SILOAM UNITED CHURCH

2018 Annual Report

Our 161st Report Sunday, February 3, 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Personal Statistics ............................................................................................................................ 2-3 Marriages & Renewal of Vows ............................................................................................................. 4 Baptisms .............................................................................................................................................. 4 In Memoriam ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Report From The Lead Minister & Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care ......................................... 6-7 Report From The Ministry of Children, Youth & Young Adults ......................................................... 8-10 Report From The Minister of Visitation ............................................................................................... 11 Church Council .................................................................................................................................. 11 Report From London Conference/Middlesex Presbytery ............................................................... 11-13 Life and Work of Siloam United Church Property Committee .............................................................................................................. 13-14 Ministry and Personnel ............................................................................................................... 14 Spiritual Life & Worship .............................................................................................................. 15 Visioning ............................................................................................................................... 15-17 Adult Christian Education ...................................................................................................... 17-21 Bible Study .................................................................................................................. 17-18 Other Study Groups .......................................................................................................... 18 Canadian Boomerfest .................................................................................................. 19-21 Healing and Wellness Ministry .......................................................................................... 22 Communications Committee ................................................................................................. 22-23 Ministry of Music Report from the Director of Music .................................................................................... 23-24 Siloam Senior Choir .............................................................................................................. 24 Siloam Sounds Bell Choir ..................................................................................................... 25 Congregational Life ............................................................................................................... 25-26 Siloam Sizzlers ........................................................................................................................... 26 Siloam Movie Group ................................................................................................................... 27 The Rose Birrell Women’s Group .......................................................................................... 27-28 Sign Committee ..................................................................................................................... 28-29 Trustees ................................................................................................................................ 29-31 Trustees’ Financial Report ............................................................................................... 32-33 Congregational Outreach Social Justice and Outreach Committee .......................................................................... 33-34 Siloam’s Outreach to Newcomers to Canada ....................................................................... 34 Community Outreach ELUCO 2018 Annual Report ................................................................................................. 35-37 Congregational Resources ............................................................................................................ 37-38 Siloam United Church 2018 Income & Expenses and 2019 Budget .................................... 39 Identifiable Givers ............................................................................................................... 40 Minutes from: Annual Congregational Meeting – February 11, 2018 ............................................................ 41-43 Congregational Meeting – July 8, 2018 ...................................................................................... 44

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SILOAM UNITED CHURCH

Ministers: Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor, Lead Minister & Minister of Worship & Pastoral Care Jennifer Prince, Ministry of Children, Youth & Young Adults Mr. Kerry Stover, Ministry of Visitation (until September 1, 2018) Rev. Ann Corbet, Minister of Visitation Rev. Wib Dawson, Minister Emeritus

Admin Assistant: Erin Salter Custodians: Dave & Claire Graham

Membership 2015 2016 2017 2018

Church Membership 551 560 681 688

Total Households *See page 3 for details 331 339 401 405

Worship

Child (under age 12) Baptism 6 3 -- 3

Adult/Youth Baptism -- 1 1 1

Confirmation -- -- 6 --

Marriages 3 5 5 1

Funerals 7 11 14 10

Services of Holy Communion 6 6 6 6

Stewardship

Identifiable Givers:

General Fund 280 260 287 272

Mission and Service 280 260 287 272

Group Enrollments

Church School & Nursery (including teachers)

25-30/week

30-35/week

25-30/week

20-25/week

Senior Choir 30 30 35 39

Siloam Sounds Bell Choir 9 9 6 6

Siloam Instrumental Ensemble 3 3 3 3

Soul Groove Children’s Choir 13 12 8 --

Fairly Good Samaritans 7 7 7 7

Youth Coffee House (monthly) 25-35 40-45 50-60 60-70

Young Adult Hops & Hope (monthly) 15-20 12-20 15-20 15-20

Messy Church -- pilot 25-35 25-30

Vacation Bible School 55 65 55 60

Christmas Pageant -- -- -- 22

Tuesday Morning Bible Study Group 12-15 12-15 12-15 16-20

Wednesday Evening Bible Study -- -- 16-18 15

Friday Morning Book Club -- -- 5 4-6

Canadian Boomerfest 2018 -- -- -- 146

Rose Birrell Group 26 31 29 32

Siloam Sizzlers 20-30 20-30 20-30 20-30

Siloam Movie Group 30-35 30-35 30-35 30-35

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Membership (in detail)

Members (December 31, 2017)………………………………………………………………681 Transfers In……………………………………………………………………………………......0 Received by Profession of Faith………………………………………………………………...1 Amalgamated from Birr……………………………………………………………………….....15 Transfers Out…………………………………………………………………………………….. 3 Removed by Death……………………………………………………………………………… 6 Total removed…………………………………………………………………………………… 9 Total Membership December 31, 2018……………………………………………………...688

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MARRIAGES DURING 2018

Names Officiating Minister Date

Joshua James Robert Frank Sheila Macgregor June 16, 2018 Elizabeth Charlotte Sealy Webb

RENEWAL OF VOWS 2016-2018

Names Officiating Minister Date

Rick & Lorna Carnegie Sheila Macgregor September 25, 2016

Doug & Marilyn Carr Sheila Macgregor September 10, 2017

Al & Kaye Appleby Sheila Macgregor June 23, 2018

BAPTISMS DURING 2018

Names Names of Parents Date

Gabriel Ferdinandus Rapati Raphael & Carmen October 28, 2018

Tessa Noelle Scott Matthew & Kaaren October 28, 2018

Carolyne Lee Smith Cecil & Marilyn November 13, 2018

Theo James Allan Arsenault James & Karlee December 23, 2018

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IN MEMORIAM

FROM 2018 WE REMEMBER WITH LOVE THESE PERSONS AND THEIR FAMILIES

William “Brent” Bamford

Roger Henry Cadeau

Richard Edison Carnegie

Nellie Lulabell Cooper

Ila May Groskorth

Margaret Ann Hillier

Marion Ruth Johns

Eleanor Margaret McClure

Patricia Ann McConnell

J.M. Goldworth “Goldie” Simpson

Archie “Roy” Stover

Audrey Thede

Gloria Patricia Wolfe

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MESSAGE FROM LEAD MINISTER AND MINISTER OF WORSHIP & PASTORAL CARE…

Dear Friends, The year past has been in many ways a stellar one for Siloam. Not only did we finish the year with money in the bank, but much more importantly we witnessed significant growth in our ministry. Our mid-week study groups have grown steadily, as has the Senior Choir, and the Coffee House Youth Group led by Jen Prince, which regularly sees as many as 65 young people. In addition Siloam was host to many wonderful recitals and concerts, including the Forest City Singers, Dreams Come True, Shane Cook, Dylan Thomas’ A Child’s Christmas in Wales, and of

course the wonderful Christmas Cantata and Choir Concert performed by our own very talented Siloam Choir and Siloam Sounds Bell Choir, led by Dr. Todd Wieczorek and David Parisi. Many of these events were supported by our Rose Birrell Women’s Group and Congregational Life Committee, who prepared the post-concert refreshments and help in so many other ways too. In October Canadian Boomerfest exceeded our expectations, bringing us some leading speakers

from across North America in the field of spirituality for Baby Boomers, Older Adults and Millennials, and drawing a large audience from London and southwestern Ontario. Special thanks to everyone who helped to make this such a successful event! Thank you too for your generous support of our Mission and Outreach projects, including our Lenten and Advent campaigns for Camp Kee Mo Kee and Canadian Foodgrains, as well as for your generosity and commitment to our major fundraisers, like the Yard Sales and the Chicken BBQ. In 2018 we also welcomed many new friends from the Birr congregation and continued to build important relationships with our friends from the former Arva pastoral charge. In this regard, a big word of thanks needs to be extended to our Trustees who have worked so hard over the last two years to enable these transitions to flow smoothly, especially our excellent Chair Allyn Todd who has invested many hours to make this happen. We also thank the Property, Communications, and Sign Committees, who have enhanced our online presence and made much needed improvements to our physical building, including new doors at the entrance to the church and new lighting in the sanctuary. And best of all, we now have a wonderful new sign on our front lawn to tell people about all the fantastic things that are happening at Siloam! The above represent just a few of the things we have been able to accomplish as a congregation in 2018 as a result of our ongoing Visioning Process which we began in January under the able leadership of Randy Donkervoort, Catherine Glover and Edge Consultant Michael Kooiman. This year we continue to implement the recommendations that came out of the 2018 Visioning program and search for ways that we can (1) grow our intergenerational ministry, (2) enhance our communications with the wider community and (3) strengthen our ties to the neighbourhoods around us. The three planks of our Visioning program are being championed by Dan Davies, Mike Ashton and Catherine Glover and their teams. As a congregation dedicated to living out our mission “to be Christ to each other and God’s world”, our hope is to become a community hub for the people of northeast London and make a difference in their lives. In order for this to happen, and in order for us to become better channels of God’s grace and love to the world around us, we will need to invest a major amount of time, talent and money in our communications and youth ministries. We will also need to expand our understanding of ministry and how we take the Gospel of Jesus Christ out into our community. Nowhere in the Bible, for example, does it say that “You shall go out into the world and gather bums for the pews at Siloam.” What the Bible does tell us in Matthew 28:18-20 is this:

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to

me.. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and

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of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

How we fulfill Christ’s mandate will require ingenuity, sacrifice, and change. This is why your Siloam Council is asking you to dream big and make an even bigger commitment to Siloam in 2019. While this may be hard for some of us, we believe that this vision is well within our reach. We can do this! Moreover, we believe that Jesus Christ will be with us as we carry out his ministry, just as He has been there for us in the past. Certainly Christ was there to support us in our times of sorrow and disappointment during 2018 when we suffered the deaths of many loved ones whom we miss dearly. We said good-bye as well to friends who moved away, and we sent good wishes to some who felt that they needed to take a break from Siloam. With thanksgiving for his ministry, we also said farewell to Kerry Stover, who was our devoted Visitation Minister for four years, and to Rev. Janet Fradette as she embarked on her retirement. At the same time, we have welcomed many new friends who join us Sunday mornings or at our various mid-week groups and activities. We have been especially delighted to welcome the Rev. Ann Corbet as our new Visitation Minister. Ann has already found a warm welcome in many of our homes and hearts. I have already mentioned the fine work of our Youth and Children’s’ Minister, Jen Prince (who works closely with Chad Brown and the Fairly Good Samaritan Band) and our excellent Music staff. I also wish to thank all those who have shared their many talents and gifts over the past year – there are too many of you to name – as well as those who are taking up new positions in this New Year. In particular, I wish to thank those who have resigned or who have indicated that they will be stepping down from their positions on Council: John Burns for his tireless efforts and fine leadership of the Property Committee for the past several years; Jim Sweitzer for his countless hours of work and his unswerving dedication to the financial health of Siloam; and our Chair, Richard Graham, whose able leadership through a time of change was always positive and encouraged us to focus on the many good things and people we have to celebrate. One of those good people we need to celebrate is our excellent Office Administrator, Erin Salter, who greets us daily with a warm smile and whose efficiency and hard work make all our lives so much easier and more pleasant. Before I close, I wish to thank you for your continued support of my ministry over the past year. I am gratified by your response to the Advent Devotions I prepared (something new in 2018) and am happy if you found these helpful. Thank you also for your understanding, cards and prayers when I was off in the summer after surgery on my feet. I am especially grateful to our Chair of Spiritual Life and Worship, Stuart Cunningham, who organized our worship services while I was away and for his strong spiritual leadership throughout the year. I am truly blessed by all of you at Siloam! Wishing you and yours good health, peace and joy in 2019, Blessings, Sheila Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor, Lead Minister and Minister of Worship & Pastoral Care

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MESSAGE FROM CHILDREN, YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES…

From Fall of 2018 to present, we have been running two Sunday school classes on a regular basis, scaled down from the three that we were running in winter and spring of 2017. We have seen a drop this year in the number of kids attending Sunday school, and finding teachers continues to be a challenge. There are a couple that have been gracious enough to volunteer extra Sundays beyond the past stated commitment of one per month. This past year, we have simplified the program as well. Previously, in addition to the Spark digital resources, we purchased leader guides (outlines for teaching staff) and worksheets called Learner Leaflets. We began to notice that as the age range for the leaflets got older, they resembled school work sheets more and more. This model also made it difficult to provide a cohesive class for the age range, which includes JK-Gr 6; with the bulk of our students in grades 2-4. Last Spring, we tried using just the digital resources, and offering a simple lesson that consists of the story, one or two crafts that relate to the story and one or two active games, as well as colouring or puzzle sheets for students that the game or craft does not appeal to. The result was that the kids seemed to enjoy the classes more, the teachers and our youth program assistants were less overwhelmed with prep work, and we purchased far less materials. As of this past fall, Spark now offers access to their full line of curriculum program resources with the digital subscription; giving us a plethora of options at a fraction of the cost of most curriculum program packages. So far, I am pleased with the results. We are working on a registrations system for students so that we are able to

keep in better contact and would like to offer a snack as part of the program.

We have maintained our Youth Café numbers, even as our JK-Grade 6 students have declined, which is remarkable considering that the students for this class tend to fall into an age-group that has a tendency to begin distancing themselves from the church. We are about halfway through the Re:Form program for the second time, and when we have concluded will begin something new. I have study books for a program called Activate Faith that I had the summer students examine and offer feedback on, and the feedback was favourable. In addition, we have youth resources with our Spark digital subscription. I will be consulting our youth on what they would

like to pursue within those options.

There is an upcoming weekend retreat for young people considering confirmation. I have briefly discussed this with two of our grade 7 youth, and will be emailing the information to a few families

who are members that we don’t see every Sunday.

It has been a pleasure to have Allison O’Connor’s Dreams Come True Music studio as guest musicians at two of our Intergenerational services. One of her students stepped forward as well to take on leadership in our Christmas Pageant. I am honoured to be part of the church that is the site for this fantastic program, and see that we have so many in our congregation willing to

support Allison in this beautiful ministry of hers.

Based on enthusiasm from some of our Sunday school students, our kids and youth performed a Christmas Pageant this year, and they worked very hard and did a tremendous job. They committed to rehearsals for 6 weeks; and those who were unable to be here every Sunday came when they could and worked diligently on their lines and the scripts and songs from home. Allison O’Connor directed and procured our script and score, and Allison Martin and Sue Been helped direct and support our young cast. It was so much fun, and plans are forthcoming for an Easter

pageant.

Fairly Good Samaritans continues to thrive as a group and enrich the Intergenerational services. I believe that band members are finding spiritual fulfillment and satisfaction in sharing their gifts

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with the congregation. Intergenerational services continued on a monthly basis throughout 2017 and were well attended. We are excited to be introducing new pieces of music and most of the feedback I have had about the music has been positive. Collaborating with performers from Dreams Come True and my son Liam and his puppet creations have made these services

meaningful and so much fun to lead.

At Youth Open Mic Coffee House, we are consistently seeing 60-70 youth in attendance each month, and the number is steadily growing. The librarians and parents are very encouraging and often tell us how much they love the program and see the positive results that it has on our youth. LUSO continues to provide for the events run in the summer and in December, and to prepare fruit and veggie trays, and have now added dessert to their offerings. The dessert is often made by the pre-teen group HYPPE, that meets on Tuesdays. We are using ceramic mugs for beverages, which means that I have a date with my dishwasher after the event is over, but this cuts down on money spent on paper cups and is more in step with our beliefs about environmental stewardship. We have been ordering this year from the pizzeria around the corner from us, where the owner, Bulgy, has given us a discount because we are a church serving youth, and is able to offer us bigger pizzas and more of them at a lower cost than our previous pizzeria. The kids also report to me that the pizzas are much better quality. We are seeing kids presenting songs and poetry that they have written; and shy kids step out to take on leadership. Many of these youth tell me that Coffee House provides them with a safe place where they can feel like they really belong. It is a wonderful thing to see young people who are struggling with confidence blossom in this program and begin to be bold in expressing themselves.

Hops and Hope met up until the Spring, paid for by Youth at Conference. Since Conference has dissolved, so has our funding for this program. A similar program is being offered at Riverside at Crossings in Hyde Park, and I am hopeful that our young adults that found meaning and spiritual

support in Hops and Hope might find the same there.

We received the student summer jobs grant again this year, and welcomed Michael Adam, Maggie Calderone, Ramita Tamang, Georgie Khoshaba, and Sarah Kako once again to work here for 30 hours per week for several weeks during the summer. These amazing young folks were able to obtain job skills from resume writing, interview and WHIMIS workshops from Susan Graham. We expanded the garden this year and stepped up our game in terms of humanely deterring rabbits, deer and turkeys and helped produce the 205 baskets of produce for ELUCO, London Food Bank, LUSO, and Rotholme Family Shelter. They also produced promotional videos for our worship services, worked in our Sunday school program developing summer curriculum and teaching, made puppets and developed scripts for helping present the Bible lessons for our Sunday school during the school year, inventoried the program supplies, helped run summer Coffee House, produced content for social media, reviewed curriculum for Youth Café and Sunday school programs, helped prepare for Vacation Bible School, and painted wooden lawn ornaments that can be finished by our Sunday school students and sold at the Fall

yard sale. Mike Ashton assisted me in writing the grant application.

Registration numbers for 2018’s summer day camp were in the 50’s, making our church one of the most well-attended sites. This camp provides an important opportunity for Siloam to extend good work in faith formation of the community outside of our congregation as well as for our young people who attend on a regular basis. Every year, I hear from campers and their parents about how much the campers enjoy the camp. We also offered a Leadership Camp for Grades 6-8 this year, which filled a need for campers who feel like they are too old for the camp activities but still want to attend. This camp focused on discovering personal gifts, self-esteem, peer

pressure, and supporting each other.

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We hosted Messy Churches in February, March, June, September, November and December of 2018, and I am hearing positive feedback from the families who have been attending. I continue to receive a number of inquiries about the project as well from families who are curious. We have welcomed some new families, and some of our families who are current members of Siloam but who cannot always be here on Sundays. We are at or above the higher end of the average in our attendance. I am hopeful that the new sign as well as word of mouth and advertising will increase our attendance. This year, I have a goal to host them on the same Saturday of every month to provide some consistency. That having been said, trying to fill our Youth Program Assistant position and the extra hours spent interviewing and handling applications meant that I did not have time in my schedule to host a Messy Church for January. If I see similar results over the winter and early Spring, I may poll the current attendees and those interested who have not attended about switching the even to a weekday. Even when our numbers have been on the small side, however, the event still has a positive faith formation effect on the people who are here. This project is also a pay-per-use sort of endeavor as well, and when numbers are lower we

come in well under the monthly budget.

Our nursery was fairly quiet for most of the year, but has seen an increase in little people in the late summer/early fall. I am very appreciative of Ramita Tamang, who is our nursery attendant; and for Andrea Gillan who tends to our nursery when Ramita is away. Thank you also to Sophie

and Abby Keunecke for working in the nursery on Christmas Eve.

From January to October of 2018, I was fortunate to have 3 Youth Program Assistants on staff. Michael Adam, Maggie Calderone and Ramita Tamang handled social media tasks, got our Instgram account off to a great start, handled communications with Sunday school teachers, delivered posters for Coffee House and Messy Church as well as leadership for those events, taught Sunday school on occasion and Youth Café on my Sundays away; shopped for supplies, and prepared lessons and other program activities. Michael and Maggie resigned in October due to demands on their time from their school schedules, and Ramita is able to commit 5-7 hours per week for us in addition to working in the nursery on Sunday mornings. We are extremely grateful for all of the dedication and hard work that Michael and Maggie brought to the job; they are both very much missed. We are also grateful to Ramita for helping keep the boat afloat while details for the program for 2019 were worked out. We have just completed interviewing for another assistant to fill the remaining 5-10 hours per week, and believe we have an excellent candidate to join our team. Stay tuned for the big reveal!

I am excited and exceedingly grateful for the opportunities and possibilities in the year behind us, as well as what is up ahead. I feel that the investments of resources and volunteer hours that our congregation invests into these programs is a wonderful example of living out our mission statement. Our kids know that they are valued and loved when they have our time, our compassion and our welcoming smiles. Siloam is full of beautiful examples for our young people of what it means to be a Christian, and I am blessed, honoured an thankful to be part of Siloam, and to receive the support in my ministry path that I do from Siloam members of all ages. Thanks to all for being vessels of the work of the Spirit in our midst and beyond our doors.

Respectfully submitted by: Jen Prince

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MINISTRY OF VISITATION… It was a pleasure and an honour to join the ministry team at Siloam in September 2018. I give thanks for such a warm and hearty welcome. My first calling is to assist Rev. Sheila with the ministry of pastoral care. My primary task (and joy) is to visit those who, because of the challenges of age, find it difficult to get to church. While many of the folks I visit tend to be “senior seniors”, I do visit others, including those who are convalescing, grieving, or struggling with the unwelcome realities of life. This Fall, I became a member of Siloam’s “Healing and Wellness” committee. My second calling is to co-preside at Sunday worship, on a twice-monthly basis, and perform pulpit supply as needed. I enjoyed serving in that capacity during the Fall, Advent and Christmas season. Submitted by: Rev. Ann Corbet

CHURCH COUNCIL…

My role as your Council Chair is ending this year and it is now a time of reflection on what we have accomplished as a church in the last three years. Even a partial inventory would include two strengthening amalgamations, many programs and events to serve the needs of our congregation and community, encouragement and opportunity for those who wish to enter ministry, enhanced communication initiatives, and building improvement upgrades. Upon reflection, the unwavering effort of so many in our congregation is our greatest strength. Members and adherents give time, energy, and money faithfully and continuously to advance the work of Siloam United Church. It is truly a blessing to be part of such a group. Spiritual leadership is crucial to the ongoing mission of our church. In worship, music, outreach, communication, and stewardship, we have committed staff and lay leaders whose work benefits all of us who call Siloam our church home. Looking forward, I believe the most important work lies in the ongoing Visioning process. We need to seek and listen for God’s will for our church and its mission in our community. I also believe that Visioning will not only clarify our next steps; it will invigorate us for the task. Please pray for this process as it unfolds. Thank you for your support, participation and prayer. Submitted by: Ric Graham, Council Chair REPORT FROM LONDON CONFERENCE AND MIDDLESEX PRESBYTERY

2018 London Conference and Middlesex Presbytery Report and Outlook to Regions

On December 31, 2018, all Presbyteries and Conferences came to an end as we started the three level model introducing Regions on January 1, 2019. In 2018, Siloam hosted two of five Presbytery meetings including a special closing meeting on November 20 th.

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Regional Representative Vacancy As we move into 2019, Presbytery Representative now becomes Regional Representative. Sharon Ashton has stepped down after serving as a Siloam Presbytery Representative for over eleven years. We have a vacancy as Siloam will continue with two representatives. If you are interested, please contact me for details. Regions in Canada

Here are 17 regions that divide Canada (17th one is Indigenous):

Notice in inset we are in the Antler River Watershed Region encompassing six former presbyteries from London Conference. The name was explained by last London Conference President, Joyce Payne; “Thames River is referred to as Antler River by many Indigenous

communities. We felt the watershed was a definitive and bonding factor that was shared by our geographical region.” The Regional staff will serve Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Waterways in an office on highway 6 near Hamilton. At the end of May, we will have our first conference for three regions attending together and will elect councils for each region. These three regions represent fourteen former Presbyteries. The challenge ahead is that we have lost all the volunteers that interact with congregations and the regions will be looking at how to reconnect with this people power. The Regions will be

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reaching out to previous volunteers to continue their work in a new capacity. As a former member of Division of Mission and Outreach, we are exploring how to replace our Division and create clusters and communicate with other churches. At our Presbytery meeting last February, we had tremendous attendance exploring what a cluster is and where do we go to start one. Respectfully submitted by: Steven Britton

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND WORK PROPERTY COMMITTEE…

The Property Committee has had a very busy and productive year in 2018. We would like to thank John Burns for his capable leadership of the committee, for the donation of his skills, talent and materials to the church, and wish him well. The property committee continued to maintain the building, completing a number of projects. The library has been painted, thanks to the efforts of John and Jane Davidson, and has new carpeting, thanks to the generosity of the Rose Birrell Women. They also funded the replacement of the carpet in the office. The nursery washroom has been painted. The septic tank was pumped and we also had an extension added to the top of the tank to facilitate easier access in the future, thanks to the efforts of Ray Hunt. We are looking at replacing chairs and have several sample models to look at, thanks to Bob Brewster for organizing that project. Rose Birrell have also agreed to purchase additional replacement tables. A major project has been the replacement of the front doors. New front doors have been installed, and an electronic lock has been installed on the handicap door. The parking lot has been swept and new lines and handicap spots have been painted. The trees and underbrush along the north perimeter have been trimmed and cleaned up, in preparation for the addition of townhouses to our north. Clyde and Jenny Spencer spent many hours loading brush in his trailer and taking it to Try Recycling. I am sure they know Clyde and Jenny on a first name basis considering the number of loads was in the double digits. We continue to manage property rentals, support other committee initiatives, and set up for all functions that take place. I cannot emphasize enough the support of all the property committee members in this regard. Lots of hours and time have been donated in support of our church. Thanks to Erin for keeping track of the large number of events and users of our church, and keeping us informed. The committee has also supported the amalgamation of the Birr church members, hanging the cross in the sanctuary. We would like to thank John Burns and Bob Neal for the construction of the new cupboards in the Library Chapel to hold amalgamation items. A major project was the emptying and refilling all contents of the classrooms in support of the Boomerfest event in October. Thanks to the McClary family for the use of their trailer.

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The committee sponsored the Shrove Tuesday pancake supper again where copious amounts of food were consumed, and are not responsible for the cavities resulting from all the syrup consumed. We will be doing the same event this year. A challenge for us in 2019 will be the replacement of the failed rooftop furnace which heats the Library/Chapel, and also the rear outside doors. We would welcome anyone who is interested in joining our committee. We welcome new member Vincent Chacko to the committee. Thanks to Jane Davidson for acting as secretary, and keeping us all in line (and bringing John to help on setups). If you are looking for a committee to join, please consider us. We’re a lot of fun. Submitted by: Dave Dunham, Acting Chair MINISTRY AND PERSONNEL… As the human resources department at Siloam we deal with all staff members and their job responsibilities, as well as their interactions with members of the congregation. For the most part the work of this committee is confidential as we consult with and support staff, regularly look at job descriptions and responsibilities, and make recommendations to Council when necessary. I wish to thank Randy Donkervoort, outgoing chair, for his work on this committee over the last seven years. Randy has moved on to chair the Visioning Committee. At the same time I want to welcome four new members to the committee: Rosemary Todd, Jane Ridley, Elaine Woodley and John Davidson. I also want to thank Marlene Brown who will be stepping off the committee this year for her four years of service. In April, the Ministry and Personnel Committee participated in a webinar workshop put on by the United Church of Canada with regard to Managing Lay Employees in the Church. We bid farewell to Kerry Stover, our Minister of Visitation, in August as he moved to Kincardine and welcomed Rev. Ann Corbet as Minister of Visitation in September. The Committee conducted performance reviews with the Lead Minister, the Youth Ministry Team Lead and the Administrative Assistant, negotiated a two year contract with the Director of Music, and made recommendations for salary adjustments which were presented to council. We also investigated the need for Siloam to take out WSIB insurance to cover our employees in the event of a workplace accident. Based on the information presented, council passed a motion to proceed with the coverage which will go into effect January 2019. Respectfully submitted: Pauline Newton, Chairperson

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SPIRITUAL LIFE AND WORSHIP… “It is not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Mother Teresa

Once again this year, we accepted each other as we are and welcomed the ministry and participation of all persons, regardless of age, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, or ethnic, economic or religious backgrounds. Our faith community is strengthened by this diversity. We collaborated with our ministry staff and volunteers to plan and to implement dynamic, inclusive and meaningful worship experiences through sermons, music, media and liturgy, during our regular Sunday services and other services, as appropriate.[baptisms, weddings, funerals, and nursing homes]. We thank God for the spiritual gifts of the Reverend Dr. Sheila Macgregor and especially for the leadership, which she provides to a talented team of paid staff plus a large contingent of equally talented volunteers. In previous years, I have attempted to identify and to thank individuals for their contribution to the spiritual life and worship of congregants, but invariably, I missed someone. So, a sincere thank you to our staff and volunteers. When preparing the annual draft budget of the spiritual life and worship team, for 2019, budget requests for 24 different categories were submitted to Council. Staff and volunteers plan and implement programs to meet the needs and interests of participants by establishing and monitoring approved budgets. Generally, leaders have demonstrated the responsibility to stay within their budgeted amounts without reducing the quality of the experience. With the addition of “The Dreams Come True Studio” on Saturday mornings, Siloam is now open most days of the year for worship and for various types of programming. We hope that through our worship experiences, programs and outreach, participants will experience God’s unconditional love. Respectfully submitted by: Stuart Cunningham VISIONING…

Our Visioning Day on April 7 was a tremendous success and it would not have been possible without the support of our Siloam Congregation, 70 plus members attended. Michael Kooiman, our Edge Consultant started the Visioning Process off with an exercise where you listed what your “Hearts Desire was for Siloam and the things you needed to let go if your dreams were to be achieved. This exercise was an opportunity to dream about the future of what Siloam might become. Your response was overwhelming and the task Michael had was to sort through the hundreds of responses and identify the common threads. Michael summarized the feedback and created a list of the Top 10 Dreams or Desires.

1. Specific Program Suggestions

2. Better Community use of our Building

3. Reaching out and inviting others to Siloam

4. Focus on children and youth

5. Being an Intergenerational church

6. Hospitality

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7. Neighbourhood promotion

8. Internal promotion and awareness

9. Siloam on line presence

10. Changes to worship and music

In June, your Visioning Team met with Edge Consultants to prioritize and refine this list to a more manageable size. From this meeting we identified Three Primary and Two Secondary Recommendations. 1. The first Recommendation is to create A Community Hub at Siloam: This includes raising the

profile of Siloam in the community and supporting the community in their use of our building. It could include partnerships with other community organizations; we could apply for funding to create a Community Coordinator position focused on new programs and supporting new emerging networks and organizations in our community. However, a community hub is more than a busy building: it means finding new ways to weave Siloam into the fabric of the community.

2. The second recommendation is for Enhanced Communication at Siloam: Communication is

both internal and external. It means equipping members and friends to tell the Siloam story and to provide them with the resources needed to do this effectively. It will likely be a mix of the old and new: from printed materials to social media, from “save the date” to storytelling. Communication also needs to evolve and respond to feedback.

3. And the third recommendation if for An Intergenerational Church at Siloam: The church is a

place where all generations are welcomed and given a place. As a goal, it may be reflected in the people who gather on Sunday mornings, but it may also be a mix of programs that happen throughout the week. It recognizes that important strides have already been made in this direction and it encourages us to stretch the definition of traditional participation in the congregation.

In order to support these primary Recommendations, Two Secondary Recommendations were made: 1. The first secondary recommendation is to Revise our Board Governance to support the new

direction of our Primary Recommendations. 2. The second secondary recommendation is to Develop the Leadership skills of our current and future leaders. Leaders who will implement the initiatives that support these

Recommendations. Edge Consultants will be providing guidance and training in 2019 to support our Visioning Team with these two Secondary Recommendations. Three teams of volunteers were recruited and given the task to develop the Strategic Direction for the three primary recommendations. On December 1, the Visioning Teams met with Michael Kooiman for the last time. Michael provided the teams with a summary of the progress to date and direction on how to proceed to the next step of developing the strategic plan. The three teams are as follows: A Community Hub at Siloam Catherine Glover (Chair), Peggy Dunham (Notes / Minutes), Ric Graham, Sharon Ashton, Janet Meyerink, Dave Dunham, Mark Davidson, Sheila Macgregor (Janet Liefso – Implementation phase)

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An Inter-generational Church at Siloam Dan Davis (Chair), Lynn McClary (Notes / Minutes), Pauline Newton, Kaye Appleby, Erin Salter, Sheila Macgregor, Andria Gillan, Allison O’Connor, Jen Prince Enhanced Communication at Siloam Mike Ashton (Chair / Notes), Susan Graham, Wib Dawson, Malcolm Macgregor, Allyn Todd All three teams have met several times and are well on their way to achieving their objective of developing a strategic plan by February / March of this year. I want to congratulate and extend a huge thank you to the team members for their support and commitment to Siloam’s future. The next update to the Congregation will be in late February or early March when we review our Progress and Next Steps. Respectfully submitted: Randy Donkervoort ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AT SILOAM – 2018 … Adult Education & Study Groups The Bible isn’t an easy book. First passed down orally over several centuries and later written down by ancient people of different languages and cultures than our own, it can often be very difficult for post-modern people like ourselves to grasp its true meaning. Christians therefore are encouraged to study the scriptures in their historical and cultural settings with prayer and discernment. When read and studied faithfully in the presence of the Spirit and in the context of a loving community that is not afraid to explore the big questions of life, it can open our understanding, amplify our service to God’s world, keep us from twisting the truth and deepen our devotion to Jesus Christ. To this end we try to offer a number of opportunities for study every year at Siloam. I am extremely grateful to Stuart Cunningham and Richard Graham, both excellent teachers and students of the Bible, for their leadership during a year in which I was trying to complete my book, Re-Designing Your Life: A Practical Spirituality for the Second Half of Life and also get ready for Canadian Boomerfest: A Celebration and Colloquium on Boomers and Spirituality.

Last year the following video and book studies were offered: Winter 2018:

“Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet.” This book and video study by Adam Hamilton was led primarily by Stuart Cunningham and Ric Graham with accompanying Sunday sermons by Rev. Sheila. In this study we retraced the life of Moses from his modest birth and rescue as a baby to the courts of Pharaoh, from herding flocks in Midian to leading his people out of Egypt. We explored how we too can turn our own reluctance into boldness as we considered the ways in which God helped Moses face his challenges in powerful ways.

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Spring 2018: “Why? Making Sense of God’s Will” by Adam Hamilton: Led primarily by Stuart Cunningham and Ric Graham, in this book and video study we explored the age-old question of how to understand the will of God when we face tragedy and heartache or when the world does not make any sense to us. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation – This study based on Bruce

Metzger’s book and video was led by Rev. Sheila and met over several Wednesday evenings in the spring. The Book of Revelation contains passages of great beauty and comfort, as well as passages that strike the casual reader as bizarre, bewildering, and sometimes frightening. How we discern God’s message in this strange part of the Bible, and how we understand its symbolism, was part of our task in this study. Fall 2018: “Unafraid: Living With Courage and Hope in Uncertain Times” by Adam Hamilton was introduced by Sheila and led by Stu and Ric. This was a timely study. Not a week goes by when some new threat or calamity does not dominate the headlines. While there are times when fear can save our lives, more often it robs us of the life of joy and purpose God wants to give us. In this study we looked at how we can learn to trust and embrace Jesus’s recurring counsel “Do not be afraid” and live the fulfilling life He promises us. Advent 2018

Joseph: Faithful through the Eyes of Joseph – Our Advent study was led by Rev. Sheila and focused on Joseph, who is often absent from or ignored in the Nativity story. In this book and video study by Adam Hamilton we examined Joseph’s all-important role as Jesus’ earthly father, who is a good role model for today’s fathers and offers many fine lessons for us all. This year the Advent and Christmas sermons, as well as the daily devotions for Advent, focused on Joseph of Nazareth. Ongoing Studies

Gratitude is expressed to Rev. Ross Williams and David Dillon for their leadership of the Friday morning discussion group on the book by Wayne Dyer, Change Your Thoughts - Change Your Life: Living the Wisdom of the Tao. Five hundred years before the birth of Jesus, Lao-tzu in

ancient China dictated 81 verses, which are regarded by many as an important commentary on the nature of our existence. This group continues its study of these 81 verses, called the Tao Te Ching or the Great Way, and considers the advice and guidance Dyer offers in relation to the teachings of the Christian faith. Submitted by: Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor PLEASE NOTE: Our study groups are open to all adults in the congregation, as well as friends from the wider community. Please call the office if you are interested in attending or just drop by! Please also feel free to suggest topics to the Chair and members of the Adult Education Team, Spiritual Life and Worship, or the staff.

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CANADIAN BOOMERFEST... Canadian Boomerfest: A Celebration & Colloquium on Boomers and Spirituality:

http://canadianboomerfest.siloamunitedchurch.org/

For some Canadians, October 17th, 2018, may be remembered as the day that cannabis became legal in Canada; but for those who were fortunate enough to be able to attend the inaugural Canadian Boomerfest at Siloam United Church in London, Ont., it will long be remembered as the start of the life-transforming conference on Baby Boomers and Spirituality. Eight top speakers from across North America in the fields of spirituality and aging presented their findings on the challenges and opportunities that Boomers face now that they are in the second half of life. Nearly 150 people, mainly from United Church congregations in southwestern Ontario, took part in the three-day event, including as well many from other faith groups: Jewish, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Mennonite, and Quaker. Over the three days we were introduced to some very big ideas. “What shall we do with the time we have left?” asked Rabbi Richard Address in the opening address. With grace and humour, and the compassion of a much beloved pastor, Address talked about the two “wild cards” of aging: “health” and “time”, concluding his message by reminding us of the need to build supportive relationships as we age. Reginald Bibby, who has been monitoring religious trends in Canada through a series of well-known national surveys since the mid-seventies, told us about how our expressions of faith and spirituality have changed over the decades of our adult life, as well as some important insights into the spiritual needs of younger Canadians, like Millennials. Citing both demographic changes, notably changes in immigration patterns, and cultural developments (more women working full-time outside the home), he noted that the Church is in a very different place than it was when Boomers were born (1946 – 1964). In addition, while Canadian Boomers have generally achieved a level of material success that is higher than their parents, the studies show that they feel they are missing something from life. Their hours and hours of hard work have not led to greater happiness. But there is good news too and a real opportunity for the Church. As Bibby said, “The main thing is that their religious involvement adds to their lives: God and spirituality, personal enrichment, and people.” Craig Miller picked up on Bibby’s observation that Boomers are feeling much less fulfilled in life than their parents and even went so far as to describe this dissatisfaction as despair. Recalling the film “The Wizard of Oz”, which many Boomers watched annually while they were growing up, he noted that this movie has become a symbol for so much of what Boomers feel – a loss of trust in institutions: government, business, financial institutions, schools and universities, the family, and the Church. Boomers learned that they “cannot trust the man behind the screen.” He then went on to give us a helpful framework for looking at how we in the Church can respond to the very real needs of Boomers and support them in their spiritual quest.

Jane Kuepfer shared a number of moving testimonies from the first-wave Boomers she interviewed in her doctoral research and the spiritual resources that they have found best address their needs for love, joy and peace. The evidence shows that many Boomers are focussing less on the more traditional resources of Church, Hymn Sings and Bible Study. Faith communities and long-term care centres, therefore, will need to be open to providing new and more creative resources for spiritual sustenance as Boomers age.

Daniel Pelletier spoke candidly about his role as a First Nations Elder and taught us compellingly about the path the Creator has given us to walk. He discussed how his indigenous spirituality has

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supported him through many ups and downs in life and also shared some of the important symbols of the Elder.

Paul Links discussed some of the mental and emotional challenges adults face in the second half of life and the risk of depression. This trend is seen particularly in retired men in Canada, among whom the suicide rate is alarmingly high. Quoting concentration camp survivor and psychologist Viktor Frankl, Links stressed the importance of having a purpose in the post-retirement years.

Mardi Tindal and William Randolph brought a more practical approach to the theme of Boomers and Spirituality. Randolph provided us with the nuts and bolts for creating a Boomer ministry in our communities and urged us to consider that when the Church neglects or fails to minister to Boomers and older adults, it is participating in elder abuse. He also reminded us, as Miller had done, that Boomer parents and grandparents are an important link between the Church and Millennials and younger generations of Canadians.

Tindal gave us a fascinating introduction to “Wine on the Porch”, a co-housing project for older adults in the Hyde Park district of Toronto that she and her husband Doug have started with others. An intentional, environmentally friendly living project, it is ideal for engaged Boomers who want to remain independent while consciously building the important supportive relationships that Address talked about in his opening keynote speech.

In addition to the plenary presentations in the sanctuary, participants had a choice of several helpful workshops pertaining to major themes related to spirituality in the second half of life. Among these was a very meaningful seminar led by Anne Beattie-Stokes, entitled “Getting a Heart of Wisdom”. In this workshop Anne explored the psychological and spiritual tasks of our Elder years and the importance of cultivating a spirit of gratitude as we age.

But Boomerfest was not just a series of interesting talks and presentations. There was lots of time for fun and building new friendships too that highlighted Boomers’ love of community and good health. There were fitness breaks throughout the conference, delicious meals and snacks (largely prepared by our Rose Birrell Women’s Group with Linda Arthur providing the one evening meal), a frequently visited book room, trivia quizzes on famous Boomers and Boomer music, as well as an evening filled with dancing to the music of the sixties and seventies by local band, Tom Cat Prowl.

The event ended with a panel discussion following lunch on Friday, at which participants were able to ask any additional questions they may have had for the speakers. The keynote addresses, panel discussion and other helpful resources can all be found on our Boomerfest website: http://canadianboomerfest.siloamunitedchurch.org/

As people left, they kept coming up to co-convener Kerry Stover and me to ask when we are going to hold our next Boomerfest! Several went away and started a Boomerfest group at their own churches so that they could be intentional about how they would put into practice what they had learned. All the written evaluations were extremely positive, and a number of people have phoned or stopped by Siloam to make sure that we have their contact information when we offer similar events in the future.

I am enormously grateful to the many people at Siloam (and beyond) who helped to make Boomerfest such a stellar event. Thanks to the support of our wonderful volunteers, people left the event feeling that they had gained a variety of very helpful and encouraging spiritual resources to help them thrive in the second half of life. Moreover, a number of ordained and lay

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leaders from various faith communities came away feeling exhilarated and inspired to begin their own Boomerfest ministries. Although the event was never intended to be a fundraiser, we did realise a profit of $4,473.40, which (it was suggested at our celebration supper) could be directed toward other events for Boomers and ministry with Older Adults. In December a donation of $500 was received by one of our speakers, Reginald Bibby, for the purposes of continuing our work with mature adults. Siloam is truly blessed!

The outstanding response we have received has convinced us that the Church must be intentional in addressing the needs of today's Boomers if it wishes to remain relevant, especially as Boomers are often the link between the Church and the younger generations. In addition to our own congregation, which agreed to host Boomerfest, we were grateful to have the support of the following sponsors: The United Church of Canada Foundation The United Church Council of Middlesex Presbytery First-St. Andrews United Church Zion United Church Harris Funeral Home Jeff Cousins, Tim Hortons Rogers TV Special thanks are also expressed to the members of our Boomerfest Steering Committee and sub-committees, who worked so hard to pull it all together: Kaye Appleby Mike Ashton Linda Badke, First St. Andrews-United Steven Britton Stu Cunningham David Dillon, Reynolds Creek, Putnam United Mary Dillon, Reynolds Creek, Putnam United Judi Emery Catherine Glover Ric Graham David Knoppert, Wesley-Knox United Diane Knoppert, Wesley-Knox United Richard Macgregor Sheila Macgregor Lynn McClary Margaret Smith Kerry Stover, First-St. Andrews, Siloam and Kincardine United Churches Heather Vosper, First-St. Andrews United

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HEALING AND WELLNESS MINISTRY…

Under the leadership of Rev. Janelle Towle, the Healing and Wellness committee met 6 times and offered the following programs: Ageless Grace, a safe and fun exercise programme for the body and brain began in January. (It

had been introduced in the Advent Retreat in 2017). It is led by the wonderful Odile Brockman-Lee and costs only $2.00 per session. Ageless Grace is well attended, cost-recovered, is accessible to everyone and continues every Tuesday afternoon. During January and February, a group of approximately 20 individuals enjoyed and benefited from 6 Art Therapy sessions offered by the talented Artist and Art Therapist, Haley Tallman. In March, an interesting and well-attended evening workshop was offered on The Healing and Wellness Benefits of Gardening. In April and May, a group of 25 participants enjoyed learning about Zentangle (an easy-to–learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images) from the energetic Jill Barber. In November, a very interesting and helpful evening, Understanding Dementia, was facilitated by Dina Boone, from the London Alzheimer Society. Two Labyrinth walks were offered, but neither was well attended. Also, this year’s Advent Retreat was planned but cancelled due to poor response. The Healing and Wellness Committee is pleased to offer these types of programs which are available to members of our congregation and our community. Committee members: Janelle Towle, Judy Findlay, Ann Corbet (joined Sept.), Susan Graham, Jo-Anne Richards, David Dillon, Parnell Bursey, Sheila Macgregor (ex officio) Respectfully submitted Susan Graham, for the Healing and Wellness Committee COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE … The role of the Communications Committee is to develop and implement a coordinated and integrated communications strategy to promote effective and efficient communication with the congregation and within the community. This includes the website, newsletters, social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter), audio-video, and print media. It also investigates development and implementation of digital strategies to extend our ministry message beyond one hour on Sunday mornings. Website - The website is currently hosted on a server at no cost to Siloam. Because of this, the

space available is limited and we are quickly approaching that limit. Options will be investigated in the coming year to ensure we continue to provide this important utility. Podcasts - This is one way we extend our ministry beyond Sunday mornings. We currently

provide an audio recording of the last 4 services by the Monday following the service. Although only four weeks are available on the website, due to space limitations, they are all stored on another server and a link can be requested if you wish to listen.

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Newsletters - Constant Contact continues to provide a solid delivery medium for email

communication - the weekly Sunday at Siloam dispatch which provides a preview of the coming Sundays worship service and announcements; information about upcoming events, workshops, and study groups; and Fanfare our quarterly newsletter. Social Media - Our current focus is Facebook and Instagram with Twitter playing a secondary

role. Jen, Ramita and Wib have provided a continuous flow of posts to ensure effective exposure within the social media environment. Another way to enhance our messaging is for members of the congregation who view us on social media to “like” and “comment” on our posts. Audio-Video Media - our library of podcast and video messages in the “Media Room” on the

website continues to grow over the past year. Wib Dawson has been busy creating these vignettes which provide a perpetual resource of information about the history, ministry, life, work, and celebrations at Siloam. Signage - The communications committee provided input to the committee developing the new sign proposal. Visioning - The value provided by the communications committee is derived through volunteer commitment which consumes a great deal of time. As our needs become more sophisticated in order to attract and inform youth and young families, more dedicated resources will be required to ensure our investment is properly and fully utilized. The communications visioning team is exploring opportunities to accomplish this. Respectfully submitted: Mike Ashton, Acting Chair MINISTRY OF MUSIC … REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC…

The 2018 church year went by so quickly! It seems like yesterday I was submitting for the 2017 Annual Report, and now I am writing my musings of the Music Program for 2018 in January 2019. Where is the time going? One of the challenges I issued to myself was to expand my musical selections by branching out into different genres of music. This fall and 2019 will see greater variety in the musical styles presented for services by the Choir. Sing Christmas by Joel Raney and Mary McDonald, the cantata presented this past December, represents this change. More challenging than any cantata that the choir has done in my tenure, it made this past year’s Cantata Concert and Service two of the highlights of my time at Siloam. The choir tackled some very challenging music and performed the music wonderfully! Those who came were blessed by talents of Ray Hunt and Connie Petepiece, Allison O’Connor, students and musicians from Western, and the member of our choir and congregation. The audience at the Friday concert was humbling; I am truly honored to have been part of that experience. Many people outside of the choir deserve gratitude for their continued support of the choir: Helen Bruzas and her son Greg, Carole Echlin, Erin Salter, The Rose Birrell Women’s Group, Council and the committees therein, and the congregation at Siloam. We continue to make a joyful noise for you all.

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I would also like to thank Elizabeth Zuwala, Colin Bain, and Jade Baird for the talents and service to the choir this fall; we as a congregation look forward to your continued music making! Humbly submitted: Todd Wieczorek, DM The Senior Choir …

The Senior choir has had another very successful year under the direction of Dr. Todd Wieczorek and accompanied by David Parisi. We have welcomed several new members (although we’d like more in the tenor section…) and the choir continues to grow in size. New anthems and a new cantata have made for an enjoyable year for the choir and stretched our talents as singers. Some of the highlights of our year included special music at Easter and the 161st Anniversary Service in October. In addition, the Christmas season is always a highlight for our choir. This year we performed the Cantata entitled “Sing Christmas” composed by Mary McDonald and Joel Raney. This was a challenging cantata both for the choir and the musicians. We were once again blessed by an orchestra of students from the Western University music program, to play percussion, winds, and brass, alongside David Parisi and Allison O’Conner on piano and keyboard. The choir would like to thank all our benefactors who donate to support our student musicians, the purchase of the Cantata music, and the orchestral scores. Without this support, productions like this would not be possible. We had two performances; a concert on Friday night and the Cantata service on Sunday December 16th. The Friday December 14th performance also featured various numbers and acts by small groups, individuals and duets by a number of church members. Thank you to David Parisi for organizing this program, and accompanying the various numbers. David and Allison also made our grand piano smoke while doing a rousing version of Sleigh Ride Duet Fantasy. The audience support of the Cantata concert through goodwill offerings was much appreciated and will further music programs at Siloam. The choir would like to thank our Western vocal students for their faithful support and leadership and also for their performances of solo, duet and small ensemble numbers throughout the year. Laura Duffy left us in June, but Elizabeth Zuwala returned for a second year with us and was joined by Colin Bain and Jade Baird in September. The choir was deeply saddened by the loss of Rick Carnegie this fall. Rick was a long-time member of the bass section. We will miss his groaner jokes and his whistling accompaniment. Respectfully submitted by: Peggy Dunham, Senior Choir President

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Siloam Sounds Bell Choir …

The bell choir has continued to shrink and is currently down to 6 regular ringers. In spite of our

small numbers, the Siloam Sounds Bell Choir was able to perform a few times during 2018.

We have great fun at rehearsals, and under the direction of David Parisi the bell

choir enjoyed ringing at Easter, Father’s Day, Anniversary Sunday, the

Christmas Cantata Concert and on Christmas Eve. We were particularly

grateful to Alicia Lenny who stepped in to ring with us at Christmas and to

Christopher Brown who played the electronic keyboard to supplement our

performance on Christmas Eve.

The Siloam Sounds are looking forward to continuing to ring, but the reality is

that we could use some additional members. We need people to keep the bells

ringing and to support this aspect of the music program at Siloam. Even if you

are not able to commit for the entire year, but might be available during high

demand times such as Christmas Eve and Easter, we would love to hear from

you. If you are interested in attending a practice to learn more about ringing the

bells, please contact our director, David Parisi, or speak with one of the other members of the

choir. We would love to have you come out!

Respectfully submitted by:

Peggy Dunham

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE ...

From the Congregational Life perspective, 2018 was the year of the cake with 8 cakes served to celebrate Janet Fradette's retirement in January, to say farewell to Kerry Stover in September, to welcome our members from Birr United Church in September and finally, to celebrate our anniversary in October. We are very grateful to Marion Smibert, niece of Marian McIntyre who is a member of the Congregational Life committee for doing such a wonderful job of baking and decorating the cakes for us. In addition to the above events the Congregational Life committee;

Hosted reception following the Forest City Singers concerts in April and November Prepared and served cold beverages at the Church picnic in June Hosted a pot luck lunch for Rally Sunday Hosted a reception following for Shane cook's concert Hosted a dessert reception for the Alun Thomas reading of A Child's Christmas in

Wales in November Served and cleaned up following the annual choir lunch Provided posies for mothers who had babies baptized Distributed Fanfare to those who do not receive it by email

Members of the Congregational Life committee also prepared and served coffee for 25 weeks out of 52 during 2018 and we are grateful to all those who also volunteer to serve coffee after the service. The serving of coffee along with Cookie Sundays (always well received) are an important

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part of our Hospitality Ministry. If you would like to be involved in either please contact Liz Sheridan for coffee (519-204-3100) or Lynn McClary for cookies (519-660-0242). Lunch with a Bunch, a way for those who eat alone to share companionship at a mealtime, was introduced in 2018 and started off strong at the beginning of the year but was not well attended in the latter part of the year. The program is currently under review. The first week of October saw a flurry of activity with members of the congregation having their photographs taken for the new church directory which should be available sometime in the new year. The directory will have a different format this time with no event photos (take a look at these on the bulletin boards in Tolpuddle Hall) just photos and contact information but we now have the ability to add to the directory when we have a significant number of newcomers rather than having to wait for 5 years. The Congregational Life Committee looks forward to another busy year ahead and welcomes any and all those interested in hospitality. Respectfully submitted by Anita Elworthy and Harla O'Neil Co-chairs, Congregational Life

SILOAM SIZZLERS … The Siloam Sizzlers have had another successful year! The Siloam Sizzlers are comprised of any adult who would like to be involved with social, and often cultural, events with others. In 2018, the Sizzlers:

went bowling then enjoyed desserts together saw a choice of 2 plays at the Huron County Playhouse then enjoyed a pot luck dinner experienced an enjoyable evening of dinner and a show at Walters Dinner Theater traveled to Sarnia to enjoy a moving musical production by the Nightingale Chorus and

then dinner at Wagg's. This event is becoming a beloved Christmas tradition. The Sizzler events are organized by anyone who has an idea and, as you can see, they always involve food. Watch the Sunday Bulletin for upcoming Sizzler events. You can participate in all events or just one or two. Respectfully Submitted: Cora Burns and Mary Vair

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SILOAM MOVIE GROUP …

I would like to thank Mary Vair for coordinating 2018 - 2019 schedules. In the last 12 months, the theaters we went to are Silver City, Rainbow, and Hyland. We always meet afterwards for about one hour with lively discussion of what we like and didn’t like about each movie. Here are the movies we saw with theater and social location:

Date Movie Theater Restaurant

February 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri

Silver City Billy T’s

March Red Sparrow & 2 Other Choices

Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

April Chappaquiddic Hyland Kubby's Bar and Grill

May Life of the Party Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

June Book Club & 2 Other Choices

Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

September Crazy Rich Asians Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

October A Star Is Born Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

November Bohemian Rhapsody Imagine (Rainbow)

Fox & Fiddle

January 2019 The Green Book Hyland The Sweet Onion

If you want to be on our contact list, please e-mail me at my new address slbritton@rogers.com or call 519-472-6374. Respectfully submitted by: Steven Britton THE ROSE BIRRELL WOMEN’S GROUP …

The year 2018 was another year of worship, fellowship and fun. We continue to have three people who share the work load of the organizational planning and chairing of the business meetings. The members share the hosting of the monthly meetings. We have a membership of 32. We have a quilting group that meets each Monday and a knitting group that meets every second week. Our speakers and activities for 2018 were making “Cups of Kindness”; Barb Poole spoke on Elder Abuse; David Stickland came from Street Soccer London to express his thanks for our help; Laura and Susan came from Meals on Wheels; James Chalmers came from Home Instead Senior Care; Lea Wilson came from the Heart & Stroke Foundation; and Jane Roy came with her paintings of poppies in November. We had a catered lunch in June and we celebrated our annual birthday in September.

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We were entertained with a drama by the Famous Five Suffragettes at our catered Christmas Luncheon. We purchased and handled the delivery of 37 poinsettias to Siloam shut-ins and also managed the mailing of over 100 get well and sympathy cards to members of the congregation on behalf of the church. We were happy to provide a reception following the Christmas Cantata and also following the “Dreams Come True” concert. We had a very successful bazaar in November and had a bake sale at the Spring and Fall Yard Sales. Our Boutique (located by the office) always has a supply of new articles and we wish to thank those who knit and sew for us. Other projects included co-ordinating funeral receptions and catering for Presbytery events and our Visioning Day. In April, we hosted a Ham and Scalloped Potato Dinner and in October, we catered to two lunches and seven refreshment breaks for Boomerfest. In January, we again donated $10,000 to the church general fund. We also purchased new carpet tiles for the O’Brien-Sproule Library-Chapel and the office. OUTREACH – Donations were made to ELUCO, Mission & Service, Middlesex Presbytery Resource Centre, Wellspring, Street Soccer London, Elder Abuse Group, Meals on Wheels, Heart & Stroke Foundation and the Food Bank. This Christmas, we again sponsored a family (through ELUCO) – a grandmother, aunt and two little boys. We purchased clothing, toys for the children, a turkey for Christmas, a ham for New Year’s and all the trimmings for dinners during the holiday season. We prepare and send lunches for 40 at Street Soccer London every other month. We wish to thank the members of the congregation who help us – those who share their talents, serve, wash dishes and send food to our catering functions, funeral receptions, and help with the bazaar. We couldn’t do it without you! We meet the first Thursday of each month (except January, July & August) at 1pm for tea, cookies and a planned program. Everyone is welcome! Respectfully submitted by: Jo-Ann Gramlich, Margaret Smith & Enid Wilson SIGN COMMITTEE… "And this shall be a sign unto you...." Luke 2:12 In 2018, Council tasked the Sign committee with replacing the existing “Siloam United Church” sign with a new state-of-the art electronic sign. The committee, comprising of Ric Graham, Rob Elliott and Richard Macgregor, obtained 3 quotes from reputable companies. The work was awarded to Gould Signs and a new electronic sign was installed in early January 2019.

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Thanks are expressed to the Communications committee for their valuable guidance regarding font size, colour and content parameters and also to the Elliott family for their assistance with installation of the new sign and for decommissioning and removing the old sign. Respectfully submitted: Gabriel TRUSTEES . . . As Trustees of Siloam United Church in London Ontario, our mission is to help protect and preserve the physical assets of the church, to invest funds in accordance with our Investment Policy, and to manage appropriately and with respect any resources donated in memory of or in honor of any person or event, or any monies received from the sale of physical assets, for the benefit of the congregation. 2018 began with the approval of the Siloam Trustees Financial Management Plan developed during 2017. The Plan contains four Policies: Investment Policy; Gift Acceptance Policy; Designated Memorial Funds Policy; and Granting of Funds Policy. The entire Plan is available for viewing on the Siloam website. With an Investment Policy in place, the Trustees set about locating the best place to invest the approximately $600,000 available. Several alternative investment firms were investigated and interviewed. In order to achieve all the criteria in the Investment Policy, including ethical investing as well as security, flexibility, and suitable rate of return, Fiera Capital’s Income and Growth Fund was selected, the same Fund used by the United Church of Canada Endowment Fund. While the option did exist for Siloam to participate in the UCC Endowment Fund, it was decided that flexibility in that fund would be too restrictive. Of the $350,000 invested, $250,000 is dedicated to generating interest specifically for the minister(s) housing allowance salary component, estimated to return a minimum of $10,000 interest per year. The remainder ($250,000) of the $600,000 was invested in a Libro 30-day renewable short-term deposit to be used for capital projects as they arise. Several capital projects were funded by the Trustees in 2018 from the $250,000 noted above: new front doors on the church, sanctuary lighting upgrade, installation of an electronic roadside sign, parking lot line repainting, and installation of a defibrillator in the church. Please refer to the 2018 Trustees Financial Report below for further detail on specific costs for these projects. At the end of April 2018, the Trustees Scotiabank account was closed and the $20,000 GIC invested there was redeemed. All funds received as a result of the closure were deposited in the Trustees Libro account. It is a responsibility of the Trustees to ensure that the church property is always adequately insured. The insurance policy for Siloam has been renewed for 2019 with McFarland Rowlands. The Trustees have been following the proposed construction of a condominium development along the north border of the church property. Rembrandt is the developer and has been keeping the Trustees informed of progress. Construction is expected to start during 2019. Potential insurance implications were investigated should a tree fall on a condo property. Our insurer assures us we have sufficient liability coverage under our existing policy. At the request of Council, the Trustees provided a $30,000 loan to Siloam’s Operating Account at the simple annual interest rate of 1.3%. This loan will enable Siloam to provide its own Line Of Credit (LOC) and pay interest to itself instead of the bank. The loan is conditional on the

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Operating Account maintaining the $30,000 amount separate from Council’s financial reports so that no false impression resulting in the appearance that the Operating Account always has sufficient funds. The loan is reviewed at each year-end and has been approved to continue through 2019. On September 30, 2018, Birr United Church amalgamated with Siloam. Since the Birr church property had already been sold with Presbytery’s approval, the proceeds of sale were transferred to the Siloam Trustees after the Birr bank accounts were closed. The net amount received by Siloam was $202,515. Early in 2019, the investment with Fiera will be increased by $250,000. Through generous donations to Designated Funds, contributions were made to the Operating Account. The Echlin Fund provided $2411 towards the cost of musicians and conductor scores at our 2018 Christmas Cantata. The Bruzas Fund provided $567 towards the cost of the 2018 Cantata music for choir members. The Choir Scholarship Fund will provide $2000 towards the cost of music students in the Siloam Choir during 2019. The Beckstead/Newton/Johnson/McCurdy Fund provided $200 towards Bell Choir music in 2018. Siloam is very grateful for the generous contributors to these funds. Similar contributions from the above funds to the Operating Account will be made during 2019 and when combined with the Minister’s housing allowance salary component of $10,000 plus a commitment to assist with funding the Visioning Program now under way, the Trustees have committed to providing a total of $21,000 by year-end. The Trustees have established a new Designated Fund named the Choir Fund. Its purpose is to support the needs of the Siloam choirs, Musical Director, and Accompanist. Proceeds from the performance of any choir cantata will be added to this fund as will any donations received specifically for support of the choirs. The 2018 Cantata proceeds, donations in memory of Ric Carnegie (which were specifically requested to go to the Choir Fund), and a large single private donation for supporting the needs of the Director and Accompanist have already been deposited in this fund. Listed here are the 6 Designated Memorial and Celebration of Life Funds managed by the Trustees on behalf of the congregation of Siloam:

1. The Hudson Fund – for chancel enhancement

2. The Bruzas Fund – for cantata choral music

3. The Echlin Scholarship Fund for Instrumental Students – scholarships for music student

instrumentalists/performers

4. The Choir Scholarship Fund – scholarships for vocal music students to participate in the

Siloam choir

5. The Beckstead/Newton/Johnson/McCurdy Fund – to support the music programs at

Siloam

6. The Choir Fund – to support the needs of the choirs, Music Director and Accompanist

Anyone can contribute to these Funds with memorial gifts. However, the Trustees also receive gifts in memory of a person or celebrating an event and which are not directed to one of the Designated Memorial Funds. Such gifts are placed in a Non-Designated Memorial Fund and distributed from time to time as the need arises for particular projects at Siloam that have been approved by Council. The full Board of Trustees is made up of the persons listed in the table below. The Trustee executive is comprised of Allyn Todd (Chair), Carole Echlin (Secretary), and Beth Roberts (Treasurer) assisted by Sheridan Griffin. Charlie Arnott is retiring from the Board this year.

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Name Initial Year Final Year

Charlie Arnott Birr UC Trustee

2019

Carole Echlin 2013 2020

John Little 2012 2020

Karen Thyret 2014 2020

Peggy Rivard 2014 2020

Beth Roberts 2015 2021

Sheridan Griffin 2015 2021

Dave Donaldson 2017 2022

Pete McClary 2017 2022

Allyn Todd 2017 2023

Rob Elliott 2017 2023

Dave Kloppenburg 2018 2024

Ken White Birr UC Trustee

2024

Doug Adams Birr UC Trustee

2024

Sheila Macgregor 2007 Ex Officio

Note: All memberships in the Board of Trustees start and end at the Annual Congregational

Meeting in February of the years indicated in the table. Congregational approval is mandatory for members to be added to or released from the Board. Remarks from the Board of Trustees Chair

Perhaps somewhat unique to Siloam is the fact that we are blessed with a large membership on the Board of Trustees. Many churches have only 2 or 3 members. You might think that this makes for a difficult Team to manage. I assure you that is not the case. This is a most helpful, dedicated, and trustworthy group of people who are willing to take on the tasks required and provide exemplary service to Siloam. I personally feel blessed to have such cooperative, open minded, and contributing personalities on this Team which I am privileged to lead. I trust that as a congregation we realize how very fortunate we are to have such capable people on our Board of Trustees. Trustees Financial Report

During 2018, all daily banking services for the Trustees were moved to Libro and the existing Scotiabank account was closed and the balance transferred to Libro. The Trustees Financial Report for 2018 below reflects the closure of the Scotiabank account and redemption of the Scotiabank GIC and its subsequent deposit into the Libro account.

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2018 Annual Financial Report - Trustees

SCOTIABANK BANK ACCOUNT - 2018

Opening Cash Balance Jan 1, 2018

$22,894.60

Existing GIC (investment)

$20,138.63

2018 Income

Memorial Celebration of Life donations $1,262.00

GIC Interest

$69.31

Bank Interest

$48.13

Total 2018 Income

$1,379.44

Total of Opening Balance + GIC + 2018 Income

$44,412.67

2018 Expenses

Operating and Service Charges $163.20

Equipment Purchase - Heaters $5,541.52

Total 2018 Expenses

$5,704.72

Closing Scotiabank Balance Apr 25, 2018

$38,707.95

LIBRO BANK ACCOUNT - 2018

Opening Cash Balance Jan 1, 2018

$612,379.82

Investments - Libro short term deposit $600,000.00

2018 Income

Memorial Celebration of Life donations $11,280.75

Interest earned

$12,615.29

Christmas Cantata revenue $2,015.75

HST Rebate

$3,099.11

Birr amalgamation proceeds $202,515.00

Tr. From Scotiabank acct. closure $38,707.95

Total 2018 Income

$270,233.85

Total of Opening Balance + 2018 Income

$882,613.67

2018 Expenses

Bank Service Charges $46.73

Parking Lot line painting $1,669.86

Church door replacement $22,282.46

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Roadside electronic sign (pd. To date) $19,987.50

Sanctuary lighting

$55,748.30

Cantata expense

$2,968.51

Bell Choir music

$200.00

Libro 30-day renewable term deposit $342,515.00

Fiera investment

$350,000.00

Arva amalgamation expense $6,676.04

Church defibrillator

$2,141.35

Loan to Siloam Operating Account $30,000.00

London Conference Archives (re.Arva amalgamation) $12,000.00

Ministers housing salary component $10,000.00

Total 2018 Expenses

$856,235.75

Closing Libro Balance Dec 31, 2018

$26,377.92

Respectfully submitted by: Allyn Todd, Board of Trustees Chair CONGREGATIONAL OUTREACH … SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OUTREACH COMMITTEE…

The committee has continued with its vision to have at least one local and one international project each year. Local Projects and Initiatives: Our Advent project in 2018 was Camp Kee Mo Kee (we also raised money for Camp Kee Mo Kee during Lent 2017). This is a 3-year project and our goal is to raise $15,000, which the Trustees have generously agreed to match. In September, members of Siloam continued a tradition which had been started by our brothers and sisters from Arva United and participated in the London Pride Parade. This was a tremendous experience with over 30 people from across Presbytery participating. Finally, on the local level, our White Gift Sunday resulted in the largest contribution we have made to four local agencies. We are also pleased that a member of our committee has joined the Northeast Community Conversations Committee. It is wonderful to have representation from Siloam on this committee! Our committee has also encouraged all of our Siloam committees to stop using plastic cutlery, cups and disposable plates in an effort to become more environmentally conscious. International Projects and Initiatives:

Sponsorship of Refugees:

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Our refugee families have been interviewed in Jordan and have completed the final steps to being accepted as refugees for Canada. We are anticipating their arrival in Canada sometime in 2019. Canada Food Grains - Continuing our Support: We continue our support of the Canada Food Grains Bank. Thanks to the generous efforts of the Fraleigh and McClary families, a significant amount was raised again in 2018. When we remember that the Canadian Government matches all contributions to Canada Food Grains, Siloam has played a significant role during 2018 in reducing food insecurity in our world. As always the generosity of Siloam members continues through efforts at ELUCO, LIRSA, Mission and Service Fund of the United Church; the Wednesday lunches at the Salvation Army Citadel on Huron St. and Saturday Evening meals at St John Anglican Church. Every day we see evidence of Siloam members being Christ to each other and in God’s World on both the local and international level. We also acknowledge every Sunday the sacred territory on which Siloam meets, a motion that was brought forward by our Chair, Catherine Glover, and approved unanimously by our committee. Respectfully submitted: John Davidson SILOAM’S OUTREACH TO NEWCOMERS TO CANADA …

All members of LIRSA (London Interfaith Refugee Sponsorship Alliance) are extremely grateful for the financial support given to the group by Siloam United Church. The amount of $3 000 gifted to LIRSA in 2018 is added to contributions given by other churches connected with the group namely Colborne Street United Church, Riverside United Church, St. George's Anglican Church and St. Jude's Anglican Church. LIRSA is now in a financial position whereby we can submit an application to sponsor another family who has been granted refugee status by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). While paperwork will be done in February/March of this year, we will have no idea when we might actually be welcoming anyone...it can sometimes be a very long process. Please understand that all vetting of applicants we would sponsor is done by the Canadian Government before the family ever arrives in Canada. In addition to Siloam's financial gift each year to LIRSA, I would like to mention and express thanks to those individuals within the Siloam congregation who have offered support of money, clothing, furniture items, household items, etc. this past year to those families that LIRSA has sponsored over the years. LIRSA is always hoping to welcome new members to the group. If you are interested in helping people from troubled areas of the world make a fresh start here in Canada where they might enjoy a stable and more productive life, please let me know. Respectfully submitted: Peggy Rivard, Treasurer of LIRSA

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH... ELUCO 2018 ANNUAL REPORT …

East London United Church Outreach ( ELUCO) celebrated many blessings in 2018. It is truly inspiring to see the success of some our Marconi families and individuals. A special thanks to Nancy Howard our Community worker for offering the programs, support and love that allows people to grow and blossom. Celebrating the Marconi Community

In early June, Nancy Howard and I were invited to attend the Spring Convocation at Brock University for Samantha Powless (the daughter of the late Michelle Bloomfield, a long-time resident and volunteer in the Marconi community as well as a Director on the ELUCO board). Sam graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree (with distinction). She has enrolled in a Masters program in Political Science at Brock and is presently completing her course work. She hopes to write her major research paper this summer. This past fall she applied across Canada for a PhD candidate position and on completion of her doctoral studies hopes to secure a position as a university professor. Nancy and I couldn’t have been prouder as we watched Sam receive her degree. Over the last 20 years we have watched Sam grow and expand her horizons. We knew she was destined for a success-filled future! Makahaila Wright, another Marconi resident, deserves accolades as well. Makhaila graduated from Fanshawe College with a Leisure and Recreation Diploma. She is an awesome basketball player – named Rookie of the Year her first season. She is now back at Fanshawe taking a Business Computer course and of course playing basketball. Prior to this she had been studying at Brock! Nancy attended the high school graduation of Jessica Graham. Jessica was a member of the Haiti mission group and also did several placements with Nancy. Jessica, although not an ardent fan of school, was awarded the Home and School Committee Award for Compassion and Community Support. This fall several other young people were able to begin their studies at Fanshawe. We provide some financial support to these young people through our scholarship fund. The amounts are not huge but help to pay for books. It also lets them know we believe in them. In late October Bonita Wright, a Marconi Community member was the keynote speaker for the Division of Mission and Outreach (DMO) Fall Connections Event –Housing Initiatives for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Indigenous People, Local Needs/Solutions. Bonita shared her story – outlining her experiences with Housing and the steps she had taken not only to improve her situation but also to advocate for others. She sparked a great deal of interest with her presentation - setting the tone for the event and answering many subsequent questions. As in summers past, Nancy registered a number of children for camp- Stevenson Children’s Camp (25), Camp Kee Mo Kee (18) and Social Skills Camp (9). As well, one child attended Vacation Bible School at First-St. Andrew’s UC and three were enrolled in the Go Project Camp which focused on the environment and social justice. Unfortunately some children were not able to attend their desired camp as the necessary funds arrived after the camps were filled. We also celebrate Samantha Powless as an assistant program Director at Kee Mo Kee, two councillors from Marconi (one male, one female) and two leaders-in training. A young woman graduate from our Social Skills Camp was hired on as a Junior Leader for this year’s Social Skills Camp. She hopes to do the LIT program at Kee Mo Kee next year. As we had hoped, our sponsorship of

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camping experiences is helping to build and expand our youth’s self-confidence and leadership abilities!

ELUCO Food Cupboard

The Food Cupboard continues to be open at Gethsemane Gardens, 1461 Huron Street, on Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9:30am until 12 noon. There continue to be new clients. The clients are so appreciative. One lady had to hug everyone, saying what a blessing it was for her that we are able to help her. She had tears in her eyes.

We provide non-perishables as well as toiletries. The Friday group knit scarves, mitts and dish clothes that people are always looking for. We collect plastic bags to pack groceries and one pound margarine containers for laundry soap.

In 2018 we served: In 2017 we served:

Families: 584 (comprised of) Families: 604 (comprised of)

Adults: 1050 Adults: 1066

Children: 372 Children: 409

Siloam and Rowntree Memorial United are very supportive of our ELUCO food cupboard both financially and food donations. We are especially thankful to the Sisters of St Joseph and the Bank of Nova Scotia Sponsorship Donations for their very generous financial support as well as many individual /church cash donations. ELUCO is truly blessed by your participation.

Welcome Wednesday Rev. Susan Eagle and Lynn William’s (Agape Fellowship) inspiration in 2008 is still going strong. Last year Welcome Wednesday hosted and served weekly nutritious lunches to an average of 70 low income mostly adult men and women at the Huron Street Salvation Army Citadel. At our annual end of June and Christmas dinners, over 110 were served. The weekly lunches are prepared on a rotating basis by Salvation Army, ELUCO/ Rowntree United, Siloam United and Valleyview Mennonite churches. We are so thankful for the many volunteers who make this program a huge success, especially those from the recipient community who are there every week to set up tables, serve pre-lunch snacks and do dishes.

Fundraising

We had a very successful fundraising year. In January ELUCO tried a new event – a Jazz Cabaret at First- St. Andrew’s with the Sonja Gustafson Quintet. This was a very successful event and plans are afoot for a similar event in 2019. We extend many thanks to Sonja and her fellow musicians and First- St. Andrew’s for making this event possible.

In March we had a very successful Voices of Broadway Concert at Siloam United Church. We are so thankful for the support of both Voices and Siloam in helping us with our fundraising endeavours.

On the last Sunday in September we tied up our running shoes and headed out for our annual “Walk and Roll for Families” at Springbank Park. We had our most successful walk ever –raising almost $7300.00! Thank you to all our sponsors and walkers.

We are also most thankful for the individual and institutional donations (Maycourt of London, Sisters of St Joseph, Churches and UCW’s of Middlesex /London, Optimist Club of Middlesex/London).

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The Board

The ELUCO Board of Directors was pleased to welcome three new members: Rev Sandra Bendall replacing Eva Archibald due to health issues (both Sandra and Eva were appointed by UCW Presbyterial), Ann McPhail replacing Linda Badke after 23 years of dedicated service and Ruth Campbell. We welcome our new members to the Board and thank them for their commitment. Long serving directors are Sharon Ashton, Janice Elliott, Elma Johnston, Linda Petronis, Gerry Pickett, Frieda Owen and Judy White. Thank you for your dedication and commitment. In early November we received word of the passing of Eva Archibald and Jean Knowles (a true friend and supporter of ELUCO). We were blessed to have them as a part of the ELUCO family.

ELUCO could not operate without the financial and volunteer support of many organisations and individuals. Thank you so much for your efforts and I hope that you feel a part of the blessings that ELUCO celebrated this past year! Submitted by: Carol Langford, Chairperson, East London United Church Outreach (ELUCO) CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCES …

The primary focus of the CRC Finance Team throughout 2018 was to ensure the information entered into the monthly Profit & Loss Report through the Quick Books software program was timely and accurate. The P&L has 88 active general ledger codes of which 22 are Income and 66 are Expense codes. Some have activity every month, others have less frequent activity and coincide with specific requirements within the church. Dick Huffman, Treasurer, provides the financial reports to Council each month. They include the P&L; Cash Flow statements for LIBRO bank account; Givings reports showing distribution by amount and percent from Envelopes and PAR; comparison to prior years and projections for the current year based on prior history. In mid-2018 Mike Ashton and I obtained member information from the Church Watch software and identified 827 names of families and family members stored in the program. A second report identified families or individuals who had already made a financial contribution in 2018 as well as a target group that had not yet make any contribution. Please note that NO contribution amounts were shown on either of the reports. The reports were provided to Council as an information source when considering a potential communication to congregation members. The reports also identified the need for significant updating of the member information currently in the Church Watch program. June Sunseth, your Envelope Secretary, continues to do an exemplary job of recording all the Envelope and PAR givings each week; ensuring volunteers are available to count collection and do bank deposits; counting collection and making deposits herself when volunteers are not available; preparing the annual tax receipts; and preparing other reports as may be requested. The Envelope Secretary function is a critical component of the financial functions of the church. The fact it is not visible to most people understates its importance. In December the Finance Team provided Committee Chairs with preliminary year-to-date November financial information for each of their respective GL codes in order to give them a start on their 2019 budget. The Finance Team prepared the budget for the non-Committee income

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and expense GL’s. On January 8th the numbers were reviewed at a Council budget meeting. Some revisions were made to the 2019 Plan to be presented at the February 3, 2019 AGM. Continuing process and productivity improvements were implemented in 2018 including: - David Parisi our Finance Coordinator developed reporting to summarize the monthly GST/HST

from each invoice. This report is used to prepare the prior 6 month tax rebate for submission to the CRA.

- We are now making better use of the church VISA credit card, both for convenience and to reduce the number of small value vendor payments that previously required cheque requisitions.

- I prepared detailed usage of the LIBRO Line Of Credit for a 6 month period, then made a presentation to Council proving we would add efficiencies and reduced cost by using an operating loan obtained from the Trustees rather than continuing to use the LOC.

Starting in November each year I contact church members who receive the OBSERVER through the Siloam Group Subscription. The entire process takes about 6 weeks to complete from the time we receive the renewal notice until payment is made to the OBSERVER. In 2018 we had 51 subscribers and 43 in 2019. In December we helped Mary Ella with the Turkey & Ham Drive. Fifty-one turkey and ham products were purchased and of these 22 were donated. Eight went to ELUCO and 14 to Out Of The Cold program. The net income from this fundraiser was $3603.81 and was used to reduce the operating expenses of the church. This is one of the easiest fundraisers we have when you consider dollar return for effort involved. In future more members need to support this program. Siloam receives the financial benefit and the donated meat products help people in need. FundScrip is another great program that provides value both to the church members who do participate and to Siloam through the rebate received for each gift card purchased. In 2018 Jeff Bain processed 10 group orders consisting of 42 individual orders from church members. These 42 orders had a total value of $13,655.00. The subsequent rebate to Siloam was $430.05 (3.15%). Order forms are available at the office and Jeff can answer any questions you have. Respectfully submitted on behalf of everyone on Congregational Resources: Jim Sweitzer

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2018 Actuals 2018

Budget

% 2018

Actual To

Budget

2019 Plan% 2019 To

2018 Actual

INCOME

31000 - GIVINGS INCOME from Envelopes, PAR, Loose, Sunday School 329,595 337,700 97.6% 336,000 1.9%

33000 - OPERATING INCOME

Total 33001 - INCOME - Contribution Income 44,802 45,350 47,000

Total 33002 - INCOME - Sundry 51,954 31,750 32,650

Total 33003 - INCOME - Fundraising 42,245 42,300 55,200

Total 33000 - OPERATING INCOME 139,001 119,400 116.4% 134,850 -3.0%

TOTAL GIVINGS & OPERATING INCOME 468,596 457,100 102.5% 470,850 0.5%

EXPENSES

40000 · EXPENSES - PERSONNEL

Total 40001 - EXP - Staff Personnel 232,512 212,817 232,814

Total 40002 - EXP - Contract Personnel 47,451 52,950 38,550

Total 40000 · EXPENSES - PERSONNEL 279,963 265,767 105.3% 271,364 -3.1%

41499 - EXPENSES - OUTREACH 41,550 41,900 99.2% 43,900 5.7%

42049 - EXPENSES - SPIRITUAL LIFE 18,228 18,935 96.3% 25,515 40.0%

44000 - EXPENSES - OPERATING

Total 44001 - EXP - Fees & Service Chg 21,635 22,600 24,431

Total 44002 - EXP - Sundry, Cong Life, Fundraise 13,331 21,300 12,775

Total 44003 - EXP - Office, Utilities, Insurance 42,446 46,425 47,092

Total 44004 - EXP - Build, Equip, Grounds 39,751 42,000 42,420

Total 44006 - EXP - Communications 1,132 1,700 3,240

Total 44000 · EXPENSES - OPERATING 118,295 134,025 88.3% 129,958 9.9%

TOTAL EXPENSES - FROM ALL SOURCES 458,036 460,627 99.4% 470,737 2.8%

TOTAL INCOME - GIVINGS and OPERATING 468,596 457,100 102.5% 470,850 0.5%

NET INCOME / DEFICIT 10,560 -3,527 113

2018 INCOME & EXPENSES and 2019 PLAN

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2018 Identifiable Givers

2018 Number of Contributing Households

Range From Range To Nbr By Range

$ 1 $ 50 10 $ 51 $ 100 16 $ 101 $ 250 20 $ 251 $ 500 49 $ 501 $ 750 33 $ 751 $ 1,000 29 $ 1,001 $ 1,250 31 $ 1,251 $ 1,500 19 $ 1,501 $ 2,000 19 $ 2,001 $ 2,500 17 $ 2,501 $ 3,000 10 More than $3000 19

Total 272

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SILOAM UNITED CHURCH Minutes of 2018 Annual Meeting

February 11, 2018

Welcome Rev. Sheila Macgregor welcomed everyone to the meeting at 11:30 am and opened the meeting with a prayer. MOTION: To appoint Ric Graham as Chair for the meeting and Pauline Newton as Secretary for

the meeting. Moved by Steve Britton, seconded by Catherine Glover. Carried MOTION: To extend voting privileges to all adherents in attendance. Moved by Jim Sweitzer,

Seconded by Rick Carnegie. Carried. MOTION: To extend Council voting privileges to group leaders attending Council and to add this to the review of our governance model. Moved by John Thornton, seconded by John Burns. Carried. Minutes MOTION: to accept the minutes of the February 12, 2017 Annual Meeting, the April 2, 2017 Congregational Meeting and the July 23, 2017 Congregational Meeting. Moved by Tracey Brown, seconded by Al Newton. Carried. 2016 Annual Report MOTION: To accept Statistical, Staff, Committee and Affiliated Group reports (except 2017

Revenue and Expenses Report and 2018 Budget Plan) with the addition of Elizabeth Thornton to the In Memoriam remembrances. Moved by Catherine Glover, seconded by Margaret Smith. Carried. Mission and Service Contribution MOTION: To approve the 2018 contribution to the Mission and Service Fund of $26,000 as

printed in the 2017 Annual Report. Moved by Catherine Glover, seconded by Sharon Ashton. Carried. Refection on 2017 2017 was an exceptional year for Siloam United Church. Both Siloam and Arva celebrated 160 years of worship and service. This was also the year when Arva and Siloam amalgamated to become Siloam United Church. Following amalgamation, we are a stronger church. Siloam’s commitment to outreach expanded. In addition to regular Sunday worship, Sunday School, Bible study and other programs, Siloam offered community outreach programs: Open Mic Coffee House for teenagers, Hops and Hope for young adults, Siloam Summer Day Camp for children and Messy Church for families. The Healing and Wellness Committee have reached out to the congregation and community by developing an interesting program of physical and mental health workshops, Labyrinth meditations, and retreats. All of the new and existing programs continue to flourish. Sheila, Kerry and Jen are doing a great job. In 2017, the new roof was fully paid for and will serve us well for many decades. In 2017, we celebrated and wished well two outstanding ministers, one due to retirement and one due to a call from Trenton. Budget Performance for 2017 Our treasurer Dick Huffman, presented the budget performance report for 2017. He thanked Erin Salter and May Ella Pettigrew for all of their valuable assistance as he transitioned into the treasurer position which he admitted was a steep learning curve. He was particularly indebted to Erin for her knowledge of the ADP payroll system which he has taken over. He also thanked Jim Sweitzer, Chair of Congregational Resources, who put in many hours to improve the integrity and reliability of our reporting system. During the year it became apparent that Erin was overloaded

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with duties that were beyond the scope of her job description. Fortunately the multi-talented David Parisi had qualifications that allowed him to take over the bookkeeping duties. The temporary position of Finance Coordinator was created in July to see if David’s schedule would permit him to perform these duties. In December Council approved the part-time position of Financial Coordinator on a go forward basis. If you look at your copy of the financial report you will notice that it is a more straight forward and simpler report than in previous years. Again, Dick thanked Jim Sweitzer for his tireless efforts in making this happen. At year end there was a budget deficit of $30,732. In the annual report there is a budget narrative which should answer many of your questions. The budget this year is much more realistic and it is a balanced budget. Questions:

Dave Dunham asked if we had applied for the grant for the summer students this year. It was confirmed that Jen Prince has taken the lead on this and the application has been submitted

Karen Thyret asked about the $30,000 deficit at year end. Jim Sweitzer responded that while the income and expenses statement for 2017 shows a deficit of $30,732 at the end of the year, in actual fact we ended the year with a net bank balance of $5,101.95. This was achieved by balancing the flow of revenue coming in each month against expenses to be paid. We used overdraft protection at the bank, a loan of $15,000 from the trustees that was repaid, and deferred some fixed costs for three months which were also were paid by year end to get us through until money was available from revenue received in the following month. The chart on page 38 of the annual report shows the month-by-month revenue, expenses and surplus or deficit experienced. The chart also shows the importance of having a more even flow of income each month as well as the need for a cash reserve so it is not necessary to rely on credit or other micro managing of the available cash to cover operating expenses. Approximately 30% of our annual revenue is received in November and December while in July and August we have difficulty meeting expenses. Presently, 47% of our income is coming in through PAR. If more people were willing to go on PAR or submit monthly post-dated cheques, this would help immensely with our cash flow. Based on our annual budget we require $38,000 per month to operate the church.

MOTION: To accept the budget performance for 2017. Moved by Dick Huffman, seconded by Steve Britton. Carried. MOTION: To Approve the 2018 financial plan. Moved by Dick Huffman, seconded by Rick

Carnegie. Carried. MOTION: To appoint Famme & Co. as auditors for the 2017 audit. Moved by Jim Sweitzer,

seconded by Dave Dunham. Carried. Budget Plan Recommendation for 2018 MOTION: To adopt the printed annual report and the 2018 budget. Moved by John Thornton, seconded by Sharon Ashton. Carried Request from Birr United Church regarding Amalgamation:

On January 30, 2018 we received a hand delivered letter from Birr United Church inquiring if Siloam United Church would consider entering into amalgamation discussions with Birr United Church. MOTION: To begin discussions with Birr United Church on the topic of amalgamation, leaving

any actual decision on amalgamation to a future congregational meeting, called once sufficient information has been gathered and details can be shared with the Siloam congregation. Moved by Cora Burns, seconded by Tracey Brown. Carried MOTION: To name Randy Donkervoort, Lynn McClary, Heather Elliott, Catherine Glover, Stu Cunningham, Allyn Todd and Ric Graham as the Siloam Negotiation Team to begin discussions

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with the Birr Negotiation Team as soon as possible. Moved by Allyn Todd, seconded by Betty Ross. Carried. Looking Forward to 2018

In 2018, we should build upon our strengths, address the needs of our community, nation and world, and strive to remain relevant. I have 4 recommendations for you during 2018: 1. Opportunities for Involvement – This is your chance to get involved. Please consider the information on the form and use it to let the Stewardship Team know you would like to participate in the life and work of Siloam. This form will also be forwarded to everyone by e-mail early next week. 2. Visioning - We have embarked on a visioning process to map out the future for Siloam. The Visioning Workshop Day is planned for Saturday, April 7 from 10 am to 2:30 pm, facilitated by Michael Kooiman from Edge Consultants. Lunch will be provided. Register your intention to attend by e-mail to Randy Donkervoort by February 28. 3. Boomerfest - Rev. Sheila has developed important programs and workshops dedicated to Boomers. Plans for a 3 day conference in September named Canadian Boomerfest 2018, are underway. 4. Prayer Report from the Nominations Committee for 2018 Ric thanked Rev. Jan Fradette, Dorothy Foster and Ross Douglas who will be leaving the Trustees this year. Chair Elect – Catherine Glover Co-Secretary – Heather Elliott Chair, Visioning – Randy Donkervoort MOTION: To approve the Nomination Committee recommendations and permission for Siloam Council to fill any vacant positions on Council or on Committees as needed. Moved by Al Newton, seconded by John Burns. Carried. It was suggested by Cora Burns that the agenda for the 2019 AGM be projected on the screen at the front of the church. Closing remarks

Sheila thanked Ric and Pauline and all of the committee chairs and their members for their hard work during the year as well as those on the amalgamation and anniversary committees and others who helped behind the scene to make this year so memorable. The meeting was adjourned.

_____________________________ _______________________________ Ric Graham, Chairperson Pauline Newton, Secretary

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SILOAM UNITED CHURCH Minutes of Congregational Meeting

July 8, 2018

Rev. Sheila Macgregor welcomed everyone to the meeting at 11:35 am. MOTION: To appoint Ric Graham as Chair for the meeting and Pauline Newton as Secretary for the meeting. Moved by Lawrie Cousins, seconded by John Thornton. Carried. The meeting was called to secure congregational approval for Siloam United Church to amalgamate with Birr United Church. Dorothy Ann Foster from Presbytery was present at the meeting for the vote. Ric explained the vote would be by secret ballot. Ric reiterated that only Full Members would be allowed to vote and further clarified the definition of a Full Member and a Member. A full member was baptized as a child and has made a profession of faith, or was baptized as an adult, or has transferred their membership into a United Church congregation from another congregation that is either United Church or another denomination. A member is a child who has been baptized but has not made a profession of their faith for themselves or someone who is a child of a full member regardless of whether the child has been baptized. MOTION: Moved that Siloam United Church congregation amalgamate with Birr United Church congregation to become the new SILOAM United Church congregation of the Siloam Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada effective June September 30, 2018. Moved by Allyn Todd, seconded by Al Newton. Full members were asked to come forward to one of the four stations at the front of the church to sign the vote register and cast their ballot. There were 100 Full Members who cast their vote. Results of the secret ballot were 99 for, 1 against. Carried MOTION: To destroy the ballots. Moved by Verne Johnson, seconded by Margaret Nelson. Carried MOTION: To approve the position of part-time Minister of Visitation (15 hours per week) to assist the Lead Minister with pastoral visitation, especially to our senior population. The start date is September 1, 2018. Moved by Catherine Glover, seconded by Enid Wilson. Question: Will this have any implication on our bottom line? Answer: Yes, with the three extra hours per week plus benefits there will be some additional cost. Called the question: Carried unanimously. MOTION: To approve the appointment of David Kloppenburg as a trustee of Siloam United Church. Moved by Al Newton, seconded by Steve Britton. Carried unanimously. Ric thanked the amalgamation committee members for all of their hard work in bringing about this amalgamation. The meeting was adjourned. __________________________ _________________________________ Ric Graham, Chairperson Pauline Newton, Recording