Woodhouse United Church
The Rural partner: Woodhouse United Church: 9:30 a.m. Service
Woodhouse Church had its first gatherings in 1800. As the land known as Upper Canada was surveyed and opened up for development, Woodhouse became a spiritual and community centre for the early settlers of the area. The Sanctuary, Sunday school room and kitchen facilities continue to provide a gathering place for local families and organizations. An Alcoholic Anonymous Group for women meets in the Sunday School Room on a regular basis. The UCW also uses the space for meetings and events.
The focal point in the Sanctuary is a painting by local artist, the late Edgar Cantelon entitled, "Come Unto Me." A historically significant cemetery is part of the property and is managed by an independent cemetery board.
The congregation at Woodhouse can be described as small in number but mighty in spirit! Thirty worshippers, on average, gather each Sunday at 9:30 am. for the morning service. Many of the members have had ties to Woodhouse for generations. A dedicated volunteer organist and choir director provide inspirational music each week. The average age of worshippers at Woodhouse is seventy plus. Regular Sunday school has not been provided in the last twenty years. Bible studies have been offered and led by lay people and members are also invited to attend studies at Grace. A vibrant UCW continues to meet on a regular basis. Visitors to Woodhouse and past ministers have described the congregation as friendly, kind and caring. Members at Woodhouse described themselves as "being like a family" "we share, support and love each other.. .and sometimes we disagree."
In the year 2000, Woodhouse celebrated their 200th anniversary. The year was marked with many successful projects including:
• written and published a book entitled: Old Woodhouse Church, the Cradle of Methodism, In the Long Point Settlement
• replacement and dedication of the stained glass windows,
• holding a Homecoming weekend of entertainment, good food, fellowship and worship.
Since that anniversary, Woodhouse United church has been recognized by the United Empire Loyalists Society as a cornerstone in the early development of Upper Canada. Strong family roots are still evident in the resident roll.
The Board at Woodhouse is formed from elders and stewards. Meetings are upbeat and productive. Meetings are held 3 times per year. (April, September and November). Maintenance for the grounds and church buildings is contracted out. Secretarial duties for the church are shared with Grace and the office is centralized in Port Dover.
Members of Woodhouse realize the challenges that face the aging congregation and building. They have discussed the possibility of leaving the 2-point charge, as the need for increased finances has arisen but re-affirmed in 2013 their commitment to the Pastoral Charge. Members feel they have increased their givings and cannot afford to commit to a greater share of the Pastoral Charge Budget. In 2013, the Woodhouse contribution to the Pastoral Charge Budget was $23,978 or 19% .
The buildings and grounds at Woodhouse have been well cared for by a dedicated group of Trustees. A new furnace, stained glass windows, basement/foundation repairs; soffits and windows have been completed and paid for in the past 5 years.
Goals for the next five years were derived from the congregational survey completed in May 2011.
1. Provide uplifting spiritual Sunday morning worship that focuses on the word of God and includes uplifting music.
2. Increase or maintain the number of people that attend the regular Sunday service to ensure a viable ministry for the future
3. Continue to function as a full-time ministry, (3/4 and 1/4 ministers) in a 2-point charge.
4. Increase the use of the church buildings for community events and outreach programs such as off-shore workers; weddings and activities that would attract younger families.
The Rural partner: Woodhouse United Church: 9:30 a.m. Service
Woodhouse Church had its first gatherings in 1800. As the land known as Upper Canada was surveyed and opened up for development, Woodhouse became a spiritual and community centre for the early settlers of the area. The Sanctuary, Sunday school room and kitchen facilities continue to provide a gathering place for local families and organizations. An Alcoholic Anonymous Group for women meets in the Sunday School Room on a regular basis. The UCW also uses the space for meetings and events.
The focal point in the Sanctuary is a painting by local artist, the late Edgar Cantelon entitled, "Come Unto Me." A historically significant cemetery is part of the property and is managed by an independent cemetery board.
The congregation at Woodhouse can be described as small in number but mighty in spirit! Thirty worshippers, on average, gather each Sunday at 9:30 am. for the morning service. Many of the members have had ties to Woodhouse for generations. A dedicated volunteer organist and choir director provide inspirational music each week. The average age of worshippers at Woodhouse is seventy plus. Regular Sunday school has not been provided in the last twenty years. Bible studies have been offered and led by lay people and members are also invited to attend studies at Grace. A vibrant UCW continues to meet on a regular basis. Visitors to Woodhouse and past ministers have described the congregation as friendly, kind and caring. Members at Woodhouse described themselves as "being like a family" "we share, support and love each other.. .and sometimes we disagree."
In the year 2000, Woodhouse celebrated their 200th anniversary. The year was marked with many successful projects including:
• written and published a book entitled: Old Woodhouse Church, the Cradle of Methodism, In the Long Point Settlement
• replacement and dedication of the stained glass windows,
• holding a Homecoming weekend of entertainment, good food, fellowship and worship.
Since that anniversary, Woodhouse United church has been recognized by the United Empire Loyalists Society as a cornerstone in the early development of Upper Canada. Strong family roots are still evident in the resident roll.
The Board at Woodhouse is formed from elders and stewards. Meetings are upbeat and productive. Meetings are held 3 times per year. (April, September and November). Maintenance for the grounds and church buildings is contracted out. Secretarial duties for the church are shared with Grace and the office is centralized in Port Dover.
Members of Woodhouse realize the challenges that face the aging congregation and building. They have discussed the possibility of leaving the 2-point charge, as the need for increased finances has arisen but re-affirmed in 2013 their commitment to the Pastoral Charge. Members feel they have increased their givings and cannot afford to commit to a greater share of the Pastoral Charge Budget. In 2013, the Woodhouse contribution to the Pastoral Charge Budget was $23,978 or 19% .
The buildings and grounds at Woodhouse have been well cared for by a dedicated group of Trustees. A new furnace, stained glass windows, basement/foundation repairs; soffits and windows have been completed and paid for in the past 5 years.
Goals for the next five years were derived from the congregational survey completed in May 2011.
1. Provide uplifting spiritual Sunday morning worship that focuses on the word of God and includes uplifting music.
2. Increase or maintain the number of people that attend the regular Sunday service to ensure a viable ministry for the future
3. Continue to function as a full-time ministry, (3/4 and 1/4 ministers) in a 2-point charge.
4. Increase the use of the church buildings for community events and outreach programs such as off-shore workers; weddings and activities that would attract younger families.
