2024 Annual Report - Immanuel Baptist Church by Michael Fredericks

Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40 NIV

Partnering Globally

Memories

Reg Austin Jan 12, 2024

Stan Kaulback July 27, 2024

Diane Mackenzie Sept 7, 2024

Gladys Peters Sept 9, 2024

Caleb Clyke Oct 9, 2024

Sheila Clyke Dec 21, 2024

Sept 14, 2024

Annual Report Book Appendix 2024

Annual Church Family Meeting

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at 6:30 pm

Board of Elders Report 2024

God is so good! He has wonderfully blessed Immanuel Baptist Church in 2024. It is exciting and encouraging to see increased attendance, baptisms, and people becoming oﬃcial members of the church. In 2024, Elders had the joy of assisting with 7 baptisms of believers and accepting 13 new members afer meeting with each one.

Average in-person attendance for the year was 211, and the average in November and December was 236 with December 15th being the largest attendance at 266. We estimate at least another 90 watched online. On Sunday mornings the Worship Center is almost full. We plan on oﬀering two morning worship services on Sundays starting on Easter, April 20th. Then there will be plenty of room to invite others, and for local on-line worshippers to come and participate in-person. We ask for your support for this step of faith.

As the congregation increases, so does the need for more staff and volunteers. To that end, the 2025 budget includes salary amounts for a part-time Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator, and a full-time Congregational Care and Connections Pastor to start later in the year. These are re-activated positions, as we have had similar positions in the past. These positions resulted in a deficit budget for 2025. But we don’t have to end 2025 in an actual deficit position. The 2023 and 2024 budgets both predicted deficits, but God blessed through the generosity of His people (you!) so that both years ended with a surplus rather than a deficit. It can happen again! Please consider increasing your financial support – your tithes and offerings – so that we can be on a sound financial footing to support our new staff. Perhaps some of you can take a step of faith and start tithing, or “work toward the tithe” in 2025. (Tithing is the Biblical guideline of giving 10% of income to the work of the Lord, especially to your local church.)

It is a blessing to have about 150 people in Home Churches, study and discussion groups, Men’s breakfasts, and the exciting Young Adult group, as well as the 50 or more teens in our amazing Youth Group. Please contact a pastor or an elder if you would like to join, start, or host a Home Church.

Elders have worked on aspects of Membership, including trying to keep our Membership list up to date. Regarding that, in 2024 Groundswell Church oﬃcially received into their fellowship several of Immanuel’s former members who had gone to Groundswell with our blessing to help plant that church.

Elders also discussed with our congregation the possibility of membership at Immanuel for believers who have experienced believer’s baptism by means other than immersion. In the overall discussion of membership, the ideal is that all members would be active participants and/or supporters of the mission and ministry we seek to do together, the Lord being our Helper. May the Lord guide us toward that end.

Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers. Praise God for what he is doing among and through us. “The LORD has done great things ... and we are ﬁlled with joy” (Ps. 126:3).

Norman Pearce Chair, Board of Elders

Congregational Membership Report 2024

Memorials: The Immanuel Baptist congregation was saddened by the passing of members Reg Austin, Gladys Peters, and Sheila Clyke

Baptisms during 2024: 7 (Avelin Densmore, Larry McNutt, Marilyn McNutt, Margaret Gatza, Matthew Knowles, Nohemi Perez, Sheila Brooks)

Received into membership during 2024: 13 (Bernadette Scheepers, Dawie Scheepers, Bruce Mowatt, Fayann Evans-Henry, Margaret Gatza, Matthew Knowles, Monique Smith, Nicole Mitchell, Serafyn Mitchell, Paul Tingley, Ruthie Fredericks, Lisa McAnespy, Robert McAnespy)

Withdrew from membership: 2 (Doug McLeod, Zack Saint)

Members Transfer Out: 20 (Carl Purdy, Jeanne Purdy, Carla Shaw, Steven Shaw, Carol Jones, Doris Fahey, James Miedema, Laura Miedema, Keturah Grant, Kristi Garrido, Sergio Garrido, Mari MacPherson-Hernandez, Monica Hattie, Paulette Yorke, Stephen Yorke, Peter Giﬀen, Tammy Giﬀen, Samuel Dykeman, Trevor Locke, Valerie Power)

Members passed on: 3

Correction from 2023: 1 member added

Active Resident Members: 185 as of Dec 31, 2024

Prepared by Shannon Smith

Immanuel Baptist Church Oﬃce Administrator

Atlantic Baptist Women Financial Report 2024

Unfortunately, this was our last meeting.

Submitted by Joy Weatherbey

Nominating Team Report

January 2025

Nominating Reports are voted on by Church Members at a business meeting in the Spring of each year.

Board of Elders:

• Norm Pearce (second term ending: 2027)

• Kaj Binderup (ﬁrst term ending: 2025)

• Margaret Hinton (ﬁrst term ending: 2026)

• Jennifer McClare (second term ending: 2027)

• Jeﬀ Vroom (ﬁrst term ending: 2025)

• David Skafte (ﬁrst term ending: 2026)

Board of Management:

• Chairperson: Kilah Hayden (ﬁrst term ending: 2027)

• Property Manager: Howard MacLellan (ﬁrst term ending: 2025)

• Finance Manager: vacant (Interim: Terry Wambolt)

*The Board of Management also includes the Financial Secretary, and a minimum of three other congregants appointed by the Board of Management, and approved by the Board of Elders.

Nominating Team:

• Nancy Messom (ﬁrst term ending: 2026)

• Neil Peck (ﬁrst term ending: 2025)

• Linda Sobey (ﬁrst term ending: 2027)

*The Nominating Team also includes three Elders selected by the Elders.

To be elected annually:

Financial Examiner(s):

• Taralyn Sullivan

Abuse Prevention Policy Coordinator:

• Daniel Krepsky

Abuse Prevention Policy Auditor:

• Brian Schrock

Board of Management Report 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We have met 5 times in Before I resigned from being Chairmen in September 17, 2024. The members of the Board are as follows: Don Reid, Howard McLellan, Neil Peck, Ben Stokdijk, David Skafte, Terry Wambolt, and Cecil Trites. We went over financial statements, Annual church budget, Maintenance and property items of the church.

The maintenance items were the resurfacing and line painting of the parking lot, The replacement of the main entrance doors, and other smaller repairs to the building. I want to give my thanks to Kilah Hayden for replacing me as Chairperson of the Board of Management.

Praying for her and the Board.

Blessings,

Larry Tirrell

TO: Immanuel Baptist Church Elders

FROM:

Taralyn Sullivan, BPR

RE: Specific procedures conducted to examine IBC’s 2024 financial records

DATE: January 20, 2025

I have conducted an examination of Immanuel Baptist Church's financial records for the year ending December 31, 2024.

The work performed to conduct this examination, including this report, does not constitute an audit or review or an auditor's or reviewer's report or opinion.

As attached to this memo, I have outlined my specific procedures that I completed on January 20, 2025. As a part of this examination, I have included my findings based on those procedures conducted.

I appreciate Terry Wambolt's assistance and cooperation while performing this examination.

Blessings,

Taralyn Sullivan

Procedure

1. Two bank reconciliations were selected (April, August), reviewed and compared to the corresponding bank statements, general ledger (G/L) and supporting documentation.

2. Sampled teller and deposit reports for Sunday offerings- comparing amounts from reports to deposits recorded in the G/L and deposited into the bank. Samples selected were from January, March, July, and September

3. Donations received via pre-authorized withdrawals (PAWs) were reviewed. Amounts were traced from the bank statement to the G/L. Samples reviewed were from November and June.

4. Donations received via electronic transfers (e-transfers) were reviewed. Amounts were traced from the bank statement to the G/L. Samples were reviewed from November and June.

5. Investment balances and investment transactions were examined in the G/L and compared to the year end investment statement from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation.

6. HST G/L account was scanned; several transitions were examined to source documentation. HST was recorded at 50% on documentation examined.

7. HST rebate filings were examined; HST is filed annually. Amounts were compared to G/L and to the bank statement. December filings were filed and refunds not received yet.

8. Accounts payable were examined for year end. Balance includes credits for Nova Scotia power, heating oil, MR Fire Inspection, elevator maintenance- nothing unusual.

9. Annual payroll remittances to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) were compared to the G/L and traced through the bank account.

Findings

No issue.

10. 20 Disbursement samples were selected for examination; a combination of expenditures for operations as well as capital expenditures for capitalized renovation work were examined. In all cases, invoices examined included proper authorizations, proper recording in the G/L proper HST treatment. In all cases disbursements were via cheque, which included dual signatures. No issue.

11. Reviewed one month of cheques to ensure there were double signatures. No issue.

12. Reviewed pensions paid and remitted. No issue.

IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Statement of Receipts and

Operating Fund

Annual Meeting of Immanuel Baptist Church, Truro, NS Wednesday, February 28, 2024, 7 p.m.

Meeting Chairperson: Je Vroom (Vice-Chair of Board of Elders)

Secretary: Jennifer McClare (Secretary of Board of Elders)

Quorum was declared and the meeting called to order at 7:10 am

Motion for Approval of Agenda, moved by Neil Peck, Seconded by Heather Crozier MC

Devotional & Opening Prayer – Lead Pastor

Great things happening, need to be watchful that the devil doesn’t interfere with what God is doing.1 Peter 5:8-9. Four things to watch for: 1) division 2) discouragement 3) distractions 4) deception (teaching and false people). Put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6).

Memorial Moment

Harold Boone, Steve Higgins, John Zandenburg

Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings (February 8, March 1, May 24, July 16, Nov 29)

David Skafte moved and Terry Wambolt seconded that the minutes of the meetings in 2023 be approved as circulated. MC

Presentation of Annual Report & Appendix for Approval (excluding ﬁnancial reports)

Teralyn moved to accept all reports as one, seconded Shirley Pearce MC

Thanks to those who put the reports together so that we can communicate the activities of the church.

Financial Report

-David Skafte moved that we approve the 2023 Financial Report. Heather Crozier seconded the motion. MC

-Positive news, we had a projected deﬁcit of $24,120, but ended up with a surplus of $30,413.

-Ken asked about other donations in addition to what was given for the operating fund. Norm directed his attention to the additional giving at the top of page 11 for speciﬁc ministries plus giving to the building fund. Shirley requested a ﬁnancial report during the church service e.g. every 3 months since not everyone who watches sees the emails from the Elders.

Financial Examiner’s Report

Teralyn Sullivan gave a summary of her examination of the ﬁnances. Teralyn made a motion to accept the Financial Examiner’s Report. Seconded by Larry Tirrell. MC

Proposed Amendment to the Bylaws

Norm Pearce made the following motion, seconded by Jonathan Vroom. MC

I move that the Bylaws of Immanuel Baptist Church be amended by the addition of the following words at the end of the ﬁrst paragraph of Section 7.02: " These additional Board of Management members shall hold o ice for a term of three (3) years, and are eligible to serve two (2) consecutive terms. After two (2) terms they will be ineligible to serve on the Board for a minimum of one (1) year. "

Mark McGarrigle suggested that in section 7.02 “After two (2) terms the member will be ineligible…” should say “two (2) consecutive terms”, otherwise someone could take a lengthy break and come back and have to stop after one term. Other sections have the same wording. Norm said we can review this and make further amendments before it a ects anyone.

Lead Pastors Report – Lead Pastor

-Lives are being impacted. Thanks to Shannon Smith, Pastor Hannah, Peter Reid, Carlos Vargas, Andrea Dykeman. A great team that works well together.

-Looking forward to Palm Sunday (Sneaker Sunday), Good Friday service with other churches (full, adding a second service), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for children, after-school program. 18 new members in 2023. More being interviewed. Several want to be baptized.

-Elders reviewing issues concerning membership: 1) keeping membership list current 2) other forms of believer’s baptism (non-infant) 3) ensuring people understand meaning and responsibilities of membership.

-Finances – want to improve so that by year end we can consider adding a Pastor of Care and Connections.

-One area of focus for Michael this year: supporting young adults.

Ian asked if are we prepared to focus on welcoming newcomers? A third pastor could help. Michael agreed for the need for intentionality in that area.

Motion to Adjourn

Terylyn Sullivan moved to adjourn, seconded by Terry Wambolt

Closing Prayer – Associate Pastor (Hannah Marriott)

Appendix A: Proposed Amendment to Bylaws

Existing Bylaws:

Section

7.02.

The Board of Management

The Board of Management shall consist of the Chair of the Board of Management, the Treasurer (who is the Board of Elders representative), the Property Manager, the Finance Manager, and the Financial Secretary. With the exception of the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary, these aforementioned positions shall be ﬁlled through the nominating process. They shall be members of Immanuel Baptist Church. They shall hold o ice for a term of three (3) years, and are eligible to serve two (2) consecutive terms. After two (2) terms the member will be ineligible to serve on the board for a minimum of one (1) year. In addition to these members, a minimum of three (3) other congregants appointed by the Board of Management, and approved by the Board of Elders shall also serve on the Board of Management.

Proposed Amendment (with changes in bold text):

Section

7.02.

The Board of Management

Rationale:

The Elders feel it makes sense for all members of the Board of Management to have term limits, to be consistent with every other board / committee / o ice of the church.

Special Business Meeting of Immanuel Baptist Church, Truro, NS Sunday, May 5, 2024, after the morning worship service

Meeting Chairperson: Je Vroom (Vice-Chair of Board of Elders) Secretary: Jennifer McClare (Secretary of Board of Elders)

Quorum was declared and the meeting called to order immediately after the service.

Preamble – Summary of Proposed After-School Program – Hannah Marriott (Reference: Immanuel After School Care Program Proposal)

Proposed Amendment to the Bylaws

Norm Pearce made the following motion, seconded by Heather Crozier.

On behalf of the Board of Elders, I move that Immanuel o er a Monday to Friday After School Care Program for elementary school children starting in September, 2024, as described in the Program Proposal that was recently distributed to the congregation.

Discussion Points

(Some points raised were already described in the proposal)

-Who will pay for it? Parents will pay a fee that will cover the program. Immanuel will be the employer of three new employees.

-Will cover insurance? Yes, this is in the budget.

-Charitable status with CRA have talked to Property Valuation Services (Truro), won’t be an issue. Gov’t – you’re doing what you already do, whether we charge or not.

-Will try to find Early Childhood Educators? Not specifically. If we wanted to be registered, would be required to hire ECE’s, and would be required to pay a specific salary. We don’t plan to be regulated by the government, so won’t have the salary dictated. We will operate similarly to the Boys and Girls Club.

-Will people on the waiting list at Truro Elementary get priority? Hannah is waiting for approval, but will talk to the program at Jane Normand to access their waitlist.

-Comment of support. Shows that we are paying attention and aiming to meet the needs of our community that go beyond ourselves.

-Transportation distance? – 1.4 km

-Educational perspective: ECE’s are for teaching children after 5… this is play-based learning and for after-school. Main requirement is people who love kids.

Call for the question: Motion Carried

Motion to Adjourn

Closing Prayer

Annual Meeting of Immanuel Baptist Church, Truro, NS Sunday, July 21, 2024, after service

Meeting Chairperson: Jef Vroom (Vice-Chair of Board of Elders)

Secretary: Jennifer McClare (Secretary of Board of Elders)

Quorum was declared and the meeting called to order at 11:14 am.

Nominating Report

The nominating committee report was presented by Nancy Messom (attached).

The positions needing approval are:

Elders Norm Pearce and Jennifer McClare nominated for a second term, ending 2027.

Bernadette Scheepers replacing Terry Wambolt as Finance Manager, frst term ending 2027.

Linda Sobey nominated as a member of the Nominating Team, frst term ending 2027.

Teralyn Sullivan nominated as the Financial Examiner (position elected annually).

Daniel Krepsky nominated as the Abuse Prevention Coordinator (position elected annually)

Brian Schrock nominated as the Abuse Prevention Policy Auditor (position elected annually)

Nancy Messom moved that the nominating report be approved as given, seconded by Shannon Skafte. Motion carried.

Delegates to Oasis

Oasis will be held in Moncton August 8-10, 2024. Norm Pearce moved and Taralyn Sullivan seconded that delegates to Oasis from Immanuel be as follows:

Theresa Burgoyne

Margaret Dodsworth

Hannah Marriott

Georgina Shaw

Shannon Skafte

Heather Stanton

Larry Tirrell will be a delegate as an ex-oficio delegate. Motion Carried

Missions Ministry Report

Hannah Marriott presented proposed changes to our CBM partners. Joe Bridi in Lebanon has transferred to a position with CBM in Toronto. Kathleen and Bruno Soucy in Central America are also transferring to a new position in Canada. Joe’s replacement in Lebanon is Rabih Wazir, a Lebanese national. Kathryn Scott, a Maritimer, is working in the Dominican Republic.

Hannah moved that the $2000 previously designated annually to the Soucys go to Kathryn Scott, and the $2000 annually for Joe Bridi be designated to Rabih Wezir. Seconded by Neil Peck. Motion carried.

Financial Report

David presented our Financial Report year-to -date (see attached). We are in a positive position vs. budget. Thank you to Terry Wambolt for his years of faithful service as our Finance Manager. We are grateful to Bernadette Scheepers for agreeing to fll this position.

Motion to Adjourn

Aaron Driedger moved to adjourn, Motion Carried.

Closing Prayer – Pastor Michael Fredericks

Meeting adjourned at 11:31 am.

Immanuel Baptist Church Business Meeting December 11, 2024, 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Chair: Jef Vroom (Vice-Chair of Board of Elders)

Secretary: Jennifer McClare (Secretary of Board of Elders)

Quorum was declared and the meeting called to order at 6:34 p.m.

Opening Devotional and Prayer – Michael Fredericks

Galatians 6:9

Motion to Approve the Agenda

Moved by Don MacKay, seconded by David Skafte. Motion carried (MC)

Lead Pastor’s Report – Michael

-Report on strengths/successes (unity, young adults, home church, Alpha, Sundays, conversations, staf)

-Carlos Vargas (Production Director) resigned due to other employment. Andrea Dykeman has taken some of those responsibilities and is now Worship & Media Director (increased from 10 to 20 hours). Enzo Alvez has taken over directing production of the online service.

-Review of attendance through 2012 to 2024. Combined in-person and online attendance is similar to the peak in 2012-2013.

-Concerns about providing adequate pastoral care with current staf levels. Need for an intentional ministry for pastoral care and connections with new people. Desire to call a full-time Associate Pastor of Care and Connections. Estimated start July 2025.

-Also proposing a part-time Children’s Ministry Director (20 hours) to run nursery, Discovery Park, GEMS and other elementary-aged activities. Hannah’s role has increased from children’s ministry to include youth and missions. Hope to fll and begin ASAP.

Associate Pastor’s Report – Hannah

-Missions community partnerships – Food Network, Maggie’s Place, Christmas Index

-Financial support of Archway, Camp Pagweak, Grow Hope, Trey, Acadia Div College. Also STEP Lebanon and CBM Partners in Mission (Kathryn Scott, Rabih Wazir).

-Help Ministry – from church gifts, Christmas Eve ofering. Addition of two more volunteers in 2024.

-Events including Canadian Christmas and Justice Summit.

-Children & Youth – continued ministry via youth group, Discovery Park, nursery, GEMS, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Youth Mission Trip (2025).

-New involvement with Wednesday lunch at the Waypoint Youth Centre (former Slate location).

Financial Manager Position update – Norm

Bernadette Scheepers has stepped down as Financial Manager. Looking to streamline or divide the responsibilities of the position to reduce the hours required. Gratitude to Terry Wambolt for temporarily returning to the role.

Financial Report – David Skafte

As distributed.

2025 Budget – David Skafte

David presented details of the 2025 proposed budget, which was distributed. David presented a motion to accept the 2025 budget as proposed. Seconded by Neil Peck MC

Nominating Committee Motion – Neil Peck

Neil expressed thanks to Larry Tirrell for his service as the Chair of the Board of Management. Neil moved that Kilah Hayden be approved as Chair of the Board Management. Seconded by Heather Crozier. MC

Motion to Adjourn

Terry Wambolt moved to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Closing Prayer - Hannah