Grace United Church

A History of Grace United Church!

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1903: A Methodist congregation met in the Immigration Hall in the Barr Colony settlement known as Lloydminster until a church could be built.
1906: A small church known as the Wesleyan Church was built on the site of the current sanctuary.
1920: The church became known as Grace Methodist Church.
1925: After Union, the Methodist church became the United Church. While some local Presbyterian congregations joined with the Methodist congregation at Union, Knox Presbyterian Church did not join Union and continues to worship to this day in a downtown location.
1949: The 1906 church was demolished and the basement constructed for a new church. The congregation worshipped in this basement until money was raised to complete the new church a year later.
1950: The new church was completed. Its main floor is the current Upper Hall.
1961: The current sanctuary, kitchen area, balcony, a portion of the current narthex, the Meeting Room and office space were added.
1981: Additional office space and a three-storey addition at the rear of the property were added to provide a choir room and space for the Sunday School program.
19??: Some modifications were made to the front of the sanctuary, to accommodate the Joy Singers and a larger choir.
19??: Plans were drawn for a re-development on the current site but no structural changes have been made to the current building since 1981.
1993: A new Whirlitzer organ was purchased with funds raised specially for that purpose. Minister Emeritus Martin led the project.
19??: Accessibility concerns prompted the congregation to have an elevator installed.
2001: Installed a stained glass window- a gift of the Hemstock family.
2002: Installed a new sound system.
2004: Water leaks prompted re-roofing and change is the metal façade on the exterior of the narthex/Meeting Room exterior.
2005: Replaced a 44 year-old boiler.
2007: Another fund raising campaign was used to purchase cushioned seats for all the pews in the church.
2008: The Property and Maintenance Committee prepared a written report for Central Board in which it detailed building deficiencies and asked for its guidance on either a major repair and/or renovation or constructing a new building.
February 2009: At the Annual Meeting, the Building Committee was redefined as the “Options for the Future Committee” and was asked to explore all building options and report to the congregation at a later date. During its work, the Committee identified a potential asbestos problem.
July 2009: An environmental consulting firm confirmed that there were building materials in the facility that contained asbestos. As these materials would need to be removed before any renovation or demolition could occur and because there was concern about the material being an ongoing health hazard, the congregation decided to have the offending material removed as soon as possible.
October 2009: The church facility was vacated for several weeks to allow asbestos abatement professionals to remove the offending material. Worship services were held in the Legacy Centre while offices were moved to a vacant building a block away. The asbestos abatement program cost approximately $60,000.
June 2010: At an informational meeting of the congregation, the Options for the Future Committee presented its report to the congregation without making a recommendation. One option was that a $300,000 - $400,000 renovation of the current structure could address the most pressing deficiencies. Those in attendance did not agree with the conclusion of the Committee and passed a motion proposing the building of a new church. (The presumption was that the new church would be on a different site.)
Fall 2010: Central Board asks the Options for the Future Committee to explore all options on behalf of the congregation. This exploration should include renovation and “new church” options on the current and other sites.
Winter 2011: The Options for the future Committee contracted with Bexson Construction to assist it with cost and feasibility questions related to facility options for the congregation. The consultants indicated that demolishing much of the current structure (except the sanctuary) and rebuilding on the current site was feasible. They provided the Committee with cost information for three options based on current construction costs.
Spring 2011: The Options for the Future Committee outlined for the congregation, three options for its consideration. 1. Renovate the current structure for about $1M. 2. Retain the current sanctuary and rebuild on the current site for about $2.7M - $3M. Build a new church on a new site for perhaps $5M.
May 2011: A congregation-wide information package was mailed to every family providing information on three options and encouraging individuals and groups to discuss the inf
ormation and other issues in preparation for a congregational decision to be taken in June 2011.
June 2011: A congregation-wide telephone survey indicated that the majority of respondents (54%) favored re-building the church on the current site, 24% favored a new church (new location) and 23% favored repairing the current structure. Nearly all (99%) of those in the minority indicated a willingness to go along with the majority.
June 26, 2011: The congregation accepted the results of a congregation-wide telephone survey and passed a motion that future facility planning focus on retaining the current sanctuary and the re-development on the current downtown property.
July 2011: Adjacent property (for parking) west of the current sanctuary became available. Two families purchased it with the intent that it be donated to the church at a future date.
September 2011: Congregation leaders attended a workshop (Den Haan/Strickland) and heard about the importance of focusing first on important emotional and symbolic aspects of our church before detailed planning begins.

Good Luck Sally and Nick! We will miss you!

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Fall Family Fun Fest

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Family Fun Fest at Grace United Church on October 22nd. The afternoon begins at 3:00 with a choice of interactive workshops followed by a potluck supper, finishing the day with a family dance to begin at 7:00. 

Workshop choices:
1. Hand bells by Gladys Jack. Have your ‘hand’ at this beautiful musical instrument.
2. Drumming with Pat Ribey. Share your spirit with the drumming circle.
3. Learn Whist or Crib, have fun learning these card games.
Childrens activities and child care provided so that you can take part in a workshop.
Hope to see you there!

Have you Purchased your Tickets yet?

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The Grace United Church Time & Talent Fundraiser Auction is coming! We have already sold 2/3^rd’s of the tickets available. Don’t be disappointed! Get your tickets soon!

We have been receiving some pretty exciting auction items. If you have an item you’d like us to pick up, please call one of the Committee ~ Marilyn McAllister, Cheryl Wheeler, Jo-Anne Locke, Gwen Mohrbutter, Karen Ollen, Penny Manners or Deb Lundquist. OR…bring it to the next ‘Donation Sunday’ at Church on Nov. 6^th.

Take a minute to think of something unique to auction. Remember…baking is a hot item and time is priceless! Donations Big or Small…we’ll auction them all!!

Thanks again to our Major Sponsors of the evening: McAllister Drilling, Holtby Farms, Diamond 7 Meats, Brent & Gwen Mohrbutter, Vantage Homes & Creative Designs Dev. Hope to See you November 22^nd!!

Announcements: October 9, 2011

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This Week:

Babyfold is staffed for all Sunday services. All children are welcome.

Call Loretta if you would like to set up an ‘energy healing’ appointment. 306-387-6601, Cell 780-808-1700. Loretta donates her time and knowledge. Most people give a donation to the church as a thank you for this outreach program

Whittier Eggen unit will meet on October 11^th at 1:30 p.m. in the upper hall.

Barry Pridham unit will meet on October 11^th at 7:30 p.m. in the meeting room.

Allen Darby unit will meet on October 12^th at 9:15 a.m. in the upper hall.

Worship Committee will meet on October 13^th at 9:00 a.m. in the meeting room.

Bulletin announcements – please have them in by Wednesday for the following Sunday.

Bible Study – Christian Development would like to begin bible study. We will be studying from “Living the Question” DVD series, which is an introduction to Progressive Christianity. There will be two sessions a week on the same topic, one Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. and the other one Thursday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Each session can be attended individually or you can attend all the sessions.

There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex for anyone interested in being part of these study groups.

A framed picture of the 100 years of Grace was placed on the table in the Narthex. Whoever donated this picture, could you please call Deb Lundquist at 780-871-1652.

Volunteers needed – We are helping out with the count of homeless people in our city. We need accurate information gathered so an outreach worker can be hired. The count day is October 12^th. There will be several locations about the city for the count to take place. Grace is counting people at the bottle depot.

Our shift is from 8 – 4. It would be ideal if we could have 8 – 10 people available for two hour shifts.

There will be an orientation for all counters on October 4^th @ 7:00 p.m. at the Anglican Church. If you can volunteer some time to help with our “Homes for All” initiative please let Joyce Dickson know as soon as possible.

Help Needed – Baby Fold Caregiver

Baby fold Caregiver needed for 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each Sunday. $25.00 per Sunday. Please drop your resume off at the church office if you are interested – you will be contacted for an interview.

Music Program

Mondays 1:30 p.m. Celebration Ringers

6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. Kidz Choir

7:30 p.m. Grace Ringers

Thursdays 7:30 p.m. Grace Choir

October 2^nd – PIC UPS at 9:15 a.m.

For more information phone Gladys Jack at 780-875-4535

Looking ahead: Worship leaders

Oct. 9 – Bob Smith

Oct 16 & 22 – Rev Tom Sawyer

Oct 30 – Lois Greenlay-Burwash

Caring for our Church Family

Any prayer requests for the day, any joys or concerns you might have for yourself, someone you care about, this community, or the world will be raised up to God as our ‘prayers of the people’. Please write your requests for prayers on the board in the narthex

Friendship & Visitation Committee asks that if you have a family member or know of someone who is ill in hospital or at home, please call the office and let us know. Rev. Tom and members of our Friendship and Visitation Committee would like to offer support with a visit, call or card but only have access to this information from you. (we have no access to the forms you fill out at the hospital)

Prayer Chain - If you would like someone remembered in prayer, please contact Helen Murdoch (875-2929) or leave the name on the collection plate or at the office (please indicate for prayer chain

Grace United Church

Legacy Giving Presentation - October 25, 2011

On October 25, 2011, Kathryn Hofley, Financial Development Officer with the United Church of Canada, will be making a presentation to interested members of our Congregation on legacy giving. It will be an opportunity to hear Kathryn describe the various options that are available if you wish to make a charitable donation. The schedule is as follows:

1:30 - 2:30 P.M. - Meeting with the Board of Trustees and the Stewardship Committee

3:00 - 4:30 P.M. - Presentation to Congregation*

7:00 – 9:00 P.M. - Private sessions for those requesting same. Limited to 20 minutes

Coffee and snacks will be available

Kathryn Hofley has visited us before and has graciously agreed to return and make a presentation to our members. Her visit is most timely particularly since the Fundraising Committee will be initiating their campaign, in September, for the renovation and expansion of our Church. For those requesting a private audience with Kathryn, you are asked to call Mary at the Church Office at 780-875-8959 to book an E-mail – khofley@united-church.ca

Bulletin: October 9, 2011

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Sunday, October 9, 2011

Worship Leader: Robert Smith

The Gathering of God’s People

Welcome

Announcements

Call To Worship:

L. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.