Knox Church Council

Church Council is our model of governance at Knox.
The Council is responsible for coordinating, administrating, and overseeing the affairs of the Congregation. It provides the various committees with guidance and all committees have representation on Church Council. At the Annual General Meeting, held on February 28, 2021, there were new Executive Committee members elected to Knox Council. The Executive Committee is now comprised of the following Knox Family members:

Beth Martin, Chair: Beth has been acting as interim Chair since April, 2020 and agreed to accept the role of Chair for the next two years. She brings more than 30 years of business and communications experience to the role. She is often found at the church during business hours lending a hand wherever needed and is active with Freedom Kitchen. The Chair is responsible to preside, maintain order, call for a vote and to announce the decisions made by Council during Council meetings. The Chair does not vote on matters unless it is to break a tie.
 
Vanessa Voerman, Vice-Chair: Vanessa has been our Council Secretary for almost 10 years and brings a strong knowledge of Knox to the Vice-Chair Role. She is a familiar face from our choir and brings a sound procedural and governance background to the role. The Vice-Chair supports the Chair, acts in the Chair's absence and provides leadership as needed. This is a voting role.
 
Rainie Murphy, Secretary: Rainie is a newly confirmed member of Knox, but has been active in our congregation for the last 5 years. She initially became involved with Knox Council through our Communications Committee. She is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and was instrumental in the development of our outreach program Freedom Kitchen, where her passion resides. An independent business owner, she believes in the Support Local movement and brings a fresh perspective to our Council. This is a voting role. 
 
Nancy Kent, Chair - Spiritual Oversight Committee: Nancy provides a steady, constant and genuine spiritual leadership to our congregation and Spiritual Oversight Committee. In this role, she leads the team responsible for the care and oversight of the spiritual life and interests of the Congregation and relative policies. Nancy has a Canadian Military background and brings strong organizational and critical thinking skills to Council. This is a voting role.
 
Heather Robinson, Chair - Ministry & Personnel: Heather has been a long-time Sackville resident and faith family member at Knox. In her role, she leads the team responsible for the liaison with the church employees as outlined in the United Church Manual. Heather's approachability, natural concern for others and business background provide her with the ability to listen carefully, provide a calm and thoughtful response and resolve situations professionally, confidentially and with the best interests of all in mind. This is a voting role.
 
Kevin Webb, Treasurer: Kevin brings a quiet, practical and considerate approach to Knox's financial interests. Kevin has been a member of our faith family for over 20 years and has acted as Treasurer for many of those years. His business and financial acumen have helped guide Knox through many financial situations. His ability to explain finances in "plain language" and provide relatable answers to difficult questions is much appreciated as is his dedication to the role. This is a voting role. 
 
Sandra Braye, Chair - Property: Sandra is a long-time Knox faith family member and has served as our Fire Marshall on the Property team. She brings a keen eye and ability to multi-task to the role. Combine this with a natural "let's get this done" attitude, Sandra is learning all about the workings of our Knox facility side. This is a voting role.
  
Boyd Hunter, Chair - Board of Trustees: Boyd is a long-time Knox faith family member and Chartered Professional Accountant. The Board of Trustees are responsible as an Advisory Board on matters related to property, liability, insurance coverage, investments and records retention. Boyd's vast experience with providing business advice, tax and financial planning services have proven advantageous to Knox in securing government funding, tax benefits and rental agreements generating revenue from unused space. This is a voting role. (Currently on leave of absence until October 2021)
 
Fred Gallop, Chair - Finance: Fred is a retired RCMP Officer, whose dedication to service not only applied to his career but led to a lengthy involvement with his community and faith. Fred leads the Finance Committee through the preparation of budgets and financial reports, consulting with other committees on feasibility of proposal costs and the management of all monies received and disbursed. His ability to source grants and prepare submissions has resulted in successfully securing multiple funding streams in recent years. This is a voting role.

Our Committees are:  

Spiritual Oversight Committee 
in conjunction with the Minister, provides leadership in the care and oversight of the spiritual life and interests of the Congregation, including all aspects of worship. This group is composed of Elders with many ministry teams. For more details see Spiritual Oversight 

Ministry & Personnel Committee (M&P) 
has a consultative and supportive role in overseeing the relationships within the pastoral charge ministry, particularly the roles and functions of paid leaders and employees. The M&P Committee may also be involved in setting expectations for work carried out by volunteers. Confidentiality and accountability are vital to the work of the M&P Committee.

Communication Committee 
is responsible for providing various means for on-going communications such as the quarterly newsletter, pamphlets, advertising and this website.

Fellowship Committee 
fosters friendliness and companionship with all who come to Knox.

Finance Committee 
is responsible for the treasury, budget and financial statements, envelope steward, count/record, payroll, investments, insurance, etc.

Nominating Committee 
provides support to Chairpersons and Committees in recruiting individuals who are uniquely qualified and gifted to serve on the various committees.

Outreach Committee 
coordinates the work of our congregation to reach out to those in need within our church family and our local community.

Property Committee 
oversees the day-to-day maintenance of the church facilities and property in addition to large projects such as major repairs that are taken on as necessary.

Stewardship Committee 
works in conjunction with the Finance Committee to promote the call to participate in God’s mission. They coordinate decisions about how we (as individuals and a faith community) use all that God gives us – time, abilities, material resources, relationships – in a lifestyle of discipleship.

There are also seats on Church Council for Youth and UCW representatives as well as Knox representatives to Region 15..