Stamford United Church

              

            Stamford United Church is living the Mission. 

            2011 began focused on Jesus and the adventures of the Holy Family as we made preparations for the youth group to attend Worshiplude in Ottawa.  Then the choirs welcomed the Toronto Metropolitan Brass Band here. Sharing our stories, we continued to discover the significance of parables and miracles in our lives. The good news that Lisa Parmiter from Labrador City would join us for an eight month internship encouraged us to go back to the days of creation in Genesis and read the whole Old Testament together for the rest of the year. We worshiped God with resurrection glory at the brink of the Falls on Easter morning and then a baby lamb reminded us of the kind of shepherds Jesus needs us to be every day. The glory of God in all creation was well appreciated by the youth group on their grand canoe adventure in Algonquin Park.

Appreciation of Shirley Chalmers and her dedicated service led to the establishment of the Appreciation Garden here in the spring. We welcomed Sharon MacDonnell as the new Administrative Assistant and she is getting to know every person personally while compiling the new photo directory with Dan Taylor.  Paisley and Chelsea welcomed the children on Sunday mornings and Caper greeted the busier than ever church at every opportunity with people of all ages coming and going each day.

Verna Craig came to visit from Community Outreach and brought home the message of the mission in our own community.  Steve Malone showed us that Healthy Horizons are possible in Honduras. I never knew sloppy-Joes could taste as good as they do with friends at the In-touch lunch, or that pie at Tri-M, or the chili on trivia night, or the stuffing from all those turkeys as we gather together for the Turkey dinner.  I hear walking with friends helps after you eat all that!  But then I remember that the sewing group have cookies! One of the quietest groups, along with the prayer group on Tuesdays, is the sewing group that has turned piles, and I mean piles, of boxes of cloth into car loads of gifts for Wells of Hope.  All that food and fun from the men and the women’s groups along with your offerings added up to over $45,000 given as the outreach mission purpose of this church.  This year we were also able to replace the roof over the gym and offices while keeping up with the ongoing expenses of operating a 280+ family church. Living your faith here means food on dinner plates downtown and medicine in clinics in Honduras. 

            The Official Board determined that the best use of the former Morrison Street United Church bequest of $10,000 to this church was to enable the internship experience here this year. The spirit-filled gifts and capabilities of Lisa Parmiter have proven to be a blessing among us and an inspiring addition to the future ministry of the United Church of Canada. This is a great place to learn what being a church is all about.  Your church is alive and well.

            As we begin reading the New Testament from the Gospels through to Revelation in 2012 we will remember those who used to read with us.  We will sing the familiar songs and remember moments that were made for making memories.  We will learn new lessons as the world changes and ring out new tunes that lead us to experience God at work from a new perspective. We will hear the Word again for a new day, with new friends and new challenges; and we will surely discover even more wonderful, spirit-filled reasons to celebrate life with old friends.  As always, we will do it with faithful trust that God is with us in our going out and our coming in. 

                        Thank you for working together as staff and as a congregation to be the church we need to be for God
and for one another.

Blessings
Rev. Harvey Tobey

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2011 Church Directory

Minister                                                          Rev. Harvey Tobey

 

Director of Music                                           Marjorie Slinn

Church Custodian                                           Lucie McCarthy

Church Secretary                                            Shirley Chalmers (January – June)

                                                                        Sharon MacDonnell (June – December)

 

Treasurer of Church Books                            Jean Chagnon

Envelope Steward & Money Treasurer         Willo Morningstar

Official Board Chairman                               Paisley Janvary-Pool

Official Board Secretary                                Pat Billingsley & Jacki Vant

 

United Church Women

            Joy Unit                                              Bev Patterson & Frances Munro

            Martha Unit                                        Beverley Cowan & Dorothy Caverley

            Good News Unit                                 Carolyn Monteith

 

Sunday School Superintendent                      Paisley Janvary-Pool

ECE Nursery Teacher                                     Chelsea Johns

Explorer Leader                                              Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

Youth Choir Director                                     Marjorie Slinn

Aragain Singers/Ringers                                Marjorie Slinn

Chancel Choir                                                 Marjorie Slinn

 

Tri-M Presidents                                            Lem & Joanne Hicks

Men’s Group                                                  Reg Ferland

Youth Group                                                   Rev. Harvey Tobey

 

 

 

 

2011 Stamford United Church Statistics

 

Resident Membership Roll    341                                          Non-Resident Roll         143

Received by Prof. & Trans.        0                                          Moved from Res/Roll      17

Removed by Death                     5                                          Transferred Out                 0

Removed by Board                     4                                          Removed by Death            0

Transferred out by Request        1                                          Moved to Res/Roll            1                  Moved to Non-Res.               17                                                                                 159

Moved from Non-Res.               1                                                                               

                                                315

 

Families under Stamford United Pastoral Charge … 287

 

Average weekly attendance based on the months of October/November 2011 … 154

 

 

Stamford United Church

2011 Official Board and Committees

Chair:                                                              Paisley Janvary-Pool

Vice-Chair:                                                     Dan Taylor

Secretaries:                                                     Pat Billingsley & Jacki Vant

Treasurer:                                                       Jean Chagnon

Envelope Steward & Money Treasurer:        Willo Morningstar

Presbytery Representatives:                           Mary Ann Harrison, Dan Taylor, Pat Billingsley

                            Alternate:                            Tim Zavitz

Cave Springs Camp Representative:             Paisley Janvary-Pool

Extension Council:                                         Reg Ferland

                       

COMMITTEES

 

Mission and Outreach

Co-Chair: Gail Goar

Co-Chair: Carolyn Monteith

            Mary Dempsey

            Jeff Farquharson

            Will Foster

            Mary Ann Harrison

            Kathy Olsen

            Jacki Vant

            Randy Vant

            Marg Veall

            *Darlene Foster

            *Pam Gilmore

            *Brenda Skinner

 

Christian Education:                        

Chair:  Sandra Cowan                                                

              Ellie Gillespie

            Evan Gillespie

            Bob Jamieson

            Suzanne Parnell

            Paisley Janvary-Pool                                     

            Mary Salvatore                                  

            Al Steip

 

Finance:                                             

Chair:  Reg Ferland                                       

Jean Chagnon                                                

Barbara Glaves                                              

Ruth Grandoni

Willo Morningstar                                        

Tim Zavitz                                                     

* Brian Olsen             

 

Ministry and Personnel

Chair:  Paisley Janvary-Pool

            Barbara Cole

            Reg Ferland

            Barbara Glaves

            Judy Harding

            Mary Ann Harrison

            Brian Olsen    

            Dan Taylor

 

Property

Chair:  Dan MacDonnell

            George Bethune

            Richard Lambert

            Dan Monteith

            Brian Olsen

            Bruce Olsen

            Paul Patterson

            Dan Taylor

 

Worship/Congregational Concerns:

Chair:  Janet Harris

            Barbara Cole                                                   Carol Crown

            Joanne Fast                                                     Paul Fast                                                    

              Judy Harding                                                  Donna Walker

            Geraldine Zavitz

 

* Associate Members

Official Board Chairperson and Minister are ex-officio members of all committees.

 except ministry and personnel.

 

PROPOSED OFFICIAL BOARD 2012

 

Until January 2012:

George Bethune, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Ellie Gillespie, Barbara Glaves, Gail Goar, Ruth Grandoni, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Richard Lambert, Dan Monteith, Willo Morningstar, Bruce Olsen, Kathy Olsen, Suzanne Parnell, Kristyn Wilson-Schram, Margaret Veall.

 

Until January 2013:

Jean Chagnon, Sandra Cowan, Mary Dempsey, Jeff Farquharson, Evan Gillespie, Bob Jamieson, Judy Harding, Brian Olsen, Al Steip, Mary Salvatore, Jacki Vant.

 

Nominated until 2013:

Richard Lambert

 

Until January 2014:

Barbara Cole, Reg Ferland, Will Foster, Dan MacDonnell, Carolyn Monteith, Paul Patterson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Dan Taylor, Randy Vant

 

Until January 15:

George Bethune, Pat Billingsley, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Gail Goar, Ruth Grandoni, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Dan Monteith, Willo Morningstar, Suzanne Parnell.

 

Board of Trustees:

Dennis Gilmore Marion Lauder, Archie McKechnie, Larry Morningstar (chairperson), Brian Olsen, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Florence Sandercock, Maureen West, Gerald (Tim) Zavitz.

 

Presbytery Representatives:

Pat Billingsley

Mary Ann Harrison

Dan Taylor

Alternate:  Tim Zavitz

 

Cave Springs Camp Representatives:

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

Extension Council:

Reg Ferland – Board

Tim Zavitz – Representative

 

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.

 

 

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ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

February 6, 2011

The annual congregational meeting of Stamford United Church was held on Sunday, February 6, 2011 in the Christian Education Centre, following the Church service.  The meeting commenced after a light lunch of sandwiches and desserts.  Rev. Harvey Tobey and 72 individuals were in attendance.

Those present were: Marian Aird, Wilma Atkinson, Lyssa Atkinson, Lexi Atkinson, Jaidyn Atkinson, Pat Billingsley, Diane Becken, Wayne Becken, Ruth Buchanan, Bob Cattanach, Eleanor Cattanach, Bob Chagnon, Jean Chagnon, Barbara Cole, Sandra Cowan, Kiley Cowan,  Mary Dempsey, Joanne Fast, Paul Fast, Reg Ferland, Ellie Gillespie, Evan Gillespie, Dennis Gilmore, Pam Gilmore, Barbara Glaves, Gail Goar, Ruth Grandoni, Alec Greaves, Janet Harris, Mary Ann Harrison, Gord Hick, Margaret Jackson, Bev Jamieson, Bob Jamieson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Richard Lambert, Margaret Loney, Dan MacDonnell, Sharon MacDonnell, Callie McCarthy, Claire McCarthy, Lucie McCarthy, Ruth McDowell, Ray Marshall, Carolyn Monteith, Dan Monteith, Sally Morin,  Larry Morningstar, Willo Morningstar, Brian Olsen, Bruce Olsen, Dianne Olsen, Kathy Olsen,  Suzanne Parnell, Helen Rainnie, Bob Rouble, Donna Rouble, Marjorie Slinn, Penny Soulsby, Al Steip, Sharon Swayze, Dan Taylor, Barbara Tobey, Vera Todd, Algie Vant, Dorothy Vant, Jacki Vant, Randy Vant,  Margaret Veall, Harry Watling, Geraldine Zavitz, Tim Zavitz. 

Rev. Tobey offered an opening prayer. 

Chairperson Paisley Janvary-Pool declared the 2011 annual meeting open for all business in the name of Jesus Christ, Lord and Head of the Church. 

Moved by:   Al Steip, Seconded by: Willo Morningstar  “That voting privileges on temporal matters be extended to adherents.”                     CARRIED

Rev. Tobey read the memorial list on page 8 of the annual report. The name of Frances Love was added.  We remember all of these individuals in our hearts and souls as significant members in our community and many as significant members of our church.  Rev. Tobey led us in a prayer of remembrance.

 Committee Reports

Thanks were offered to the Ferlands for the Peace Garden.  Appreciation was indicated by a round of applause.  Janet Harris thanked the Worship Committee for their efforts.  Rev. Tobey noted that in addition to funeral receptions and luncheons, the In-Touch committee visits shut-ins, sends cards and recognized the bereaved at Christmas.  It was reported that the Quilting group meets all day Monday, and the Sewing group all day Friday.  Paisley thanked Marjorie Slinn for the music program and the special Christmas presentation.

The following changes to the Annual Report were noted:
 Page 4:  Add Al Steip to the Christian Education committee and Jeff Farquharson to the Mission committee.

Page 11: Add Barbara Cole to the In-Touch committee and change Donna Rouble to Donna Walker. 

Page 15:  Change YMCA to YWCA.  $1,500 from the Choirs should be designated to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund  not Beads of Hope. 

Moved by:  Tim Zavitz, Seconded by: Jacki Vant "That the committee reports be accepted as printed with the additions above included."  CARRIED

Financial Report 2010

Moved by:  Jean Chagnon, Seconded by:  Dan Taylor, "That the financial report for 2010 printed on p. 24 of the Annual Report be accepted."  CARRIED

Budget 2011

It was noted that the total employee benefits figure should be $16,750.00.

Moved by: Jean Chagnon, Seconded by: Reg Ferland "That the proposed budget for  2011 printed on page 26 of the Annual Report and corrected in the above amount for a total amount of $192,043.00 be accepted."  CARRIED

Reg Ferland expressed thanks to all the members of the finance committee with special recognition of Jean Chagnon and Willo Morningstar.  Thanks to Bob Cattanach for auditing our books.

Reg Ferland presented the fundraiser for the roof.

Mission and Service Goal for 2011 -

Moved by:  Carolyn Monteith, Seconded by:  Ruth Grandoni, "That we accept the goal of $24,000 for the Mission and Service Fund for 2011."  CARRIED

Elders Retiring – Janet Harris presented the following list of those retiring from the Official Board on January 31, 2011:  Barbara Cole, Carol Crown, Reg Ferland, Will Foster, Richard Lambert, Dan MacDonnell, Ray Matthews, Carolyn Monteith, Paul Patterson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Dan Taylor, Randy Vant, Donna Walker, Geraldine Zavitz, and Tim Zavitz.

Nominations for the 2011-2013 Official Board  were read by Janet Harris.  Nominated until January 2012:  Richard Lambert, Geraldine Zavitz, Tim Zavitz;  Nominated until January 2014: Barbara Cole, Carol Crown, Reg Ferland, Will Foster, Dan MacDonnell, Carolyn Monteith, Paul Patterson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Dan Taylor, Randy Vant, Donna Walker. Three calls for further nominations were made.

- 6 -

Moved by: Diane Becken,  Seconded by: Pam Gilmore,  "That the slate of nominees be proclaimed."   CARRIED

Nominations for Chairperson of Official Board -  Janet Harris nominated Paisley Janvary Pool.  Three calls for nominations were made. 

Moved by:  Dan Taylor, Seconded by:  Mary Ann Harrison, "That Paisley Janvary-Pool be chairperson of the Official Board."  CARRIED

Election of Presbytery and Conference Representatives – Rev. Tobey spoke to how important representation at Presbytery is for our congregation.  Janet Harris nominated Pat Billingsley, with Mary Ann Harrison as alternate.  Dan Taylor volunteered to let his name stand and Tim Zavitz volunteered as an alternate. 

Moved by:  Reg Ferland, Seconded by: Carolyn Monteith "That Pat Billingsley, Dan Taylor be acclaimed as representatives, with Mary Ann Harrison and Tim Zavitz as alternates."  CARRIED

Election of Cave Spring Camp Representative - Paisley Janvary-Pool volunteered to be the representative.

Election to Board of Trustees - 

Nominations were called for three times.

Moved by:  Larry Morningstar, Seconded by Randy Vant, "That Dennis Gilmore be nominated as a Trustee."  CARRIED

Chair Paisley presented a card of thanks and a gift to Rev. Harvey and Barbara Tobey.

New Business: 

Paisley Janvary-Pool announced that Shirley Chalmers is going to retire.  Her service was recognized with a round of applause.  The Ministry and Personnel committee will be working re co-ordination of her retirement / hiring etc.

Paisley introduced the concept of placement of a student minister in our congregation for 8 months.  Rev. Tobey explained further.  He has training as a supervisor.  The role of a student is to be involved in all aspects of our church life.  It means raising $10,000 to do this.  The purpose is to train a student in areas related to their learning goals.  They are encouraged by their supervisor and by a committee.  It is an important part of the training of a new minister.

Moved  by: Eleanor Cattanach,  Seconded by: Mary Ann Harrison, "That we accept the request from conference for the placement of a student minister with this congregation."

CARRIED

The Finance committee believe that $10,000 which was received from Morrison St. church following closure will cover the expenses and would be a fantastic use of the funds.  Going forward would prompt the need for a committee to work with the student.  The following volunteered for the committee:  Sandra Cowan, Pam Gilmore, Tim Zavitz, Eleanor Cattanach, Ray Marshall, Bob Jamieson, Barbara Cole, Bruce Olsen, Carolyn Monteith, Gail Goar, and Lucie McCarthy.

Moved by: Dan Taylor, Seconded by: Jacki Vant, “That we approve the use of the building by the YMCA for 6 weeks during the summer to run programs, at the rate of $600.00 for 6 weeks.”   CARRIED

Moved by: Dan Monteith, Seconded by: Randy Vant, “That we approve the use of facilities including the sanctuary by Cave Springs camp on the 26^th of February.”  CARRIED

Moved by Carolyn Monteith, Seconded by: Barbara Cole, “ That Al |Steip, Rev. Tobey and Alex Silet be given permission to take a group of young people to Worshiplude in Ottawa in February.”  CARRIED

Moved by: Randy Vant, Seconded by: Barbara Tobey, “That we give permission for Rob Duncan to use the Friendship Room once a month for a Faith in Life meeting.”  CARRIED

Moved by: Randy Vant, Seconded by: Mary Ann Harrison, “That we rent out the “yellow room” downstairs for Tai Chi with a 3 month trial period.”  CARRIED

Thanks were expressed to the people serving on the board for the coming year.

Adjournment

Moved by:  Tim Zavitz, Seconded by:  Al Steip,  “That we adjourn.”

Benediction

Rev. Harvey Tobey pronounced the Benediction.

 

___________________________________              ______________________________
Paisley Janvary-Pool, Chair                               Patricia Billingsley, Co-Secretary

 

In Memoriam

 

Frederic Earnest Shapland                       January 9

Edna Joyce Ralph                                   January 22

Frances Anne Love *                              February 4

Sandra Lee MacCarl                               February 7

Ann Adelle Whitehead                             March 16

William Graham                                          April 3

Geraldine Elizabeth Hall                               May 4

Harold Henry Luft *                                    May 16

Joan Elizabeth Forsey *                               July 11

Donald Lloyd McQuade                          August 29

Sidney Harold Smith *                       November 18

Edith Agnes Arnold                              December 9

 

Funeral Services not officiated by Rev. Tobey:

Dr. Hadley *                                               April 10

Vicki Paone                                              August 6

Edith McKim                                                May 8

Emma Kennedy                                 November 18                                                  

*Member

 

Marriages

 

Peter James Unsworth & Jan Kelly Spendiff                                            April 9

Shane Matthew Roach & Rebecca Lynn Dipaolo                                       June 11

Scott David Frazer & Kristen Elizabeth Halligan                                         July 9

Andrew Colin Vernon Beal & Victoria Whitney Brighton               September 13

Richard George Boyer & Michelle Darlene Black                                  October 9

Gary Edward Schroeder & Jacqueline Teresa Quiquero                       October 15

Adam John C. Dicke & Deborah Ann Hertrich                                 December 31

 

Baptisms

 

Grady Daley Rouble son of Gavin Charles Rouble & Alysan Hornibrook                       January 2

Ella Angela Butler daughter of John Butler & Angela Davies                                     February 20

Julia Joyce Butler daughter of John Butler & Angela Davies                                      February 20

Aurora Anne Peggy Stevens-Clark daughter of Bradley Clark & Samantha Stevens          May 15

Paityn Lynn Marie Fluellon daughter of Darren Fluellon & Nancy Morton                      May 15           

Emma Catherine Harber daughter of Andrew Harber & Dana Scott                                   May 15

Lyla Grace Sharp daughter of Bradley Sharp & Pamela Fowler                                         May 15

Gerald Swayze Zavitz III son of Barry Zavitz & Amy Schmidt                                          June 19

Cole Matthew Parnell son of Sean Parnell & Suzanne Lambert                              September 25

Hillary Margaret Timleck daughter of Brent Timleck & Elizabeth Watling                 October 16

 

 

 

 

Chair of the Official Board

 

I am finding this difficult to write my closing remarks for my two year term is over and I will miss being in the midst of many interesting debates, discussions and decisions.

 

As usual this year’s book is full of great reports from Stamford United people who have again fulfilled their mandate and beyond.  Please read all of the pages carefully and realize where we’ve been and what we’ve done in 2011.

 

·       It has been a great year!

·       We are in the black thanks to the Financial Task Force.

·       We fixed the roof and made an Appreciation Garden.

·       Shirley Chalmers retired after 41 years as Church Secretary and Sharon MacDonnell began her first year as Administrative Assistant.

·       The music has been outstanding and Marjorie Slinn is too.

·       The building has never looked better thanks to the Property Committee and Lucie McCarthy.

·       Missions met their goal and much more locally and afar.

·       Worship and Christian Education have organized services and specials all year.

·       The kitchen is busy thanks to many – In-Touch, U.C.W., Men’s Turkey Dinner and meat pie cooks.

·       We are blessed to still have an active Nursery and Sunday School as well as Explorers.

·       The Church is busy and bustling with rental groups.

·       Lisa Parmiter has been our Intern since September under the guidance of the Intern Committee.

·       The church is pleasingly full on Sundays and Rev. Harvey Tobey brings it and us all together all week.

 

Thank you all who have done your part and more.  Thanks be to God.

 

Sincerely,

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

Ministry and Personnel

 

This confidential committee represents all standing committees of the Official Board and is a support group for staff and congregation members.

 

This was a busier year for the committee with the retirement of Shirley Chalmers as our long serving Secretary and we were involved in the hiring of our Administrative Assistant, Sharon MacDonnell.

 

We met five times and reported to the Board.  When needed, we liaison with Niagara Presbytery and Hamilton Conference.  Many thanks to Judy Harding and Barbara Glaves who retired this year.  Thanks also to those who continue to serve – Brian Olsen, Dan Taylor, Mary Ann Harrison, Barbara Cole, Reg Ferland and Paisley Janvary-Pool.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

Intern Report

 

Internship is a time when students get to experience ministry rather than read about it in books.  As an intern here at Stamford, I have been blessed with such a supportive community to learn and experience ministry with.

From the beginning of the internship I was welcomed to Stamford with accepting and caring arms.  The congregation has been very inviting and has created a wonderful and hospitable environment to learn and work.  The Lay Supervision Team, which was ready and eager to start when I arrived, has become an important part of the internship as we meet and talk about how and what I have learned.  I have also been blessed with a supervisor and teacher, Rev. Harvey, who has made learning, even the tough stuff, a great joy.

Here at Stamford I have learned that ministry happens in a variety of ways.  Some of it happens right here in the church with Bible Study, Tri-M, UCW and the In-Touch luncheons.  Some of it happens while serving pie at the Turkey Dinner, or joining youth on a Spooky Hay Ride.  Other times it happens while meeting parents before a baptism or a couple before a wedding.  And it definitely happens every Sunday as we gather as a community of faith caring for one another.  But just as Jesus taught us to care not only for the ones we love, but all our neighbours, ministry at Stamford extends into the wider community as well.

Jesus tells us “do good and lend, expecting nothing in return.” I have learned that much of the mission and out-reach work here at Stamford happens in that way.  I have learned that to do good includes collecting money and mittens for those in need.  I have learned that lending can include not just money but time.  I have spent many hours volunteering at Project S.H.A.R.E. with their Christmas program, and at the Community Kitchen with one of their daily meals.  Rev. Harvey and I have also been doing services at the local nursing and retirement homes sharing communion and prayers of healing.  We expect nothing in return but feel great joy from the many smiles and thank-yous that fill a room.

This internship has been full of amazing experiences that have taught me so much.  I am looking forward to the second half and expect to learn even more; as I lead a Lenten Study exploring our faith and go to Honduras with the Healthy Horizons for Children and Families charity.  Stamford has brought with it many blessing and I thank each of you who has made it such a memorable time.  

Many Blessings,

Lisa Parmiter

 

 Long Range Plans

 

After preparations for renovating the office, we were inactive for the rest of the year, not meeting at all.  However the Property Committee and Finance Committee are working on long term planning and will report to the Board.

 

Sincerely,

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

 

Flower Committee

 

Seasonal plants at Easter and Christmas donated in memory and celebration, enhanced the sanctuary’s beauty and our enjoyment.  Special weekly flower arrangements for loved ones are appreciated too.  The Thanksgiving display showed the fall bounty and colour.  Thanks to the Gillespie’s for helping me.

 

Sincerely,

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

Worship and Congregational Concerns Committee
 
We started the new year at Stamford United with Communion followed by lunch, of course, and our annual meeting.  Everyone is invited to attend, ask questions and give voice to their opinion. 
The youth group served us a chili lunch and raised money to go on a weekend trip to Winterlude in Ottawa.  Verna Craig from Community Outreach spoke to us on Mission Sunday, followed by a pancake lunch.  We joined with our neighbours at Stamford Presbyterian Church for Good Friday Services.  We met at the Falls for Sunrise Service, in the rain, on Easter morn and celebrated communion at the church with all of our church family.

In May we enjoyed the moving performance of Soli Deo Gloria Ballet, celebrated Mother’s Day with carnations and welcomed Alex from Cave Springs for our annual picnic. 

In June we celebrated the ministry of Shirley Chalmers.  Shirley has taken care of the Stamford United family for 40 years from her desk in the office.  We celebrated her retirement with her, ate cake and honoured her with the first plaque in the Appreciation Garden.  We welcomed Sharon MacDonnell as our new administrative assistant, celebrated Father’s Day with chocolates, went fishing and canoeing at Queenston and the youth went camping in Algonquin Park.

Louise Granahan was welcomed back as our summer supply while Harvey was on vacation.

In September we welcomed our student minister Lisa Parmiter from Newfoundland and Labrador and involved her immediately in our busy fall schedule.  There was Sundae Sunday, the Big E, breads of the World Communion and the Turkey Supper.

We celebrated baptisms and weddings.  Prayed for our friends when they were ill, celebrated when they recovered and mourned those we will not see again.  We renovated the church office, repaired the roof and did a survey on what we want from our church and the path for the future.

We celebrated Advent and Christmas with our three trees, a musical by the children on Christmas Eve and of course, Happy Birthday Jesus cake.

Another year has past in the Stamford United family.  A year that was very full and busy.  A year that brought us all together as we walk through our faith journey as a family.
 
Sincerely,

Janet C. Harris – Chairperson

Audio Visual

Wanted - Part-time sound system operators.  Responsible young adults would be considered. 

Requirements - Must be able to hear, see, read and respond to situations quickly.  An understanding of sound principles would be helpful.  Commitment to flexible scheduling for church services, concerts, weddings, funerals and any other events should they arise. 

On the job training.  Remuneration only for weddings and some funerals.  The rest of the time is your commitment to the church. 

Join the team of Paul, Richard, Paul and Robert.  See Bob Jamieson at church and get connected.

 

In-Touch Committee

Under Rev. Tobey’s guidance we continued to keep “in-touch” with our church family, met regularly and visited our shut-ins and remembered our veterans, shut-ins and bereaved. We were also blessed to have Lisa Parmiter, Intern, as a very active member of our Committee. Lisa has been an integral part in helping us to “reach out” to our congregation.  Thank you, Lisa!

We held our monthly luncheon/socials (October to May) and, upon request, catered funeral receptions. We underwrote the church’s contribution to the nursery school’s graduation and had the privilege of hosting the retirement reception for Shirley Chalmers in June.

Some of our financial expenditures in 2011 were as follows:

·        the Church’s General Fund

·       Coffee Hour

·       Reception for Shirley Chalmers

·       Nursery School Graduation

·       Provided taxi transportation for members, where deemed necessary.

 

It is important to advise the church office if you need a visit or know someone who could use a visit.  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 “reach out” to our church family.

Special thank you to Geraldine Zavitz and Lynn Marshall for assisting, when possible, with the monthly luncheon/socials, to Maureen West (our honorary past member) and to the other congregation members who help us clean-up and to Shirley Chalmers, Sharon MacDonnell and Lucie McCarthy for their ongoing support. 

Betty and Don Hallam and Sharon Swayze left our Committee and we thank them for their service but, as always, others came forward.

In-Touch Committee:  Rev. Harvey Tobey, Intern Lisa Parmiter, Diane Becken, Pat Billingsley, Barbara Cole, Joanne Fast, Pam Gilmore, Gail Goar, Mary Ann Harrison, Bev and Bob Jamieson, Paisley Janvary-Pool, Ray Marshall, Sally Morin, Roger Purdy, Donna Walker.

Diane Becken                                                 - 13 -

 

Stamford United Church Walkers

We walk every Monday and Thursday at 10 a.m. from September to June.  We stretch, walk and have fun.  We have averaged about 15 people at each session.  Everyone is welcome so come and join us anytime.

 

 

Christian Education and Development

 

The Christian Education and Development Committee supports child, youth and adult education within the church.  For our second year, we have been fortunate to have Chelsea Johns (Certified Early Childhood Educator) provide daycare in the nursery during our church service.  Our committee continues to work hand in hand, with Sunday School staff to plan curriculum.  We are always looking for volunteers to share a talent, a special story, or to just lend a hand, even for a single Sunday. Thank-you to our Church family members who have accepted this invitation, and have shared their gifts with our children.   Our Committee  organizes congregational and Sunday school events; Sundae Sunday in September, a Halloween party, the children’s Christmas Party, and  the annual year end barbecue.  The Christian Education committee continues to support our children by subsidizing  1/3  of the cost to attend Cave Springs Camp.  Cave Springs Camp is a United Church Camp offering many different kinds of camping opportunities, within a Christian Environment, through worship, drama, and contemporary music.  It is a wonderful experience, providing long lasting memories of fun and fellowship!

Sandra Cowan

Chairperson

 

Church Library

 

2012 will be our 14^th year as an organized library.  This will be a year of reorganization; removing old reference, non-fiction and historical fiction books and replacing them with new.  Hopefully our 15^th year will be something to celebrate.

 

We are aware that “E readers” may partially reduce library use and that DVD’s will soon be a thing of the past just like tapes.  In other words, the library in the future could become redundant, with the shelves being used to store dishes for tea parties and turkey dinners.  Never the less, it will continue for now, until books or the librarian become dinosaurs.

 

There will be no large book sale this spring, but I look forward to doing something in the fall, like a book sale at the Turkey Dinner or a tea party.

 

Thanks for all the support this year.

 

Bob Jamieson

 

Sunday School

 

The Sunday School continues to work with Rev. Harvey and the Christian Education to write their own course of study.  The winter/spring semester followed Jesus’ early days and years.  We spent several weeks talking about Jesus’ miracles and more weeks on a variety of parables.  We studied Easter week day by day.  May began the Old Testament study and we planted a gift for Mom, and concluded the year with Camp fun and a barbecue.

 

When the fall semester began with Sundae Sunday, there were a few changes.  We have a Nursery with Chelsea Johns, an ECE teacher and one class of all ages with Paisley.  Some of our youth are helping and Chris and Harry Watling, and Russ and Catherine Christian are doing special events.  We are depending on the Christian Education committee, parents and some congregation guests to keep us going.  Suzanne Parnell is on maternity leave too.

 

Never the less, it has been a busy fall semester.  We wrote poetry, did a skit, baked, made a mural and a wooden cross.  We enjoyed a dress-up Halloween party with centres of play, saw Santa, made Christmas cards for Project Share, a tree ornament and decorated frames to take home.

 

Many thanks to all who helped us this year - adults and youth.

 

Sincerely,

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

 

Explorers

 

We met weekly during the spring months with 8 regular members.  We elected an executive and ran our own meetings.  We enjoyed snow play, talent night, a movie and campfire.  We celebrated Valentine and St. Patrick’s Day with parties, as well as Easter and everybody’s birthday.  We walked to the donut shop, made a gift for Mom and finished the end of April.

 

We began the fall session with 7 girls and are now at 19.  Many are from our own church and more are welcome to join.  We again had an election and continue to run and plan our own meetings.  We’ve had outside play and raked leaves, a pet show, baking night and many games.  We line danced, learned how to care for our nails, did a study on being thankful and brought our favourite book.  We shopped and wrapped at Christmas and took many surprises home. 

 

Thanks to Brenda Skinner and Ginny Paterson and all the mothers who helped.

 

Respectfully submitted.

Paisley Janvary-Pool

 

 

Property Committee

 

The End of “Rock and Roll”

 

It was about five years ago that a process was started to try and alleviate the annoying leaks that we were experiencing from our flat roofing.  That process is now complete.  With Reg Ferland’s fundraising and your generous donations, all of our flat roofing has now been reworked.  Our peaked roof sections were checked last year and they are doing well.

 

2011 had our committee busy on several fronts.  We assisted with the office upgrade, the Appreciation Garden, fire inspection requirements, heating system work and refrigeration equipment.  We have also set up a maintenance calendar, with Sharon’s assistance, on the church computer.  This will notify us, on a regular basis, of a variety of items that need ongoing attention.

 

Last year there was one item that obtained a lot of our attention.  For many months, we had troubles with the toilet that resided in the bathroom near the offices.  There were complaints that it was too low, too slow, leaked and used too much water to flush.  But the most fascinating thing about this toilet was that when one sat down upon it, it would rock backwards.  And then, when one stood up again, it would roll forward.  Hence, at our committee meetings, it became known as the “Rock and Roll” toilet.

 

Now, our committee tends to lean towards repairing certain items as a more cost effective option to replacement.  So with all of its little problems, some of us had gotten really intimate with “rock and roll”.  Then one Sunday, after service, I picked up the offering trays and I was on my way to the recording room.  As I passed the bathroom door in that hallway, I stopped dead in my tracks.  There was a small grey haired lady with a big heart.  She was bent over the toilet tank, with her sleeves rolled up and her arms soaked to the elbows.  She looked back over her shoulder and saw my dumbfounded face.  “We used to have to do this all the time when I worked at the nursing home; but I can’t fix it – your flapper is broken!”  At that point I realized … this would be the end of “rock and roll”.

 

This year, along with whatever challenges present themselves, we will be looking into some brick repairs at the east end of the building.

 

On behalf of the property committee, I thank you for your support.

 

Dan MacDonnell, Chairperson

 

(George Bethune, Richard Lambert, Dan Monteith, Brian Olsen, Bruce Olsen, Paul Patterson and Dan Taylor)

 

 

Mission and Outreach Committee

 

Thank you for the support that the congregation gives our committee that makes all of our events so successful.

Our first event was our Mission Sunday which was held on a stormy day on March 6.  Verna Craig spoke to the church on Niagara Community Outreach program.   Some of our congregation helped there, both serving meals and on the board.  We sent $500.00 from the pancake luncheon and the Big E to help with purchasing food.  Thanks to Bruce Olsen, Matthew and Ben for cooking the pancakes.  

 In March the Mission Committee made a donation of $250.00 to the Honduras Fund with Steve and Sharon Malone.

In May we want to thank everyone who contributed to the wonderful collection of baby food which went to Project Share.

 On September 10^th we held the Big E.  Thanks to everyone from the church who donated items, helped set up, sell and clean up.  We made a profit of $1,507.00 from which we have sent $350.00 to the Niagara Peninsula Children’s Centre, $400.00 to Meals on Wheels and $350.00 to the Niagara Community Outreach.

In December, we collected $3,840.00 to support 45 families with food vouchers for Project share.  We collected $3,055.00 to send to Honduras with Steve Malone from the Christmas cards.  A mitten tree was covered with mitts, hats, scarves and socks, mostly made by our knitters in the congregation, to give to the schools for children to dress warm in our cold Canadian winter.  Wonderful job done by everyone.

 A special thank you to Sharon Swayze who left our committee this year.

A big thank you to all the members of this committee:  Mary Dempsey, Jeff Farquharson, Will Foster, Mary Ann Harrison, Kathy Olsen, Jacki Vant, Randy Vant and Marg Veall.

We have great support from our associate members:  Darlene Foster, Pam Gilmore, Brenda Skinner.

Submitted by co-chairs:  Carolyn Monteith and Gail Goar

 

Updated News from the Sewing Room

 

From January 14 – December 9, 2011 we have completed the following:

            Crib blankets                42

            Toy bags                     154

            Receiving blankets     402

            Bibs                               48

            Nighties                        92

            Tote bags                      77

            Knitted vests                 61

            Face cloths, hemmed    38

            Pencil cases                173

            Doll outfits                   15

            Diapers                       309

            Pillow cases                  63

            Pillow case dresses       52