Newsletter #14
In-Person Worship Planning: There is good news! On June 20th we are planning to return to in-person worship in the hall - socially distanced as before. Rev. Laurel will be sending details about how to sign up shortly. It’s been a long time!
---------------------
Successful Fundraiser: More good news – the Growing Smiles fundraiser raised $605.50! The delivery finally went smoothly and people were delighted with their plants. Thank you to the volunteer helpers. Marjorie Locke also sold some jams at the pick-up, and we collected some food for the foodbank, so all-in-all it was a rewarding day. In a couple of weeks, we will have another Meridian Gift card fundraiser, which was so successful last year. Stay tuned for that one.
---------------------
General Synod Clergy Delegate: Congratulations to Laurel on being elected to represent our Diocese at General Synod in 2022. Not only is it an honour, but she is looking forward to the trip to Calgary which may also be hosting the Stampede at the time! Another item of good news is that our church hall was used for a vaccine clinic recently. This one was specially for the Indigenous and Metis communities in Fraser Health region, but others were also made welcome. The format was a little different, with participants sitting in a large circle, and there was a story which you may have seen on the Diocesan website – see link here.
---------------------
Repairs Update: As most of you know, we have some major repairs to deal with in the coming months. We commissioned a report on the building envelope from Apex and the results were disturbing – the moisture content in the stucco on the back wall of the hall was extremely high and there is some cracking in the fabric. There was also moisture in the crawl space underneath the back storage room.
Milani dug up and flushed the drains, which has helped enormously with the moisture problem.
However, the stucco needs replacing immediately, and we were told that the rest of the stucco will also need to be done within about 5 years, so it makes sense to do it all at once, in a continuous and seamless renovation. The windows also need to be replaced.
In addition, the church itself is in need of painting and we were asked whether this could wait till next year. However, you can see from the picture I have included that it really cannot wait without serious risk of deterioration in the wooden siding. We have applied to Heritage BC for a grant to help with the painting and should hear back around the end of June. We are also looking into the possibility of rebates for the new windows and insulation. The work will not be starting for some weeks yet as everyone in the building trades seems to be very busy present and the window supplier will take 8 weeks to fill our order. We have hired a painter who will start next month on the church, and we have signed a contract with Kingswood Builders Group Ltd. for the repairs to the building exterior, so things are moving forward. Sometime during the summer, we will be coming to the congregation with a request to consider a one-time contribution to the “Major Repairs” fund, separate from your regular offerings. We will, of course, also need to draw on the trust fund, commonly known as the “Duplex Fund”, but we hope to deplete it as little as possible. The planned fundraising activities will also help.
Some good news is that the back storage room, which had a leak around the window, has been tested for asbestos and there is none! It would otherwise have increased the cost of repairs considerably. If you have any questions about the repair project, please contact one of the wardens (myself or Wayne Scott) or George Coghlan, who is chairing the Property and Works Committee at present.
---------------------
Question of the month: How will you adapt to the gradual return to in person worship? What will you miss about zoom?
---------------------
Something for Your Reflection: Do you know of anyone who could use a large free mirror?? It was used for the dance classes in our hall until recently, but the dance school has moved to a new studio and no longer needs it. It is thick plastic, not glass, and the mirror itself is 4ft. x 8ft, on a rolling stand. (See picture)
---------------------
Recipe Corner: Chocolatey Pudding This recipe was sent to me from a friend in Victoria. It’s easy and so much better than store-bought mixes! Ingredients: 1/3 cup cocoa 1/3 cup sugar 3 tablespoons cornstarch 2cups milk 2 teaspoons vanilla Method: Mix together the first 3 dry ingredients well. Add milk and mix, then microwave on high for 3 minutes. Whisk by hand and microwave again at 1 minute intervals until it is fairly thick and shiny. Add vanilla and portion it out into small bowls (4, ½ cup servings). Cool to set. Top with berries or cream if you wish, but it’s great on it’s own.
---------------------
A Prayer for the Blessing of Children (by Joanna Anderson, from “The Pattern of Our Days”, edited by Kathy Galloway): May God’s joy be in your heart and God’s love surround your living. Each day and night and wherever you roam, may you know God’s presence. In growing and learning, In joy and sorrow, In friendship, In solitude, In beginnings and endings, May God keep you and bless you All the days of your life. AMEN