Highlights of Our Life and Work
June 4, 2021
Greetings!

Here’s the latest news from our Community of Faith.
Are you seeing all our announcements?
Scroll down to find information on Sunday Online Worship, Highlights, ThirdSpace News, More News
News from the Wider Church and Community, and Reminders.

If the email has been clipped you will see a view entire message” link at the bottom of your email. Just click on this link and it will open up a window where you will see all the announcements.
Worship this Week
Called to Transformation:
Sunday Worship Online - June 6, 2021
What does is it mean to be “born again” especially in this time of plurality and decolonizing the faith? Join us as we reflect on Jesus’ call to transformation in our time. We will lament the discovery of 215 undocumented burials of children at the Kamloops Residential School, and wrestle with how we can be “born anew” in response. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Communion so you are invited to prepare some bread and juice so you can participate.

The Worship video is also available from our website.
Please join us for Sunday Coffee Hour
(11 am Sunday Morning)
Please continue joining us for coffee time after church. You can join by Zoom or by telephone. We meet all together and then move into break-out rooms of four or five people.

The Stairwell Singers will help us celebrate the June birthdays during Zoom coffee on June 6, 2021! If you can, bring a piece of cake and a candle to the Zoom Room.

Here's how to join us:
Click here to join us via zoom video on your computer.
Need Help getting connected to Zoom? Click here.
Highlights
Staff Update
Rev. Janice is on vacation and will return on June 8.
Next Sunday! - June 13, 2021 - 10am
Celebration of Ministry & Worship with the Pacific Mountain Region (instead of PUC video worship). We will be united across BC and Yukon in celebration, worship and praise, with distinguished guest preacher: Nadia Bolz-Weber
Re-opening Plan
Provincial Medical Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has announced that effective immediately, a limited number of people (50) may meet for in person worship. For this initial opening, expected but stringent safety precautions would be in place such as pre-registration, wearing of masks throughout the service, no singing, limited movement and very little social interaction.
 
At PUC we long to be together again, provided we can do so safely. The Covid Safety Team, along with the Worship Committee and the Strategic Leadership Committee is working hard to develop a re-opening plan that will fulfill the needs of our worshipping community. In the meantime, continue to enjoy our pre-recorded worship services and our Zoom Coffee Hour on Sundays at 11 A.M.
Birthdays are a wonderful reason to celebrate and call someone to have a chat!
With your permission we are gathering first names only along with your month of birth, so that our community can celebrate 12 times a year bringing to mind these special days!
 
Please send your information to Janice Lesley at [email protected] or call 604-812-2159.
On Sunday, June 6 the June birthdays will be celebrated on zoom during coffee hour.
Peninsula UC is looking forward to welcoming an Eritrean refugee family. 
This is a 1 year family unification sponsorship. Currently, Mom, Dad and 3 elementary aged children are in Addis Ababa waiting for paperwork to be completed and tickets issued. There is not yet a time frame for arrival, however there is much to do beforehand and we hope to keep you informed through weekly updates.
 
At the moment these areas are the main focus:
 
Finances: We will be moving soon into fundraising, so stay tuned.
 
Housing: We will be investigating housing in north Surrey, hopefully close to relatives.
In addition, we are working to identify Team Leaders for the different areas of responsibility.

Furniture and Housewares: We are collecting suitable donations (including size and condition) of furniture and household items . If you can assist with transferring goods for storage, even if only occasionally; have goods to donate; would like to help; or if you have questions, please contact Pat Young at [email protected].
 
Thank-you for your interest and support.
 
Janet McIntosh, Jo-anne Tobey-Fisher 
Refugee Project Co-chairs
Financial Snapshot for 4 months ending April 2021:
financial_accounting.jpg
YTD offerings of $84,057 were below budget by $7,610 and down from the same period in 2020 by $1,516.

$18,175 in Federal Wage subsidy grants were received to the end of April.
Total YTD expenses of $171,202 were $10,000 below budget.

Thank you for your continued support of Peninsula United and its ministries.

Letter of the Faithful
Nature, environment, universe, creation: What do these words mean to you?  
 
Join Peter Jones for an evening of sharing stories and deepening our theological understanding of Creation. Our discussion will be input to the Letter of the Faithful project of the ecumenical initiative, For the Love of Creation. Learn more
 
Our evening conversation will be on ZOOM from 7:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday, June 15. To register: contact Peter Jones at [email protected]
 
Everyone is welcome regardless of their knowledge and experience. Questions will be provided in advance, and some personal reflection and pre-reading will be recommended. Bring a Bible!
Progress report on the Semiahmoo site of Peninsula United Church
These pictures from Gord Lapthorne show that the first level or the Semiahmoo site redevelopment is almost complete.
Living Celebration of Mary Fran Bateman
As many of you know, we have been sending prayers for Mary Fran, our co-chair of Worship, since she was diagnosed with cancer.
 
Although she is still receiving treatment, Mary Fran and her family have decided to plan a small celebration of her life.
 
Since we know many in her church family would like to be remembered to Mary Fran, you are encouraged to write to her
to share your thoughts and memories. You may have already done this, but please consider sending another message.
 
She, along with her family will be able to enjoy and cherish them in the days ahead. 
Please include your email and phone number.
 
These cards and messages can be put in the mailbox at the home of Peter and Victoria Jones, 2570 Cedar Drive, by
Saturday, June 5th, so they can be delivered June 6th.
 
Alternatively, please send your message by email to
We will print out your note and include it in our PUC gift bag of loving messages.
“Savor Summer" Series - Offered by Marilyn Hahn
(*Please note changes to times for workshops*)
We invite you to join Marilyn Hahn and like-minded hearts for weekly art talk workshops to inspire a summer of creativity, connection, and healing.  

Topics include:
  • Your Home, a Source of Healing: 4 Tuesdays, 10am - 12pm, starting June 8
  • In Search of Deep Soul: 4 Wednesdays, 6pm - 8pm, starting June 9
  • Love is Already Here to Help You: 4 Thursdays, 10am - 12pm, June 10
  • My Soul, My Purpose: 4 Fridays, 6 - 8pm, June 11
There is a creativity component to each session, which requires simple drawing/coloring materials, as well as conversation, reflection, journaling, etc. 
 
NO ART EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED!
Just trust in the process, trust me, and trust your power of curiosity.  
 
Payment is by donation. 
Sessions are on Zoom and are limited to 8 participants. Supplies list will be emailed before each session.
Contact Marilyn Hahn for more information.

Sponsored by:
We need your support for Harmony
There is the possibility of affordable and inclusive housing in South Surrey.
This project of a 91 home, 6 story, affordable rental housing needs letter writing support. 
Surrey council is not showing enthusiasm for providing this type of housing for essential workers, seniors, families, people with disabilities.
Click on this link to learn why support for this project will be life changing. 
COVID vaccinations – to get one or not is a subject that can trigger emotional disagreements.

What do you say and do if a friend or family member tells you that they will not get the Covid 19 vaccination? Maybe you do not want to receive the vaccine. How can we respond most effectively when we disagree? Can we be compassionate in such a situation? 
 
YES, we can! 

We would like to offer a 1 1/2 hour Compassionate Listening Practice Session to help us move beyond fear, assumptions and judgements to deeper understanding and compassion.    
 
Cathy Merchant, Certified Compassionate Listening Facilitator will help us learn and practice a more compassionate way of responding to those who have differing opinions on this emotionally charged subject.    
 
Please contact Kathy Booth if you are interested in attending this zoom gathering which we anticipate will be held in the second half of June. Contact Kathy Booth at [email protected] or phone- 604-535-0723
Bear’s Breeches, Shaving Brush, Jewel, Mouse
These are the common names of some of the many perennials or tropical plants that Merv Lutes would like to give away. His garden is overgrown and the greenhouse is full. Can you provide a new home for a few - or many?! Contact Merv at 604-535-5183 or email: [email protected].
 


Wednesday Weeders - A small group of helpers have been giving the Lutes’s garden a spring haircut.
Come to Camp Spirit at Peninsula United Church!

Tues. August 3 to Fri. August 6 9am to 3pm
Camp Spirit continues your Child's journey of Wonder - encouraging campers to explore faith through listening and experiencing the sacred stories, enjoy times of creativity and science, move to music, share a meal together and appreciate getting to know one another! Trained, screened staff & volunteers provide leadership and care while following health orders and camp's comprehensive COVID-19 protocols.

Day Camp for Children 5-11 years! Leader In Training Program for
Youth 12-14 years!
Signs of Hope and New Life 

What signs of hope and new life are you seeing? Send us your photos: [email protected].  
 
When sending pictures for inclusion in the weekly email or the worship video, the images work best if they are a minimum of 1000 pixels.
A Prairie Memory - Yellow Lady’s Slipper Orchids. - from Merv Lutes

#1 - 1381 George St. 
White Rock, BC 
V4B 2L1
ThirdSpace Conversation Café
Join Rev. Bruce for our weekly Thirdspace Conversation Café...
Every Wednesday at 10:30 - 11:30am VIA ZOOM!
 
Join us for a gently facilitated conversation! 
Check ourthirdspace.com for upcoming topics.

To Join:
Online Via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
Password: Please contact us at [email protected] for password
 
Dial In:
Dial: 778 907 2071
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
Password: Please contact us at [email protected] for password
 
For further information click here!
ThirdSpace Virtual Drop-In Café - Online
Due to current BC Government restrictions on gatherings, our Drop-In is temporarily back online.

Friday morning 10am - 11am, grab your java and join us from the warmth and comfort of your own home!
 
How to join us:
Virtually Via Zoom: 
Meeting ID: 999 4167 9678 
Passcode: Please contact us at [email protected] 
 
Or Dial by Phone:
Dial: 778 907 2071 Canada
Meeting ID: 999 4167 9678
Passcode: Please contact us at [email protected]
More News
News from Affirming Ministry
Toronto Catholic schools will raise the Pride Flag this June for the first time. Meanwhile the Halton Catholic School District board is refusing to fly it in spite of pushback from students and teachers.
Stewardship Seconds
June 6: Second Sunday after Pentecost

Even when we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and guides us in our actions
Tuesdays at 7:30am on Zoom
  
We are a small group of 4-12 people who gather for 20 minutes of contemplative, silent prayer,
followed by coffee and conversation. 
 
Due to increased numbers of Covid 19 infections in the Fraser Health area, we have resumed praying in our individual homes on Tuesday mornings followed by zoom coffee at 8 am. Join us here. 
 
For more information contact Rev. Janice Young:
 
When our Health Officer permits, we will begin meeting in person on the first Tuesday of the month in the sanctuary at the Crescent site to pray in silence and then visit. 
 
To learn more about Centering Prayer watch this 8 minute introduction video by Thomas Keating.


Click here for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time.

News from the Wider Church & Community
United Church of Canada E-ssentials Newsletter
Awards for Broadview Magazine, Preparing for Retirement Webinar, United Church Face Masks, and more. Read the newsletter here.
Read the Online Together Newsletter to see what's happening in the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada during Covid-19 physical distancing measures.
Reminders!
Prayer Ministry Requests
During the Coronavirus Pandemic, since we are no longer placing written requests in the sanctuary Prayer Box, members and adherents can submit prayer requests to Louise Bureau or Olive Lee by email or phone. 

You can find our contact information in the church directory. If phoning in a request, please phone before 8 PM. You may also submit requests through our ministers. Thank-you. It is our privilege to serve you through our prayer ministry.
Your Ministers are Here for you!
Although Janice and Bruce cannot do home visits at this time, they are happy to speak with you by phone, especially if you are struggling with anxiety, health or family crises. 
 
Janice: 604-531-2979 ext.2 or 778-980-8310
 
Bruce: 604-531-2979 ext.3 or 604-992-9183 
Announcements Deadline
Weekly bulletin announcements must be in the office by 10 am on Wednesdays. 

Email to [email protected] or call 604-531-2979.
Office Closed but Staff is on the job!
The office and ThirdSpace will be closed for the foreseeable future but all our staff are available by phone and email.
 
Peninsula UC Office:
Joanne Feuer (Office Administrator): [email protected]  778-984-7768
Nikkie Ripka (Administrative Assistant):
[email protected]  604-531-2979
 
ThirdSpace Office: 604-385-0822 
 
Click here for information about access to office and church buildings during COVID-19 restrictions.

15639 24th Avenue,
Surrey, BC V4A 2J6
604-531-2979