Congregational Update
May 22, 2020
This past week, our immediate neighbourhood has experienced two creative, fun events. We recorded congregants from age 9 to 89 cycling past the church for a blessing, which will be shown during the online May 24 service. Yesterday, I happened on Ray’s physically-distanced brass quartet serenading the community on a rainy, cool afternoon from our porch steps. I saw two little girls dancing to the music in front of their house across the street. Let’s keep up these creative, fun events!
For the month of May, we will continue to have online services, followed by After Church Café at 11:30 am. The Zoom link is below, accompanied by phone numbers if you cannot connect by computer. Please note that you will be calling long distance. This link is the same for each Sunday.
Click on this link at 11:30 am on Sunday to join the After Church Café:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/92223649526?pwd=NTdKRlUvdy9qbWhVTG1RNCtYRnBydz09
Meeting ID: 922 2364 9526
Password: 073982
You may also dial any of the following long-distance numbers:
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
Blessings and guidance for each of you
Loraine
The UCW will not host a Rummage Sale or the Bazaar in 2020. This decision was reached after much prayerful and informed consultation. The organizers and volunteers are saddened by the realization that these events cannot proceed, but we must be realistic about the limitations we face in relation to Covid 19 pandemic. The restrictions associated with physical contact are many and we simply cannot accommodate our shoppers and volunteers (many of whom are over 65 years in age) in a safe manner. When our church building reopens, please note that we cannot accept any rummage donations due to storage concerns. We will reassess the storage of items in early 2021.
In addition to the missed opportunities for fun and fellowship, these cancellations create an unrealized $13,000.00 that the UCW had committed to raising for the 2020 Westworth budget. Please refer to Ron Bailey’s update on behalf of the Finance Committee.
Thanks to all of the organizers of the Rummage Sale (Andrea F., Dorothy R. and Lee-Ann B.), the Bazaar (Wendy M. and Janet S.) and the Bazaar Bake Table (Barb M.) who offered suggestions and honest opinions about what was feasible in these difficult times. As conditions and guidelines evolve, we hope that we can make plans for fellowship and fundraising in 2021.
Nancy D-W., UCW Coordinator
From the Outreach Team
Your Outreach Team is grateful to all of you who are supporting the West Broadway Community Ministry in so many ways during these difficult times. IJustCity accepts monetary donations on behalf West Broadway (just indicate WBCM when donating), and many of you are making regular donations. Therefore, the Emergency Pantry is able to assist all in the neighbourhood who require help. We are also grateful to all families who generously donated food for the pantry in lieu of the traditional Sunday School wind-up. You helped “top off” the supply of the most needed items. Thank you so much for your continued support of our friends at West Broadway.
Ruth W.
Westworth Finance Committee Update
Since the update of April 9, the finances of Westworth have experienced both positive and negative aspects. On the positive side, weekly pledges are being honoured through PAR. Individual donations to the Special Appeal and the Window Campaign have also continued. We thank members who have been able to continue to support Westworth in these unsettling times.
On the negative side, our rental revenues target of $25,000 will not be achieved and are likely to only reach about $5,000. In addition, two fundraising projects undertaken annually by the UCW, the Westworth United Church Luncheon and Bazaar and the Rummage Sale have both been cancelled. Together these events contributed about $13,000 annually to Westworth. Information from the UCW is also in this newsletter.
The combined impact of reduced rentals and cancelled fundraising reduces the revenues in 2020 by about $34,000. In addition, there have been additional expenses of just over $3,000 for the camera, microphones and other technology to allow for Westworth to broadcast services online.
It must be noted that while revenues are down, savings from donations and fundraising from past years will help Westworth weather this COVID-19 storm in 2020. If members wish to contribute to help cover these revenue shortfalls and additional technology expenses, your gifts will reduce the amounts used from savings.
Donations to support church operations can be made in the usual manner (cash, cheque, credit card online, e-transfer, postdated cheque). If you wish to join PAR and use the convenience of monthly bank withdrawals please let Heather at the office know (204-489-6974 Ext.20), We understand that these are stressful times and individual circumstances may not allow you to contribute.
Finally, Westworth has been approved to receive the Federal Government Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy which provides 10% reduction in payroll expenses. We are also applying for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy which will temporarily help with paying wages. These short-term contributions will assist, but not cover the shortfalls in revenues noted above.
Thank you for your continuing support. If you have a question please email me, ron@rbailey.ca or leave a message for me through the church office and I will respond or ask a member of the Finance Committee to contact you.
On behalf of the Finance Committee, Ron B., Treasurer.
2020 PLEDGES AND DONATIONS from January to Apr 30 received from identifiable givers
| 2020 Pledged | Received | |
| M&S | $ 44,441 | $ 15,282 |
| Westworth Operations | $ 268,821 | $ 91,826 |
| Total | $ 313,262 | $ 107,108 |
Total of all donations from Jan.-Apr. 30, including open plate, for the past 3 years.
2018 $98,767 2019 $100,751 2020 $107,108
