Thames Road-Elimville United Church

Sunday Worship
10 a.m.

Church office

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM JANUARY 7, 2026

The January 7th Church Council meeting took place on Zoom with a quorum present. Chair John Miner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report

During the month of December Reverend Louise attended a Council meeting, attended a meeting of the United Church Women, attended a lunch gathering of the Perth area United Church ministers, attended the Western Ontario Waterways Clergy Gathering online, attended a meeting of the Sharing Team with Exeter-Hensall United Church and Centralia United Church, prepared but did not share in leading the Ministerial’s Blue Christmas service due to weather, prepared and led 4 Sunday worship services and the Christmas Eve service, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, did 4 in-person pastoral care visits, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, and kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

January to December 2025 Financial Statements were received for information.

Fundraising Committee

The church received $271.30 from the January 04, 2026 fundraiser with 17 participants. The next gift card order is due on February 1, 2026. Thank you to everyone who participated.

Worship Committee

A Casual Cafe service led by the United Church Women will take place on Sunday January 18th. The service will include the Installation of the UCW Executive. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate date for the service is January 25th. Sunday February 1st is Annual Meeting day. A shortened worship service will take place at 10:00 a.m. followed by a snack before the Congregational Annual Meeting at 11:00 a.m. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate date for the meeting is February 8th. The Commissioning of Council will take place during the worship service on Sunday February 22, 2026.

Outreach Committee

Reverend Louise led the Villa worship service on Tuesday, January 6th. Bev Prout, Sharon Lynn and Janis Richardson assisted with Agnes Bray as pianist. Communion was served to the 7 residents in attendance. The next service will be Tuesday, February 3rd at 10 a.m. A grocery cart full of donated items was delivered to the Hansen’s Independent Food Bank bin. Thank you to all the monthly supporters. The Common Plate community meals resumed on Tuesday, January 6th after a two-week break. There were 200 patrons served on December 16th for the Christmas meal. Watch for details on the 2026 Coldest Night of the Year walk on Saturday, February 28th. The TR-E Huggers team will be looking for walkers and donors to help those in our South Huron community experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Last year our team raised an amazing $3,539.39. Council approved an allocation of $7,000 to the United Church’s Mission and Service Fund for 2026. The recommendation will be taken to the Annual Meeting for approval by the congregation.

Ministry and Personnel Committee

Reverend Louise will be taking an online continuing education course on Family Ministry from the Atlantic School of Theology from January 5th - April 7th as one of her study leaves for 2026.  This is a 13-week course and the time spent per week will be between 3 - 5 hours. Reverend Louise will take the following weeks as study leave during the time of the course: Sunday, February 8th to Saturday, February 14th and Monday, March 9th to Sunday, March 15th. Reverend Louise will also be taking Saturday, October 17th to Saturday, October 24th as study leave for reading/studying in Collingwood for her final study leave in 2026.

United Church Women

Due to weather, the December UCW meeting was rescheduled to Monday, December 15th at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Bray and Helen Kadey led a program of carol singing, readings and show and tell of Nativity scenes. A time of remembrance was observed for the late Joyce Fulton and other UCW members who have passed. Lunch hosts were Judith Parker and Barb Dalrymple. A gift exchange was much enjoyed. Sharon Lynn was thanked for her leadership as President over the past 2 years. The UCW will lead ‘Casual Cafe Sunday’ on January 18th with the Installation of the UCW Executive being incorporated into the service. Coffee and snacks will be served by UCW members. The 2026 World Day of Prayer will be held at the church on Friday, March 6th at 10:30 a.m. with a video, coffee and snacks. The next meeting will be on a new day and time – Monday, February 9th at 1:30 p.m. The afternoon will be spent embroidering felt hearts, for the Loss Heart Initiative we learned about in October. Carolyn Johns will organize all the supplies from Leslie Switzer. Roll Call is to “bring an item of embroidery to share.” Lunch hosts are Janis Richardson and Helen Kadey.

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada

Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada during December 2025 and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The region’s weekly newsletter is another way to keep in touch with regional happenings. Subscribe to it here: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/wowrcsubscription. The United Church of Canada General Council Office in Toronto has moved across the city to a new temporary office at 50 Wynford Drive in North York, where the GCO will share space in the national offices of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. The move to Wynford Dr. will be a temporary one, as the ongoing construction of the United Church’s future home at 300 Bloor St. West continues into 2026. Read the full news story.

Food Grains Committee

In 2025, fundraising included cash donations by community supporters as well as crops from local farmers. The Bob Down, Shayne Mudge, and Essery families graciously donated land to the project. Shayne Mudge and Perry and Peter Sereda planted, sprayed, and combined the crops. Steve Hern donated wheat to the project this year. Upcoming for 2026, the Essery Family will donate 3.5 acres for growing corn and Gord Jones will be donating 4 acres of fall wheat on a plot next to his home. The annual South Huron Food Grains worship service and chili luncheon will take place on April 12, 2026 at Exeter-Hensall United Church.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is Joan Skinner, Greg Bahro, Marianne Timmerman, Sharon Passmore, Sarah Govers, and John Miner. No one from the congregation has come forward to stand as a member-at-large on the committee. Council positions to be filled for 2026 include Chair of Council and one member on each of the Finance, Outreach, Worship, and Christian Education Committees. Several volunteers have come forward to fill these positions; however, a position on the Finance Committee remains vacant. Further nominations and volunteers for any of the positions will be accepted up to the day of the Annual Meeting. Contact any member of the Nominating Committee for more information, or to volunteer or make a nomination.

Other Business

Our Sharing Team of Reverend Louise, John Miner, and Ken Kadey continues to meet with representatives from local churches as they consider ways our congregations can work together in partnership. The team met on December 8th. Representatives from Centralia United Church and Zion West United Church were also in attendance. Exeter United Church is now known as Exeter-Hensall United Church as the two congregations go through the amalgamation process. Upcoming joint worship services with Exeter-Hensall United Church before summer include Family Day Sunday February 15th and the South Huron Food Grains service on April 12th, both at Exeter-Hensall United Church, and on Good Friday April 3rd at Thames Road Elimville United Church. There will be no worship services at Thames Road Elimville United Church on February 15th and April 12th. The Sharing Team meets next on February 9th.

Realizing the loyalty of our volunteers and looking for ways to avoid burn out, Council will be proposing changes to the General Guidelines of the Church Council at the upcoming Annual Meeting. The changes will include modifications to the structure of the Church Council and revisions to the way Council currently carries out its duties.

Reports for the Annual Report are to be to Sharon Lynn by January 11, 2026. Annual Report booklets will be available on January 25, 2026. The 2025 Congregational Annual Meeting will take place in-person at the church at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday February 1, 2026, with an alternate date of Sunday February 8, 2026, if needed. A light snack will be provided by the Outreach Committee between the morning worship service and the Annual Meeting. For the meeting to proceed, a quorum must be in attendance; a quorum is at least 20 full members of our congregation. A person becomes a full member in one of the following ways: confirmation, adult baptism and profession of faith, or through a certificate of transfer from another congregation or church, among others. Council is asking full members of our congregation to make a prior commitment to attend the meeting. The meeting invitation and RSVP date will be sent to all congregation members and adherents with the Annual Report by Sunday January 25, 2026. Please plan to attend the meeting.

The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday March 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM DECEMBER 3, 2025

The December 3rd Church Council meeting took place on Zoom with a quorum present. Chair John Miner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report

During the month of November, Reverend Louise attended a Council meeting, attended a meeting of the United Church Women, attended a Ministerial meeting, attended a lunch gathering of the Perth area United Church ministers, attended the online meeting of the Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council over 2 days, attended the online United Church of Canada Cross Country Check In, attended the online meeting of the United Church Rural Ministry Network, led a Marriage-Prep session, prepared and led 4 Sunday worship services, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, did 4 in-person pastoral care visits, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

Council approved the 2026 Proposed Budget which will be taken to the Annual Meeting in February 2026 for approval by the congregation.

Fundraising Committee

The November 30th gift card fundraiser had 23 participants buy gift cards which saw the church receive $397.53. The fourth quarter total is $926.53 and the total for the year is $3,734.13. Our next gift card fundraiser will be January 04, 2026.

Worship Committee

Advent worship services continue in December in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. On Wednesday, December 24th the Christmas Eve service will take place at the church at 7:00 p.m. There will be no worship service at Thames Road Elimville United Church on Sunday, December 28th.

Outreach Committee

Reverend Louise led the Villa worship service on Tuesday, December 2nd. Bev Prout, Judith Parker and Janis Richardson assisted with Agnes Bray as pianist. There were 13 residents in attendance. The next service will be January 6th at 10 a.m. When donating items on the first Sunday of the month, the Exeter Community Food Bank is in need of Kraft Dinner, canned vegetables and fruit as well as hygiene items. The Common Plate Tuesday meals will take 2 weeks off during the Christmas break and resume in January. A Christmas meal is being planned for December 16th with 2 sittings. Donations in support of this outreach project can be e-transferred to: donations@exetercommonplate.org The Christmas Angel Project will be distributing 384 hampers to families in need this year. Our congregation raised enough donations to purchase Stove Top Stuffing Mix for the increased number of Christmas hampers. Thank you to Ken & Helen Kadey for scouting the best price and delivering the 32 cases to Noah's Ark and everyone who contributed.

Joint Management Committee

The Govers will be contacted about the difficulty folks are having with opening and locking the back door.

Trustees The Directors' and Officers' Liability Insurance has been renewed until December 2026.

United Church Women

The November 11th meeting was led by Bev Prout and Barb Dalrymple. Lunch hosts were Kathy Bray and Sharon Lynn. Guest speaker was Ruth Mercer-Ross talking about her many years volunteering for the Huron County Christmas Bureau and how it has changed. A special donation was gathered and raised $800 for the Christmas Bureau. In honour of Remembrance Day, Bev told of various groups who made knit and crocheted poppies and showed photos of how they were draped on bridges and cenotaphs in area towns. Helen Kadey had made a number of poppies for the blankets and gave a demonstration on how it was done. The next meeting is December 9th at 7 p.m. with Kathy Bray and Helen Kadey leading the program. Lunch hosts are Judith Parker and Barb Dalrymple. There will be a $5 gift exchange, and the Roll Call is to bring your favourite Nativity scene.

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada

Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada during November and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The region’s weekly newsletter is another way to keep in touch with regional happenings. Subscribe to it here: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/wowrcsubscription. Reverend Louise and Sharon Lynn attended the virtual Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council Meeting on Friday November 7, and Saturday November 8, 2025. The theme of the meeting was “Growing Our Community”. A significant part of the agenda was dedicated to two presentations on growth within the United Church of Canada. The Spring Regional Council Meeting will be on Friday May 22, and Saturday May 23, 2026 in-person at the Unifor Centre in Port Elgin. On November 4th, the day the federal budget was presented, the United Church of Canada issued a statement urging the government to ensure the 2025 budget reflects a moral commitment to justice, equity, and the planet, rather than prioritizing increased military spending. Rooted in faith, the church's core demands include fully funding Indigenous reconciliation commitments, raising climate justice targets to 60 percent, investing in racial equity and public health care (including pharmacare), and championing global peace through debt cancellation and increased international assistance. The church emphasizes that the budget must demonstrate compassion and commitment to human dignity. Read the full news story and statement. The General Council Executive has approved Toward 2035, a new 10-year strategic direction guiding the United Church of Canada into its third generation. This whole-church vision anticipates The United Church of Canada by 2035 as a denomination of inspired, resilient, and diverse communities embodying Christ's presence, connected coast-to-coast-to-coast, rural and urban, and growing increasingly multiracial, multigenerational, and intercultural. Read the full news story on the approval of the Toward 2035 strategic direction. In September 2024 the Creating Safe and Respectful Environments Policy came into effect.  The policy is centred on the United Church of Canada's commitment to the principles of respect, dignity, and inclusivity in order to ensure that a safe and supportive environment is provided to all employees and those affiliated with the United Church. The policy replaces the former discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, and violence policies.

Food Grains Committee

In 2025, fundraising included cash donations by community supporters as well as crops from local farmers. $13,000 was sent to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank from the South Huron growing project. Matched 4 to 1 by the federal government, that means $65,000 will be available to help hungry families around the world. The annual South Huron Food Grains worship service and chili luncheon will take place on April 12, 2026 at Exeter United Church.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee is Joan Skinner, Greg Bahro, Marianne Timmerman, Sharon Passmore, Sarah Govers and John Miner. No one from the congregation has come forward to stand as a member-at-large on the committee. Council positions to be filled for 2026 include Chair of Council and one member on each of the Finance, Outreach, Worship, and Christian Education Committees. Some volunteers have come forward to fill these positions; however, positions on the Finance and Outreach Committees and the Chair of Council position remain vacant. Further nominations and volunteers for any of the positions will be accepted up to the day of the Annual Meeting. Contact any member of the Nominating Committee for more information, or to volunteer or make a nomination.

Other Business

Our Sharing Team of Reverend Louise, John Miner, and Ken Kadey continues to meet with representatives from Exeter United Church as they consider ways our congregations can work together in partnership. The teams meet next on December 8th.

The Christian Resource Centre in Mitchell will be closing on Thursday December 18, 2025. All in store inventory is now on sale for 70% off. The centre is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until closing. The books in their lending library are available free of charge.

Reports for the Annual Report are to be to Sharon Lynn by January 11, 2026. Annual Report booklets will be available on January 25, 2026. The 2025 Annual Meeting will take place in-person at the church following the worship service on Sunday February 1, 2026, with an alternate date of Sunday February 8, 2026, if needed. A light snack will be provided by the Outreach Committee between the worship service and the Annual Meeting. For the meeting to proceed, a quorum must be in attendance; a quorum is at least 20 full members of our congregation. A person becomes a full member in one of the following ways: confirmation, adult baptism and profession of faith, or through a certificate of transfer from another congregation or church, among others. Advance commitment of attendance will be requested to ensure a quorum will be present.

The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday January 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM NOVEMBER 5, 2025

The November 5th Church Council meeting took place on Zoom with a quorum present. Chair John Miner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report

During the month of October, Reverend Louise attended a Council meeting, attended a UCW meeting, attended a Ministerial meeting, attended a Sharing Team meeting at Exeter United Church, led a Marriage-Prep session, prepared 2 and led 1 Sunday worship services, shared with Pastor Paul Vollick in preparing and leading 1 shared worship service at Exeter United Church, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, did 6 in-person pastoral care visits, attended a webinar offered by the World Council of Churches on Artificial Intelligence, was interviewed by a journalist for an article in Broadview magazine, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

The October 2025 Financial Statements were received.

The January - September 2025 Financial Statements were sent to the congregation on October 18th.

Fundraising Committee

The J.D.Sweid chicken fundraiser realized a profit of $500.00. Thank you to everyone who participated.

The church received $284.50 from the November gift card fundraiser with 18 participants buying gift cards. Gift cards will be available on Sunday, November 9. The December gift card order is due on November 30th. Consider purchasing gift cards as Christmas gifts for restaurants, Canadian Tire, Home Hardware, Amazon, etc. There’s lots to choose from.

Christian Education Committee

The Sunday School hosted another spooktacular Halloween party on Friday, October 24th.  Just over 20 children gathered in costume to share in a fun evening of games.  There were plenty of snacks to go around and the party finished just in time for attendees to race home to cheer on the Blue Jays!

The Christmas Concert is being put on hold for this year. A concert will be reconsidered in 2026.

Worship Committee

Remembrance Sunday is November 9th.

A café service led by the Worship Committee will take place on November 16th.

Reign of Christ Sunday will be recognized on November 23rd.

November 30th is the first Sunday of the Advent season.

Outreach Committee

Reverend Louise led the Villa worship service on Tuesday, October 7th. Janis Richardson, Bev Prout and Judith Parker assisted with Agnes Bray as pianist. There were 8 residents in attendance. On November 4th, Janis Richardson, Sharon Lynn, Judith Parker, and Agnes Bray as pianist, assisted Reverend Louise with 8 residents attending. Donations towards the food bank are appreciated on the first Sunday of the month. The Common Plate community meals are serving up to 150 meals at Precious Blood church every Tuesday from 5:30 - 7 p.m. TR-E is one of seven local churches involved in this project Donations in support of this outreach project can be e-transferred to: donations@exetercommonplate.org The Christmas Angel Project is being organized once again by Exeter Pentecostal Tabernacle. Last year, through the generosity of our local churches, businesses, and community members, they were able to provide hampers and gifts for hundreds of children and families in need. This year, there will be an even greater demand. For the past 2 years our congregation donated towards providing 200 boxes of ‘Stuffing Mix’ for the hampers. Council agreed to support the project again this year. Watch for details coming soon on how you can support this project.

Ministry and Personnel Committee

Council approved the 2026 Minister's Remuneration Report and the 2026 Honoraria Report. The reports will be taken to the Annual Meeting in February 2026 for approval by the congregation.

Joint Management Committee

Council has decided to discontinue with the land line in the church. The telephone will be disconnected at the end of December 2025.

Community Park Committee

Tuesday morning November 4th, the committee met at the park to plant 4 trees - the memorial tree that John Miner ordered, the 100th anniversary of the Thames Road Elimville Community Park tree, the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada tree, and one replacement tree. Shannon Snow, who donated his time and equipment, dug the holes with his post hole auger. Volunteers helping were John and Laurel Miner, Brad, Justin and Harvey Cann, Wayne Roddick, Judith Parker, and Beth Cooper. Brad, Justin and Harvey also worked at leveling up the port-a-pottie. Thank you to Shannon and all the volunteers.

Trustees

$18,000 of the Trustee's restricted funds has been invested in a two-year GIC at 3.45%.

United Church Women

The October 7th UCW meeting was led by Carolyn Johns and Judith Parker. Lunch hosts were Sharon Passmore and Bev Prout. Guest speaker was Leslie Switzer of Kirkton. She talked about her ‘Loss Hearts Initiative’. In the beginning she started making embellished felt hearts for women who had experienced pregnancy loss. The initiative has grown with women now gathering together to make felt hearts that are given out to anyone experiencing loss. Also recognized was June Hodgson, who shared her recent sewing project of fabric tote bags donated to Jessica’s House. The grief bags hold special activity items for children visiting the hospice. The next meeting is November 11th with Bev Prout and Barb Dalrymple leading the program. Lunch hosts are Kathy Bray and Sharon Lynn. Roll call is “Who are you remembering today?” Guest speaker will be Ruth Mercer-Ross talking about the Christmas Bureau. Special donations will be gathered - cash or cheque payable to ‘Rural Response for Healthy Children’. An Executive meeting will be held on November 5th to plan for next year’s programs and activities. Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada during October and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The region’s weekly newsletter is another way to keep in touch with regional happenings. Subscribe to it here: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/wowrcsubscription.

The virtual Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council Meeting will take place on Friday, November 7th and Saturday, November 8th. Reverend Louise and Sharon Lynn plan to attend. The United Church welcomes recently renewed federal funding to advance equality and inclusion. This investment of stable and predictable funding represents an important step toward empowering women, addressing gender-based violence, and supporting 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities, especially at this critical moment when there is increased pushback against human rights around the world. Read the full statement here: https://united-church.ca/.../united-church-welcomes...

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee consists of the retiring member from the Finance, Property, Outreach, Worship, and Christian Education Committees plus the Council Chairperson and up to two congregation members or adherents at large. If a position on the Nominating Committee interests you, contact any member of Council for more information. The retiring members of Council are Joan Skinner, Greg Bahro, Marianne Timmerman, Sharon Passmore, and Sarah Govers. Finishing his 2-year term as Chair of Council is John Miner.

Other Business

Our Sharing Team of Reverend Louise, John Miner, and Ken Kadey continues to meet with representatives from Exeter United Church as they consider ways our congregations can work together in partnership. The teams met on October 6th. We will continue to have occasional joint worship services with Exeter United. In the months ahead, the Sunday of Family Day weekend, Good Friday, and the summer services will be shared worship services. Details of each others Christmas Eve services will be promoted. The Sharing Team meets next on December 8th.

Chair John shared that the media release informing the news of the transfer of ownership of the church has been published in the Exeter Lakeshore Times Advance newspaper and in the Ontario Farmer paper. Reverend Louise and Sarah Govers have been interviewed about the property transfer for an upcoming article in the Broadview magazine. Watch for it in January 2026.

The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday December 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM OCTOBER 1, 2025

The October 1 Church Council meeting took place in-person at the church with a quorum present. Chair John Miner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report

During the month of September, Reverend Louise attended a Council meeting, attended a Trustees meeting, attended the UCW Welcome-back Dinner & program, met with Pastor Paul Vollick to plan a shared service, attended a Ministerial meeting, attended a day-long workshop on Discernment, led a Marriage-Prep session, attended the United Church’s online event called Cross-Country Check-In, prepared and led 3 Sunday worship services, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, did 8 in-person pastoral care visits, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

Donations received for refreshments following two worship services in September amounted to $238.25 for the United Church Healing Fund. The congregation is to receive financial statements quarterly. The September 30 statements will be sent out when they become available.

Fundraising Committee

Orders are coming in for the chicken fundraiser. Due date is Monday, October 6. The pickup date is Tuesday, October 28 from 4:30-6 pm at the church. The church received $277.50 from the September gift card fundraiser with 17 participants. This brings our third quarter total to $955.83. Thank you to all those who have participated in this fundraiser. The next two gift card orders are due on October 5 and November 2.

Christian Education Committee

Sunday School will take place next on Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12. The annual Halloween Party will take place at the church on Friday, October 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Those attending are asked to bring potluck snacks. This is a community event, and everyone is invited to come and join in the fun.

Worship Committee

On October 5, World Wide Communion will be celebrated with a joint worship service at Exeter United Church at 10:30 a.m. There will not be a service at Thames Road Elimville United Church that day. Donations for the food bank can be taken to the service in Exeter. Join us on October 12 to celebrate Thanksgiving. On October 19 a Café Sunday service led by the Worship Committee will take place in the basement of the church. Coffee and treats will be available before, during, and after the service.

Outreach Committee

Reverend Louise will lead the next worship service at Exeter Villa on Tuesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. Donations towards the food bank will be collected at Exeter United Church on Sunday, October 5 as it will be a shared service. The 'Common Plate' community meals are serving up to 150 meals now on Tuesday evenings at Precious Blood church. Organizers met on October 1 to update and review how the project is going so any changes can be made. The project is achieving its goal of offering weekly nourishment and social interaction to folks and families in the community. Though the meals are free, donations are being received from appreciative participants.

Community Park Committee

The park committee has ordered the trees to be planted this fall. The committee will stake out and notify those that have requested a memorial tree to come and be part of the planting. The Anniversary trees for the Park and Church will be planted along with another tree. Anyone who wishes to help with planting the trees please contact Beth (519.671.1030) or any member of the park committee. 

Trustees

The Trustees met with Usborne and Hibbert Fire Insurance Company to review our insurance following the sale of the church building and surrounding property.

United Church Women

On September 9 the ‘Welcome Back’ UCW catered meal and program was held with Virginia Warwick, Sharon Passmore, Janis Richardson and Joan Skinner in charge. A scrumptious meal was prepared by Robinson’s Cafe and served at a beautifully decorated table. Lorrie Plein was the guest speaker. She told of her struggles with mental health while working in a long-term care facility during Covid. In her presentation she provided many tools that helped her during her recovery and how we can recognize and protect our mental health. The next UCW meeting is October 14 with Carolyn Johns and Judith Parker leading the program. Lunch hosts will be Sharon Passmore and Bev Prout. The roll call is “Tell about a scar and how you got it.”

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada

Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada during September and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The region’s weekly newsletter is another way to keep in touch with regional happenings. Subscribe to it here: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/wowrcsubscription. The Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council Meeting (online only) will take place on Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8, 2025. The United Church of Canada has issued a statement in response to Prime Minister Carney's announcement of Canada's conditional recognition of a Palestinian state. While it's a step in the right direction, more urgent action is still needed. The statement calls on Canada to secure an immediate ceasefire, ensure unhindered humanitarian aid, and uphold its obligations under international law. Church leaders have repeatedly requested to meet with the Prime Minister to discuss these priorities but have not yet received a response. Read the full news story and statement. Find out what you can do to help amplify the voices of partners, raise our spirited voices in outrage and solidarity, and advocate for Canada to do everything in its power to help end the violence.

Other Business

Our Sharing Team of Reverend Louise, John Miner, and Ken Kadey continues to meet with representatives from Exeter United Church as they consider ways our congregations can work together in partnership. The teams meet next on October 6. The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday November 5, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. on Zoom.

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM SEPTEMBER 3, 2025

The September 3 Church Council meeting took place in-person at the church with a quorum present. Chair John Miner called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report During the months of June, July and August, Reverend Louise attended 2 Council meetings, one by Zoom, attended 2 Trustees meetings, one in Seaforth, attended a meeting of the Joint Management Committee, prepared and led 8 Sunday worship services, 4 of which were shared with Pastor Paul Vollick, attended 2 services led by Pastor Paul, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, took 4 weeks of vacation, met twice with Pastor Paul to plan shared services, attended a Ministerial meeting, attended a lunch with the Perth area United Church ministers, did 9 in-person pastoral care visits, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

August Financial Statements were received. June 30, 2025 bank balances and January to June Financial Statements were sent to the congregation on July 21, 2025.

Fundraising Committee

The committee is considering a JD.Sweid chicken fundraiser again. Watch your email for details as they become available. The 100th anniversary 2026 fundraising calendar featuring the roses at the park is on hold for now. Consideration will be given next year for a 2027 calendar. The July 27 gift card fundraiser saw the church receive $410.20 with 18 participants buying gift cards. Our next gift card order is due on Sunday September 7.

Property Committee

The clock in the sanctuary has been repaired and rehung.

Christian Education Committee

Amy and Sara will be leading Sunday School two Sundays a month in the coming year. Check the weekly Saturday email to see if there is Sunday School the next day.

Worship Committee

As we are not proceeding with the sharing of ministers experiment with Exeter United at this time, worship services at Thames Road Elimville will continue to be at 10:00 a.m., not 9:45 a.m. as announced in June. On September 7 a special service is planned to recognize the change of ownership of our church building and property. Refreshments will follow the service. On September 21 a Café Sunday will take place in the basement of the church with coffee and treats. September 28 is Orange Shirt Sunday. Come to church in an orange shirt! A low-tech service will take place in the basement with refreshments to follow the service. Donations will go to the Healing Fund. The Healing Fund, established in 1994, supports healing initiatives in Indigenous communities to address the ongoing impacts of the residential school system. On October 5 a joint Worldwide Communion service with Exeter will take place at Exeter United Church at 10:30 a.m. Thank you to the volunteers who provided cookies and a refreshing drink following worship services at the park over the summer. The weather cooperated beautifully, and the services were well attended.

Outreach Committee

Reverend Louise led the worship service at Exeter Villa on Tuesday, September 2 at 10 a.m. There were 12 residents attend. Agnes Bray played the hymns and Judith Parker and Sharon Lynn assisted with the service. Donations towards the Exeter Community Food Bank can once again be brought to church on the first Sunday of the month. An update from Broadview magazine states that the publishing schedule will transition to six print issues during 2026. Current subscribers have 5 issues remaining and the new expiry date will be July/Aug 2026. The decision is a result of rising costs in printing, postage, production stresses by last year’s postal strike and U.S. tariff threats. Broadview is the only publication in Canada dedicated to sharing progressive Christian perspectives and news for 196 years. The 'Common Plate' community meals will be held weekly now on Tuesday evenings at Precious Blood church. The initiative has been well received. Organizers are currently preparing for 120-130 guests each week. A Certificate of Thanksgiving received from the United Church of Canada has recognized Thames Road Elimville United Church for giving $6,708 to the Mission and Service Fund in 2024.

Joint Management Committee

A term of the agreement signed with the transfer of property requires that a Joint Management Committee of six persons be formed to oversee the use and management of the church building. Committee members are Dave Govers, Sarah Govers, Sharon Passmore, Ken Kadey, Robert Bray and Reverend Louise. The committee, which will meet formally at least twice a calendar year, had their initial meeting recently.

Community Park Committee

The park committee met and discussed having a memorial grove of native trees at the park. The committee will also be planting two 100th anniversary trees, one for Thames Road Elimville Community Park and one for the United Church of Canada. A couple of other trees will also be replaced. ABCA will be contacted before the end of September for planting this fall. The Astrophotographer who has been taking photos at the park over the summer, extended a thank you to the park committee for allowing him to access the park multiple times to take pictures of the night sky. He has shared his photo album for all to see. Not all the photos were taken at the park, but quite a good number of them were. Here is the link to his Astrophotography album: https://www.amazon.com/photos/shared/UI9vQAcxSK-C0nbhlZLsgA.38huYw1ee4ujxu1bAXM8Z6

Trustees

The Board of Trustees has transferred ownership of the Thames Road Elimville United Church building and surrounding church property to Sarah Govers. Legal papers for the transfer were signed on July 24, 2025. A notice regarding the transfer was sent to the congregation on July 29, 2025. The Trustees will be meeting with Usborne and Hibbert Fire Insurance Company shortly to go over the change in the insurance coverage due to the sale of the building and surrounding property.

Chair John has prepared a media release about the transfer of the church property. Watch for it in an upcoming issue of the Exeter Lakeshore Times-Advance and the Rural Voice. The release will also be posted on the church website.

United Church Women

The next meeting will be the ‘Welcome Back’ meal on September 9 with Virginia Warwick, Sharon Passmore, Janis Richardson and Joan Skinner in charge of the meal and program.

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada

Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada over the summer and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The region’s weekly newsletter is another way to keep in touch with regional happenings. Subscribe to it here: https://mailchi.mp/united-church/wowrcsubscription. A joint Huron-Perth Presbytery reunion and Christian Resource Centre fundraiser is planned for Saturday September 20, 2025 at Main St. United Church in Mitchell. Enjoy lunch, live music, singing and more. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.; lunch is at 12:00 p.m.; $20.00 per person. Reserve your place by Monday, September 15 by calling 519-348-9261 or email hpprc@quadro.net. Kathy Douglas, who has held the position of Faith Formation Minister within Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils for the past six years, will be retiring effective December 31, 2025. A celebration of Kathy’s ministry will be announced at a later date. All will be welcome to attend. The United Church of Canada’s anniversary service on June 8, 2025 at Gower Street United Church in St. John’s, NL celebrated 100 years of faith, love, and community. The service featured local choirs and orchestra, liturgical dancing, and music from Then Let Us Sing!, the United Church’s new worship resource. Moderator The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne and General Secretary Rev. Michael Blair presided at the service. A highlight was the dedication of a newly translated Mohawk Bible, a successor to the Union Bible prayed over at the church’s founding in 1925. The service closed with communion. A recording of the service is available on the church’s YouTube channel. The 45th General Council was held in Calgary, Alberta from August 7–11, 2025. On Friday August 8 during a worship service at Knox United Church in Calgary, The United Church of Canada acknowledged and apologized for the many shortcomings and the harm the church has caused to the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities. The church committed itself to radical love and affirming people of all identities, strengthening its witness to justice and love in action. During the 45th General Council in Calgary, Alberta, the Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath was installed as the 45th Moderator of the United Church of Canada. Elected to a three-year term, the Moderator is the spiritual leader and public representative for the United Church of Canada. Learn more about the new Moderator, as well as read the full news story and watch a recording of the livestream. The United Church of Canada is expressing deep grief and frustration at Canada’s continued arms shipments to Israel when Canada knows those arms could be used in war crimes. An open letter has been sent to Prime Minister Carney, urging immediate and meaningful government action toward peace and justice. Read the church’s full call for justice and support interfaith advocacy efforts today: https://united-church.ca/.../were-waiting-decisive-action... On September 30, Orange Shirt Day, wear an orange shirt to say that Every Child Matters. September 28 is Orange Shirt Sunday in the United Church. This year we are asked to honour the children with a gift or special offering to the Healing Fund, which supports initiatives for survivors of the residential school system and its ongoing intergenerational impacts. On September 30 we also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For non-Indigenous Christians in particular, this is a time to reflect on their role in colonialism and the ongoing responsibility to make reparations.

Other Business

At the United Church of Canada 100th Anniversary celebration on Sunday June 8, TR-E hosted 125 people at the community park from 7 neighbouring churches. The weather cooperated with Reverend Louise presiding over the service and Melissa Hardy (Villages) leading the joint choir. David Burghardt (Villages) and Linda Tghart (Exeter) read scripture.  The strawberry social that followed the service provided a time to visit with those from neighbouring communities. The fresh strawberries, cupcakes, cookies, rusks and ice cream served were a hit and enjoyed by all. The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday October 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in-person at the church.

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT FROM JUNE 4, 2025

The June 4 Church Council meeting took place in-person at the church with a quorum present. Acting Chair Robert Bray called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with a territorial acknowledgement of the land on which we were meeting.

Minister's Report

During the month of May, Reverend Louise attended the Council meeting, prepared and led 2 Sunday worship services, one with a guest speaker, attended our Camping Sunday led by Robert & Kathy Bray, attended a worship service led by Greg Bahro, prepared and led a worship service at Exeter Villa, attended a meeting of the United Church Women, attended the Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council Spring Meeting online, took a week of Study Leave to attend the Festival of Homiletics online, met with Melissa Hardy, Music Director for our June 8 service, attended a Ministerial meeting, attended a meeting with representatives from Hensall United Church, offered prayer at Celebration of Life for Joyce Fulton, did 4 in-person pastoral care visits, made a number of phone calls and sent a number of emails and text messages to stay in touch with members of the congregation and to conduct administrative business, checked the church email and phone messages, kept up to date with United Church and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council emails and other information.

Finance Committee

The June 1 Cafe Sunday raised $115.00 for the Exeter Community Foodbank. May Financial Statements were received. April to June 2025 Second Quarter Financial Statements will be sent to the congregation in July.

Fundraising Committee

Our next gift card order is due on June 8. Due to the VISTA summer vacation schedule there will be 7 weeks until the next gift card fundraiser on July 27.

Worship Committee

On June 8 Thames Road Elimville will be hosting 6 neighbouring United Church congregations at a 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada celebration at our Community Park. Father's Day will be recognized on June 15. The worship service that day will take place at the former Elimville United Church site. June 22 is Baptism Sunday with two baptisms taking place. On June 29 shared summer services will begin at Exeter United Church at 10:00 a.m. Worship leaders will be Pastor Paul and Reverend Louise. On September 7 weekly worship services will resume at Thames Road Elimville United Church. For the month of September we will be experimenting with the sharing of ministers with Exeter United Church. Sunday worship at Thames Road Elimville will begin at 9:45 a.m.

Outreach Committee

The next worship service at Exeter Villa will be held on June 10 at 10 a.m. Monthly services will resume in September after the summer break. Thank you for the continued support of canned, boxed, dried foods and hygiene items, for the local food bank. Thames Road Elimville now has six volunteers signed up to help with the weekly community meals to be served at Precious Blood church on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 111 volunteers are now registered from seven area churches. It is anticipated there will be 9 or 10 teams and each team will be helping out once every nine weeks. This collaborative effort is in a "good financial" position with an individual offering a grant. On June 24 they plan to start with a meal for the volunteers, so people can see how it will run. The community meals will start on July 8, 22, August 5 and 19 and then weekly beginning in September. It is hoped that the unhoused, shut-ins, children and families will attend. If more than 100 people start to attend, there may be two sittings. They need more people with their food safety certification to help with the meal preparation. For those interested in certification, it can be done online. Contact Judith Parker for the link.

Ministry and Personnel Committee

Reverend Louise will be on vacation from Monday, June 30 to Monday, July 14 and from Friday, August 8 to Friday, August 22.  The affected Sundays are July 6, July 13, August 10 and August 17. Church cleaners are always needed. If you are able to help out, please sign up on the cleaning schedule posted above the desk in the basement of the church or contact Helen Kadey.

Community Park Committee

The two broken posts at the cedar rails around the playground have been repaired. Judith Parker beautified the front flower beds and changed the sign. Central Sanitation has serviced the port-a-pottie. The east ginkgo tree at the front is not doing so well; the committee will be looking into what can be done for it.

Trustees Report

As an update on the proposal from Dave and Sarah Govers to purchase the church building and surrounding property, the Trustees report there is still work to be done to satisfy the requirements of the sale agreement.

United Church Women

The ladies met on May 13 with Anne Kernick and Melonie Miller leading the program. Guest speaker was Aileen Burgin from Kirkton. She and her husband Harold have been involved in a research project from Western University and super-aging and what can be learned cognitively. They also participate in the Ontario Seniors Track & Field events. This past spring, they travelled to Florida to compete in the World Master’s competition. The couple are both over 85 and an inspiration to keep moving as we age. Diane Jeffery and Shirley Cooper hosted lunch. On July 13, 25 dozen cookies will be made and donated to Camp Bimini for the summer day campers. In support of the United Church of Canada 100th Anniversary celebration on June 8, the UCW will cover the cost of the strawberries for the Strawberry Social being held following the worship service at the park. The next UCW meeting will be the ‘Welcome Back’ meal on September 9 with Virginia Warwick, Sharon Passmore, Janis Richardson and Joan Skinner in charge of the meal and program.

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council/The United Church of Canada

Several emails were received from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council and the United Church of Canada during the month of May and any pertinent information was passed on to the appropriate people. The Region’s Facebook page is a good way to keep up-to-date on regional happenings including upcoming events, workshops, and programs for children and youth. Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wowrcucc1. The Board of the Christian Resource Centre in Mitchell is looking for a few volunteers to help in the storefront with selling materials to the public. No experience is required and all training will be provided.  The storefront is located at 29 Ontario Rd. in Mitchell and can be reached at (519) 348-9261. The United Church of Canada is deeply concerned for all those affected by the wildfires sweeping across parts of northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. These fires have led to evacuations in multiple communities, including several First Nations. Please pray for the safety and protection of people, animals, and communities in harm’s way, for strength and resilience among evacuees and first responders, and for healing and renewal for the land and all of creation. Leading into Pride Month, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne shares a powerful message of welcome and affirmation, emphasizing that there's truly a place at the table for everyone within The United Church of Canada. As we prepare to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community throughout June, Moderator Lansdowne honours the humanity, value, and right to love of 2S and LGBTQIA+ people, while acknowledging the severe global realities and attacks now being faced. This message connects with our "A Place at the Table" campaign, reflecting the deep sense of belonging found within the church. The United Church of Canada stands in solidarity, committed to justice, radical love, and creating a world where absolutely everyone is embraced and celebrated. On Sunday June 8, 2025, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm EDT a special hybrid National Centennial worship service will be held at Gower Street United Church, 99 Queens Rd, St. John's, NL. The service can be viewed at this link https://www.youtube.com/live/bh4sW1kdpWo. Stay up to date on plans and celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the United Church of Canada by signing up for the Centennial Newsletter and checking the Centennial webpage.

Other Business

Come and celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada with neighbouring United Churches (Exeter, Zion West, Centralia, Villages (Granton), Hensall, Kirkton and Thames Road Elimville) on Sunday June 8 at the Thames Road Elimville Community Park. Service will be at 10 a.m. followed by a Strawberry Social. Reverend Louise will be presiding over the service, which will include a joint choir led by Melissa Hardy. Bring a lawn chair. If the day is rainy, the celebration will move to Thames Road Elimville United Church. To further celebrate the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada, a 2026 calendar featuring the roses in the rose garden at the community park will be sold as a fundraiser. Watch for details on how you can take part in creating the calendar. Several volunteers have come forward to provide cookies/popsicles and lemonade following worship services at the park over the summer. A couple of volunteers are still needed for Sunday August 31. Duties will also include greeting worshipers and bringing the offering forward.

The meeting closed with prayer and was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next regular Council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 3, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in-person at the church.

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