This is my final week of ministry at our church. I have not been able to be in touch with many of you over the past months as my focus was on providing Sunday services. I have also had the pleasure of enjoying some vacation time for the month of August. It is an odd feeling, finishing my time with you without being able to meet in person.
I was grateful to have the opportunity to thank our Church Board for the many ways they have enriched my life and have borne witness to the power of God's love. They have faithfully and wholeheartedly served our community during my tenure. I pray that God continues to give them strength and courage for the road ahead.
This week I spent my first days back at school. While so many things are different, some things are exactly the same. I have had previews of my possible class list and it is thrilling to anticipate the children with whom I will have the honour of exploring the wonders of grade 2.
I feel overjoyed that our Transition Team was able to secure a minister for September and another one for January. I look forward to meeting both Harry and Rose Ann. This is a difficult time to enter into a new pastoral relationship but I know that our caring community at First will find ways to reach out and facilitate opportunities to get to know Harry and Rose Ann.
I plan to attend Muriel's Coffee Time after church on Sunday on Zoom. If we do not get a chance to chat, then know that I have loved being your minister at First United Church. I have enjoyed your enthusiasm and eagerness to explore how God is moving in our midst. I will miss our gatherings, conversations and spiritual explorations. My heart is fuller for having known you in this way.
Blessings on your journey,
Eva
Little Pantries revert to Little Libraries
From May until September, our Little Libraries outside the Hilliard Hall entrance on William Street, did a creative pivot. In the wink of an eye, they happily became Little Pantries of canned food! We greatly appreciated canned donations and were able to make a difference during hard times. On Tuesday, September 8 (the same day as Waterloo Public Library) we are excited to return to our Little Libraries again!
New Ministers - a brief recap from last week
Rev. Harry Disher began on Tuesday, September 1 on a one-month contract and will start the Intentional Interim Minister role on October 1. Rev. Rose Anne Vita will join us on January 1 as part-time Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care. We will look for supply for this part-time position for October, November and December. We welcome Harry and Rose Ann amongst us in leadership and community. For further information see last week’s Friday letter (August 28) or check it under Latest News on the Church Website at firstunitedchurch.ca.
Worship in the Coming Weeks
September 6 - Eva Mezo with Kathleen King Martin
September 13 - Harry Disher with Kathleen King Martin
The ways you can join: You can go to firstunitedchurch.ca for the service, First United Facebook page, or First United Youtube Channel
If you would be interested in leading a worship service or in participating in some way please let me know at gregjcase@gmail.com.
Let's get together after church this week on Zoom! This is a chance to have friendly "coffee time" with others in our church and check in with one another. The Zoom will start at 11:15 (or so). Thanks to Muriel for hosting us.
There will be an outdoor choir social on what would have been our starting date: Thursday, September 10, 7 pm. Please bring your own tea and a lawn chair if possible, and meet from 7-8 on the lawn (beside the Mall ramp entrance). Everyone in the Gallery Choir, Handbell choir, Youth Ensemble is invited for a time of chatting and planning ahead. Kathleen King Martin, Director of Music 519-745-8487 ext 204.
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Return to In Person Worship
The board has decided not to resume in person worship any earlier than October 18. We will communicate further plans after the board meeting in October. Preparations have begun to make sure that when we are ready to return to worship we can do so safely. Thanks to everyone who filled out the survey.
To get your offering to the office you can use PAR, e transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com, website donation www.firstunitedchurch.ca or send a cheque. Checks can be dropped off at the church mailbox which is located at the Entrance on the William Street side of the building.
Also you may send your cheque to First United Church 16 William St. West Waterloo ON N2L 1J3
Reminder, credit card companies have a fee of around 3-5%. If you wish First to get the full amount, then please add that percentage to your contribution.
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Church Photo Directory
If you participated in the Photo Directory and have not yet got your copy, please contact the office at 519-745-8487 Ext 201 or office@firstunitedchurch.ca to arrange a time to pick up your copy. Thank you, Sheena
