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Winter 2017
TRUMPET NEWSLETTER
Minister’s
Corner 1-3
Coming Events page 4
From your Church Board
page 5
Stewardship
Update pg. 6-8
Outreach Corner 9-12
Church News page 13-17
Announcements
Page 18-19
In This
Issue...
Today is the American Thanksgiving and ‘Black Friday’
has been inundating my email inbox for the last week or so. These two are polar opposites… thankfulness, gratitude,
blessings vs advertising, consumption, consumerism,
obsession, gluttony. I find myself leaning towards thanksgiving – thanksgiving for the good and opportunity in
my life, gratitude for the gifts and abilities to be who I am today and blessings, oh so many blessings in oh so many
places. One of those blessings is you, the many individuals
who create this place of community and faith. You, who through faith and generosity, through love and gratitude reach
out to the community and to those on the margins to say… ‘Here we are! We can help!’ What great gifts you bring and you
give!
The Church year is drawing to a close. Soon it will be Advent, our time of waiting and preparing for the birth of our
Saviour, Emmanuel, God with us! It can also be a time where
we get entangled in the ‘busy’.
The Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh teaches wisdom
through the ceremony and meditation of tea (a Buddhist
parallel to Communion):
“You must be completely awake in the present to enjoy
the tea.
Only in the awareness of the present, can your hands feel the
pleasant warmth of the cup. Only in the present, can you savor the aroma, taste the
sweetness, appreciate the delicacy. If you are ruminating about the past, or worrying about the
future, you will completely miss the experience of enjoying the
cup of tea. You will look down at the cup, and the tea will be gone.
Life is like that.
Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Spirit
Rev. Laurie O’Leary MINISTER’S MESSAGE
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
MINISTER’S CORNER 2
If you are not fully present, you will look around and it will be gone.
You will have missed the feel, the aroma, the delicacy and beauty of life.
It will seem to be speeding past you. The past is finished. Learn from it and let it go.
The future is not even here yet. Plan for it, but do not waste your time worrying about it.
Worrying is worthless.
When you stop ruminating about what has already happened, when you stop worrying about what might never happen, then you will be in the present moment.
Then you will begin to experience joy in life.”
May your Advent time be blessed,
May your Christmas time be blessed as well!
Rev. Laurie
23 November 2017
The True Meaning of Christmas
"Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46, verse 10.
In these days leading to Christmas, there are many things that can keep us from the
opportunity that stillness brings; to pause and to be ready and open to the wonder
and beauty of Christmas, the birth of Christ, God with us.
Physical illness, emotional and mental distress, social commitments, deadlines at
work, relationship differences, shopping, and other stressful situations that can
distract and disquiet us.
In all of that, our hope would be that you find a time of pause. A time of stillness. To
open a space in yourself for the light and comfort of the Divine to be present with
you, to renew you, to open your heart to the love that is ever present in the Divine.
Pause. Be still.
On all our pathways, Christ is with us. His blessing surrounds us, enfolds us, invites
us. His love will never leave us.
From Exeter United Church, may you share in the gifts of this season. And may a
very Merry Christmas be yours.
Rev. Laurie O’Leary
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS ...OPEN SPIRIT
MINISTER’S CORNER CONT. 3
The Immoral Majority By Anthony Robinson
“You shall not follow a majority in wrongdoing … you shall not side with the majority so
as to pervert justice.” Exodus 23:2
Lazy minds love expressions like, “Most everyone thinks,” or “Many people believe,”
and “Everyone is saying …”
The practice of attributing your own negative or self-interested views to anonymous
others or a hypothetical majority is a bane of church life. “Your know, Pastor, I think
most everyone agrees that …” Really?
Constructive criticism is completely legitimate and absolutely necessary. But do it like
grown-ups. Say, “This is what I think.” Don’t say, “Many people are thinking.” Be
accountable.
In Exodus, God’s people are warned about following the crowd, about “following a
majority in wrong-doing.” What I’m talking about isn’t just following the crowd; it’s
using the crowd for cover.
I know one congregation where their practice is, “If you have a complaint or a concern,
we (the congregation’s elected and called leaders) want to hear about it. If you allow
your name to go with your concern, we will bring it to the Church Council, discuss it
and get back to you. If you won’t allow your name to be used, we will listen but do
nothing further.” That’s a congregation inviting people to be responsible adults.
In all sorts of human groups, institutions, and organizations, anxiety-based group-think
gets rolling and somebody ends up getting badly hurt. Not just somebody; in the end,
everybody.
So, if you aren’t sure that a self-proclaimed moral majority or someone that claims to
speak for a majority is seeing clearly and acting justly, stand up and speak out. Speak
for yourself. By speaking honestly and humbly for yourself, you just may – here’s a
strange thing – end up speaking for more than yourself.
Prayer: Grant us the humility to respect the decisions of a majority even when we don’t
get our way; the courage to challenge a majority when justice requires it; and the
wisdom to know the difference. Amen.
God is Still Speaking, Daily Devotional, United Church of Christ
http://www.ucc.org/daily_devotional_the_immoral_majority 5 october 2017
Sat., Dec. 2 UCW Trip to Parkview United in Stratford to see 101 Nativities
Sun., Dec. 3 11:30 am After Church Social hosted by Church Board
Sun., Dec. 10 11:30 am Macaroni and Hotdog Lunch to support Youth
Thurs., Dec. 14 11:30 am-1:00 pm Free Soup Lunch for the Community
Tues., Dec. 19 7:00 pm Lessons and Carols with South Huron Community Choir
Sun., Dec. 24 7:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
Sun., Dec. 24 10:00 pm Candles and Communion Service
Sun., Jan. 7 11:30 am King Cakes with the Sunday School
Mon., Jan. 8 Annual Reports Due
Wed., Jan. 17 7:00 pm Church Board
Sun., Feb. 18 10:30 am Annual Congregational Meeting
COMING EVENTS
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
COMMUNICATIONS 4
I am new to the Exeter United Church team but in the short time I have been here the
support from the Church community has been amazing. My first big project was the Pro
Musica concert, the support from businesses, local community members and congrega-
tion was fantastic. Exeter United Church is so grateful to be able to present a cheque to
Jessica’s House- Huron County ( a residential hospice) for over $2,500.
Small towns pull together in astounding ways. We all need to be thankful for
the great community that we choose to live in.
Karen Brintnell
Communications Specialist
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
FROM YOUR CHURCH BOARD
We celebrate the success of Reunion Sunday and express gratitude to Janis Dougall
and her team for spearheading the event.
We celebrate the London Pro Musica concert for Jessica’s House and express
gratitude for the community’s support at this event.
We celebrate the musical gifts of the South Huron Community Choir and give
thanks for the relationship that is growing with our congregation.
We celebrate the different ideas and opinions held by members of our congregation
and give thanks that we listen with integrity and respect.
We celebrate all of our outreach programs and are grateful for those who tirelessly
work to ensure their effectiveness.
We celebrate our changing world and give thanks that we are challenged to be
forward thinking, to set new directions and new goals. Opportunities to share your
thoughts will be made available in the coming months. Stay tuned.
Janice Brock 519-235-0323 [email protected]
Eleanor Clark 519-235-0548 [email protected]
Ena deHaan 519-235-1464 [email protected]
Ann Johns 519-235-0474 [email protected]
Joan Kammerer (Chair) 519-235-4083 [email protected]
Cheryl Masson 519-335-0670 [email protected]
Stephen Platts 226-218-9208 [email protected]
Alice MacLean 519-235-1286 [email protected]
Brenda Turner 519-235-0220 [email protected]
Lois Godbolt 519-235-0691 [email protected]
5
Highlights from your Church Board
22 NOVEMBER 2017
Finance and Stewardship presented and the Board supported a new clearer Budget
Reporting format for monthly meetings
The Board has given direction that the current governance structure needs to be
updated
Town Hall type meetings will be organized and held in 2018 to gather information
about sharing ministry and future opportunities
We will be presenting Jessica’s House with a donation of $2625.56 from the profits of
the Pro Musica concert held on September 30th
Finance and Stewardship Committee
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE 6
Christian Stewardship is how we invest God's stuff for God's mission
in God's world.
As we shared with you last fall, Stewardship is an area of focus for us this year.
We are called as individuals and as congregations and communities into God’s mission.
We participate by giving the gifts that God has entrusted to us. These gifts are
everything that we have: our time, our talents and skills, and our treasure or physical
resources.
Christian stewardship includes all aspects of our lives. It is about our personal, work,
and family life. It is about the good management of donations, including those made to
our church. It is about our congregational and denominational life, which flows from our
individual and collective desire to be part of God’s mission for the world.
Stewardship is
How we spend our time
How we care for our body and make healthy choices
Our priorities around money
How we choose to employ our talents and gifts
How we manage our relationships
How we care for the environment
How we practice our faith
Inspire! Ask! Thank!
Generosity & Gratitude
Our committee’s stewardship journey started last fall when we attended a full day
workshop. We learned we make willing and generous donations of our time, talents
and treasure when we are:
Inspired … when we hear how generosity has impacted lives and brought change.
Asked … when we receive direct and heartfelt requests for our generous giving.
Thanked … when we are personally thanked and know our gifts are appreciated.
With these key learnings, we started this year by asking members of our congregation
to tell their stories – to inspire us by telling us about their generous donations of time
and talents to the church and community and what this has meant to them.
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE CONT. 7
At our annual meeting in February, the story of our ministry was told using a narrative
budget - what our financial generosity accomplishes i.e. what the money does not just
where the money goes.
This spring and fall Rev Laurie delivered stewardship messages about:
Living thankfully, day by day
Living out our mission locally Participating in our Church’s mission
Inviting generosity
Giving thanks
Tracking Time, Talent, and Treasure!
Our congregational stewardship is how we as a group of faithful Christians, gather and
employ our resources. This year has been about understanding the basics. To take
stewardship to the next level, we need to gather data and set goals.
When it comes to people, talents, volunteers, resources, facilities, promises and money
there’s a lot to keep track of. Today, our office administrator tracks people (name &
address) and our treasurer tracks financial donations using a software package called
ChurchWatch.
Going forward, we propose:
Tracking data about time, talent and other physical resources in ChurchWatch.
Providing the minister with a copy of ChurchWatch to enable direct access to all data
i.e. time, talent and treasure including financial donations.
Our committee proposes making all data in ChurchWatch accessible by the minister
based on the rational that ministers should have access to all membership and gifts
data given including financial givings as this enables a positive and affirming approach
to giving and supports pastoral care. In essence, all givings are the business of
ministry.
Currently, financial givings are confidential and only accessible by the Treasurer. This
proposal will make financial donor information also available on a very limited and
confidential basis to the Minister.
As per the board’s direction in June, this proposal was shared for awareness at the
Sunday October 29 congregation meeting. It was subsequently shared on Sunday
November 12 following the service which also included a question and answer session.
A total of 43 people attended the November 12 session.
OPEN ARMS...OPEN HEARTS...OPEN SPIRIT
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE CONT. 8
Feedback received on this proposal can be summarized as follows:
There is general acceptance for tracking additional data on time, talent and other
physical resources. This is based on this data being kept confidential to those who
need to use it and it being stored securely.
There is support for use of financial givings data to support stewardship efforts.
There is mixed feedback on providing the minister with access to financial givings.
Some are supportive and surprised to know the minister does not already have access
to financial givings.
Some are opposed indicating the minister does not need to know about specific
financial givings. Of those opposed, some requested looking for alternate ways to
support stewardship efforts. Others indicated this should be a put to the congregation
for a vote.
Based on the feedback received, our committee requested and received approval and
direction from the board to:
Proceed to track data about time, talent and other physical resources using
ChurchWatch.
Acquire an additional copy of ChurchWatch for minister use with access to all data
excluding financial givings.
Table decision making on providing the minister with access to financial givings until
November 2018 to give our committee and the Board an opportunity to work together
to provide more information and education on access to finances and its relationship to
stewardship and pastoral care.
Our committee’s next steps is to develop detailed plans for implementation and
communications.
Stay tuned … we’ll share more as we finalize our plans and work to bring stewardship
alive in our congregation!
DIRECTION FROM THE CHURCH BOARD (NOV. 2017)
The Board approved the Finance & Stewardship committee’s request to proceed with
tracking data about time, talent and other physical resources (not finances)
The Board approved the Finance & Stewardship committee’s request to acquire an
additional copy of ChurchWatch for minister use with access to all data (excluding
finances). This will be reviewed again October 2018
Moving forward, the Board and Finance and Stewardship committee will be working
together to provide more information and education to the congregation concerning
access to finances and its relationship to pastoral care
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER
CD/OUTREACH COMMITTEE UPDATE submitted by Glenda Wagner
Our goal is to reach out to our own congregation, to the community around us and to the
world with Open Arms, Open Hearts, Open Spirit. To help us do just that, we have planned
several events for the next few months.
It is always very heart warming to experience the willingness of our church family to help
us achieve our goals by giving of their time and donations.
Nov. 27 - Collective Kitchen
Nov. 29 - Sunday School Teachers appreciation dinner
Dec. 14 - Free Soup Lunch
Dec. 18 - Collective Kitchen
Dec. 19 - helping to prepare and serve refreshments after the Lessons and Carols with the
South Huron Community Choir
Dec. 25 - Community Christmas Dinner at Christian Reformed Church
In the New Year we plan to offer a movie night for our seniors. They have done and
continue to do so much for us and now we want to give back. Stay tuned for more details
to come.
Sponsoring the Almajarish family has been a tremendous outreach for Exeter United. We
look forward to and appreciate the updates provided by the committees working with the
family. A huge thank you goes out to them as they have given countless hours and worked
tirelessly to meet the needs of this family of six. Isn’t it wonderful to see the family out in
our community enjoying happiness and freedom that has been made possible by the
sponsorship of Exeter United. The work of the committees involved could not have been
accomplished without the many caring and generous members of our church family and our
community.
Our Benevolent Fund provides valuable assistance to families in our
community through VISTA gift cards to Foodland and Independent
Grocery Stores. Individuals and families are able to receive assistance
from Exeter United every six months or up to twice a year. In addition,
families seeking assistance are given a bag with shampoo, conditioner, soap,
toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, razor and other personal care
products. The addition of these personal care bags in the last year has been
gratefully appreciated. So far this year we have helped 80 families thanks to
your generosity. A special thank you to those who have been purchasing extra
VISTA cards and dropping off donations for our personal care bags.
Extra VISTA cards can be purchased from Carol Brisbin and donated to
the Benevolent program and donations of personal care products
can be dropped off at the office. Thank you for your generosity!
9
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER
Collective Kitchen
We met in October and November and had 20 people gather in the kitchen each month
to cook together, learn new skills, share some laughs and prepare food that could be
taken home and enjoyed throughout the week. We have a diverse group of people who
come together each month; from 19 to 85 years old, people with almost no cooking
experience to people who have had a passion for cooking their entire lives, single
people who live alone and people who have large families to feed. We work together,
support each other, learn from one another and have a lot of fun! We are still looking
for new recipes, if you have any recipes that can easily be adapted for large batches
please share them with Heather MacKechnie at
Everyone is welcome!
For more information call the office 519-235-0860 or
Heather at 519-872-9144
Upcoming dates:
Monday, December 18 6-9 pm Christmas Baking Night
Monday, January 22, 6-9 pm
Monday, February 26 6-9 pm
THANK YOU
to everyone who donated
and volunteered at
our Free Community Dinner in October, we served shepherds
pie to about 120 people who really enjoyed the community
and the food! Our next month to host is February so keep an
eye out for the sign up Board. Even if you are not able to
help, consider joining us for supper, it is a great
opportunity to get to know our
neighbours and help us us welcome them with
OPEN ARMS OPEN HEARTS AND OPEN SPIRIT!
10
CHRISTMAS DINNER 2017
Plans are underway for our 3rd
Annual Free Community
Christmas celebration! This
year’s dinner will be held at the
Exeter Christian Reformed
Church where we can make use of their wonderful,
spacious facilities. This is a collaborative
community project and we are asking each of the
churches involved to contribute a portion of the
meal. Exeter United is being asked to help with
the potatoes, cranberry sauce, juice and afternoon
munchies! Please see the sign up board in the
Andrew Street entrance or contact Heather
MacKechnie at 519-872-9144 for more information.
Our Church in the Community
OUTREACH CORNER 11
Almajarish Family Update– Nov. 2017
1. Baby Ahmed is a happy healthy baby boy who will
be 6 months old at Christmas.
2. Shahid is 3 and registered for JK recently. She
already has a back pack and lunch box ready for Sept.
3. Mohammad (10) had dental surgery on Sept. 30 at
Sick Children’s Hospital in London. He was very brave
and is determined to take good care of his teeth in the
future.
4. Ibraheem has happily worked a few over-time
shifts on Saturdays recently as well as his regular 7
a.m. – 3 p.m. shifts at General Coach.
5. Shahid and Mohammad are registered with Exeter
Skating Club for beginner lessons and look forward to
their classes on Mondays at 5:55 p.m. They also enjoy it
when friends come to watch their lessons.
6. The whole family was kept busy bagging walnuts from
their back lawn and raking leaves in October and
November.
7. Lana Shapton comes every Tuesday to play games or
just hang out or help Sham with homework. More
volunteers for evening activities or visits would be
welcome. Every opportunity to speak English is a bonus
and the tea is always on!
8. The family eats dinner at 3:30 p.m. right after kids
return from school and Ibraheem arrives home from work.
9. Ibraheem enrolled in Arabic Driver’s Ed classes which he attended in London
for 20 hours during 2 weekends in November. Now he is accumulating 10 hours
on road with a Fanshawe Driving School instructor. His Driver’s Licence Test is
booked for Dec. 20 in Clinton.
10. Driving the family for appointments and babysitting are the two remaining
dependencies which keep the Committee busy.
11. By Jan. 1, Ibraheem hopes to have purchased a good used 7-seat van.
If you know of one for sale, please let us know.
Almajarish Family Update Cont.
OUTREACH CORNER 12
12. Fatima has expressed an interest in getting her Driver’s Licence
in the future. She takes Baby Ahmed to her English classes on
Tuesday and Thursday mornings at the Learning Centre downtown.
13. Sham is the organizer in the family and she enjoys filing bills
and important papers. She has adjusted to Grade 7 at SHDHS, but
has trouble keeping up with homework and would welcome more
help during evenings.
14. Sham and Mohammad often act as translators for their parents
and are proud of their English skills. Shahid is also speaking and
understanding well in her second language.
15. The 3 older Almajarish kids enjoyed riding on the Skating Club float at the very
rainy Exeter Santa Claus parade.
16. Fatima and Shahid and Ahmed have attended a few Early Years Play sessions at
the Exeter Villa, and are regulars at the Friday morning story-time at Exeter Library.
17. The Church sponsorship ended officially on Aug. 16, 2017 and the family is proud to be financially independent now. To
document Year 1, the Committee presented the Almajarish family with a photo book of memories of their first year in Canada.
Another copy of the book has been printed to remain at Exeter United Church to commemorate the sponsorship. Speak to
Heather in the Office if you would like to borrow it for a few days. We thank God, the church and the generous community support
for the success of the sponsorship. We DID make a difference for
one family. Ibraheem, Fatima, Sham, Mohammad, Shahid are proud Permanent Residents of Canada and Baby Ahmed is an
official Canadian citizen.
Submitted by Ann Johns
MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL
13
We have been actively searching / advertising for the role of Music Director /
Accompanist since early October. To date, no applications have been received.
While we have been unsuccessful, there is no need for concern.
Aaron Neeb and Lana Shapton have graciously agreed to continue in their roles. As
well, Katherine Napiwotzki and Bob Robilliard have agreed to provide back-up with
Music Director duties.
Special thanks for Aaron, Lana, Katherine and Bob for committing their time and
talents as we continue to work through our search and hiring process.
VOLUNTEER CORNER
Did you know that the UCW contribute to the church in a wide variety of ways? They
are the ones who take on the responsibility for decorating the Sanctuary, the
entrances, the vestibules. They also maintain the kitchen and keep it well stocked,
organized and clean! They organize and work hard to make the Annual Christmas
Bazaar and Smorgasbord Lunch happen, which create a great sense of community and
also help with a significant financial contribution to the church. Throughout the year
UCW meetings and gatherings provide many opportunities for learning, laughter and
community. The funds they raise have financially supported many different projects in
the community and in the church over the years. At a moments notice this group of
ladies are always there to provide comfort to families in difficult times with funeral
lunches and kind words. I’m sure there is much more that I have missed…
THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO !
UnitedChurchWomen
The Life and Work of Our Church….
CHURCH NEWS
Submitted by Linda Russell
MEMBERSHIP AND VISITATION 14
As our holiday season fast approaches please remember to wear your name tag to
assist guest speakers and visitors to put names to faces.
Regretfully this fall we accepted resignations from 2 integral members of our
Membership & Visitation Team. Carole Hockey has resigned as our co-chair and team member joining us in 2015 after previously being our board liaison. Dianne Waun who
most recently shared our secretary duties has resigned after an astounding 17 years. A BIG thank you to both as their important contributions have been appreciated and will
be greatly missed. Linda Russell has stepped down from co-chair duties but will continue as team member.
This fall we celebrated when 2 sets of cousins and 1 little boy were welcomed into our church family receiving the Sacrament of Baptism - September 10, Megan Ray
Freiter, daughter of Ryan & Diane Freiter and Hudson Erich Freiter, son of Andrew & Rhonda Freiter; November 12, Sawyer Paisley Mudge, daughter of Janelle (Clarke) &
Shane Mudge and Bria Patricia Anne Meidinger, daughter of Justine (Clarke) & Tim Meidinger; December 3, Conor Jeffery McBride, son of Jenna (Rader) & Jason McBride.
Our blessings to these families.
We’re grateful for 14 years of faithful service Marie Fisher devoted to our important Teleministry Team ministry before retiring.
Our gratitude to those who graciously provided light refreshments for our after church socials – Barb Gackstetter & Tom Bates for the last 2 Sundays of summer,
Membership & Visitation Team started off the fall with their ice cream sundaes, followed by the Sunday School hotdog lunch and in December the Church Board.
Our sincere condolences to the families of our congregation members who have died recently – Bill Tuckey, Sandra Johnson, Eugene Willard, Ron Bogart and Jim Pinder.
Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they travel their grief journey.
6 ‘Thinking of you’ Sunshine cards have been sent since August to those of our
congregation who have been ill, recovering from hospitalization &/or in need of our support & encouragement. If you know of someone from our congregation in need,
please inform the church office.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all our dedicated volunteers that show
compassion assisting the Membership & Visitation Team with providing many behind-
the-scene services for our congregation. May you be blessed with love, peace, joy and laughter during this holiday season.
“We should certainly count our blessings,
but we should also make our blessings count"
~Neal A. Maxwell
Updates from groups and committees
CHURCH NEWS
The Capital Projects Committee members are Don McCaffrey, Ken Coates, Joanne
Bowen and Tom Prout.
The projects for this year include a Hazardous Materials Study, required by provincial
and federal legislation, a new larger water line from James Street and the east entranceway. The budget for these projects are $5,000, $10,000, and $35,000
respectively.
The Hazardous Materials Study is underway. We are waiting for the consultant’s report
later this year. The new water line is installed and hooked up. We hope you find better pressure and/or more water to fill toilets faster and fill kitchen sinks. The new water
line will also be an asset when the Universal Washroom is constructed. Because of delays and busy contractors the east entranceway/vestibule will be delayed until April,
2018. This is not a project we want to do over the winter. Although not a large vestibule it will take approximately three months to complete. When completed this
entrance will be safer, more accessible and reduce cold winter winds from accessing
the Primary Room. The ramp currently located inside the church in the primary room will be removed as part of this project. The access will be flat with no ramp inside or
outside.
The cost of the vestibule seems high to many of us. Although small, the vestibule has a
lot of details to meet barrier free accessibility, as well as removing the ramp on the inside of the church, lowering the doorway and leveling the outside entranceway to
match the level inside of the church. I have checked with others and the estimated cost of $35,000 is certainly the right ball park for this job.
Many of you have given your time, talent, and money to the church already this year and for many years so the Capital Projects Committee certainly understands that not
everyone can financially support these projects. If you are able to donate to these projects your contributions are much appreciated. You can select any one project or
combinations of all three to support, whatever works for you and your family. Cheques should be made out to Exeter United Church indicating on the memo line which project
(s) you are supporting. Your donation is eligible for an income tax receipt.
Huron Perth Presbytery has approved a $10,000 grant (this means we don’t have to pay it back), for the vestibule project. As well there are Trust funds and Memorial funds
to assist with the costs of these projects.
If you have any questions please contact one of the committee members.
On behalf of the Capital Projects Committee, Church Board and the Trustees.
Submitted by Tom Prout
CAPITAL PROJECTS AROUND THE CHURCH
15
The Life and Work of Our Church….
CHURCH NEWS
VISTA
Our 6th full year of this fundraiser is coming to a close and for the first
time, we will not reach our target of $5,000 in income for the Church.
As of the end of November, we have sold 1234 cards with a face value of $97,880.
This has given the Church an income of $ 3,633. The best sellers continue to be the
food stores, and Tim Horton’s. This year, we linked the Christmas Bureau with VISTA
to provide gift cards suitable for teenagers, a group always difficult to provide for. As
a result, we will be donating cards totalling more than $500 to the Christmas bureau.
Thank you all for your generosity. Also new this year was the opportunity to buy $ 25
grocery cards and give them directly to the Benevolent fund. Again, thanks to those
who got involved.
Orders are taken every Sunday in the Andrew Street entrance. If you have any
questions, please call Carol Brisbin at 519-297-2011.
16
A successful hot dog luncheon was held on Sunday November 5 with donations of
$302.50 being received.
These funds will be used to continue sponsorship of our World Vision foster child and to
make a donation to this year’s Huron County Christmas Bureau.
Thanks to all Sunday School families and teachers who donated food and assisted with
preparations and clean-up.
Thanks to all who attended the luncheon for their support and generosity!
Upcoming dates...
Youth and Young Families
FROM THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2017
24 4th Advent 10:30 am Christmas Eve 7 pm Kids, Candles and Chaos
Christmas Eve 10 pm Candles and Communion 31 Sunday School cancelled
JANUARY 2018
7 Epiphany – Sunday School King Cakes
FEBRUARY 2018
18 1stLent/Communion/Annual Meeting
MARCH 2018
4 Sunday School Soup & Sandwich
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN 17
UCW Country Christmas Bazaar was a great success
with wonderful community participation and a profit
of $8226.92. A big THANK YOU to everyone
who donated and participated!!!
UCW purchased clothing worth $354 (all items on
sale), from Hansen’s Independent Grocery Store,
to donate to the Huron County Christmas Bureau.
UCW Anniversary Sunday will be Sunday,
April 29, 2018 with Glen Pearson as the
guest speaker.
UCW purchased two new stoves and a new
fridge for the kitchen.
The UCW Fall Rally was held at Exeter United
on Monday, October 16th, it was well
attended.
Check out our website:
www.exeterunitedchurch.com
Follow us on Facebook
Exeter United Church
Or Twitter
@exeteruc
ANNOUNCEMENTS 18
Thank you to all of the members of our
congregation who support the church
through their gifts of time, talent and
treasure. We are blessed to have such
a wonderful community!
ANNOUNCEMENTS 19
Wishing you all
Peace, Love,
Hope and Joy
this holiday
season.
Merry Christmas!
ADVENT IN A BOX-ADVENT WREATH
JUST FOR FUN 20
