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Friday February 18th, 2022

 

 

Hi, First Friends!

How does one express gratitude when the weather is cold and nasty or the national and world news is hard to bear? 

"Bless you!" was the message expressed to me and I pass on to you. This was said repeatedly by a young man pulling cozy socks off the fence on a freezing Valentine's Day this past week. I also know a little one who kissed her valentine when she opened it and a youth receiving a valentine who took time to send a message back to say, "Thanks!"

Lynne

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27TH AT 2:00 PM

Save this important date! A time for us to Honour the Past, Recognize the Present, and Look to the Future - A Chance to Learn, Wonder, Discuss, Question and Help Make Decisions Together

Let's get together by Zoom and share smiles! To Register for the meeting please CLICK HERE.

There are printed copies of the Annual Report, Agenda and Budget for those who would like them. They can be picked up at the office.

NOTE: The church office will be closed on Monday February 21st, 2022 – it’s Family Day.

 

 

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

 

Sunday February 20th, 2022 - Rev. Harry Disher

At 10:30 am - Worship - Theme ‘Measure by Measure’

To join the service please CLICK HERE

At 4:00 pm – Happy Hour Church with Communion

To join pleaseCLICK HERE

 

WORDS FROM THE PART-TIME MINISTER OF WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE

Worship on Sunday, February 27 at 10:30 (www.firstunitedchurch/live) This week, experience an interesting twist as we look at Parables OF Jesus (not by Jesus), a complementary theme for the Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time small group (see below). Come and be blessed by the opening prayers written by Dulcie Facey, the Children's Time story The Day the Crayons Quit, and the hymns sung by our soloist Cydney Morris. Our Annual Meeting takes place at 2 PM.

Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time ~ Wednesday, March 2 at 1 PM (CLICK HERE) This session echoes the sermon of February 27th - Jesus, Teacher of Alternative Wisdom. Interested? Just come to this 45-minute bi-weekly session. You need not know the Bible or have heard the sermon.

Other Worshipful Events:

  • March 2 ~ A Joint Ash Wednesday Service by the four Waterloo United Churches. Information on how to attend will be on our web page.
  • March 4 at 10:30 AM ~ World Day of Prayer (CLICK HERE) This year highlights England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. A Canada Virtual Service has been prepared by Women Inter-Church Council with voices from across Canada and the world, including Linea Good. Online Zoom space will open at 10:00 AM for socializing before the service.
  • March 6 at 9:45 to 10:15 ~ Joys & Sorrows (CLICK HERE) An opportunity to gather on Zoom before the 10:30 worship service to hold one another's intentions in our hearts of prayer.

Pastoral Care

  • PCare Committee meets on Thursday, February 24 at 2 PM (CLICK HERE)
  • For pastoral care emergencies through February 22, please reach out to the Rev Harry Disher (519-860-9198), Sheena in the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201), and/or Mary Joan Brooker. After that, call, text, or email me. I am only a phone call away.

Remember you are blessed to be a blessing!

The Rev. Rose Ann Vita

(647-763-0101 and rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com)

 

BOARD REPORT

 

Your board met on Tuesday February 8 with a full agenda.

  1. In-person worship: After much discussion it was decided we would postpone in-person worship until March 13th after the next board meeting as Covid infections are still causing the hospitals to be overfull with Covid patients resulting in the cancellation of other needed procedures.
  2. Asset mapping sessions have begun and will continue.

 

ANNUAL MEETING

  1. The annual congregational meeting is set for Sunday February 27@ 2:00 PM via Zoom.
  2. The format is different in that the annual reports are separated from items dealing with the new year such as the budget and nominating slate.
  3. There will be a presentation from the Outreach Committee on climate change.

Rick

 

BOOK CLUB

Please join us tomorrow, Saturday February 19th at 9:00 am. We will be discussing ‘The Book of Longings’ by Sue Monk Kidd. All are welcome to join the gathering.

Lynne

 

COFFEE TIME ON MONDAYS AT 4:00 PM

Beginning on Monday February 21st at 4”00 pm, join Harry, your host, for an hour of chatting and sharing about matters on your heart and mind such as how you are faring during Covid-19 Times, sermon talk-back, joys and concerns, requests for prayer, et cetera. Our discussion and conversation will be moderated to some extent to ensure that everyone has some airtime. The Zoom link will be on our Church website.

Harry

 

 

 

VALENTINES DAY DINNER - LUCKY #7

What new project has occupied your time since the Pandemic started?

For me it was the opportunity to see seven dinners created, advertised, ordered and delivered.

Over 1000 meals in total were prepared in the kitchens at DeliWorks by creative chef Angus Sheach!!

Thanks to all the faithful participants, the many volunteers who took orders, packaged meals, distributed meals for others, or helped promote the events in many different venues.

Thanks for the feedback and generous positive comments. It’s good to know you have enjoyed these events.

Thanks

Muriel Omand-Naylor

 

NEWS FROM THE TRANSITION TEAM

 

Thank you to the 40 or so persons who participated in THIS BOLD HOUSE – An Exercise in Asset Mapping on either February 6 or February 10. Members of the Transition Team are collating the responses and sending them out to all who participated. Along with that we are inviting interested participants to share in formulating a more comprehensive future vision out of the pooling of ideas that began to emerge in those workshops. We hope to present an initial draft of such a vision at the Annual Congregational Meeting when we reach the place on the agenda that reads: Transition Team – Stepping Into The Future.

 

Harry

 

CHOIR AUXILIARY – NOON HOUR CONCERTS

It’s so heartwarming to be around the many smiling and grateful people enjoying our delicious lunches and live concerts, at our much-appreciated outreach here at First. It’s evident that the variety of musical genres offered, attracts different attendees each week along with our faithful core group.

On February 22, the very energetic and talented Paul Mitchell Jazz Quartet will perform featuring Paul Mitchell on trumpets, Clark Johnston on bass, Doug Balfour on piano and Howard Gaul on percussion.

We’re looking forward to the Maureen Forrester Singers of Wilfrid Laurier University, on March 1st, with their amazing a cappella harmonies directed by Elvera Froese.

Safety protocols remaining in affect:

* proof of double vaccination (shown once only), 

* the mandatory wearing of masks at all times, except when eating lunch

* seating in designated areas only

 * no socializing in the facility

Pre-registration and pre-ordering of lunches is due by NOON Thursdays at firstunitedconcerts@gmail.com (menu and schedule is on the website under EVENTS) Exact change only for lunches please.

As you know, donations and proceeds from the lunch sales pay for our wonderful musicians so we are very grateful for and need your support.

Please refer often to the church’s website under EVENTS for further updates at www.firstunitedchurch.ca

 

Looking forward to seeing you, Sharon Gowland

 

 

UNITED CHURCH WOMEN

 

PEACE CRANES

The UCW is sponsoring a congregation-wide "event". During Lent we are encouraged to make origami peace cranes to decorate our sanctuary on Earth Day Sunday April 24th. This could be as simple as making a crane a day during the 40 days of Lent or just making four . . . in fact, if everyone (especially children and grandchildren) make some cranes, our church will be filled with peace. And making cranes is simple! See for yourself (CLICK HERE)

You can start picking up origami paper with printed instructions from the office starting March 1 (please call the office first: 519-745-8487) Or pick up some paper when we return to in-person worship on March 13. Bring your cranes to church by Easter, April 17.

 

HYMNS OF HOPE BY WOMEN HYMNISTS

To listen to a special presentation of old-time, favourite hymns (with words for singing) from the UCW Tri-Regional meeting, CLICK HERE.

 

 

SMALL GROUPS

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT - A DISCUSSION ABOUT BROADVIEW MAGAZINE ARTICLES

We will meet on Wednesday, March 16th from 10:00 to 11:00 am. We are happy to welcome new participants. The Zoom information will be on the church website.

Walt

WORSHIP IN THE COMING WEEKS

Sunday February 27th , 2022 – Rev. Rose Ann Vita

At 10:30 am - Theme ‘Jesus, Teacher of Alternative Wisdom’

At 2:00 pm – Annual Meeting

Wednesday March 2nd, 2022 – Ash Wednesday – Rev. Jenn Hind

At 7:00 pm – Emmanuel’s Hybrid Worship Experience is available – In-person and Online.

Please join Parkminster, Westminster and First as we gather in-person and online at Emmanuel United Church. If you are attending in-person please bring your Proof of Vaccination as we will be checking upon entry. Masked Singing is permitted, and we will be offering the imposition of ashes. If you would like to attend online please use the following Zoom link.

If you are online please click on the link below to join our Digital Space:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83778786547?pwd=djY5WW5KZm9DNjNqU3RuNVN4U0JpQT09

Passcode: 038896

Or Telephone: +1 647 374 4685 or +1 647 558 0588

Webinar ID: 837 7878 6547

Passcode: 038896

International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb0jeIyUSr

We now have local phone numbers available for access to our online service. We have a limited number of lines available, please contact Neal Moogk-Soulis at 519 635 1431 if you would like access. When you log in, please make sure that your username is one that we recognize. This will ensure that we let you into the Zoom Fellowship time at the end of the service.

Sunday March 6th,  2022 – Rev. Rose Ann Vita

At 9:45 – 10:15 am – Joys and Sorrow

At 10:30 am – Theme ‘Wisdom of God’

You can always view the weekly service by going to the webpage each Sunday morning, or you can see previous live streams at firstunitedchurch.ca/live.

If you would be interested in leading a worship service or in participating in some way please let me know at gregjcase@gmail.com.

For Pastoral Care - Please contact Rev. Rose Ann Vita (647-763-0101) or the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201) or the Rev. Harry Disher (519-860-9198) for Pastoral Care Emergencies.

During the week of February 17 through to February 22, 2022 Rev. Rose Ann Vita will be away. Please contact Rev Harry Disher (519-860-9198), or the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201), and/or Mary Joan Brooker for pastoral care needs.

 

 

Interested in Membership? Or in knowing more about the United Church of Canada? Just contact Rev. Harry Disher (revharryd@gmail.com) or Rev. Rose Ann Vita (rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com). They will be happy to find a time to have a conversation with you.

 

WAYS TO DONATE TO FIRST UNITED

You can get your offering to the church office in several ways:

  • You can use PAR, or
  • E transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com, or
  • Website donation to www.firstunitedchurch.ca, or
  • Send a cheque to First United Church, 16 William St. West, Waterloo ON N2L1J3, or
  • Drop a cheque into the mailbox located at the Entrance on William St. side.

**Just a reminder- credit card companies have a fee of around 3-5%. If you wish the church to get the full amount, then please add that % to your contribution. **

 

 

STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE

 

Looking forward to seeing you at the Annual Meeting. Your input will be important!

Nancy Lennox

 

Month of January

January YTD

YTD Prior Year

General Fund Local

$14,889.00

$14,889.00

$12,443.00

Wage Subsidy Grants

0.00

9,815.18

972.89

Other Operations

6,487.21

6,487.21

10,225.67

Mission & Outreach

3,370.00

3,370.00

3,154.00

Total Income

$24,746.21

$24,746.21

$26,795.56

Salaries & Benefits

24,455.79

24,455.79

21,455.79

Other Expenses

6,650.56

6,650.56

7,361.85

Mission & Outreach

3,370.00

3,370.00

3,154.00

Total Expenses

$34,476.35

$34,476.35

32,467.51

Excess Income/Expenses

($9,730.14)

($9,730.14}

($5,671.95)

Capital Income

3,090.84

3,090.84

56,785.84

Capital Expenses

51.92

51.92

50,644.58

Capital Excess Income/Expenses

$3,038.92

$3,038.92

$6,141.26

FRIDAY LETTER

The Friday Letter will continue but will not be produced every Friday. It will be produced every two weeks. In the table below are the dates for the Friday Letter. We are also including the dates when we would like to receive articles for these letters.

DATE OF THE LETTER

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE SUBMITTED

Friday March 4th, 2022

Tuesday March 2nd, 2022 - end of day

Friday March 18th, 2022

Tuesday March 15th, 2022 – end of day

Friday April 1st, 2022

Tuesday March 29th, 2022 – end of day

Friday April 15th, 2022

Tuesday April 12th, 2022 – end of day

 

NOTE: Please send Word documents only for contributions to the Friday Letter.

 

Valentines, personal notes and chocolate hearts to show our gratitude for our kids and youth at First United.

 

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR WALK – FEBRUARY 26TH, 2022

I will be taking part in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk to raise
funds for Supportive Housing of Waterloo. This is where I work, but
more importantly, it is an initiative that began with the Out of the
Cold at First United.

In a time when we have so many homeless people in Waterloo we need all
the help we can get to provide housing for everyone in our community!
I think you can follow the link if you would like to sponsor me.

It's cold out there. And on February 26, I'm going to do something
about it. Together with thousands of Canadians across the country,
I'll be walking and fundraising to support people and families
experiencing homelessness, hurt, and hunger in my community. Please,
give generously by clicking the "Donate Now" button above. Thanks!

Cathie Steward Savage

https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=5047037&langPref=en-CA

 

MT SPACE EVENT

 

Dear Everyone at First United,

We would like to invite you to watch our online live theatre presentation of Chelsea’s Story, produced in partnership with Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council and Sexual Assault Support Centre. The performances will be from February 22nd to 26th and will coincide with Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Chelsea’s Story, based on a true story, centres on a group of three students who discover the diary of a 15-year-old girl named Chelsea who is targeted and groomed by a man posing as her boyfriend to be trafficked for sex. Chelsea’s Story was written by Sean McGrath from Alter Ego Creative Solutions in the UK for people as young as 12 to understand what trafficking is and the ways in which those who are vulnerable, particularly girls and young women, tend to be targeted and groomed.

All tickets to Chelsea's Story are free and open to the public, and each performance will be accompanied by a talkback facilitated by SASC. We invite you and your group to register at the links below. We have also attached our promotional materials, including our press release, for you to share with your networks.

  1.  Tuesday, February 22nd @ 7:00 pm | Register Here [Eventbrite]
  2.  Wednesday, February 23rd @ 7:00 pm | Register Here – Educators [Eventbrite]
  3.  Friday, February 25th @ 7:00 pm | Register Here – English/Arabic Language Options [Eventbrite]
  4. Saturday, February 26th @ 2:00 pm | Register Here – Families [Eventbrite]

You can also watch our Chelsea's Story trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA200zzQsAs

MT Space is dedicated to theatre that centralizes marginalized voices to address social issues and constitute a vibrant intercultural community. We hope you will be able to join us for this very important conversation as we work together to raise awareness in this community in Waterloo Region.

All the best,

Köszönettel,

 

Bó Bárdos
Company Manager, MT Space

phone: +1 519 585 7763

email: bo.bardos@mtspace.ca

16 William Street West

 


 

 

FAITH CLIMATE JUSTICE

Eager Environmentalist- Program for kids aged 10-12 Mondays February 7-28 @4-5pm. Help the Waterloo Public Library plan their World Water Event. Work with fellow environmental enthusiasts and plan an event for kids in your community. Register at wpl.ca 

World Water Day - Age 8-12.  March 22 @4-5pm. Join members of the Eager Environmentalist program (as mentioned above) as they raise awareness for World Water Day. This virtual event will explore water's important value and how we can work better to protect this valuable resource. Register at wpl.ca 

Celebrate Holi- March 1 at 9:30am. Holi is a special day to celebrate the arrival of spring, the end of winter and the blossoming of love. Learn about and celebrate this special Hindi festival. This virtual event is presented in partnership by the KW multicultural centre as part of the Library Settlement Program. For more information visit https://www.wpl.ca/play-anytime

Celebrate Nowruz- March 1 at 9:30am. The Persian new year is a celebration of the rebirth of nature and the start of spring. This virtual event is presented in partnership by the KW multicultural centre as part of the Library Settlement Program. For more information visit https://www.wpl.ca/play-anytime

 

 

Carbon Fast for Lent -  Lent is a period of reflection and fasting recognized by Christians. It takes place for the 40 days leading up to the celebration of Easter starting on March 2. Climate Stewards offers an opportunity to take part in lent with others. This Lent, they are leading a fast to draw near to God and deepen our care for the climate. Each week will feature a different theme designed to challenge us to take climate action. To sign up visit the website here.

Free Webinar Series called “God, Country, and Climate Change” hosted by the Center for Faith, Justice, and Global Engagement in Houghton College. Starting on Mar. 9. In addition to some of last year’s favorites (Katharine Hayhoe, Bob Inglis, John Cook, and others), they have 8 new speakers including author Bill McKibben, Native American leader Terry LeBlanc, Kenyan activist Elizabeth Wathuti, theologian Steve Bouma-Prediger and more. To sign up visit the website here.

Planning is taking place right now for March 12 is a Day of Action for a Just Transition. Thomas Fraser (50by30) is looking for people to help organize. FCJ members are invited to consider if and how they can help out with the planning and organization of the event. A description of some roles and tasks can be found here: Organizer Toolkit.

"Films for the Planet" has many environmental films and resources to view at your leisure. To celebrate the lives of faith leaders, Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhist) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Christian), this organization has selected a few films on the art of “interbeing” and science of inner peace you might enjoy..

STAYING CONNECTED!  Communities and individuals within FCJ are part of many local initiatives. Be sure to send us any events at your faith community (book club, workshop, gardening, clean ups,...etc...). We would love to help spread the good things you are doing. 

You can still access "The Story of Plastic" documentary film

If you would like to watch the documentary again, or you know someone else who is interested in watching it, our link and password will continue to be active until February 28th.

Click here to go to the website for "The Story of Plastic." Then enter this password to watch the film: SOP_February_849345671943

Petition for a Global Plastics Treaty

The folks who produced "The Story of Plastic" documentary have put together a petition for a global plastics treaty. When representatives gather in Nairobi in late February for the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, the decisions they make will set the stage for how a new global plastics treaty will develop going forward. You can add your name to the petition and tell world leaders to support a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution that addresses the entire life cycle of plastics, including extraction, production, transport, use, disposal and remediation. Please share this information with others who may want to sign the petition.

Click here to get more information and to sign the petition

 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: What do you think?

These reflection questions were put together by Parkminster United Church to inspire conversations following their Sunday sermons. We thought that people at First United Church might benefit from provocation.

 

WEEK 1: Reflect: Who is in our church, and why do I think they are there? How do I see these people being like me, not like me? What is the difference between welcoming and inviting? List 3 things that make us welcoming. How might we make these things inviting?

WEEK 2: Reflect: What does the term “racial justice” mean to me? Why? Have a conversation: Ask this question of someone you know who may think differently from you, OR someone you’ve never spoken to before. Why does the person think the way they think?

WEEK 3: Reflect: Am I engaged in the topic of racism? Why or why not? Have a conversation on this question with a trusted friend: With genuine curiosity, keep asking one another, “Why?” to dig deeper.

WEEK 4: Reflect: In a concrete way, what might transformation look like for us as a church? Think about your engagement in various spheres in the Parkminster (or First United) community – worship, Sunday School, music, social groups, committees. What changes, if any, do I think we need to make these spheres more inviting, in the deep sense of the word? Who can I talk to about these changes?

 

 

REGIONAL NEWS

Western Ontario Waterways Region of which First United is part is involved in partnering with other denominations in creating the Guided Prayer Network. This group is expanding their offerings beyond a Week of Guided Prayer, and we are invited to a virtual symposium that will introduce the Guided Prayer Network mission and website. The symposium will take place on
Wednesday, February 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. To register, send your email address to contact@guidedprayernetwork.ca. You will receive a confirmation of your registration and a link to the symposium.

Blessings, 

Harry

Together We Stand, but Apart

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