Wardens' Report 2007

Buildings

Early in the year, we received Ecclesiastical Insurance Reports for each parish building. These reports indicated a need for upgrades in electrical panels, emergency lights, and fire prevention measures. All the parish buildings were duly improved to comply with the requirements of the reports.

Communications

This year we launched the parish website, with Erin Winchcombe as Webmaster. This is an excellent source for parish news and information. Visit the website at:

http://www.stpaulsrawdon.com/index.html

In addition, we published and distributed three issues of The Shepherd this year, another news and information resource.

Parish Fundraisers

Fundraisers play an important role in the life of our parish. They generate revenue and they provide opportunities for the parish family to come together. This year, we raised over $10,000.00 through these iniatives. Here are some highlights:

• The annual take-out supper on May 26, 2007
• Our first Trivia Night on October 13, 2007
• The Annual Memorial Hymn Sing on November 4, 2007. This year's musical guest was Garnet Wheadon
• Our second Victoria Tea with Dickens on December 1st and 2nd, 2007
• The sale of Christmas sweet trays was a new-to-us fundraiser, as was the sale of evergreen swags

Thank you to the organizers and volunteers who so generously give their time and talents to our fundraising projects!

Other News Highlights

• Sadly, the Union Church community decided to close that building. A special service was held on August 12, 2007. On a happier note, the furnishings from Union Church remain in use, having been distributed to other churches in the parish.

• Organs played a significant role this year. St. Stephen's received a new one as a gift from Joan Boyd. St. Paul's received the Union Church organ, after the closure of Union.

• The parish congratulated two confirmands this year. We presented Luke MacPhee and Ryan Day with Bibles in honour of their confirmation.

• Reverend Gloria led a Visioning Day on September 15, 2007. All who attended enjoyed a day of learning and socializing.

• Bishop Fred visited on September 16, 2007. His service was followed by a potluck lunch.

• Reverend Gloria resigned as rector of our parish effective 31 December 2007. As this fiscal year ends, we are initiating the process to search for a new rector. Reverend Carson Baxter has been appointed Priest-in-Charge during this period. Retired priests, Duanne Tanswell and Bob Brush have generously offered to help ensure that we have weekly services in the parish as we work through the search process.

Respectfully submitted,
Helen Powell, Ruth Himmelman
Wardens