INDEX

 

Minister's Message                                               

 

Church Staff & Other Representatives                         (page 1)

 

ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDS:

Session                                                                                                         (pages 2-5)

Congregational Board                                                     (page 6)

Stewardship/Outreach Ministry              (pages 7)

Property Ministry/Manse                                                  (pages 8-9)

Trustees                                                                                                       (page 10)

Nominating Committee                                                     (page 11)

Dedication Sunday Team                                                (page 12)

Moncton Council of Churches                           (page 13)

Ministry and Personnel                            (page 14)

 

ADULT GROUPS AND PROGRAMS:

United Church Women                                                     (pages 15)

UCW Financial Statement                       (pages 16-17)

Fall Fun Fair                                                                                     (page 18)

Men’s Group                                                                                    (page 19)

 

CHOIR:

Senior Choir                                                                                    (page 20)

 

EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMS:

Christian Education Ministry                              (pages 21-22)

 

FINANCE:

Finance Ministry                                                                             (page 23)                  

Mission and Service Fund                                   (page 23)                  

Financial Statements                                                        (pages 24-26)

 

 

MINUTES:  Annual Meeting Feb. 1, 2004                                 (pages 27-29)

January 2005

Greetings from your Minister:

Over the past year we have experienced a great deal together as a congregation. The image that comes to mind for me is the Israelites in the desert wandering through unknown territory. While such journeys are arduous and tiring we have seen much growth and new life within our congregation this year. Last spring fifteen people decided to join our church and every few weeks we see new faces among us and people coming to see the presence of God in the midst of Mountain View United Church. It has been wonderful to see new groups and projects begin over the year, such things as the Men of Mountain View, the Pastoral Visitation Ministry, Lenten and Advent studies, and the pilot project of the evening services once a month. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who were part of the music team. Your ministry of music is what made these services appeal to people, and strengthen us in faith. We also added an extra service on Christmas Eve for young children and their families. It was delightful to see the kids free to be children on Christmas Eve worshipping together and hearing the Christmas story through a service created just for their age group.

            Throughout the year the Session and I continued to work on the Getting to Know you Gathering project. These were wonderful times spent with the people of this church who generated many great ideas and offered each other a time for healing and truly getting to know each other better. As with any project however, there is a lifeline associated with it. Summer came and seemed to put a damper on the project come fall. We did attempt to revive the Gatherings but perhaps we had done all that could be done for now and other events in the life of the congregation needed to take precedence.

This past fall was perhaps our most challenging and full, time of the year. So much seemed to be crammed into the last four months. Annette Hoare started her studies at the Centre for Christian studies in Winnipeg and she decided to do her field placement with us. It has been a great joy for me to work with Annette, meeting with her weekly to discuss issues of ministry and leadership, planning worship services, communions, children’s stories, sermons, educational programs and the Sunday School. It has been a rich and fulfilling experience. I look forward to continuing my work with her in 2005 and I know our congregation has benefited from her presence and ministry among us.

            This fall was also marked with some significant changes. Our Sunday School superintendent stepped down after several years of service. Vicki Beattie Green has been a dedicated and hard working superintendent. The Christian Education ministry and myself had a difficult time imagining how we would ever see that this position was filled. I am delighted to report that after spending some time with the teachers and looking at what we could do for our children here at Mountain View, we have discovered new leadership and revived energy for this important part of our church life and growth. Thank you to the Christian Education Ministry for your hard work and especially to the teachers for believing in this ministry and committing to the church and it’s children.

            Churches in the greater Moncton area have been meeting to discuss the future of the United Church in this part of the country. It has been an interesting exchange of ideas and visions. The impetus behind these discussions came from the amalgamation talks between St. John’s and Central United Churches. The good that has come out of these meetings is a greater sense of fellowship between the United Church congregations in Moncton.

The clergy met fairly regularly to discuss how we and our churches can better serve the people of Moncton and break down some barriers that in the past led to a sense of competition between our churches. Hopefully, we are now more able to grow together, fulfilling our congregational callings to serve God and the people both in our midst and outside our doors.

Another change that brought us face to face with our future journey was the news that the Moncton Hospital wanted to be in dialogue with us about the possibility of buying our property and then our subsequent move to another location. At present there has been no significant development in those talks, however, their approach has offered us the opportunity to consider who we are and how we serve the people of Moncton and perhaps more importantly how best we do that. I want to add here how proud I was to be a part of this community as we went through difficult conversations about this invitation to be in dialogue.  As a community of faithful people we shared our concerns, our hopes, and fears with respect and what our former Moderator, the Rt. Reverend Dr. Marion Pardy, called “Holy Manners”. Anytime such possibilities of change are put before a community there is the potential for conflict as there are so many different opinions and emotions involved. When we exercise Holy Manners we reach beyond that and hold up the community, the individuals who make up that community, as more important than our own personal fears and opinions. I am confident that no matter what lies ahead of us, we will deal with it openly, honestly, and with great care for one another.

            The financial campaign was a project that was undertaken this fall with some concern and anxiety. Such projects are difficult in any congregation. None of us like to talk about finances and many have very strong opinions about the topic. However, the program the Board decided to follow was one of gentle education. The whole purpose of the program was to explain what the act of making our offering on a Sunday means in a religious context. While I know there were some of you who were not pleased with this program, we got through it and have had resounding results, over 25% increase in givings are projected for 2005. Again we need to acknowledge the faith and strength of the people who make up this congregation and give thanks to God for our awareness of God’s presence in our midst as we boldly walk into the future, trusting in our Creator to guide us.

            Then there was another surprise added to our church life, the news that I am pregnant. Brett and I are, of course, delighted as we anxiously await this new addition to our family and we have been overwhelmed by your response and love. We thank you.

            Other areas of ministry I am privileged to take part in over the last year include – occasionally leading worship services at the Spencer’s home, and People’ Park Tower, and the Moncton hospital.  The experience of being able to be part of the UCW Presbyterial meeting held here in the spring was certainly a highlight for me as was the fact that we hosted the World Day of prayer service in March.

            At the end of this report, I feel a sense of joy and pride in our work this past year. I feel as though the community knows we are on this journey together, that God is leading us and as a community we are dedicated to the will of God even as we travel through unknown territory, uncertain of where we are headed, trusting that God is with us – we stand together, caring, hoping, and helping each other on our journey.

                                                                                                            In Christ’s service,

Rev. Mary Anningson

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                          Page 1

 

 

CHURCH STAFF AND APPOINTED OFFICERS

 

Minister                                                                                                                                    Rev. Mary Anningson

Organist and Choir Director                                                                  Mark Lloyd

Church Secretary                                                                                             Liz Simmons

Caretaker                                                                                                                     Ed Harris

Church Treasurer                                                                                 Ian MacBeath

Mission and Service Treasurer                                                              Ian MacBeath/Kathleen Soucoup

Envelope Secretary                                                                               Liz Simmons

Chair of Session                                                                                   Deborah Ellison

Session Secretary                                                                                Avalon Owen

Congregational Board Chair                                                                               Nan Leger

Congregational Board Secretary                                                           Brian Lowe

C.E. Ministry                                                                                                     Judy Davis

Finance  Ministry Chair                                                                                                                                                             Bob Smith                                                      

Property Ministry Chair                                                                         Doug Hoyt

Trustee Chair                                                                                       Mark Gourley

Outreach/Stewardship Ministry Chair                                                   Barbara McPherson

Ministry and Personnel Chair                                                                 Judy Laventure

Nominating Ministry Chair                                                                     Sheila Hoyt

Men’s Group                                                                                                                              Allen Borden

 

CHAIRS/LEADERS OF GROUPS/ ORGANIZATIONS

 

U.C.W. General President                                                                                  Gwen MacRae

                                                                                    Catherine Unit                                                  Phyllis Dixon

 Deborah Unit                                                                                                   Barbara West

 Esther Unit                                                                                                      Carolyn Smith

Church School Superintendents                         Margo Chase

Vickie Beattie- Green                           

Senior Choir                                                                                                                             Donna Love

Fall Fun Fair                                                                                                                             Carson and Joyce McDavid

 

OTHER REPRESENTATIVES

 

Librarian                                                                                                          Judy Beach

Observer                                                                      Mary Johnson

Presbytery Representatives                                                                               Annette Hoare

Joan MacLeod

Douglas Hoyt

Moncton Council of Churches                                                                           Nan Leger

Gwen MacRae

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                          Page 2

 

SESSION REPORT 2004

 

The work of the Session is to oversee the spiritual life and work of the local congregation. As you can see from this statement the Elders of the Session in cooperation with Rev. Mary have been extremely busy this past year in carrying out these activities. We are truly blessed to have Rev. Mary in our midst ministering with us. With her wonderful organizational skills the Session has been able to accomplish many good things on behalf of the congregation.

 

Ten meetings were held in 2004 with an average attendance of 11 per meeting. In order to complete all the business, the meetings were extended to one and a half hours this past year. Listed below are the projects that were organized this past year.

 

1.      Getting To Know You Times- A project created to help Rev. Mary get to know you better. Members and attendees of Mountain View were asked to meet with Rev. Mary in small groups to talk and share ideas and thoughts. We were very pleased with the turnout and the response of the congregation.

2.      Seating in the Sanctuary- In response to concerns from the congregation, appropriate chairs were placed in the sanctuary for people who had health problems in sitting in the pews.

3.      Fourth Finger Left Hand – This handbook was revised to reflect the current standards and policies.

4.      Week of Prayer – We joined with St. Augustine’s Church in January for this time and Annette Hoare represented us at the special service.

5.      Proclamation – Again this year members of Mountain View participated in the public reading of the Bible in April at Highfield United Baptist Church.

6.      Pancake Supper – Thank you to the members of the congregation who supported this supper by attending, working and donating supplies. Your support is very much appreciated.

7.      Membership – This ongoing project tries to assemble an accurate picture of the membership of the congregation. Our goal is to produce an active and inactive list by the spring.

8.      Ministry -In December we approved an application to recommend to Presbytery that Allan Borden be accepted to study to be licensed as Licensed Lay Worship Leader.

9.      Ministry - Earlier this year Annette Hoare began her studies at The United Church Centre for Christian Studies based in Manitoba. In June, Annette requested through Rev. Mary to the Official Board and was accepted that she be allowed to do her field placement at Mountain View for the next year. A committee was established to act as a support group for Annette. This group will exist until May 2005. In December Annette approached the Session to be recognized as an Inquirer. An Inquirer is a person whose belief is that they have a call to ministry. This request was granted.

10.  Sacraments – The Session approved many Baptisms and Marriages as well as  Transfers of Members from other congregations during the regular meetings throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church Annual Report                                                          Page 3

Session Report continued

 

 

11.  Worship Committee – This sub group of Session was extremely busy with Rev. Mary in planning the many meaningful and diverse worship services in which we participated during the last year. Thank you for your leadership. A number of evening services were also presented during the fall. They were well received.

12.   Pastoral Visitation Team – Rev. Mary organized a program for those interested during the fall in learning more about how to make a meaningful visit to someone in need. The team will soon begin visiting members of the congregation who are sick and shut in and others that the Minister/Session feel that need a visit.

13.  Christmas Boxes – As is our tradition Christmas boxes were sent to students from the congregation who are studying at university. Thank you to those who donated boxes and items to go in the boxes. We received many thanks from the students.

 

As you have read, the Elders have been very busy this past year with these projects and many more. While many projects are traditional, others have been a one time effort. The Elders welcome your support and any concerns that you may have. We are about God’s work at Mountain View. Our church is a family of many people of different age levels and needs. We welcome the opportunities to help the congregation to grow and to feel that God is with us as we go about his work. 

 

Our thanks go to Reverend Mary for her ministry at Mountain View and in this community, to Liz Simmons for her help and patience with our many projects, to Mark Lloyd as he and the Choir lead the congregation in their Ministry of Music, and to Ed Harris who is always there to answer our many requests with a smile and a helping hand.

 

God’s Blessings be with each of during the coming year.

 

 

 

Deborah L. Ellison

Chair of Session 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church Annual Report                                                 Page 4

 

                             TRANSFERRED OUT

 

MEMBER                                                                        TO

Charles Kelly                                                                   Stilesville United Church  

Carol Kelly                                            Stilesville United Church                 

                                                    

       RECEIVED INTO CHURCH MEMBERSHIP

 

 TRANSFERRED  IN                          FROM

Allan Borden          May 16, 2004 from First Church of the Nazarene

Stephen Diamond     May 16, 2004 from St. Paul’s United, Riverview NB

Robert Dixon                 May 16, 2004 from Sackville United Church NB

Susan Edgett                 May 16, 2004 from St. Paul’s United, Riverview NB

Sheila Horton        May 16, 2004 from Humphrey Memorial United Church

Thomas Horton       May 16, 2004 from Humphrey Memorial United Church

Jennifer LeBlanc     May 16, 2004 from St. Paul’s United, Riverview NB

 

                             PROFESSION OF FAITH

Jill Baycroft                                                                  May 16, 2004

Martin Boudreau                                                     May 16, 2004

Jill Donovon                                                                   May 16, 2004

Mary Ferguson                                                       May 16, 2004

Stephen LeBlanc                                                     May 16, 2004

Krista Lemieux                                                       May 16, 2004

Daniel Ross                                                                   May 16, 2004

Andrea Teed                                                                 May 16, 2004

 

MARRIAGES

 

Sean Irving Craswell & Shelley Ann Dorcas                  February 28, 2004

Timo Michael Bschaden & Jennifer Phyllis Davidson     June 12, 2004

Mark Andrew Lloyd & Janet Lee Goodwin                              June 18, 2004

Lorne Gordon Hugh Ward & Carrie Jocelyn Morrell     August 7, 2004

                                                                                      John Russell Mattatall & Jodi Amanda Englehart         September 11, 2004

Oscar Belliveau & Joanne Lisbeth McClure                  October 16, 2004

Claude Richard Anglehart & Michelle Lee Hunt           October 30, 2004

Matthew Patrick Rooney & Julie Leanne Balderston     December 30, 2004

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                            Page 5

                     ═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

 

                         BAPTISMS

 

 

Darien DeVere Alan         son of Charlotte Jane Barbour

Kianna Brooke                           daughter of Sandy & Shane Evoy

Leah Patricia Kathryn       daughter of Lorna & Peter Gillies

Crew Michael Allen                    son of Kathy & Michael Pitre

Nicholas James                          son of Sharon & Jason Soulliere

Connor Patrick Rooney    son of Julie & Matthew Rooney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            IN MEMORIAM

 

James Keays                                                          March 15, 2004

Tom D. Bulman                                              April 12, 2004

Rosamond Oakley                                          May 14, 2004

Geraldine McKean                                         October 6, 2004

Margaret Mona Agnew                        October 27, 2004

Margaret Thelma Steeves          December 28, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════

 

                               "For I am already on the point of being sacrificed;

                                                  the time of my departure has come.

                                    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race,

                                                             I have kept the faith."

 

                                                                - 2 Timothy 4: 6-7

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                                Page 6

 

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD – ANNUAL REPORT – 2004

 

2004 will stand out for many of Mountain View’s members as a year of “busyness”.  It has been filled with many familiar activities – the annual Valentine dinner/music night, our June lobster take-out, the many & usual Sunday School events, the annual Fall Fun Fair (this was the most successful yet!), the UCW chicken salad take-out, the making of many apple pies, etc.

 

Early in the year the momentum began to pick up with new activities.  The “Getting to Know You” gatherings were initiated, and with a lot of work for those organizing them, brought together folks in informal settings, where we all got to know each other better.

 

Much to our joy the youth group was reactivated, a group of scrap-bookers began doing what they do best on a regular basis at the church, the Teller’s room actually was emptied of outdated/unusable equipment, a long-awaited overhaul was done in the upstairs kitchen, and Reverend Mary began the task of drafting a calendar of annual church activities.

 

The September Board meeting was to have been a full Board meeting at which Mary planned to focus on “behavioral covenants”.  We no doubt, will get back to that topic, sometime!  The focus, instead, was the fact that the South East Regional Health Authority (which most of us call the Moncton Hospital), had made know their interest in purchasing our Church property.  Brian Forbes had been in dialogue with a hospital spokesperson, and gave the Board a presentation on the situation.  This same presentation was then given to a congregational gathering on Sept. 21.  It was decided that Brian should continue to dialogue with the hospital, and keep the Board informed.  Presbytery was informed, as were the other local churches, of our plans to date.  It will take much visioning for you to decide what course you wish to follow over the next months.  There is no rush to make instant decisions.

 

In early October, a special Board meeting was called to hear a presentation by Rev. Andrew Richardson, on a Stewardship program, which both Humphrey Memorial & St. Paul’s had conducted in 2003.  The meeting decided that we should adopt this program, and join with Humphrey Memorial for 2004.  The program was named “Dedication Sunday”.  This was a 6-week program filled with deadlines for our Dedication Team of (6) members to meet.  With the cooperation of you, the members, your willingness to participate, and respond – the results were well worth the effort.

 

Lastly, but certainly not least, was Mary’s announcement that she & her husband Brett are going to be parents in April. This will be the first baby born to a Minister while serving our congregation, and we are excited!  This does bring with it some challenges for us.  We are working on plans for the time Mary will be on Maternity/Parental leave.  A committee is in place preparing the details for her replacement, on an interim basis.  I can hardly wait to write the 2005 report!!

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Nan Leger

Chair Congregational Board

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                                                                       Page 7

 

 

Yearly Report for Stewardship/Outreach 2004

This year, we have four members.  Chair, Barbara McPherson,  Observer representative,

and UCW Representative, Mary Johnson,  M&S Representative, Kathleen Soucoup, and

Sheila Huntley.  We have no secretary.

This year, due to the deficit situation in the church budget at the end of the year, we did

not support the Moncton Soup Kitchens, or AST, as we usually do.

We did sponsor the following:

    The Valentine dinner and dance
    The lobster take out supper
    School kits,
    Apple pie making fundraiser

    The school kits which were done in the summer and the apple pies in
    the fall. Both of which were very successful.
    Hurricane relief as our Christmas event
    Guitar for the Kamara girls so Regina Cote can give the girls lessons.
 I didn't include the Children of the Dump because the money was
collected in 2003.

All our initiatives were successful, and appeared to be well received.  Stewardship/Outreach

has felt overwhelmed with fundraising events in the past, and is hoping and planning to be involved more in outreach activities as we continue on in our ministry.,

We were pleased to be involved in the Dedication Sunday event, with its focus on individual faith commitment and growth as its focus in encouraging increased givings by the congregation. The success of this initiative, will free the Stewardship/Outreach ministry to focus more on
our outreach mandate.

Sincerely submitted,

Barbara McPherson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                                Page 8

 

Property Ministry

Mountain View United Church

For the year ending December 31, 2004

 

The Property Ministry of this congregation has had a busy and challenging year at Mountain View.

 

The first half of the year was just regular building maintenance. This included cleaning out all

of the old stuff from the teller’s room. In early June we purchased a load of screened topsoil

and fixed up our numerous bare spots around the property and with the help of some grass seed we now have a much healthier looking lawn. We also gave our trees a good pruning along with

a pressure cleaning of the wood finish around the front entrance as well as the concrete steps and door from the front of the sanctuary. Our cross on the front of our building also got a new coat

of paint.

 

After the church closed at the end of June we did our regular painting up-grades around the building, including all of the wrought iron on the front of the building along MacBeath Ave.

Due to the summer heat and shortage of manpower we then left the balance of our painting until a more comfortable time in September.

 

In mid September a group of very committed group of individuals under the direction Mel Johnson & Doug Hoyt completely refurbished the church kitchen. This included removing all of the dishes and other items in the cupboards, cleaning all of the same and repairing surface defects and getting ready to paint.  It also included modifying the island for more functional storage of the coffee makers. Priming was done where needed on Sunday afternoon so it would be dry on Monday morning and Ed Harris came in at 7:00 a.m. and started around the edge so that when 8:30 arrived everybody was ready to start painting. We put two coats of paint on the walls, ceiling and on the inside and outside of all of the cupboards.

 

On Wednesday morning we started again and washed 57 dishwasher loads of dishes and let them dry and covered them and waited for the paint to harden before we started to put the dishes back in the cupboards Saturday a.m.

 

On Monday morning we continued to put the kitchen back to rights. Three new sliding drawers were built and installed in the lower cupboard by the kitchen door.  The two stoves were hooked up along with a few other improvements through out.

 

In October the lower windows in the gym were calked and had window sticks installed to ensure better security. Fourteen smoke alarms were installed in October, November and December at various locations to ensure better fire protection with in the confines of our church building. This also gave us extra discount on our fire insurance.

 

In mid November we had a water leak in the front of our sanctuary. On Wednesday Dec 15/04 Mel & Doug made a physical inspection and applied some roofing compound to the suspected areas and will inspect again after the next rain.

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                      Page 9

                                                                              

 

A pair of suspended microphones have been purchased and will be hung in the choir loft to further enhance our sound system

 

Our next project will be to access the needs for new kitchen accessories and make our purchase as funds become available.

 

A very special thanks to our custodian Ed for all of his efforts in keeping our church facility neat, clean and orderly and for all of his assistance in working with Liz Simmons who does a great job in managing our needs for a very busy weekly schedule during the past year.

 

 To all others who gave of their time and talents to make our church facility a more comfortable place to gather and to worship we say “Thank You.”

 

Doug Hoyt

 

Chair Property Ministry

 December 31, 2004.

 

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Manse 2004 Annual Report

Normal house maintenance this past year.

Melville L.N. Johnson

Liaison Person

December 31, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                      Page 10

                                                                              

 

 

 

 

Report of the Trustees for 2004

 

The trustees held regular quarterly meetings in 2004.  Major actions included

the transfer of our insurance policy to Marsh Canada. This transfer changed the insurance cycle from December to December to one of June to June. While the overall cost of insurance increased with this move, we have now joined the

United Church standard insurance program providing better oversight of the

policy conditions required by churches today and adding an improved coverage

for officers and directors as well as adding coverage for counselling activities.

Other significant action was the loan of trust funds to the Congregation

to cover summer cash flows.

 

 

 

Mark Gourley

Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                                            Page 11

 

 

                                                              

 

                                              Nomination Ministry

 

The mission of  Mountain View United Church is “To be a spiritually transformed people.  To be intentional about discerning our individual gifts and abilities. To be a supportive community that nurtures life-giving experiences”.

 

The Nomination Ministry will be presenting to the congregation, at our Annual Meeting, the results of our search for people to fill the vacancies that have been created as terms end this year.

 

We are pleased that we will be able to present to you a list of well-qualified people to carry out the positions that they have agreed to accept.  We appreciate their acceptance, and would like to say thank you, to those who have stepped forward to take on a task.  We hope that they will find the work of Mountain View United Church to be interesting and rewarding.

 

The Nomination Ministry would like to express a thank you to those who are retiring from various positions.  We thank you for the time, and talents, that you have given to make Mountain View a better church.

 

The challenge that the Nomination Ministry faces each year is to be able to identify the people who have the skills to take on the available tasks.  In The United Church of Canada, we describe ourselves as “being in ministry together”. If you have skills, or talents, that you would be willing to share, or you are interested in a particular area of church work, we would welcome an opportunity to speak to you about our various ministries.

 

Our Ministry meets, on a regular basis, all year. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Sheila M. Hoyt, Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church – Annual Report                     Page 12

 

Dedication Sunday

 

The Dedication Sunday Team was made up of seven people who volunteered to lead our congregation through to Dedication Sunday,  November 21, 2004.  Team members were Nan Leger, Brian Lowe, Debbie Ellison, Bob Smith, Barbara McPherson, Sheila Hoyt, and Rev. Mary Anningson.  This team was appointed by the Board.

 

We followed the pathway laid out for us in the booklet entitled “New Consecration Sunday” by Herb Miller and explained to us by Rev. Andrew Richardson at a September meeting of our full Congregational Board.  Humphrey Memorial has used this program for two years.

 

A number of letters were sent to our congregation to introduce this event and plans were made for a Celebration Luncheon to take place on November 21, 2004.  We were pleased that so many people attended and enjoyed this luncheon

 

We received Estimate of Giving Cards from more than 50% of the people who use envelopes and pre-approved remittance (PAR). Our congregation has pledged an increase of 25% in their givings for the year 2005.  We will be able to pass on to Session a number of updates to our Church Roll in the way of new addresses and telephone numbers.

 

The Dedication Sunday team is recommending that this stewardship program be continued in the fall of 2005.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Sheila Hoyt, Chair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                           Page 13

 

 

MONCTON AREA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES - 2004

 

In 2004 Gwen MacRae, and I, were Mountain View’s Lay Representatives to the Council.

One, or both of us attended most of the Council’s events.

 

In January, during “Week of Prayer for Christian Unity”, Mountain View was twinned

with St. Augustine’s, exchanging congregational members during a Sunday service.

The Sunday evening service was held at Mountain View, with Rev. Mary Anningson

leading in devotions.  The offering was given to Nazareth House.

 

The Council’s Winter Assembly was held in Feb., at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Riverview,

with the special speaker for the evening being Lindsay Reinhart of MAGMA.  The Council

agreed to sponsor the 2^nd annual “Incredible Shrinking Coffee Party”, with proceeds going to

Habitat for Humanity.

 

Spring Assembly took place at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, with Father Peter

McKee leading in devotions.  The Council agreed to produce some 5000 bulletins listing

member churches, with their hours.  These go into Welcome Wagon kits, and are also made

available to hotels, motels, campgrounds, and other tourist areas.  Jane Steeves gave a

presentation on the work the Christian Council for Reconciliation has been doing.

The Pentecost service was held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church, with the offering being

Split between MAGMA, and another charity.

 

Proclamation (the reading of the entire Bible) was again supported by the Council & its

members, in the spring.  Several Mountain View members took part.

 

Fall Assembly was held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, with speakers on Prison Ministry,

Faith & the Common Good – Renewing the Sacred Balance, and Moncton Youth Residences.

 

The 2004 Advent candle lighting service was held in Dieppe, at St. Theresa’s Church.

The offering went to Headstart.

 

 

Nan Leger & Gwen MacRae,

Lay Representatives

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                Page 15

 

Annual Report of Mountain View United Church Women 2004

 

Another successful year.  Our membership has decreased with many inactive members, however

those members contribute in some ways to our success.  Over the 42 years of UCW many of these

older women were mentors to the younger women, encouraging them to try their wings and fly

into leadership roles.  I can remember when I was one of those younger women in the beginning.

 

We met ten (10) times in 2004 as a general group, having representation from each unit.  Our

three unique units meet nearly every month and continue to work in their own unique ways.  I do

not think they realize how they manage to compliment each other, their different personal talents

blend to make a complete unit.  No matter what you want done someone knows how to do it.

 

Our two fundraisers were successes, both socially for us members and financially.  We are always

in the black, we sometimes wonder how.  Peruse our financial report and you will see much of our

UCW story of outreach, to our church, individuals and community in Canada and the world.  We

Do realize our endeavors are always assisted by persons in the congregation and on behalf of our

members I give you a large thank-you.

 

2004 gave us three special programs. 

   1.  In April, Dr. Lynn Duffy presented a film showing life in Zimbabwe, especially for

   women, what she and Dave, her husband, accomplished to be of assistance to these people.

 

   2.  In October, Mrs. Nan Leger spoke of the Kamara family and how we could continue to assist

   them as they settle in with our congregation.  It has been a pleasure for UCW as well as a

   learning experience.

 

   3.  In December, Paul and Lynn Ward brought us a short video of “The Children of the Dump”

in Mexico.  The Wards travel every year to Mexico working for three months with funds they have collected to help these children have an improved life.

 

You know we always invite the congregation to our special programs and 1 and 3 would have

broadened your perspective.

 

Strangely enough we have a lot of laughs and fun in UCW but I am not going to waste words

asking women to join.  You are all too busy.  But you are missing out on a chance of great

friendships and concerned friends.

 

I am a Charter Member of UCW.  Because my spouse was not a social person, worked 4 p.m.

to 12 p.m. shift most of his 25 years with CN and I was once “a stranger from away”,  my

social life was almost only church with emphasis on UCW.  In this my present time of life I say

“Thank You Lord” that I have my niche in UCW and Mountain View.

 

Gwen MacRae, President

 

Note to fundraisers:  The UCW is giving up their Take-out Chicken Salad Suppers.  We are

too old and tired.  However – We will give away to any bidder, complete instructions on “How

to do a take-out Chicken Salad Supper”.  So someone pick it up.  300 suppers at $6.00 each.

At a cost of approx. $450.00 and profit of around $1400.00.  Piece of cake if you are younger

and light in the head.

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                     Page 18

                                                              

 

 

Fall Fun Fair - 2004 Report

 

The decorations were up, the centerpieces were in place, the garland was hung…but it was only Nov 13th.  Yes everything was in place for the 2004 edition of the Fall Fun Fair.

 

This year’s theme was ‘Christmas" and festive decorations were everywhere. From Ross and Marion dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Santa, to the colourful ties on the waiters and flea market workers, to the UCW ladies with their beautiful Christmas sweaters, Mountain View was transformed into a seasonal wonderland.

 

A big thank you to all the volunteers including the workers on Thursday and Friday, the various groups who handled the tables, the talented Cosy Café staff and the many helpers who stayed until the very end to put the church back to normal.  Without each and every one of you, we could not have made this event the success that it was.

 

After all was said and done…and counted…. you raised a phenomenal $10,054 for the church’s general fund. This, of course, included the special one time recipe book project, which brought in $2650.

 

Each and every one of us should be very proud of this total. It shows what teamwork and fellowship can accomplish.

 

We can’t wait to get started on next year’s fair preparations. As always we are open

for suggestions and new ideas to keep our fair fresh and inviting.  Feel free to call us anytime at 384-5841

 

Circle your calendars Saturday Nov 19th, sharpen your spurs and dust off those cowboy hats and petticoats because we’re going country.

 

Ya’ll come back now!

 

Thanks Everyone!!

 

Carson McDavid

Joyce McDavid

Chairpersons

Fall Fun Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                        Page 19

 

 

 

 

MOUNTAIN VIEW MEN’S GROUP

 

 

In early May of 2004, 6 men from our congregation attended a men’s “spiritual

revival conference meeting” in Amherst, N.S.  Sponsored through efforts of

Maritime Conference, its guest speaker was The Moderator-Rev. Peter Short.

The desire to form a Christian-based men’s group within Mountain View was

born from discussions after attending this conference.

 

We held our first of 5 monthly meetings, during 2004, at the end of May.  We have

core group of individuals that regularly attend meetings and some that come when

they are able.  The group’s leadership team is Chaired by Allen Borden, Treasurer

Paul Hebert and Secretary Hal Mullin.

 

Our first service to the congregation was on December 19, 2004, when we hosted

A Coffee & Conversation which featured Christmas cookies.  Unfortunately, it was

a stormy day and attendance was low, but those who attended had lots to choose from! 

The Men’s Group has accepted a challenge for 2005 to take on the task of delivery for

the Lobster Suppers in June.  An upcoming event (rumored to be a dinner) is planned

for March 19, 2005.  Keep your calendar open for that evening!

 

We share music, devotions and fellowship and encourage and welcome new members. 

We meet on the first Wednesday of each month.

 

Respectfully,

 

Hal Mullin - Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                               Page 20

 

 

 Senior Choir Report – 2004

 

 

 

“Life is a Song

Love is the Music.”

 

 

 

The past year has been a busy and exciting year for our choir, under the

wonderful dedicated leadership of our director and organist, Mark. 

We took part in the Service of Prayer for Christian Unity, Good Friday

Service, a Carol Service at Humphrey United, Moncton Carol Festival

as well as Sunday morning services.

 

We celebrated special occasions after choir practice with fellowship and,

of course, refreshments.

 

Our membership has increased in number, but we always have room

for more.  If you enjoy singing, we invite you to come to our practice

on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

 

 

Donna Love,

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                     Page 21

                                                              

                  CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY 2004 ANNUAL REPORT

 

Our primary focus during the last year has been our Sunday school and youth.

Our Sunday school superintendent, Vickie Beattie-Green resigned in the fall after many years of selfless dedication to our church's children. She has given many long hours to the superintendent's job and her hard work is well appreciated.

In an effort to reduce the workload of one supervisory role, we have now implemented a new structure in the Sunday school with four people overseeing the teaching of our children. Margo Chase has taken on the role of superintendent along with a group of team teacher leaders for each age group -- Sheila Cameron for the 3, 4 and 5-year-olds, Melanie Stace for the 6 to 10-year-olds and Jennifer LeBlanc for the 11 and older. The team leaders will co-ordinate the curriculum, supplies and activities with the teachers in each age group and Margo will lend her past experience and advice to draw everyone together.

The Christian Education Ministry is enthused about this new structure and we are committed

to working with the Sunday school team as we find our way along this new path.

Our youth group has also taken on new life and is thriving. Under the leadership of Krista Lemieux, the group of 6 to 12-year-olds meets monthly and is drawing many new youth to

its meetings. Attendance averages at around 20 per meeting.

Promotion Sunday and our Sunday school picnic were held June 6. Mark Lloyd not only shared his musical talents by leading us in song, he also shared his magical talents. Thank you, Mark. Along with games for the children and adults, hot dogs and ice cream were served. We hope more adults will stay for the party in June 2005, as the event is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with the whole church community.

Graduation Sunday was on June 13 with five youth honoured for scholastic achievements. The

CE Ministry hosted coffee and conversation and presented each high school graduate with a gift

in honour of their accomplishment.

Sunday school re-opened September 12 with our Super Sundae Sunday party. Registration and games were held downstairs during the service and was followed by an ice cream party upstairs

in the gym. After nearly 20 litres of ice cream, hundreds of squirts of chocolate and butterscotch sauce and several scoops of sprinkles, it appeared everyone enjoyed the festivities.  Attendance

 by both Sunday school youth and the general congregation was high and the CE Ministry takes this as a clear sign to repeat the event another time.

Our Christmas Pageant was held on December 12, bringing all ages of the Sunday school together for the presentation for the congregation. The pageant was co-ordinated by Melanie Stace and Francis Ford.

 

 

 

 

 

Mountain View United Church - Annual Report                                     Page 22

                                                              

 

In the Nursery, Tammy Davis-Gallant has now set up a rotational system teaming two adults

every week. About seven children are in the nursery each Sunday, ranging from infants to two-year-olds. It's a busy place and it was necessary to increase the number of workers. Youth continue to help out in the nursery on a regular basis as well. Their assistance is always welcome and appreciated. Tammy has also developed a system to allow the workers to know the children better, including name tags which the children wear every week.

We're also thankful for the helpers now in with the 3, 4 and 5-year-olds. With seven young children bursting with energy, the teachers needed a couple of extra hands to work on crafts and conduct the lessons. Sometimes, it's a grandparent of one of the children or a senior member of the congregation.  This is a wonderful means to draw generations together.

Church Librarian Judy Beach has been nursing an injury over the last several months, sometimes making it difficult to attend to library business. She is now being assisted by Gwen MacKenzie. Judy continues to purchase new books for the library and we would like to see more congregation members taking advantage of this great (and free) resource.

Looking ahead, the CE Ministry continues with its plans to meet with Humphrey Memorial United Church to explore the possibility of sharing a youth minister. We strongly believe that

we need to nurture our youth and help them help us find their role at Mountain View.  A person dedicated to that task appears to be the most effective means of accomplishing this.  However,

the financial cost would likely be too great for our congregation to handle on its own.

With a renewed energy amongst our youth, we would also like to broaden our ministry's focus

of Christian education to our adult members. Congregation member Annette Hoare is currently studying Christian Education through Winnipeg's Centre for Christian Studies and she has offered to work with the Mountain View's adults in an exploration in faith. If you have ideas or thoughts about areas of growth, study or learning you would like to explore, please contact Annette at

859-8684. In an effort to help Annette with her studies, a workshop or study group would have

to be completed by April, so please bring your ideas to her as soon as possible.

For questions or comments about the work of the Christian Education Ministry, contact Ministry Chairperson Judy Davis at 389-9417 or the church office at 857-4817.