celebrating the life and work of our church rev. sue woods, … · receive this colour of the blue...
TRANSCRIPT
“The little church beside the falls”
BALA UNITED CHURCH
August, 2019
Celebrating the life and work of our Church Rev. Sue Woods, Minister
Minister’s Chat
Wow, what can I say about summer in Muskoka at BUC! July has been very full, with Wednesday nights at BUC, an
amazing week at VBS with our friends Angela and her daughter Autumn from Christian Island, and wonderful, enriching
church services (quoted by a visitor who keeps coming Sunday after Sunday).
We welcomed on our first Sunday in July Hazel and Huck Niess. Twin grandchildren of Bill and Marilyn Niess, who
came all the way with family from Denver Colorado for a baptism with water from the Moon River. When I asked Brian
and Ann why baptism for their children, this was their response.
“We have both (myself and Brian) been brought up in different Christian denominations, but both of us
have been baptized and view baptism as a covenant, an entering in to a promise with God that we will
choose to raise Huck and Hazel with an understanding of and relationship with God. Personally, I'm all
about setting intentions for life, and I guess I tend to view baptism as an intention that we will do our best
to be cairns for their faith journeys. - I want them to think radically about the world. I want them to know
Jesus who stands with and for the oppressed. I want them to question leaders/religious leaders and
traditions who motivate from fear instead of love. I want them to know, trust, and lean on a community to
openly question and be curious about what their faith actually means for them, and what that faith can do
to build connection with others. I want baptism to be an entrance to this community of believers and
questioners and curiosity and truth seekers. -I want to celebrate them. They are miracles! Praise be.”
It was just what a minister needed to hear!
On July 21, we embraced another Sunday of many blessings. The sun shone for an amazing outdoor service with our
guests from Muskoka Pride. We sang, prayed and made a living rainbow. Many who came were given a balloon,
representing the colours of the rainbow. When time came in the service each person blew up their balloon, came to the
front and volunteers read what the colours represented (it was a great sight).
Receive this red, the colour of life, the colour of the Spirit, the colour of passion. May it remind us of the
transforming power of love.
Receive this healing orange, the colour of autumn, a sign of transition. May it remind us of the transforming
power of love.
Receive this sign of sunlight, the yellow of a flower, the yellow of light. May it light our way as we
continue to journey on the path of faithfulness.
Receive this colour green, the colour of nature. May it always remind us that we are part of creation and
are called to nurture new life.
Receive this colour of the blue sky, the colour of the deep waters. It is the colour of serenity. May it always
remind us of the great depth and breadth of Holy Love.
Receive this colour purple, another colour of the Spirit, the colour of royalty. May it remind us that all of
creation is under the domain of the Creator.
May each one of us be all these colours together; may we carry this rainbow of love in our hearts, so that all we meet
will know that we are followers of the teachings of Jesus.
As I write this chat, VBS 2019 is wrapping up and what a fantastic week with 44 kids, 13 of them from Bala. This week,
though exhausting is a highlight of my year. Pictures speak a thousand words. Enjoy and see you in August for our
Sunday mornings or Wednesday Night at the Church……I heard from a visitor they’re wonderful!
BUC is truly alive and well!
Rev Sue
I am writing this next part as a result of our BUC Council meeting after church on Sunday July 28th. We
will continue to be a church where everyone is welcomed, a church that will have the doors open and
love overflowing. A concerned was expressed about how I spend my 40 hours (more than 40) a week
between 2 churches and at least 2 communities. Here is my 2 weeks leading up to this meeting.
I presided over 2 celebrations of life, time included being with the families at the hospital to early in the
morning, at their homes, planning the service and countless calls, emails and texts. Meeting and
preparing for VBS 2019 hosted this year at Port Carling United with over 20 children, youth and adults
from Bala and Bala United Church. In total we had 44 children/youth and 10 adult volunteers.
Wednesday Night at the Church at BUC has taken longs hours of planning and making sure each
Wednesday night was ready for the public. Guitar Jammers (members from both churches), preparing
music and leadership for practices throughout the summer. Responsible for playing at Wednesday Night
at the park beside BUC, 150th celebrations at Port Carling Community Center and preparing to play at
Port Carling Library on August 13. Planning 4 different church services for July 21 and July 28 due to
Anniversary Sunday, VBS Sunday, Muskoka Pride Sunday and regular Sunday Service. In this time, I
conducted 2 weddings as well as rehearsals, met with two church family couples to prepare for their
weddings in August. I also proudly took part in the planning and all the festivities celebrating 150 years
at PCUC. I haven’t mentioned the emails and phone calls I answer each and every day and the
counselling session with church members.
This calling is not a 9 to 5 job where I go home after sitting in my office waiting for people to knock on
my door. This calling is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week where if I receive an emergency call, I am
out the door or on the phone with an individual or family. My family life gives up so much for what I
consider my calling. I saw my father work this way and it killed him at the age of 70 with a massive
heart attack, so why do I keep this crazy schedule? At times I don’t know, but I hope that I can make a
difference in people’s lives and share with them God’s love.
~ Rev. Sue
Notes from Council
All members and supporters of Bala United were invited to attend the July 28 Council meeting where
we discussed the future of the church given the losses sustained during the past few years, despite
the financial support of the UCW and the Gift Shop. This year we received a bequest of $20,000
resulting in a net income to the general fund for the first six months of $13,062 compared to a loss
of $16,945 for the same period during 2018.
With respect to our winter closing during January, February and March, a comparison with the results for 2018 revealed
our envelope revenue was down by $433, but the split of loose offerings with PCUC was up by $466 so that revenue
was essentially unchanged. On the expense side, the cost of cleaning was down by $300 and music by $700 largely off
set by the increased cost of utilities, hydro, propane and water. Hydro and propane expenses were much higher given
the extremely cold winter weather. The conclusion is that there is no financial reason either for or against a winter
closing.
It is also worth noting we have recently had several new attendees at church requesting envelopes, a welcome sign of
change. Given these positive developments, after much discussion among the 28 people who attended the meeting,
agreement was reached to stay the course and follow our progress until later in the fall before making any decision
regarding winter closing for 2020. In the interim we will, in conjunction with PCUC, continue our discussions with the
Shining Waters Regional Council for any additional ideas or suggestions that will benefit the Pastoral Charge.
Other topics discussed included Rev. Sue’s workload, the success of the Bazaar where $3,800 was raised and the several
other successful events that are detailed in this newsletter.
The following Council Member Positions were confirmed for 2019-2020:
Jean Cameron Gift Shop, Trustee
Doug Crichton Member-at-Large
Beth Croft Fellowship, Joint Charge Mission and Service Bala Representative
Dianne Davidson Joint Charge Affirm United Committee Representative
Mike Ferguson Past Chair, Trustee
Norma Ferguson Communications, Newsletter Editor
Barb MacIntosh Member-at-Large
Eva Moore UCW President, Property-Church Use, Property-Gardens, Facebook Manager
Bill Niess Chair, Assistant to the Treasurer, Property Committee-Maintenance, Joint Charge Ministry and
Personnel Committee
Marilyn Niess Winter Council Secretary
Mary Patterson Summer Council Secretary
Kate Ruttan Property Committee-Audio Visual and Technical Issues, Trustee
Lenore Wilkinson Member-at-Large
I have decided to step down as Council Chair and am happy to report Bill Niess has assumed this role. It has been a
pleasure to have served as the chair for nearly five years, and I thank all Council members for their support. I will
remain on Council. As well, we are fortunate to have two new members on Council, Barb MacIntosh and Doug Crichton.
We will miss Barb Bond who decided to step down, and we thank her for her years of dedicated service.
~ Mike Ferguson – Past Chair
2019-2020 Council Members
Front Row: Co-Secretaries, Marilyn Niess and Mary Patterson,
President, Bill Niess, Past President, Mike Ferguson
Middle Row: Jean Cameron, Beth Croft, Kate Ruttan, Eva Moore
Back Row: Norma Ferguson, Barbara MacIntosh, Barb Bond
(now resigned), Doug Crichton, (Rev. Sue Woods) Lenore
Wilkinson
Not pictured: Dianne Davidson
Bala’s Trek to Bethlehem
The crisis has passed! With the infusion of some new, enthusiastic volunteers, The Trek to
Bethlehem, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Serving as Co-Chairs are newcomer Lynn
Foster of Acton Island, and the inveterate Patricia Gidley. Also welcomed to the Trek Board were
Murray and Wendy Johnston, and Kristen Thompson.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Cathy Malcomson [email protected]
~ Eva Moore
Wednesday Nights at BUC / The Church by the Falls
Do you need a place to take family, visitors and friends on a Wednesday night in August?
We’d love to see you at as many Wednesday nights as possible.
August 7 Family Movie Ugly Dolls
Although the Ugly Dolls may not be gorgeous on the outside, they're
certainly strong and beautiful on the inside. For them, life is full of lessons.
Each of them has something unique about their personality that makes them
special. Since the world does not see all their skills and talents right away,
they learn that it's up to them to find the beauty inside of themselves and to
share it with others.
August 14 Taizé Service
A Taizé worship service involves meditation, a period of silence, and liturgical readings.
There is no preaching. The style of prayer practiced at Taizé France has attracted many
worshipers from around the globe and from many different denominations. The prayers
consist of “short chants, repeated again and again,” according to an introduction in a Taizé
songbook. “The words are sung over many times.” Join us for a quiet, reflective evening,
something we all need from a hectic, busy summer.
August 21 Music Night led by Bala Rockers/Rockin Lawnchairs
Come join us for a toe tapping evening with our very own Joe Gravell, Cal White and Fred
Orchard! There are bound to be a few surprises!
August 28. Square Dancing (Keith and Gayle Mitchell Shantz)
Come to dance or just sit and enjoy the music. What a great way to end
Wednesday Nights at BUC!
Each week there will be a donation basket that will go to support Mission and Service Fund. Mission and Service is a
unified annual fund and is the compassionate response by the people of The United Church of Canada call to mission
and healing of the world. Together, we live out God’s mission through our local communities of faith and throughout
giving. We have more impact together that we ever could alone. We offer hope, build community, and express
compassion. Mission and Service is our heart and soul.
➔ EVENINGS BEGIN AT 6:30 p.m.
➔ BASKET WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DONATIONS
➔ ALL ARE WELCOME……THIS IS A POSTIVE SAFE PLACE FOR ALL
Guitar Jammers
Everyone is welcome to join us at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at PCU.
The Red Door Band and the Guitar Jammers are performing for an hour on
Tuesday, August 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Port Carling Library. Please
come and enjoy the hour with us.
~ Bill Niess
PCU’s Fun Fund Raiser
Sunday, August 25
The annual cruise aboard the Peerless II will be on
Sunday August 25 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The cost is
$40.00 which includes snacks. We are fortunate this year
to be cruising Lake Rosseau, and as always it promises
to be a great time.
(I took a cruise on the Peerless II this summer with my
guests, and I highly recommend it. It is a lovely way to
spend an afternoon. ~ Norma Ferguson)
UCW Annual Luncheon
Our UCW Summer Potluck Luncheon was held on Wednesday, July 17, at the lovely new home of
Jocelyn Cowern, 1097 River Street, Bala. Fifteen ladies enjoyed a tour through Jocelyn’s garden and
a delicious lunch. It was a particular pleasure during the week of unbearable humidity to enjoy the
air-conditioned comfort! Special thanks to Drew Cowern for his assistance. ~ Eva Moore
The Annual Bizarre Bazaar
Thank you to everyone who turned out to support our Bizarre Bazaar on
Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 . . . great volunteers, great customers, and
great weather! The remaining treasures went to the OSPCA for their yard sale
Friends, Enid and Nan,
met at the Bazaar.
Here is Dianne Davidson with two young ladies
who were thrilled to find a beautiful mink jacket and coat.
Muskoka Pride Affirming Service
We celebrated Muskoka Pride Week with an outdoor church service and BBQ on Sunday,
July 21. .
It was a special Pride
Church Service as part
of the Muskoka Pride
Festival presented
with help from the
Muskoka Lakes
Chamber of
Commerce, Muskoka
Pride and Muskoka
Launch Livery.
Garden Glories
Another great morning in the garden, so amazing how much a few
committed people can do!
Thanks Mav Blundon, Peter Steckenreiter, David MacIntosh, Eva
DeGruchy Moore and Kate Ruttan for all your efforts on
Wednesday, July 24.
August’s Words of Wisdom
A box turtle visited
but went away
without a purchase. The Happy Amigos
Peter Steckenreiter, Mike
Ferguson, Ian Croft, Bob Bond
and Bruce Patterson
PCU’s 150th Anniversary
As 2019 has been the year of our 150th celebrations, we have developed our own logo, historical bookmarks, a calendar
highlighting historical photos as well as present day photos. We have heard from long time members of our
congregation, stories of past events and memories. The weekend of July 27-28 was the official date for the celebration.
On Saturday July 27, an Open House was held in Hanna Hall where
historical records and memorabilia were on display. The original land
deed from 1877 was the oldest artifact on display.
Saturday evening was a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner
catered by Darren Schmidt, a member of our congregation. As people
were entering the hall, a video was being shown. It was a compilation of
photos, created by Betsy Wilkes, Lou Woods and Brad Wallace. Again,
these photos were historical as well as present.
Joan Wallace in charge of decorations, choose purple and gold for a colour scheme, and the
Community Centre looked elegant. Dan Brooks was our emcee for the evening, as well as organizing
musical entertainment for our listening pleasure.
Greetings from the Township of Muskoka Lakes and The District of Muskoka were brought to us by
Alan Edwards, our District Councillor. A draw was held demonstrating some of the creative talents
of members of our congregation: a beautiful hand quilted runner by Bette Clark, a knitted blanket
donated by the 3 in 1 Knitters, a Segwun model by Chuck Allbon and a handmade box donated by
Morley Stephen. Herwig Schroth was the official photographer, taking pictures of each person upon
arrival. A sing a long of some familiar folk tales was a delightful part of the evening entertainment, as was a beautiful
solo by Laurie Solar, and songs by the choir. The Red Door musicians and the Guitar Jammers provided musical
accompaniment. Dave MacIntosh, Bill Niess and Marilyn Niess participated in the musical presentation. As usual,
many people pitched in to help with the takedown and cleanup. We have all agreed that the evening was a real success.
Sunday morning, July 28, our service, led by our minister Rev. Sue Woods,
began with a delightful skit highlighting differences between 1869, 1909
and now. Our special guests Mrs Hanna (Emily Buddo) and Mrs. Foreman
(Marg Buddo) noted such changes as females wearing trousers, male
organists, female ministers and no hats being worn. A most enjoyable
beginning to a very special service. The choir members were wearing new
green scarves, created by Betty Clark. Green is the designated colour for
Pentecost. Some of the Communion trays used during the
Communion, were wooden ones that came to us when Milford Bay Church
closed, and the congregation joined with us. The chalice was a donation in
memory of Rev Don Powell, our previous minister. The sermon topic was
"Take time to be Holy” appropriate as we all need to be reminded to slow
down and take time to notice what the important things in our lives truly are.
Tim DuVernet came at the end of our service and took a large group photo at the front of our church. This was followed
by a "Sweets and Treats reception hosted by our United Church Women. Greetings were read from the Shining Waters
region, our moderator, Rev. Bott, and the congregation of our sister church Bala United Church.
We are such a fortunate congregation, vibrant, growing and playing a vital part in our community. This is thanks, in no
small measure, to our inspirational, creative and compassionate minister, Rev. Sue Woods. Added to this we have the
musical talent and leadership of Dan Brooks. This dynamic team makes us the envy of many churches. How wonderful
it is that we are all together to celebrate this milestone in our church's history, 150 years!!!!!!
~ Sandra Allbon, PCU
VBS 2019
What a wonderful theme for this year's VBS.
July 22-26 saw 44
campers and 15 adults descend
on Hanna Hall for a week of music, crafts, stories
and sports. This year our crafts leader was Angela
Johnson, former principal of the elementary school
on Christian Island. Her daughter, Autumn, also
helped us. The crafts included pottery painting,
dream catchers and the decorating of wooden people
shapes, created by Sue Turner. Sue Turner was also
our storyteller. The emphasis of her stories were the
principles of honesty, truth, courage, love, respect,
wisdom and loyalty. Some activities involving trust
and courage, were part of this group. Rev. Sue was
the sports co-ordinator, taking each group to
Bartleman Park for fun and exercise. Kathy Haller and her assistants manned the kitchen, supplying such snacks as
vegetables, fruit, Rice Krispy squares (made by Louise Kirbyson), birthday cake donated by the Douglas family to
celebrate the birthdays of three of our campers., and finally hot dogs on Friday.
A highlight was the visit by Miss Kim, an Indigenous woman, and her mom. We went to the dock and took part in a
water ceremony led by Miss Kim. We smelled sweetgrass, took part in a smudging ceremony and ate strawberries. Such
a wonderful experience!!!! The movie, “The Dolphin Tale," a true story, was entertaining as well as reinforcing the idea
that family is very important and special. Rev. Sue led us in singing at the beginning and ending of every session. What
a great week we have had Now we wonder what Rev Sue, our creative leader, will plan for us next year. Can't wait!
~Sandra Allbon, PCU
Peace Pole
On Wednesday, July 31, we planted two Peace Poles in our side garden.
We had about 15 people from both churches who signed the pole and helped with the erecting it in our garden.
Peace Poles can be found on all the continents around the world. There are over 250,000 in 200 countries. When you
plant a Peace Pole in your community, you are linking with people all over the world who have planted Peace Poles in
the same spirit of peace.
Every Peace Pole proclaims the prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in the language of the country and often several
other languages as well.
Church Humour
Mondays
Saturday, August 3
Wednesday, August 7
Thursday, August 8
Tuesday, August 13
Wednesday, August 14
Wednesday, August 24
Sunday, August 25
Wednesday, August 28
Friday, September 13
Wednesday, September 19
The Knit Wits meet on Monday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to noon.
We do more than knit. Stop by for a laugh, a hug and a cup of
coffee or tea. If you’d like to learn how to knit, we have the
teacher you are looking for. The Gift Shoppe is open on
Monday mornings
Hot Dog Day
Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Family Movie Ugly Dolls
Guitar Jammers at PCU at 6:00 p.m.
Guitar Jammers performs at Port Carling Public Library
Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Taizé worship service
Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Music Night
led by Bala Rockers/Rockin Lawnchairs
Afternoon cruise on the Peerless II on Lake Rosseau
Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Square dancing
Spaghetti Dinner
Bus Lunch
Bala United E-mail: [email protected]
3115 Muskoka Road 169, P.O. Box 313 Website: www.balaunitedchurch.com
Bala, ON P0C 1A0 Website Manager: Lou Woods
705-762-0116 Please leave a message. Facebook: www.facebook.com/BalaUnited2016
Note: Monday is Rev. Sue’s day off. Facebook Manager: Eva Moore
Newsletter Editor: Norma Ferguson