COMMUNICA OR
Advent 2013
Dear Friends:
Once again the season has surprised me. As I write this message it’s a cold, windy November day. Advent
begins in two weeks time. It is odd how it seems to come faster each year, isn’t it? Our smallest children and
grandchildren can hardly bear to wait for it all to begin, and we older folk wish everything would just slow
down a little bit to give us a chance to catch our breath and savour the season.
2013 has been an eventful year for many of us. We have experienced changes in many areas of our lives. Old
friends and family members have gone ahead of us to be with God; we have witnessed disasters, both natural
and those caused by human action; we have seen scandal in our political leaders and institutions; and many of
us have a growing sense that the church and the way we are called to be the church is changing in today’s
world. We have experienced joyous and heart warming events as well; babies born, successful surgeries,
renewed love, growing partnerships, generous responses to the needs of others, and renewed hope in the future.
Advent and Christmas is about renewed hope, about longing for and trusting the God of Hope to continue to call
us forward as a people into the new world he wishes for us. The 19th century poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson,
wrote a poem of hope in which he calls on the bells of the season to “ring out the old and ring in the new,” ring
out all the old, self-destructive unjust ways of life, and ring in the new, loving, just, true ways of living that God
wishes for us.
A New Year's Poem
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rimes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.
Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.
Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.
Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.
Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.
Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Alfred Tennyson (1809-1892)
It is my prayer that our celebrations of Advent and Christmas will indeed lead us to new and renewed hope.
That as a congregation, and as individuals, we too will learn to “Ring out the darkness of the land and Ring in
the Christ that is to be.” I wish for each of you and your families and friends the deepest blessings of God this
holy season.
(Rev.) Alan G.E. McLean
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov 29
5:30 pm – Pizza, Advent Crafts & Christmas Store
Dec 1
11:00 am – Advent 1 Communion Service
Dec 4
2:00 pm – Lessons, Carols & Cookies Service at Fonthill United
Dec 4
7:00 pm – Service of Hope for the Bereaved at Fenwick United Church; a service of
comfort for those who are suffering bereavement. Everyone is welcome.
Dec 6
Dec 8
Dec 8
7:30 pm – Wassail Party
11:00 am – White Gift Sunday
7:00 pm – Combined United Church Choir Sing at Fonthill United
Dec 15
11:00 am – Senior Choir Cantata
Dec 22
11:00 am – Children’s Presentation at Church
Dec 24
7:00 pm – Family Service at Fenwick United
9:00 pm – Candlelight Communion at Fonthill United
Dec 29
9:30 am – Joint Worship at Fonthill United
Jan 5
Joint Worship at Fenwick United:
10:30 am – Muffins and Coffee
11:00 am – Worship Service
MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS will be placed in the church during Advent and
Christmas. If you would like to dedicate a memorial, please sign the sheet on the table at the
entrance to the church and leave your donation of $5.00 in the accompanying envelope or see
Brian Walker. A list of the memorials will be printed in the bulletin.
WASSAIL PARTY
Our Annual Wassail Party is set for the first Friday in Advent, December 6
at 7.30 p.m. This traditional event ushers in the Advent Season for
Fenwick. An evening of singing, readings, delicious food and
entertainment provided by Kay Brown and Sweet Harmony. We invite you
to come out and join us and bring your friends for fun and fellowship.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the church office (892-3081),
from Sylvia Walker (892-5225) or can be purchased at the door.
Hope you can join us.
Children’s Church at Fenwick
It has been an interesting and exciting fall as our children gather in children’s church to share their weekly
highlights with each other. Each child gets a turn to hold our ‘faith stone’ and share something important that
happened in their lives during the week while the rest of us are quiet and listen.
Each week we light our Christ candle, receive collection and read our bible story. Then we talk about what the
story means and how we can take that lesson out into the world. We gather at our craft table to put our story
into a more creative fashion and also choose a mealtime grace to say before our snack (we always address any
allergy issues.)
After a story by Rev. Alan about communion, on October 27th, the children gathered in the kitchen with Frank
Pietras to make bread. While he and his helper Kurt Blankenburg prepared the dough in the kitchen, helpers
Rachel and Melinda worked with the children rolling out and decorating cookies for coffee time. Everyone
enjoyed the cookies that day and the bread was served as communion on November 3rd. Another loaf was made
for Fonthill United to be used for one of their communions in the near future. Ten children gathered to help
serve communion by intinction and then share a song with the congregation called Sing of a Blessing.
The children have been given ‘memory verse’ booklets and two verses to memorize. We, and the congregation,
will be reciting (or reading) our verses during children’s time on Sunday, November 24th. Here is the verse we
learned in October and the one we will be practising in November.
Memory Verse:
Look at the birds! They don’t plant or harvest. They don’t save food in houses or barns. But
God takes care of them. And you are worth much more than birds. – Luke 12:24
Memory Verse:
When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need—words that will help others
become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you. – Ephesians 4:29
On Friday, November 29th beginning at 5:30 we are looking forward to a pizza and cupcake supper, making
advent crafts, shopping at the Christmas Store, tree trimming, music and a story with Rev. Alan, winding up our
evening at about 8:00-8:30. We will also be assigning lines for the ‘Alphabet Christmas’ Poem to be performed
during church on Sunday, December 22nd.
A little reminder that December 8th is White Gift Sunday and we know that many families appreciate our
generosity.
We look forward to our Family Christmas Eve Service on Tuesday, December 24th.
I realize it is a busy season and many are pulled in various directions. It is my hope though, that you join in
meaningful fellowship here at Fenwick United and pray that it touches your heart and the hearts of your family.
I wish you a blessed Christmas.
Linda Sharpe-Pietras
Advent Crafts and
Christmas Store
November 29, 2013
5:30 pm Pizza Supper
6:00-7:00 pm
Advent Crafts and Christmas Store
7:00-8:00 pm
Tree Trimming with
Rev. Alan
UCW Welcomes Advent
The UCW is winding down their 2013 activities and is looking forward to the Advent Season, a time of
contemplation and expectation.
In our Fall program, each UCW member wrote their personal story. In October, we hosted Rory Baker from
Your Life Counts who gave an interesting presentation about suicide prevention and the YLC program. Over 40
people were in attendance.
Our big fund raiser in November was our Annual Bazaar. Beautiful crafts and knitting, unique gifts, a variety
of pickles, relishes, jellies, jams, local apples and squash, and lovely baking as well as our Silent Auction were
available for an excellent crowd. We thank all those who shared their produce, preserves, baking, knitting and
donated to the Silent Auction and worked at the event. Your support made it a wonderful success. A special
thank you to Berniece Alsop for her beautiful crafts and to Marion Latham for organizing the knitting and her
weaving. We are very blessed by such a supportive church community. We will be distributing the profits to
our many Outreach projects at our December 2nd get-together.
The Niagara Presbyterial UCW is sponsoring a bus trip to Walkerton to visit “The Thousands of Nativities” on
Wednesday, November 20. The bus will leave the Pen Centre at 8:45 am and return around 5:30 pm. The trip
is open to both men and women and if they fill the bus, the cost is $27.00. If interested, please see Sylvia
Walker or call her at 905-892-5225 before November 14.
We will celebrate the Advent Season by joining Fonthill United for their Lessons, Carols and Cookies service
on Wednesday, December 4 at 2:00 pm. This is also open to both men and women so come out and enjoy an
afternoon of singing, readings and fellowship in preparation for the Advent Season.
In this Advent Season, may you find peace and love and wishing every one a very Merry Christmas.
Sylvia Walker,
UCW President
Decorating Committee
To prepare our Church for the Advent Season and Christmas, we plan on decorating on
Thursday, November 28 at 1 p.m. Anyone who would like to help come out and join us for this
project is most welcome.
Pelham Cares will be preparing Christmas Hampers for more than 60 Pelham families this year. If you
wish to make a holiday donation, they would appreciate any of the following: gift cards (Sobeys, Giant Tiger,
drugstores), food items (not homemade), personal care items, or monetary donations. New toys may be taken to
the Fonthill fire hall.
Soup Recipes from the Fenwick United Fall Bazaar
Leek and Potato Soup
Ingredients
 3 large leeks
 2 ½ lbs. Potatoes
 2 x 900ml containers Chicken Broth
 1 ½ Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce
 ¼ cup whipping cream
 1 tsp. salt
 Pepper to taste
Method
Remove leek green parts discarding any really tough outer leaves. Wash and cook in a separate pot with a little
water for 30 minutes. When cooked, puree thoroughly with a little of the water. Set aside.
Cut leek white parts along centre and slice into ¼ inch pieces.
Peel potatoes and chop into small cubes.
Combine leeks, potatoes, chicken broth, and salt in a large pot, bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes or until
vegetables are soft. Puree half of the mixture in a blender and leave the remaining lumpy. Add the pureed green
parts. Stir thoroughly and reheat. Allow to cool slightly and stir in Worcestershire sauce. Add whipping cream
and heat (do not boil) before serving.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Chicken Soup
Ingredients
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
3 carrots, sliced
1or 2 stalks celery, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 (900 ml.) cartons chicken broth
1½ cups water
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. thyme and rosemary
2 cups broad noodles
12 oz. cooked chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 tbsp. olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Heat oil, add onions, carrots and celery and sauté.
Add broth, water, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. Bring to boil and cook until vegetables are nearly soft.
Add chicken, noodles, salt and pepper and cook approximately 10 minutes until noodles are done.
Squash / Pumpkin Soup
Ingredients
Approximately 2 lb. butternut squash
3 tbsp. margarine or butter
1 onion, sliced
1 garlic clove, crushed
3 ½ cups chicken or veggie broth or stock
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1-2 dried bay leaves
½ tsp. ground ginger or 2-4 tbsp. chopped fresh ginger
1 ¼ cups milk
salt and pepper
Method
Peel and cube squash.
Melt butter, add onion and garlic; fry slowly until soft.
Add squash, stir for a few minutes.
Add stock and bring to boil. Add seasonings, ginger, lemon juice and bay leaves. Cover and simmer 20
minutes until tender. Discard bay leaves. Cool a little, then blend in food processor or with hand blender until
smooth.
Add milk and reheat gently. Adjust seasonings. Garnish with plain yogurt, cream or crème fraiche and snipped
chives.
Serves 4 - 6
Upcoming Community Events
Wesley United Church in Welland will hold a Food Fair on Saturday, November 23 from 8:30 am to 12:00
pm. Christmas crafts, deli table, silent auction and breakfast café.
Choralis Camerata will present Handel’s Messiah on November 23 at 7:30 pm at First Grantham United
Church and on November 24 at St. Alexander R.C. Church at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults, $22 for
seniors; call Betty Ann Bell (905) 892-4158 or call (905) 646-9225 to order. Welcome in the Christmas season
with the rich sounds of choir and orchestra performing this beloved classic.
All People’s United Church, 109 Chaffey Street, Welland is having a Fall Bazaar on Thursday, November 28
from 5:30 to 10:00 pm, with Bingo starting at 7:00 pm. Meat pies, raffles, supper available to purchase.
“A Song for All Seasons” – A Cappella Niagara will present a Christmastime Concert at Fonthill United
Church on Saturday, November 30 at 2:00 pm with special guests, the E.L. Crossley Jazz Band and the Vocal
Agenda Chorus with the Chapter Chorus and Quartets. Admission is a food bank item and $10 for adults;
children under 12 are free. For details call Bill (892-3895) or Bob (892-2336.)
“O Holy Night,” a Christmas concert will be presented on Sunday, December 1 at 3:00 pm at Wesley United
Church. Tickets are $20; call (905) 735-5912 to order. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Harvest
Kitchen ministry.
From the Council
These three documents (letter, financial analysis and proposal) were sent out to the people of
Fenwick Church on October 10 for reflection and discussion. We hope that those of you who have
not read them will take this second opportunity to think about your future directions, think about these
proposals, and make your feelings known to Council members. Thank you very much.
Dear members and friends of Fenwick United Church:
All of us, I think, are very aware of how quickly the world is changing. Old social patterns that we grew up
with have been revolutionized in the past few decades. That change has very much affected our habits around
church, and religion and church going. All churches, including Fenwick United Church, have been caught up in
that religious, social and demographic change our world is experiencing.
We at Fenwick church have become aware of shrinking attendance at church, the difficulty of getting
volunteers for our work, and diminishing finances for some time. I know this is not news to anyone. We are
trying to be proactive and plan carefully and faithfully for the work God calls us to do and for its future. Now is
the time to begin thinking about these things before we are forced to do so from a position of having no options.
After some initial adjustments, we feel that our growing partnership with Fonthill United Church has been a
very successful experiment. Our growing co-operation and shared programs, music, worship occasions and
friendship has been a boon to both congregations. We are both shrinking congregations in terms of people,
energy and finances. If we continue exactly the way we have been, there is a point a few years down the road
when we will be unable to continue. Aware of that, we have become convinced of the need to plan and
implement new directions in our lives and structure.
In order to begin the much needed conversation, Garry, the minister at Fonthill and I have suggested a direction
which we offer as a starting point. There are at least two things though, about which I want to be very clear:
1. This proposal is NOT about an amalgamation of the two congregations. It is about being what is called a “Two
Point Charge” in our system. Each congregation continues in its own space, identity, and ministry. It means
sharing staff and time, but not losing place or identity.
2. Although finances may be a precipitating factor in this proposal, it is not the only reason we are offering it. I feel
that even if by some magic we were suddenly granted $5,000,000.00, the money would not solve the problem
of energy, commitment, program participation and discipleship. It is inspiration and renewed energy we lack at
least as much as money.
There are 2 documents attached to this letter. One is a financial projection which looks at our diminishing fiscal
health over the next 5 years. The second is a proposal for discussion about one possible way we might proceed
and deal with some of the issues we are facing. With this, in scenario 2, are some of the possible factors that
may affect our decision.
At our congregational meeting held this week we looked at these issues and those people at the meeting decided
to open the discussion as wide as possible to include many others who identify with Fenwick United Church.
Thus we are sending this email and accompanying attachments. Fonthill church people are also involved in
their discussion process as well.
We hope that you will read these three messages. Think about them. Talk with others. Contribute your ideas.
We also hope that you will share your ideas with members of Fenwick United Church Council as we begin
thinking about various possible future scenarios. We will be talking about this again at our next Council
meeting on November 19 at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend council meetings.
As we said at our congregational meeting this week, it is my prayer that each of us begin this with the
understanding that every person involved, whether we agree with them or not, is starting from the desire to do
the best thing for the church and her people. If we begin at that point, I have no doubt that God will see us
amicably through this work.
I, or any Fenwick United Church council member will be glad to hear from you.
Sincerely
Yours in Christ,
Alan McLean
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Recap of Operating Revenue and Expenses for the years 2009 to 2013
and the Projected Revenue and Expense for 2014 to 2017 based on the actual trends
(Bequests, M&S and revenue & expense of capital projects have been excluded)
Figures are rounded to the nearest $1,000s
YEAR
Revenue
Expenses
Deficit
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
134
126
123
142
130
135
137
138
144
147
(1)
(11)
(15)
(2)
(17)
150
155
160
165
(25)
(35)
(45)
(55)
Budget
Forecast based on trends
2014
2015
2016
2017
125
120
115
110
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Two possible scenarios for future Fenwick - Fonthill partnership
Jointly proposed for discussion by Alan McLean and Garry van Bruchem, September 17, 2013
Given current projections:
Fenwick can maintain status quo for another three years.
Fonthill can maintain status quo for another five years.
Alan McLean reaches normal retirement age in April 2016 (three years.)
Garry van Bruchem reaches normal retirement age in May 2018 (five years.)
Alan will be entitled to take a 12 week sabbatical in 2015.
Garry will be entitled to take a 12 week sabbatical in 2016.
Scenario A:
In the next three years, Fenwick and Fonthill continue their partnership with the aim of becoming a two-point
pastoral charge prior to the current ministers retiring.
At no cost to either congregation, Alan and Garry will provide Sunday supply and pastoral care to the respective
congregations during upcoming sabbaticals in 2015 and 2016. Alan will postpone his retirement until after
Garry completes his sabbatical.
By the end of 2016, Alan will retire from full-time ministry, but Alan and Garry will continue to serve the twopoint pastoral charge in team ministry: Garry working full-time and Alan working half-time, for a transitional
period of two years.
By the end of 2018, Garry will retire from full-time ministry and the pastoral charge will be served by one fulltime equivalent (FTE.) The pastoral charge may call one full-time minister to serve both congregations OR the
pastoral charge may invite Garry and Alan to share the full-time position as retired ministers, with each of them
working half time, or to do otherwise as circumstances warrant.
Result: This reduces the cost of supporting ordained ministry for both congregations in 2016. The cost will be
further reduced in 2018. Beyond 2018, the cost of supporting ordained ministry will be half of what it is now.
Scenario B:
In the next three years, Fenwick and Fonthill to continue their partnership as in Scenario A but the terms of the
partnership could change if any of the following takes place:
o If a neighbouring congregation accepts our invitation to join us in a circuit ministry;
o If either Alan or Garry cause a change in pastoral relations (move, quit, retire or die);
o If either Fenwick or Fonthill receives some large special gifts;
o If either congregation elects to close or re-purpose its building;
o If either congregation experiences unexpected growth;
o If either congregation cannot maintain the status quo until 2016;
o If the situation changes in some other way.
Plans at this point can be made to follow Scenario A but Scenario B involves unknowns that cannot be planned
for. Nevertheless, we should be aware that circumstances may change and we may need to adapt our plans
accordingly.
Financial Statement for the General Fund
Year-to-date ending October 31, 2013
RECEIPTS
Contributions
Bequests
Hall Rentals
Manse Rent
HST Rebate
Special Donations
TOTAL RECEIPTS
DISBURSEMENTS
Salaries & Benefits
Personnel - Other
Administrative Expense
Presbytery Assessment
Observer Subscriptions
Property
Christian Nurture
Mission & Service
Worship & Music
Outreach
Pastoral Care
TOTAL
DISBURSEMENTS
NET RECEIPTS /
DEFICIT
ACTUAL
BUDGET
83,739.99
10,000.00
6,300.00
6,891.00
2,698.11
1,690.00
111,319.10
100,456
0
6,500
6,770
2,350
1,484
117,560
86,866.49
526.00
6,854.56
2,321.55
1,292.04
13,465.97
149.64
6,808.00
709.49
705.28
27.88
86,327
1,000
6,420
2,062
1,200
23,342
0
8,500
1,458
0
167
119,726.90
130,476
(8,407.80)
(12,916)
From the United Church of Canada:
The United Church’s Mission and Service Fund’s 2013 year end is
January 31, 2014. Already in 2013, the whole church has raised
more than $15 million for Mission and Service work! Thank you
for making Mission and Service a vital part of the life and ministry
of your church. What we accomplish together is far greater than
what any one of us could do alone. The generous financial support
of each congregation makes all this possible. Your gifts are an
expression of compassion, build community, and offer hope.
Message from Children’s Ministry
As we bless, we are blessed
I’ve had opportunity of late, to reflect on life here at Fenwick and am so comforted by the
nurturing care and concern of this family. It is not a worrisome concern but a genuine life
affirming spirit that moves among us. We do not pretend that the world is perfect but face
the challenges of everyday life with a sense of camaraderie that benefits us all.
At times we may get angry at the church for not living up to our expectations and blame the
church for not responding to our needs. We forget that the church is not an ‘all knowing’
institution but a group of individuals, trying their best to meet the concerns of its members.
With God in our hearts, we are the church!
This has been the theme of Children’s Church this season as we focus on our role in God’s
family. We attempt to model what is said and done in the sanctuary and then talk about
how we can use this in our lives out in the world; at school, when we play with our friends,
as we’re involved in sports or dance or as we interact with family and siblings.
We are learning that each of us have gifts to share, no one greater that the next but all just
as necessary. We are learning that what we do affects everyone around us…that rippling
effect of a stone being dropped in the water. When we smile, others smile. When someone
is sad, a kind word or a hug can go a long way. We are learning not just about God but
how to be “God-like.” We’re learning to walk the walk.
On a personal note, I am pleased to have a few more children attending on a more regular
basis but am always conscious that even on Sundays when there are only one or two, God
is with us on our journey and we are here to serve.
Thank you to the congregation for your support in our functions here at Fenwick, for your
kind words of encouragement and for being the model of a community that spreads the
rippling effect out into our community.
I feel very blessed.
Linda Sharpe-Pietras
Communica or
A production of
Fenwick United Church
1050 Church Street
PO Box 5
Fenwick ON L0S 1C0
[email protected]