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St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church
203 Highland Avenue
Fort Erie, Ontario
L4A 2Z5
INTERIM MODERATOR CHAIR OF THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Reverend Douglas Schonberg Margaret Homewood
Chippawa Presbyterian Church St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church
8280 Willoughby Dr. 203 Highland Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario Fort Erie, Ontario
L2G 6X2 L2A 2Z5
(905) 295-4231 (905) 871-3450
From the Interim Moderator
On behalf of the congregation of St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church in Fort Erie, Ontario, I want to thank you for taking the opportunity to prayerfully consider this profile.
Located at the head of the famous Niagara River, on the north shore of beautiful Lake Erie, this accessible and affordable town has all of the charm of small town Niagara life right alongside the amenities of city life which is just a short trip across the river in Buffalo; theatre, sports, shopping, etc. Hamilton is an easy hour drive. Downtown Toronto is an easy 90 minutes. Whether you are skiing in the winter, boating or hiking in the summer, Fort Erie is an ideal place to start out, raise a family, or retire.
This congregation has Christ-centred, excellent, strong leadership and solid resources behind them. It has been an easy delight to work with them.
Like many of our denomination’s congregations, St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church has experienced a contraction in attendance and budget. They have adjusted to this reality and are financially sound. They are seeking a minister for whom part time hours will be a good fit. However, as shown in the congregational survey, they have no desire to ‘coast’. They want to grow as a community of engaged and empowered witness and service. Thus, they are seeking a visionary, initiating leader who will bring energy, momentum, and who can unlock their giftedness in Jesus’ name.
I invite you to open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s inspiration as you read the profile and see if God has perhaps placed a call on your heart to serve with this congregation. In Christ’s service,
Doug Schonberg Interim Moderator
AN INTRODUCTION
St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church in Fort Erie celebrated 100 years young in 1989.
Margaret Nelson wrote a poem for our Church’s Centennial Celebration.
Twenty-seven years later it still holds strong.
One hundred years have come and gone,
Knox Church now marks a milestone in time.
It was International Bridge, a railroad town,
Where our forefathers came together in 1889.
The need for a Church – to worship our Lord,
From records collected, aged and worn.
Found in Christ’s diary of old Knox Church,
We learn how and why our Church was born.
Presbyterian families – together unite,
With vision, direction and talents abound,
They answered God’s call – to build Him a home,
Gave of their abundance and a Church was found.
With the passing years the town had grown,
And became Fort Erie – as now it’s known.
In the late twenties, a new church was built,
Away from the noisy railroad, smoke and silt.
Knox Church and St. Andrews joined together as one -
Their growing congregation had set new sights.
The spiritual union complied to God’s call,
St. Andrew’s - Knox Church matured to new heights.
We remember – the saddest day of tears and pain,
The Church fire – had scarred a dream.
Dear Lord, we prayed – “Sustain us now!”
Christ helped; we helped – united – on God’s team.
The Church rebuilt with togetherness,
With love and labour and talents combined.
God responded with Christ’s supervision,
Our faith renewed with peace of mind.
Today – April 9th, 1989
Together, this Centennial event – we celebrate
God’s measure of our Church’s greatness,
In service, witness and influence to date.
Yes, Christ knows the hearts, which He had touched,
He guides us – as we carry on,
Our heritage – our starting place.
Our Church is now a hundred years young,
In a fast changing world – with challenges to meet,
To bequeath to our heirs, Christ’s Church – with great pride.
A SYNOPSIS OF THE CHURCH’S HISTORY
1873 - St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was established on the
corners of Bertie and Stanton Streets in the south-end of
Fort Erie and was a joint charge with Ridgeway
1889 - Knox Presbyterian Church Organizational Meeting held,
to form a congregation covering the area of International
Bridge and Amigari
Services were held in the Oddfellows Hall, located on the
north side of Courtwright Street
- St. Andrew’s congregation separated from Ridgeway,
joined with the new congregation of Knox at International
Bridge thus forming a single pastoral charge
1893 - Knox Presbyterian Church was established in the north-end
of Fort Erie on Courtwright Street
1914 - First Manse was purchased, located on Niagara Street
1916 - Excavation underneath the Church to build a basement to meet the needs for a Sunday
School, Kitchen and other spaces
1925 - St. Andrew’s and Knox congregations voted to remain Presbyterian rather than join with
the Methodist and Congregational churches in Canada
1926 - Plans and building of a new church located at the corner of Highland and Central
Avenues happened
1930 - The new Knox Presbyterian Church opened their doors
1955 - The church burned their mortgage
1958 - St. Andrew’s and Knox Presbyterian churches voted to become separate charges
1967 - The congregations of St. Andrew’s and Knox Churches amalgamate to become St.
Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church (corners of Highland and Central Avenues)
1973 - Fire destroyed the church building leaving a shell standing
1974 - St. Andrew’s - Knox Presbyterian Church was rebuilt
2007 - St. Andrew’s - Knox celebrated its 40th anniversary as a combined congregation
“Serving and revealing Christ in word and deed”
We are disciples who endeavour to live by Christ’s example with joy and excitement being
involved in various outreach works.
Our Worship Service
A one hour traditional service is held at 10:00 a.m. followed every other week by Fellowship Coffee
hour.
We have congregation members who participate in Greeting and Welcoming, Announcements,
Scripture Reading and the receiving of the Offerings.
Our Music Director leads our small but mighty choir on our Allen pipe organ.
The Minister spends time with our Youth during the service after which the children attend Sunday
School.
We have special services throughout the year at Easter, Remembrance Day, Lenten and Christmas.
At an average Sunday service, there are approximately 40 in attendance, while our Christmas Eve
service reaches the mid to high 50’s.
A Sample Bulletin
4th Sunday after Pentecost
The asterisk “*” invites you to stand as you are able.
At the call of Christ the church gathers.…
Musical Prelude
Welcome and Announcements ........................... Carole Nelson
Call to Worship
“All people that on earth do dwell” ……......……...… *Hymn 65
Prayer of Adoration & Confession
Lord’s Prayer (debts and debtors) ………..………………. Page 1476
Assurance of Pardon
. . . . to hear God’s Word . . . .
“Jesus, good above all other” ................................... Hymn 362
Time for our Youth
Responsive Reading: Psalm 150 ……..……….……...……. Page 930
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Readings : ……………………………………….. Frank Gordon
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 24:8-13 and 16-20 ………. Page 415 Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 ….....…….…….…. Page 988 New Testament: Luke 6:27-36 ……………..……………….. Page 1570
« May the mind of Christ my Saviour » ………….…….. *Hymn 644
Sermon: “THE GOLDEN RULE”
. . . to respond in faith . . .
Prayers of the People
The Offering
Ministry of Music
*Doxology …………………..………………...………….…………. * Hymn 79
*Prayer of Dedication
. . . . and goes forth to serve in Christ’s name.
“Arise, your light is come” .................................…… *Hymn 712
* Commissioning and Benediction
*“Go now in Peace” ………………...…………. Hymnbook backcover
Musical Postlude
Prayer Requests: Art Henry, (husband of Vi Henry), Ann
Wood, Dr. Greg Sherwin (cousin of Lesley Kinghorn), Shirley
Spurrell, Bert Schertzing, Linda Learn, and Bev Kooistra.
Our Church Announcements
WELCOME to all our guests. In order that we may
acknowledge your visit, please fill out the visitors card found in
the pew and place it in the offering plate or sign the guest book
in the Narthex.
- Today our Greeters are Dianne and Dan Lillie and assisting in
the offering is George Fletcher and Jack Barnhardt.
Our Ministries
Our ministries are designed to provide a learning environment where the congregation is
introduced to biblical knowledge and invited to grow in their faith, deepening their
personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Bible Study and Prayer: There are two Bible study groups. Tuesday’s Bible Study is “By a
Woman, for the Women and about the Women.”
Wednesday’s Bible Study, which is currently on hiatus, is open to all.
There is an active Prayer Chain, offering support and prayers to those
in need.
Our church has a Sunshine Person, offering support to those
individuals of our congregation who are experiencing challenging life
struggles through a written word, letting them know we care and that
they are not alone.
Women’s Association: The Women’s Association meets on the second Wednesday of each
month during the months of September through June. Not only is it a
wonderful time to share in prayers, laughter and a bit of tea or coffee,
but also planning and strategizing as to how best support the church.
Fellowship Hour: Fellowship Coffee hour is held every
other week throughout the year at 11:00 a.m.
immediately following the Church service.
Celebration meals are also held over the course of the
year. Donations are freely given which help to meet the
needs of the church.
Pastoral Care: The Pastoral Team, compromised of 7
Pastoral Elders keep in touch with members of the
Congregation who are ill or grieving or struggling with
daily life.
Communication: There is a quarterly newsletter “The Epistle” that is hand delivered by the Elders.
The Epistle helps to keep the congregation up-to-date with up-coming events,
success stories and recent happenings of the Church.
We have a web-site which is currently a “work in progress.”
Leadership: The Session and Board of Managers each meet monthly between September and June.
Fund-raising events are held in conjunction with the Session, the Board of Managers, or
volunteer leaders from the congregation.
Outreach: St. Andrew’s-Knox continues to support missions both near and far. Our congregation
continues to be strong supporters of PWS&D, Presbyterians Sharing and urgent appeals
like the Syrian Crisis and the forest fires of Alberta. Closer to home we have an active
Community Outreach Program Erie (C.O.P.E.) and the first Saturday, September through
June our doors are open as we take our turn hosting a hearty luncheon and offering
fellowship and a message of hope. We continually support our local food bank, and have
a Mitten Tree in the Christmas Season.
Our Staff and Committed Group of Volunteers
The Session, is charged to provide for the spiritual growth of its members and to provide ministry
through personal and pastoral care, education programs, and sharing in fellowship and mutual
support. We currently have eleven Elders in total, sharing administrative and pastoral duties.
There is an active Board of Managers of eight members that
oversee the maintenance of the church property. The Church
employs a part-time Administrative Assistant, Music Director,
Cleaners and Grounds Keeper. We draw strength from our
valued volunteers. No task is too large or too small; after all,
many hands make light work!
Our Sunday School is built on a Christian based foundation. We have a
small group of children who love to occasionally take an active role in
the Morning Worship. Every Sunday, the children are blessed with many
loving ‘grandparents’ and when the children share their arts and crafts
with the congregation, love abounds!
Our Church Building
St. Andrew’s - Knox is a well established church in
our community. We boast a seasoned, welcoming,
committed congregation who prefer a traditional
style of worship which is well suited to our
beautiful sanctuary.
St. Andrew’s - Knox is situated on a large corner lot
with ample parking. The building is two leveled,
with dedicated accessible parking, double door flat
entry with a six person lift or enter through our
main entrance which leads either up, to the
narthex and sanctuary or down to the many
communal rooms.
Downstairs, the Kirk Hall is centrally located and is commonly used for coffee hours, luncheons and
dinners. The Sunday school room, separate nursery room and choir room are immediately off the Kirk
Hall. Down a hallway there are two additional offices, which are currently used by the Army Cadets.
There is also a well appointed kitchen and a two story gymnasium. At either end of the lower level is a
set of washrooms.
Upstairs, the sanctuary, decorated with
storied stain glass windows, seats three
hundred.
Located behind the sanctuary is a large Minister’s study, with its own washroom. The church office
and the large upper meeting room complete this level.
Position Description
Minister of Word and Sacraments
Contract Position Following excellent worship leadership and preaching, our top three congregation-identified interests were developing programs, equipping church members and leadership development. Thus, rather than a ‘chaplaincy style’ ministry, we seek a visionary leader who will work collegially with our leadership and congregation to develop and equip the congregation for an engaged ministry and witness to Jesus Christ in our community. We wish to grow in faith, in witness and in vitality. Thus the leader we seek will be entrepreneurial, creative, energetic and able to smoothly facilitate a transition to new ways of being the church and doing ministry together. Previous Ministers who have graced our Church
The Reverend Raye Brown 2009-2014
The Reverend Cameron Bigelow 1999-2007
The Reverend Robert Docherty 1989-1999
Compensation This is an annual contract position up to 19 hours per week, with compensation prorated to stipend levels set by the Presbyterian Church in Canada. The committee may consider increased hours depending on the candidate. Participation in the Health and Dental Plan to be negotiated. 5 weeks vacation 1 week study leave with prorated study leave allowance
An Inventory of Pastoral Skill and Interests
During the spring of 2016, the members and adherents of St. Andrew’s-Knox were asked to complete
an Inventory of Pastoral Skills and Interest. The following is a summary of the inventory in which skills
and interests were ranked from 1 to 18, where 1 was the area in which the congregation would most
like a Minister to exercise.
Rank Interest/Skill (Description)
1 Leading Worship and Preaching – (Planning and conducting worship services)
2 Program Development – (Establishing goals, and organizing programs in church and
community)
3 Equipping Church members – (For integrating Christian faith with life)
4 Leadership Development – (Planning for and sharing in the training of leaders for the Church’s
program)
5 Crisis Visiting – (Serving people at times of illness, death, trauma, family crisis, job loss)
6 Administration – (Managing the affairs of the congregation and other organization)
7 Personal and Spiritual Development – (Providing resources and guidance for people’s
devotional life, and for prayer groups, retreats and other small group experiences)
8 Home visiting on a Regular Basis
9 Stewardship – (Faithful use of our time, gifts and money in response to the generosity of God
in Christ)
10 Community Leadership – (In areas like drug problems, schools, community, organizations)
11 Work with Youth
12 Evangelism – (Relating the gospel to people outside the church and helping the congregation
do the same)
13 Work with Seniors
14 Christian Education – (Writing or selecting appropriate curricula for the educational ministry,
and planning activities for groups of all ages)
15 Counselling on a Regular Basis
16 Mission Outreach – (Evangelism and social justice in the community, the country and the
world)
17 Inter-Church Co-operation – (Working in inter-denominational programs and activities)
18 Denominational Service – (Sharing in the work of all the courts of the church)
St. Andrew's - Knox Presbyterian Church 2015 Financial Report & 2016 Budget
2015
2015
2016
General Account Receipts
Budget
Actual
Budget
Envelope Contributions
48,000
47,138
48,000 Envelope Cost Contributions
200
160
200
Loose Collection
1,500
1,171
1,200 Additional funds for upgrades (if available)
5,000
-
5,000 a
Use of Building
1,000
3,661
1,600 Endowment Fund Principal - previous year request
40,000
18,000
22,000 b
Endowment Fund Principal - current year request
-
-
28,000 c Interest - Endowment Fund
5,000
1,000
100,700
71,130
106,000
a See corresponding expense below - item "d". b Endowment Fund principal draw authorized at February 8, 2015 congregation meeting still owed to General Fund.
c Endowment Fund principal draw to be requested at February 14, 2016 congregation meeting.
Amounts Received & Paid Out
Presbyterians Sharing
9,056 Presbyterian World Serv. & Dev.
431
Presbyterian World Serv. & Dev. For Kids
309 Memorial fund
100
Benevolent fund
100 Endowment fund
5,000
Sat. Lunch
500
15,496
Total Receipts
86,626
Change in Non-cash Working Capital Balances
Year-end accrued liabilities
(500) Due to Receiver General – payroll deductions
(58)
Prepaid expense
- GST recoverable
5
HST recoverable
(43)
(596)
Bank Balance
20,624
20,624
Total
106,654
Adjusted
Expenditures
2015
2015
2016
Budget
Actual
Budget
Wages, Benefits, Honorariums Interim Moderator
5,000.00
5,586
6,000 Minister’s Stipend
-
-
-
Minister’s Health & Dental
1,200
1,140
- Minister’s Pension
3,600
8,111
5,900
Education Allowance
-
-
- Pulpit Supply
9,500
9,119
9,000
Music Director
10,000
5,164
6,000 Music Director (vacation)
300
2,650
300
Secretary
5,000
5,000
5,000 C.P.P. & E.I. (congregation’s portion)
3,500
558
600
38,100
37,328
32,800
2015
2015
2016
Budget
Actual
Budget
Other Expenses Office Supplies
1,700
1,936
1,700 Christian Education
1,200
516
1,200
Search Committee / Moving Costs
1,000
-
1,000 Choir Music
200
-
200
Advertising
700
146
700 Sign rental
-
-
-
Program expenses
1,000
2,880
1,000 Bank Charges
100
30
100
Police Checks
50
-
50 Presbyterian Record
-
-
-
Presbytery / Synod Dues
2,400
2,256
2,400
8,350
7,764
8,350
Church Building
Cleaning service
5,000
4,720
5,000 Heating (gas)
3,600
3,464
3,600
Hydro (electric)
3,100
3,079
3,100 Water & Sewer
1,000
979
1,000
Telephone
720
870
720 Upgrades to building
5,000
-
5,000 d
Repairs & Maintenance
6,475
1,549
16,050 Cogeco
800
864
800
Grounds (grass & snow)
3,600
3,856
3,980 Cleaning Supplies
250
152
250
Fire Alarm Monitoring & Repairs
2,000
2,109
2,000 Insurance (including manse)
5,000
4,902
5,500
36,545
26,543
47,000
d Will only be spent if funds are available. See corresponding revenue item above – item “a”.
Manse Heating (gas)
900
687
800 Hydro (electricity)
800
374
500
Water & Sewer
800
782
800 Telephone
350
341
350
Repairs & Maintenance
2,925
2,209
3,000 Grounds
1,420
1,985
1,420
Fire Alarm Monitoring
360
399
360 Property Taxes
3,100
3,053
3,150
10,655
9,828
10,380
Total General Expenditure
93,650
81,463
98,530
Amounts Received & Paid Out
11,069
e
Total Expenditures
92,532
7,470
Bank balance
14,122 f
106,654
e Difference between total receipts for Amounts Received and Paid Out (page 1) - $15,496 and total disbursements (page 3) - $11,069 is $4,427, which relates is broken down as follows:
Saturday lunch – current year deficit
$ (773) Owed to Memorial fund
100
Owed to Benevolent fund
100 Owed to Endowment fund
5,000
$ 4,427
f Bank balance at December 31, 2013 is broken down as follows: General fund balance
15,880
Saturday lunch balance – cumulative deficit
(1,758)
14,122
The Sale of our manse was finalized on July 5th, 2016 at a final sale price of $247,000.00. Our trustees
committee with the assistance of our clerk of session, treasurer and board of managers chairperson
under the guidance of our Interim Moderator are working on developing a more comprehensive plan
for our Church’s financial resources.
Fort Erie – Our Town
Fort Erie offers a combination of small town values, a dynamic work environment, yet easy access to
big city amenities and culture. Fort Erie is a Community of Communities. From Bridgeburg Historic
District to Crystal Beach, from Ridgeway to Stevensville and everywhere in between, Fort Erie’s
“hamlets” offer unique attractions, distinct dining opportunities and a style all of their own.
Fort Erie is located at the South East tip of the Niagara Peninsula along the Niagara River, just 20 miles
south of Niagara Falls, Ontario and immediately adjacent to Buffalo, New York.
Niagara in general and Fort Erie in particular are
blessed with an abundance of natural beauty.
The drive between Fort Erie and Niagara Falls,
along the Niagara Parkway, is one of the most
beautiful in the world and a particular favourite of
motorists and cyclists alike.
Ready access to Buffalo, New York via the Peace
Bridge allows Fort Erie to offer a unique blend of
small town warmth and big city amenities. Buffalo,
famous for its art deco architecture, offers visitors
a number of cultural diversions including
professional sports, art galleries, museums and
concert halls. In addition, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport provides a convenient alternative
for the traveller looking to avoid the chaos and congestion of Toronto’s Pearson Airport.
Toronto, which is just over 70 miles away, is easily reached via The Queen Elizabeth Highway.
Highway #3 – more commonly known as “Garrison Road” provides a quick get-around within the
various communities of Fort Erie eventually leading you to Windsor Ontario. Garrison Road is home to
most of our local shopping and dining establishments.
Pull up a chair and relax at Crystal Beach or visit one of
their many quaint restaurants. Saunter through
Stevensville’s “The Garden Gallery” for your gardening
enjoyment. Visit Bridgeburg Farmers Market to sample
their wares.
Love to golf? Fort Erie boasts a total of 6 golf courses. Take a leisurely walk or cycle on the “Friendship
Trail”. This pathway is accessible to wheelchairs, strollers and bikers alike.
Fort Erie offers a lot of natural beauty. We are a small town, with affordable housing with easy access
to big-city life, the best of both worlds.
Education
Brock University, Saint Catharines - 30 miles
University of Buffalo - 30 miles
Niagara College in Welland - even closer
Ridley College, Niagara Christian College and many other facilities within close proximity
Health Care
Fort Erie offers a top notch Urgent Care Centre, located in the former Douglas Memorial Hospital
Greater Niagara Falls General Hospital - just 20 miles away
St. Catharines General Hospital – 30 miles
History
The war of 1812 happened right here in our
midst…come see
The OLD Fort…experience for yourself ...
take a Halloween tour….maybe have a picnic?
Recreation
Fort Erie Race Track offers Thoroughbred Horse Racing, the oldest
track (and most beautiful) in North America, home to the Prince of
Wales Stakes. Join the Breakfast Club or tour the backstretch.
Enjoy the Friendship Trail; take a walk or a bike ride. Soak up some
sunshine, enjoy the fabulous scenery, and walk along the beach or
the riverbank. Why not take a fishing pole or picnic lunch with you?
Visit the many wineries or fruit and vegetable
markets in the Niagara Region.
Spend a day at Safari Niagara and see some exotic
wildlife or take the family for a ride on the train.
Visit Marineland just down the road, or any of the
amazing Niagara Falls attractions.
http://www.forteriecanada.com/development/demographicsandstats.shtml
Fort Erie is sure to make a lasting impression … and make you want to stay.
Thank you for taking the time to consider our invitation.
If you feel that this indeed may be the call from God you have been seeking, we would like the
opportunity to consider your profile.
Should you have any subsequent questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the Rev. Douglas
Schonberg.
Please send it to: The Rev. Douglas Schonberg
Interim Moderator – St. Andrew’s-Knox, Fort Erie
c/o Chippawa Presbyterian Church
8280 Willoughby Drive
Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G 6X2
(905) 295-4231
May God bless you as you seek discernment for your service to Jesus Christ.
