Council Report to the Congregation - March to May 2020
During the last three months Council has remained very busy, with the Strategic Leadership Committee holding zoom meetings on March 17 and April 21 and the whole Council meeting by Zoom on May 19. Matters dealt with include developing and putting into effect an Emergency Response Plan to Covid 19 regarding closing the church buildings to worship, adjusting working conditions and placement for staff, and increasing communication methods and frequency with the congregation.
A sabbatical plan for The Reverend Bruce McAndless-Davis was approved as was a Short Term Ministry Position Description creating a balance between work with ThirdSpace and with the regular Peninsula United congregation that would cover the period of the sabbatical.
Work on the TAMBO (That All May Be One) project has been ongoing with a guest sermon byThe Reverend Debra Bowman and a questionnaire sent out to the congregation asking for responses to three questions.
A draft of a Business Continuity Plan to ensure that core functions of our Community of Faith are maintained during disruptions from disasters has been approved and Council is preparing to form a committee to work out procedures for re-opening the church building. It is agreed that this may not be possible for some time yet and the Congregational Meeting scheduled for June 7 has been postponed indefinitely. Redevelopment at the Semiahmoo site is proceeding and negotiations are continuing.
During these very anxious times, our Church Treasurer, Sharon Birney, has kept Council fully advised of all government grants/subsidies, etc. and has been involved in making applications where possible. Council would like to thank those who have continued to send in offerings and the Ministry Teams who have worked faithfully to provide services to both the congregation and community.
Finally our thanks and deep appreciation to the Worship Team including the Ministry and Music staff, who have put together the wonderful on-line services so we may all worship together if not in the same place.
At a special Strategic Leadership Committee held by Zoom on May 28, the SLC approved the appointment of Robyn Garland as Congregational Designated Minister at Peninsula United Church starting June 1, 2020 ending October 2, 2020.
