“The little church beside the falls”

BALA UNITED CHURCH

August, 2019

Celebrating the life and work of our Church Rev. Sue Woods, Minister

Minister’s Chat

Wow, what can I say about summer in Muskoka at BUC! July has been very full, with Wednesday nights at BUC, an

amazing week at VBS with our friends Angela and her daughter Autumn from Christian Island, and wonderful, enriching

church services (quoted by a visitor who keeps coming Sunday after Sunday).

We welcomed on our first Sunday in July Hazel and Huck Niess. Twin grandchildren of Bill and Marilyn Niess, who

came all the way with family from Denver Colorado for a baptism with water from the Moon River. When I asked Brian

and Ann why baptism for their children, this was their response.

“We have both (myself and Brian) been brought up in different Christian denominations, but both of us

have been baptized and view baptism as a covenant, an entering in to a promise with God that we will

choose to raise Huck and Hazel with an understanding of and relationship with God. Personally, I'm all

about setting intentions for life, and I guess I tend to view baptism as an intention that we will do our best

to be cairns for their faith journeys. - I want them to think radically about the world. I want them to know

Jesus who stands with and for the oppressed. I want them to question leaders/religious leaders and

traditions who motivate from fear instead of love. I want them to know, trust, and lean on a community to

openly question and be curious about what their faith actually means for them, and what that faith can do

to build connection with others. I want baptism to be an entrance to this community of believers and

questioners and curiosity and truth seekers. -I want to celebrate them. They are miracles! Praise be.”

It was just what a minister needed to hear!

On July 21, we embraced another Sunday of many blessings. The sun shone for an amazing outdoor service with our

guests from Muskoka Pride. We sang, prayed and made a living rainbow. Many who came were given a balloon,

representing the colours of the rainbow. When time came in the service each person blew up their balloon, came to the

front and volunteers read what the colours represented (it was a great sight).

Receive this red, the colour of life, the colour of the Spirit, the colour of passion. May it remind us of the

transforming power of love.

Receive this healing orange, the colour of autumn, a sign of transition. May it remind us of the transforming

power of love.

Receive this sign of sunlight, the yellow of a flower, the yellow of light. May it light our way as we

continue to journey on the path of faithfulness.

Receive this colour green, the colour of nature. May it always remind us that we are part of creation and

are called to nurture new life.

Receive this colour of the blue sky, the colour of the deep waters. It is the colour of serenity. May it always

remind us of the great depth and breadth of Holy Love.

Receive this colour purple, another colour of the Spirit, the colour of royalty. May it remind us that all of

creation is under the domain of the Creator.

May each one of us be all these colours together; may we carry this rainbow of love in our hearts, so that all we meet

will know that we are followers of the teachings of Jesus.

As I write this chat, VBS 2019 is wrapping up and what a fantastic week with 44 kids, 13 of them from Bala. This week,

though exhausting is a highlight of my year. Pictures speak a thousand words. Enjoy and see you in August for our

Sunday mornings or Wednesday Night at the Church……I heard from a visitor they’re wonderful!

BUC is truly alive and well!

Rev Sue

I am writing this next part as a result of our BUC Council meeting after church on Sunday July 28th. We

will continue to be a church where everyone is welcomed, a church that will have the doors open and

love overflowing. A concerned was expressed about how I spend my 40 hours (more than 40) a week

between 2 churches and at least 2 communities. Here is my 2 weeks leading up to this meeting.

I presided over 2 celebrations of life, time included being with the families at the hospital to early in the

morning, at their homes, planning the service and countless calls, emails and texts. Meeting and

preparing for VBS 2019 hosted this year at Port Carling United with over 20 children, youth and adults

from Bala and Bala United Church. In total we had 44 children/youth and 10 adult volunteers.

Wednesday Night at the Church at BUC has taken longs hours of planning and making sure each

Wednesday night was ready for the public. Guitar Jammers (members from both churches), preparing

music and leadership for practices throughout the summer. Responsible for playing at Wednesday Night

at the park beside BUC, 150th celebrations at Port Carling Community Center and preparing to play at

Port Carling Library on August 13. Planning 4 different church services for July 21 and July 28 due to

Anniversary Sunday, VBS Sunday, Muskoka Pride Sunday and regular Sunday Service. In this time, I

conducted 2 weddings as well as rehearsals, met with two church family couples to prepare for their

weddings in August. I also proudly took part in the planning and all the festivities celebrating 150 years

at PCUC. I haven’t mentioned the emails and phone calls I answer each and every day and the

counselling session with church members.

This calling is not a 9 to 5 job where I go home after sitting in my office waiting for people to knock on

my door. This calling is 24 hours a day and 7 days a week where if I receive an emergency call, I am

out the door or on the phone with an individual or family. My family life gives up so much for what I

consider my calling. I saw my father work this way and it killed him at the age of 70 with a massive

heart attack, so why do I keep this crazy schedule? At times I don’t know, but I hope that I can make a

difference in people’s lives and share with them God’s love.

~ Rev. Sue

Notes from Council

All members and supporters of Bala United were invited to attend the July 28 Council meeting where

we discussed the future of the church given the losses sustained during the past few years, despite

the financial support of the UCW and the Gift Shop. This year we received a bequest of $20,000

resulting in a net income to the general fund for the first six months of $13,062 compared to a loss

of $16,945 for the same period during 2018.

With respect to our winter closing during January, February and March, a comparison with the results for 2018 revealed

our envelope revenue was down by $433, but the split of loose offerings with PCUC was up by $466 so that revenue

was essentially unchanged. On the expense side, the cost of cleaning was down by $300 and music by $700 largely off

set by the increased cost of utilities, hydro, propane and water. Hydro and propane expenses were much higher given

the extremely cold winter weather. The conclusion is that there is no financial reason either for or against a winter

closing.

It is also worth noting we have recently had several new attendees at church requesting envelopes, a welcome sign of

change. Given these positive developments, after much discussion among the 28 people who attended the meeting,

agreement was reached to stay the course and follow our progress until later in the fall before making any decision

regarding winter closing for 2020. In the interim we will, in conjunction with PCUC, continue our discussions with the

Shining Waters Regional Council for any additional ideas or suggestions that will benefit the Pastoral Charge.

Other topics discussed included Rev. Sue’s workload, the success of the Bazaar where $3,800 was raised and the several

other successful events that are detailed in this newsletter.

The following Council Member Positions were confirmed for 2019-2020:

Jean Cameron Gift Shop, Trustee

Doug Crichton Member-at-Large

Beth Croft Fellowship, Joint Charge Mission and Service Bala Representative

Dianne Davidson Joint Charge Affirm United Committee Representative

Mike Ferguson Past Chair, Trustee

Norma Ferguson Communications, Newsletter Editor

Barb MacIntosh Member-at-Large

Eva Moore UCW President, Property-Church Use, Property-Gardens, Facebook Manager

Bill Niess Chair, Assistant to the Treasurer, Property Committee-Maintenance, Joint Charge Ministry and

Personnel Committee

Marilyn Niess Winter Council Secretary

Mary Patterson Summer Council Secretary

Kate Ruttan Property Committee-Audio Visual and Technical Issues, Trustee

Lenore Wilkinson Member-at-Large

I have decided to step down as Council Chair and am happy to report Bill Niess has assumed this role. It has been a

pleasure to have served as the chair for nearly five years, and I thank all Council members for their support. I will

remain on Council. As well, we are fortunate to have two new members on Council, Barb MacIntosh and Doug Crichton.

We will miss Barb Bond who decided to step down, and we thank her for her years of dedicated service.

~ Mike Ferguson – Past Chair

2019-2020 Council Members

Front Row: Co-Secretaries, Marilyn Niess and Mary Patterson,

President, Bill Niess, Past President, Mike Ferguson

Middle Row: Jean Cameron, Beth Croft, Kate Ruttan, Eva Moore

Back Row: Norma Ferguson, Barbara MacIntosh, Barb Bond

(now resigned), Doug Crichton, (Rev. Sue Woods) Lenore

Wilkinson

Not pictured: Dianne Davidson

Bala’s Trek to Bethlehem

The crisis has passed! With the infusion of some new, enthusiastic volunteers, The Trek to

Bethlehem, will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019. Serving as Co-Chairs are newcomer Lynn

Foster of Acton Island, and the inveterate Patricia Gidley. Also welcomed to the Trek Board were

Murray and Wendy Johnston, and Kristen Thompson.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Cathy Malcomson camalcomson@hotmail.com

~ Eva Moore

Wednesday Nights at BUC / The Church by the Falls

Do you need a place to take family, visitors and friends on a Wednesday night in August?

We’d love to see you at as many Wednesday nights as possible.

August 7 Family Movie Ugly Dolls

Although the Ugly Dolls may not be gorgeous on the outside, they're

certainly strong and beautiful on the inside. For them, life is full of lessons.

Each of them has something unique about their personality that makes them

special. Since the world does not see all their skills and talents right away,

they learn that it's up to them to find the beauty inside of themselves and to

share it with others.

August 14 Taizé Service

A Taizé worship service involves meditation, a period of silence, and liturgical readings.

There is no preaching. The style of prayer practiced at Taizé France has attracted many

worshipers from around the globe and from many different denominations. The prayers

consist of “short chants, repeated again and again,” according to an introduction in a Taizé

songbook. “The words are sung over many times.” Join us for a quiet, reflective evening,

something we all need from a hectic, busy summer.

August 21 Music Night led by Bala Rockers/Rockin Lawnchairs

Come join us for a toe tapping evening with our very own Joe Gravell, Cal White and Fred

Orchard! There are bound to be a few surprises!

August 28. Square Dancing (Keith and Gayle Mitchell Shantz)

Come to dance or just sit and enjoy the music. What a great way to end

Wednesday Nights at BUC!

Each week there will be a donation basket that will go to support Mission and Service Fund. Mission and Service is a

unified annual fund and is the compassionate response by the people of The United Church of Canada call to mission

and healing of the world. Together, we live out God’s mission through our local communities of faith and throughout

giving. We have more impact together that we ever could alone. We offer hope, build community, and express

compassion. Mission and Service is our heart and soul.

➔ EVENINGS BEGIN AT 6:30 p.m.

➔ BASKET WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DONATIONS

➔ ALL ARE WELCOME……THIS IS A POSTIVE SAFE PLACE FOR ALL

Guitar Jammers

Everyone is welcome to join us at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at PCU.

The Red Door Band and the Guitar Jammers are performing for an hour on

Tuesday, August 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Port Carling Library. Please

come and enjoy the hour with us.

~ Bill Niess

PCU’s Fun Fund Raiser

Sunday, August 25

The annual cruise aboard the Peerless II will be on

Sunday August 25 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The cost is

$40.00 which includes snacks. We are fortunate this year

to be cruising Lake Rosseau, and as always it promises

to be a great time.

(I took a cruise on the Peerless II this summer with my

guests, and I highly recommend it. It is a lovely way to

spend an afternoon. ~ Norma Ferguson)

UCW Annual Luncheon

Our UCW Summer Potluck Luncheon was held on Wednesday, July 17, at the lovely new home of

Jocelyn Cowern, 1097 River Street, Bala. Fifteen ladies enjoyed a tour through Jocelyn’s garden and

a delicious lunch. It was a particular pleasure during the week of unbearable humidity to enjoy the

air-conditioned comfort! Special thanks to Drew Cowern for his assistance. ~ Eva Moore

The Annual Bizarre Bazaar

Thank you to everyone who turned out to support our Bizarre Bazaar on

Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 . . . great volunteers, great customers, and

great weather! The remaining treasures went to the OSPCA for their yard sale

Friends, Enid and Nan,

met at the Bazaar.

Here is Dianne Davidson with two young ladies

who were thrilled to find a beautiful mink jacket and coat.

Muskoka Pride Affirming Service

We celebrated Muskoka Pride Week with an outdoor church service and BBQ on Sunday,

July 21. .

It was a special Pride

Church Service as part

of the Muskoka Pride

Festival presented

with help from the

Muskoka Lakes

Chamber of

Commerce, Muskoka

Pride and Muskoka

Launch Livery.

Garden Glories

Another great morning in the garden, so amazing how much a few

committed people can do!

Thanks Mav Blundon, Peter Steckenreiter, David MacIntosh, Eva

DeGruchy Moore and Kate Ruttan for all your efforts on

Wednesday, July 24.

August’s Words of Wisdom

A box turtle visited

but went away

without a purchase. The Happy Amigos

Peter Steckenreiter, Mike

Ferguson, Ian Croft, Bob Bond

and Bruce Patterson

PCU’s 150th Anniversary

As 2019 has been the year of our 150th celebrations, we have developed our own logo, historical bookmarks, a calendar

highlighting historical photos as well as present day photos. We have heard from long time members of our

congregation, stories of past events and memories. The weekend of July 27-28 was the official date for the celebration.

On Saturday July 27, an Open House was held in Hanna Hall where

historical records and memorabilia were on display. The original land

deed from 1877 was the oldest artifact on display.

Saturday evening was a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner

catered by Darren Schmidt, a member of our congregation. As people

were entering the hall, a video was being shown. It was a compilation of

photos, created by Betsy Wilkes, Lou Woods and Brad Wallace. Again,

these photos were historical as well as present.

Joan Wallace in charge of decorations, choose purple and gold for a colour scheme, and the

Community Centre looked elegant. Dan Brooks was our emcee for the evening, as well as organizing

musical entertainment for our listening pleasure.

Greetings from the Township of Muskoka Lakes and The District of Muskoka were brought to us by

Alan Edwards, our District Councillor. A draw was held demonstrating some of the creative talents

of members of our congregation: a beautiful hand quilted runner by Bette Clark, a knitted blanket

donated by the 3 in 1 Knitters, a Segwun model by Chuck Allbon and a handmade box donated by

Morley Stephen. Herwig Schroth was the official photographer, taking pictures of each person upon

arrival. A sing a long of some familiar folk tales was a delightful part of the evening entertainment, as was a beautiful

solo by Laurie Solar, and songs by the choir. The Red Door musicians and the Guitar Jammers provided musical

accompaniment. Dave MacIntosh, Bill Niess and Marilyn Niess participated in the musical presentation. As usual,

many people pitched in to help with the takedown and cleanup. We have all agreed that the evening was a real success.

Sunday morning, July 28, our service, led by our minister Rev. Sue Woods,

began with a delightful skit highlighting differences between 1869, 1909

and now. Our special guests Mrs Hanna (Emily Buddo) and Mrs. Foreman

(Marg Buddo) noted such changes as females wearing trousers, male

organists, female ministers and no hats being worn. A most enjoyable

beginning to a very special service. The choir members were wearing new

green scarves, created by Betty Clark. Green is the designated colour for

Pentecost. Some of the Communion trays used during the

Communion, were wooden ones that came to us when Milford Bay Church

closed, and the congregation joined with us. The chalice was a donation in

memory of Rev Don Powell, our previous minister. The sermon topic was

"Take time to be Holy” appropriate as we all need to be reminded to slow

down and take time to notice what the important things in our lives truly are.

Tim DuVernet came at the end of our service and took a large group photo at the front of our church. This was followed

by a "Sweets and Treats reception hosted by our United Church Women. Greetings were read from the Shining Waters

region, our moderator, Rev. Bott, and the congregation of our sister church Bala United Church.

We are such a fortunate congregation, vibrant, growing and playing a vital part in our community. This is thanks, in no

small measure, to our inspirational, creative and compassionate minister, Rev. Sue Woods. Added to this we have the

musical talent and leadership of Dan Brooks. This dynamic team makes us the envy of many churches. How wonderful

it is that we are all together to celebrate this milestone in our church's history, 150 years!!!!!!

~ Sandra Allbon, PCU

VBS 2019

What a wonderful theme for this year's VBS.

July 22-26 saw 44

campers and 15 adults descend

on Hanna Hall for a week of music, crafts, stories

and sports. This year our crafts leader was Angela

Johnson, former principal of the elementary school

on Christian Island. Her daughter, Autumn, also

helped us. The crafts included pottery painting,

dream catchers and the decorating of wooden people

shapes, created by Sue Turner. Sue Turner was also

our storyteller. The emphasis of her stories were the

principles of honesty, truth, courage, love, respect,

wisdom and loyalty. Some activities involving trust

and courage, were part of this group. Rev. Sue was

the sports co-ordinator, taking each group to

Bartleman Park for fun and exercise. Kathy Haller and her assistants manned the kitchen, supplying such snacks as

vegetables, fruit, Rice Krispy squares (made by Louise Kirbyson), birthday cake donated by the Douglas family to

celebrate the birthdays of three of our campers., and finally hot dogs on Friday.

A highlight was the visit by Miss Kim, an Indigenous woman, and her mom. We went to the dock and took part in a

water ceremony led by Miss Kim. We smelled sweetgrass, took part in a smudging ceremony and ate strawberries. Such

a wonderful experience!!!! The movie, “The Dolphin Tale," a true story, was entertaining as well as reinforcing the idea

that family is very important and special. Rev. Sue led us in singing at the beginning and ending of every session. What

a great week we have had Now we wonder what Rev Sue, our creative leader, will plan for us next year. Can't wait!

~Sandra Allbon, PCU

Peace Pole

On Wednesday, July 31, we planted two Peace Poles in our side garden.

We had about 15 people from both churches who signed the pole and helped with the erecting it in our garden.

Peace Poles can be found on all the continents around the world. There are over 250,000 in 200 countries. When you

plant a Peace Pole in your community, you are linking with people all over the world who have planted Peace Poles in

the same spirit of peace.

Every Peace Pole proclaims the prayer “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in the language of the country and often several

other languages as well.

Church Humour

Mondays

Saturday, August 3

Wednesday, August 7

Thursday, August 8

Tuesday, August 13

Wednesday, August 14

Wednesday, August 24

Sunday, August 25

Wednesday, August 28

Friday, September 13

Wednesday, September 19

The Knit Wits meet on Monday mornings, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

We do more than knit. Stop by for a laugh, a hug and a cup of

coffee or tea. If you’d like to learn how to knit, we have the

teacher you are looking for. The Gift Shoppe is open on

Monday mornings

Hot Dog Day

Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Family Movie Ugly Dolls

Guitar Jammers at PCU at 6:00 p.m.

Guitar Jammers performs at Port Carling Public Library

Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Taizé worship service

Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Music Night

led by Bala Rockers/Rockin Lawnchairs

Afternoon cruise on the Peerless II on Lake Rosseau

Family Night at 6:30 p.m. Square dancing

Spaghetti Dinner

Bus Lunch

Bala United E-mail: buc@bell.net

3115 Muskoka Road 169, P.O. Box 313 Website: www.balaunitedchurch.com

Bala, ON P0C 1A0 Website Manager: Lou Woods

705-762-0116 Please leave a message. Facebook: www.facebook.com/BalaUnited2016

Note: Monday is Rev. Sue’s day off. Facebook Manager: Eva Moore

Newsletter Editor: Norma Ferguson