May 1, 2020

Greetings to the faithful community of First United Church,
 
I hope this email finds you all well in body, soul and spirit. 
 
As we navigate through our days and weeks many of us are looking for new rituals that help us shape our days and celebrate the things that are important to us. I am thrilled that some of the people that have participated in our weekly prayer gatherings on zoom, will be continuing to facilitate this deeply nourishing practice as we move forward with a significant decrease in ministerial support. 
 
My position at First is half time and I will be primarily focusing on preparing the Sunday worship services. I am delighted to have the involvement of the congregation in the preparation and participation of the services. We have had folks sharing their music, creating slideshows, writing prayers and hymns. I am always happy to see Greg's welcoming face at the beginning of our service. 
 
This Sunday, May 3rd, on the theme of shaping our communities to reflect the care of the earth and its people, we have Shirley Irish, Lauren, Madeleine and Heather Galt collaborating in the creation of our Prayers of the People. 
 
Next Sunday, May 10th we will be celebrating Christian Family Sunday. If you would like to participate, please send in photographs of people/animals that are a part of your family. I would define family as the people who are important to you. They may be pictures from your past or your present. You may take a picture of your photograph, use a scanner (some of the newer phones may have scanners on them) or send them from your phone. Please send them to firstunitedevents@gmail.com, instead of the office by Tuesday May 5th.  If you would like to help put the slideshow of photographs together for future services please email me at evajmezo@gmail.com
 
 
If you haven't notified Greg about your intention to attend the Messy Church gathering tomorrow, on May 2nd then please do so now.  Requests for Messy Church should be sent to firstunidedevents@gmail.com.  I look forward to seeing you there!
 
Please continue to check the website for the most up to date information about our weekly gatherings. 
 
May God's light guide your day,
 
Eva