Our Structure

TSP Circles and Committees

Much of the work of the church is done through Circles and Committees of the Official Board. The four circles are:

• Nurturing Community & Discipleship
• Worship & Faith Formation
• Public Witness
• Stewardship of Resources

in addition, there are the following Committees: Ministry and Personnel Trustee Board

Ministry and Personnel Committee

The United Church of Canada suggests that each Pastoral Charge have a Ministry and Personnel Committee of not less that 3 members and not more than 7. At this time we have 6 members who were elected by the Congregation. This group meets at least quarterly and consults with the designated pastoral leadership and all the staff of the congregation.

The M&P committee provides a group of people who are available to any church member or staff person who has a question or concern about relationships between persons, working conditions for staff, or how can we get a healthy dialogue where communication is not happening. We have a particular role to provide a balance of support and accountability for all staff persons (11-13 persons in all). To keep in touch with the designated pastoral leadership and staff we have informal gatherings, meals together, regular contact with each and formal reviews. We report to the Official Board and our recommendations around salaries and working conditions are made to them. Our Committee has no decision-making powers and acts only in an advisory capacity. We also have a close relationship with Toronto South Presbytery Pastoral Relations Committee for issues that fall within the policies of the larger church.

Trustee Board

The Trustee Board administers the capital assets and finances of TSP. Here is a summary of their responsibilities:

• To hold the real and personal property of the Pastoral Charge.
• To obey the lawful orders and directions of the Congregation and of its Official Board and of the Presbytery and Conference within whose jurisdiction the Pastoral Charge is situated. And also of the General Council.
• To administer and invest all capital funds in the name of the Pastoral Charge, within the terms of reference of the Congregation’s Investment Policy.
• To ensure the Church has an effective Risk Management Proramme and adequate insurance coverage.
• To appoint the Sub-Committee on Building Management, receive its reports and monitor its performance.
• To make recommendations to the Official Board with respect to the allocation of funds for building maintenance, caretaking and security costs as well as for major repairs, renovations and additions to the Church building.

An unabridged statement of the responsibilities and relationships of the Board of Trustees may be found in The Manual of The United Church of Canada, pages 141 to 145 and 316 to 325.