Blenheim United

Church

Annual Report

2018

“Care and Compassion for All”

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OUR MISSION

We, the people of Blenheim United Church, being part of Kent Presbytery, London Conference, and the

United Church of Canada, are a family that is committed to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the

mission of care and compassion to people

everywhere at all stages of their lives.

AGENDA FOR THE 2018 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Call to Order

Opening Prayer

Election of a Secretary for this Annual Meeting

Election of Chairperson for this Annual Meeting

Motion re Voting privileges

Agenda approval

In Memoriam

Consideration & Adoption of the

2018 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes

Business arising from the 2018 Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes

Consideration and Approval of Reports found in the 2018Annual Report

2019 Budget Recommendation from Council

Mission and Service Fund Target Recommendation from Council

Motion to Appoint Auditor for 2019

Board of Trustees Resignation/Nomination

Nominating Recommendations from Council

Date of next annual meeting - February ___, 2020

Adjournment

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Table of Contents Page

Agenda 1

Baptisms 14

Budget 2019 21-22

Committee reports Congregational Life 11

Mission & Service 16

Worship & Faith Formation 13

Financial Reports Benevolent Fund 18

Capital Fund 15

Coatsworth Fund 17

General Fund 21-22

Investment fund 20

Manse Fund 19

Memorial Fund 15

Mission & Service Fund 16

Fundraising Change 4 Change, Fundscrip, Mom to Mom sale, Strawberry Social, Haunted House, Angels & Snowflakes Bazaar

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Kent Presbytery 11

Marriages 4

Memorials 4

Minister’s Message 4

Minutes Congregational Meeting Feb. 25, 2018 5-7

June 3, 2018 8,9

Dec. 2, 2018 10

Nursery Roll 16

United Church Women 15

Youth Group 12

Wonder Zone 16

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13Beloved,* I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one

thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies

ahead, 14I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of

God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14.)

Dear Friends and Family of Blenheim United Church:

When I think about what we have accomplished at Blenheim United Church in this past year these words from the letter of Paul to the Philippians come to mind.

We are between ‘what lies behind’ and ‘what lies ahead.’ Knowing that we must change brings an exciting range of possibilities of what we can become when we begin to think of ‘church’ in different ways.

We began to explore the idea of clustering, which is new language in the United Church. We also continued to engage with South Kent Ministries on the idea of clustering and what it would mean to us. It became apparent that we needed partners on this journey, especially ones that have experience in church and mission. This was the beginning of our relationship with EDGE: A Network for Ministry Development. Through and with EDGE we embarked on a series of Viability Studies, Demographics, and Congregational Assessments.

It has become clear to us that Blenheim United Church has a mission in this community. Our values are the same, “We the people of Blenheim United Church of Canada, are a family that is committed to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the mission of care and compassion to people everywhere at all stages of their lives.”

We still don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I do know that whatever that looks like, it will be faithful to the ministry of God in Christ Jesus. That is our heavenly, upward goal.

In Christ’s Peace,

Rev. Wanda

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Memorials Age Date of Death Mary Frances Elizabeth Dowker 92 March 4, 2018 Donna Knights 83 Mar. 13, 2018

Al Swance 93 May 8, 2018 Daniel Justin Kenneth McCullough 42 September 28, 2018

Marg Curtis 94 Oct 10, 2018

Lillian Huffman 83 Nov. 8, 2018

Baptisms Date

Edward Michael McDowell June 17, 2018

Alice Elizabeth McCormick Oct 28, 2018

Marriages

Gert Otto Nissan & Sharon Heather Rolling May 23, 2018

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Blenheim United Church Annual Congregational Meeting

FEBRUARY 25, 2018

Call to order by Rev. Wanda Winfield Opening prayer by Rev. Wanda Winfield Election of Secretary MOTION:C18/02-/01 “That Barb Ferren be the secretary of the annual meeting.” Moved: Roger Kellam Seconded: Paul Leidl CARRIED Election of Chairperson MOTION: C18/02-/02That Roger Kellam be the Chairperson of the annual meeting.” Moved by Paul Leidl Second by Ann Gammage CARRIED Motion regarding voting privileges MOTION: C18/02-/03“That all members and adherents present at the annual meet-ing of Blenheim United Church be given voting right Moved by Ann Gammage Seconded by Diane Leidl CARRIED Note that only members are permitted to vote on financial matters. Quorum confirmed by Roger Kellam Motion to Approve Agenda Agenda amended to include a presentation by Curtis Marwood MOTION: C18/02-/04 “To approve the agenda as amended” Moved by Nancy Rumble Seconded by Paul Leidl CARRIED Silence observed for the members of the congregation that died in 2017. Note made of Baptisms, Confirmation and Weddings. Motion to adopt the minutes MOTION: C18/02-/05 “To adopt the Annual Congregational Meeting Minutes of February 26, 2017.” Moved by Don Watts Seconded by Nancy Rumble CARRIED Financial Statements MOTION: C18/02-/06 “To accept the Manse Fund and Investment Fund report as presented.” Moved by Shane McDowell Seconded by Liz Kirk CARRIED

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MOTION: C18/02-/07 “To accept the General Fund Report as amended with note that $156000 has been injected into the General Fund over the past 3 years. Moved by Wendy McDowell Seconded by Diane Leidl CARRIED Motion: C18/02-/08 To accept the Capital Fund report as presented Moved by Coby Tompkins Second by Nancy Rumble CARRIED MOTION: To accept the Memorial Fund as presented Moved by Shane McDowell Second by Carol Kellam CARRIED MOTION: C18/02-/09 To accept the Coatsworth fund as presented. Moved by Paul Leidl Second by Judie Vsetula CARRIED MOTION: C18/02-/10 To accept the Benevolent fund and Kids at Risk report as present-ed Moved by Wendy McDowell Seconded by Liz Kirk CARRIED Presentation by Curtis Marwood on What Would Make Us a Stronger Faith Community and Family Discussion points included:

Can we increase church attendance? We are not the building. Who are we outside this building. Churches are reluctant to amalgamate Are we willing to amalgamate? Does sharing services save money Does God have a purpose for Blenheim United Church? What unique ministry can Blenheim United Church offer

Proposed budget presented by Shane McDowell and Roger Kellam noting it is a defi-cit budget. Discussion MOTION: C18/02-/11 “To accept the budget.” Moved by Shane McDowell Seconded by Laura Koehler CARRIED Discussion around how we fund a deficit budget.

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MOTION: C18/02-/12 that the congregation meet over the next 3 months on a Sunday after church to plan our future. First meeting to be March 25, 2018 Moved by Paul Leidl Seconded by Diane Leidl CARRIED MOTION C18/02-/13: “That the Mission and Service objective be $8000 Moved by Shane McDowell Seconded by Carol Kellam CARRIED Nomination of New Church Council No one has stepped forward to fill the council vacancies Roger expressed a sincere thank you to our staff members Caroline Linton, Kelly Wright, Steve and Marilyn Dowker. He also thanked Rev. Wanda Winfield and Dale Glover for all they have done for our church. MOTION: C18/02-/14 That a congregational meeting be held on June 3, 2018 for an update on financials and planning for the future. Moved by Shane McDowell

Second by Carol Kellam CARRIED MOTION: C18/02-/15“That the next Annual Congregational Meeting be held February 24, 2019” Moved by Judie Vsetula Seconded by Paul Leidl. CARRIED Meeting was adjourned by Roger Kellam Note: Child care during the meeting was provided by Briana Vaughan

____________________________ _____________________________, Chairperson Secretary

Members and friends of Blenheim United Church, Shane McDowell Chair of Council

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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING BLENHEIM UNITED CHURCH JUNE 3, 2018

The meeting was called to order and welcome extended by Roger Kellam. A Quorum was established. At the Annual Congregational Meeting on February 25,2018, the following motion was passed: That a congregational meeting be held on June 3, 2018 for an update on the financials of Blenheim United Church and to discuss planning for the future. Business Arising: Shane McDowell reminded the congregation of the two congrega-tional conversations that were held on March 25 and May 6, 2018. At the May 6 meet-ing our shared values were discussed and a PowerPoint presentation focused on the following: Options presented including

Disband Stay together Amalgamate New location Clustering

Additional information was provided on the possibilities of downsizing our present location, strategic planning and continuing the stewardship plan. Our Current Financial position: Roger Kellam, chair of the Trustees, reviewed our fi-nancial statements as of April 30, 2018. Our current deficit is $24642.00 vs $26555.00 budgeted. Revenue for May was $2400.00 Trustees have moved $106307.00 from investments to the general fund over the past 3 years. $207000.00 remains in the investment portfolio. $123000.00 is invested from the manse sale. There is a $6500 shortfall per month or $1700 per week. What’s Happening Now Rev. Wanda Winfield updated the congregation on the current happenings which include:

Discussions with Guilds re shared Ministry

Meetings with the South Kent ministries Changes in the United Church Conferences Edge Ministries Seeking developers or project managers who specialize in churches Consulting with Blenheim Business people Stewardship Plan needs to go on to the next step with face to face meetings Continued updating of church events via the website, face book etc. Appreciative Inquiry and the 5Ds which are Define, Discovery, Dreaming,

Designing, Delivery

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MOTION: That there be a congregational meeting on October 28, 2018 to review re-sults of ongoing efforts, review financial situation at that time and make a decision re the church and its future. Moved by Anne Nanni and second by Carol Kellam. Carried Discussion Points:

Future meetings require child care Form committees to get things moving

Roger and Curtis asked the congregation if there was support for the small group meetings. Volunteers to host these meetings were Ann Gammage, Steve Dowker, Maria Kornacki, Sheila Giffin, Roberta and Mac Dickson. No volunteers to be on any other committee. Closing reflection by Curtis Marwood

Motion to adjourn by Shane McDowell

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BLENHEIM UNITED CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL MEETING DECEMBER 2, 2018

CHAIR: Roger Kellam Secretary: Barb Ferren Welcome and Call to Order by Roger Review of 2018 deficit budget and reviews to date. Financial report given by Roger. Year to date loss is $66,000. Year to date transfer from investment fund is $81,800. In the past 4 years $161,307 has been moved from the investment funds to the gen-eral fund. $143,421 remains in the investment portfolio. Curtis Marwood provided a power point presentation on our consultation with Edge Ministries. Council choose to hire Edge as a result of our financial position and to seek guidance on the future of our church. Rev. Wanda Winfield lead further discussion on the results of the Edge consultation. Some recommendations by Edge included a Community Round table process that should begin in January 2019. They also recommended table talks with members of the congregation which have actually already taken place with our congregation. Rev. Wanda outlined the commitment made to us by Edge and our agreement with them. Questions from the congregation were related to the cost of operating the church building, cost of staff, possibility of amalgamation with other churches. There was further discussion around the Community Round table process and who should be invited to attend. Some suggestions included the Warner’s who have pur-chased and restored several old buildings in the city of Chatham, and Adult Education and Literacy representatives. Diane Leidl suggested a committee be formed to ensure recommendations were initiated. Curtis Marwood reminded us that the focus should not be entirely on the building but the people too. Do we want to continue as a congregation? Question posed to the congregation: How many here today would continue as a member of this congregation if we did not have the building we currently use for worship? 30 of the 33 people in attendance indicated they want to continue as a congregation. Volunteers to be on a committee to move forward with the Edge process:

Anne Nanni Stephanie Maclean Bob Fox Marie Kornachi Lil Burke Curtis Marwood Diane Leidl Bev Warriner

Steve Dowker suggested that all people on file as members or affiliates to the congre-gation be made aware of our current situation and plans. Dale Glover again reminded us that we need to ensure child care for future congrega-tional meetings. Barb Ferren, speaking as the Chair of Council recommends that at the Annual General meeting which will be held in February, the congregation again review where we are in the Edge process and make further plans at that time. 29 of 33 in attendance agree. The Annual General Meeting will be held February 24, 2019. Motion to adjourn by Roger Kellam.

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Congregational Life Congregational Life is responsible for building up the community at Blenheim United Church. We do this through family events, gatherings and communication to bring our family together and involved in each other’s lives. This past year we held an event called Not A Box. It was a wonderful afternoon where the children of the church and their friends we able to explore deep into their imagina-tions and construct whatever came out with boxes of all shapes and sizes. The day spilled over into Sunday School the following day. We hosted a swim party with potluck munchies and games in the gym after. Brewing Faith is continues to be a place where “faith and life meet”. We get together on the first Monday of every month. This is a time of fellowship to enjoy goodies and whatever drink suits you. We discuss thought provoking topics about faith, God, reli-gion, etc and balance those with hot topics from the news to find that sweet spot where our lives as Christians and the world intersect. All are welcome. Our time together is spent laughing, learning and comforting. This time is precious and uplifting. If you have any events you would like to see or would like to sponsor and event, please let me know. Shane McDowell

Kent Presbytery

Presbytery met once a month through the year. Every meeting drew us nearer to the

end of presbytery as the United Church began their new structure this year and we are

now part of Antler River Watershed region.

Much of our business time was spent with remit votes regarding the new structure.

We also through the year had many interesting guest speakers and presenters.

Committees attended to their work, took turns doing worship and made decisions on

their budgets.

We at Blenheim United received two grants from presbytery. The first was for the

redevelopment of the stage area of the gym into a locker room, and the other to cover

the initial consultation fees for EDGE ministries.

It was sad to see Kent Presbytery end but exciting to move forward with the new

region.

I will keep you posted on how we are fitting in with a larger regional area and we

should look forward to our new beginnings as the body of Christ

Peace Dale Glover

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BUC Youth Group

The Youth group at BUC is a welcoming and exciting youth group that’s goal is to create not only team players but also independent young adults. While reaching that goal in the last year we attended both the London Conference Youth Forum and London Conference.; which were both a huge opportunity for us to see how opening the United Churches of Canada are to everyone. At the conferences we were able to vote and share our opinions on topics that affected the United Churches and we were shown that the youth are important to our church community. At the youth forum in April we spent the weekend learning leadership skills and learning more about the United Church community. As a way to help out the Blenheim community ,the youth group helped out at the Canada Day celebration at Glad Tidings selling ice cream, for every ice cream we sold we got 5 cents put towards our youth group ~ where we raised about $150 which contributed to a grant we got for our youth group. With our grant and the money we raised we bought a couple of things for our room. We bought 3 laptops, a microwave, chalk paint ( for a huge chalkboard), a mini fridge, a tv, speakers and a small gym to put in our room to really make it our own. Something that we've done annually is the haunted house our group puts on. This year our theme was a creepy toy store and at this event we put out baskets to raise money for different charities. Another activity we’ve done with the community is the Terry fox run where we set up a water stand for the people coming by. Both these events taught us to think beyond ourselves. This year in Chatham Kent a very exciting day came and our youth group was lucky enough to be apart if it. Chatham's first ever LGBTQ pride parade went down and the BUC youth represented with our rainbow colours and assistance with the rainbow flag. This was a great way to open up the youth to all the different type of people. And finally something we’ve did with our church services was participating in the Good Friday mass by putting on a silent play about the crucifixion of Jesus. This was a great way to represent our church. On behalf of the entire youth group we are so happy we have the space, resources and help to be able to be apart of a church youth group where we are able to grow and express ourselves in a open and happy environment. Submitted by Clara Romano

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WORSHIP REPORT 2018 We had another year of worship that blended both traditional and contemporary themes. The worship committee meets over lunch on the second Tuesday of the month. Our worship services are enhanced by our multi-part choir under the direction of our Music Director Caroline Linton, and the participation of the children with Marilyn Dowker in WonderZone. Lent came early in 2018, with snow still on the ground in February. We followed a theme of healing during the season of Lent. During Holy Week we shared a Christian Seder and were very moved the Youth Group’s presentation of a mime on Good Friday to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” During the season of Pentecost we celebrated Father’s Day and Diversity Sunday. Al-so during Pentecost we observed Creation Time, which is a special season in the Unit-ed Church year. In Advent the choir presented their Cantata on the third Sunday which was very well received. With the children we we followed the theme of “Advent Unwrapped,” using story, videos and activities in WonderZone. On Christmas Eve the children opened the boxes and found pieces of costumes. When they all came together we had an instant pageant! We also participated with other churches and denominations in some special events. During Advent we enjoyed a series of lunches with South Kent Ministries which took place at Blenheim, Merlin, New Scotland and Charing Cross. The worship was provid-ed by a visiting minister from one of the other churches. We joined the Blenheim and District Ministerial Association for Carolfest in Advent. Our worship was enhanced by a number of themes, including Earth Day, Climate Change, Multiculturalism, Pride Week, World Wide Communion, and Women of the Church. We celebrated communion at Easter, Father’s Day, Reign of Christ, World Wide Communion, and Christmas Eve. Two children were baptized during the year: Alice McCormick, and Edward Michael McDowell. In May a lovely wedding took place in the church garden. All in all, it was a year full of celebration and reflection, benefitting from the wide range of worship that we enjoy at Blenheim United Church. This is made possible through the participation of the members of the Worship Committee and many other lay leaders who offer their time and talents. We invite everyone to explore their talents and contribute their ideas. On behalf of Marilyn Dowker, Dale Glover, Caroline Linton and Curtis Marwood, Your minister, rev Wanda

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Fundraising There were a few events held throughout the year. Change for Change is on ongoing effort to collect change and place on red tape line around the church. This year $113.00 was collected. Fundsrip is a program where you can order gift cards . We submit the order and you receive your cards in about a week. BUC receives a rebate depending on the amount ordered . In 2018 our rebate was $304.85 In the spring we held a Mom to Mom sale that raised $234. Strawberry Social during Car Show $118.50 profit Youth group organized and hosted a Haunted House - - proceeds from that were $80.72 Angels & Snowflakes Income $2223.15 Expenses $141.37 Donation to Kenesserie Camp $500 Profit $1581.78 The committee wishes to thank who helped with these events making them the success they were. We welcome all who would like to help organize and carry out these events. Thank you Dale Glover, Robin Rideout and Marilyn Dowker

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BLENHEIM UCW REPORT

Last year brought a few changes in our gatherings. A few members have had ongoing health issues themselves or, among family members. Our prayers have been with these families and they continue to be in our thoughts. In light of this, we met twice last year for pot-luck get-togethers in May and December. A few guests joined us at each gathering. Church women are known for their fellowship and food! In December, one of our guests, Arlene Maris, presented an enjoyable program. As a retired librarian, she has quite a collection of books and was finding that she would no longer be reading some of these books. Looking for an activity to occupy some of her new found spare time, she came across away to make art out of old books. By following specific directions to mark and then fold pages of a book, a design is created such as a heart, angel, star, etc. We thanked Arlene for showing us this fun activity. Our ninth annual “Angels and Snowflakes Bazaar” was held in November and once again this was well supported by the church folks and the community. Sandy Ryall Chairperson, Blenheim UCW

Jan 2018 - opening balance $1240.46 Kent Presbyterial dues $130.00 Donations $65.00 Closing balance $1175.46

Capital Fund Opening balance Jan 1, 2018 $23515.94 Donations $1923.95 Expenses (Perry Refrigeration) $393.92 Closing balance Dec. 31, 2018 $25,045.97

Memorial Fund Opening balance Jan 1, 2018 $19,575.43 Donations $125.00 Expenses ( Musical Strings & things sound system) $784.34 Donations $25.00 Closing balance Dec. 31, 2018 $18,952.09

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Blenheim United Church Nursery Roll We began the Year with 29 children enrolled. 3children were added to the roll– Albert Dowker, Edward McDowell and Alice McCormick. 12 children graduated at a celebration in June. Emmerson Dietrich, Claire Lobbestael, Corson Burk, Josephine McDowell, Emily Burse, Lincoln Pfaff, Scarlett Ford, Brayden Keech, Lily Jack, Tessa Warriner, Vanessa VanderPryt , Jolyon Yee were presented with graduation certificates and a party was held on the lawn. All children were remembered with birthday cards and handmade Christmas booklets . Thank you to the congregation for helping deliver the booklets and for saving your Christmas cards for us. Wonder Zone Throughout the Year children have been provided with opportunities to learn and share God’s teachings . In Wonder Zone children hear the story with visual materials . They are encouraged to explore these stories using multiple presentation methods. Children are encouraged to share their prayer concerns, and praise. Following the Bible Story there are various centres set up for children to express their knowledge—though crafts, work sheets, puzzles, playdough , sand play , books , felt etc. It might be a group project or individual interpretation. The children have a deep spirituality and curiousity that is fostered and nurtured though our time together. Relationships are formed and the children learn that their space and time is a sacred and safe place to share their feelings. Submitted by Marilyn Dowker Mission & Service Blenheim United passed a motion at Feb. Annual congregational meeting that the 2018 Mission and Service objective be $8000 . Amount donated $7072.10 Advent Lunch donation $115.00 Total $7187.10

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FRANK & BERNICE COATSWORTH FUND The Frank & Bernice Coatsworth Fund was established in 1974 to assist in related expenses incurred by members of Blenheim United Church who participate in leadership training and development programs available through church related organizations. All funds are con-trolled by the Church Council. Ron Allingham and Roger Kellam administer the account on the Council’s behalf and direction. Financial Report Balance Forward as at January 1, 2018 $ 7,904.43 Income BMO GIC Interest 39.73 Reimbursement from Kent Presbytery 321.25 $ 360.98 $ 8,265.41 Disbursements Youth Forum (London Conference) 620.00 London Conference 303.75 Bank Service Charge 30.00 $ 953.75 Balance December 31, 2018 $ 7,311.66 BMO Bank Balance $ 273.28 BMO GIC (matures Oct 8, 2019) $ 7,038.38 C. Roger Kellam

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BENEVOLENT FUND The Benevolent Fund of Blenheim United Church is a fund to assist persons and fami-lies in particular need. Specific details of this Fund and its operation are generally maintained confidential. However a portion of the balance were donated in Memory of David Cook and are disbursed under the name “Kids at Risk”. Our fund at Blenheim United Church is administered by Roger Kellam, Judy Vsetula & Marilyn Dowker and normally overseen by the Minister.

Financial Report Balance Forward as at January 1, 2018 $ 5,081.94 Income Misc Donations 1,775.00 Donations to Kids at Risk 403.00 Investment Interest (re-invested) 21.84 $ 2,199.84 $ 7,281.78 Disbursements Grocery Cards 200.00 Kids at Risk support 20.00 Bank Service Charges 30.00 $ 250.00 Balance December 31, 2018 $ 7,031.78 Account Balance $ 3,024.82 BMO Investment (matures May 3, 2019) $ 4,006.96 Benevolent Fund Portion $ 1,889.17 Kids at Risk Portion $ 5,142.61 C. Roger Kellam

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MANSE FUND The Manse Fund of Blenheim United Church is a fund that resulted from the sale of the church Manse in 2012. The net proceeds from that sale are restricted in its use as per United Church of Canada guidelines. Any income earned from the restricted funds can be used to subsidize the Minister's housing allowance. The fund is man-aged by your Board of Trustees and the elected members include Roger Kellam, Laura Koehler and Judie Vsetula.

Financial Report Balance Forward as at January 1, 2018 $ 135,781.14 Income Interest on CIBC bank account 6.65 $ _6.65 $ 135,787.79 Disbursements Transfer to General Account: (re Housing Allowance) 11,160.00 Bank Service Charges 103.00 $ 11,263.00 $ 124,524.79 Investment Portfolio Market Loss $ ( 3,085.23) Balance December 31, 2018 $ 121,439.56 Bank Account Balance $ 846.36 UCC Foundation Investment $ 120,593.20 ** **Restricted Funds invested with UCC Foundation $ 123,678.43 Board of Trustees

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INVESTMENT FUND

The Investment Fund of Blenheim United Church is a fund that resulted from the vari-ous donations/gifts given to the church over the years. The fund is managed by your Board of Trustees and the elected members include Roger Kellam, Laura Koehler and Judie Vsetula..

Financial Report Balance Forward as at January 1, 2018 $ 237,575.77 Income Investment Interest from Edward Jones and Raymond James 0.00 0.00 $ 237,575.77 Disbursements Transfer to General Account (3 Edward Jones investment redemptions) 81,800.00 $ 81,800.00 $ 155,775.77 Investment Portfolio Market Activity Losses $ (9,180.56) Balance December 31, 2018 $ 146,595.21 CIBC Bank Account Balance $ 5,730.77 Edward Jones Investments $ 114,836.72 Raymond James Investments $ 26,027.72 Total $ 146,595.21 Board of Trustees

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