’s area.
There may be separate support structures for each position, and connection and overview happens at the Board/Church Council only.
Decisions are made by individuals in her/his own area of responsibility.
