Annual Reports Due
Non-financial reports due 15 January
Financial reports due
before 28 January
Committee reports are due as soon as you can get them to Keith Lindsey. We have a deadline to place them in both churches two weeks in advance of the first congregational meeting. A more pressing deadline is to have the full charge report masters ready to print by 29 January. Our resource who is printing the charge report has to start by the 29th.
We realize receipt of bank financial statements are not available early in January, but we hope authors of financial reports will be able to enter almost all other information in advance. Then when the statement is received the final information can be entered and the report finalized and submitted.
The preferred method for submitting reports is electronically to Keith Lindsey. If you need to know his email address, contact him at 838-2868.
Bowes Brothers Fund Raiser
Saturday, 18 February 7:00 p.m.
You heard them at Munster Church before or you've heard them elsewhere. Now they're coming to Munster Church on Saturday, 18 February for your enjoyment. Rid yourself of the winter blues with an evening with the Bowes Brothers in concert right in your community. Join all your friends where it's at on Feb 18th. Tickets are a deal at 15:00. Contact Pat at 838-2868 for tickets.
We are certain you will enjoy this energy filled concert. And don't miss Andy yodeling.
Food Bank Immediate Needs
Rhonda Fields is our coordinator for our donations to the Food Bank. Munster Church supports the Food Bank with regular donations and we welcome your support of food and related items for needy families and the elderly. Bring your contributions and place them in the box in the front entrance and we will ensure it is delivered promptly to the Food Bank. If you have any questions please speak with Rhonda.
At this time of year the focus of the Food Bank changes somewhat. Rhonda informs us that the elderly are the focus at this time of year and asks that we arrange donations toward their needs.
Munster Church Construction Project:
- Replace the Back Steps and Entrance and
-
Install a New Accessible Washroom on the Main Level
Our groundbreaking ceremonies of Friday, 25 June 2010 officially kicked off our important project. On Saturday, 14 August 2010 the work kicked off with the demolition of the 'old' rear structure. Since then many hours of volunteers' time have been invested in the future of this church through this project. Donations of time, money, and service have really helped the project along.
As of the end of March most inspections had been completed and the next few steps for the new structure are to insulate the walls, install the vapour barrier, and install drywall. The washroom has the floor, framing, and electrical in place. The window and wall below it are still to be removed and finished to create the doorway and door. The existing washroom is still in place except the entrance has been changed from the landing to the basement. For those familiar with the basement, the entrance is where the sunday school supply cabinet was located - to the right of the stairs.
There is still work to be completed and if you are interested, contact Baden Brown. Baden is coordinator of volunteers, in addition to construction worker on the project.
One of our coordinators of volunteers is Baden. He would love to hear from you if you have some time and would like to help. We accept offers of volunteer help and labour from any skill level. Volunteers work under the guidance of professionals and as such we welcome every skill level from 'gofer' (me) to expert.
Progress has been 'documented' with photographs. The link below shows a pictorial progress of construction (including demolition). It also shows items (bricks, shingles, windows, doors, steps) sold and available for sale yet to support the project.
Follow the progress of this project with this link and items sold and for sale.
Milk Bags Sleeping Mats
Pat Lindsey is undertaking a project to create mats for use by children and adults in countries where they sleep on a dirt floor. Pat is making use of the outer 'packaging' bag of milk sold in bags to crochet mats. Depending on the size of the mat, it can take up to 500 outer bags.
Pat is looking for your help. If you purchase milk in 4L bags, please save the outer bag. Pat prefers that you keep them lying flat or folded and to not scrunch or roll them into balls. Flat bags are much easier to cut. To let Pat know you have bags for her or for more information call Pat Lindsey.
We have three people who are crocheting bags into mats. You continued support will help us complete mats that will help others sleep better.
Munster United Church Outreach Program
Following the success of the outreach program at Ashton United Church, Munster Church Council thinks the idea and results are very worthwhile. The Munster Church program is actually a series of smaller outreach projects.
To start, our first project is starting with receiving old and unused pairs of glasses. We will forward glasses received to Laurier Optical which will then send to the people of Haiti, along with an eye specialist, to give the gift of an eye exam and prescription lenses in your old frames to people who would not otherwise be able to afford these. Bring in your no longer needed glasses and place them in the box labelled "Glasses for Haiti" and we'll look after the rest.
Support the Food Bank
We have an ongoing need to support families who are in need and the Food Bank is there to help until they can get back on their feet. Munster Church is committed to supporting the Richmond Food Bank and their support of needy people in our community and area.
The Richmond Food Bank is assisting more than 20 elderly families and/or families of disabled. And we can help these families by focusing on these items: Ensure, pudding, tapioca, rice puddings, canned fruits and vegetables, apple sauce, pasta, rice, soft crackers and cookies, soups, oatmeal, juices, tinned fish and meat, and personal care products. In addition at different times of the year we undertake to give more seasonal items to make those times more special for these families. A thank you for continuing care for those in our community who are less fortunate than you.
For further information or to suggest fun ideas to make the giving more interesting, contact Rhonda Fields.
Seats Available
An adequate supply of seats is available in the left section for anyone attending our services. In the left section you will have an excellent selection of seats from the front to the back. Each pew is well stocked with hymn books and Bibles. The view of the front area is unobstructed and you will be sitting closest to the hymn numbers board.
Occasionally a few others will sit in the left section of pews but a very good selection of seats will still be available. If you wish to sit in the centre or right sections, you are still welcome to do so. However, be advised that selection of seating is much more restricted - unless you arrive sufficiently early for a service when you will enjoy your unrestricted choice of seats. It has been observed that the centre and right sections fill up much more quickly than the left section. So you have a choice - centre and right sections if you want to be in amongst many other people and possibly have a slightly limited view, or enjoy ample leg and elbow room with a clear, unobstructed view of the front if sitting in the left section. The choice is yours.
General Church Information
Munster United Church is an established country church and the congregation is a mix of rural and suburban folk of all ages. The building was completed in 1894 after fire burned down the original building. Our congregation is a caring and supportive one that takes an interest in everyone while continuing to grow in faith. We make every effort to remain current with our members and adherents. Should you know of a change of situation with a family or member, please let Rorry Harding, temporary Chair of the Church Council, or the minister Rev. Matt Gallinger know so that visitation and/or support can be given.
If you are looking for information about weddings, etc., please look at the web page (http://apc.royalyorkers.com/apc_home.html) by navigating using the menu bar at the top of this page and following Contact Us - Munster.
Worship Services
We conduct weekly worship services only interrupted when we visit and
worship at our sister church in Ashton for their anniversary, during
the Christmas - New Years break when there is a service at one of the
western area churches of the Ottawa Presbytery, and when we hold our annual charge picnic. We hold a special Christmas
Eve service of worship which is well attended by many people from the community, members,
and visitors.
We have an active Sunday School and nursery facilities. The nursery is well stocked with toys and is equipped with a speaker for those interested in hearing the worship service. Our senior choir (adult choir- as some members may take offence being called seniors when they aren't - yet) presents an anthem at each service except during the summer months of June through August. Pat Lindsey is our organist and choir director. If you have an interest in singing, come out any Thursday night, slide into a chair, and practice with the choir. You'll be very welcome to join us. And if you have an anthem suggestion, let Pat know.
We regularly record the services onto cassette tapes for listening by Sunday School teachers, adults in the Nursery, and people away for a Sunday. If you wish to borrow a tape, please arrange this through Pat or Keith Lindsey. There is a hymn suggestion box located at the back of the sanctuary for anyone who wishes to nominate any or all of their favourite hymns to be included in services. All suggestions will be taken into consideration when choosing hymns for future worship services.
New To The Area or Munster Church?
For those of you new to Munster Church, we welcome you and thank you
for choosing to worship with us. If we don't know who you are, please
introduce yourself to one of us. If you have any questions about anything,
please ask someone. As a visitor to our church, we invite you to sign our guest book so we can have a memory of your visit.
If you are new to the area and are looking for a place to worship and grow in faith, as well as to meet new friends, please feel welcome to join us any time.
Not a member of the congregation and would like to be? Please speak with our minister Rev. Matt Gallinger or Rorry Harding, temporary Church Council. You might find it's as easy and straightforward as arranging a membership transfer from another church where you hold membership.
In order to have your weekly offering count toward a tax receipt, please speak with Patti Gorr, our envelope Steward, to arrange a set of offering envelopes. A numbered set of envelopes will be issued to you for your use. In order for us to be able to accurately issue you with a charitable tax receipt in February of 2011 for offerings in 2010, we will require basic information about you (name and address). If you would like to make handling of your offerings easier, download and complete a PAR (Pre-authorized Remittance) form then give it to Patti. This will arrange to have your offering deducted automatically each month and credited to your church. The form is found in the Pre-Authorized Remittance of Offerings section farther down on this page.
The worship service times are found on the Schedule - Worship Services page. You will notice that our service times alternate between 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. - as do the services at Ashton United Church. The service times for the next few weeks are also printed in our orders of service.
United Church Women
The United Church Women (UCW) undertake a number of activities
to support the church, other
groups, and causes.
Study and Youth Groups
We also benefit from a study group as described on the Pastoral Charge
events page under General Information and a vibrant Youth Group under
the direction of Liz Hale and Rev. Matt Gallinger. The Pastoral Charge Youth Group draws
participants from both communities and churches. Check the Pastoral Charge Events page for details of any changes or cancellations. Presently our second study group is not functioning. It took place Monday evenings.
Richmond Food Bank
We collect food and necessities for the less fortunate on an ongoing
basis and items are delivered weekly on Monday to the Richmond Food Bank.
Several times during the year, especially when Food Bank supplies become
low and Christmas, we put a special drive on and everyone is encouraged
to bring additional items. Your donations of food (non-perishable items
such as canned fruits and vegetables, pasta) along with toiletries and
baby products (formula, diapers, etc.) are most welcome and appreciated.
If you prefer, you can donate one or more of the Gift Cards we sell
as a fund raiser. These can be turned into needed items. For more information
or clarification of suitability of items, call Shannon Morrow (838-5413)
or Rhonda Fields (838-2651).
As part of our church and Pastoral Charge operational procedures, we have a Ministry and Personnel Committee responsible for the oversight of the paid staff (the Minister and the bulletin secretary). It is a confidential, consultative body that supports pastoral relationship in your church. The Committee describes itself as "being in ministry together". We welcome your interest and confidential feedback. Representatives for Munster are Ray Melvin and Shannon Morrow. The Committee is seeking another representative for Munster. If you are interested, please contact Ray Melvin.
Fund Raising
We undertake several fund raising activities and events each year to
augment income from offerings and to allow us to undertake programs
beyond the basics. Some run on an ongoing basis and are operated by
a small group of dedicated people. Other activities, such as suppers
take place only a few times each year and require volunteers. We have
been selling Loblaws/National Grocers Gift Cards for years and the program
returns a fair amount of money to the Local Fund of Munster Church to
support regular programs and special undertakings.
Loblaws/National Grocers Gift Cards
Simply stated, your church buys gift cards at a discount and sells them
to interested people (you) who use the gift cards the same as you spend
money. The church earns the difference. The cards are equivalent to
cash at Loblaws in Ontario and Quebec), Real Canadian Superstore, Your
Independent Grocer, and valu-mart stores. In addition, they can be used
at Zehrs, No Frills, Fortinos, Extra Foods, Loblaws Superstore, Provigo,
Maxi, Maxi & Co, Atlantic Superstore, and the Real Canadian Wholesale
Clubs locally and across the country.
The cards are a convenient way for you to shop because as you spend a portion of the card, the system keeps track of your card balance and that balance is available for your next purchase. No need to carry cheques or cash and have to keep track of change. They come in denominations of $10, $25, $50, $100, and $250 so you can purchase the exact amount you need weekly, every two weeks, monthly, or whenever you prefer. The cards are preactivated and good for two years. Through your generous support, this program has been a resounding success and we thank you for your loyalty for making it so productive.
For information contact Pat or Keith Lindsey. You can purchase cards from Carmen Thompson, Lynda Bell, or Pat Lindsey.
Fair Trade Coffee and Tea
In March of 2007 the congregation voted to undertake support of Fair
Trade coffee and tea. Since then, we has been using and selling these
products and have added fair trade sugar to our line up. The program
benefits more than one million farmers and farm workers in 58 developing
countries. We have the kind of coffee or tea for you. And check our
prices against other Fair Trade supplies and we know you will be impressed.
Details of the program are listed further down on this page.
Frozen Berries
Once a year in the fall, we sell frozen blueberries, raspberries,
and cranberries. orders are typically due in early October. When the
drive is in progress, details can be found in the Special Events and
Activities section at the top of this page. If you would like to be
notified by email about the sale, please pass your name and email address
to Pat Lindsey.
Church Colour Prints The price is $30 each. The choice is yours for framing to suit your room or the person for whom it will be a gift. Contact Pat or Keith Lindsey or any member of the Stewards. There are still prints available. |
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Church Suppers
Once a year, and sometimes more often, the church holds a supper open
to the community and area residents. Typically we celebrate the anniversary of
our congregation's start with a fall supper in October. The food is
typically country fare including home baked pies. In the past we have
enjoyed serving
Publications
We have several publications available (The Early
Ministers and the UCW Cookbook). Please check for details on the Pastoral
Charge page under General Information.
Church Council Looking For Ideas
To continue to be a progressive church serving your needs and the needs of our community, the Munster Church Council are looking for any and all creative
ideas for events that you would like to see in the life of this community.
Please speak to a member of the Church Council, or write your idea
down and put it in the suggestion box, signed or unsigned. We will be
looking through the box and talking on Sunday mornings about the ideas
received.
Also, if you make a suggestion, you don't necessarily have to be the one who carries out the idea. Of course, if you are interested in participating with your or any other idea to help it come to reality, we won't ignore your interest or offer to help.
Pre-Authorized Remittance of Givings
Some of you have heard about our PAR program or Pre-authorized remittance.
For those of you not aware, you can arrange with the United Church of
Canada and your bank to have a specific amount of money withdrawn from
your account each month. The money, your monthly offering, will go directly
to the church's local fund to support daily operations.
There are benefits with this arrangement. You benefit by not needing to find your offering envelopes each week before you head off to church. You also benefit by not having to 'double up' your offerings if you are away for a period of time to get caught up with your planned offerings. The main benefit for your church is that it helps provide a regular, steady flow of funds, especially during the summer months when some people are away and offerings on the plate would typically be reduced.
A number of families and individuals are on the PAR program presently. If you would like to find out more about this program or you would like to sign up, please contact Patti Gorr or Carmen Thompson or any member of the Munster Church Council. Your information relating to PAR will remain confidential. Or you can download the PAR authorization form, complete it, and give it to Patti Gorr.
Fair
Trade Coffee and Tea
New fundraising program in place at Munster Church
March 2007 saw a great deal of work on the part of Jennifer Turk, Pat Lindsey,
and Matt Gallinger. Jenn and Pat spearheaded the new program for introducing
sale of Fair Trade Coffee and Tea. The idea to proceed was approved at
the annual congregational meeting.
Munster United Church uses and sells Fair Trade coffee and tea. Fair Trade benefits over one million farmers and farm workers in 58 developing countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Fair Trade certification enables consumers to vote for a better world with their dollars.
Fair Trade principles include:
- democratic and transparent organizations,
- community development,
- environmental sustainability,
- fair prices,
- fair labour conditions, and
- direct trade.
We offer a variety of coffees and teas. You can choose from
ground coffee or beans and regular or decaffeinated.
Prices are:
| Coffee | beans or ground | medium roast | $ 7.50 for 3/4 pound |
| beans or ground | dark roast | $ 7.50 for 3/4 pound | |
| beans or ground | decaf | $ 8.00 for 3/4 pound | |
| beans or ground | Irish Cream | $ 8.00 for 3/4 pound | |
| Tea | Earl Grey Lemon & Honey Green Tea Black Ceylon |
$ 5.00 for 24 bags or $ 6.00 for 100 grams of loose tea |
You can place an order with Pat at church, at Wednesday Coffee mornings, or by telephone. We try our best to have some stock on hand, but with the popularity of Fair Trade coffee and teas, we might not always have your need on hand. If that is the case, we will add it to our next order and it will arrive within a very short time. You can also send us an email on the Contact Us page to request information or place an order. If you wish to send us an email message to muccoffee at gmail dot com. You will need to provide the appropriate substitutions in that string to send your message successfully. Your order will be received by Pat Lindsey. Alternately, you can send a message through this site using the Contact Us menu item above then Pastoral Charge -> send an e-mail message to Keith Lindsey. Keith will forward all Fair Trade messages to Pat.
We look forward to having you join the Fair Trade supporters and to serving your taste and needs.
