TRULY BLESSED

I am so truly blessed in so many ways.  Yesterday (Tuesday), I went out to start working on clearing snow.  Shortly after, I was joined by three of my neighbours with their snow blowers and working together before long our driveway and the neighbours which abuts it were cleared out.  It shows what the pooling of resources and having many hands sharing the load can accomplish.  I do hope that you, too, have family, friends and neighbours who help you who are there for you.

Last evening (Tuesday), I was blessed again with the support of the members of Church Council.  As many of you no doubt know, I was elected Chair at our February Annual General Meeting.  Each member of Council has taken on a number of issues.  We can all use your support.  If you would like to "share the load" by joining a committee or taking on lending your experience or expertise, it would be greatly appreciated.  We need people to help us work through a cost-effective way to have internet/Wi-fi in the church building, to help us figure out how to keep our phone number, but not have a $60+ a month phone bill, and to work on  many more issues like our ancient boiler and old (about 22-years-old) water heater.  If either lets us down during very cold weather, we could be facing flooding (again!).  

Did you know that snow comes through our side doors and that the breeze blows through the windows in the parlor?  Oh, and then there is the roof and west side of the manse that need repairs - which we have postponed for yet another year due to lack of funds.  Our Building and Assets Management committee has been asked to come up with a 5-year plan for tackling issues.  If you have any issues with our building, please let Earl New know or send a message to Ellen.

Sometimes I wonder whether we should sell the building - because there are many major issues - and rent or buy or build new.  The funds from a sale could provide us with money to pay a minister, to have the internet and to enable us to do outreach projects.  Something to think about.  Your feedback would be appreciated.  If you want to stay in the current building, some ideas on how to fund the repairs and maintenance would be appreciated.

Long ago, the founders of our church built what was then known as the Methodist Chapel and is now the Aylmer Heritage building on rue Golf.  At some point, they realized a need to move on to a building that better suited their needs.  Is it time for us to follow in their footsteps and take the leap of faith and move?

Council really does want to hear from you and to have your input.  Would you please let us know what you think - you can talk with me or any member of Council.

God bless,

Ellen

Next week: Council Special Report.  Please watch for it.