Advent is a season of hope. We are asked to stay awake. In verse 37, we hear, “And what I say to you I say to all: stay awake.”(Mark 13::37) . The act of hoping requires the act of fighting against cheap, delusional, false hopes. Being hopeful is never easy. In order to keep awake, we need to be hopeful; we need to learn to hope against all the fake hopes.

On October 16th, following a tour of the property with Rick Heemskerk, Jay Brooker and Kindred Works representatives, Tim Blair and David Constable, the board met for a presentation of Kindred Works' tentative feasibility study for our building redevelopment. At that meeting Kindred Works proposed building a multi-story tower where Hilliard hall, kitchen, chapel, parlour, labyrinth room and offices are. The plan included retaining and renovating the sanctuary.

The board decided that we should proceed with the next steps of this process. Read all the details by clicking below.

The tradition of White Gift Sunday started in 1904. Gifts were brought to the church wrapped in white so that no one else would know what you could bring and thus all could share in the joy of giving regardless of income. These gifts were distributed to families in need.

For the last few years, First United has gathered gifts for the guests who come to our Fridays at First meal. For some of these people, this is the only gift they will get. Others look forward to getting a bag of items that they can share with friends and family.

A list of suggested items is at the link below. These will be received during the service on December 10 and could be dropped off at any time before that if you are not able to attend in person.

First United’s Holiday Meal will be served on Boxing Day, Tuesday December 26^th. This will be the 27^th meal over 28 years that we will be providing this wonderful seasonal outreach to our community.

St. John’s Kitchen will be closed that day to allow the people who regularly serve there a well-deserved day off. We help out this one day a year so that no one had to go hungry over the holiday season. It has become a great tradition for many of us at First to take part in this joy filled service to the community.

If you were missed in the phone blitz and would still like to help come to the table set up in Hilliard Hall Dec. 3^st or 10^th. You can also text or call Kristin Snell at 519-594-2169 or Cathie Stewart Savage 519-589-2303.

Games Night has been cancelled this month - We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

You are Invited to

A CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 16, 2023
5:00-8:00 p.m.
COME All CHRISTMAS PARTY
POT LUCK DINNER
or DONATION
Come and Enjoy

FUN FOOD FELLOWSHIP

Caroling Games Entertainment

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

A poignant comedy about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.

Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers begin slowly opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths.

The Musicians of the Kitchener-Waterloo Players’ Association Present
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Sunday, December 17, 4:00pm
St. Matthews Lutheran Church 54 Benton Street, Kitchener ON

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/2d4269ya

Socks, Mitts and Hats will be on the fence again this winter to help those may need a little extra warmth this winter.

STEPS TO CLOTHING OUR FENCE OF CARING AND SHARING

1. Dig out a scarf or hat or gloves when you go for a walk on a chilly morning.
2. Dig deeper for other articles of clean, warm winter clothing.
3. Put on the scarf you found for yourself. 
4. Put the extra cozy clothing you found in a bag.
5. If you didn't find any extra clothing, maybe you're able to donate something new or ask your neighbours and friends if they're interested in donating!
6. Take clothing to First United -  put in plastic bins underneath bench at back door  and Lynne will tie them on the fence. 
7. The folks who need cozy hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, and socks are most grateful that you care and share!

Have you seen MT Space’s online auction? Check it out here 

Trinity United Church, 54 Benton St. Kitchener, Ontario Invites you to a Special Service: Lessons & Carols “Hark What A Sound” December 10, 2023.at 2 PM

‘TIS THE SEASON SHOPPING NIGHT

Join Westminster United Church on Friday, December 8 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm for their 'Tis the Season Shopping Night event. 

Sunday, December 10, 2023, 3pm. Menno Singers and Mennonite Mass Choir present Handel's Messiah  with artistic director Brandon Leis. www.centreinthesquare.com

Opening St. Mark's Place - Request for assistance in creating a welcoming new space for a 43 unit supportive affordable apartment community in Kitchener

Donations to First United that are to be included in your 2023 tax receipt must be received in the office or placed on the offering plate in Sunday worship on or before December 31.

A reminder to return your response card  for 2024 by Sunday Dec. 24, if you have not already done so. You can ignore the Resiliency Fund line Since our congregation has successfully repaid the loan from the Waterloo Presbytery Extension Council which was needed for the mold abatement in 2018.

The need for blood is most critical between December 22 and January 7. Please book  your next donation during this period.
Canadian Blood Services KW Donor Centre at 94 Bridgeport Road East, Waterloo

Regular hours of operation:

Monday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Over Christmas 

Sunday, December 24 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monday, December 25 - CLOSED
Tuesday, December 26 - 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday, January 1 - 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

To book an appointment. Visit: blood.ca; Download: GiveBlood app or Call: 1 888 2 DONATE or 1 888 236 6273
If individuals have any questions regarding their eligibility.  They are welcome to visit our website at blood.ca – ABC’s of Eligibility or call 1 888 2 DONATE or 1 888 236 6283 to speak with an information nurse.
It takes many donors to help save a life.