Rowntree Memorial United Church, London, On

On September 30, people all across Canada will wear orange shirts to remember and honour Indigenous children who were taken from their communities and families to residential institutions.

Indigenous communities across the country continue to share the truth they have always known: that many of the children who never returned home remain on the grounds of those institutions in unmarked burial sites. These communities are now seeking to honour the missing children.

On Orange Shirt Day we also observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. For non-Indigenous Christians in particular, this is a time to reflect on their role in colonialism and the ongoing responsibility to make reparations.

For more info, look through the stories on our web site – click on ‘ Truth, Reconciliation and Justice’ on the main menu.

Click here to access the web version of our latest Sunday Service.

 We’ve reduced our natural gas usage by about 60% since 2011 by installing a new boiler and new windows. But we have one area that needs attention: the east foyer that has our  lift ( elevator) access. You can feel the cold in that area in the winter as it flows down the elevator shaft. And we have condensation problems with water stains in the ceiling and flaking paint- pictured. So this fall, in concert with Faithful Footsteps of the United Church and Thomas Dyna-Build contractors, we’re improving the air flow and insulation in the foyer area. Please note, there will be some disruption with the usual doors being temporarily out of service.

Progress Report #1 – The work is underway !

The ceiling was removed this week ( Aug 13th) and we’ve found quite a few areas that need improvement. We can see where there has been water getting into our attic- most likely before the steel roof was installed – but we should know this weekend as the forecast is for rain and the ceiling has been removed. So the insulation that was wet has been taken away and will be replaced. The biggest problems we see are the lack of ventilation  for the attic and the lack of insulation of the lift ( elevator) shaft – no insulation at all on the sides!!  Which explains how cold it was in the lift in the winter.  So next week we’ll work on getting those problems fixed.

Update #2 Aug.  20 

After a few rainy days, Dave from Dyna-Build checked the moisture level of some of wood structure in the attic and found it higher than it should be.  Dave then went up on the steel roof and found a few problem areas in the way the  roof was installed. ( London Eco-Roof ) . We’ve called the roofing company and now we are waiting to see what they say.

Update # 3 – Sept 8

The roof company says they have fixed the roof issues. New ceiling and  insulation installed. Yet to be completed is the new ventilation in the attic and the new entry door system.

Update #4 – Sept 29

Two roof vents were installed in the north and south walls of the addition to improve the ventilation in the attic.

The main item remaining is changing out the double glass entry doors to improved ones- hopefully within a week to 10 days.

 

The 100th anniversary of The United Church of Canada will be launched with special services, locally and nationally, on June 9, 2024, and culminate with a national service on June 8, 2025. The occasion will also be recognized at the 45th General Council, to be held in July in Calgary, Alberta.

This is a year of celebration but also of lament. While honouring the good work we have done, we also name honestly our history as a denomination, acknowledge our colonial past and our role in residential schools, as well as other harms done by stances we have or have not taken collectively. Continue reading “The United Church is 100 years Young”