UNITED METHODIST HOUSE NEWS Box 115 Chautauqua, New York 716 357-2055 September 2018 United Methodist House in Chautauqua is open year round for retreats, Rest and renewal, and family gatherings. For information and reservations, Please call 716 357-4045 Greetings from our United Methodist House Host Couple People often ask What do you like best about Chautauqua? Easy it is the United Methodist House guests and visitors. Our tenth summer of interesting conversations and friendly greetings has come to an end and we are ever mindful of the many who make the season s experience so gratifying. Thank you chaplains for your leadership and inspiration and for sharing time on the porch. This summer we have had the joy of welcoming Deacon Bonnie LeValley, Rev. Scott Shaffer, Rev. Bud Heckman, Rev. Craig French, Rev. Sharletta Green, Rev. Connie and Tom Hoeke, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, Rev. Jeff Markay, Rev. Greg and Heather Stierheim, Rev. Nola Anderson. Tuesday Teas are a highlight of the week as we welcome many visitors to the porch. Thanks for the cookies and punch dear folks from Kenmore, Youngsville, Elma, Kane, Edinboro, Summit, Panama, Lakewood and Williamsville United Methodist Churches! Our Sunday morning worship is beautifully enhanced by musician friends of the House. Thank you Bill Ward, John Cross, Vicki Carter, Doug DeJarnett, Susan Gates, Sarah James, Trine Bolling, Alan and Kit Benson, Juanita Jackson, Barbara Hois, and Alice Pedersen. Thanks to Darlene, Jessica and Cindy for keeping the House so fresh and inviting. Thank you Keri Wendel for your great help for Saturday dinners. Thank you John Jackson for the loan of your big red popcorn machine. Thank you coffee angel. Thank you Debbie Caruso for everything you do; our guests love booking their rooms with you! Thank you Board of Directors! Your continuing support and care of the House is wonderful to experience. Thank you to all who share a weekend at a Spring or Fall work party ; lots of work and lots of fun for all! Many hands make tasks easier. New faces are always welcome! Until we meet again, Bob and Karen Douds
The United Methodist House News Page 2 Message from our Board President It seems like we just rolled out the rug and set up the rockers, but another season of Chautauqua is in the memory books. It may well be remembered as the summer the opera invasion appeared on our balcony, board members convened, popcorn was popped, ice cream was served to music students, cookies were enjoyed often, chipmunks partook, spiders were discouraged, puzzles were puzzled, guests became friends, fellowship was abundant, flowers bloomed, memories were made and that was just on the porch! In addition, there were lots of activities and gatherings that took place inside the UM House and we thank all who helped facilitate Sunday worship as well as a myriad of other programs. Thanks to summer hosts, Karen and Bob Douds, whose gifts of hospitality and humor are much appreciated. Brenda Baird- Board President The Porch Summer 2018
The United Methodist House News Page 3 Property Committee News As summer ends the Property Committee finalizes the projects to be done during the off-season. Plan to attend our work weekend October 26th & 27th. We will start Friday afternoon getting organized and start to fill the canvas room. Please come and help, and if you need a room call Debbie. We get a lot done and enjoy fun and fellowship at the same time.
The United Methodist House News Page 4 Here are the projects we are planning to get done this off-season and the estimated cost of each: Work on second floor porch railings, replace at least 16 spindles, prime and paint $4300 Replace second floor deck with Azek $3400 Replace shed $1,000 If anyone would like to contribute towards the cost or to cover the cost of any of these projects, it would be greatly appreciated. There are other projects we are hoping to do to keep the house in good shape, such as repairing plaster and painting, cleaning the carpets and adding more vinyl flooring in the rooms to help with spills around the sink and refrigerator. We hope to get as much done as possible, working around when the House is rented by our off-season guests. It looks like the year ahead will be busy. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at pamconradhow@yahoo.com or 716-269-4564. Conrad Howard - Property Chair Greetings from the Finance Committee! It s been a wonderful summer at Chautauqua this year, but the cooler days and turning leaves remind us that fall is at hand. The House now turns to greeting our off-season guests, primarily on weekends. The revenue this provides helps us tremendously in our slow time of year. This summer we welcomed Debbie Caruso as our new Financial Secretary. Both she and Judie Peterson, a prior Financial Secretary, are on our Finance Committee. This summer the membership, at its annual meeting, voted to invest more of our funds in our investment account at the United Methodist Foundation of Western Pennsylvania. We earn over 4% annually on these monies, much more than we could earn in our bank account. We have now been able to grow this account to over $100,000. While the intent of the Board of Trustees is to keep this money invested and growing, it is good to know that we do have funds available in the case of large, unexpected expenses. The Board truly appreciates your continued support of the United Methodist House. On behalf of the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors, I would ask you to prayerfully consider a financial gift. Mike Corey, Treasurer & Finance Chair Annual Meeting Minutes Summary (From Secretary Carolyn Stowe s minutes) July 11, 2018 J. Howard Wright offered devotions on the passage of time Tomorrow, Today Will Be Yesterday The minutes of the 2017 annual meeting were approved as written. Treasurer, Mike Corey, presented a proposed 2018-2019 break-even budget, which was accepted by the membership. The checking account currently has a balance of about$45,000 and the endowment fund is just over $100,000. Appreciation was expressed to Dennie Stahlsmith for her work as Financial Secretary and to Debbie Caruso for taking on this role.
The United Methodist House News Page 5 Property Committee chair, Conrad Howard, reported that the front porch steps and railings were replaced, three rows of siding above the porch roof were replaced and central air conditioning was installed in the three front bedrooms. Future projects include new spindles and railings for the upper porch, a new deck on the upper porch and a new shed. Ministry Committee chair, Beth Nelson, reported that in addition to the Chaplain s Chat and Cappuccino & Conversation, Pastor John Jackson will be hosting a new program next year on Wednesday evenings on peace, Publicity Committee chair, Lee Mount, expressed appreciation to Bob Douds for maintaining our Facebook page and blog and to Chris Redmond for maintaining our web site. The newsletter is ailed three times per year. Submissions for the newsletter including articles, stories of stays, pictures and history are appreciated. Host Couple, Karen and Bob Douds, reported that the house is very well utilized by our own programs and programs offered by others at Chautauqua. Brenda Baird presented the Nomination Report. She introduced Dennis Swineford, the new DS from Western Pennsylvania and ex-officio board member. Lacking further nominations from the floor, the class of 2021, Stacy Taylor, James Metzger, Mike Corey, Conrad Howard and Chuck Smith were elected. Brenda Baird was elected President, Beth Nelson was elected Vice-President, Mike Corey was elected Treasurer and Carmen Perry was elected Secretary. Retiring board member, Howard Wright, was presented with a gift with appreciation for his service. He offered words of thanks and his wife Carol related that Howard s parents attended Chautauqua in the 1910s. Following adjournment chaplain, Bud Heckman offer a table blessing and many enjoyed a meal and music by the Summer Strummers. The 2019 Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 10 at 4 PM. Thanks and Welcome At the Annual Meeting Trustee Rev. Howard Wright concluded his term on the Board. He was presented with a framed print of the House done by Barbara Schroder. Coincidentally the artist was a friend of the Wright s when they resided in Pittsburgh in the late 1960 s. We appreciate Howard s work with the Board and the added pleasure of knowing his wife, Carol.
The United Methodist House News Page 6 The Annual Meeting elected the Trustee class of 2021. Continuing trustees are Stacy Taylor (not pictured), Mike Corey and Conrad Howard. Newly elected to this class are Jim Metzger and Rev. Chuck Smith (not pictured). Joining the Board as the new District Superintendent of the Erie-Meadville PA district of the Western PA Annual Conference is Rev. Dennis Swineford. Welcome to all of these trustees! Election of Officers 2018/2019 Board Officers, Brenda Baird President, Rev. Beth Nelson Vice President, Mike Corey Treasurer and Rev. Carmen Perry - Secretary Reservation Information for the Chautauqua Season 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) 357-4045 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
The United Methodist House News Page 7 Wesley Suite chair/beds $1,350 (Two room suite) - 4 people in twin beds and 2 people in convertible 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) 357-4045. 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 2018 12/7-12/9, 12/14-12/16, 12/21-12/23 Available Dates in 2019 4/12-4/14, 11/22-11/24, 11/29-12/1, 12/6-12/8, 12/13-12/15, 12/20-12/22 Available Dates in 2020 3/13-3/15, 3/20-3/22, 3/27-3/29, 4/3-4/5, 4/10-4/12, 4/17-4/19, 4/24-4/26, 5/1-5/3, 9/4-9/6, 11/20-11/22, 11/27-11/29, all of December until after Christmas 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.
The United Methodist House News Page 8 Meeting Schedule Fall Work Weekend October 27 Board Meeting Jun 15, 1 pm Spring Work Weekends Jun 8-9 & Jun 15-16 Board Meeting Jul 10, 3 pm Annual Meeting Jul 10, 4 pm Board Meeting Aug 26, 1 pm All Committees meet prior to Board Meetings at the call of the chair. Newsletter Article Deadlines Sept 1, Dec 1, May 1 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. United Methodist House Trustees 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) Brenda Baird bbaird52@aol.com Lee Mount leelaine@twcny.rr.com Carolyn Stow pastor.carolyn.stow@gmail.com Class of 2021 (Chautauqua Community) Mike Corey corey@mikecorey.com Conrad Howard pamconradhow@yahoo.com James Metzger bj12m@hotmail.com Chuck Smith pastorchuck65@gmail.com Stacy Taylor stacytay@gmail.com Ex-Officio Carmen Perry carmenperry10@yahoo.com Sherri Rood sherrirood@unyumc.org Dennis Swineford servall57@gmail.com Host Couple Karen and Bob Douds douds2@comcast.net Retreat Season Hostess and Financial Secretary Debbie Caruso debbiecaruso99@gmail.com
United Methodist House P.O. Box 115 14 Pratt Avenue Chautauqua, New York 14722 Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage P A I D Permit No. 52 Chautauqua, N. Y. 14722 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 year-round 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) 357-4045. UMHouse.com UMHouse.blogspot.com facebook.com/unitedmethodisthouse