Organizational Structure

Executive Council

The purpose of the Executive Council is to oversee the spiritual, temporal and financial affairs of the congregation and refer matters of importance to the congregation for discussion and approval (as defined in the most recent edition of The United Church of Canada Manual).

The Executive Council where possible consists of the Minister (ex-officio), the Chair, Vice-Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, the Presbytery Representative, the Chairs (or a representative) from the Trustees, the working teams of Manor Road United Church and any other member approved by the Executive Council.
It administers the resources of Manor Road United Church so as to enable it to actively and effectively carry out its ministry.

Ministry Teams

Ministry and Personnel
The ministry and personnel (M&P) team is a confidential and consultative body, mandated by the United Church of Canada.  M&P is responsible to support all staff and the Minister and to act as liaison between church staff, the Minister, and the congregation.
Its role is supportive and supervisory, and is responsible for supporting the pastoral relationship between the staff and the congregation. It encourages the ministry of the entire congregation, and provides feedback to the staff. Annual reviews with all staff are held to examine how their work has reflected the mission of the congregation, and if the work needs to be refocused or the mission re-examined. The team reviews all matters pertaining to salaries and benefits, and makes recommendations to the executive that are in keeping with United Church guidelines. It provides with prayerful reflection the attentive ear, the encouraging word and the helping hand; in short, its ministry is to provide examples of Christian discipleship.

Finance and Stewardship
This team designs programs to achieve the financial goals of the church. The church treasurer generally supports this work. They educate and inspire the congregation regarding the importance of stewardship, including the commitment of time, talent and money.

Property
On behalf of Trustees, this team oversees the maintenance, upkeep, insurance, and usage of all church properties, including land, and buildings and their contents. They oversee the arrangements for the various groups that share in the use of our church space.

Membership and Program
The goal of this team is to raise the profile of the church in the surrounding community, and to build and strengthen the membership of the congregation.

Outreach
Manor Road United is an active supporter of the broader work of the United Church of Canada through its Mission and Service Fund. Through the M & S Fund we support ongoing education and mission work both in Canada and Overseas, and respond generously to Urgent Action Appeals made through the church to support those in crisis due to catastrophic events.

We also currently support the following organizations through regular Outreach initiatives such as community fundraising events, food and clothing drives and congregational donations:

– Syrian and Ukrainian Families
– Thorncliffe Park Food Bank
– Daily Bread Food Bank
– Earthquake Relief in Haiti and Jamaica

Over the years, Team Manor has raised thousands of dollars through their participation in and support of The Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s annual Walk for Memories. In addition to our ongoing Outreach initiatives the congregation of Manor Road United Church often responds to need as it arises.

Worship and Music
Manor Road United Church recognizes that worship is the heartbeat of the Christian community. The Worship and Music Ministry team supports our worship leadership team, namely the Minister and Music Director (or designates, i.e., substitute ministers, lay leaders, guest music leaders) to plan, develop and implement inspiring, meaningful and creative worship services. They also act as liaison between the congregation and worship leaders, recruiting volunteers for various aspects of Sunday worship (e.g. Communion servers), extra readers for special occasions, and other special events related to worship. They oversee the worship and music, budget for preachers, music and (through the decorating committee) church flowers and decorations.

Children/Youth Spiritual Formation
In collaboration with the Children’s Ministry Coordinator, this team oversees the nurture and spiritual development of children and/or youth through Sunday Children’s Worship, Messy Church, Kid’s Night Out, Confirmation and other programming at Manor Road. It also supports leadership training for those providing such programs to our children/youth.

Congregational Care
The team maintains contact with members of Manor Road United Church who are unable to attend Sunday services, or who are going through difficult life transitions through visiting, telephoning, sending cards and flowers, and sometimes dropping off a prepared meal. We hold our members in our prayers and offer personal and spiritual support as we are able.

Comfort Shawl
Although they do not meet as an official group, members of the congregation knit prayer shawls for those going through times of difficulty. The shawls are dedicated during worship, and given with our love and prayers.

Ad Hoc Ministry Teams
Teams such as the current Redevelopment Working and Design Groups, arise on occasion for advice and assistance on special projects within the church. The Executive specifies the composition and charge of these Ministry Teams, and will facilitate the disbandment of these Ministry Teams when their work has been completed.

United Church Women (UCW)
Here the women of the congregation carry out the mission of the church and provide a medium through which they may express their loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship and service. UCW is church-wide. We at Manor Road are kept informed of the work of the whole church through the Toronto South Presbyterial UCW and Toronto Conference UCW. Membership is open to all women of Manor Road United Church.

Board of Trustees
Acting on behalf of The United Church of Canada, the Board of Trustees holds and administers all property of Manor Road United Church in Trust, for the use of the congregation, for purposes approved by the Executive and/or the congregation, and for the support and maintenance of public worship. The Trustees are responsible for the administration of the Manor Road United Church Special Gifts Fund, and for the receipt and investment of all bequests, legacies, memorials and endowments received by the church. They are responsible for maintaining adequate insurance for the church property, equipment and furnishings in conjunction with the Property and Tenants Ministry Team. The Trustees maintain, in safekeeping, copies of all inventories and records pertaining to equipment, buildings and insurance coverage.

Annual Report
Please click here to read a copy of the most recent annual report.