October 2021

Greetings to all, from Council Circle!

Well, Autumn has indeed arrived! Watching the last few yellow leaves drift down from our white birch always brings a sense of nostalgia for what is past, but also the promise of making way for the new. Similarly, Council Circle has had its second Fall meeting at which time we take stock of what has transpired over the summer and start looking to preparing for our work throughout the fall and winter. In addition to the seasons of nature we also follow the liturgical seasons and are inwardly preparing for Advent and what that will mean for our Community of Faith.

Council Circle continues to meet every third Tuesday of the month via Zoom. Our meeting last week, however, had a few of us meeting in person with others on Zoom. It was our first “semi” face-to-face to see if we are ready to meet in person. Zoom has provided us with a lovely platform of meeting from the comfort of our own homes. We have gotten quite familiar and used to its advantages! Having said that, we are also looking at bringing in a few in person meetings over the year.

Some of the highlights of our meeting of October 19, 2021 are as follows:

1)      Our financial picture is looking brighter than anticipated at the AGM meeting in May. At that time the approved projected deficit was $43,000. We are happy to report that, as of this meeting, we are at a $29,000 deficit. Typically our financial picture isn’t “rosy” until December.

2)     COVID update – Kamloops United Church has been open for services since September. During that time, attendees have numbered between, roughly, 35-55. Of course there is also the on-line attendees that continue to add to the numbers. In addition, the choir and handbells have been a welcome addition.

3)     Giving Tree – this year’s theme is Peace as it pertains to the empowerment of women and girls and the Global committee has chosen three recipients: Kamloops Chapter of Days for Girls, “Whatever They Need Most” from the National UCC and “Help Build a Well” in Zambia – again through the National UCC. All three are needed and worthwhile programs! Giving Tree envelopes will be mailed out in November, as they were last year.

4)     Camp Grafton – Dirk and Diane used their forestry expertise to liaise with the Camp Grafton Society in developing a Forestry Management Plan for the camp. All proceeds from the sale of the forested trees will go to Camp Grafton. In addition, a formal agreement between KUC and CGS is under development.

5)     Program Start Up. With the thoughtful and careful opening of KUC for Sunday services, there has also been discussion about opening up for some of our other programming such as Labyrinth, Global Movie Night, Sound Meditations, Jazz Vespers and Blue Christmas. Although nothing has been finalized, the discussions have been opened.

6)     Engagement/Spiritual Coordinator. Funding is anticipated for a full time position for 2022. This position will be open for posting in the near future. This position is recognized as important as we strive to engage with the wider community as leaders and partners.
As always, it was a busy and full meeting! If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Michael, Florence or myself. We’d be pleased to help in any way.

Blessings,

Marcia

Chair