During these times when many parts of life can seem overwhelming, it is easier to slide down into feeling a strong sense of scarcity. That rabbit hole isn’t one I enjoy falling into or remaining in. It might take some time, chatting with a friend or talking with God to open my eyes and my heart to realities but …
Abundance is all around us if we take time to notice and nourish the small things in life.- author unknown
Nature shares its abundance of colour and beauty. Friends and family share their abundance of caring. Neighbours share smiles as they walk by at a safe distance from one another. Birds and crickets share their music. Where do you find abundance and how do you share yours?
Blessings, Lynne
*PS - On Wed.Aug. 12, * Important reading*- Intentional Interim Ministry Update sent by email. Thanks to the Transition Team for all their faith filled work!*
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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.
First United Waterloo is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Coffee Time Time: Aug 16, 2020 11:15 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
August 16 – Led by First United – Cathie Stewart Savage and Kathleen King-Martin August 23 – Led by First United Church - Kathleen King-Martin August 30 – Led by First United Church September 6 - Eva Mezo with Kathleen King-Martin
If you would be interested in leading a worship service or in participating in some way please let me know at gregjcase@gmail.com.
Pastoral Care during the summer: Aug 1-15 Rev. Joe Gasper, Parkminster United Church, 519-885-0935 Ext 23, revjoegasper.parkminster@gmail.com
Aug 16-30 Rev. Jenn Hind-Urquhart, Emmanuel United Church, 519-635-2184 pastorjenn11@gmail.com
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Stewardship/Finance Update:
There are concerns about our financial situation with all the upheaval that we have been going through. We are here to let you know that we are where we normally are at this time of the year. Summer is never a good place for us financially and this year is no exception.
However, we were expecting to be in a lot bigger hole than we are. Compared to last year at this time there is only a $3,000 difference. Both revenue and expenses decreased over $30,000 from last year. We are proud to say we have managed to keep all our staff working (with help from the Government’s wage subsidy plan). We are up-to-date on our assessment payments to the United Church of Canada as well as our Mission & Service payments and our loan payments to the Extension Council for our mold abatement problem (resiliency fund).
Our total income in July was actually $1500 higher than it was July 2019. Due to grants we applied for and received, we were able to get approximately $25,000 of repair work done on the boiler system which we really needed to complete. There is no question that we will have some challenges ahead, as a change in ministry always signals, but with your continued support and concern I feel God’s call is with us and will see us through. Nancy Lennox & Andy Yuan
July
Year to Date
General Fund Local
$14,223.00
$110,886.26
Wage Subsidy Grant
622.93
3,451.08
Other Operations
2,452.91
43,555.50
Mission & Outreach
3,839.00
27,621.00
TOTAL INCOME
21,137.84
185,513.84
TOTAL EXPENSES
24,980.60
226,104.75
EXCESS INCOME\EXPENSES
($3,842.76)
($40,590.91)
Capital Income
235.00
46,233.22
Capital Expenses
23,007.65
54,307.52
CAPITAL EXCESS INC\EXP
($22,772.65)
($8,074.30)
To get your offering to the office you can use PAR, e transfer, website donationwww.firstunitedchurch.caor send a cheque. Checks 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.
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Church School Coordinator - Emmanuel United Church, Waterloo
With the departure of our church school coordinator, we are looking for a new individual to serve in this role. We are looking for someone with an outgoing and co-operative personality who has great organizational and leadership skills. The successful applicant will be flexible and have experience working with children of various ages who have a variety of needs. Please send your application to amandabroderick@rogers.comby August 18, 2020
