Greetings from Harrow United Church! We will celebrate the congregation’s 110th anniversary on Sunday, November 15. It has been a busy year for Harrow! For this past year, we have worked in collaborative ministry with Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, holding regular Sunday worship services, Sunday school and streaming our services on YouTube for those that could not attend here. Harrow continued to host monthly worship at the Parkway Retirement Community and at the Jessie Avenue Convalescent Home. We also had an active book club, prayer shawl group, an Indigenous Reconciliation group, and a beautiful garden, study groups, Messy Church activities, Rhyme and Storytime, Souper sales and other fundraisers.
One of the keys to our success this year was collaboration. In the summer, Harrow participated in Churchorama, a worship experience that we shared with a number of other central Winnipeg United Churches. We had a chance to host a service as well as visit other congregations, listen to different ministers and make some new friends during the social time after worship. It was a very positive experience, which will probably continue next summer!
Throughout the year, Harrow has worked with Crescent Fort Rouge United Church and shared the ministerial leadership of Marc Whitehead. Marc is very busy on Sundays leading worship at CFR at 10:00am and then at Harrow at 11:00 am. Lay leaders also help at both services. Once a month we have a joint service, with alternating host locations. So far, our two congregations have worked together very well sharing worship, musicians, meals and working together in study groups, pastoral care, Messy Church and outreach projects.
Harrow wants to keep our doors open and share space with others in our community. We have a number of outside programs that use our facility. Village Green Dancers, Little Opera Company, Romanetz Ukrainian dancers and yoga classes have all been here for a while. Our more recent renters include Progressive Ballet Technique, Contra Dance, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Dare to Clog and a few summer camps. The Spiritualist Fellowship Church is also worshipping here. Harrow also provides accommodation for a few self-help groups such as Al-Anon. We are pleased that you all have become a part of our “sharing and caring” community.
As a member of the extended community, which Harrow Church has built, I would like to say thank you to the Harrow congregation! We have enjoyed dancing here for over 30 years. Reasonable rent has allowed us to provide reasonably priced programs, and we want to be able to continue to do so.
All who enjoy the use of this space need to show their appreciation through more than just rent. Annually, we share your fund-raising letter with our members and encourage contributions to the upkeep of this lovely space. We ask each of our members to consider their personal finances and to give generously if they are able. Some are feeling the pinch and can’t and we hope they don’t feel guilty or stressed. We know that others are in a different place and are able to donate. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak to the wider community.
-Susan Stanton, Village Green Dancers
To maintain our programs and pay for the upkeep of our aging building requires a major financial commitment. There is always some part of the building that needs repair or replacement. Some of our income is from our renters and church fundraisers, but the rest of our income is from congregation members’ offering and donations from others who utilize this space. We depend upon the generosity of those who share our passion for all this community embodies: education, hospitality, inclusion, support, fitness, healing, hope, joy and compassion.
When we celebrate our anniversary every fall we make an appeal to members, friends and adherents to make a special anniversary gift. How can you help?
–Some of our church members give a gift of securities or shares – for those who are in the position of trying to mitigate capital gains, this is a way to make a charitable donation while saving on taxes.
–Some members have included Harrow United Church as a beneficiary in their will. Even small amounts from faithful supporters make a difference.
–For many people making a special one-time donation by cash, cheque, e-transfer or online through Canada Helps is most appropriate. All donations will receive tax receipts.
–Perhaps you have a fabulous fundraising idea that you would like to take on to raise money for Harrow.
We appreciate any financial support you are able to give.
We invite everyone to our 110th anniversary worship service on Sunday, November 15 at 11:00am. Come meet others and share coffee and cake after the service.
Blessings to all,
Rev. Marc Whitehead
Rae Leaden – Chair of Council