Fundraising at Rowntree
We have had three fundraising events ( the last half of 2023 ) here at Rowntree. The Fall Fling Sale on Saturday, September 9th, the Poinsettia Bazaar on Saturday, November 18th, and the Forest City Singers Christmas Concert on Friday, December 1st.
The Fall Fling Sale, featuring baking, books, bargains and a hot dog BBQ, was not a large event, but gave us the opportunity to interact with our community and act as a warm-up to our Poinsettia Bazaar. On November 18th, we staged our Poinsettia Bazaar 
with all sales taking place in the gym. For the first time since COVID interrupted our lives, Joanne Hamilton offered a soup and hot dog lunch in the Friendship Hall. Being one of at least eight London church bazaars that day meant that business was slow and steady as many people were travelling from church to church. Kudos were received for Glen Thompson’s fudge (and piano playing, of course), Rowntree’s strawberry jam, and the lunch was “fantastic”.
The Forest City Singers Christmas Concert “The Magic of Christmas” took 
place on Friday, December 1st. The usual Sunday afternoon concert was moved to Friday evening, the first evening concert at Rowntree in several years. Ticket prices were increased from $15 to $20, also for the first time in several years. The choir of approximately 45 people performed some beautiful and lively Christmas songs for an audience of over 90 music lovers.
While we are still awaiting the final tally for the concert which took place Friday evening, I would estimate that these three events netted in the neighbourhood of $6,000, exceeding our goal for the year of $5,000.
The Forest City Singers 2024 Spring Concert which was originally scheduled for Friday, April 26th has been rescheduled to Friday, April 19th.
We made a lot of jams and jellies this year … peach jam, strawberry jam, red pepper jelly, orange marmalade, and apple butter. After the bazaar, we have plenty of jam left for sale. Most are in 250 ml. jars and are $5.00 per jar. Orders will be accepted on an ongoing basis.
Many thanks to the congregation and all volunteers who helped to make 2023 a successful fundraising year.
– Maryjane Jolliffe
Community Programs at Rowntree
Guide programing ( Sparks, Embers and Guides ) meet Monday evenings starting at 6:30. contact person is Heather. All are large, long running programs. See more info at https://register.girlguides.ca/web/en/unit-search.
TOPS groups – Take Off Pounds Sensibly – meet 3x a week – see our calendar for times.
Scouting Groups – ( Beavers and Scouts) meet Thursdays at 7:00. more info at https://www.scouts.ca/
VON programming meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. Both days offer SMART exercises at 11- 12. Thursdays offer free blood pressure checking from 10-11, Check our calendar for special VON events.
Community Dinners – Tuesday’s at 5:30 and (Welcome) Wednesday’s at noon. No cost and open to all. Volunteers welcome- just come out.
Knit Happens – an online group meets at 7:30pm on Tuesdays. Its called a knitting group but actually it’s a social group that may or may not knit. lol. Call the church at 519-432-8075 for zoom access
Forest City Singers- An amazing choir group. Rehearsals are at Rowntree Tuesday’s at 730. See more info on their Facebook page – search for Forest City Singers.
Pickle ball – many different PB groups meet in our gym. See our calendar for when and come on out. We charge $5/ session .