Our Council

A Synopsis of Committee Duties

Christian Development Committee (Chair Contact: chaircd@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Christian Development Committee to:

  • provide leadership so that all persons, may, at each stage of their lives, come to know God as revealed though Christ Jesus and to nurture in them a sensitive and effective Christian life and service.
  • maintain a cradle roll.
  • give leadership in the recruitment and training of adults to meet the needs of groups and organizations within the Church.
  • Provide opportunities for inter-generational learning and sharing through such things as Midweek and Community activities, Parent Education, Senior Citizens' Forum, Retreats, Special Sunday programming.
  • work with a Presbytery Representative in publicizing and promoting Presbytery Christian Development events.
  • arrange, with the minister(s), for Confirmation Classes to be held at least annually..
  • encourage adherents and newcomers to participate in adult Confirmation Classes.
  • provide in December, a report of the committee's work for inclusion in the Annual Report to the Congregation;

and such other tasks that fall under the jurisdiction of the committee or as may be properly assigned to it.

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Finance Committee (Chair Contact: chairfinance@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Finance Committee to:

  • present the unified budget to the Church Council for approval at the November meeting and to the congregation at the Annual Meeting.
  • present an annual financial report to the Annual Congregational Meeting.
  • (assigned from Part FIVE - DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL)

  • manage and maintain the computer and communications technology of the church as required. This will include backup and emergency restoration procedures of the computer system. (Treasures handbook)
  • support the work of the Treasurer.
  • arrange for the weekly offering to be counted and deposited in the bank.
  • cooperate with the church office and the Treasurer to sign and distribute the official charitable receipts by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency deadline of February 28th.
  • complete, with assistance from the Treasurer, the government charitable registration Form 3010.
  • prepare, in October, an annual budget for the work of the Finance Committee and present it to the Council for approval.
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Membership Committee (Chair Contact: chairmembership@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Membership Committee to:

  • assist with the keeping of records and historical records of Knox - St. Paul's United Church in accordance with United Church of Canada procedures. Manual 090, 091, 092
  • provide an up-to-date membership and adherent list to the Nominating Committee at their request.
  • prepare brochures describing the work of the Church Council and the tasks of each of the committees.
  • publicize and promote the United Church 'Observer'.
  • annually in October, the Envelope Secretary shall prepare the offering envelopes for pick-up and distribution in cooperation with the Administrative Assistant.
  • refresh the supply of welcome cards and gift envelopes in the pews monthly and budget for reprinting if required.
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Ministry & Personnel Committee (Chair Contact: chairm_p@knoxstpauls.com)

The most recent issue of the United Church of Canada Handbook for Ministry & Personnel Committees shall serve as a reference for this committee.

It shall be the duty of the Ministry & Personnel Committee to:

  • annually review salaries and bring budget recommendations to the Finance Committee.
  • annually review the Minister(s) allowances and bring budget recommendations to the Finance Committee.
  • review the Job Descriptions of all personnel on an annual basis and make recommendations to the Council any changes related to those job descriptions.
  • review the job performance of all Church staff annually and provide them with a written copy of such performance.
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Mission & Stewardship Committee (Chair Contact: chairmission@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Mission & Stewardship Committee to:

  • develop long range policies designed to ensure the financial stability of the congregation.
  • communicate to the congregation why funds are needed and how they will be expended.
  • use approved methods of church fundraising to secure commitment and participation in the mission of the congregation.
  • organize periodic visitations for stewardship purposes.
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Outreach & Visitation Committee (Chair Contact: chairoutreach@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Outreach & Visitation Committee to:

  • oversee the operation of the Teleministry.
  • encourage local outreach ministry initiatives such as 'Feed My Sheep'.
  • ensure Pastoral Care for shut-ins, seniors of the congregation and hospital patients and refer to the Minister(s) requests for Sacraments.
  • oversee Mission Education and the distribution of Mission Projects.
  • develop plans and strategy regarding Christian social concern for local, national and international affairs.
  • give leadership to the congregation on public moral and evangelical issues, and encourage concern for, and involvement in, these areas by people of the congregation.
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Property Committee (Chair Contact: chairproperty@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Property Committee to:

  • work with the Administrative Assistant to plan and schedule the appropriate regular tests of the fire alarm system, the emergency exit lights and the security system.
  • provide guidance to the Administrative Assistant in the provisioning of access codes for the security system and of keys to the church.
  • oversee the ongoing maintenance and repairs of the church building and equipment, church grounds and furnishings.
  • ensure the proper operation and inspection of the elevator. Assist ushers in understanding the operation of the elevator. KSP-ELEV-100-100 1
  • review the fire emergency plan once a year in 'April', the exit direction cards and booklets found at fire alarm pull locations.
  • check that all fire exit doors open readily by the push bar.
  • do an emergency generator power transfer test in October of each year ensuring that some members of the committee have a very good understanding of the task. KSP-EMRG-102-002 1
  • understand and monitor the operation of the roof de-icer cables laid over the church offices KSP-ROOF-209-100 1
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Sacraments & Worship Committee (Chair Contact: chairs_w@knoxstpauls.com)

It shall be the duty of the Sacraments & Worship Committee to:

  • oversee the admission of persons into full membership in the congregation and grant permission for their removal.
  • oversee the administration of the Sacraments, to include preparation of the Sacraments.
  • oversee the care and use of the organ, pianos, liturgical furnishings, banners, hymn books and pew Bibles.
  • assist in the formulation of liturgical content for, and actively participate in, worship services of a special nature i.e. Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation.
  • recognize suitable lay members as Inquirers, and to recommend to Presbytery suitable inquirers to be candidates. Manual 153 iv)
  • ensure that all the physical arrangements are in place for church services; i.e. Greeters, Ushers, Servers, sound system attendant, audio loop, etc. as required.
  • ensure that an attendance count is taken by the ushers at each service. The results to be forwarded each week to the church office for statistical purposes.
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