December 11, 2020
 
Dear fellow Advent travellers, 
 
As we try to adapt and reimagine along the way, we realize all the memories that surround this holy time of year. Let us carry those thoughts with us, as we branch off on side paths to discover simple beauty and new little miracles. 
 
One of the ways we can be community is " walking together', sharing thoughts and prayers, light and ......créche scenes?! If you send a picture of a creche scene that you have, that you've drawn or painted to Greg – gregjcase@gmail.com or firstunitedevents@gmail.com, by December 16th, he'll share all of them with us next Sunday in announcement time. I wonder how many we might get to see. Maybe 20 or more?!!!
 
Lynne   
 
**********
 
Bidding at First
I have heard from many that Bidding at First proved to be a fun experience; although I have also heard from some who were outbid at the last moments.  They had fun until then.  We can only wish them a better experience next time.
A reminder to all who had winning bids and have something to be picked up to come to the church parking lot between 11 am an 3 pm tomorrow, Saturday so we can put your purchase in your back seat or trunk of your vehicle, remaining socially distanced.  Hopefully, I will report on the financial success of the auction next week.
Joan Westcott
 
 

**********
Turkey Trot Update
 
Congratulations once again!!
 
Everyone has paid in full for the dinners ordered.
 
I hope everyone remembers the time you chose for pick up on Dec 19
so we can distribute the orders to your cars efficiently.
 
You can give me a call if you need a reminder. Muriel 519-746-2566
Please watch next week for details on how pick-up will happen.
 
Muriel
 
**********
Christmas Services
 
The Christmas Eve Service at 5 p.m. is  "Sounds Like Christmas - A (very) Non-Traditional Christmas Eve Service".
 
This is a great opportunity for congregational participation - WE NEED YOU!!!
 
We will need a "noise choir", no singing just the ability to make (certain) noises. Instructions will be given!
 
We need a barnyard. You just need to be able to make a noise of a certain animal for one minute or so. I'll let you know what animal and how to do it - just let me know that you are willing!
 
Invite your children, your grandchildren, near and far all can take part in this Church Service from home extravaganza.
 
We also will need storytellers and readers! Room for all in the Virtual Inn!
 
You will just need to record yourself on phone, video camera, or 
 
Contact Greg Case at gregjcase@gmail.com or firstunitedevents@gmail.com as soon as possible if you are interested.  The Deadline is December 15.
 
Thanks
 Greg
 
Christmas Eve – 5 p.m. – “Sounds Like Christmas
                                           A (very) Non-Traditional Christmas Eve Service”
Christmas Eve – 8 p.m. – Carols  “All I want for Christmas is...”
Christmas Day – 10 a.m. – “Questions Around a Manger”
                                               (virtual Coffee Time after service)
 
**********
Online Ministry Support
 
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the Online Ministry Fund. Currently we have raised $14,985 of approximately $24 000 needed.
 
These initial funds will allow us to purchase the equipment to record our online services now and livestream when we are back to in-person worship.
 
The equipment can also be used to enhance our music programs and concerts by allowing us to stream events such as Noon Hour Concerts, even if we can't meet in person. In fact, First United has been given the opportunity to facilitate a sponsorship from the Musicians' Union to cover the cost of a technician and musicians for the 2021 Noon Hour Concert season if we can livestream these concerts.
 
I encourage you to give to the Online Ministry Fund to allow this growth of our worship and music programs.
 
Please send a cheque to the church office or an e-transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com indicating it is for the Online Ministry Fund.  
 
 
**********
 
Worship in Coming Weeks


Sunday, December 13 at 10:30 am – Advent III - Peace

Sunday, December 20   at 10:30 am – Advent IV - Love
 
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.
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89426100259
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
Meeting ID: 894 2610 0259

Midweek Advent Prayer and Reflection will be offered by Rev. Disher in the chapel Wednesday, December 16 at 11 a.m.  If you choose to come, you need to contact the office to register (only 5 spots available) and provide your contact information. 

On the morning of the study you will be asked to respond to a COVID-19 questionnaire and sign a one-time waiver at the church.  Sanitizing your hands, wearing a mask and staying at least 2 metres apart are all required as part of the COVID-19 protocols in place for Waterloo Region.


Caring Community by Zoom Thursday, December 17 at 2:00 pm.
For information contact Mary Joan Brooker mj@kw.igs.net
 
For Pastoral Care needs please call the church office (519-745-8487) or email at office@firstunitedchurch.ca.  For our Minister of Pastoral Care, Bruce Sweet call 519-579-8483 (home) or 519-580-3899 (cell) or email at brucesweet4@gmail.com
 
Longest Night Service
 
The Longest Night Service is on Monday, December 21 at 7 p.m., kindly shared by Parkminster United with other congregations.  See full details including Zoom link in next Friday’s letter.
 
**********
Stewardship/Finance Update
 
November was a very positive month for us and we are hoping the same for December.
 
Thanks for your continued support and we hope that you will also help in returning the "Stewardship Challenge for 2021" form so our budgeting can be as accurate as possible. Along with the suggested ways of returning the info, we will also have a box available to put the forms in on Saturday, December 12 while picking up auction items and Saturday, December 19 while picking up turkey dinners.  This box will be kept secured in the office so the info will be kept confidential. 
 
Thanks for your cooperation! 
 
Nancy
 
  November Year to Date
General Fund Local                   $18,594.68 $175,794.54
Wage Subsidy Grant  10%   4224.62
Wage Subsidy Grant  75% 4,954.82 25,240.05
Other Operations                           11,112.14 64,747.67
Mission & Outreach                       3,961.00 43,501.00
TOTAL INCOME                          38,622.84 313,507.88
TOTAL EXPENSES                     30,842.51 340,121.50
EXCESS INCOME\EXPENSES                   $7,780.33 ($26,613.62)
Capital Income                              560.00 51,153.22
Capital Expenses                                4,238.41 58,800.48
CAPITAL EXCESS INC\EXP          ($3,678.41) ($7,647.26)
     
 
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. Cheques 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.
 
 
Church Offering Envelopes for 2021
 
In preparation for the coming year.  Please contact the office 519-745-8487 Ext201 or office@firstunitedchurch.ca as soon as possible, if you would like 2021 Offering Envelopes.
 
Thank you
Sheena
 
We made a list.  Please check it twice!

 Donations to First United that are to be included in your 2020 tax receipt must be received in the office on or before close of Business on December 29.
 
Preparation of the Annual Report
All groups and committees preparing information for the Annual Meeting on February 21, 2021, are reminded of the following timelines:  
Tuesday January 12, 2021   All written reports are to be sent electronically to the church office. 
office@firstunitedchurch.ca
 
Please submit Financial reports to treasurer, Andy Yuan  lyxyuan@yahoo.com
 
 
**********
Church Office Christmas Hours
 
The Church Office will be CLOSED:
    Thursday, Dec 24 – closed at noon
     Friday, Dec 25
     Monday, Dec. 28
     Thursday, December 31 – closed at noon
     Friday, January 1, 2021
 
 
The Church Office will be OPEN:
    Thursday, Dec 24    9 am – 12 noon
    Tuesday, December 29     Regular Hours
     Wednesday, December 30   Regular Hours
     Thursday, December 31    9 am – 12 pm

 
Together We Stand, but Apart