COUNCIL

COMMITTEE REPORTS for the November Meeting of Council

​

Outreach 

1.  Steve Elson attended our meeting representing Council’s Planning Committee.  At the moment it is not feasible for the Outreach Committee to explore and enter on-going partnerships with other communities of faith.

2. We discussed the terms of the Knowles Fund.  We would rather not submit a budget to the Finance Committee at budget time as to the proposed use of the Trust Funds.  We do not know at that point in time what issues may arise. For example, in 2024 Ken Wright approached our committee in early spring with a request for some funding for his dental clinic and we were able to accommodate his request.  Pam Cullen from the London Community Chaplaincy informed us of a need to send children to our summer day camp in April or May.  We were able to provide some funding.  We would rather distribute these funds as needs arise.  We will distribute the remaining funds at our next meeting.

3. 3 Christmas Share for ELUCO continues until December 4.

4. We ask Council to approve that the Christmas Eve offering be directed to Indwell this year.

5. Pat Pettit will be replacing Barb Dalrymple as an Outreach Committee representative to Council along with Jan Hendry.

​

Property

In the absence of an onsite Facilities Manager the Property Committee has been covering the duties and responsibilities of said position.  Typical duties include:

• Regular building checks (lights, water leaks, heat distribution, supplies) several times weekly.

• Building system checks (heating, cooling, electrical) weekly, as needed

• Cleaning up exterior garbage – several times weekly

• Checking Facilities email – daily

• Coordinating Computer system maintenance

• Collecting quotes, managing contracted work to outside service providers (snow, grass etc.) – as needed

• Managing odd jobs, repairs and maintenance as needed

• Managing custodial needs/activities

• Garden/property exterior maintenance – seasonal

• Coordinating Rental activities and internal users

We are very grateful and appreciative to volunteers who have stepped up to cover odd jobs, and maintenance requests.  As such we are managing to keep the building in good shape.  It would be helpful if all users report any deficiencies noted so they can be addressed in a timely manner.  If you see something, say something.  If we all take a greater responsibility we can ensure that our facility continues to function well. 

Recent work completed includes:

• Electrical Panel upgrades Fireside hallway

• Electrical closet enclosure

• Heat Pump installation – Ministers Office, Youth Room

• Stair tread repair – Proudfoot Hall

• Burnt out Lightbulb replacement throughout the building

• Motion Sensor light switch in single bathroom

• Painting, small bathroom, new electrical closet, Farquhar House front porch

• Rebuild retaining wall in Alcove

• Boiler System Startup annual inspection

• Kitchen repairs, stove, dishwasher

Work still to be done:

• Monthly water testing

• New fence installation – Alcove

• Boiler internal cleanout

• Repairs to Parlour ceiling

Lynda Cooper who has covered custodial responsibilities for the past several years is retiring at the end of November.  We are beginning a search for a replacement at roughly 12 hrs/week. 

​

Music

Music Activities in September, October, early November and upcoming activities:

• Gala Dinner, September 20 – Igor Saika Voivod brought together a String Quartet to play for an hour before the dinner. Sonja Gustafson and Chris Fischer, the “Lounge Lizards” provided entertainment after dinner. The Music Committee covered the cost of the String Quartet.

• FSA Strings – gave their fall concert “Shades of the Baroque” on Wednesday, October 9 under the direction of Igor Saika. This concert was well received and due to the live streaming of the concert a request came from a music director in Knoxville, TN for information on the Ennio Morricone piece (Strings with flute) performed by the Strings and Margaret Trethewey on flute.

• Senior Choir – performed a concert on November 3 “Songs of Love and Remembrance”.

• Concerts in November/December:

  • Friday Noon Advent Recitals Nov 29 – Kathleen Gahagan, harp and Susan Millar Boldissar, ‘cello; Dec 6 – Kennedy Kimber-Johnson, organ (Kennedy is the Music Director at Colborne United); Dec 13 – Laudamus Bells, Richard Frank, director.

  • Sing-along Messiah – Saturday, December 7 at 3:00pm (doors open at 2:30pm)

• Worship Services:

  • The first of two Intergenerational services was Sunday, October 27 with all youth groups performing – the Ring of Fire, ReBELLS, Treblemakers plus the Senior Choir with String quartet.

  • The second intergenerational service is December 8.

  • The Service of Lessons and Carols will this year be on December 15, a change from previous years.

Choir Gowns:

On September 19, the choir debated the issue of wearing gowns all the time. It was decided that gowns would be worn for special Sundays, e.g. Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve and for all other services regular good street dress would be worn.

Hymnody Presentation by Chris Fischer:

Following the service on October 6, Chris gave a presentation on “Hymnody”. The presentation focused on “reality-based” in the NOW hymns, moving away from formality and understanding the “utility” of what we are singing. Aligning what we sing with what else is going on in the world around us. A pizza lunch was provided ahead of the presentation.

Child Care for concerts:

Childcare will be advertised as available for some concerts. This was tried for the November 3 senior choir concert but no children were signed up for the service on this occasion.

Lunches following Friday Noon Recitals (Advent/Lenten):

After some debate, the committee has decided that due to issues of aging volunteers and a limited number of volunteers, lunches will not be served after these recitals. However, the plus side is that the recitals are now longer running 40-45 mins instead of the previous 30 mins.

​

​

​