Let our Earth be peaceful, Let our hearts be hopeful.
What else might you want to add into life in 2021?
Here's to new possibilities and beginnings!
How might you help these happen?
Love wins out!
Where might you help love grow?
Lynne
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CHURCH CLOSED:
Due to the Ontario Lockdown which became effective December 26, 2020. The Church will be closed, except to assigned staff/personnel.
If you have church givings and/or 2021 Pledge Forms, please during this period, drop off your envelope in the church mailbox, located at the William Street entrance.
Phone messages, mail and emails will be checked daily.
We appreciate your understanding and patience during this period.
SheenaCurwood Church Administrator
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Happy New Year and Thanks
I wanted to wish all of you all the best in this new year and to express thanks for this opportunity to walk with you for these last three months. As Minister of Pastoral Care I found it very meaningful to connect with many of you. Most of my activity occurred by phone, email or Zoom, but this in no way diminished the human contact.
We often speak of "virtual" meetings so I looked up the meaning of this word online. Part of the definition is: "The adjective virtual is used to describe something that exists in essence but not in actuality." Well, I'm not sure if I even know what that means. I now wonder if it is really the correct word to use because I am certain that all of you do, in fact, exist both in essence and actuality. And I also want to assure those who have not met me in person that neither was I computer generated. So, maybe we can simply say that technology has greatly expanded the way by which we can be "actually", though not always physically, present with one another. We live in amazing and challenging times.
In any event, I do wish you well as you enter a new year together as First United Church faith community. I thank you for accepting me into this community and I deeply appreciate our brief time together. I found and felt you to be very thorough in your thoughtful and caring ministry.
Be well. Be safe. And may we be blessed in the gift and the adventure of this new year.
Bruce Sweet
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The Rev. Rose Ann Vita
We are pleased to welcome the Rev. Rose Ann Vita as she joins us to be our part-time minister of Worship and Pastoral Care starting January 1, 2021.
We look forward to Rose Ann’s first church service “among us” on Sunday, January 10.
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Online Ministry Support
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the Online Ministry Fund. Currently we have raised $18,640 of approximately $24 000 needed.
These initial funds will allow us to purchase the equipment to record our online services now and livestream when we are back to in-person worship.
The equipment can also be used to enhance our music programs and concerts by allowing us to stream events such as Noon Hour Concerts, even if we can't meet in person. In fact, First United has been given the opportunity to facilitate a sponsorship from the Musicians' Union to cover the cost of a technician and musicians for the 2021 Noon Hour Concert season if we can livestream these concerts.
I encourage you to give to the Online Ministry Fund to allow this growth of our worship and music programs.
Please send a cheque to the church office or an e-transfer to firstunitedchurch@rogers.com indicating it is for the Online Ministry Fund.
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Worship in Coming Weeks
Sunday, January 3, 2021 –10:30 a.m. Rev. Harry Disher Sunday, January 10, 2021 –10:30 a.m. Rev. Rose Ann Vita
The ways you can join: You can go tofirstunitedchurch.cafor the service, First United Facebook page, or First United Youtube Channel.
If you would be interested in leading a worship service or in participating in some way please let me know atgregjcase@gmail.com.
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.
For Pastoral Care needs please email the church (office@firstunitedchurch.ca). For our Minister of Pastoral Care – on December 31, call Bruce Sweet 519-579-8483 (home) or 519-580-3899 (cell).
Beginning on January 1, call Rose Ann Vita 647-763-0101 (cell) orrose.ann.vita@gmail.com(email).
Rev. Harry Disher’s contact info – 519-860-9198 (cell) orrevharryd@gmail.com
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Stewardship/Finance Update
To get your offering to the office you can use PAR, e transfer tofirstunitedchurch@rogers.com, website donationwww.firstunitedchurch.caor send a cheque. Cheques 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.
Church Offering Envelopes for 2021
In preparation for the coming year. Please contact the office 519-745-8487 Ext201 oroffice@firstunitedchurch.caas soon as possible if you would like 2021 Offering Envelopes.
Thank you,Sheena
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We made a list. Please check it twice!
Preparation of the Annual Report All groups and committees preparing information for the Annual Meeting on February 21, 2021, are reminded of the following timelines: Tuesday January 12, 2021 All written reports are to be sent electronically to the church office. office@firstunitedchurch.ca
Please submit Financial reports to treasurer, Andy Yuan lyxyuan@yahoo.com
