UNITED METHODIST HOUSE NEWS

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1 UNITED METHODIST HOUSE NEWS Box 115 Chautauqua, New York December 2017 The United Methodist House in Chautauqua is open year round for retreats, Rest and renewal and family gatherings. For information and reservations, Please call Message From Our Board President Who doesn t love a cookie? If you have ever been on the porch of the United Methodist House in the summer, you have experienced the joy of a cookie. There might be a delicious chocolate chip cookie, a frosted cutout cookie, a nutty bar cookie, a snickerdoodle, a brownie, or perhaps a coconut delight (although you are welcome to take my share of any coconut ones). As Christmas approaches I begin to plan the cookie baking at our house... gingerbread cutouts are a favorite of mine. Buckeyes are anticipated by our sons. The grandchildren are anxious to help decorate and sample any cookie, and my husband has been known to lead their charge through the frosting and sprinkles. The aroma of baking cookies is a significant part of my childhood holiday memories. Memories and traditions are part of the seasons of our lives. The Methodist House helps people form meaningful memories year-round through fellowship, worship, conversations, rocking on the porch, gathering round the fireplace, and sharing cookies! As 2018 peaks around the corner, the summer cookie crumbs have been swept up and our summer memories are packed away. Those of us who remain up north for the winter have pulled out our shovels, heavy coats, gloves, and scarves. We can smell the Christmas treats baking. We can hear the carols playing. We can feel the brush of angel wings and see glory on each face. Merry Christmas and have a cookie.or two! Brenda Baird Greetings from our United Methodist House Host Couple Tis the season for rejoicing and remembering. We have much to consider for both. The United Methodist House and summers there are a big part of our rejoicing. That we can share relaxing days with people we truly enjoy, live in a beautiful historical home and absorb some of the Chautauqua programming is surely cause for celebration. After nine summers, we have much to remember but most important are our guests. Whether you stay with us for a week or a brief porch visit, know that you are welcome and appreciated.

2 The United Methodist House News Page 2 We have recently visited two of our youngest grand daughters in Minnesota (cause for much rejoicing); know that YOU were remotely a part of that visit. Cece and Myra (ages 6 and 4) were my willing partners as we designed and began production on this year s Christmas ornament for our guests. While little fingers handled the beads and pipe cleaners, my thoughts drifted to you, the recipients of our efforts. Hopefully some of the annual ornaments will grace your tree this year. As you hang it on the bough, take a moment to remember the United Methodist House; we will be thinking of you. Bob and Karen Douds Property Committee News A busy and successful season for the United Methodist House and Chautauqua drew to a close the end of August. Since then the House has continued to be rented much of the time for retreats, family gatherings, etc. The last weekend in October was our work weekend, which was very successful. We completed our fall tasks in short order. A big thank you goes out to those who helped. A special thanks to Roger for directing the project of stacking everything in the canvas room. It s a little like putting a jigsaw puzzle together, but all the porch furniture that is to be placed inside the canvas room for the winter did fit, with room to spare. Because of the extended and milder-than-usual fall weather, the Johnson Brothers were able to complete 2 projects that had been scheduled for spring. They replaced several rows of siding over the front porch and installed new, lighted front steps. Two more projects are to be completed this Winter and Spring: replacement of the furnace in the front of the upstairs with a new furnace and air conditioner, and work on the porch railing and spindles. Mark your calendars now for the 2018 spring work weekends: June 8 th & 9 th and 15 th &16 th Help us get the house ready for the summer season. Thank you to the Property Committee, the Methodist House Board, and to all of you for your support and help in funding the improvements to the house. Also, a BIG thank you to Debbie Caruso and Cindy Peacock for all they do to keep UMH rented, running and clean, especially during the busy off-season. I consider it an honor and privilege to serve as Property Committee Chair, and appreciate the opportunity to work with such a committed and caring group of Christians as we work on improving and maintaining the Methodist House. Pam and I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Conrad Howard, Property Chair

3 The United Methodist House News Page 3 Merry Christmas from the Finance Committee! This past year the UM House had a net loss of about $13,000. Our fiscal year ends each May 31. The loss was primarily due to capital expenditures to maintain and improve the House. We are looking at a similar situation this year as we will be taking on additional projects most notable expansion and upgrades to our heating and cooling systems. Beyond room rentals, which are our primary source of regular income, capital project contributions, gifts and bequests are critical in continuing our ability to fulfill our mission at Chautauqua. On behalf of the Finance committee and the Board of Directors, I would encourage you to prayerfully consider a financial gift this year, especially given our capital improvement requirements. They are much needed and will be gratefully received. Mike Corey, Treasurer & Finance Chair Reservation Information for the Chautauqua Season Rooms for the Chautauqua season have all been rented. Names may be added to the waiting list. Any United Methodist or Member of the United Methodist House may make reservations for the Chautauqua Season. Members are those who have financially contributed to the UM House in past years. Reservations may only be made by calling (716) after 9 am on the first Monday of October (United Methodists and Members) or after 9 am on the first Tuesday (everyone.) Reservations will be taken over the phone on a first come first served basis. Messages for reservations will not be accepted. Individuals may rent a room or the suite for only one week each season. A waiting list will be maintained in the event of cancellations. A week during the Season is from 3:00 pm, Saturday to 10:00 am the following Saturday. A reservation will be confirmed only if a $200 deposit is received within two weeks. The balance is due in full before April 1. In the event of a cancellation, any funds paid will be returned only if the room can be re-rented. Weekly Room Rental Rates Chautauqua Season Boehm Room $675 (This room is slightly smaller) - 2 people in twin beds All other rooms $775 (Four rooms) - 2 people in twin beds Wesley Suite $1,350 (Two room suite) - 4 people in twin beds and 2 people in convertible chair/beds Reservation Information for the Retreat Season (Off-Season) Reservations for the retreat season are invited at any time up to 3 years in advance by calling (716) The retreat season is from Labor Day through May. Retreat Season Rental Rates for the entire house (United Methodist groups) $100 per day (day use only) $425 per two-night stay Retreat Season Rental Rates for the entire house (Non-United Methodist groups) $600 per two-night stay Available Dates in 2017 All weekend dates have been taken. Some mid-week dates are available, please call. Available Dates in /16-3/18, 3/23-3/25, 3/30-4/1, 4/6-4-8, 10/5-10/7, 12/7-12/9, 12/14-12/16

4 The United Methodist House News Page 4 Available Dates in /15-3/17, 3/22-3/24, 4/12-4/14, 4/19-4/21, 5/3-5/5, 10/11-10/13, 11/22-11/24. House Rules Like all fine historic accommodations, the UM House is 100% non-smoking! Only seeing eye pets are allowed. As in all United Methodist facilities, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. United Methodist House Trustees Class of 2018 (Chautauqua Community) Stacy Taylor Stacytay71@gmail.com Mike Corey corey@mikecorey.com Karen Christopherson kchristopherson43@gmail.com Conrad Howard pamconradhow@yahoo.com J. Howard Wright (none) Class of 2019 (Western PA) Roger Brumagin firstaid@velocity.net Barry Lewis bl643lewis@yahoo.com Beth Nelson BethLNelson1@gmail.com Class of 2020 (Upper NY) Meeting Schedule Board Meeting Jun 15, 1 pm Spring Work Weekends Jun 8-9 & Jun Board Meeting Jul 11, 3 pm Annual Meeting Jul 11, 4 pm Board Meeting Aug 27, 1 pm All Committees meet 12 noon prior to Board Meetings at the call of the chair. Newsletter Article Deadlines Sept 1, Dec 1, May 1 Brenda Baird Lee Mount Carolyn Stow Ex-Officio Sherri Rood Joe Patterson Dennie Stahlsmith Carmen Perry Host Couple Karen and Bob Douds Retreat Season Hostess Debbie Caruso bbaird52@aol.com leelaine@twcny.rr.com pastor.carolyn.stow@gmail.com sherrirood@unyumc.org emdsjp@gmail.com dstahlsmith@clake.org carmenperry10@yahoo.com douds2@comcast.net debbiecaruso99@gmail.com About the United Methodist House The United Methodist House is located at 14 Pratt Ave, directly behind the Chautauqua Amphitheater. It was built in 1888 as a Methodist Episcopal Headquarters for approximately $4,000 ($100,000 in today s dollars). The original trustees included Chautauqua founders John Vincent and Lewis Miller. Over the years the house has been lovingly maintained, repaired and enlarged thanks to the financial support of many persons.

5 The United Methodist House News Page 5 Punch for 150 Karen Douds found this recipe in the Methodist Social Union minutes for Qts. Orange juice 1 ½ Qts. Lemon juice 1 can grapefruit juice 2 large cans pineapple juice (about 3 Qts.) 2 cans cranberry jelly, strained with 1 Qt. water 4 Tbsp tea in boiling water 3 minutes. Use 6 Qts. water and dissolve 10 lbs. sugar in it as soon as strained. The melting ice will make it about the right strength. Mrs. W. A Willson Trustees hard at work in the kitchen

6 United Methodist House P.O. Box Pratt Avenue Chautauqua, New York Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage P A I D Permit No. 52 Chautauqua, N. Y Address Service Requested The United Methodist House at Chautauqua A year around center for retreats and renewal at Chautauqua offering a positive, radiant expression of United Methodist Christianity. Providing for spiritual refreshment, quiet renewal, friendship and fellowship! The United Methodist House is centrally located at the heart of the Chautauqua experience. The United Methodist House is available yearround for church and family groups. Reservations for the Retreat Season (September May) are taken at any time. Reservations for the Chautauqua Season are available starting on the first Monday of October of the previous year. For information and reservations call (716) UMHouse.com UMHouse.blogspot.com facebook.com/unitedmethodisthouse