The little church beside the falls BALA UNITED CHURCH. December, Celebrating the life and work of our Church Rev. Sue Woods, Minister

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The little church beside the falls BALA UNITED CHURCH December, 2018 Celebrating the life and work of our Church Rev.

The imagery of the Nativity in a snowy Northern landscape, was originally written by Christina Rossetti as a Christmas poem for an American magazine, Scribner s Monthly, in 1872.

Each Sunday as the offering comes to the front of the church, we sing the 4 th verse: What can I give him, poor as I am?

Many of our hearts are full of hope, love, joy and peace and yet this time there are hearts that are full of depression, sadness and grief. How can we care for one another?

1 The little church beside the falls BALA UNITED CHURCH December, 2018 Celebrating the life and work of our Church Rev. Sue Woods, Minister Minister s Chat One of my favourite yet haunting Christmas Carol is In the Bleak Midwinter. The imagery of the Nativity in a snowy Northern landscape, was originally written by Christina Rossetti as a Christmas poem for an American magazine, Scribner s Monthly, in Sadly, her life was full of suffering. In amongst all her hardship, she found such beautiful words that resonate to this very day. Each Sunday as the offering comes to the front of the church, we sing the 4 th verse: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise one, I would do my part; Yet what I can, I give him - Give my heart. Many of our hearts are full of hope, love, joy and peace and yet this time there are hearts that are full of depression, sadness and grief. How can we care for one another? I truly believe it is the kind deeds, the giving and receiving of love that truly prepares us for Christmas. Wrap your day in prayer, just as you wrap yourself in a warm sweater or winter coat. With each cookie baked, thank God for the individuals who will be eating them including you. As you wrap each gift, hold your loved one friend or family or stranger hold them in prayer. Focus on the joy of their existence. If they have concerns that you know about, offer those concerns to God. Pray for God s peace to rest on the recipients of your caring. This is kindness, true kindness. Prayer is a gift to both the one prayed for and the one praying. On December 16 our pastoral charge is sharing in a service at Port Carling United at 7:00 p.m. It is known as the Longest Night or Blue Christmas. Our time together will recognize the struggles that many people face during this season. Its melancholy tone also testifies to the struggles of Mary, Joseph and Jesus that are often overlooked. By offering this service of quiet reflective music, readings, time of prayer and candle lighting, we can acknowledge the struggles that we all face while providing a safe place of rest, comfort and healing. We hope you make time this season to visit us at Port Carling United or Bala United. Places that are open, loving and safe for all! May this season bring you what you need. Be open to those moments that will take your breath away and take time to really care for yourself. ~ Rev. Sue An early Christmas gift to Bala United is welcoming our new website. December 1, click on to We also have a new address: buc@bell.net. We thank Norma Ferguson for her dedication in keeping the website up to date for so many years and to Nora Heuer, Baytide Management Inc. for her wisdom in helping with the old and new website. Lou Woods and many in the church have worked on this new website and welcome your pictures and stories of BUC. Lou will be keeping the website up to date. A big thank you to all who make our church by the falls a place of comfort and joy.

2 Notes from Council The following is a brief report of the discussions held at the November 27 th Council meeting. Thanks to the hard work of Lou Woods and other volunteers, effective January 1, 2019, BUC will have both a new, revised web site and a new address. Please mark down the new addresses which and take the time to take a tour in January. Web Site buc@bell.net Please refer to the Treasurer s Report which follows. On the negative side, our year over year losses continue to grow despite a marginal increase in givings this year to date. On a very positive note, the UCW presented a cheque in the amount of $10,000 to Council from the proceeds of their fundraising activities throughout the year. This is a greatly appreciated gift given our extremely strained finances. The completion of a new sidewalk leading up to the front door and partially to the side door was a huge accomplishment to ensure safe passage to all who pass through our doors. The work was finalized before the full onset of winter. Thank you to Bill Niess, the Property Committee, Labour Ready North's Graham Buchanan and CRT Construction. A discussion ensued to come up with ideas to cut costs and promote our church within the community. A few ideas were: More social activities under the direction of the UCW. Effective January 1, the former Presbytery becomes a new Regional Council. They will be contacted to determine what assistance they can provide in our quest to attract new members, Council will propose to PCUC that all services during the months of January, February and March be held in Port Carling beginning at 10:30 a.m. as a cost cutting measure for BUC given the small turnout with so many people away during this time. This proposal will be presented at the Official Board meeting on Thursday, November 29. Council also passed a motion to provide up to $500 to produce a high-quality, colour brochure to promote our various year-round activities which will be distributed as mail drops at strategic times of the year. ~ Mike Ferguson, Chair Treasurer s Report November 2018 This report will be in three parts. First, the 3 rd Quarter report for the 9 months ended September 30, Second, a short report for the month ended October 31, Third, a brief report on the Church s financial outlook. First, the loss for the first nine months of the year was $17,119 including the year over year income from the TD Bank Balanced Mutual Fund. If we exclude the cost of repairing the basement wall and related uninsured expenses in 2017, the comparable nine-month loss for that year was $10,048 and in 2016 was $7,905. While Church givings are marginally up year over year, expenses are rising at a faster rate, led by telephone & internet, electricity and propane. Second, the month of October continued the trend, led by a disappointing Thanksgiving collection and a loss for the month of $1,672 compared to a profit of $963 in Third, some in our congregation hope that the Town of Bala will see a recovery in tourism following the completion of the hydro dam at the falls. If that happens, we might see our financial position take an upturn. However, the current outlook for the future is not good. Port Carling United Church has withdrawn its offer to change the split in Joint Charge expenses from 50/50 to 60/40. Without that change in our expense sharing and with our weakening revenue position, it appears that our unrestricted reserves may be completely exhausted at or near the end of the year ~ Ian Croft, Treasurer

Semi-Annual Joint Board Meeting November 29 at Port Carling United Church The fall Joint Official Board meeting attracted 32 members from both congregations to update each other on church activities

Following a motion approved by the Bala Council meeting on Tuesday, November 27, the Official Board agreed that all Sunday morning services during January, February and March will be held in Port

Car pooling will be available from Bala United for those not wishing to drive.

~ Mike Ferguson Giving Credit Where Due For the past several years our church has been trying to find money to replace the very dangerous front path.

Building Chair Bill Niess set about securing quotations, and the job was awarded to Labour Ready North's Graham Buchanan, who did a great job removing the damaged concrete and preparing the site for

3 Semi-Annual Joint Board Meeting November 29 at Port Carling United Church The fall Joint Official Board meeting attracted 32 members from both congregations to update each other on church activities during the past six months. Reports from several committees were summarized by each council chairperson. The Pastoral Charge 2019 budget was presented, discussed and approved. Following a motion approved by the Bala Council meeting on Tuesday, November 27, the Official Board agreed that all Sunday morning services during January, February and March will be held in Port Carling at 10:30 a.m. This motion makes sense as a cost saving measure for Bala recognizing the reduced attendance during the winter months. Car pooling will be available from Bala United for those not wishing to drive. A report from the joint Dreaming Big Committee was accepted, and the recommendations will be discussed and reported at subsequent Bala Council meetings. ~ Mike Ferguson Giving Credit Where Due For the past several years our church has been trying to find money to replace the very dangerous front path. In September, a kind member (who wishes to remain anonymous) donated $5,000 specifically for this purpose! Building Chair Bill Niess set about securing quotations, and the job was awarded to Labour Ready North's Graham Buchanan, who did a great job removing the damaged concrete and preparing the site for the new. Unfortunately, securing the concrete pour proved problematic; and, after a number of scheduled dates resulted in non-delivery, we talked to our neighbours working on the hydro project. Their positive response was immediate. CRT poured the concrete, and their crew did an excellent finishing job. What's more, they insisted it was a gift.! Bala United Church has steadfastly maintained a neutral position with regard to the 'falls project' and continues to do so, but in the spirit of Christianity, let's give credit where due. Thank you, Neighbours! ~ Eva Moore, Property Committee Food is needed for Christmas. It s a tough time of year for many of our neighbours who use the West Muskoka Food Bank. Please remember them when you re doing your shopping and bring non-perishable goods to fill the basket in church.

The Trek to Bethlehem is Saturday, December 1.

The take down for the Trek is Sunday, December 2 and Monday, December 3. All help is welcomed any day, please contact me for details. Call me at 705-762-2870.

Donations for the Food Bank are encouraged.

Bring your wine of choice and come around 5 to 5:30 please RSVP so I know who to expect! ~ Eva Moore Sunday, December 9, is our White Gift Sunday.

These gifts are often nonperishable food items that are distributed to people through the Muskoka Food Bank.

5 The Trek to Bethlehem is Saturday, December 1. We will start setting up on Thursday morning, November 29 and work Friday and Saturday before the Trek starts on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Barb Bond and Marilyn Niess will prepare a chili lunch for the workers at noon. The take down for the Trek is Sunday, December 2 and Monday, December 3. All help is welcomed any day, please contact me for details. Call me at ~ Bill Niess, The Prophet Monday, December 3 is the annual Bala women s potluck dinner. This year it s being hosted by Trinity All Saints ACW at the Community Centre. Donations for the Food Bank are encouraged. Because they are not serving alcohol, I d like to invite any of you to wishes to come to my house for a glass of wine before the dinner. Bring your wine of choice and come around 5 to 5:30 please RSVP so I know who to expect! ~ Eva Moore Sunday, December 9, is our White Gift Sunday. In the spirit of Christ and the God of love at Christmas, we give gifts of love to people in need. These gifts are often nonperishable food items that are distributed to people through the Muskoka Food Bank. If you choose to buy a present, please label the gift with the age and sex of the recipient, i.e. 1-3-year-old girl, teen boy, adult woman etc. Wednesday, December 12: Port Carling s UCW has invited all ladies of both Port and Bala to their Christmas party at noon. It is potluck. A gift for exchange $ Bring some goodies to pack some boxes for those in need. Sunday, December 16 is our second annual BUC potluck luncheon after the service. Let s have fun. Wrap up and bring a USED White Elephant gift, and see what you get in return! ~ Norma Ferguson

A Special M&S Christmas Collection In this Christmas season of Advent, we celebrate with joy in many different ways. On December 16 we re having a church potluck lunch. Many, however, are not!

On that day let s make a joyful noise for Mission and Service by dropping lots of coins into the collection pots (We do also welcome the sound of paper money too!)!

6 A Special M&S Christmas Collection In this Christmas season of Advent, we celebrate with joy in many different ways. On December 16 we re having a church potluck lunch. Many, however, are not! Now is a special time for us to remember those who need our love and care in Canada and around the globe. On that day let s make a joyful noise for Mission and Service by dropping lots of coins into the collection pots (We do also welcome the sound of paper money too!)! In the busyness of Christmas, please let s all take time to remember Mission and Service! ~ Beth Croft Ice Luminaries On Christmas Eve the pathway into the church will be lined with candle/ice luminaries. They will be lit in memory and in honour of people who have special places in our hearts. If you would like to dedicate a luminary, please use the form below and send a donation of your choosing to LUMINARIES, Bala United Church Women, at P.O. Box 313, Bala, ON P0C 1A0 or give the form and money directly to Eva Moore or Kate Ruttan. You may dedicate several names, and they will be acknowledged at services on December 23 and 24, as well as the January Newsletter. The deadline for ordering is Sunday, December 16. Name of contributor: Name of person(s) to be remembered/honoured: In Memory of: In Honour of: Donation enclosed: $

While Rev. Sue Was Away On October 28 there was an expected hydro outage in Port Carling, so we had a joint service at 10:30 a.m.

We had a large number of people from PCU attend, and we served coffee and scones purchased from the Wahta bakery after the service.

Sue who was on vacation. The next two Sundays, November 11 and 18, the Rev. Carol Galbraith lead the worship service.

m. Marilyn, Lexan and Howard joined the choir.

~Kate Ruttan The towns of Bala and Port Carling had their Santa Claus Parades on Saturday, November 17. It was a great event.

Joanne was on the keyboard with a wonderful choir which was made up of Enid, Cathy, Kate, Ron, with grandchildren Lincoln, Katrina,

7 While Rev. Sue Was Away On October 28 there was an expected hydro outage in Port Carling, so we had a joint service at 10:30 a.m. at BUC. We had a large number of people from PCU attend, and we served coffee and scones purchased from the Wahta bakery after the service. It was a very relaxed and joyful occasion. On Sundays October 28 and November 4, the Rev. Joanne Hills filled in for Rev. Sue who was on vacation. The next two Sundays, November 11 and 18, the Rev. Carol Galbraith lead the worship service. Bill Niess was our official Welcomer! On November 11, our congregation chose to attend services at 9:30 a.m. in Port Carling so that we could also attend the Remembrance Day Services at 11:00 a.m. Marilyn, Lexan and Howard joined the choir. Santa Claus Parades After the service, the Port Carling UCW provided coffee in take out cups so we could go on to the cenotaph. ~Kate Ruttan The towns of Bala and Port Carling had their Santa Claus Parades on Saturday, November 17. It was a great event. Thanks to Cathy and Jim Haller for putting this all together. Joanne was on the keyboard with a wonderful choir which was made up of Enid, Cathy, Kate, Ron, with grandchildren Lincoln, Katrina, and Bryon the clown. Candy helpers Ben and Hannah along with two young volunteers from the Bala community Maddison, and Hannah. Jamie and Brenda were carrying the Bala/Port Carling banner. And thanks to the Port Carling UCW for preparing the candy packs. Thanks to Ian and Joan for the banners for the float. We are spreading the word about our fabulous churches. ~ Brenda Glass

Sometimes they are people who inspire us or who simply believe in us and want the best for us. What teacher in school made the most impact on you and why? Email me at ferguson.mikenorma@gmail.

8 2019 Winter Newsletter Activity It s not a matching contest this year. It s a simple way to get to know each other better. Teachers can play a pivotal role in helping us develop a love of learning, discover our life passions, and draw out our innate skills. Sometimes they are people who inspire us or who simply believe in us and want the best for us. What teacher in school made the most impact on you and why? me at ferguson.mikenorma@gmail.com or call me at ~ Norma Ferguson The United Church of Canada developed this giving catalogue Gifts with Vision in response to member requests to be able to give gifts to relatives, friends, and loved ones that are in direct support of the church's Mission & Service partners across Canada and around the world. If you are seeking inspiring new gift ideas or perhaps would rather not give family and friends the same old clothes/toys/chocolates, Gifts with Vision presents a new way to celebrate special occasions. Give a gift that can help change people's lives! Gift funding raised for partners through the catalogue will be over and above the regular member-supported, stable core funding that these partners receive. Everyone will find something in Gifts with Vision worth sharing with the special people in their lives. Gifts are available in a range of dollar amounts, as well as for many areas of need (hunger, shelter, education, health, safety, mobility, and more). Suggestions for Gifts with Vision Christmas is a wonderful time to think about others and to express love for special people in our lives. Now you can do both with a Gift with Vision. In addition, you give gifts for many reasons and occasion through the entire year. A Gift with Vision is perfect for Birthdays Graduations Mother's Day Anniversaries Confirmations Father's Day Weddings Thanksgiving Baptisms Easter Any gift-giving occasion is the time to share love for family and friends with others throughout the world with a Gift with Vision. Let your gift recipient know that you are both helping to change the world. Strength in Numbers Gifts with Vision are perfect for group giving as well. Church committees, UCW groups, youth groups, and Sunday schools can contribute to make a collective Gift with Vision. Go to or find the catalogue at the church

December s Words of Wisdom Bala, January 9 th, 1944 Today I am visiting Bala and preached the morning in the United Church.

The services at Whiteside and Bala began on the first Sunday of April, at Beaumaris at the beginning of the tourist season.

The exact date must have been toward the end of July when we finished shingling the church on a Saturday evening.

9 December s Words of Wisdom Bala, January 9 th, 1944 Today I am visiting Bala and preached the morning in the United Church. During the summer of 1944 I was appointed by the Knox College Student Missionary Society to preach at Beaumaris [Hotel], Whiteside [Hall] and Bala [Old School House]. The services at Whiteside and Bala began on the first Sunday of April, at Beaumaris at the beginning of the tourist season. Early in the summer construction of the first church in Bala began. The work was done largely by volunteer labor in which I was happy to land a part. The exact date must have been toward the end of July when we finished shingling the church on a Saturday evening. Next evening I had the honor of conducting the first service in a building that lacked doors, windows, pews or pulpit, but although the congregation were seated on planks set up on blocks, the church was so airy and comfortable after the little old school house that the large congregation was happy and enthusiastic. To me it was a truly memorable service Robert Martin DD. Retired Minister of the United Church Church Humour

Every Monday Thursday, November 29 to Saturday, December 1 Saturday, December 1 Sunday, December 2

Set up for the Trek to Bethlehem. Call Bill Niess at 705-762-2870 if you can help.

Trek to Bethlehem, 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. First Sunday of Advent - Hope Take down for the Trek. Please help.

pre-dinner event, rsvp to Eva Moore. Guitar Jammers meet at 6:00 p.m. at PCU.

Advent - Peace - White Gift Sunday Bring a labeled gift or nonperishable food items.

Third Sunday of Advent Joy - Communion Service Special M & S Christmas Collection Congregational Potluck

Longest Night Service Blue Christmas, 7:00 p.m. at Port Carling United Church Ice Luminaries requests are due today.

at the Inn Candle Light Service 5:00 p.m.

10 Every Monday Thursday, November 29 to Saturday, December 1 Saturday, December 1 Sunday, December 2 Monday, December 3 Thursday, December 6 The Knit Wits meet on Monday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to noon. We do more than knit. Bring anything you re working on, or just drop by for a laugh, a hug and a cup of coffee. Set up for the Trek to Bethlehem. Call Bill Niess at if you can help. Thursday a luncheon is served for the workers. Call Marilyn Niess if you can help. Trek to Bethlehem, 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. First Sunday of Advent - Hope Take down for the Trek. Please help. Call Bill Niess, the Prophet Bala Women s Potluck Christmas Dinner at the Community Centre and Eva s pre-dinner event, rsvp to Eva Moore. Guitar Jammers meet at 6:00 p.m. at PCU. Sunday, December 9 Wednesday, December 12 Sunday, December 16 Thursday, December 20 Second Sunday of Advent - Peace - White Gift Sunday Bring a labeled gift or nonperishable food items. Port Carling s UCW potluck Christmas party at noon. Third Sunday of Advent Joy - Communion Service Special M & S Christmas Collection Congregational Potluck Luncheon For fun, bring a USED, WRAPPED, White Elephant gift! Longest Night Service Blue Christmas, 7:00 p.m. at Port Carling United Church Ice Luminaries requests are due today. Call Eva Moore at Sunday, December 23 Monday, December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent - Love Christmas Eve Making Room at the Inn Candle Light Service 5:00 p.m. at BUC and 7:00 p.m. at PCU Tuesday, December 25 Sunday, December 30 January, February and March Combined Service at PCU at 10:30 a.m. Our Sunday services will be joint services at Port Carling United Church. They will begin at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Bala United Church New buc@bell.net 3115 Muskoka Road 169, P.O. Box 313 New website: church.com Bala, ON P0C 1A0 Website Manager: Lou Woods Please leave a message. facebook: Rev. Sue s address: revsue@bell.net Facebook Manager: Eva Moore Note: Monday is Rev. Sue s day off. Newsletter Editor: Norma Ferguson

Tr i n i t y L u t h e r a n, F o u n t a i n H i l l s - C o n t a c t I n f o r m a t i o n

Tr i n i t y L u t h e r a n, F o u n t a i n H i l l s - C o n t a c t I n f o r m a t i o n The Trinity Truth November 2018 T H E Y E A R E N D Inside this issue: Giving Tuesday 2 Scrub Buckets 2 Free Bikes 2 LWML Fall 3 Celebration OCC Shoeboxes 4 Extended Hands 4 Birthdays and 5 Anniversaries