(sometimes also referred to as our "Good News" section. These are not the only events and activities that the Munster United Church has undertaken. There are many more but all arenot listed. We are an active church community.)
Annual Congregational Meeting
SPIRIT Award Recipients - Feb 2007
Again this year the Society for the Preservation of Interesting
Reports Intelligently Transmitted (SPIRIT) read, reviewed, and
discussed reports submitted by members of the Munster congregation. At
the annual congregational meeting, the awards were presented to recipients
in six different categories. Recipients were awarded 4 inch by 6 inch
certificates mounted in beautiful fridge magnets along with a humourous
and sometimes useful memento of the occasion. The categories and recipients
are as follows:
| Category Award |
Recipient |
| Best Documentary Short
Subject (outstanding coverage of a specific event or topic) |
Liz Hale - Sunday
School report |
| Best Documentary Feature (all round interesting report) |
Rorry Harding -
Stewards & Trustees report |
| Achievement in Costume
Design (best use of costume in the church year) |
The Sunday School |
| Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Supporting Role |
Stephanie Tubman |
| Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Leading Role |
Tina Melvin for
mention as a member in both the Stewards & Trustees
AND Session reports |
| Achievement in Screenplay (best captures the life, achievements, and vibrancy of Munster Church) |
Rorry Harding -
Stewards & Trustees report |
Some of our victims, er ... recipients are shown below receiving their awards:
Liz Hale for Best Documentary Short Subject
Jennifer Turk receiving for Achievement in Costume Design
Tina Melvin for Performance by an Actor/Actress in a Leading Role
Rorry Harding for Achievement in Screenplay
Christmas Eve Day Sunday School Pageant
With a live baby Jesus!
On the morning of Sunday, Christmas
eve, the Sunday School members conducted the service themselves. They
rehearsed many times in advance to ensure they were prepared with thier
lines and actions. It was a wonderful service and the members of the Sunday
School must be proud of what they accomplished. The congregation members
provided many positive comments to them afterwards. Here are some photos
of the morning service. Note the well behaved live baby jesus played by
Ian Tubman in the historic family crib.
Photo credits: Liz Scharf and Holly Parker
Photo credit: Liz Scharf
Photo credit: Liz Scharf
Photo credit: Liz Scharf
Photo credit: Holly Parker
Photo credit: Holly Parker
Photo credit: Holly Parker
October Frozen Berries Drive by the Choir
A huge thank you to everyone who ordered frozen berries this October and November 2006. We appreciate your partonage and loyalty to our program. As organizer, I also thank the members of the choir who were so good with their selling and thank you to those choir members who staffed the tables on pick up day and Ray Melvin for being so efficient handing the bags of berries out that Saturday. --Keith Lindsey
Thank You To Our Choir Director
The Choir at Munster United Church expressed their thanks to Pat Lindsey for her direction, guidance, knowledge, and all the hours of time she has spent practicing music before the services, playing music during the weekly choir rehearsals, and playing and directing the anthems. Liz Hale presented the thank you gift to Pat on Sunday, June 18th during the service of worship. Someone in the audience was thought to have murmered something about '... a real choir director' but the source could not be found and it was considered to be a voice from the past. ;-)
UCW Craft & Bake Sale at Hazeldean Mall - Sat., Nov. 19th, 2005
The United Church Women will be having a bake and craft sale at Hazeldean Mall on Saturday, November 19th. They are asking for food and crafts from the members of the congregation for this fund raising event. The church women would also appreciate the assistance of anyone who can help at the Mall this Saturday. If you are providing food or crafts, please drop the off at the church on Friday, November 18th between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. If this is not convenient for you, please bring your items directly to the Hazeldean Mall on Saturday, November 19th.
The UCW appreciates your continued support for all of their projects.
Anniversary Supper - Saturday, October 1st, 2005 4:30 and 6:00 p.m.
Munster United Church thanks all who attended or supper. We were pleased to serve you a fine turkey meal. We received many compliments about the supper.
Acknowledgement of Donation From the United Church Women
It is a pleasure to acknowledge the donation of $4,000 from the UCW to the Local Fund in the early summer. In addition, the UCW donated $2,000 to the Building Fund. This is a clear demonstration of the results of their hard work.
Sunday School Tsunami Relief Assistance
The Sunday School held a light lunch after the February 6th worship service. They provided food prepared by the youth of the School. They were seeking free will offerings in support of relief efforts for the victims of the December 26th Tsunami. Liz Hale announced March 6th they had received $493 and another $107 will be added from the Sunday School budget monies to bring the total to $600. Congratulations to all who planned and prepared the meal. You should be very proud; you will make a difference in several people and families lives. And thank you very much to all who turned out and supported the lunch.
Farewell to Rev. Elizabeth Bryce
On June 26th, Rev. Elizabeth Bryce conducted her last service with us. The service was held at 9:30 a.m., the same time as the rest of our June services, and was a joint worship service held at Munster United Church with members of both congregations attending. Members of the choir at Ashton joined with the choir from Munster to sing an anthem. The anthem was specially selected and was a favourite of Rev. Bryce. At the conclusion of the service presentations were made to Rev. Bryce, first by the United Church Women of Munster. The members of the Ashton-Munster Pastoral Charge presented Rev. Bryce with a painting of a lake in the Gatineau Hills, Quebec by Wes Williams, a member of Munster United Church. To close the service, the choir sang the Hebrew Benediction.
A Thank You to the United Church Women
Liz Hale, in church on Sunday October 24th, 2004, acknowledged the UCW for their generous donation to the Sunday School for the purchase of any needed items (music, supplies, etc.). These funds will be put to good use to make the program even more varied and interesting.
Frozen Berries Are Sold Out - Pick-up was on Friday, October 29th 8:00 to 9:00 p.m.
The frozen berries sale by the Choir of Munster United Church was a success. Congratulations are extended to the members of the choir for doing such an outstanding job of selling. Thank you to Ray melvin for helping me (Keith Lindsey) with picking up the berries Friday night. The load exceeded the weight capacity of my van and sharing the load with Ray kept both vehicles within loading limits.
Because of timing with our supplier, we received a Friday evening pickup time. We had to bring the berries back and sell them immediately so they wouldn't thaw as we don't have the facilities to keep them frozen overnight.
We thank all who ordered frozen berries. We appreciate your support. Due to a mix-up with the announcement in the newspaper, the deadline date was incorrect. We ordered several extra bags because of this and these were all sold.
A reminder that we are planning to do this again in the new year (2005). If you would like to receive notice of the drive, please call Pat or Keith Lindsey at home or send us an e-mail message. The timing should be the same as this year: order deadline around mid-February and pick-up near the end of February.
Summer Services - 2004
This summer (June, July, and August) we are celebrating a single service Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. The service location alternates between Ashton United Church and Munster United Church. Refer to the schedule for the time for the coming Sunday. In June and July, we have enjoyed the services of two ministers and a lay preacher as per the photos below.
For those who aren't aware of it, who aren't thinking it is worth attending, or who weren't planning to attend any services in the summer, think again. In the past some of the most meaningful and memorable services have taken place in the summer. Sure attendance might be down but the content and rewards of these services can be just as high and significant as services the rest of the year.
| (photo to come on new page) |
(photo to come on new page) |
| Rev. Pat
White |
Rev. Elizabeth
Bryce |
| (photo to come on new page) |
Our own Lillian
Hobbs (left). |
Saturday, June 26 - Day of Activities - Baseball, Barbeque
This was a fun day with a chance for people to meet former residents of Munster and area. The baseball game was delayed a small amount of time due to a passing rain shower but two games were played. One where two women's teams played each other and the other where two mixed (men and women) teams squared off. Afterward people cam eover to enjoy a barbeque chicken supper in the basement of Munster United Church. members of the church cooked in the kitchen while others operated barbeques in back of the church to deliver a delicious, hot supper. We served 200 meals, including a number of take-outs, to many hungry people. We thank everyone who supported us and express our disappointment to those who had to be turned away because we had sold all 200 tickets for the chicken that had been planned and pre-ordered. Next year, the supper is expected to have advance ticket sales only. Later in the evening many people attended the dance at Saunder Farm.
A Delightful Time
On Sunday May 9th, we were blessed with two baptisms and the Community Youth Choir performing for us. the church was packed and several extra chairs were carefully added were possible to offer seating to those standing shortly before the start of the service. Rev. Elizabeth Bryce conducted the service while Rev. McKnight is away on medical leave. Krista Featherstone and Gwyneth Tubman were baptized. We had a speical treat with Rev. Stephen McKewon performing the baptism for Gwyneth. Rev. McKewon and his wife travelled from Alquippa, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburg).
The Community Youth Choir presented two songs for our enjoyment. And we really did enjoy their presentations. Everyone saw how much they had practiced, how interested they were in music, the talent present in each person, and that they enjoyed their singing. Thank you for making this service special.
The Furnace Expired - and Was Replaced
After more than 20 years of faithful service, our furnace decided to take a permanent rest. Your Stewards worked very hard and many hours to arrange for a replacement. We appreciated and enjoyed the warm welcome of our sister congregation at Ashton United Church, for three Sunday services while we were without the services of our furnace and while the new one was being installed.
As we all know, the cost of a new furnace, especially one for a larger building, is not insignificant. Now that the furnace has been installed and working and keeping us warm, we must still retire the debt for it's purchase. Your Stewards put in place a mechanism to make it easy for you to respond to pay the amount off through special donations.
And you are to be congratulated. A huge and hearty thank you is extended to all who donated starting in March to retire the cost of the furnace ($8692) by the end of June. This is a significant and special accomplishment of which you should be proud. It is a distinct indication of what we can achieve with a goal and what we can do in future.
A Special Project and Gift - this will be moved to the Munster - Photos page
Two industrious girls and their mother were busy at work in mid-December. Zoe and Ashley and their mother made a church from pretzels. At the service on December 14th it was presented to Rev. McKnight. Everyone who sees it remarks on what a beautiful work of art it is and that it must have taken many hours of dedication and work to complete it. It has stain 'glass' windows and there's a light inside to display the windows. Truly a work of art.
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(photo to come on new page) |
Place a Christmas Poinsettia - this has been moved to the History - Munster photos page
Advent 2003 Again this year the beauty of our church sanctuary was added to with many people bringing poinsettias in memory of loved ones. December 21st during the service, these poinsettias were received and dedicated to the memory of loved ones no longer with us and to the glory of God. |
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Forbes Band |
Howard and Evelyn Fisher |
Doris and Mac McKenzie |
Boyd Bell |
Marlyn Garland |
Hazel and Hanford McKnight |
Robert Bell |
Margaret and Freeman Grant |
May Mitchell |
Jodie Bell |
Lindsay Gray |
Gaston Pilon |
Dorothy and Arthur Blair |
Muriel Fisher |
William Sample |
Orval and Helen Carr |
Evelyn and John Harding |
Ben and Edith Stanzel |
Rev. and Mrs. Phil Chisolm |
Elwin and Lila Hobbs |
Don Tubman |
Rhonda Lynn Delahunt |
Joe Karl |
Donna Tubman |
John and Edith Delahunt |
Doris and Fred Knight |
Stephen Walters |
Hinson Dykeman |
Doris Lindsey |
Fay and Molly Williams |
Frank Ellard |
Daniel McClure |
Clinton Wright |
Bruce Featherstone |
Donald and Isabelle McFee |
Linda and Jim Yake |
Harvey and Cora Fields |
||
and other loved ones, unnamed |
Thank you very much to Mary Tubman who organized this. It is truly a special activity of this church.
Adult Fellowship 'What's It' Group Christmas Pot Luck Dinner - Dec. 13th at 7:00 p.m.
The 'What's It' adult fellowship group enjoyed a fine, delicious pot luck dinner. It was a pleasure to see members of Ashton United Church joining us. The toys that were to be exchanged, partly as enjoyment to see what each would enjoy giving as a toy, were dropped off at Interval House. (2003)
Pastoral Charge Planning Workshop - Saturday, October 18th
There will be a planning workshop on Saturday, October 18th from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Ashton United Church. It is recommended that all members of the Official Board participate. Those who are on session and stewards, heads of UCW, choir, and Sunday school are on Official Board. this workshop is open to all who are interested. You morning will start with muffins, tea, coffee, and juice. Lunch will consist of pizza (bring a little money to cover the cost of this).
Photos of Decorations at Thanksgiving 2003 - this has been moved to the History - Munster photos page
Special Anniversary Activities - Weekend of Sept 27-28 - these photos will be seen on the Special page on the History - Munster photos menu item
It was a blast. It was awesome. It was satisfying. It was heart warming.
The Saturday afternoon - evening supper saw more than 400 people served a hot turkey and ham dinner. Many former members were in attendance and there was plenty of catching up that took place. People also enjoyed the wonderful, and extensive photographic displays that Carmen Thompson put together.
The Sunday 180th Anniversary Service was very well attended. We heard Rev. Paul McLenaghan, a former minister at Munster United Church (1973-79), as guest preacher. Rev. Walter Mittler, also a former minister (1979-1983) took part in the service. choir composed of present and former members - 23 strong - presented two anthems. A 180th anniversary banner was on display in the sanctuary too! Afterward a luncheon was served.
Sunday evening we enjoyed a brief yet interesting history lesson covering the first 100 years, the next 50, and the last 30 interspersed with musical presentations from Janice Restoule accompanied by Pat Lindsey, Pat Labron, Shannon Baldwin, Jonathan Guigue and JasonBaldwin, and Val and Rev. Jim Baldwin.
Our thanks to:
the Munster Community Association Incorporated
Sam's Country House Restaurant
Bradley's Your Independent Grocer in Stittsville
Lennstrom's Your Independent Grocer in Richmond
the Richmond Bakery in Richmond
Bunsmaster on Hazeldean Road in Kanata
Loblaws on Eagleson Road in Kanata
Farm Boy on Hazeldean Road in Kanata
for their generous support.
A thank you goes out to the organizers: Faith Stiles, Lillian Hobbs, Gail Kirkconnell, Pat Lindsey, Tina Melvin, Judi Pilon, Fern Sample, Carmen Thompson, Connie Ellard, Judy Fisher, Sandra Tubman, Edith Coleman, and Rev. Paul Evans.
Planning Committee for 180th Anniversary Celebrations
This committee was formed some time ago to look at planning, timing, scope, and number of events for our 180th anniversary celebration weekend at the end of September and has been very busy planning special activities and contacting former members near and far.
We have contacted and invited former members and worshippers, choir members, UCW members, Sunday School teachers, etc. to join us for a weekend of reminiscing, fun, an old fashioned church supper, viewing historical displays, catching up, renewing acquaintances, worshipping together, and seeing the church and community. If you want to be one step ahead of the committee and are interested in receiving information and/or being contacted, send us a message (or check our contact page for mailing address). We'd love to have you come out and be part of our celebration. If you know anyone who falls in this category, with whom we might have lost contact at some time, please forward their contact information to us and we'll include them in the list for invitations to be issued.
This will be a great time to visit Munster again, visit Munster Church, meet our 'new' minister, re-discover your Church, re-acquaint yourself with friends and friends with whom you have lost touch, tour the area, worship again with the Munster Church family, and generally get 'caught up' with news.
Committee members are: Faith Stiles, Lillian Hobbs, Gail Kirkconnell, Pat Lindsey, Tina Melvin, Judi Pilon, Fern Sample, Carmen Thompson, Edith Coleman and Connie Ellard, Judy Fisher, Sandra Tubman are the supper committee convenors.
Munster Community Garage Sale Saturday, May 10th
The Stewards arranged a table at the community sale for selling home made pies. They received many donations of baking and sold $195 worth on Saturday. Thank you to all who supported this activity with your donations and your purchases.
Easter Flowers - these have been moved to the History - Munster photos page
Thank you to everyone who brought flowers for the Easter services. They were beautiful as you can see below. They really added to the services. Many were brought in memory of a loved one.
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(photo to come on new page)
(photo to come on new page)
Easter Services
All we can say is 'if you weren't there, you missed very good services'. Both the Maundy Thursday and easter Sunday services were meaningful and thought provoking. they were a good opportunity for reflection and growth.
The Maundy Thursday service offered a very good message and the Sunday service offered anthems from both the junior and senior choirs along with communion and messages in the children's time and the adult message time. It was also great to see visitors worshipping with the regulars. below is a different view of the junior choir anthem in progress.
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United Church Women Homemade Bean Supper
The United Church Women of Munster Church held a homemade bean supper on Saturday, April 5th at the church. The supper was in honour of all senior ladies of the U.C.W. Afterward there were recognitions, memories shared, and singing of older tunes familiar to many. As well, we sang the favourite hymn of each lady being honoured.
The menu included scalloped potatoes, ham, sausages, baked beans, desserts, coffee, and tea all served with the smiles, love, and care of our women (and men). A big thank you to Carmen Thompson for organizing the evening, Tim Thompson for selecting and organizing the music sing-along, and Pat Lindsey for assisting with the music selection and playing the piano for the songs and hymns. If you weren't there, you missed one of the great events of the year (at least so far). If you were there, you can tell others how much fun it was and how delicious the food was.
Anniversary Celebrations - October 20th, 2002
We celebrated out 179th anniversary as a congregation on Sunday October 20th. Following the 11:00 a.m. service, we had a luncheon. Thank you to Marsha Hamilton and Pat Lindsey for organizing food and to all those who brought or delivered food to allow us to celebrate.
Open House
We also continued our celebration with an Open House in the evening at 7:00 p.m. This was an opportunity for people to meet Rev. Anne McKnight, enjoy some musical entertainment, fellowship, refreshments, and desserts. It was a good opportunity to discover your community church.
Annual Choir Sales of Frozen Berries - Fall 2002 - A Success
Again this year the choir and their supporters were active in contacting customers from previous years as well as finding new customers. Overall, sales were up about 20% over 2001 and that doesn't include the small lot of raspberries we sold in late summer.
We really appreciate your support and are certain you will enjoy the berries. We have already had expressions of excitement and surprise when they saw the size of the bags.
Profits from the sales will be put toward the new digital piano and any monies beyond this will be turned over to the Local Fund for the day-to-day operation of the church.
The choir is looking at selling berries in the January time frame with a delivery in February or possibly March. Watch for details in case you missed this sale or need more berries for gifts, cooking, or other projects.
Refinished Sign Re-Installed
In late August 2002 our sign was re-installed. Ryan and Keith Lindsey had worked on the sign for about a month to remove the door and hardware, sand the old finish, clean, fill gaps and holes, stain, and seal the wood surface, and finally re-install the hardware. Pat Lindsey helped Ryan dismount the sign and Ryan and Keith re-mounted it when restoration had been completed. You can now enjoy the service times, special service notification, and contact information again when walking or driving by the front of the church. |
(photo to
be moved to new page) |
United Church Women Hot Turkey Dinner
On Wednesday evening, August 21st, 2002 the U.C.W. served a hot turkey supper followed by musical entertainment. This was a great success raising money for the replacement of the back stairs. Thank you everyone who partook of the meal and entertainment and those who participated to make it a success. The latter includes those who set up, served, cleared, washed, and performed.
United Church Women Yard Sale and Church Strawberry Social
The members of the UCW conducted yard sale at Munster United Church in the morning of Saturday, June 22nd, 2002. A thank you to all of you who donated items for this sale. Overlapping part of the yard sale was our Strawberry Social. Both events were a success. Watch for a repeat next year.
And put Wednesday, August 27 on your calendar for the U.C.W. hot turkey supper.
Doors Open Ottawa - this will be moved to the Munster - Photos page
|
United Church Women Crafts and Bake Sale
The members of the UCW were in attendance with a table (or two) at the Hazeldean Mall on Saturday, April 27th, 2002 and sold crafts and baked goods. They thank you for your support.
Session Hosting a Dinner and Musical Entertainment Evening
The Munster United Church Session will be hosting a dinner the evening of Saturday, February 16th, 2002. Following the dinner you will be treated to the music of Kirkside Passage, a youth musical group from St. Phillips Catholic Church in Richmond. This group will be of interest to all ages and especially the youth. We look forward to seeing you there and serving you. For tickets call Pat or Keith Lindsey or any member of session. Tickets are $10 each and for children under 12 they are $5. This event was successful with a good turnout.
Blue Christmas - 2001
A Blue Christmas service will be held Wednesday, December 19th at 7:30 p.m. in Munster United Church. The service will not be lengthy. It is intended to acknowledge the fact that there are some for whom Christmas is in some way sad this year.
Dedication of Poinsettias - these photos have been moved to the History - Munster photos page
Sunday, December 16th at the service we dedicated memorial poinsettia flowers in memory of loved ones. Many flowers were brought and dedicated this morning. A huge thank you to Mary Tubman who organized this activity. There are a large number of plants in the church surrounding the communion table and bring a lot of life and colour to the front. It was a great moment this Sunday to remember all those people who were special, touched our lives, and meant so much to us. A thank you to Wayne Tubman for building the stands for many of the flowers.
United Church Women at Hazeldean Mall
Our UCW will be hosting a table of baked goods and crafts at the Hazeldean Mall on Saturday, December 8th. The UCW invite you to donate some of your fine baking and/or craft items for sale at their table. If you would like to help with the success of this worthwhile fund raising activity, please contact Lillian Hobbs or Blanche Smith and arrange delivery or pick up of your items.
Update: The sale was a success with more than $500 being raised. At the church service of December 9th, the women expressed their sincere thanks to all who donated and helped at the table at the Mall.
Adult Fellowship Group "What's It" Christmas Pot Luck Evening
The "What's It" adult fellowship group met Friday evening, December 7th for their annual Christmas pot luck dinner and gift exchange. With the smaller numbers this year, we met at the home of Tina and Ray Melvin. Afterwards a carol sing took place and the evening ended with a gift exchange. This year the exchange was conducted a little differently from previous years. We decided to exchange children's' toys. However, we didn't keep them. They will be forwarded to Interval House to make others' Christmas time a happier occasion.
Advent Pot Luck Supper and Church Decorating
The Munster Congregation invites you to join us for the annual pot luck supper and decorating of the church for 2001. We will gather at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 2nd. There will be pot luck dinner, craft making, and the start of the decorating of the tree (lights only that night). As the Sundays progress, we will be adding decorations to complete our tree close to Christmas itself.
Operation Christmas Child
The Sunday School in Munster United Church this year undertook an activity to make Christmas brighter and more exciting for children around the world who have suffered because of war, natural disaster, poverty, illness, or neglect. We were encouraged to fill an empty shoe box with a variety of non-perishable items suitable for a male or female of one of three age categories. There were 22 filled shoe boxes returned to the Sunday School for forwarding to needy children a tremendous response.
Munster United Church Anniversary Service
Our anniversary service took place at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 14th. That day Rev. Martha ter Kuile preached service. Rev. ter Kuile entered the ordained ministry as a candidate from this Pastoral Charge. Afterward snacks and refreshments were served to continue the celebration.
Choir Fund Raiser - 2001
Munster United Church choir again sold blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries as a fund raiser. The sale was a success and we appreciate your support. Watch for our sale again next year. People picked up their bags (or boxes for larger orders) of berries Saturday morning. This photo shows Hubert and Ray near the end of distributing the berries. The pickup and the van (with the rear seat removed) were full of boxes when we started.
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