As you no doubt know, Bethune United Church is embarking on an exciting journey of expansion both spiritually and physically.  Having gained the approval of the Board at our recent Annual General Meeting, we are moving ahead with our building initiative planning.  It is our vision that the proposed addition to the existing church will create a facility which will be readily accessible to everyone and which will provide two wheelchair accessible washrooms, a fully functional kitchen and a multi-purpose activity centre.

Bethune takes great pride in the welcoming warmth of its congregation and the supportive role it plays within the Baysville community.  With this expansion, and the opportunities it will provide, it is our hope that Bethune United Church will have an even greater positive impact on the community as a whole.

We recognize that the task before us is not a small one and that our first challenge will be to generate the necessary funds to get started.  However, in trying to meet this challenge, we are confident that we will, at the same time, kindle the spiritual fire of faith, enthusiasm and camaraderie. 

We have faith that our dream can be realized but we are wise enough to know that this cannot be achieved without a lot of hard work and a high level of commitment from each and every one of us.

At our first meeting to discuss fundraising on February 16^th, many ideas were forthcoming and as each idea was discussed the enthusiasm and spirit of 'oneness of cause' grew exponentially.  Last night's meeting was indicative of how, by working together, we can make things happen.

For your information, here are some of the fundraising ideas that we hope to pursue throughout the coming months.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

1.  The creation and sale of a Bethune United Church Cookbook.  Can you supply us with at least five of your family favourite recipes?  The recipe forms and information booklet are available on the back pew in the church. Recipes must be submitted by April 10^th to Marlene Robinson.  Your name will accompany your recipe.

For a donation of $20.00, your name or business name will appear on a featured sponsor page at the beginning of the cookbook.

2.  May 1^st - Bethune will be on the map for the Community Garage Sale.  Here is a chance to do some serious spring purging and help us to make some money at the same time.  Remember your castoffs may be someone else's treasure.

3.  June - We hope to have a 'Black Fly Rally'….a fun way to escape the black flies while motoring about Muskoka on a 'treasure hunt of sorts'.

4.  July/August - We want to have a Bethune Bakery Booth at the weekly Friday afternoon Farmers' Market.  We might even take orders from week to week. Everyone is advised to put on his/her baking hat.

5.  July/August - we propose to have a Bethune booth at each of the summer venues in the village (the walkabout, the Arts and Crafts festival, the Classic Boat Show, the Farmers' Market, etc.)  At this booth, we would sell packs of Hasty Notes donated by Richard Robinson, our Bethune cookbooks and 'Bethune Bricks'.  (i.e. for a $5.00 contribution each donor would have his/her name written on a symbolic brick church display.)

7.  August- House/Cottage and/or Garden Tour - Would you consider putting your house or cottage on the tour for the afternoon?

8. September - Meat pie sales

                 - Spaghetti Dinner and silent auction (Would you be willing to donate a craft or a                              service?)

9. October - Halloween Dance at the Seniors' Building or the Community Centre.  A light lunch would be provided later in the evening.  Music would be provided by either Moonglow (a three piece band) or a disc jockey.  Beer/wine/soft drinks would be on sale.

10. November - a Chili Dinner and Trivia fun night at the Seniors' Building.  (Get your crock pots and your best chili recipe out.)

11. December - a Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings at the Community Centre

(Much kitchen help required for this one!)

 

You can readily see that we have scheduled a very ambitious program and a very busy year for ourselves. These events and activities are intended to provide us with the opportunity to make great strides toward our financial goal while, at the same time, to have fun and engender a strong spirit of camaraderie.  As the saying goes, "many hands make light work".

Our church congregation has a long history of demonstrating a willingness to pull together and work hard when necessary.  We know that we can count on you to help to bring our dream to fruition by giving, as you are able, of your time and treasure.

Regards to all,

Richard Robinson

Chair of the Board