Weekly Update - April 30, 2021
Friday April 30, 2021
Hopeful May Days ahead, Everyone!
Looking out my window it seems to me that the grass and the flowers (especially the dandelions) are in friendly competition to see who can grow the fastest and bloom the brightest. I'm wondering as nature unfolds in all its beauty, how are we unfolding? Yes, restrictions abound but so do opportunities! What will you come across as you read our Friday Letter? You might find something you're already interested in or you might surprise yourself. Step into May!
Lynne
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
Sunday, May 2 at 10:30 AM Worship: This week's scripture (John 20) spurs us to explore the power of being called by our name. Register for Worship and Coffee Time by CLICKING HERE.
WEEKLY WORDS FROM THE PART-TIME MINISTER OF WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE
Mental Health Week, May 3 to 7 at Noon: The United Church is offering online conversations and teachings on their Facebook page (CLICK HERE) on topics of Medicine Wheel (Monday), Anxiety and Anxious Disorders (Tuesday and Wednesday), Guided Meditation (Thursday), and Trauma Fatigue (Friday). Also see these resources (CLICK HERE). And don't forget, I am always willing to listen and offer direction.
Slavery in Canada, Wednesday, May 12 at 6 PM: The McMichael Art Gallery has a virtual tour of the art of Denyse Thomasos which brings a deeper understanding of our history. (CLICK HERE)
Reconciliation & Mending Wall: There has been some talk about restoring broken relationships. I wonder if this poem might be an inspiration. (CLICK HERE)
The Making and Displaying of Peace Cranes has been postponed due to the COVID stay-at-home orders. It will be rescheduled when it is safe to proceed.
Interested in Membership? Or knowing more about the United Church? Just contact me or Rev. Harry Disher (revharryd@gmail.com) and we will find time to have a conversation together.
Blessings, the Rev. Rose Ann Vita
(647-763-0101 & rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com)
BOOK CLUB
Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 am. The book selection is This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.
CLICK HERE for the Zoom link.
Mary Joan Brooker and Eva Mezo
SMALL GROUPS COMING ALIVE
Book Study
One of our “Conversations That Matter” offerings this spring will be a book study led by Rev. Disher on Brian McLaren’s “Faith After Doubt”. We will read and reflect on one chapter or so at a time for five weeks. Zoom discussion and sharing sessions will take place on Thursday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:00 P.M. May 13, 20, 27, and June 3 and 10, OR Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. May 17, 24, 31 and June 7, and 14.
Please pre-register with Rev. Disher if you wish to participate at revharryd@gmail.com or by phone, (519)-860-9198. If you do not already have the book, Wordsworth Books on King St. in Waterloo has ordered some copies.
Harry
Let’s Talk About It - Broadview Magazine Discussion Group
Starting again Wednesday, May 19 at 10:00 am on Zoom. We’ll be talking about articles in the March and April/May issues.
Please join us. You’ll find the Zoom link on the church website. For more information contact Walt at waltbrooker@gmail.com.
Walt
Technology Support - Using Zoom
Some members of the congregation have requested assistance with technology, specifically in using Zoom. Short, interactive group sessions, with time to try things out, ask questions, jot down notes etc. will be offered online.
If you are interested, please send an E-Mail to john.lindsay67@rogers.com. Group dates and times will be communicated based on the number of responses received.
John
Gardening
The gardening session originally planned at the church has been cancelled until further notice.
Jana
SHOW AND TELL BY ZOOM
All women of First are invited to be part of our Monday, May 10 UCW gathering at 1:30 pm. This is a perfect time to share smiles and encouraging well wishes with others. A little business, a little worship and lots of time to talk about our treasures. You may have one you'd like to share by showing and/or one to tell us about. More information in next week's Friday Letter.
Hope you can join us in community!
We are so blessed.
Lynne
WORSHIP IN COMING WEEKS
Sunday May 2, 2021 - Rev. Rose Ann Vita
Sunday May 9, 2021 - Rev. Rose Ann Vita
Rev. Disher will be on Study Leave from Monday April 26 through to Sunday May 2, 2021. If you have an emergent pastoral care need please contact Rev. Rose Ann Vita, (647) 763-0101.
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 needs please email the church (office@firstunitedchurch.ca). For our Minister of Pastoral Care call Rose Ann Vita 647-763-0101 (cell) or rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com (email).
STEWARDSHIP
Mother's Day M&S Gift! This year think about giving a gift to the United Church's Mission and Service Fund which helps families in need at home and abroad, supporting things like prenatal and parenting classes, respite care, medical clinics, safe shelter, education for children, and the United Church Women's Zambia Project. With your donation, (CLICK HERE) you will receive an E-Card that you might send to your mother or a woman you want to honour. Please remember to credit First United Church, Waterloo, for your donation. Blessings!
APPROVED BOARD MEETING MINUTES
March Minutes now posted here
Together We Stand, but Apart
