Folks,

We are moving forward in faith.  Our ministry abounds in our service to the Good News of Jesus Christ, as once again our community has come together for another successful Cookie Walk.  THANK YOU  to the many volunteers that made it go, and in particular to Joanne Little and Heather Dunn-Kinsmen for leading the charge.

I hope that most of our congregation has heard through announcements, from the displays at the back of the church, or from attending information sessions, that we are moving ahead to the next stage of plans for our church building.  The Board of Directors has accepted the recommendation of the Building Committee to proceed with the proposed renovation and expansion of our facilities.  On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Brent Skinner and all of the committee for their diligence and perspectives in this process.

We have made every effort to communicate the details of this program as widely as possible, however if you haven’t had a chance to see them, the details are available through the office or through any of the members of the Board or the Building Committee.  In short, the Board is recommending that we start the journey toward a program that will enhance our ministry in many ways.  The proposal provides for improvements to our office space, the addition of meeting space, dedicated youth, young adult and children’s ministry space, expanded common space in the basement, more parking spaces and a chapel.  Please feel free to inquire as there is lots of information available.

We have called a meeting of the congregation on January 11^th at 11:45, immediately after the 10:30 service.  At this meeting, the Board of Directors will put forward a motion asking the congregation to move forward with the project and to proceed with the requisite capital campaign. 

There are several aspects of the motion that I think are very important to me.  First, it is very important to me that this program is about building our church ministry and community and not just about building a building.  This was expressed very eloquently by Jill Spaner in a few meetings, and we have included those thoughts in the article following.  Secondly, we will not jeopardize the financial viability of RUC.  The estimated cost of the proposed program is sizeable, but not insurmountable, at $1.4 million.  Obviously we must be sure that we have our “ducks in a row” before we put the shovel in the ground, so to speak. 

It is important to me that we engage the congregation in the phases of design, as we know that there are many elements of the plan that will need to be considered as the design becomes more detailed.  We will also commit to regular, open communication on the status of both the building and the fundraising efforts.

It is critical to me that as we move ahead with this opportunity that we embrace it as a congregation.  We need to see it as a positive project for the church, for our ministry in the community and in our outreach to the world around us, and for each of us personally.  We need to engage our time and our resources, and we need to feel good about that.  Particularly in these uncertain times, our call to ministry must be greater than ever.  We must reflect upon the spirit of those that built this wondrous ministry of faith, and call on our spirit to take us forward in this journey.  I look forward to hearing your views before and during the meeting and above all, look forward to our journey as we move forward in faith.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Sincerely,

George Irwin

Chair of the Board

THOUGHTS ON THE BUILDING MOTION TO BE PRESENTED JAN 11/08

     I have been asked to share some of my thoughts on the upcoming motion to support/endorse a building plan for Riverbend United.  Deb Hesje and I share the rather unique perspective of having been waiting in the wings (as Chairs Elect) when this baby was conceived; surrogate mothers as it went through its longgggg incubation; and now midwives as it comes to delivery.  I have had many feelings and worries for whether or not we needed this baby, wanted this baby or could afford this baby.

     The Board was asked to discern, deliberate and pray about reccomending Option C to the congregation.  Although I am a very self conscious pray-er (Brent Skinner says that is the left over Presbyterian in us all) I did engage in a thoughtful and deliberate practice for the time between Board Meetings.  The word that kept coming to me was "Hospitality" and it was accompanied by that lovely line we sing during the Offering ..."Grant us God the Grace of giving".

     I believe that the world and in particular Riverbend, Edmonton, Alberta needs the United Church of Canada in it.  I believe that we are already committed and excited by what we are offering (and participating in with) our community with regards to our Youth, Young Adult, Music, Health, Children's and Worship presence. 

      I believe that the world needs Sacred Spaces and that our little white church on the hill is a Sacred Space.  I believe that we as a congregation are called to be hospitable, to welcome all of our community into our Sacred Space and to provide for them while they are here.  We do this because we can and because it enriches both us and the community.  The people of Riverbend (and the world) need a place to pray, to sing together, to meet and discuss ideas, to play, to feast, to hang out, to get married, to celebrate life and to grieve death.  Twenty five years ago our Builders gave us our first born...I think we need another baby.  We don't know yet what he/she will look like or how much tuition will be in the future but I believe we have the passion ,.the courage and the faith to welcome and embrace new life, a new project for our congregation

     I understand how important it is to consider costs and timing.  I also think it is important for us to get excited about what we have to offer in  a very concrete (excuse the pun)  way.  Merry Christmas and I hope to see you at the Jan 11 Congregational Meeting where we will decide if we are a generous people at this time in our congregational life; if this is the time to invest in expanding our family.

Jill Spaner