Weekly Update - Feb 08, 2026

Weekly Update for First United Church, Waterloo,  February 8, 2026.

Welcome & Contact Information

• Church: First United Waterloo
• Date: February 8, 2026
• Address: 16 William Street West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 1J3
• Office Phone: 519-745-8487 x201
• Office Hours: Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Email: office@firstunitedchurch.ca | Website: firstunitedchurch.ca
• Chair of the Board Email: firstunitedboardchair@gmail.com
• Weekly Update Deadline: Tuesday by 12:00 p.m.

Staff Directory

• Minister: Rev. Hoeun Lee
• Music Director: Kathleen King Martin
• Church Administrator: Carla Drake
• AV Technician: Harold Arnett
• Custodian: Jay Brooker
• Assistant Custodian: Craig Lennox

Worship Service Details

Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Greeter(s): Frank Watty
• Reader(s): Nola Mott
• Lay Leader: Lee Willingham
• Serving Refreshments: UCW

Sunday, February 15, 2026

• Scripture Readings:
• Exodus 24:12-18
• Psalm 2 (VU p.725); Psalm 99 (VU p.819)
• 2 Peter 1:16-21
• Matthew 17:1-9

Pastoral Care

Emergency Pastoral Care Contacts:

• January 25 to February 9, 2026: Rev. Hoeun Lee
• Phone: 519-745-8487 (ext 208)
• Email: rev.hoeun.firstunited@gmail.com
• February 10 to 16, 2026: Rev. Brenda Torrie
• Phone: 519-886-1471 (ext 101)
• Email: revbrendat@emmanueluc.ca

Weekly Schedule (Feb 8 – Feb 15)

Church News & Announcements

Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator Join us this Lent for Kitchen Conversations with the Moderator, a six-part video series exploring faith, food, and the power of invitation, hosted by The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath.

• Drawing inspiration and recipes from the United Church's Lenten devotional, "Bless Break Share: Recipes for Faithful Living", we're getting in the kitchen with guests from across the church.
• Starting Shrove Tuesday, February 17, we'll be breaking bread at a church each week throughout Lent.
• Find out more: https://united-church.ca/kitchenconversations
• Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitedChurchCda
• The devotional is available from UCRDstore.ca: https://ucrdstore.ca/collections/bless-break-share

Youth Board Game Night

• Date: February 11th at Parkminster United Church.
• We'd love to invite you to join us for a fun and relaxed board game night.
• We'll be coming together to reflect on Black History Month, share some of our lived experiences, and learn from one another in a meaningful way.
• Since we didn't get a chance to finish our games last week, we'll also be picking those back up.
• Future Dates: March 4th, March 11th.
• Notice: February 25th meeting moved to March 4th!

UCW Updates

• Meeting: Thursday, February 5 in the Parlour at 1:30pm. Special guest speaker Carolyn Wilkie will be speaking about Community and Home Services.
• Online Gathering: UCW of Western Ontario Waterways invites you to 'WALK WITH ME' on Tuesday, February 10.
• For further information contact Edith Coyle (519-744-9066) or visit https://wowrcucc.ca/event/wow-ucw-gathering-walk-with-me/

Tuesday Noon Hour Concerts

• Date: Tuesday Feb 10th featuring KW Woodwind Quintet.
• Time: 12:15 to 12:45.
• Lunch: Pre-order by Thursday NOON at firstunitedconcerts@gmail.com.
• Menu: Egg, ham, salmon or tuna sandwich ($6); butter tart, nanaimo or date square ($2); tea or coffee ($2).

New Fundraiser: Art Prints

• Some of you may have seen the watercolour prints of First United Church by artist Debbie Ellis. Debbie has agreed to support sales of the prints as a fundraiser for First United Church.
• You will have the opportunity to purchase blank greeting cards or matted prints ($8x10" or $11x14").
• To place your order see the display in Hilliard Hall on February 1 and February 8 or contact Joan Westcott at handatfirst@gmail.com.

Reminder to All Groups Please ensure that ALL windows are closed, ALL lights are off and ALL doors are securely locked before leaving the Church.

Financial & Administrative

Contributions

• Methods: PAR, Etransfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com, Website donation (www.firstunitedchurch.ca), or cheque.
• Cheques: Can be dropped off at the church mailbox (William Street entrance) or mailed to 16 William St. West, Waterloo ON N2L 1J3.
• Payable to: FIRST UNITED CHURCH
• Credit Card Fee: Companies charge a fee of around 3-5%. If you wish First to get the full amount, please add that percentage to your contribution.

Receipts & Envelopes

• 2025 Receipts: Receipts not picked up were mailed on February 5.
• 2026 Envelopes: Contact the office at 519-745-8487 Ext 201 or email office@firstunitedchurch.ca if you would like pre-printed envelopes.
• PAR Update: Due to a system upgrade, changes to PAR contributions will not be reflected in January 2026 but will take effect in February 2026.

Community Events

Conrad Grebel University College

• Invites student residence applications for the 2026-27 academic year.
• Learn about rooms, spaces, food, fees, and important dates at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/apply.

Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC)

• Registration is now open! Running from August 16-28, 2026.
• Register by April 15 for the early-bird discount at grebel.ca/ommc.

Menno Singers Family of Choirs

• Event: Mid-Winter Hymn Sing (re-scheduled).
• Date: Sunday, February 8 at 3pm.
• Location: Waterloo North Mennonite Church.
• Admission: By donation.

Kitchener Waterloo Community Orchestra

• Date: Saturday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m.
• Location: Knox Presbyterian Church (50 Erb St. W., Waterloo).
• Details: A special Valentine's concert filled with heart-warming passion and beauty.
• Tickets: $25 adults, $22 seniors, $18 university/college students. High school and younger attend free.
• Reserve seats: https://www.kwco.org/feb14-2026

Grand Philharmonic Choir

• Event: Martin Palmeri's Misatango.
• Date: Saturday, March 7th, 7:30pm.
• Location: St Matthews Centre, Kitchener.
• Tickets: $40, $20 for students and under 30s, $10 for high school and younger.