Realm Newsletter from April 21 Council Meeting
TSA Council met in person on Tuesday April 21, our regular monthly meeting for April. This provides an update on the meeting and activities since then.
- A huge THANK YOU to all of our Volunteers. We wouldn’t be the TSA that we are without you!
- Community Luncheon – held April 21 served about 100 guests and 20 volunteers. Thanks to all who organized, welcomed, cooked, served and cleaned up. Next is May 19 with lasagna, Caesar salad and lemon squares for dessert. All welcome.
- Camping Sunday – was held May 3 with the Sanctuary transformed into a camp site. A fun walk down memory lane for anyone who camped. And a strong reminder of why support for Camp Lau-Ren is so important. Donations to Camp Lau-Ren are still being counted. Camp work week is May 2 to 6. Contact Bert Brisco if you want information about helping ready Camp Lau-Ren for summer.
- Website upgrade – a small team is looking into our online presence and will recommend upgrades to meet the needs of staff, members, adherents, and those interested in TSA, now and in the future. They are working with Tubman Marketing to implement these changes.
- Plant Sale – is set for May 23 from 9 to 1 in Stewart Hall. All proceeds to Camp Lau-Ren. Set up is the day before. So… all of you gardeners that are splitting plants or have too many seedlings, bring them in. Let the office know if you need pots or assistance.
- Weekly Walking Group – each Monday at 2pm at the upstairs SunLife walking track at Ma-te-way. Join the TSA Extra Mile Walking Group for walk and talk.
- Grant Opportunities – there are many grant opportunities available to us from the United Church and various governments. Committees are considering areas that they could use a grant (equipment, program). If anyone would be able to assist in preparing grant applications, please let the office know.
- Worship & Music (W&M) – the Committee is still looking for two new members for Christian education and affirming. Melissa has taken on Choir liaison, and Camping Sunday was planned. The next Rainbow Worship will be May 10 at 6:30. Pride Sunday is the first Sunday of June, June 7. Next Communion is May 24 (Pentecost). Rev. Eric is away May 25 to June 1.
- Finance and Stewardship – $50k from the Plaunt Estate endowment has been used to pay for carpeting and staff increases. Revenues are stable but expenses are increasing.
- Property – Furnaces continue to need attention, some are 30 years old. Annual fire inspection was completed and deficiencies corrected (capacity limit signs, clearance requirements for storage area and non-combustibles in the stairwell). Building expenses have increased… especially snow removal.
- Ministry & Personnel (M&P) – Ross is stepping down as chair. Our many thanks to Ross for his 20 years in that position!! Nominating is seeking two volunteers for M&P. Ross has graciously agreed to stay on, if needed, until September. EOORC is hosting an M&P Workshop on May 23 from 9:30 to 12:30 online via zoom. If interested, contact the office for registration information.
- Membership, Pastoral Care and Fellowship (MPC&F) – MPCF welcomed Christy da Rosa as new member to the Committee and as a new TSA member. Upcoming Long Term Care services: Groves Park May 12 @2; Quail Creek May 19 @2; Bonnechere Manor June 13 @2:30. TSA Volunteer Appreciation treats were planned.
- Nominating – has met regarding members for Finance, M&P and W&M.
- Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council (EOORC) – “Things We Tell Ourselves” … sessions are ongoing, focussed on looking to the future of United Churches. Will be used as input to Council strategic planning and review of goals. EOORC-AGM is scheduled for May 29 & 30.
- United Church Women (UCW) – Next meeting is May 5th@1 at the Food Bank for a tour of the facility. Discussion of the possibility of a grant to replace aging stoves in the TSA kitchen is taking place. Again, help with the application is needed if the decision is taken to apply.
- Church Hall Meeting – June 14. Plan to attend. Immediately after the service.
- Upcoming Activities – for up-to-date information, refer to our weekly bulletin or contact the office. Or visit our website at https://www.tsarenfrew.ca.
Our next regular Council meeting will be Tuesday, May 19 at 3:15. IN PERSON
Questions, concerns, thoughts, details on activities or suggestions, call the office. Office number (613)432-2285.
