trumpet · pdf file · 2017-09-05reading to a five-year-old isn’t just about...
TRANSCRIPT
Autumn 2017
TRUMPET NEWSLETTER
Minister’s
Corner 1-4
Coming Events page 4
From your Church Board
page 5
Outreach
Corner pg. 6-8
Church News page 9-13
United Church Remits 14
Announcements
Page 15-16
In This
Issue...
Even though it is still summer here at Exeter United Church,
I feel inundated with the signs that Fall is on the horizon! I just
want to enjoy these last few weeks of Summer..... Fall will be here soon enough!
Summer has been filled with opportunities for a slower pace, a relaxed pace that allows for re-generation, relaxation, and
dreaming! I hope that you have also had these opportunities for
yourself and your family!
The coming Fall is already filling with activity and
opportunity to connect with community as we celebrate Reunion Sunday; a time to come together to celebrate our collective
history and re-connect!
We will connect with the local community as we host Pro Musica for a fundraising concert supporting Jessica’s
House! This is an outreach opportunity that you don’t want to miss!
In the midst of these two events, we will take the
opportunity to look at stewardship and how we benefit from abundance and generosity. We look to be Inspired,
to accept the Invitation and to give Thanks! We all play an active role in this aspect of ministry at Exeter United Church.
The Fall will culminate in a congregational meeting where
we will discuss our present and our future – visioning and dreaming coming from a place of who we are now and looking
forward to who we desire to be in five or ten years. Each event and worship will provide an opportunity for us all to reflect on
these two questions in preparation for a productive gathering
to hear from each other!
Finally, you need to know that you (yes you!) are an
important part of our faith community. Your contribution of
time and talent is the treasure of ministry here! THANK YOU!
‘Sometimes the best way to hold onto
something is to let it go.’
Author Unknown
Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Spirit
Rev. Laurie O’Leary MINISTER’S MESSAGE
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
MINISTER’S CORNER 2
The Secret to a Healthy Life
Volunteerism is a great way to stay young at heart and involved in your community
By Andrea Martin
The secret to a healthy life might just be taking the time to be involved in your
community.
Having a happy, healthy, fulfilling life is something to which we all strive. We hear
about the need to be active, eat healthy and deal with our stress, but what part can
volunteering play in creating that fulfilled life?
We know that people are volunteering. A 2013 Statistics Canada report states that 44
percent of people over the age of 15 volunteer, totaling almost two billion hours given
each year. That is the equivalent to about one million jobs. Volunteering is a huge
benefit to community organizations, youth sports, not-for-profit and faith based
organizations. I personally have been the recipient of volunteering, having volunteered
in roles both in youth sports and health care active living, and I had the opportunity to
co-ordinate volunteer-led programs. It has been fantastic to experience volunteerism
from all of these levels.
Why volunteer?
Research boasts of health benefits from volunteering. These health benefits are even
more pronounced for those over 60. There is evidence of improved physical and social
well being and that the act of volunteering creates a sense of purpose for individuals.
There are reports of lower mortality rates (Brown et al 2005) and a decrease in pain
intensity for those living with chronic pain (National and Community Service 2007). The
social integration or role theory suggests that a person’s social connections provide
meaning and purpose while protecting them from isolation in difficult periods.
With all the benefits to becoming a volunteer, it’s important to find your best fit. Many
researchers suggest there is a volunteer threshold of up to two hours per week. That
may seem a bit daunting for many of us to fit into our schedules, but let’s explore what
volunteering today can actually look like.
Volunteering has changed a lot from the group of church ladies. Although there is still a
great need for personal visiting, the volunteer roles you can find today have something
for everyone. A quick Internet search can find volunteer request for bookkeepers, board
members, event coordinators, website designers, food preparation, IT support,
marketing, patient advocators, readers, social media reporters, sports, recreation,
tourism, website creation… the list goes on and on! Volunteering is needed for every
age group, youth to seniors and in between.
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS ...OPEN SPIRIT
MINISTER’S CORNER CONT. 3
With such an expansive list of those in need, how do you find the best volunteer role?
The best advice is to find one that fits you! Think about the difference you want to
make, and the things you love and appreciate. What are the things you value? Do you
have a passion for something or a community movement you want to get behind? It is
easy to find others who share the same interest or share the same passion for issues
that speak to you and where you may want to get involved. An Internet search in your
community can help you find organizations. Volunteer centres and websites are also
available to point you in the right direction.
Do your research.
Don’t feel you have to jump right in. Start with some smaller roles until you can get a
feel for the organization and see if it is a good fit for you. Many organizations have
events you can attend, or ask to sit down with a volunteer coordinator and have them
share what their organization does. You can learn a lot about an organization by asking
volunteers about the roles they fill and what they like about being a volunteer with that
organization.
Be honest with yourself about how much time you have to offer in a volunteer role. Be
prepared to give your time and invest in the organization. Being upfront with the
volunteer coordinator around how much time you have for volunteering will help
provide the best fit. When you share what you are able to commit, be prepared to
commit that. If you say you are going to do something then be professional and do
what you say you will.
Remember that often the role is much more than the task you are given to complete.
Pouring tea at a seniors’ social isn’t just about the tea – it’s providing support to that
senior who is looking for companionship. Reading to a five-year-old isn’t just about the
book, but also giving the children individualized attention to focus on learning, while
learning to respect a different generation.
Assess your skills and share them with the organization. We all have so much to give
and sometimes we don’t even know it. Be sure to share what you are skilled at and
what you enjoy. Do you enjoy spending time on your computer or being active? There
are also roles that can use your love of travel by leading travel excursions or sharing
trips through travelogues. Make a list of those things you are good at and share it with
the organizations’ volunteer coordinator.
Don’t settle for less. Volunteer work needs to be satisfying to you. If you are not feeling
that your skills are being used or that you are wasting your time, you are unlikely to
stay at that role for any length of time. When an organization invests its time in
orientating you to your volunteer role, it would like you to stick with the organization. If
you are not happy in your role, then it’s time to find one that fits you better. It is
important to enjoy what you are doing, so you will continue to do it.
Andrea Martin is the Program Manager for the South West Self Management Program. A
program that supports community individuals to self-manage their health through free
community workshops. Learn more at www.swselfmanagement.ca
This article appeared in the Huron Perth Boomers Winter 2016/17 Vol. 1, Issue 4
Wednesday, September 6 Meatpies
Sunday, September 10 10:30 am Back to Church Sunday
Monday, September 11 6:00 pm UCW Meeting and Potluck Supper
Thursday, September 14 7:00 pm Leadership Workshop
Sunday, September 17 11:30 am Alzheimers Coffee Break
Tuesday, September 19 7:00 pm Tuesday Pause
Sunday, Sept. 24 10:30 am Reunion Sunday
Monday, Sept. 25 6:00-9:00 pm Collective Kitchen
Wednesday, Sept. 27 7:00 pm Church Board Meeting
Saturday, Sept. 30 7:30 pm Pro-Musica Benefit Concert
Monday, October 2 7:00 pm UCW Meeting
Sunday, October 15 5:00 pm Exeter United hosts Free Community Meal
Sunday, October 29 Congregational Meeting
Saturday, November 11 Country Christmas Bazaar
Sunday, November 12 South Huron Community Choir Fall Concert
COMING EVENTS
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
MINISTER’S CORNER CONT. 4
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
FROM YOUR CHURCH BOARD
Traditionally, fall brings
with it the return to routine and the
familiar. This year is bound to be a little
different as many new and special activities
have already been planned. Here are just a
few.
Reunion Sunday being
celebrated on September 24th for which a great deal of work has already been done.
The London Pro Musica concert in support of Jessica’s House on Saturday, September 30th.
A partnership between our church and the South Huron Community Choir out of
which we will host more concerts and music programs in our facility.
The long awaited reconfiguration of the east entrance will soon be underway.
Even though we established our vision just a few short years ago, possible changes in our local United Church community will require us to once again take a look at this
vision, not only for the immediate future but for years to come. There will be a variety of opportunities for you to provide your input as to whom we are, our wants
and needs and how we can work together with our neighbour congregations.
Exciting times!
Janice Brock 519-235-0323 [email protected]
Janis Dougall 519-859-0448 [email protected]
Eleanor Clark 519-235-0548 [email protected]
Ena deHaan 519-235-1464 [email protected]
Ann Johns 519-235-0474 [email protected]
Joan Kammerer 519-235-4083 [email protected]
Cheryl Masson 519-335-0670 [email protected]
Stephen Platts 226-218-9208 [email protected]
Alice MacLean 519-235-1286 [email protected]
Brenda Turner 519-235-0220 [email protected]
Lois Godbolt 519-235-0691 [email protected]
5
Transformational Leadership in Your
Congregation
October 19 & 20
Join Central United Church, St. Thomas and HealthierChurch.org, along with leaders Dr. Ed Kruse
and Rev. Dr. Bill Steadman, for an event to mobilize lay leaders and ministry personnel to: change 'scarcity
thinking into abundance thinking', connect with neighbours and use social media for outreach, transform with radical ideas and put life into your
welcome!
What do YOU need to 'wake up' in your congregation?
Early-bird fees until September 30 (along with the book, Wake Up, Church). Download the brochure and
registration form. For more information email Bill
Steadman or call 705-674-0721 ext. 103.
If you are interested in going, contact the office
for more information.
LEADERSHIP MEETING
Thurs., Sept. 14, 2017
7:00 p.m.
Exeter United Church
Parlour
Topics for discussion: EUC
Constitution; Communication;
introduce new communication
specialist, Karen Brintnell.
Please plan to attend this
important leadership event.
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER
Collective Kitchen
When we met in June we prepared homemade pizza and ice
cream pizza which we sat and shared together, enjoying
some social time and celebrating another wonderful year of
cooking together. Last year we had many new people join
our group, a few people move away, and many familiar
faces continue to join us each month. Most months we had
about 15 participants come but
on a few occasions we had as
many as 20! As we prepare to head into our fourth year
we are starting to find it challenging to come up with new
and exciting recipes each month, we would welcome some
fresh ideas. If you have any recipes that can
easily be adapted for large batches please
share them with Heather MacKechnie at
[email protected] or 519-872-9144
Everyone is welcome!
For more information call the office 519-235-0860 or Heather at 519-872-9144
Free Clothing Store
Our Free Family Clothing Event was held in May
and provided an opportunity for the community to
come and “shop” for gently used clothing at no
cost while enjoying free refreshments. Everyone
who attended found something and really
appreciated their new clothes. Thanks to
everyone who supported this event!
Our next date to host the
Free Community
Meal is Sunday, October 15, 2017. Come out,
join us for dinner and meet some of the people from our
community. We will be serving Shepherds Pie, Salad,
Apple Crisp and Veggies. Watch for the sign up board in
the Andrew Street Entrance to find out what we need to
make this meal a success. For more information on how you
can be involved call the office 519-235-0860
6
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER
Birthday in a Bag
This past spring a member of our church family became aware that
there are children in our community that aren't able to celebrate their
birthday with cake and goodies like many other children. Thanks to a
small group of special individuals we will be able to help make sure that
children in our community can celebrate their birthdays with something
special. Starting last May we have Birthday in a Bag packages available in the office for
families to pick up and celebrate their child's birthday. Each bag contains everything
needed for a birthday party for 8-a cake mix, icing, paper plates, cups, candles,
balloons, lootbags (small toys, wrapped candy, stickers, etc.) We have let the local
schools, the Food bank and other social service agencies know that these packages are
available for families that need them. We will have a few bags to
start but will need continued donations from the congregation to
keep this ministry going once we see what the need is. We handed
out our first bag to a dad over the summer to celebrate with his
son...he was very excited!!! Stay tuned for more information!
Our Benevolent Fund provides valuable assistance to families
in our community through VISTA gift cards to Foodland and
Independent Grocery Stores. Individuals and families are able
to receive assistance from Exeter United every six months or
up to twice a year. In addition, families seeking assistance are
given a bag with shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste,
deodorant, toilet paper, razor and other personal care products. The addition
of these personal care bags in the last year has been gratefully appreciated.
So far this year we have helped 68 families thanks to your generosity. A
special thank you to those who have been purchasing
extra VISTA cards and dropping off donations for our
personal care bags. Extra VISTA cards can be purchased
from Carol Brisbin and donated to the Benevolent program
and donations of personal care products
can be dropped off at the office. Thank
you for your generosity!
7
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER
Almajarish Family Update Interesting Facts about the Almajarish Family’s first year in Canada…
Did you know …?
1. Ibraheem began his new job at General Coach exactly 5 months after arriving in Canada.
2. Baby Ahmed was born on June 29, and came home from LHSC on Canada Day 2017.
3. Mohammad is taking swimming lessons at the public pool and biking there to swim often.
4. Fatima is an accomplished cook who makes everything from scratch and buys flour in 25 lb. bags.
5. Shahid enjoys watching TVO Kids programming and especially loves Paw Patrol.
6. Sham loves styling her room and her clothes and is a big help with her new baby brother.
7. Fatima wears jeans and regular clothes and no hijab/scarf around the house.
8. Sham and Mohammad played South Huron Recreational soccer twice a week
all summer with help from a YMCA grant.
9. Ibraheem was a star soccer player in his youth in Syria and loves to watch International Soccer using an Android Box which televises Arabic
programming.
10.Fatima has learned to pay the bills at the Bank of Montreal and has taken on
more responsibilities since Ibraheem is at work 5 days a week. Staff members there have been very helpful and understanding.
11.Baby Ahmed has big dark eyes and thick black hair and is very alert and smiley for his young age.
12.Mohammad enjoys answering the phone at home and is very good at taking messages for the
family.
13.Fatima has returned to ESL classes at the
Learning Centre in Exeter and takes Baby Ahmed with her while Sham babysits at home during
summer holidays.
14.Shahid – now aged 3 – enjoyed playing with the other kids at Dorothy Chappel’s Day Care last
Spring while her mom was at ESL class.
15.Allan Case is a hero to Fatima for installing
plumbing and making her dream of a main floor laundry come true. Ron Mayer did the electrical
work for the project. Thanks Al and Ron!
8
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER 9
Almajarish Family Update cont.
16. Sham is excited and nervous about starting Grade 7 at SHDHS soon.
17. Nine year old Mohammad is the most proactive member of the family and is
not shy about making a phone call to a sponsor when a question arises.
18.Ibraheem leaves for work with a car pool at 6:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday
and returns by 3:30 p.m. from his job at General Coach. 2 other Syrian workers are also employed there.
19.Some ladies from the U.C.W. joined members of the Sponsorship Committee to show Fatima the good old fashioned custom of a Baby Shower on July 12.
She was thrilled with the gifts and especially the Diaper Wreath covered with useful baby items from the U.C.W.
20.Ibraheem enjoys a good game of Chess on weekends and is always looking for opponents.
21.Fatima enjoyed the Garage Sale bargains at Godbolts in June. Thanks George and Lois.
22.The Almajarish family enjoyed a beach day in early August at the Henderson cottage at Bruce Beach.
23.Lana Shapton has been coming weekly to play with the 3
older kids – teaching them English and social skills along the way.
24. Shahid and Fatima enjoyed an Early Years play and story time at Exeter Villa in June.
25.Amy Scott helped Mohammad and Shahid decorate their bikes for Canada Day.
26. Stay tuned to our FB page: https://www.facebook.com/ ExeterUCSponsorshipGroup2016/ for future updates.
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER 10
In June the CD/Outreach Committee arranged a field trip for 26
members and friends to go see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat at the Huron Country Playhouse...everyone really
enjoyed the performance!
TRIP TO JOSEPH
Courtesy Car Drivers
September: Helen and Bob Coates 519-235-2787
October: Ken Agnew 519-235-1358
November: Bob Clark 519-235-0548
December: Bill Brock 519-235-0323
Submitted by Ann Johns
MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL
11
A warm welcome to Karen Brintnell who has been hired as our new Communications
Specialist. Karen is a resident of Exeter and brings communications, fund raising and event planning expertise based on working with General Coach Canada and the South
Huron Chamber of Commerce.
Based on Anne Spivey’s resignation (end of June) and Aaron Neeb advising he will not
renew his contract past the end of November, plans are underway to recruit for a new
Music Director & Accompanist as a combined role.
Special thanks to Lana Shapton who agreed to take on the Music Accompanist position
for the months of July, August and September.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
There has been a flurry of activity at Exeter United this summer as a group of dedicated
volunteers met each week to sort through pictures, newspaper clippings, old bulletins and
bits of history to put together the story of Exeter United Church. These volunteers met
faithfully several mornings a week to sort through pieces of our history and put together
scrapbooks which will be available for viewing at the Reunion on September 24th. A BIG
THANK YOU for sharing your talent and time creating these wonderful memory
books for us!
Life and Work of the Church
A BIG THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who contribute to the life and work of the
church on a regular basis by serving on committees, volunteering with the Sunday School,
the church Board, the UCW, Ushers, Sunday morning coffee time, and all of the day to
day volunteers who help with the behind the scenes work at Exeter United Church!
Archive Ladies
The Life and Work of Our Church….
CHURCH NEWS
Submitted by Linda Russell Co-Chair
MEMBERSHIP AND VISITATION 12
Name Tags – Please remember to wear your name tags during church services &
programs. These will be even more helpful at our upcoming Reunion Service & Celebration on September 24. If you still need one, it will be provided by ordering
through the church office.
After Church Socials – Thank you to the Finance and Property Committees for
providing refreshments in April, the UCW for lunch in May commemorating their Anniversary, and in June the Sunday School celebrating Recognition Sunday with their
hotdog lunch. A BIG thank you to the volunteers who graciously provided light refreshments during July and August: Pat Fletcher & Elaine Tomlinson; Bible Study
Group; Eleanor Clark; Dorothy Elliot, Norma Cockwill & Marion Kerslake; Dianne, Lana & Janelle Shapton; Dianna Cusveller & Ann Klungel; and Stephen Platts.
Baptism – Receiving the Sacrament of Baptism, we welcomed into our church family: Colton John Wayne Shapton, son of Dan & Pam Shapton on Father’s Day June 18; and
on July 9 Kenley Anne LeCureaux, daughter of Kristylee (Varley) & Robert LeCureaux. Our blessings to both families.
Membership – On April 16 we welcomed new member Stephen Platts into our church
family through the Profession of Faith.
Weddings – Congratulations to newlyweds: Karen Passmore (Barb & Dennis Rau)
married Jeff Stine on Canada Day July 1st at a Niagara-on-the-Lake winery, residing in Chicago; Brendan Shapton (Bevan & Joan) married Ameena Siripathane on July 7 at
Hessenland, residing in Ilderton; Kelsey Pinder (Kim & Ken) married Michael MacLean (Gary & Jane) on August 5 at her family’s Lake Huron cottage with ceremony officiated
by Rev. O’Leary, residing in Exeter.
In Memoriam – Our sincere condolences to the families of our congregation members
who have died this year – Don Holman, William Irwin, Ron Anderson, Marie Ferguson, Irene Dunn, Marjorie Drake, Ted Roberts, Maida Gaiser, Helen Parsons, Jack Parsons,
Gerry Smith. Please keep them in your thoughts & prayers as they travel their grief journey.
Sunshine Cards – Since our last newsletter 13 ‘Thinking of you’ cards have been sent out by our card secretary, Audrey Pooley, to those in our church community who have
been ill, recovering from hospitalization and/or needing encouragement and support.
Teleministry & Visitation Teams – On June 15 our M & V Team hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon and social time for both teams including our Trumpet Delivery
Team with 25 in attendance. Rev. O’Leary led a presentation on pastoral visiting and a discussion followed. The next scheduled friendly call from our Teleministry Team
volunteers will be around Thanksgiving. Thank you to Barb Turnbull who has resigned after 12 years of faithful calling. If you haven’t received a call you’re on one of 5 lists
needing volunteers to “reach out & touch someone” in this important ministry. Please call the coordinator Donna Shapton 519-237-3726 if you can offer assistance.
Cont. on pg 11
Continued...
MEMBERSHIP AND VISITATION 13
Regular contact by our Visitation Team volunteers is appreciated by our shut-ins & long
term care residents as well as those during bereavement of a spouse or partner through our ‘Compassionate Visiting’ service. Please call the coordinator Helen Coates
519-235-2787 if you know of someone in need.
Trumpet Newsletter – Join the 273 households who receive our e-mail version. To
receive yours, just e-mail [email protected] for this environmentally friendly service. Thank you to June Hodgson who willingly assumed Deb Campbell’s
delivery district, and Ann Johns whose dependable service is no longer needed after 27 years.
For further information on or assistance with any of the above, please call Linda Russell 519-237-3445 or the church office 519-235-0860.
“A person who feels appreciated will always do more than what is expected”
Submitted by Helen Coates
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN
The Smorgasbord luncheon on May 4, was served for the first time at the SH Rec
Centre with many positive comments. We plan to hold it there next year. Many
thanks to all who contributed by preparing food, working, attending and helping in any
way to serve everyone. Our profit was $5,922.75.
On June 1st, we entertained the residents at the Villa at our annual Friendship
Tea. They enjoyed our visits and dessert of angel cake and peaches.
We had a delightful "Day Out" on June 27th. We toured Latec Instruments. They
explained how they have developed products like levelling devices for ice surfaces,
construction projects and even rice fields. We enjoyed shopping at Miller's Country
Store and they treated us to cookies and butter tarts. Due to rain we ate our bag
lunches at our church. We were amazed by all the quilts etc. at Kalidoscope of Quilts.
We did a sample of blanket stitch. We learned a great deal about framing and
mounting pictures at Studio Art and Custom Framing. At LUVU Naturally the owner
described her many natural products. Our last stop was at Gregarious Cravings where
Greg demonstrated pastry making and we sampled his delicious "treats". It was great
to explore places of interest in Exeter.
We donated a "wreath" of baby needs to Ahmed the newest member of
the Almajarish family.
On July 2nd, eight members attended the "Summer Event" at Siloam
United.
Glen Pearson of the London Food Bank motivated us to continue our
journey to improve the lives of others. He reminded us that a few can do
wonders. We enjoyed a ukulele band as well.
The Life and Work of Our Church….
CHURCH NEWS
VISTA
Orders resume September 10, 2017 and we have some catching up to do! We
finished the month of June $700 behind our previous years. We did put in a summer
order again this year. Thanks to those who submitted orders. Our income was just
over $200. To date, we have sold 659 cards with a face value of
$ 58,615.
Thank you to those who regularly purchase cards. It is a no-brainer fundraiser in that
the money you pay equals the face value of the cards. The companies involved give
us a rebate ranging from 1% to 10% as a way of thanking us for supporting them.
If you are new to the church or have not yet participated in the VISTA program, it is
never too late to start. The majority of our sales are for Hansen’s and Foodland and
as stated when we first started the program in 2011, we all have to eat!
If you have any question, please call Carol Brisbin at 519-297-2011
or see me after church in the Andrew Street entrance.
14
Need a break? Looking for a bit of quiet space? Want to
'let it go' for awhile? Join us the 3rd Tuesday of each
month. There's no agenda! Come to colour, craft, have
a conversation, drink a coffee! We will provide a quiet
space of sanctuary, an in between space, to help you
recharge! We will provide the space, the coffee, water,
juice and snack. Bring your colouring, your crafting,
yourself! An opportunity to connect with others looking
for that bit of breathing space!
Tuesday Pause
Updates from groups and committees
CHURCH NEWS
The Capital Projects Committee members are Don McCaffrey, Ken Coates, Joanne
Bowen and Tom Prout. The projects for this year include a Hazardous Materials Study required by provincial and federal legislation, a new larger water line from James
Street which is currently under construction, and the east entranceway. The budget for these projects are $5,000, $10,000, and $35,000 respectively.
It is anticipated that all three projects will be completed this year. The new water line will be bigger than the current one and will help improve the flow of water to the
washrooms and kitchen as well as the Universal Washroom when it is constructed. The east entranceway/vestibule will make this entrance safer, more accessible and reduce
cold winter winds from accessing the Primary Room.
Pledges for these projects are welcomed. You can select any one project or
combinations of all three to support, whatever works for you and your family. Leaving a legacy helps you and your church. You will be notified when your pledge is required
to pay for the project(s). Cheques should be made out to Exeter United Church and
your donation is eligible for an income tax receipt.
If you have any questions please contact one of the committee members.
Submitted by Tom Prout
CAPITAL PROJECTS AROUND THE CHURCH
15
New in the Church Library The Season for Strawberries
by Dorothy Brown Henderson
Available through Amazon in Kindle or soft cover as well as from Dorothy at her home in
Exeter.
The title may sound like a recipe book which
Dorothy has published previous to this novel.
Aleda is the main character, a single pastor in small town Ontario. As we can imagine, and
some know from experience, small town life has its ups &
downs, affections and dislikes and of course gossip! Not
surprising.
More worrisome for Aleda is the fact that she eventually begins
to question her "calling" during her time in small town Milburn.
Without giving away the story my reading of this book was
thoroughly enjoyable!
A slice of life in a small town, a close community but with some
"large" thought provoking issues as well as day-to-day
happenings .
A very enjoyable read.
For a first novel this is worthy of praise! My hope is that Dorothy
will write a sequel....we need to know what happens next!
Ena de Haan.
Clouds Over Okotoks
By Harry Lee Disher
Available through Amazon in E-book or
soft cover or from the Author.
Clouds Over Okotoks is a coming of age
tale filled with adventure, romance,
family life and humour interspersed with
spiritual insights. The story follows young
Tyler Stedman as he pursues his dreams and explores the
exciting world of the rodeo and the Canadian West. Tyler’s
journey is filled with exciting exploits, humourous episodes,
moments of doubt and self discovery all set against the
backdrop of rural Alberta and the Calgary Stampede.
Wonderfully detailed storytelling about growing up in a
small town, life in the rodeo circle and the enduring spirt of
the Canadian West. The landscape comes alive with
beautiful descriptions of the natural surroundings.
Clouds Over Okotoks has a little bit of everything...worth
checking it out!
Information About Remits
UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA REMITS 16
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Greetings from the General Council Office. I am writing to let you know of the voting results for Remits 1 to 4. All four remits were
approved by a majority of the 84 voting presbyteries and 2136 voting pastoral charges of the United Church.
Remit 1: Three Council Model
Presbyteries: Yes: 74 No: 7 Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1672 No: 222
Remit 2: Elimination of Transfer and Settlement
Presbyteries: Yes: 74 No: 7 Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1792 No: 89
Remit 3: Office of Vocation
Presbyteries: Yes: 69 No: 12
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1681 No: 190
Remit 4: Funding a New Model Presbyteries: Yes: 70 No: 12
Pastoral Charges: Yes: 1472 No: 398
There is one final step in the remit process to be taken by the 43rd General Council when it meets in July, 2018. We will now be working to be ready for that prospect.
A Remit Scenario Planning group, co-chaired by Alan Hall (Executive Minister, Ministry and Personnel), and Peter Hartmans (Executive Secretary, Hamilton Conference), has
been meeting over the past year to do preliminary thinking on the change process, depending on which of the remits received approval. This group will now be re-
mandated as the Remit Implementation group, to have broad oversight over the plans for implementation of the changes that will follow if General Council gives its approval
to the decisions that have been approved by remit. David Allen has agreed to step
away from his position as Executive Secretary of Toronto Conference to accept the full time assignment as Project Leader for this work.
The 42nd General Council will reconvene for an electronic meeting on September 30, 2017 to put plans in motion for determining the boundaries of the regional councils,
and a nominations process for the next General Council Executive, pending the final step in the remit process.
Thank you all for your participation in this important work of the church. Sincerely,
Nora Sanders General Secretary, General Council
ANNOUNCEMENTS 17
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ANNOUNCEMENTS 18
Do you love to sing? Looking for a fun choral
experience? Join the South Huron Community Choir. All voice parts, no audition. Give us a try!
Meeting Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at Exeter
United Church beginning September 12.
Have you ever played the handbells? New and experienced players are welcome to join the
handbell choir too!
Want more info? Send an email to the South Huron Community Choir at
[email protected]. Hope to see you in September!
I would like to thank the
congregation for their
friendship and support
during my time of music
ministry and especially
thank everyone for their
donations made to
Jessica's House upon my retirement.
Sincerely, Anne Spivey