Musings... on an Unwelcome First for Me!

On Tuesday morning I will, after 34+ years of ministry, have yet another new experience… represent the Church as Chair of the Trustees in a legal proceeding in Court!

It’s a long story. I’ll try and shorten it.

An individual died in 2013. As part of this individual’s estate, a Trust was created. Sackville United Church is one of six beneficiaries of this Trust. Four of the beneficiaries are churches in Sackville area.

In June of 2023 the Trustees of Sackville United Church (and other beneficiaries) were presented, by the Administrator of the Trust, with a plan to wind up the trust early, dividing the remaining estate between the beneficiaries. The Trustees of Sackville United Church asked the Administrator to provide us with an accounting of the estate. They refused.

Eventually, the Trustees of Sackville United Church with the support of another beneficiary, engaged a solicitor and applied to the courts for a formal Passing of Accounts. Despite our consenting to two extensions, the Administrator still neglected to pass the accounts. On Tuesday we will argue for a passing of the accounts and that the Administrator be held in contempt of court.

The Trustees seek only the full disclosure of the administration of the estate since the individual died so that we (and the other beneficiaries) can be assured that the estate has been managed according to the wishes of the deceased, and that the proposed termination of the Trust is fair and equitable to all beneficiaries.

It saddens me deeply that we have to go to this length to see that dying wish of a former resident of Sackville is fulfilled: to support not one or two, but four churches in the community of Sackville.

Coveting your prayers for tomorrow.

Lloyd

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Looking Ahead

I am working from home this morning. Julia and I held our staff meeting via Zoom and after finishing writing my Monday Musings I will begin work on the order of service for the funeral of the late Robert Adsett. This afternoon, provided the roads are passable, I will be in Sackville for visits at the hospital followed by two pastoral visits.

I will be in Moncton all day on Tuesday. In the morning I have a pastoral visit scheduled over coffee followed by visits the two Moncton hospitals. After lunch, as above, I will be in the Court of Kings Bench with our lawyer for the hearing as scheduled.

On Wednesday morning I will be in the office at Sackville United Church and look forward to welcoming all those who will gather with Open Sky participants for coffee and conversation. I’ll be taking some personal time in the afternoon (Rasta needs a grooming) and in the evening I will gather folk online for the Collaborative Grounding Meeting at 6:30PM.

Thursday morning will see me travelling to Salisbury where Julia and I will preside at the funeral for Robert (Bob) Adsett at 11AM. It has been a deep privilege to get to know Bob and his wife Margaret and their extended family over the past few months and to make connections between them and other circles I am honoured to be a part of. NOTE: AS A RESULT OF THE FUNERAL THERE WILL BE NO CULTIVATING HOPE GATHERING VIA ZOOM. After lunch I have three pastoral visits scheduled.

Friday will be devoted to writing a reflection for Sunday and on Saturday afternoon, with others, I will host the Sackville Edition of the Faithful Footprints Roadshow from 12PM to 2PM.

On Sunday I will be offering leadership at Central United Church. Sackville will be sharing in a faith exploration event around the centennial celebration and Julia will be offering leadership at Visions United Church as they broadcast the Sunday Gathering