You can expand the circle of leadership. What are your interests? What talents will you share? Where do you want to grow as a leader? What responsibility will you carry to keep this a vibrant community of faith? This is an open invitation to participate in committees and groups!
1. Administration
A) Ministry and Personnel Committee
This group links the staff, the Leadership Circle and the congregation. They ensure the United Church of Canada employment guidelines and staff support requirements are met and followed. The group regularly reviews working conditions, compensation, responsibilities and relationships. Continuing education is supported. Members of the committee are available for one-to-one conversations with staff.
B) Office/Administration
The office staff and volunteers support all church activities and support the ministry staff. The Office Administrator is often the first point of contact with the church. The Administrator deals with community concerns, assists newcomers, answers rental inquiries, and ensures that the church is always welcoming.
Volunteer activities include
- folding newsletters once per month
- sorting the newsletters into routes once per month
- delivering bundles of newsletters to the carriers once per month
(on the afternoon of the second Monday of the month)
- hand delivering the newsletters to homes
- helping with computer programs
- photocopying
- preparing weekly bulletins and inserts
- scheduling visits to newcomers
C) Property Management Committee
This group maintains the property and facilities. The group ensures the church is a safe, clean, comfortable place to meet, worship and work. The group decorates the church and maintains the systems and appliances. Professionals are brought in as required.
Responsibilities include
- decorating
- gardening
- janitorial services
- lawn maintenance
- the lighting
- painting
- planning for long-term maintenance projects
- repairs
- the security system
- snow removal (co-ordinating)
D) Rentals Committee
This group develops rental policies and contracts. The group pursues and oversees the rental of available space.
E) Treasury Committee
This group oversees the financial well-being of Erin Mills United. The committee meets monthly to review financial reports and to make recommendations to the Leadership Circle.
Responsibilities include
- accounts payable
- annual budget
- audit of financial statements
- bank deposits
- coordination of persons counting the offering
- financial tracking
- monthly reporting
- payroll
- record of givings
- tax receipts and T4s
F) Trustees
The trustees oversee the legal obligations of the congregation. They hold the real and personal property of the congregation in trust on behalf of the United Church of Canada. They ensure that the property is used and administered under the "Trusts of the Model Deed" in accordance with the doctrine, discipline, by-laws, rules and regulations of the United Church of Canada.
Children and Youth
Ministry with Children Committee
This group works to ensure the church community is a place where children belong and are welcomed to grow in faith and develop their gifts for leadership. The committee creates opportunities for children to explore their relationships with God and with God's creation, while making friends and having fun.
Activities include
- nursery programs
- choirs and drama
- curriculum writing
- EMU club
- real meaning of Christmas event
Youth Council
This group provides leadership and support to the youth programs. The council consists of a Chair, several Junior Youth Co-leaders, several Senior Youth Co-leaders, and the Teen Talk Co-ordinator.
Responsibilities and activities include
- Confirmation program
- writing curriculum
- junior youth group
- participating in worship services
- senior youth group
- teen talk
- weekend retreats
- 3rd Erin Mills Scouting
Community Life and Communication
Community Life Committee
This group, formerly the Outreach Committee, provides direction to, education about, and development of, local and global outreach initiatives. The group also develops and nurtures partnerships beyond the church. The group also responds to urgent issues such as disaster relief efforts.
Responsibilities and activities include
- Christmas Hampers
- Comfort Kits
- Community Gardens
- Deacon's Cupboard
- Inside the Dream
- Mission and Service
- Open Door
- Out of the Cold
- Refugee Sponsorship
- Ten Thousand Villages
- 905-Area Faith Community Leaders Forum
Please click for more information on these Outreach activities and programs.
Congregational Growth and Communications Committee
This group's goal is to fill the church. How?
* by inviting newcomers and visitors to Sunday worship and special events
* by helping all to feel welcome, and
* by encouraging all to become more involved.
The group works to create an awareness of the church in the community. It also enhances the decor to enhance the way the church welcomes all.
Responsibilities and activities include
- beautifying the church and grounds
- Communique Newsletter
- event advertising
- leadership for mass marketing and distribution
- organizing welcome representatives
- photography
- promotion of EMUC in the community
- seasonal flyers and flyers
- website design and updates
Fundraising and Special Events Committee
This group contributes to the well-being of the congregation by hosting events which raise funds, provide opportunities for social connection and raise the profile of the church in the community.
Activities include coordinating and recruiting volunteers for special events such as
- auctions
- choral workshops
- the annual Artistic Craft and Food Affaire sale
- special dinners
- fireworks night
- the annual spring garage sale
- the annual Mendelssohn Choir concert evening
Leadership Circle
The Leadership Circle is formed by the Current Chair, Incoming Chair, Incoming Vice-Chair, two Representatives of Presbytery, two Members at Large, and a Secretary.
Membership Care and Development
Expanding Leadership Program
This group, formerly the Nominating Committee, invites participants to share their time and talents providing leadership and participation in the many ministries, programs, events and activities of the church.
Responsibilities and activities include
- co-ordinate the annual "expanding leadership" campaign
- make recommendations for organizational re-design
- connect offers of time and talent with opportunities for leadership
- provide information updates
Fellowship Groups
Fellowship groups bring together people with like interests for fun and socialization. Groups are autonomous and self-sustaining. New groups emerge as interest develops. Please click for information on social groups.
Leadership and Learning Committee
This group creates programs and events for all participants to explore and deepen their faith and their gifts for leadership. The group supports committee members and other congregational leaders. It partners with other groups to provide educational opportunities.
Activities include
- seasonal Bible studies
- book studies
- educational events with an Outreach focus
- the leadership development learning series
Membership and Pastoral Care Committee
This group ensures there is pastoral care for all ages in the congregation. It integrates new participants. The group oversees preparation for baptism, new members and other life transitions. The group also takes leadership in worship for special services with a pastoral or membership focus.
Activities include
- maintaining the congregational list
- preparations for Baptism
- new member co-ordination and welcoming events
- hospital and shut-in visits
- communion in the home
- memorials
- pastoral care visits
- phone calls and cards
- the prayer chain
Stewardship Program
This group's objective is to develop committed Christians who embrace Erin Mills United Church's ministries and who are excited about being generous, faithful Christian stewards.
Activities include
- co-ordinating the annual stewardship campaign
- providing information updates
- celebrating ministries
- creating educational initiatives to gain commitment
- providing the stewardship snippet to the newsletter
- inviting all to become faithful givers
Worship and Music
Worship Committee
This group organizes the regular and special worship services. They ensure the worship coordinators, greeters, ushers, readers and refreshment hosts are available for each Sunday service. During the summer months, lay leadership of the services is encouraged.
Special services and events organized by the group include
- Hanging of the Greens
- Candlelight Carol Service
- Peace Candle Program
- Christmas Eve: Healing Service
- Children's Pageant
- Evening Service
- Candlelight Communion
- Easter: Shrove Tuesday
- Maundy Thursday
- Good Friday
- Easter Saturday
- Holy Week 48-hour Vigil
Music Committee
Here we are experiencing an infusion of new music, new people, new ideas and new opportunities for participation. The committee supports and gives guidance to all choirs and musical groups, and maintains the musical equipment and music collection.
Please click for more information about musical groups and choirs.
