Friday February 4th , 2022

 

 

Dear Friends,

Look for Light - Be Light - Share your Light!

 

Lynne

            

   

IN-PERSON SERVICES SUSPENSION AT FIRST

The Board of First United met on January 27th to discuss possible reopening for in person worship. We discussed many deciding factors including the upcoming lifting of some restrictions in the province of Ontario, the effect of isolation on our mental health and that our local hospitals are still overwhelmed between admissions and staff absences due to the ongoing pandemic. After a great deal of discussion, we came to a consensus that we are not ready to resume in person worship at this time and will continue the discussion at our regular Board meeting on February 8. 

 

 

THIS BOLD HOUSE – ASSET MAPPING WORKSHOPS

DATE: Sunday February 6th - Time: 11:45 am – 1:15 pm

OR

DATE: Thursday February 10th - Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm

YOU WILL ONLY NEED TO ATTEND ONE – You will need to register!

Click here for Sunday Registration

Click here for Thursday Registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have a problem with the "Register" Button and it does not seem to respond (a known Zoom issue) I would suggest trying one of the following:

  1. Try on another device (such as a smartphone)
  2. Update your Zoom Client on your computer, laptop, or phone to the latest version
  3. Email firstunitedevents@gmail.com and provide the following information:
    • Your Name
    • Your email address
    • The session you would like to attend: Sunday or Thursday

I will register you and you will be sent a link

Thanks Greg

 

WORSHIP THIS WEEK

 

Sunday February 6th,  2022  -  Rev. Harry Disher

                                    At 10:30 am  -  Worship - Theme ‘Catching’

To join the service please CLICK HERE

At 11:15 am – Bold Church

To join in the discussions please register online at our church website or                send an email to:   firstunitedevents@gmail.com

 

                         

WORDS FROM THE PART-TIME MINISTER OF WORSHIP AND PASTORAL CARE

Faith, Hope, and Love Abide. Truly.

An excerpt from a reflection posted by Diane Butler Bass on January 30, 2022

 

In his book, A Hidden Wholeness, Parker Palmer writes:

“The deeper our faith, the more doubt we must endure; the deeper our hope, the more prone we are to despair; the deeper our love, the more pain its loss will bring these are a few of the paradoxes we must hold as human beings. If we refuse to hold them in the hopes of living without doubt, despair, and pain, we also find ourselves living without faith, hope, and love. . . (W)e are reminded that human nature, like nature herself, can hold opposites together as paradoxes, resulting in a more capacious and generous life.”

This week, if you feel overwhelmed by doubt, despair, or grief, don’t push them aside or deny their presence. Instead, let them guide toward their paradoxical kin. Faith, hope, and love abide. Truly. ~ Diana Butler Bass

 

Perhaps you might find this 10-minute video helpful whenever you are having "one of those desperate days." (CLICK HERE)

 

February 13, 2022 ~ WORSHIP at 10:30 AM ~ This week's theme, What Manner of Man? The Pre-Easter Jesus introduces the topic of Wednesday's Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time group (see below). Basically . . .

Jesus was deeply Jewish. ... Not only was he Jewish by birth and socialization, but he remained a Jew all of his life. His scripture was the Jewish Bible. Jesus did not intend to establish a new religion but saw himself as having a mission within Judaism. He spoke as a Jew to other Jews. His early followers were Jewish. In fact, all of the authors of the New Testament (with the possible exception of the author of Luke-Acts) were Jewish. (p. 53).

Interesting, eh? Our scripture reading comes from 1 Corinthians 15 and our prayers are led by Annette and Gordon Wray. The Children's story is While We Can’t Hug | There are many other ways to show love! Come and be blessed.

 

February 15, 2022 ~ CARING COMMUNITY at 2 PM ~ You are invited to bring a LOVE STORY. It could be about a person or pet or might come from a favourite movie or a beloved book. You might want to share a poem or sing a song. Perhaps you hold lovely memories of one of your grandparents or of a high school crush that you would love to tell us. We are gathering on Zoom. Just CLICK HERE .

 

February 16, 2022 at 1 PM ~ MEETING JESUS AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME. Ever wonder about the person of Jesus?

"Jesus was probably a woodworker (in Greek, tekton). For the most part, buildings were not made of wood in Palestine. Rather, a tekton made wood products: doors, door frames, roof beams, furniture, cabinets, boxes, even yokes, and plows. In terms of social standing, a tekton was at the lower end of the peasant class, more marginalized than a peasant who still owned a small piece of land. We should not think of a tekton as being a step up from a subsistence farmer; rather, a tekton belonged to a family that had lost its land." (p. 61)

Come hear more about Jesus and share your thoughts about him. (CLICK HERE)

 

PASTORAL CARE:  February 17 through to February 22

I am hoping to be able to visit my family in the States (God and Covid willing). I haven't seen them since Christmas 2019! During my time away, please reach out to the Rev Harry Disher (519-860-9198), Sheena in the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201), and/or Mary Joan Brooker for pastoral care needs.

 

VIRTUAL AND TELEPHONE VISITS

All other times, please feel free to call me if you would like to talk. Know that I enjoy our conversations and connections. You are certainly welcome to call with or without a pastoral care need.

Remember you are blessed to be a blessing!

The Rev. Rose Ann Vita

(647-763-0101 and rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com)

 

 

REGIONAL NEWS

Western Ontario Waterways Region of which First United is part is involved in partnering with other denominations in creating the Guided Prayer Network.  This group is expanding their offerings beyond a Week of Guided Prayer, and we are invited to a virtual symposium that will introduce the Guided Prayer Network mission and website. 

The symposium will take place on Wednesday, February 23 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom.  To register, send your email address to contact@guidedprayernetwork.ca. You will receive a confirmation of your registration and a link to the symposium.

 

Blessings,

Harry 

 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER – FEBRUARY 12th, 2022

If you are reading this on Friday February 4th, you still have until 8:00pm on Sunday February 6th , to place your order, and join over 100 other people who have already given us their dinner choices.

Thanks to Angus and DeliWorks staff, Volunteers from First who have helped with preparation and distribution, and All the Families and Friends at First who will be enjoying this delicious dinner soon. 

First United Church & DeliWorks Invite You to Join Us and share the LOVE

First’s Fabulous Food Fundraiser

 

Rustic French Valentine Menu

 Brioche Roll with Butter

Salade César

(Caesar Salad)

Patisserie au Citron avec Baies Fraîche

(Lemon Square with Fresh Berries)

 

Entrée Options

Coq au Vin Blanc

(Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms & Onions in White Wine Sauce)

With Garlic Herbed Mashed Potatoes

Or

Pacific Salmon

With Winter Vegetables and Herbed Couscous

 

Price per person $26.00.  No need to add more for tax or tip as you would in a restaurant.

First United Church is partnering again with DeliWorks for a safe drive-through pick-up dinner to help support the ongoing work of First United Church.


The meals come neatly packaged with instructions. All orders must be prepaid and there is a limit, so order early; you don’t want to be disappointed.

To order please call:             Pauline Williams 519 884-8357
                                             Muriel Omand-Naylor 519-746-2566
NB: Final date for orders is 8:00 pm Sunday Feb 6, 2022

 

Please make cheques payable to First On Stage and drop them in the church mail slot or mail to 16 William St. W., Waterloo, ON N2L 1J3. You can also pay First on Stage by e-transfer using the email: tastyatfirst@gmail.com

Pick up on Saturday Feb 12 is behind the restaurant DeliWorks on Spetz St., near Frederick and Weber.  If you need help to get your payment in or make your pick-up, please let us know when you place your order, and we will assist you. Please be prepared to choose a 5 minute time slot for pick-up beginning at 3:00 p.m. Thanks for joining us and enjoy your meal!!! 

 

Muriel  & Pauline

  

 

ANNUAL MEETING – SUNDAY FEBRUARY 27TH

Save this important date - Our Church Annual General Meeting is on Sunday February 27th -  A time for us to Honour the Past, Recognize the Present, and Look to the Future - A Chance to Learn, Wonder, Discuss, Question and Help Make Decisions Together

Let's get together by Zoom and share smiles!  More information regarding time and Link to follow soon!

 

 

UNITED CHURCH WOMEN

 

Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10:00 AM ~ TEA, MUSIC, FRIENDSHIP ~ A Tri-Regional Zoom Meeting. Link opens at 9:30, music starts at 9:50. Worship by Kathy Douglas, Faith Formation Minister. Programme by the Rev Michael Brooks on "From Despair to Hope: Journeying with Women Hymnologists." There will be time to visit with friends in break out rooms. All women are welcome. (CLICK HERE)

 

Monday, February 14, 2022, at 1:30 PM on Zoom ~ First United Church UCW Meeting ~ Worship: Love & Chocolate led by Edith Coyle, Cathy Saunders, and Betty Vickers-Reid. Bring your cup of tea and a chocolate to enjoy at the meeting. (CLICK HERE)

 

 

BOOK CLUB

Our next Book Club date to get together is Saturday, February 19th . Our book is 'The Book of Longings' written by Sue Monk Kidd. 

"Grounded in meticulous research and written with a reverential approach to Jesus's life that focuses on his humanity, 'The Book of Longings' is an inspiring, unforgettable account of one woman's bold struggle to realize the passion and potential inside her, while living in a time, place and culture devised to silence her."

Wordsworth will be getting copies of our book next week!

All are welcome to join the gathering and discussion!

Lynne

 

 

CHOIR AUXILIARY – NOON HOUR CONCERTS

We are up and running AGAIN!

On Tuesday Feb. 1st, Larry Larson (trumpet) and Lori Gemmell (harp) opened our 44th season with an outstanding concert, which included a world premiere of “Reflections”. What an honour! Normally, this unique duo has to re-write repertoire for their instruments.

Thankfully, on Thursday January 27th, the government announced that consumption of food and beverages would be allowed in concert venues, so this was great news for us, meaning that pre-ordered lunches would be available in Hilliard Hall from 11:30 to be eaten in the sanctuary. Our amazing lunch committee can pivot to take-out should protocols change.

 

Safety protocols remaining in effect:

  • proof of double vaccination (shown once only), 
  • the mandatory wearing of masks at all times, except when eating lunch
  • seating in designated areas only
  • no socializing in the facility

 

Pre-registration and pre-ordering of lunches due by NOON Thursdays at firstunintedconcerts@gmail.com (menu and schedule is on the website under EVENTS)

Exact change only for lunches

 

As you know, donations and proceeds from the lunch sales pay for our wonderful musicians so we are very grateful for and need your support.

 

On Tuesday Feb. 8th, the Stillwater Trio featuring Bruce Skelton (violin), Cathy Anderson (cello) and Joanne Bender (piano) will be performing Piano Trio in G minor Op. 17 by Clara Schumann (1819-1896). Then on Feb. 15th, Jerzy Kaplanek and his ensemble will be preforming amazing jazz.

 

Please refer often to the church’s website under EVENTS for further updates at www.firstunitedchurch.ca

 

Looking forward to seeing you, Sharon Gowland

 

  

WORSHIP IN THE COMING WEEKS

Sunday February 13th, 2022 – Rev. Rose Ann Vita

                                                At 10:30 am  - Theme ‘What Manner of Man? Pre-Easter Jesus’

Sunday February 20th , 2022 – Rev. Harry Disher

                                                At 10:30 am – Theme ‘Measure for Measure’

At 4:00 pm – Happy Hour Church with Communion

 

You can always view the weekly service by going to the webpage each Sunday morning, or you can see previous live streams at firstunitedchurch.ca/live.

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 - Please contact Rev. Rose Ann Vita (647-763-0101) or the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201) or the Rev. Harry Disher (519-860-9198) for Pastoral Care Emergencies.

 

During the week of February 17 through to February 22, 2022 Rev. Rose Ann Vita will be away.  Please contact Rev Harry Disher (519-860-9198), or the office (519-745-8487 ext. 201), and/or Mary Joan Brooker for pastoral care needs.

 

Interested in Membership? Or in knowing more about the United Church of Canada? Just contact Rev. Harry Disher (revharryd@gmail.com) or Rev. Rose Ann Vita (rose.ann.vita2@gmail.com). They will be happy to find a time to have a conversation with you.

 

WAYS TO DONATE TO FIRST UNITED

You can get your offering to the church office in several ways:

  • You can use PAR, or
  • E transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com, or
  • Website donation to www.firstunitedchurch.ca, or
  • Send a cheque to First United Church, 16 William St. West, Waterloo ON N2L1J3, or
  • Drop a cheque into the mailbox located at the Entrance on William St. side.

 

**Just a reminder- credit card companies have a fee of around 3-5%. If you wish the church to get the full amount, then please add that % to your contribution. **

 

STEWARDSHIP/FINANCE

 

Please find the preliminary figures for 2021.  We are still waiting for a couple of numbers that need to be included for this year, but these figures are close.  We are happy that our budgeting came so close to the actual which bodes well for what we are presenting for 2022.

Thank You!

Nancy Lennox

 

 

Month of December

December YTD

YTD Prior Year

General Fund Local

$28,314.62

$208,049.41

$207,148.78

Wage Subsidy Grants

0.00

9,815.18

30,690.14

Other Operations

20,827.08

105,953.69

97,398.92

Mission & Outreach

8,234.25

48,754.37

48,877.00

Total Income

$57,375.95

$372,572.65

$384,114.84

Salaries & Benefits

24,883.29

284,794.61

234,028.68

Other Expenses

4,625.49

97,878.75

96,093.01

Mission & Outreach

8,234.25

48,754.37

48,877.00

Total Expenses

$37,743.03

$431,427.73

               378,998.69

Excess Income/Expenses

$19,632.92

$(58,855.08)

$5,116.15

Capital Income

  5,725.84

168,160.10

53,186.24

Capital Expenses

54.02

160,372.67

58,879.26

Capital Excess Income/Expenses

$5,671.82

$7,787.43

$(5,693.02)

 

 

FRIDAY LETTER

The Friday Letter will continue but will not be produced every Friday.  It will be produced every two weeks.  In the table below are the dates for the Friday Letter.  We are also including the dates when we would like to receive articles for these letters.

DATE OF THE LETTER

DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES TO BE SUBMITTED

Friday February 18th, 2022

Tuesday February 15th, 2022 - end of day

Friday March 4th, 2022

Tuesday March 2nd, 2022 - end of day

Friday March 18th, 2022

Tuesday March 15th, 2022 – end of day

Friday April 1st, 2022

Tuesday March 29th, 2022 – end of day

 

NOTE:  Please send Word documents only for contributions to the Friday Letter.

 

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: What do you think?

These reflection questions were put together by Parkminster United Church to inspire conversations following their Sunday sermons. We thought that people at First United Church might benefit from provocation.

 

WEEK 1: Reflect: Who is in our church, and why do I think they are there? How do I see these people being like me, not like me? What is the difference between welcoming and inviting? List 3 things that make us welcoming. How might we make these things inviting?

 

WEEK 2: Reflect: What does the term “racial justice” mean to me? Why? Have a conversation: Ask this question of someone you know who may think differently from you, OR someone you’ve never spoken to before. Why does the person think the way they think?

 

WEEK 3: Reflect: Am I engaged in the topic of racism? Why or why not? Have a conversation on this question with a trusted friend: With genuine curiosity, keep asking one another, “Why?” to dig deeper.

 

WEEK 4: Reflect: In a concrete way, what might transformation look like for us as a church? Think about your engagement in various spheres in the Parkminster (or First United) community – worship, Sunday School, music, social groups, committees. What changes, if any, do I think we need to make these spheres more inviting, in the deep sense of the word? Who can I talk to about these changes?

 

 

 

 

FAITH CLIMATE JUSTICE (FCJ)

 

Eager Environmentalist - Program for kids aged 10-12 Mondays February 7-28 @4-5pm.  Help the Waterloo Public Library plan their World Water Event.  Work with fellow environmental enthusiasts and plan an event for kids in your community.  Register at wpl.ca 

 

World Water Day - Age 8-12.  March 22  @4-5pm.  Join members of the Eager Environmentalist program (as mentioned above) as they raise awareness for World Water Day.  This virtual event will explore water's important value and how we can work better to protect this valuable resource.  Register at wpl.ca 

 

Celebrate Holi - March 1 at 9:30am.  Holi is a special day to celebrate the arrival of spring, the end of winter and the blossoming of love.  Learn about and celebrate this special Hindi festival.  This virtual event is presented in partnership by the KW multicultural centre as part of the Library Settlement Program.  For more information visit https://www.wpl.ca/play-anytime

 

Celebrate Nowruz- March 1 at 9:30am.  The Persian new year is a celebration of the rebirth of nature and the start of spring. This virtual event is presented in partnership by the KW multicultural centre as part of the Library Settlement Program.  For more information visit https://www.wpl.ca/play-anytime

 

Carbon Fast for Lent -   Lent is a period of reflection and fasting recognized by Christians.  It takes place for the 40 days leading up to the celebration of Easter starting on March 2.  Climate Stewards offers an opportunity to take part in lent with others. This Lent, they are leading a fast to draw near to God and deepen our care for the climate.  Each week will feature a different theme designed to challenge us to take climate action.  To sign up visit the website here.

 

Free Webinar Series called “God, Country, and Climate Change” hosted by the Center for Faith, Justice, and Global Engagement in Houghton College. Starting on Mar. 9.  In addition to some of last year’s favorites (Katharine Hayhoe, Bob Inglis, John Cook, and others), they have 8 new speakers including author Bill McKibben, Native American leader Terry LeBlanc, Kenyan activist Elizabeth Wathuti, theologian Steve Bouma-Prediger and more.   To sign up visit the website here.

 

Planning is taking place right now for March 12 is a Day of Action for a Just Transition. Thomas Fraser (50by30) is looking for people to help organize.   FCJ members are invited to consider if and how they can help out with the planning and organization of the event. A description of some roles and tasks can be found here: Organizer Toolkit.  

 

"Films for the Planet"  has many environmental films and resources to view at your leisure.  To celebrate the lives of faith leaders, Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhist) and Archbishop Desmond Tutu (Christian), this organization has selected a few films on the art of “interbeing” and science of inner peace you might enjoy..

 

STAYING CONNECTED!  Communities and individuals within FCJ are part of many local initiatives. Be sure to send us any events at your faith community (book club, workshop, gardening, clean ups,...etc...). We would love to help spread the good things you are doing. 

 

 

MT SPACE EVENT

 

Dear Everyone at First United,

We would like to invite you to watch our online live theatre presentation of Chelsea’s Story, produced in partnership with Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council and Sexual Assault Support Centre. The performances will be from February 22nd to 26th and will coincide with Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

 

Chelsea’s Story, based on a true story, centres on a group of three students who discover the diary of a 15-year-old girl named Chelsea who is targeted and groomed by a man posing as her boyfriend to be trafficked for sex. Chelsea’s Story was written by Sean McGrath from Alter Ego Creative Solutions in the UK for people as young as 12 to understand what trafficking is and the ways in which those who are vulnerable, particularly girls and young women, tend to be targeted and groomed.

 

All tickets to Chelsea's Story are free and open to the public, and each performance will be accompanied by a talkback facilitated by SASC. We invite you and your group to register at the links below. We have also attached our promotional materials, including our press release, for you to share with your networks.

 

  1.  Tuesday, February 22nd @ 7:00 pm | Register Here [Eventbrite]
  2.  Wednesday, February 23rd @ 7:00 pm | Register Here – Educators [Eventbrite]
  3.  Friday, February 25th @ 7:00 pm | Register Here – English/Arabic Language Options [Eventbrite]
  4. Saturday, February 26th @ 2:00 pm | Register Here – Families [Eventbrite]

 

You can also watch our Chelsea's Story trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA200zzQsAs

 

MT Space is dedicated to theatre that centralizes marginalized voices to address social issues and constitute a vibrant intercultural community. We hope you will be able to join us for this very important conversation as we work together to raise awareness in this community in Waterloo Region.

 

All the best,

 

Köszönettel,

Bó Bárdos
Company Manager, MT Space
phone: +1 519 585 7763
email: bo.bardos@mtspace.ca
16 William Street West

 

 

 Together We Stand, but Apart

 

 

When you have snow, delight the neighbours by building a fantastical sculpture!