Current Expenses 

This helps mainly to pay for: 

•  The Minister and staff (secretary, organist, caretaker, church school coordinator.
• Utility bills and insurance
• Church school material 
• Presbytery and Synod dues 
• Music and library material
• All office expenses

Presbyterian Sharing

This is the main mission fund of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Whatever we contribute, goes to support all the projects of the General Assembly (eg. Foreign missionaries, grants to start new churches in Canada and/or to support weaker ones, support of the theological colleges to train ministers, committees of the national church).

Heritage Maintenance

Donations to this fund are used to keep this historic church in as good a condition as possible. From it a year ago, for example, we put a new roof on the sanctuary without having to appeal to the congregation for more money. Also from this, we are continually making repairs and improvements.

(Specify)

This is the fourth edition of the offertory envelope. Through it you may direct your offering to an area of your interest. For example, if you want to donate to the building fund, write "Building Fund and the amount". You may want to support Evangel Hall, Crieff, or our Guatemala Project, the Ian MacPhail Fund, or the Dr. D.C. MacDonald Scholarship Fund. Please write in how you want us to direct your offering.

Annual Report - 2007

The Finance & Maintenance Committee is responsible for overseeing the ongoing maintenance of our church facilities and the financial aspects of current expenses. Many of these members have served several terms, serving on other committees as well. Both Gavin and Keith deserve special recognition. Keith has faithfully continued to serve several terms, with Gavin who endlessly continues to maintain and repair our building, saving the church endless financial cost.  

The main project for 2007 was the renovation of the nursery. A new drop ceiling was installed, with new efficient, more economical lighting. The walls were painted, curtains cleaned, with  a new carpet rolled out. This work was provided by the committee members with assistance from former members  Elmer and Willie. Other repairs and maintenance tasks are listed below:

• a) carpets in sanctuary, parlour, balcony and offices were professionally cleaned by Roto-Static. Office carpet although new, required cleaning due to a flood caused by a blocked drainage pipe.

• b) purchase of a twelve foot ladder to enable bulb changing in sanctuary, enabling other heights to be reached as well; thereby saving cost.

• c) disposal of an old upright freezer to help decrease cost of hydro.

• d) an annual “Maintenance & Protection Plan” for furnaces with a local heating contractor, negotiated by Gavin to maintain/decrease furnace repairs.

• e) gradual replacement of - energy saving bulbs.

• f) construction of cabinet to house the carillon bell system control box, undertaken by Elmer, who is invaluable to our committee. He has lent his expertise on many projects and evidence of his handiwork lies throughout the church.

Keith Main, our church treasurer has once again assisted me with the financial aspect of this report which follows:

• General Envelope donations decreased from $159,274 in 2006 to $150,596 in 2007.

• No minister in 2007 resulted in $39,000 savings, however pulpit supply disbursements were up.

• Repairs and maintenance costs were over budget due to costly furnace repairs.

We started 2007 with about a $3000 Current Fund deficit. During the year receipts were $18,000 greater than disbursements. We end the year with a $15,000 surplus.  

The Finance & Maintenance Committee would like to thank all members of the congregation whose generous donations to funds and committees make the work of Finance & Maintenance possible. With your continued support our committee will endeavor to make 2008 another successful year.

The Finance and Maintenance Committee is responsible for overseeing the ongoing maintenance of our church facilities and the financial aspects of our current expenses.

St. Paul’s Church is a large building, expensive to operate and maintain. As such, it requires the assistance and cooperation of the congregation. The committee would like to express gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the operation during 2006; individuals and different committees. Specific individuals reserve special recognition being, Elmer, whose woodworking talents beautify St. Paul’s at literally no cost, as well as Gavin, our hard working property chair person who spends much time maintaining facilities and thereby, saving us much expense. Special thanks to our very busy Thistle Club members whose hard work and many projects have provided Finance and Maintenance with much money to complete various projects.

In the area of improving facilities, our main project during 2006 was to replace the kitchen ceiling and lighting. The lighting is much improved and is more energy efficient. The lights were professionally installed. The remainder of the work was provided by our Finance & Maintenance members, mainly Gavin. The cost was covered by our Thistle Club.

Other repairs and maintenance tasks, somewhat minor but necessary for the smooth operation of the church are listed below:

•  minor landscaping around the new sign

• - exterior wooden doors repaired, refinished with kick plates being installed on the lower wooden doors

• - valances were provided by Thistle Club, installed on shutters in the church school hall

• - some painting done in the kitchen, with more to follow

• - new committee mailboxes were built and installed in the new lower hall by Elmer Turner

• - two security windows installed in the nursery and parlour doors, mandated by Session due to the Leading With Care Policy.

• -Word Perfect Office X3 installed in the office by Beth Smith

In the area of finances, the year has been somewhat of a roller coaster ride. Since we have been without a "full time" minister, some savings have been realized (ie. Minister’s salary is less) however, some ministerial expenses continue, such as health, dental and pension payments.

Our interim moderator, Dr. Stanley Cox as well as several guest ministers are doing excellent work. Interim expenses must be paid, mileage etc. as well as expenses incurred by the "search" process, eg. additional advertising.

Financially speaking (all figures and translations, courtesy of Keith Main), we end the year on a positive note, since our balance for the year of over $9,000 reduces the Current Fund debt from almost $12,000 at the beginning of 2006 to less than $3000 at year end. Several contributing factors enabled this improvement. Heat, light and insurance costs were lower. The gradual transition to more energy efficient bulbs will continue to lower light costs. An Insurance Appraisal and Loss Prevention Report completed in 2005, although expensive, resulted in greater savings in 2006.

The Building Fund loan interest costs decrease as the loan is repaid. The total General Envelope receipts of $159,274 approached the budget target of $159,815 thanks largely to a very generous financial response by the congregation to an April appeal by outgoing Reverend John Cruickshank. Indeed, any positive financial results can only be attributable to generous contributions by the congregation.

Throughout the year of 2006, the Finance & Maintenance Committee has relied upon the support and cooperation of other committees. The diligence of the Building Committee members to insure that the flaws in the new addition ie. stairs, plumbing, roof leaks are repaired per contract, lessens the responsibility on the Finance & Maintenance Committee. Also thank you to those individual members who have lent their support and expertise when called upon.

During the year of 2007, we will continue to search for ways and means by which to operate the church finances and facilities in the most economically, efficient manner.