Greetings to our First United Church family

I hope you are all well. 

We have had a challenging week as a nation as we grieve the lives that were taken in Nova Scotia. There is so much to process these days and make sense of, that in hearing about what happened last week, I have no words. I simply grieve. I grieve the lives that have abruptly come to an end, innocence lost, trust that has been broken. The words of Anne Morrow Lindbergh come to mind, who also had suffered a great loss, "It isn't for the moment you are struck that you need courage, but for the long uphill climb back to sanity and faith and security." May it be so for those who mourn.

This is Kellie's last week with us at First. It carries for me many of the aspects found in the biblical story of the road to Emmaus, which is the scripture for this Sunday. Just as the disciples were sad, we too are sad. But we also trust that we are a part of something larger than our sadness. Kellie's time with us has shaped us and provided us with opportunities to grow and explore as a people of faith. Even though her role as Minister in our midst is coming to an end, all of the ways in which we have flourished in the presence of her guidance continue to find opportunities to grow wings and take flight. I encourage you, if you haven't already to take some time in the next little while to reach out to Kellie through email, a letter, or a phone call. I know that we plan to formally say good bye when we are able to meet as a congregation, some time in the future, but for some of us there is no time like the present to share what is in our heart.

Be sure to check the website for details about our prayer meetings this week and the upcoming Messy Church service.

May God's love shine upon you,

Eva


REMINDER..... please send pictures today of you out walking to firstunitedevents@gmail.com


MESSY CHURCH
Join us for First United’s first ever............Zoom Messy Church

4:30pm - 6 pm  MAY 2, 2020 is MESSY CHURCH’S 10th Birthday!!!
We hope you will be there to celebrate with us!!!

Here are some supplies that you might need to collect this week.  If you don’t have them all, that’s okay. 
FOOD
Hot dogs and plain cake or cupcake, icing and decorations and a birthday candle


RECYCLE
Cardboard - cereal box will work, toilet paper roll


CRAFT SUPPLIES
yarn, glitter, coloured paper, white paper, Paint, markers, crayons, scissors, glue or tape, macaroni noodles

Please let us know if you are joining us by emailing firstunitedevents@gmail.com

Broadview Renewal
Thank you to everyone who responded to the request.  I will be submitting the renewal on Monday April 27th.

Contribute Now
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.