Annual Report 2010
In Memoriam
Those of our
| Beryl Scouler Co Kruysse Stan Furtney John Nemy Grant Thompson Jim Wells Dorothy Crysler Ella Owen Grace Gibson Mary Gillespie Beth Wilson Gordon Klager Lynne Haist |
January 8 January 10 February 15 February 20 April 3 June 2 July 2 September 12 September 16 October 16 December 10 December 29 |
God is with us.
We are not alone.
Thanks be to God.
FONTHILL UNITED
CHURCH
2009 Annual
Congregational Meeting Minutes
1.0
Opening:
Joan Wells
(chairperson) welcomed everyone to the meeting.
The Rev. Dr. Garry van Bruchem
read the “In Memoriam” list and said a prayer.
Moved by Bob Laing and seconded by Marvin Myhre that Gail DeKoning be the recording secretary.
Carried
Garry van
Bruchem explained the voting privileges.
Moved by Rich Miller and seconded by Bob Laing that supporting adherents be given voting privileges on temporal matters.
Carried
2.0
Minutes:
There were no
errors or omissions or business arising from the 2008 Minutes.
Moved by Gary Zalot and seconded by Ralph Haun that the 2008 Minutes be adopted.
Carried
3.0
Committee Reports:
Bob Laing
reported that the Choir Report should add “in tribute to Patricia Mary
Ann” after ‘Season of Wonders which was purchased by the Laing Family.’
Moved by Marvin Myhre and seconded by Sharron Bradley that the Committee Reports, except for the Finance Report, be accepted as printed.
Carried
4.0
Finance Report:
2009 Fiscal Year
im Bradley
reported on the financial review for 2009.
He thanked everyone, especially the House Tour Committee, U.C.W.,
Men’s Club, John Sands concert and the one-time donor for getting
Fonthill United into a surplus position.
There was $8,900 deficit predicted but we ended up with a $12,566
surplus so we are in a great position.
Jim stated the Operating Fund is a concern but throughout the
year it does balance out.
The Operating Fund at $204,538 is a bit above our forecast and the
expenditures of $191,972 less than projected.
Salaries are down $6,000 because of not having to pay for a
Sunday School Superintendent and Christian Education is down $3,000
because Sunday School didn’t start up again until late in the year.
Jim said it
was an excellent year for the Operating Fund with $10,600 donated of
which $5,000 was designated for the church bell and $5,000 to replace
the furnace (actual cost approximately $8,000.)
Jim thanked Henry van der Sluis for his work on getting the
furnace replaced.
10% of
envelope givings, approximately $20,000, went to M&S ($13,000) and
Outreach ($7,000). Jim stated that Outreach was local but Marion Egerter
corrected him in saying that it goes to such things as Doctors Without
Borders so therefore not just locally.
Jim Bradley moved and Don Dixon seconded that we accept the financial operating statement for 2009 as prepared.
Carried
2010 Budget
Jim stated
that the 2010 projections for Givings is $189,000, down 4%.
This takes into account the impact the new H.S.T. (July 2010) will have on givings as well as
the fact we will lose some members. Interest on
investments in the Manse and Enduring Gifts Fund will see a decrease
from 4% to probably 2% when renewed.
Gerry Grenier, our custodian, will be retiring this year which will could save some money.
More money has been put into Office Expenses to do more
advertising. Jim stated a Yoga Group is now renting the church
and there is a possibility of another group wanting to rent space.
Gary Zalot moved and Ralph Haun seconded that the budget of $198,361 for
2010 be approved.
Carried
4.0
Finance:
(cont’d)
Jean Shantz
donated money two (2) years ago for the bell. Jim stated George Dewar
received two quotes to fix the bell and they will look into this.
He also said the roof will need work soon.
Jim thanked the Finance Committee and said it was rare to have
three Chartered Accountants on a church Finance Committee.
5.0
Election of Officers:
5.1
Board of Trustees:
Moved by Ralph Haun and seconded by Bob Laing that we elect Lyn Taylor, Marvin Myhre and Keith Rae as Trustees in addition to Bob Laing, George Rooke and Leo Bruzzese already on the Board of Trustees.
Carried
5.2
Nominating Committee:
Joan Wells
thanked the previous Council Members for all agreeing to stay on another
year and she welcomed new members Betty Garner, Peggy Palmer, Cindy
Shepherd and Neil Wood.
There were no new nominations.
Moved by Jim Bradley and seconded by Virginia Haun that we elect those named in the Nominating Committee Report.
Carried
6.0
Other Business:
6.1
Harland Young
reported that as
Moved by Bruce Stayzer and seconded by Bill Laing that we reappoint Henry van der Sluis for two (2) years and George Dewar for one (1) year to the Board of Town Square Manor.
Carried
6.2
Cave Springs Camp:
Joan Wells said we need people on the Cave Springs Camp Board as we have no one at present. Marvin Myhre said that needing someone for Cave Springs Camp was mentioned at the Men’s Breakfast. The last representatives on the Board were Grant Black and Doug Drennan many years ago and we always had two (2) reps but have had no one since they retired. It entails two (2) or three (3) meetings a year and Joan has a letter from Cave Springs Camp if anyone wants to know what it entails. Gary Zalot nominated his wife Cathy Borthwick who agreed to stand and Harland Young seconded it.
Carried
7.0
Comments:
Bob Laing
thanked Eleanor Jolliffe for directing the choir with such enjoyment for
the past year and for future directing.
Keith Rae
thanked Garry van Bruchem for his caring side in visiting, for his
preaching and theology, his computer skills and after-church seminars.
Joan Wells
thanked all for their work in the church and for attending the annual
meeting.
8.0
Adjournment:
Moved by Marvin Myhre and seconded by Jim Bradley that the meeting be adjourned.
Carried
Minister’s
Report
As I reflect back on the life
and work of
I think that
I’d like to mention a few of the
reasons I’m grateful. I’m
grateful for the people who have served on Council and its Committees.
You have given more than just your time.
You have put your selves out there in positions of leadership,
which takes courage sometimes, and you have led wisely.
I’m grateful for the ministries of compassion that happen here.
The Shepherd Visitors do a wonderful job of visiting the lonely
and shut-in. The Outreach
ministries, to which everyone contributes, support people on the front
line who help the needy in our community and around the world.
This is a generous congregation, and your positive response to
the messages from the Stewardship Committee has not only supported the
congregation’s work but also the relief work in
Many people do practical work around the church. Some of the jobs are small but others are huge. I’m grateful for everyone: from the people who usher, count the offering, make coffee, serve communion, fold bulletins, decorate the sanctuary, operate the PA system, and clear plugged drains. I’m grateful to the people who fund-raise for us: who organized the house tour, and concerts and dinners. I’m grateful to people who painstakingly read insurance contracts, and arrange to have major jobs done: like replacing the furnace and the roof, and who arranged to have solar panels installed. I’m grateful to those who represent the congregation in the wider church and community: on the board of Cave Springs Camp, and Niagara Presbytery, and Town Square Manor.
I’m grateful for all those who participate by coming to worship on Sunday and taking an interest in what we do; who respond to my preaching; who sing hymns from the chancel and hymns from the pews; who attend study groups and share their insights. This year I was especially grateful to Eleanor Jolliffe who served the congregation so well and for so many years. The excellence of the choir is due in no small part to the training she provided. And this year I was grateful to the Music Search Committee which recognized the importance of its task and took great care in attracting a new Music Director, and I’m grateful that he accepted the position.
Two people deserve special mention this year: Joan Wells served as chairperson of Council for the past three years, and after having had a ‘significant’ birthday this year, she is giving up the chair. I want to recognize her faithful service. And every year my appreciation for our secretary Patrice Walker increases. She excels in both her dedication and her competence and she is one of the reasons we are as strong and healthy a congregation as we are.
I have many things to look forward to in 2011: a 12 week sabbatical, working with Bill Outred, seeing our roof covered in solar panels, and the fellowship that surrounds all we do as a congregation. At the end of my fifth year of ministry among you, I am indeed grateful to be serving you and I hope that as you review these reports, you will recognize the blessings we have been given.
Garry van Bruchem,
Ordained Minister
Council Chairperson’s Report
The three years I have served as chair of Fonthill United Church Council have gone by quickly. I do not wish to seek another term as chair. It is time for younger members to come forward with new ideas.
I wish to thank the council
members who have served with me.
It has been a privilege to work with such a committed and
conscientious group of people.
To the council members returning for another term and to the new
members who will step forward and serve our church community, I wish you
success as you continue to make
A special thanks to those who have served on the various committees, to the choir as we welcome a new director, to our minister for excellent leadership and thought-provoking sermons and to our church secretary for her efficiency and extra duties she performs for us so willingly.
Our church is facing a period of change as are all mainline churches as we begin 2011. It asks us to make a choice: 1) remain in a static mode clinging to the past or, 2) step forward into the future with courage and renewed faith and together, with respect to each others’ views, enter a dialogue to make our church relevant to ourselves and our community at large. Staying positive and working together will keep our church strong and a beacon of hope. With God’s guidance we will move forward.
Yours in Christian love,
Joan Wells
Worship Committee Report
The following members have served on the Committee in 2010:
Joan Wells, Judith Dowd, Beryl West, Sandra Duncan, Harland Young, Brenda Peszle, Barbara Peszle, Rev. Dr. Garry van Bruchem.
This Committee meets at
This year we were delighted to welcome two new members to the committee as Brenda and Barbara Peszle joined in December.
We welcome comments, suggestions and concerns from the congregation. Anyone interested in becoming a member of this committee, please contact us and join us for a meeting.
Respectfully submitted by,
Joan Wells, Co-Chair
Christian Education
Committee
This Committee has included Rich Miller, Margaret and Ralph Watters, Louise Stayzer, Keith Rae and Marvin Myhre. Additional contributions have been made by Cathy Borthwick and Gail DeKoning. With the assistance of Reverend Garry, appropriate Sunday School lessons have been acquired.
The Committee has discussed the option of a staff position for a consistent Sunday School teacher as well as to continue relying on volunteers to serve the week-by-week Sunday School and Nursery needs. At this time, a list of volunteers to serve each Sunday has been prepared.
To increase attendance at Sunday School, specific families have been contacted without success in participation. Alternative means to bring younger people to our Sunday services have been and are to be explored. The students of Vicky Vlassis were invited to perform at the Sunday service before Christmas, and their participation was greatly appreciated.
The 2nd annual
Submitted by,
Richard Miller
Sunday School Financial
Report
Sunday School Bank Balance as of December 31/09: $1,190.75
Receipts:
Sunday School offerings
$ 6.50
Expenses:
$
0.00
Sunday School Bank Balance as of December 31/10: $ 1,197.25
Submitted by,
Patrice Walker
Shepherd Visitors
Who are we?
Shepherd Visitors are persons whose
privilege it is to maintain the link between members of our church who,
over the years, have given of their time, talents and selves in the
service to the church and its ministry but who are now, due to age or
illness, spending a lot of their time alone.
They live in Fonthill,
Visits, Calls and Cards: Each of these persons are visited a minimum of once a month and receive frequent phone calls as well as birthday, get well, and thinking of you cards as reminders that they continue to be remembered by our congregation. Jack Gray and Beryl Smith caringly provide this service. Shepherd Visitors also make hospital visits, when requested. Shepherd Visitors also complement visits to members by the minister.
Communion Teas and In-Home Communion: Twice a year, at Christmas and Easter, Shepherd Visitors arrange for all those who can no longer attend services to be served communion either at our Communion Tea at Lookout Ridge or in-home. Transportation is provided to Lookout where they all enjoy seeing old friends, share in communion, sing old favourite hymns and songs, and enjoy refreshments together. Our biggest turnout yet was at Christmas when we had a total of 60. Thanks go out to Margret Bousfield and her “team” who prepared refreshments. Ruth Rae did a great job at playing the piano for our sing song and Keith Rae was outstanding at being Santa and giving each person their take home goodie bag. Many, many thanks to both of you. For those unable to attend, communion was served by Garry, assisted by members of the Shepherd Visitors.
Transportation: Shepherd Visitors are available to provide local transportation to church and related activities for those who are no longer able to drive. We do not drive to appointments.
Annual Seniors Bus Trip 2010 to
Tim Hortons will no longer be providing a bus for trips. We are looking into possibly either renting a bus if we are guaranteed to fill it or a CAA day trip. If any of you have suggestions, please let us know.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: Our Prayer Shawl Ministry Group has been busy. Care and the love of knitting have been combined into a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace. Many blessings are knitted into every shawl. When the shawl is completed it is offered a final ritual before being sent on its way. A total of 55 shawls have been given out since we started the group. Peggy Palmer and Margot Fraser head this group. A sincere Thank You goes out to all our knitters. New knitters are always welcome. Contact Peggy Palmer at 735-0229 or at dpalmer37@ccogeco.ca if you would like to join us.
Members: Currently, we have 14 persons actively contributing their time and caring as Shepherd Visitors. We have a total of 40 whom we visit plus another 10 whom we contact by phone. We welcome back Paul Owen to our group. We always look for his guidance and contributions.
Shepherd Visitors ( 2010):
|
Peggy Palmer (Chair)
|
Elaine White |
Thanks go out to all the Shepherd Visitors for all the support you have given me, and all the caring for those on your lists and others. Persons interested in contributing to the life of the church as Shepherd Visitors are asked to please contact Peggy Palmer at (905) 735-0229, dpalmer37@cogeco.ca or any member of our Committee.
Respectfully submitted,
Peggy Palmer, Chair
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee did not meet in 2010.
Committee members: Ruth Rae and George Rooke
Fonthill United Church Statistics
| Total Membership, Resident & Non-resident | 349 | 341 |
| Non-resident Membership | 42 | 40 |
| Resident Membership | 307 | 301 |
| Activity in the year: | 2009 | 2010 |
| Received by Profession of Faith | 0 | 0 |
| Received by Certificate or otherwise | 3 | 3 |
| Removed by Death | 10 | 8 |
| Removed by Certificate or otherwise | 1 | 3 |
Submitted by George Rooke,
Membership Roll Clerk
Outreach and Mission &
Service Report
Outreach has continued to send donations to local and international projects as planned in our budget without needing to have regular meetings, although members were kept informed monthly. Most projects received $500 and the recipients sent sincere letters of appreciation.
Local projects included Open
Arms Mission, R.A.F.T., Habitat for Humanity, Pelham Cares, Women’s
Place of South Niagara, F.A.C.S., Hope House,
International projects included
Doctors Without Borders, Leprosy Relief, and M.S.M.F. for a village in
Operation Christmas included a
very successful food drive in December with groceries delivered to
Pelham Cares, Thorold Community Care, and Hope House in
Money budgeted for M&S was
forwarded monthly to them for their many worthwhile projects at home and
abroad. Stella Wright has
ably kept the congregation informed by giving monthly talks on Minutes
for
In 2010, members included Marion Egerter, Margot Fraser, Peter Phillips, Bev Robinson, Dr. Garry van Bruchem and Stella Wright. Peter Phillips retired from the Committee in November after many years of faithful service.
Submitted by,
Marion Egerter, Outreach Chair
Stewardship
Committee Report
The Stewardship Committee consists of: Lyn Taylor (chair), Gail DeKoning (secretary), Harland Young and Rev. Dr. Garry van Bruchem
The Committee met six times in 2010. At the start of the year we explored some of the new resources available for planned giving. We learned that effective stewardship programs need a clear vision and a shared sense of mission. People need to see that their contributions are making a significant difference for good.
For churches that means:
· a clear vision of ministry,
· a strong staff and lay leadership,
· unity between staff and lay leadership and
· a strong consensus about the use of the funds.
The Stewardship Committee concluded that we would like to do a better job of articulating the mission of our church in a shorter statement. Our current mission statement may be too long. To refresh your memory here it is again:
The mission of
offering opportunities for worship, learning and fellowship
which inspire its people to follow in the path of Jesus:
loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength,
and loving our neighbours, as we love ourselves.
In the fall, the Committee
conducted a program over three weeks in October using the theme:
Being Grateful. Being Generous.
Being Faithful.
The Fall issue of The Grapevine included articles about
the program and a mailing was sent out.
The Committee shared in the leadership of three worship services
and Lyn Taylor preached one of the sermons.
There were 58 people who returned their estimate of givings forms
and of these, 26 people estimated an increase in their givings for 2011.
The Committee is encouraged by the generous and faithful response
of the congregation. We are
especially grateful for the people who make their contributions through
PAR as that money comes in regularly.
Finally, the
Stewardship Committee made plans to bring stewardship to mind by having
a monthly Minute for Stewardship in the worship service, similar to the
Minute for
Property Committee
There were several big new projects this year.
The first has seen the new furnace installation complete. Our old furnace was 1.5 million BTUs. The new furnace is 400,000 BTUs. The cost was very reasonable at under $10,000 including repair and replacement of a zone valve in the upper hall. We anticipated significant savings in heating as a result of the improved efficiency and while we have had savings of about 30% or $3,000, this appears to be mainly due to the spot market price of gas as the actual savings in consumption was only about 11% or about 2,700 cubic metres of gas over the previous year. This was not up to our expectations and is believed to be in large part due to the fact that we had little control of the heat settings in the sanctuary. With the old system there was an aquastat located in each bank of radiators along the north and south walls of the sanctuary. When the new system was installed you may recall several Sundays where we would get loud banging and vibration or water hammer from the radiators. This problem was corrected by reversing the water flow through the aquastats, at which point they no longer functioned to control water flow and the sanctuary became much too warm! On a number of occasions, windows had to be opened. The solution will be to install separate zone valves on each line of radiators controlled by a thermostat located in the sanctuary that can be programmed for four times of day and seven days a week, which is a project approved for implementation in early 2011.
Last year’s report indicated we
would soon need a new roof. As a result of the church congregation
deciding to proceed with a Ten KW Solar Project under
As mentioned elsewhere in
committee reports, we are ready to proceed with our MicroFit Solar
Project. It was hoped that
this would have been completed by year end, but by the time funding was
in place, the contractors schedule and the weather conspired to make the
certainty of completion by year end questionable. We needed to be
certain of commissioning by year end, since even one day late would mean
we would need to have Ontario-made solar panels. This time guarantee was
essential, as any projects as per MicroFit rules being commissioned
after
In 2009 we put off some maintenance work on our Fire protection system that was required and this year we proceeded to bring it all up to snuff, which included new batteries for all the emergency lighting outlets.
For the new year it looks as though we will have to replace the flat roof above the Narthex and do some repairs to plaster and painting in various areas as well as perhaps new carpeting leading into the lower and upper halls, but overall we are in good shape.
I would like to thank Committee members Bruce Stayzer and Neil Wood as well as Doug Drennan in ensuring we have a beautiful and functional facility for our worship.
Submitted by,
Henry van der Sluis
Ministry & Personnel
Committee Report
It is the responsibility of this administrative committee to consult with and to support our minister and paid staff re: salary packages and working environment. We report and make recommendations to Council as per the bylaws of the United Church of Canada. We see a larger role however, focusing on effectiveness of leadership and communication amongst the minister, paid staff, Council and the congregation. It is through these dynamic relationships that we are able to remain strong as a church family.
We are most fortunate to have the dedicated leadership of Rev. Garry van Bruchem. We very much appreciate his administrative expertise and judgment as well as his preaching of creative and thought-provoking sermons.
Having been our settled minister for five years, he is now qualified to take a three-month sabbatical. Although his absence will be felt, our congregation will be most ably led by our own Rev. Dr. Paul Owen. We trust that Garry’s sabbatical will prove restful, refreshing and enlightening, particularly during this year of bereavement.
Our ministry of music has undergone a major transition this year. As you know, Eleanor Jolliffe retired in June, completing a wonderful 33-year career as our Organist/Choir Director. We all know how instrumental she has been in developing and maintaining Niagara Presbytery’s best church choir.
We were delighted to have David Cowan, an old friend of Eleanor’s, as our supply Music Director for the needed five months. We are looking forward with great anticipation to the launch of William Outred’s era as our new Director of Music. Special thanks go to Bob Laing and his Search Committee for a challenging job well done.
All successful organizations require administrative efficiency. We are most fortunate to have this attribute in Patrice Walker. Quietly and gently, she gets the work done, then with a smile tells us she really likes her job. Patrice has been our Secretary/Bookkeeper for seven and a half years now – thanks Patrice.
Our custodial services are now
contracted positions, split into inside (housekeeping) and outside (yard
work.) Many of you have
already met Leslie Hoffman and all reports indicate that she is doing a
super job. Bill de Bruin of
Final gratuities go to my faithful committee members, who don’t hold back in making our meetings quite lively. Thanks to Sandra Harding, Rich Miller, Margaret Watters and Wray Tighe.
Respectfully submitted,
Ron Dowd,
Chair, Ministry and Personnel Committee
Board of Trustees Report
The Board of Trustees held four meetings in 2010, dealing with the church’s insurance and roof.
In the insurance policy, the organ and stained glass windows have been separated from the other contents.
The Trustees approved a loan of $82,000 from the United Church of Canada to cover the cost of the solar roof panels and the re-shingling of the roof.
Retirement: Peter Mansfield has retired from the Board of Trustees. Peter has spent several decades as a member of the Session, the Church Board, the Council, and the Trustees. He has been missed by the Trustees.
Submitted by George Rooke,
Secretary
Board of Trustees membership: Leo Bruzzese, Bob Laing (chair), Marvin Myhre, Keith Rae, George Rooke (secretary), Lyn Taylor, Rev. Garry van Bruchem
Insurance Policy
| Insurer | Ecclesiastical Insurance |
| Agent | Sheehan & Rosie Ltd., |
| Policy Number | 0045987FA01.3.0 |
| Expiry Date | |
| Premium | $ 4966.80 |
| Coverage | |
| 1. Property: |
Building & Contents |
| 2. Comprehensive: |
Employee & Volunteer
Dishonesty |
| 3. Commercial General Liability: |
Bodily Injury & Property
Damage |
| 4. Equipment Breakdown | |
United Church Women’s Report
The UCW’s purpose is to unite all Women of the congregation for the total mission of the Church and to provide a way for them to express their loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, fellowship and service.
2010 proved to be another busy year and the UCW is proud and thankful to report that we were able to accomplish what was asked of us. Witness, fellowship and service played a large part in all that we did. From our dedicated group of ladies that visited shut-ins, the elderly and ill (Witness), to wonderful social times of laughter and chatter (Fellowship) to catering lunches at funerals (Service).
To mention a few of our activities during the past year, we again supplied soup and cookies for one of the Lenten lunches, cakes for the spaghetti supper, filled ditty bags for Women’s Place, held the Lessons, Carols, and Cookies service, aided in the Christmas House Tour, catered approximately 10 funeral lunches, and provided refreshments when asked for special Sunday morning celebrations. Two of our major fundraisers, the Flea Market and Roast Beef Dinner, were again a success largely due to the generous help from our congregation.
The ladies enjoyed potluck, a Christmas lunch at the Mandarin, visited Lundy’s Lane Museum, a speaker on Advance Care Planning, and a film on the environment followed by discussion during the year.
Again this year we were able to fulfill all of our commitments including The Hope Centre, Meals on Wheels, Women’s Place, Open Arms Mission, Oak Centre, Canal View Homes, Cave Springs, Caribbean Workers, Pelham Cares, Brock Chaplaincy, Presbytery Pres. Project and in December, a $5,000 donation to the Fonthill United Church Roof fund.
We continue to meet every second
Wednesday at
Respectfully submitted by Betty
Garner,
UCW Secretary
United Church Men’s Group
Thanks to Richard Miller 2010 was a good year albeit a little quieter. Our spaghetti supper was maybe not quite as successful as some of the previous years but nevertheless a successful one. We brought in over $1000.00. Keith Rae had a lot to do with that with his astute and careful control on spending. Also, our excellent treasurer Harland Young kept a close eye on our finances. They sort of keep the president under control. We donated $1000.00 towards the roof repair.
Our breakfasts were quite well attended. As well as excellent food we had good speakers and interesting topics. We also had some really interesting videos. Topics were: an Environics Survey - Richard Miller, Cave Springs Camp - Rev. David Pritchard, funeral/burial - Gary Zalot, and Nutrition for seniors - Gerald Rodney. The videos were on the locating of a local shipwreck and The Little System That Could.
Submitted by Marvin Myhre on behalf of the United Church Men
UCM Financial Report
In January 2010, the balance of the United Church Men’s bank account was transferred to the general account of Fonthill United, to be administered through the church office.
| Balance transferred January 6, 2010: | 599.74 | |
| Men’s Breakfasts: | ||
| Receipts | 459.11 | |
| Expenses | 227.86 | |
| Net: | 231.25 | |
| Spaghetti Supper: | ||
| Receipts | 1268.27 | |
| Expenses | 305.41 | |
| Net: | 962.86 | |
| 1793.85 | ||
| Transfer to Building Fund: | (1000.00) | |
| Balance of Men’s Club Fund | ||
| at December 31, 2010: | 793.85 | |
Submitted by,
Harland Young, UCM Treasurer
Choir Report
We are a dedicated group of people who love to sing.
We regretfully accepted the news of Eleanor Jolliffe’s retirement at the end of June. On June 3, we had a barbeque and farewell party in honour of Eleanor’s retirement. This was held at the home of Ron and Judy Dowd.
Several socials were held during the year.
In December, we sang with other
choirs at
David Cowan has filled in as organist and choir director until we get a new organist and choir director. We appreciated David’s dedication and ability. David will be playing for a few more weeks in January. It has been announced that a new organist/choir leader will start in mid-February.
Come and join us on Thursday nights if you like to sing.
Choir Treasurer’s Report
| Balance December 31, 2009: | $ 1280.25 | |
| Expenses: | ||
| Gift for choir members | $ 50.00 | |
| Cake for choir members | $ 27.63 | |
| $ 77.63 | ||
| Balance December 31, 2010: | $ 1202.62 | |
Respectfully submitted by,
Aileen Grantham,
Secretary-Treasurer
“Homes
for the Holidays” Christmas House Tour
The 7th annual “Homes for the Holidays” Christmas house tour took place on November 20. Virginia Haun, Carolyn van der Sluis, Margaret Kirkwood and Patrice Walker organized the event.
Local designers decorated six
houses and the seventh provided table centerpieces for the refreshment
area in the Church. Virginia Haun decorated the Narthex, stairs and
exterior of the Church. The decorators from Fonthill, Ridgeville, and
Five feature articles in the
local newspapers, advertising on Cogeco and on radio stations were
arranged prior to the event and as well, many flyers were posted in a
variety of businesses, schools, etc. throughout the
Tickets were sold by our Church secretary, participating decorators, congregational members, as well as two additional well-established local businesses. The price remained the same as in 2009 at $18.00 per ticket.
A highly successful bake sale was held on the day of the house tour. The Committee contacted all congregational members to encourage participation in the bake sale and the response, once again, was overwhelming. As the scones are so very popular, it was decided to hold a second day of baking and twice as many were baked this year as in previous years. The majority from this second baking was sold on the day of the tour and they quickly sold out as well as the other baked goods.
Visitors spoke enthusiastically about the beautifully decorated homes and the friendly, courteous volunteers in the homes and the refreshment area. Many guests were veterans of other house tours in different towns, and they commented favourably on the presentation and execution of our event and endorsed it by saying they would return in future years.
The true reasons for the success of this fund raiser is in the co-operation and support that the decorators give to us, the beautiful homes on display, the many, many volunteers who host in homes, bake scones and cookies for the bake table, work in the kitchen/refreshment area on the day, sell tickets, post flyers, etc., etc.
The Committee extends its sincere appreciation to all who participated – it was indeed a community effort that ensured the “Homes for the Holidays” House tour and Bake sale were successful.
However, for the House Tour to continue, the Committee really needs assistance in finding homes. This is the most difficult and stressful part of organizing the house tour. Please consider offering your home or if you know of a friend, family member or acquaintance who is “house proud”, please approach them to see if they would enjoy having their home professionally decorated at Christmas time. It is an enjoyable experience. Next year’s tour is scheduled for November 19th.
| Ticket Sales | $7,030.78 |
| Bake Sale | $1,068.10 |
| Total raised | $8,098.88 |
| Less expenses | - $444.40 |
| Net proceeds | $7,654.48 |
Respectfully submitted by
Virginia Haun and Carolyn van der Sluis
Friendship Group Annual
Report
In 2010, the Friendship Group decided to meet every other month and took part in the following activities:
March ……..
Port Colborne Operatic Society’s production of “Red, Hot
&
Cole”, the life and music of Cole Porter, with
dinner afterwards at Swiss Chalet,
May ……….
Sunday
October …… Games Night in the Friendship Room at the Church.
December … Pot-luck Christmas Dinner in the Lower Hall at the Church, organized and decorated by Virginia & Ralph Haun. Multiple choice quiz, Christmas Carols and songs.
Anyone wishing to be a part of the Friendship Group is asked to please contact the President, Virginia Haun at (905) 892-6156.
Respectfully submitted by
Pat Laing,
Secretary
Fonthill Seniors Non-Profit
Accommodation Corp.
Town Square Manor is a Life
Lease seniors building, centrally located at
This senior’s building was
erected due to the foresight and perseverance of three
The board representatives for
Fonthill United are George Dewar and Henry van der Sluis.
George has completed his fourth year on the Board of Directors
and also served as Chairperson.
Henry has completed three years as a director and has one year
remaining on his term. We
thank both George and Henry for their service to the Town Square Manor
community on our behalf.
Anyone wishing to join the Wait List for Town Square Manor should contact Harland Young, Property Manager, at (905) 892-3008 or visit our website: www.townsquaremanor.ca
The Observer Magazine
The Observer is a prize winning magazine of the United Church of Canada, featuring articles from the Christian perspective and is published eleven times annually. Annual fees for the subscription period of May to April are due by the end of February. In 2010, there were 23 subscribers.
Anyone who wishes to start a new subscription is asked to contact the church office.
Fonthill
Community Scouting Report
This year Fonthill Community Scouting had 36 youth
registered in Beavers and Cubs with 14 leaders and 3 participating on
the Group Committee. There are 24 Beavers, aged 5 to 7 years, who meet
on Tuesday evenings from
There are 12 Cubs, aged 8 to 11, who meet on
Monday evenings from
Both groups collected winter coats and other
apparel for kids that were donated to the Hope Centre in
Fonthill Community Scouts and its two sponsors/partners Holy Trinity Anglican Church and Fonthill United Church appreciate the contributions of Kevin Cosby (Beaver Akela), Gregory Kelley, Ian Hamilton, Courtney Van Geest, Robert Minor, Dr. Peter Fritz, Patricia Hillhouse, Jamie Lepper, Joshua Nouyen, Wayne Brown (Cub Akela), Sue Sojka, Pierre Leroux, Sam Wayda, Kent Ratcliffe, Carl Sasse (Treasurer), and Terri Kershaw (Holy Trinity Anglican Church representative.) Those who would like to be a volunteer (serve on the Group Committee or be a leader) please telephone Rich Miller at 892-2246. This is a good way to contribute to your community and participate with our youth in a fun/educational program.
Respectfully submitted by Rich Miller,
Group Commissioner
Fonthill Community Scouting
Finance Committee Report
Detailed statements for all accounts and funds follow this report.
Contributions to the Operating Fund in 2010 amounted to $206,802 which is an increase of $2,000 over last year and upon which we generated a surplus of revenue over expenses of $10,566. This is impressive at a time when our membership is declining and we hear some churches are closing because of the lack of support. While these numbers are positive, we must keep in mind we did receive two special one-time donations throughout the year which amounted to $9,500. These results confirm the strong support the Church enjoys from all members for which we say “Thanks.” A special acknowledge is also extended to those who organized and worked on the House Tour, to the UCW and the Men’s Club and to Jean Shantz for her support with the Bell/Carillon Project.
During 2010 we contributed
$20,197 to Outreach and the
During the past year, we replaced the roof at a cost of $19,462. Members contributed a total of $13,960 towards this cost which is a wonderful response to our appeal. It is interesting to note over the past four years we have replaced the big upstairs window, replaced the furnace, installed a new floor in the downstairs, redecorated the Friendship Room, installed covers over the stained glass windows and installed the new carillon. While some of this work was made possible with the generous support of Jean Shantz, the rest was covered by the membership at large and again, this support is remarkable considering the economic environment over the past few years.
We are in discussions with the
consultant and contractor on the Solar Panel project and expect this
work will commence early in the spring.
We maintain the long-term revenue potential from this project is
a definite positive for Fonthill United
We are projecting “member
contributions” of $184,000 for 2011, which is $16,000 below 2010.
This reflects the one-time special gifts and results of the
Stewardship Campaign last fall.
From this amount, $18,600 will be allocated to Outreach and
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Leo Bruzzese, Keith Rae, Ken Brydon, Ralph Watters and Gary Zalot for the excellent overview and management they provide over the financial affairs of the church. We also want to recognize the wonderful support we receive from Patrice Walker. She is totally focused on the responsibilities assigned and goes out of her way to make sure all time lines are respected.
We also want to extend a sincere “Thanks” to everyone for the support provided to Fonthill United over 2010. This year will bring new challenges but we are confident with your continuing generosity, we will continue to meet them and expand our presence in this community.
Jim Bradley,
Chair of Finance
