Page 10 - Presbyterian Connection

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PRESBYTERIAN
SUMMER 2021
presbyterian.ca
Connection
RECOGNITION
Elders in Guelph Serve Over 50 Years
George Forsyth, a charter member of Westminster-St.-Paul’s, has served as an elder for 56 years.
By Margaret Burnett, Office Administrator at Westminster –St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Guelph, Ont.
George Forsyth was only 24 years old when he was nominated to serve as an elder at the new Westminster- St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Guelph, Ont., in 1965.
The church had opened in 1958, a plant from the two downtown Presbyterian churches, to serve the growing east end of the city. A char- ter member, George quickly became involved in a Scouts group and the Presbyterian Young People’s Society. He soon joined the choir and was then appointed to the Board of Man- agers in 1964. George recalls that the decision to commit to becoming an elder was not an easy one. His father,
George, Sr., was already serving on Session, so he understood the com- mitment.
“I did realize that it was a lifetime commitment and a serious decision,” said George, “and I was just 24 and involved with Young People’s.” How- ever, a nudge from then-minister, the Rev. Gordon Hastings, tipped the scale. George recalls the Rev. Hast- ings advising, “I think you should,” and so he did, being ordained in 1965! Fifty-six years on, without a break, George continues to serve the congregation of Westminster-St. Paul’s.
For Bob Renton, who became an elder in 1967, he was following a long family history of service to the Presbyterian church. Growing up in Amos Church in Dromore, Ont., Bob had witnessed his grandfa- ther’s many years of dedication in numerous roles, including that of elder. Others within the extended family were ministers or held other leadership roles within the Presby- terian church. When Bob moved to Guelph as a young teacher, the new Westminster-St. Paul’s church was the one closest to home. He and wife, Eileen, joined in 1962, and by
1967, he was ordained as an elder. A few years later, in 1973, Bob was asked to temporarily take on the role of Clerk of Session. In 2021, Bob continues his commitment of service as both an elder and Clerk of Session, having logged 54 years since his ordination.
While the present Westminster- St. Paul’s congregation is shrink- ing, both men remember the church bursting at the seams with over 200 children in Sunday School in the early years. Many concerts and pag- eants were presented to a full house. However, over the years, the children from the ’60s and ’70s have grown up and many have left the church, the city or both. The two men ex- pressed sadness that this has hap- pened but acknowledged that it is an all-too-familiar story, not only within the Presbyterian church but across many faith groups.
However, large congregation or small, the role of the elder remains an important one. Both Bob and George remain committed to serving, being an example of Christian leader- ship and supporting those under their care. This can be a challenge, espe- cially when people open up about
COMMITTEES
personal issues and look to their el- der for guidance.
“People will tell you things that are absolutely confidential,” said Bob. This must be respected and is one of the challenges. Inevitable issues or conflicts within a congregation also require diplomacy and confidentiality.
Westminster-St. Paul’s adopted “term eldership” in the early 2000s and both men agreed that it has challenges. George noted that one drawback is continuity in relation- ships when elders step down from an active role. People develop a re- lationship with their elder and find it difficult to establish a bond with a new person.
For George, visiting families in his district has been the most rewarding experience of his work as an elder. He has enjoyed every relationship he has established over the years.
One job both men agreed can be onerous is representing the church at presbytery. These two men have been mainstays at the Waterloo- Wellington presbytery as representa- tive elders. While committee work is to be expected, Bob recalls hours and hours spent at special meetings dealing with issues that arise within
Bob Renton has served as an elder for 54 years and Clerk of Session for 48.
the presbytery. However, both he and George have given generously to the work of the presbytery and The Pres- byterian Church in Canada, including attending General Assembly over nu- merous years and locations.
As it seems likely that the West- minster-St. Paul’s congregation will soon have to amalgamate with other churches in Guelph, both elders ex- pressed how rewarding the many years they have dedicated to the role of elder have been. However, both are now willing to relax and they agreed that they do not want to be an active elder in the amalgamated congregations.
Every organization needs renewal and, as Bob observed about the be- ginning of his service, “The church needs new, young elders.”
Well done, good and faithful serv- ants.
The staff of the pension and ben- efits office offer support to active and retired members with inquir- ies about Health and Dental ben- efits through Sun Life Financial and the pension plan. The office also provides resources and webinars through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to promote a healthy work-life balance.
Over the past few years, the of- fice has introduced and promoted the Automatic Withdrawal Program to provide ease to treasurers with their monthly remittances. The pro- gram has seen great success and continues to be a beneficial tool, par ticularly considering the chal- lenges many of us face because of the pandemic. We continue to offer the program to all congregations to provide ease of administration and peace of mind to those responsible for the monthly remittances.
Pension and Benefits Board
By the Pension and Benefits Department
The Pension and Benefits Board oversees the administration of The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s de- fined benefit pension plan and com- prehensive group benefits program available to actively working and re- tired members of the church.
The Pension and Benefit Board is made up of Presbyterians nominated to the Board by the General Assem- bly who have professional experience and expertise in disciplines relevant to the field of pension and benefits. Board members have experience as
financial advisers, accountants, actu- aries, human resource professionals, defined benefit pension profession- als and group benefits and insurance consultants. There are a total of nine members serving the board and three ex-officio members.
The Pension and Benefits Board meets twice a year (usually in March and October) and also periodically throughout the year as needed. At these meetings, the Board receives detailed financial, investment and actuarial advice from the Chief Fi- nancial Officer, the Trustee Board and our Actuaries. Additionally, the Board receives repor ts from the
three subcommittees that work to ensure suppor t for the work as- signed to the Board.
The Technical Committee reviews issues specific to the pension plan, its regulatory requirements and member and/or congregational que- ries. The Group Benefits Committee
reviews coverage under the group benefits plan and its related policies and financial agreements. The Com- munications Committee confirms how plan members, beneficiaries and congregations receive appropri- ate and timely information about the pension and benefit plans.
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