Annual Report
Reports are being prepared and are printed below
for the Annual Meeting after lunch after
church
January 31
Elders will be delivering a more complete paper copy
as usual
after Sunday pick up at church on January 24
STAMFORD UNITED CHURCH
Rev. Philip Hommersen
December 9, 1908 - September
29, 2009
Annual Reports and Financial Statement
2009
stamfordunited@cogeco.ca
905-354-8841
3855 St. Peter Ave. Niagara
Falls, Ontario, L2J 2N7
Rev. Harvey Tobey
Rev. Philip Hommersen
Marjorie Slinn
Shirley Chalmers
Lucie McCarthy
Minister’s Message
After all the Jokes about looking for Noah’s ark on sabbatical in Turkey
in 2008,
no
one was laughing when the church flooded in January 2009.
Everyone was quick
to jump in and help. Thanks to the property committee, caretaker Lucy,
insurance, generous support and co-operation of the congregation and the
Official Board working together, we now have new floors throughout all
of the downstairs and the hallway and office upstairs.
Significant legacy gifts this year will also enable new flooring
in the sanctuary before too long. Legacy gifts are the result of
donations made through wills, stocks, insurance, estates and
foundations. As we remember
Rev. Philip Hommersen and the many parishioners he visited with over the
years, we give thanks for the ongoing blessings that they have each
encouraged and continue to inspire in their own way for the future.
Ongoing Pastoral
care is always a priority in this community of faith and I am constantly
inspired by the organizational skills of Diane Becken in bringing
together the In-touch Committee for preparations of regular visitation,
lunches, receptions and the best of greetings for all occasions. We are
blessed to have great committees and staff support to tackle any
situation and most of all to remain on a clear and steady course.
We continue to uphold our mission as a church:
Building on a firm foundation,
Stamford United Church
celebrates God’s presence,
follows
Christ’s teachings and reaches out to all people
through
sharing
the Word, sacrament, fellowship, and music
within
a
supportive, caring and accepting community.
This year we have
continued the transition from paper to e-mail to webpage sharing the
news.
www.stamfordunited.ca is our
new web page that has links to “What’s New”
at Stamford United.
There are Photos collected through the year as we share in our mission
and there are links to information from friends of Stamford and the
wider church.
This year has also
enjoyed the development of our own Sunday School curriculum which has
had monthly themes and a variety of methods of sharing the lessons of
the Bible with children.
While encouraging parents to support the work of volunteer
teachers who prepare every week, the success of the new program is
evident in the comprehension and enthusiasm of the children for living
God’s word. Thank you to the teachers, helpers, others who have been
recruited for a lesson, the
Christian Education Committee, the Bible Study group and Joanne Fast’s
banners and scrolls for helping it all come together as worship and
praise for today and the future.
I know that I am
spoiled by the professional abilities of
both Marjorie and Shirley. I give thanks for the comfort and ease
of relationships with the office administration under Shirley’s
overwhelmingly generous commitment and the amazing talents of Marjorie’s
music which touches all ages.
Thank you to all who support the ministry that not only comes
together here at Stamford United but the blessings of ministry that flow
out from here. The Church
is always about reaching out in the name of Jesus Christ and this is
realised this year in down town Niagara Falls, the Sudan,
Kenya, and around the world through the Mission and Service and
your extra generosity especially in what sometimes seem like the
darkest, toughest times.
Your faithful commitment to the ministry of this church, be it through
the UCW, the Turkey Dinner,
prayers, worship, teaching, singing, baking cleaning, sewing, providing
or keeping track of the finances, visiting, etc, etc,
is what shines through into 2010.
Thank you.
Blessings
2009 CHURCH
DIRECTORY
Minister Emeritus
+Rev. Philip J. Hommersen
+Deceased
Director of Music
... Marjorie Slinn
Church Custodian
... Lucie McCarthy
Church Secretary
... Shirley Chalmers
Treasurer of Church Books
... Jean Chagnon
Envelope Steward & Money Treasurer
... Willo
Morningstar
Official Board Chairman
... Jacki Good
Official Board Secretary
... Pat Billingsley
United Church Women
JOY Unit
... Cathy Purdy
MARTHA Unit
... Beverly Cowan &
Dorothy Caverley
GNU Unit
... Chris Watling &
Barbara Tobey
Sunday School Superintendent
... Paisley Janvary-Pool
Explorer Leader
... Paisley Janvary-Pool
Youth Choir Director
... Marjorie Slinn
Aragain Singers/Ringers
... Marjorie Slinn
Chancel Choir
... Marjorie Slinn
Rainbow Ringers
... Marjorie Slinn
Tri-M Presidents
... Willo and Larry
Morningstar
Men’s Group
... Reg Ferland
Youth Group
... Ellie Gillespie
Stamford
United Church
2009 Official Board and Committees
Chair: Jacki Good
Vice-Chair: Paisley Janvary-Pool
2nd Vice-Chair: Dan Taylor
Secretary: Pat Billingsley
Treasurer: Jean Chagnon
Envelope Steward and Money Treasurer: Willo Morningstar
Presbytery Reps: *Peter Moote, Pat Billinsgley, Kathy Olsen Alt. Mary Ann Harrison *resigned
Minister: Rev. Harvey Tobey
Minister Emeritus: +Rev. Philip J. Hommersen +deceased
COMMITTEES:
Finance
Property
Chair: Reg Ferland Chair: Dan MacDonnell
Jean Chagnon George Bethune
Barbara Glaves Richard Lambert
Ruth Grandoni Dan Monteith
Willo Morningstar Harry Mottershead
Bruce Olsen
Paul Patterson
Dan Taylor
Christian
Education
Mission & Outreach
Chair: Sandra Cowan Chair: Gail Goar
Co-Chair: Mary Salvatore Co-Chair: Carolyn Monteith
Ellie Gillespie Will Foster
Bob Jamieson Jackie Good
Suzanne Lambert-Parnell Mary Ann Harrison
Paisley Janvary-Pool Kathy Olsen
Penny Soulsby Kristyn Wilson-Schram
Randy Vant
Margaret Veall
Worship
Ministry & Personnel
Chair: Janet Harris Jacki Good
Carol Crown Judy Koczula
Joanne Fast Brian Olsen
Paul Fast Paisley Janvary-Pool
Judy Koczula Dan Taylor
Ruth McDowell
Willo Morningstar
Donna Walker
Maureen West
Official Board Chairperson and Minister are ex-officio members of all committees.
Proposed Official Board 2010
Until
January 2010
Jean Chagnon, Sandra Cowan, Jack Finlay, Jacki
Good, Bob Jamieson, Judy Koczula, Richard Lambert, Ruth McDowell, Harry
Mottershead, Brian Olsen, Mary Salvatore, Penny Soulsby, Maureen West
Until
January 2011
Carol Crown, Reg Ferland, Will Foster, Dan MacDonnell, Ray Matthews, Carolyn Monteith, Paul Patterson. Paisley Janvary-Pool, Dan Taylor, Randy Vant, Donna Walker.
Until
January 2012
George Bethune, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Barbara Glaves, Ruth Grandoni, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Dan Monteith, Willo Morningstar, Bruce Olsen, Kathy Olsen, Kristyn Wilson-Schram.
Nominated
Until January 2011
Richard Lambert,
Nominated
Until January 2013
Sandra Cowan, Jacki Good, Bob Jamieson, Mary Salvatore, Al Steip, Jean Chagnon, Judy Koczula
Board of
Trustees
Marion Lauder, Archie McKechnie, Larry Morningstar (chairman), Brian Olsen, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Florence Sandercock, Maureen West +Elvin Wightman, Gerald (Tim) Zavitz.
Presbytery
Representatives
Pat Billingsley, Kathy Olsen
Mary Ann Harrison
Cave
Springs Representatives
Sharon MacDonnell
Carolyn Monteith
NB: Further nominations, corrections and changes may be made at the Annual Meeting.
The Official Board also includes representatives from the United Church Women, and the Sunday School Superintendent.
ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
FEBRUARY 1, 2009
The annual
congregational meeting of
Those present were:
Marian Aird, Diane Becken, Wayne Becken, Pat Billingsley, Ruth Buchanan,
Rae Burkett, Clare Burnett, Bob Cattanach, Eleanor Cattanach, Bob
Chagnon, Jean Chagnon, Chase Cowan, Sandra Cowan, Shaun Cowan, Carol
Crown, Mary Dempsey, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Jack Finlay, Ellie
Gillespie, Evan Gillespie, Barbara Glaves, Gail Goar, Jacki Good, Ruth
Grandoni, Betty Hallam, Don Hallam, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Ann
Hick, Gord Hick, Bill Howe, Patti Howe, Margaret Jackson, Paisley
Janvary-Pool, Lillian Lambert, Richard Lambert, Suzanne Lambert-Parnell,
Fran Love, Hugh Love, Dan MacDonnell, Sharon MacDonnell, Jim MacPherson,
Ray Matthews, McRae Vivian, Larry Morningstar, Willo Morningstar, Brian
Olsen, Bruce Olsen, Kathy Olsen, Bev Patterson, Paul Patterson, Cathy
Purdy, Helen Rainnie, Bob Rouble, Donna Rouble, Mary Salvatore, Flo
Sandercock, Brenda Skinner, Marj Slinn, Sharon Swayze, Dan Taylor, Barb
Tobey, Vera Todd, Algie Vant, Dorothy Vant, Margaret Veall, Donna
Walker, Don West, Maureen West.
Rev. Tobey announced
that there were copies of “The Shack” available, and that this book
would be used as a resource for Bible study and for sermons during Lent.
Paisley Janvary-Pool
thanked those who brought food for the lunch, served it and cleaned up.
She thanked Shirley Chalmers for typing and compiling the
reports, Mike Harris for printing the reports, and everyone who prepared
reports about our great year.
Rev. Tobey offered
an opening prayer.
Chair Paisley
Janvary-Pool declared the 2009 annual meeting open for all business in
the name of Jesus Christ, Lord and Head of the Church and invited a
motion to extend voting privileges on temporal matters to adherents.
Moved by: Willo
Morningstar, Seconded by: Ruth Grandoni, “That we extend voting
privileges on temporal matters to adherents.”
CARRIED
Chair
Moved by: Brian
Olsen, Seconded by :
Diane Becken, “That we accept the minutes of the Annual
Congregational Meeting held Feb. 3,2008 as printed.”
CARRIED
Reverend Tobey read
the Memorial list on page 11 adding the names of Bob Blanchfield and El
Wightman. Rev. Tobey led us
in a prayer of remembrance.
Chair
Moved by:
Dan Taylor, Seconded by:
Jacki Good, “That the reports be accepted as printed with the
corrections noted earlier.”
CARRIED
Chair Paisley
thanked the following people who helped clean up immediately after the
flood in the basement of the church and presented them with food
vouchers: Shawn Cowan, Richard Lambert, Dan Monteith, Sharon MacDonnell,
Dan MacDonnell, John Kauremszky, Charmaine McKnight and Carolyn
Monteith.
Clean - up has been
started. Tiles have been
found to contain asbestos, and removal will be handled with the
appropriate precautions.
The repairs will be made in 2 stages - the first will be the area below
the sanctuary.
The following motions were passed at a Special Meeting of the
Board, held on January
25th:
MOVED BY:
Rev. Harvey Tobey,
SECONDED BY: Dan
Monteith
That we proceed without putting a sub floor under the new
flooring.”
CARRIED
MOVED BY: Brian
Olsen,
SECONDED BY:
Willo Morningstar
“That we recommend to
the congregation that we replace the tiles in 3
Sunday School
rooms,upstairs hallway, secretary’s office, stairs and other
tiles which have to be replaced.”
CARRIED
MOVED BY:
Willo Morningstar,
SECONDED BY: Bob
Jamieson
“That we accept
the donation of $5,000 to be applied to upstairs flooring
replacement.”
CARRIED
Moved by: Bruce
Olsen, Seconded by Maureen West , “That the three motions from the
special meeting held January 25th be approved”.
CARRIED
The prevention of
future flooding was raised, Chair Paisley explained that putting a liner
in the sewer pipe and installing warning sensors are being investigated.
Men’s club money has
been designated for renovation of the secretary’s office, it was asked
whether the office will be renovated before the floor is tiled.
Chair
Financial Report
2008 -
Moved by:
Bob Chagnon, Seconded by Larry Morningstar, “That the financial
report for 2008 printed on p. 29 of the Annual Report be accepted.”
CARRIED
Budget 2009
Moved by: Willo
Morningstar, Seconded by Dan Taylor, “That the proposed budget for 2009
printed on pages 31 and 32 of the Annual Report in the amount of
$184,600 be accepted”.
CARRIED
Moved by:
Jacki Good, Seconded by Mary Ann Harrison, “That we accept the
goal of $20,500 for the
It was noted that
all funds designated for M & S on offering envelopes are forwarded as
our M & S contribution, and that we usually exceed the budgeted amount.
Elders Retiring
- Janet Harris presented the following list of those retiring:
Diane Becken, George Bethune, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Paul
Fast, Barbara Glaves, Ruth Grandoni, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison,
Richard Lambert, Dan Monteith, Willo Morningstar, Biff Potter, Sharon
Swayze, Harry Watling.
Chair
Nominations for the
2009 - 2010 Official Board
were read by Janet Harris.
Nominated until 2010:
Richard Lambert;
Nominated until January 2012 -
George Bethune, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Barbara
Glaves, Ruth Grandoni, Gail Goar, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Dan
Monteith, Willo Morningstar, Bruce Olsen, Cathy Olsen, Sandra
O’Sullivan, Margaret Veall, Krystin Wilson-Schram.
Rev. Tobey explained the nominations process:
that we call three times for names.
Ellie Gillespie and Suzanne Lambert-Parnell were nominated from
the floor.
Moved by:
Brian Olsen, Seconded by Mary Dempsey, “That nominations be
closed and that the slate of nominated elders be accepted.”
CARRIED
Rev. Tobey thanked
Paisley Janvary-Pool, Shirley Chalmers, Marjorie Slinn, Bruce and Cathy
Olsen, and Lucie McCarthy for their hard work and dedication.
Election of
Presbytery and Conference Representatives.
The term for the representatives is from June 2009 to June 2010.
Janet Harris thanked Peter Moote who is retiring as of June 2009.
Janet read the nominations for Presbytery and Conference
Representatives: Pat
Billingsley, and Mary Ann Harrison as alternate.
Cathy Olsen was nominated from the floor.
Moved by: Brian
Olsen, Seconded by Sharon MacDonnell that nominations close and that
those nominated as Presbytery and Conference representatives be
accepted.”
CARRIED
Election of Cave
Springs
Chair
Rev. Tobey thanked
Paisley Janvary-Pool for her work as Chair of the Board.
Election of
Chairperson
- Janet Harris nominated Jacki Good as Chairperson for 2009.
There were three calls for further nominations.
As there were no further nominations,
Jacki Good was elected chair of
the board by acclamation.
NEW BUSINESS:
Rev. Tobey asked the
meeting for their input regarding ideas and comments, related to the
committees of the Official Board.
The following points were raised.
Worship
- There are too many meeting after church - have meetings another day.
It may
more convenient for some to meet
after church - we need to be sensitive to the desires of the people on
the committee.
Occasional food at
“coffee hour” is appreciated.
More greeters are
needed.
Handicapped parking
- park on this side of the road, across from the school playground.
(rather than a designated spot in the parking lot, as it would not be
near the elevator).
It may be desirable
to consider putting lines on pavement in the parking lot to maximize use
of the space.
Congregational
Concerns
- Materials for cradle roll are no longer available, there is no
alternative plan.
Maureen West should
be notified if you are aware of someone’s illness so that she can send a
card. Rev. Tobey noted that we need to let him know of people who are
hospitalized as due to privacy policies of the hospital, list of
patients who have designate a church affiliation are incomplete.
Christian Education
and Development
-
Appreciation of
youth reading scriptures was expressed.
It is important to
keep up contact with 17 - 23 year age group, e.g. church e-mails.
Keep Bible Study
going - it is a large and growing group.
Mission & Outreach
- U.C. W. does a lot of work.
Is it time for
another missionary event?
Are we ready to send another team?
Consider
supplementing $ on missionary trips.
Youth Group mission trip.
Ministry and
Personnel
- Concern that Lucie should have the assistance of “a strong someone”
with some of the heavier work.
Comments re the
tremendous job done by Shirley Chalmers and her low pay for the job.
Future costs for
secretarial help and organist may increase drastically.
Constitution
- revision of the church constitution.and the governance of the church.
Our organist
Marjorie Slinn has celebrated 50 years of music.
She is currently the Kiwanis area president.
Repair / Replacement
of curtains in gym.
Pat Billingsley
noted that there is a presbytery sponsored workshop on “church systems”
scheduled for early March.
Thanks were extended
to Paul Fast for preaching, Joanne Fast for creating beautiful banners,
and to Sharon Swayze and Bev Jamieson for co-ordinating receptions.
New Chair Jacki Good
thanked Paisley for her work and enthusiasm while chairing the Official
Board.
Adjournment
Moved by Dan Taylor,
Seconded by Randy Vant, “That we adjourn.”
Benediction
Rev. Harvey Tobey
pronounced the Benediction.
Paisley Janvary-Pool, Chair
Patricia Billingsley, Secretary
In Memory
Robert Roger Blanchfield
... January 2,
2009
Murray Brock Bielby
... January
12, 2009
Betty Mae Rossall
... January
13, 2009
Elvin Henry Wightman
... January
27, 2009
Dorothy May Sorley
... February
5, 2009
Nunziata (Nan) Moyle
... February
7, 2009
Constance Susan Marr
... February
8, 2009
Geraldine Alison Luft
... March 6,
2009
June Margaret Wilson
... March 26,
2009
Howard Frederick Waterhouse
... March 25,
2009
Wilfred Marvin Wilson
... April 3,
2009
William Urchik
... April 9,
2009
Ada Margaret (Ann) Robinson
... May 3,
2009
Winifred (Win) Gilbert
... May 9,
2009
Mildred Florence Branscombe
... May 18,
2009
Nancy Ann Kiemele
... June 15,
2009
Sandra O’Sullivan
... August 19,
2009
Mary Elizabeth Merrett-Jackson
... August 26,
2009
Jeanette Unverzart
... August 28, 2009
Clayton Doan
... September 19,
2009
Thomas Edward Galloway
... September 12,
2009
Katharine Faye Crown
... September 28,
2009
Philip J. Hommersen (Rev)
... September 29,
2009
William Mein
... October
19, 2009
Muriel Eileen Moodie
... October
20, 2009
Joseph Lloyd Foster
... November
ll, 2009
Donald Douglas McCutcheon
... December
31, 2009
Members but not buried by Rev. Tobey, therefore not
recorded in our records:
Lorna ‘Billie’ Elsley
... January
19, 2009
Clara Draper
... August 7,
2009
MARRIAGES
David John Roland Craig Angle & Lauren Michelle
Vancea
... February
21, 2009
Adam James Charles Alfano & Bethan Bland Finlay
... April 4,
2009
John Kenneth William Calder & Danielle Marie
Monteith
... May 9,
2009
Ryan Frank Higgins & Kimberley Anne Fowler
... May 16,
2009
Dennis Bruce Ellah and Lawry Ann Sheridan
... June 6,
2009
Norman Earl Konkle and Sheila Mae Himes
... June
6, 2009
Wayne Wildred LeBlanc & Carly Rae MacDonnell
... July
4, 2009
Thomas Christopher Wilcox & Kelly-Ann Virginia
Neudorf
... July 10,
2009
Bradley Roy Sharp & Pamela Leigh Fowler
... October
17, 2009
David Graeme Martin & Judith Hope Wiley
... November
6, 2009
BAPTISM
Evan William Arland son of James and Candace Arland ... Januay 4, 2009
Caleb Zachary Kendrick son of Zachary and Samantha Kendrick ... January 4, 2009
Alysan Holly Rouble daughter of Sherwood and Sandra
Hornibrook
... March 22,
2009
Connolly Charles Rouble son of Gavin and Alysan Rouble ... March 22, 2009
Philip Peter Norman Pearce son of Jonathan and Heather Pearce ... May 10, 2009
Seana Lynn Kraus daughter of Steven and Sherri-Ann Kraus ... June 14, 2009
Mackenzie Ellen Morabito daughter of Frank and Catherine Morabito. … June 14, 2009
Abbegayle Patricia Rose daughter of Rebecca Margaret Ann Slinn ... June 14, 2009
Jackson Allen Patrick Goar son of Stephen and Roxanne Goar ... July 12, 2009
Joseph William David Johnson son of Ronald and Bonnie Johnson ... October 18, 2009
Eva-Marie Mary Johnson daughter of Joseph and Tanya Johnson ... October 18, 2009
Rowan David Donald Berggren son of David and Laura Berggren ... December 20, 2009
Brayden Thomas Blanchard son of Amanda St.Laurent &Thomas Blanchard ... December 20, 2009
Claire Helen Mary Fish daughter of Stephen and Kathleen Fish ... December 20, 2009
OFFICIAL BOARD 2009
What an amazing year we have had at Stamford United Church. It has been a positive year of growth and much progress. Your support financially and your volunteer time has been outstanding and very much appreciated. We continue to be very active, not just in our church but also in our community.
Thank you to Harvey and members of the property committee who worked diligently to ensure the flood damage was taken care of professionally and efficiently with very little disruption to our routine. Thank you to the choirs and committees/groups for their flexibility during the clean up and repairs.
I would like to thank all of you, our incredible staff and Harvey for his exceptional leadership, all of which helped make 2009 a success. Once again you all stepped up when it was needed and we were able to end the year in a strong financial position.
Many thanks also to our Official Board members for
giving your time to attend board meetings as well as committee meetings
and for always going the extra mile.
It has been my pleasure to serve as your Board chair in 2009 and I thank you all for your support.
Respectfully submitted
Jacki Good
Ministry And Personnel
Our committee met four times in ‘09 to support staff and church members and to follow our mandate. We work with the Finance Committee on budget and are aware of Presbytery and Conference directives. Members are representatives from all of our other committees. Jackie Good - Mission and Outreach, Judy Koczula - Worship and Congregational Concerns, Dan Taylor - Property, Brian Olsen - Past Chair, Paisley Janvary Pool - Christian Education.
We work closely with Rev. Harvey all year. At this time may we express thanks to all of our staff.
Sincerely
Paisley Janvary - Pool
2009 STAMFORD UNITED CHURCH STATISTICS
Resident Roll 343
Non/Resident Roll146
Families
286
We continued to visit our shut-ins and remembered our veterans, shut-ins and bereaved.
We catered the Good Friday luncheon, the Hetherington & Deans Blue Christmas Service, many funeral receptions and held our monthly luncheon/socials (October to May). The funds raised are used to remember our shut-ins. Some of our other financial expenditures in 2009 were as follows:
$3,500 transferred to the Church’s General Funds.
$150 to the coffee hour fund.
$200 (approx.) to the new website.
$100 to Hunger Strike for Project S.H.A.R.E.
Purchased a number of items for the kitchen and thanks to the manpower of Pat Billingsley and Gail Goar the sanctuary has 20 new pew cushions
Provided taxi transportation for members, where deemed necessary.
Thanks to Rev. Tobey and Christopher Tobey Stamford
United’s website was developed and launched. We are pleased to
underwrite this yearly cost.
Reminder:
If you need a visit or know someone who could use a visit, please
call the church office.
Thank you to everyone who visited, telephoned, sent a card to our church
family or made sandwiches or squares for receptions.
Working together, we can continue to keep “in-touch”.
In-Touch Committee: Rev. Harvey Tobey, Diane Becken, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Pam Gilmore, Gail Goar, Betty and Don Hallam, Mary Ann Harrison, Bev and Bob Jamieson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Roger Purdy, Donna Rouble, Sharon Swayze, Donna Walker, Maureen West.
Diane Becken
WORSHIP/CONGREGATIONAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE
As always the start of our year was a well attended Annual Meeting where all are free to ask questions and voice their opinions. There was plenty of food and good discussions. On Mission Sunday our own Rev. Rob Patterson was the speaker as he brought us up to date on projects in Africa that we have supported.
“The Shack” was the book to read this spring. Nearly everyone in the congregation read it at least gave it a try. It was incorporated into Bible Study and also our church services and
sermons. It led to much discussion and questions - sometimes difficult - in Bible Study. Lots of different ideas and opinions as we discussed different ways to look at all aspects of our faith. Bible Study is a very active group and everyone is welcome.
We shared Good Friday services once again this year as we acted as hosts and welcomed our neighbors to worship and fellowship here at Stamford. Paul Fast, Marjorie Slinn, and Maureen West led us in worship after Easter while Harvey & friends were in China. Carnations were handed out to our mothers on Mother’s Day and on Father’s Day all of our dad’s received a very handy tool. The men all seemed to be surprised and very happy with their gift.
It was our pleasure this summer to welcome back Rev. Merrill Graham for a visit and also three students from Immanuel College who guided us through the summer. Louise Granaham, Sherry Fugard and Alcris Limongil are all at various stages of their education. September saw Sundae Sunday and the Big E. Then on to Thanksgiving, the Turkey Supper, Remembrance Day, White Gift, Bags of Seed for the Food Grain Banks, Readings and Carols, Christmas Eve and Happy Birthday Jesus cake and quickly it seemed it was the end of another wonderful year.
We lost some old and very dear friends this year. They will be missed. But we celebrated graduations, weddings and new babies and welcomed new members to our church family. We worked to help our church, help within our city and help others around the world. It was a good year for Stamford United.
Sincerely Janet C. Harris
RAINBOW RINGERS 2009
The years are adding up!
Marjorie Slinn has directed this choir for nearly 30 years,
showing great enthusiasm (and patience) every Thursday night.
Ringers change for many reasons, so new pairs of hands are always
welcome. Contact Mrs. Slinn
Ringing in 2009 were Bruce Olsen, Dan Monteith,
John Calder, Kathy Olsen, Noreen Bradshaw, Carolyn Monteith, Naomi
Kelley, Bob Chagnon, Sharon MacDonnell, Laura Sparkman, Jackie Good and
Rachel Teakle. We were
sorry John could not return in September.
In October we welcomed Ray Marshall into our midst.
He is catching on to ringing very quickly.
Mary and Erin Dempsey filled in for missing ringers many times
during the year, often with little warning.
What would we do without them
This fall Mrs. Slinn produced ‘Bells Around The World’, a concert that featured the adult and teen bell choirs. We also rang in Deer Park Villa, Stamford Estates, (where we were served a delicious meal), Ina Grafton Gage, in an Advent Memorial service with Hetherington and Deans, as well as many times in our own church services. We are all looking forward to 2010.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
We are
still fortunate to have a children’s choir at Stamford, even though it
is few in numbers. We have 7 beautiful young singers, who all have
angelic voices & sing in tune – what a blessing! They rehearse weekly
from 6:45 – 7:30 on Wednesdays. Not only do they learn the fine church
music & hymns, but also music theory through games and exercises. They
sing each month, and also learn
how to play the bells, which they love to use to accompany their
anthems.
In spring, they
participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival, and placed first in
competition with another city choir. They also joined the Youth Group to
present a sacred musical “ Moses & the Freedom Fanatics “. They love to
do this, extra to their regular rehearsals.
In December, we
welcomed 2 very young poppets – Claire McCarthy & Aiden Bilon, both 5
years old, who, while they don’t yet read, learn to sing along with the
others & have fun with music.
It is not easy to
get youngsters to join us these days – children are growing up to be
“spectators “ & not “participants”. They are whiz kids at electronics,
but not always perfect when it comes to being responsible & sticking
with an activity. I commend our young choristers, some who have been
singing now for at least 6 years. But it would be nice to welcome more
children into our choir. Please consider bringing your child – I’ll do
the rest & give them a positive approach to church music.
Respectfully
submitted – Marjorie – Director of Music
ADULT
CHANCEL CHOIR REPORT – 2009
We
rehearse for regular Sunday services & special concerts every Thursday
from 8 – 9:30 p.m. We were pleased to welcome Ray Marshall in the Bass
section this September, and there are always openings for full or
part-timers who enjoy singing in a group. We welcome Mallory Warriner
whenever her study schedule from Brock University allows it. We all
appreciate Erin Dempsey for her talents & for substituting at the organ
when Marjorie is unavailable.
On March
1, our choir with the assistance of members from other local choirs
presented a concert “Share the Spirit”. It was a musical tribute to
Black History, narrated by local “ black” historian, Wilma Morrison and
featuring soloists Laurie Hurst, Carol Martin, & Brett Polegato.
Marjorie directed & accompanied the performance along with Adam Slinn on
percussion.
We were
saddened to sing at the memorial service of Sandra O’Sullivan, one of
our very faithful members.
Our summer
schedule always features soloists and small ensembles recruited from our
own members & those of other churches.
The
annual Carol Service was held on Dec. 20 with the children’s
choir and bell choir also taking part in the beautiful music of the
season. This year, we also sang at the family service on Christmas Eve,
while guest soloists Laurie Hurst & Bev. & Paul Patterson’s
grand-daughter shared their talents at the late communion service.
Flower Committee
Seasonal plants at Easter and Christmas donated in memorial and celebration enhanced the sanctuary’s beauty and our enjoyment. The Thanksgiving display always shows the fall bounty and colour and I thank all who contributed to it. Special weekly flower arrangements for loved ones are appreciated too. My market flower source is gone now so these costs will increase in 2010.
Thanks to the Gillespie’s for helping me.
Sincerely
Paisley Janvary-Pool
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
While not quite biblical in its proportion, it became overall,
the largest project that I have ever been involved with.
Of course, I am referring to the “flood”.
That, which started as a boiler system problem, left us with much
more to deal with than a couple of wet socks.
After the initial cleanup of water, which covered three quarters
of the lower level of our building, there were a variety of decisions to
be made regarding contract awarding and also, the extent of the work in
those contracts.
We as a committee, and we as a church, counted heavily on the
guidance and insight of Rev. Harvey Tobey at this time.
I can verify first hand that it was difficult to compare the
contract bids as presented.
With Rev. Tobey’s attention to detail, and persistent networking with
contractor and insurance representatives, our job became much easier.
There was much organizing and re-organizing to be done during the
retiling process.
Inconveniences were experienced by many.
The bell choir, vocal choir, sewing group, along with those who
use our lower Sunday school rooms on a weekly basis, were among the
groups forced to alter their normal operations.
Then, just as some repair work had started, we had to step back
and answer another couple of challenges from Mother Nature.
With more research and grey-matter-mashing, the property
committee recommended the replacing of the sanctuary eavestroughing
system, flashing upgrades, landscaping to be done on the north side of
the sanctuary building, and the reworking of the bell tower drainage
piping.
While that was going on, as a result of the flooding inspections,
the city decided to re-line our lateral sewer line.
And that was the first half of the year!
The committee, as always, kept busy volunteering for several
projects over the course of the year.
There were also many small jobs taken care of here and there.
I would like to thank the committee for their work in this
exceptional year.
Now, while the costs for all the work done this year were quite
high, most were covered by insurance, pre-allocated funds and some very
generous special donations.
We are so very lucky to have individuals among us who recognize the
needs of this building and respond so willingly.
Thank you!
On behalf of the Property Committee
Dan MacDonnell
MISSION AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE
The Mission and Outreach committee has been busy this year and thanks to everyone on the
committee for their cooperation and work.
It started with Mission Sunday in February. Rob Patterson spoke to us about his work in Kenya. The profits from the pancake luncheon of $300.00 went towards his work.
Hunger Strike was held on May 9th. The mission committee bought $100.00 of Kraft dinner and along with all the other donations the teenagers had a dominoes display in the gym on May 3rd. The Kraft dinners were forwarded to project share.
The mission and outreach committee sent 9 casseroles to St. Andrew's church for the CWOP dinner in June.
The Big E was held on September the 13th. The profits were $1970.00. The profits were divided as follow: Project Share $600.00, Community Kitchen $300.00, Betheseda $300.00, Women's Place $300.00 and Meals on Wheels $300.00.
Thanks to everyone the White Gift Offering was $4255.25. We bought vouchers for 41 families which came to $3460.00 and sent the remainder of $795.25 to Project Share. Thanks to the Explorers for making the beautiful cards for us to put the vouchers in.
We also sold 169 bags of seeds in December to be sent to Sudan.
Thank you to everyone in the congregation for supporting us because we have been able to support many groups in Niagara Falls and abroad by giving out over $8000.00.
Great job everyone.
Submitted by Gail Goar and Carolyn Monteith.
CHRISTIAN DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Christian Education and Development Committee supports child and youth work within and outside of the Church. Committee members have been working hand in hand with the Sunday School Staff in planning and supporting the new committee authored curriculum this year. We meet regularly, and have the opportunity to participate in Sunday School workshops with the teachers. If you have a special talent, and would like to help plan or run a special workshop in the coming year, please contact us. Outside of the Church, we continue to support our youth by providing financial scholarships, in the amount of 1/3 of the registration fee to Cave Springs Camp, a United Church children's/youth camp.
We plan and enjoy together the June Barbecue, Sundae Sunday and the Christmas Party in December. This year, thanks to the Watling family, we were mesmerized by the storytelling and magical presence of Father Christmas. A record number of hotdogs (168) were enjoyed by the congregation as they listened attentively to our engaging story teller. Thank-you to all in the church family who have stepped in to the kitchen, and into the classrooms providing help preparing food, or leading a workshop to enrich our children.
Sandra Cowan
Chairperson
EXPLORERS 2009
SUNDAY SCHOOL 2009
Again I say aren’t we lucky to have such a large Sunday School department? Thank you for bringing all of the young people to learn Bible stories together. We used the January to May Seasons of the Spirit lessons and decided to write our own study for fall. We conferred with Rev. Harvey and the Christian Education Committee and feel we have had a very successful four months. We have averaged 25 children each week so feel they are enjoying the changes.
We had one theme for the month and three workshops. September was ‘New beginnings’ and the Creation story. We learned the story and memory work and painted murals, made popcorn worlds and star cookies.
In October Thanksgiving was the theme and the story of Ruth was learned. We made seed pictures, wooden Bird Feeders and shared soup with the congregation.
November’s theme was ‘Remembering’ and we studied Joshua. We painted stones and added them to the River Jordan. We shared memories and made a memory box and played games. Our older group made and presented the ‘Ark of the Covenent’ in the church service.
We began Advent with ‘Shepherds among us’ and the visit of service dogs. We made cards for shut-ins and napkin rings for Meals on Wheels. We dressed as shepherds, played shepherd games, made ‘candy cane crafts, and heard the great shepherd tell stories around the campfire. We shared birthday cake together to celebrate Jesus’ birthday.
Evaluation shows we had a very good term and with
everyone’s help 2010 will be just as good.
Thanks to all who helped and taught
- Suzanne Parnell, Lillian Lambert, Christ Watling, Donna Walker,
Charmaine McKnight, Rachel Gray, Penny Soulsby, Russ Christian, Sandra
Cowan, Mary Salvatore, Ellie Gillespie and Michelle Monteith.
Sincerely
Paisley Janvary-Pool
Big Give Youth
After church each Sunday a group of young people meet regularly to enjoy
some lunch together and work on outreach projects in support of their
church. This year the group
was active in preparing the dominoes of Kraft diner for the Hunger
Strike, serving at the Turkey dinner, raking leaves, learning Christmas
carls with Caves Springs Camp Director Alex Sillett and then singing at
Stamford Estates.
We always welcome youth from age 12 through high school.
Thanks to Dan Taylor, Carol Crown, Randy Vant and Barb Tobey for
helping Ellie Gillespie and Rev. Tobey lead such a dedicated group.
Bible Study
Every Tuesday evening at 6:30 a devoted group meets in the friendship
room to prayerfully consider the Word of God.
We pray together and read the scripture for the week.
In the Lenten season we followed the writings of Wm. Paul Young
to lead our reflections through to Easter and the Festival of Friends.
This study group went on to select the scriptures for Sunday morning
worship following the themes chosen by the Sunday school and Christian
development committee: New Beginnings, Thanksgiving, Remember and
Christmas.
We are continuing on in the monthly theme studies of Epiphany,
Lent’s Passion & Spring’s New Life.
I am very grateful for Joanne Fast’s scrolls and banners which
highlight the themes and such a capable and interesting group that
supports one another in leadership and pastoral care as we continue
learning together.
Thank You
Rev. Harvey Tobey
Turkey Dinner
The 62nd annual turkey dinner was another great success.
Thanks to the effort of a great team, many of our clients lost their
appetite once again.
The success of course is dependent on many issues. First, the team who
comes together to make the day work. For fear of forgetting someone,
please allow me to collectively express my personal thank you to the
“workers.” From the initial planning sessions to the end of the day, you
make it happen!
Secondly, to our many sponsors who help to defray the actual operating
costs. We could not turn a profit without your support. Buying, cooking,
baking, calling, preparing, serving and cleaning must come together to
make it successful.
Over $6,500 was raised. These funds were allocated as follows: $4,000 to
the remodeling of the secretarial office(s), $1500 was designated to
cover the cost of repairing the sign on the front of our church, $1,000
was placed in the general fund for operational expenses and the balance
has been placed in our bank account for start up expenses for the 2010
Turkey dinner to be held on October 30th.
A
new workforce consisting of young people, ladies and family members has
joined up with the declining men’s group to continue to offer the great
service expected of us. For the new helpers, all I can say is, thanks
May I personally ask for your attendance and participation in 2010.
Respectfully presented by Reg Ferland, Coordinator
Tri-M Club “50th ANNIVERSARY”
Our 50th year was a year to remember. We were able to have founding members and charter members on our Executive, which thrilled us. Thank you for the privilege to be your Presidents for this year, has Tri-M has been dear to our hearts - and the first forming meeting was held in our living room 51 years ago, when the late Rev. Carlyle Husser founded our Tri-M Club.
Our January meeting stared off with a bang. Thanks Ruth Grandoni for this bulletin - fireworks and the big 50th at the top which was on each bulletin to follow.
January - we had speaker Carol Stewart-Kirkby inform us of the United Way.
February we enjoyed a pot-luck dinner followed by Celebration Whist.
In March - guest Lyndie Ramsay from the Canadian Red Cross gave us an excellent presentation on Personal Preparedness for a disaster and risks in our community, - emergency kit and emergency evacuation.
April, our own Don Jackson spoke on preparations for the upcoming 200th celebration of the war of 1812.
May was our special 50th Anniversary Dinner and Party at the Delphi when all former members were invited to share with us.
Rev. Merrill Graham, Rev. Harvey Murphy, Rev. Joan Adams were all present. (Rev. Phil could not attend due to illness. Rev. Merrill Graham gave the devotion which was a conversation between Rev. Carlyle and wife, Elsie Mae, looking down from above and chatting about what they see with Tri-M today. We had a mystery guest, Barbara Husser Dalrymple, who gave us an update on the family.
The Soltice group entertained, slides were presented over the years by Harry Motteshead prepared by Janis, and bingo closed the meeting.
On the Sunday, Tri-M prepared the entire Church service and Willo, Harry and Cathy Purdy spoke re Tri-M. A luncheon followed at the Church for all Tri-M members and guests. It was capably convened by Beverly Patterson, Eleanor Cattanach and Joanne Hicks.
In June, we held a barbeque at the Church with Paul Fast and Larry cooking and an excellent attendance. Lem led a hearty sing song and we viewed the pictures of the 50th anniversary.
Cathy Marie Buchanan who grew up in our Church was present at the September meeting to tell us about her book, entitled ‘The Day the Falls Stood Still’ - hot off the shelf.
October found us on a Treasure Hunt in our very own Church to discover the Treasures of Stamford United. What an interesting search!
November, Dennis Gilmore took us on a very interesting and fabulous voyage to the Antarctica. The slides, the commentary and the music were exceptional. We all were in awe and felt we have been there. Pictures of icebergs, whales and penguins were most amazing.
Tri-M under direction of Willo decorates the sanctuary for Christmas and we have a new tree donated by Paul and Joanne Fast which is truly beautiful in gold and white in our Church. Larry replaced the manger scene for the outside nativity scene, it went missing last year, and it is admired.
December was our annul Christmas Dinner and Party at Delphi. It was entirely a social evening with singing of carols, exchange of gifts and the installation of the new executive by Rev. Harvey.
TRI-M CLUB
Honorary Presidents - Rev. Harvey and Barbara Tobey
Past Presidents - Larry and Willo Morningstar
Presidents - Paul and Joanne Fast
lst Vice Presidents - Lem & Joanne Hicks
2nd Vice Presidents - Dan & Carolyn Monteith
Recording Secretary - Jean Chagnon
Corresponding Secretary - Vera Todd
Treasurer - Bob Cattanach
Historian - Willo Morningstar
Group Leaders - Archie and Ann McKechnie
- Dan and Carolyn Monteith,
Randy Vant and Jacki Good
- Jim and Frances Munro,
Barbara Cole
- Roger and Cathy Purdy
Respectfully Submitted:
Larry and Willo Morningstar
United Church Women
FELLOWSHIP UNIT
meets the first Friday of the month at the In-Touch Lunch.
MARTHA UNIT
Leaders: Beverly Cowan and Dorothy Caverley
Secretary: Marion Lauder
Treasurer: Shirley Hay
Goodwill: Maureen West
Meetings are held in the Friendship Room at 12:30pm on the second Tuesday with a bag lunch and tea served. During 2009 interesting meetings were held. The person in charge read a portion from the Bible followed by a discussion. Two representatives from the Y.W.C.A. spoke to us about the reopening and invited us to take our lunch and tour the building, which we did later. They are pleased to receive our donations and monthly gifts. Once again Mary Ann Harrison told of her trip to China which was very interesting. For a special outing we had lunch at the Niagara Square Mandarin.
During the year we sent $500.00 to the Mission and Service Fund, $800.00 to the Y.W.C.A. and $285.00 to the Christmas Voucher Fund.
Many of our members have been together for a long time and we will welcome new members in 2010.
Submitted by Marion Lauder, Secretary
JOY UNIT
Leader: Cathy Purdy Secretary: Eleanor Cattanach
Treasurer: Ruth Grandoni
Joy Unit meets the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30am. We begin with a social half hour over coffee and goodies. The average attendance is 17 and we have fun. Meaningful devotionals and various programs are presented by our members.
Highlights of 2009 included a visit from Rev. Dr. Rob Patterson. With his help we support the Guardians of Hope program in Kenya. We all dressed in hats and gloves for the Fun Presentation of L. & M. Teas by Jill Marinello. Through tastings and discussion we learned a lot. Julie Dennis, from Bethlehem Place came to speak about non profit, affordable housing. Forty units are now under construction and soon to open on Kalar Road. We examined racks of beautiful ‘Necklaces of Hope’ made and sold by Sue Bernier, a cancer survivor. Sales of the colourful necklaces support ‘Wellspring’, a program to help cancer patients and their families in the Niagara area.
Our annual project a Bridge Luncheon in November was successful. We used the money to support Kenyan Grandmothers raising orphans of Aids.
We welcome new members. Give us a try.
Submitted by Cathy Purdy
GOOD NEWS UNIT holds their meetings the 3rd Wednesday of each month at different member’s homes with an average of 9-12 in attendance. All are welcome.
We begin each calendar year suggesting activities/ guest speakers for our monthly meetings. We share our social time, friendships and stories from our day to day lives.
This past year we would like to thank our guest speakers as we learned more about; the YWCA organization with Carolyn Fish, understanding tea with Jill Morinello of LM Teas, a historic tour of Ravine Estate and Winery with Blair & Norma Harber and creating Christmas swags with Jennifer Falconer-Holmes & Sharon MacDonnell of Bloom & Basket Flowers.
We also organized a Chili lunch fundraiser raising $ 444.44.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Parnell
Walk With Me
Every week from September to springtime the church
is open to walk through.
Started by El Whiteman, and inspired by his spirit, the physical health
of the congregation is encouraged on by warm up stretches
and up beat music. You are
encouraged to join the walkers any
Monday or Thursday at 10:00am.
Sew
With Me
Fridays a group of sewers gather at 10:00am and work on projects for Niagara Warehouse of Hope. Under the guidance of Penny Soulsby this group makes layettes for babies. They are always welcoming donations of fabric or wool. This is good opportunity to learn or share your talent and this group has bag lunch together!
Also Meeting at Stamford United:
Alcoholics Anonymous, Bethesda Autism program,
Friends of Stamford Village,
PROBUS and Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union Local 43
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets an average of once a month and as needed to research and review proposed expenditures, bring guidance to the Board on financial matters, monitor the receipts and disbursements and to prepare and propose an annual budget to the Congregational Meeting, with input from the various committee requests.
The task is complex and requires diligent effort and commitment by the individuals who serve on the Committee. On behalf of the whole congregation, may I publicly thank all current serving members for their constant effort to achieve fiscal responsibility.
2009 was a good financial year for Stamford United. When called upon to review their personal offering, the response by our Church “ family” was very impressive. We managed to maintain a positive operational balance throughout the year and now have a small cushion for a rainy day. For this, you must be thanked, and, encouraged from time to time to continue reviewing your contribution to the lively hood of our Church.
The Committee invites interested Board Members to join us in our future deliberations in the 2010.
Respectfully submitted by Reg Ferland on behalf of the Finance Committee.