ucc:resources a clearinghouse for congregations of the united church of canada

2008 marked a huge change in the method of calculation of the conference assessment in Toronto Conference. It was imperative that we revise the roll of the congregation from 500+ members of whom 25% were inactive. The attached letter, drawn from another letter used by Grace United Church, Thornbury, ON was sent out to all those we identified as being inactive in the last two years. That was defined by any one of no recorded contribution in support of the church in the last two years; living outside of the Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) as defined by postal code; no recollection of attendance at worship or making use of the pastoral rites of the congregation.

About 100 letters were sent out with stamped, self addressed envelopes. This resulted in 45 letters returned indicating their desire to be retained on the roll and often including a cheque; two requests for transfer; 10 requesting to be removed from the roll; several pastoral situations which were followed up. The remainter were removed from the roll by action of the Church Council.

It has been two years since the letter first went out. It is the intention of the Membersahip Committee to send the letter again in the fall to a much smaller group. We now have 356 members, over 200 of which are active contributors to the life and work of the congregation.