We are planning something new for Christmas Day – an Intercultural Potluck Dinner.  You are invited to attend and bring a dish that you enjoy at Christmas time from your cultural background.  On Monday December 25^th, 2023 at 5:00 pm in Hilliard Hall. 

All are welcome to attend!

First United’s Holiday Meal will be served on Boxing Day, Tuesday December 26^th,  at 11:30 AM. 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 or text or call Kristin Snell at 519-594-2169 or Cathie Stewart Savage 519-589-2303.

When we suddenly and unexpectedly experience a moment of God’s presence, filled with grace, filled with truth, we should not hesitate, but give in to joy. Even in challenging situations, we can choose to rejoice. Joy should be embraced when it arrives suddenly and unexpectedly. Rejoicing stands as a vital imperative in worship. For the people of God, rejoicing is not a mere option.

Click here to see all December Reflections here along with the related videos and bulletins

Scott Uffelman visited the church office  this week and told us an amazing story.  He received a letter from someone asking if Private S Uffelman from the 1st World War was a relative of his.  If so, he had an item that he would like to return and could he send $20.  Although hesitant, Scott felt the letter was authentic and sent the $20. 

Read the rest of the story below!

We want to say a BIG THANK YOU to all who participated in our Christmas Party either as a “worker, contributor, or participant”.  We appreciated your help!  And wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The UCW will meet on January 4, 2024 (yes, 2024) in the Church Parlour at 1:30 pm. Brian Paul from SHOW--Supportive Housing of Waterloo--will speak to us about the work that is done there. Our church has heard about SHOW before, and supports it with one of our special offerings, but it will be good to hear from Brian, who is the Executive Director.

Everyone (not just women) is invited to join us.

Thanks to all who donated to the bake sale and/or First's craft table, to all who helped set up, staff and clean up after the market and of course to all who attended.  This event has netted $3550 for the operating funds of First.

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.

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.

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

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.