​​​​​​​Väino stated that the church is building sustainability with careful use of the church’s appealing facilities with room rentals, and lease agreements.  Required upgrades and repairs have been done to maintain our beautiful building including re-caulking skylights, repairing flashing between manse and copper roof, replacing the sump-pump and city sewer piping, replacing roof on apartment roof.  Future projects include repairs to a crack on the front stained glass window, refurbishing or replacing the church front doors and awning, upgrading the basement kitchen, and investigating replacing the outdoor cross.  The Council is actively surveying and managing issues as they occur.  Our church is in good shape!

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Both the auditor and congregation’s treasurer gave a very positive outlook on the church’s financial situation.  Treasurer Toomas Trei stated that the church has record rental income, donations remain stable, and bequests show confidence in the current Council and the future of the church.  There has been solid investment growth after 2023 year-end portfolio modifications.  Pahapill Associates was re-elected as the auditor of the church.

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Anne Liis Keelmann reported on the beehive of activity at St. Peter’s. Prior to Karl’s coming, the church was fortunate to work with a roster of ministers including Reverends Ando Kass, Peeter Vanker, Kalle Kadakas, and Pamela Kormano.  She thanked the Guild under the leadership of Aida Shelton for providing refreshments after most services and for special events.

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Anne also stressed how very fortunate we are to have pianist and organist Erik Kreem and Chung Lee.  The church especially appreciates the work of Erik who has reformatted our English liturgy to better reflect our Estonian services.  We continue having an excellent working relationship with the Salvation Army and the Toronto Korean Open Church who both participated in this year’s Door’s Open.  We are grateful for our work together with the Ehatare Foundation to bring valuable programs to serve our seniors, having hosted several events at St. Peter’s.  The Estonian Põhjakotka scout troop uses our facilities, and most recently the Toronto Estonian Men’s Choir is rehearsing at the church.

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In managing the St. Peter’s Columbarium, the Council works closely with the Burial Authority of Ontario to ensure we are in compliance with their regulations and policies.  Restoration of the brick work was completed in 2024 by skilled craftsmen, returning the columbarium’s walls to pristine condition. There are a few niche spots left should any members wish to purchase a final resting place for themselves or a loved one.

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The church is inviting people to volunteer to assist in organizing and maintaining our archive.  We have a great collection of photographs, reports, newspaper articles, blueprints, bulletins, etc. from the time the congregation was founded.  Some of this now 75-year-old material needs digitization and cataloguing.  If you are interested in helping, please contact the office.

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We are very pleased to announce that the resolution to extend Deacon Karl Paju’s internship program for the duration of his studies at Wycliffe College was enthusiastically passed with a standing ovation from the members.  It was a moving moment when Rev. Ando Kass came forward and embraced deacon Karl Paju and congratulated him. Under his mentorship, Karl has held 13 Estonian and 7 English services, 8 services at Ehatare, done 4 burials, published 6 articles for Estonian Life, and offered prayers at 7 community events – all while maintaining excellent marks at Wycliffe.  Karl was endorsed by Bishop Ove Sander who ordained him as a deacon, and who also endorses Karl’s continuance with the program until his graduation.​

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