Highlights of Our Life and Work |
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Greetings!
Here’s the latest news from our Community of Faith.
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Scroll down to find information on.... |
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News From Wider Church and Community |
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Are you seeing all our announcements? |
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. |
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Join us as we continue to celebrate Easter and what it means to live as Easter people. We will bid a sad and joyful farewell to our beloved Music Director & Video producer, Denice Grant, and explore how we can trust in resurrection - just like faithful Thomas!
Scripture: John 20: 19-22, 24-29
NEXT Sunday, we look forward to beginning our new series - The Theological Banquet (see below) - as we are joined by a very special guest, the Rev. Donna Dinsmore!
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(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. Since the congregational meeting more and more people are joining in. It's so nice to see the familiar faces!!!!
Here's how to join us:
Click here to join us via zoom video on your computer.
Or join us for Coffee Hour by Telephone - just like the old party lines!
Three simple steps:
Dial 778 907 2071
Enter Meeting ID: 889 2198 7192, then press the # key
Enter the Passcode: 382024 + #key
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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!
Join us on Zoom:
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Your presence is requested at the THEOLOGICAL BANQUET
This five week evening series is open to everyone in the congregation and begins Tuesday, April 20, 7:00-8:30 pm on Zoom.
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What is the THEOLOGICAL BANQUET? It's an amazing study created by United Church folks in Pacific Mountain Region. Through engaging videos, and guided by an effective participant’s package which will be provided, we will learn how different ways of living our faith, shape and strengthen our congregation. The videos average about 25 minutes and, while it is recommended to watch each video ahead of the Tuesday session, there is no lengthy reading or extensive homework involved.
We all belong. Your own lived faith may lean towards the evangelical, ecclesial, missional, ecumenical, or spiritual. What does this even mean??!! Find out at the THEOLOGICAL BANQUET.
More information is available here. View the trailer here. Handouts will be provided to all registrants before the Banquet begins, as well as a link to the five videos which can be viewed individually ahead of each Tuesday session.
Registration deadline is Thursday, April 15
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A Rocha is presenting a Zoom event Urban Gardening 101 on Thursday, April 15, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. You'll be given tips on growing nutritious food on your windowsill, balcony or patio. Register by April 12th - or call 604 531-9400 Ext. 219.
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From Ministry and Personnel:
Farewell to Denice Grant, who is leaving for Brazil to be closer to her family. Their gain is our loss.
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Our congregation owes a huge amount of appreciation for Denice's contribution to our church life. The choir members sing her praises :)
We know that music is an essential part of our church worship life, but Denice has brought so much more. She ministered to the choir members as much as she taught musical skills. Not only did she raise the skill level of existing choir members (their words) but sought out people in the pews and encouraged them to join.
It was our good fortune to have Denice’s production skills along with others. They have added so much to our Worship services. I don’t think most of us have any idea how many hours it takes or the multitude of skills that are applied in the production of Sunday morning services. Denice deserves a huge amount of credit and she has shared her skills with others.
Denice’s gifts and contributions to our congregation will always be remembered. We wish Denice all the best in her new adventure, she has imprinted our hearts and minds with her loving and giving personality.
Maria Booth
Convener, Ministry and Personnel
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Shelter news, thanks and hopes for the future. |
The Temporary Shelter very kindly hosted by Peace Portal Alliance Church closed March 31st.
Generous donations of clothing, food, toiletries, funds and your prayers have been appreciated by the many guests who were welcomed each night to the Shelter by Options staff. Thanks to the many volunteers including Donna Roy, Pat Young, Cheryl Lightowlers, Pat Heslop, Kathy Booth and many others from Peace Portal and the community who assisted in a variety of ways. We know our vulnerable neighbours continue to need a safe place of refuge even when the weather improves. There is a vision for a 24/7 Shelter next fall where more services can be offered. Currently White Rock Mayor Walker has initiated conversations about an “At Risk and Vulnerable Population Task Force” with Cheryl Lightowlers, Kathy Booth and other stakeholders on the Peninsula. Your prayers, questions and offers of assistance are most welcome.
(Kathy- 604-535-0723; Cheryl- 604-538-7366)
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UCW PMUCW Annual Meeting Save the date! |
More information to come. |
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An invitation to Online Worship Services with SABEEL from Jerusalem during Lent |
Sabeel Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem is one of the Mission and Service global partners of the United Church of Canada.
You can click on the blue highlighted text to register on Zoom to participate in any one of the services.
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Progress Report
Great weather and progress on the redevelopment of our Semiahmoo site.
Thank you to Bill Lightowlers for the amazing PDF documenting the construction progression from December 2020 to today! You can take a look here
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Thank you Gord Lapthorne for the update photos below! |
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It’s such good news that many Seniors in our community and congregation have already received their first Covid-19 vaccine. Folks in their 70’s are now booking appointments and receiving their first jab. If you were born in 1945 or earlier and have not received your immunization, you can book your appointment by visiting fraserhealth.ca/vaccinebooking; or by calling 1-855-755-2455
In the meantime, let’s keep up the good work of protecting one another by washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, staying physically distant from people outside our bubble, and wearing a mask in public indoor spaces.
May these words from Laura Kelly Fanucci written in April 2020 help us persevere and remain open to God’s love and transformation
“When this is over,
may we never again take for granted;
A handshake with a stranger, Full shelves at the store,
Conversations with neighbors,
A crowded theater, Friday night out,
The taste of communion, A routine checkup,
The school rush each morning, Coffee with a friend,
The stadium roaring, Each deep breath! A boring Tuesday. Life itself.
When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be,
we were called to be,
we hope to be,
and may we stay that way — better for each other because of the worst.”
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Signs of Hope and New Life
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.
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Photos: Fred and Evelyn Dobson |
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#1 - 1381 George St.
White Rock, BC
V4B 2L1
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ThirdSpace Conversation Café
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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!
To Join:
Online Via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
Dial In:
Dial: 778 907 2071
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
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ThirdSpace Virtual Drop-In Café - Online
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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
Or Dial by Phone:
Dial: 778 907 2071 Canada
Meeting ID: 999 4167 9678
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News from Affirming Ministry |
It’s great when we can just celebrate other people’s happiness, as in this story about a high-flying proposal. Read it here!
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Centering Prayer Coffee and Conversation |
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Tuesdays at 8 am
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.
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Click here for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time.
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News from the Wider Church & Community |
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“The opposite of addiction is connection” to self and others. The following resources provide pathways to connections for recovery:
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A Message from First United Church Community Ministry Society |
Easter greetings this morning !
Around the world, traditions are underway: religious services, Easter egg hunts, gathering with family and loved ones. For those that observe Easter, today is for celebration.
Jesus has risen; this brings us hope, transformation, joy, and new beginnings.
As Director of Community Ministry at First United, this is what I want for those we stand with in the Downtown Eastside. My vision for our ministry is to pursue justice for all.
I invite you to add this to your Easter traditions: the pursuit of justice.
As we rejoice and celebrate rebirth, let’s consider those who continue to face oppression and inequities.
As we tell the story of the resurrection, let’s speak of the ongoing overdose crisis that’s leading to countless individuals resurrecting through reversed overdoses…and tragically, the ones who cannot be revived.
As we tell the story of Jesus’s life, death, and rising, let’s identify ways to decolonize that story, the bible, and ourselves.
As we reflect on the violence that Christ faced, let’s remember those in our society today who face similar state violence, and rally for accountability.
This isn’t to dampen our love and joy during Easter. Justice is about broadening who and how we love. Whatever your faith—or if you don’t have faith—I hope you’ll stand with us at First United and show your love for the Downtown Eastside community.
Easter blessings and thank you for being a part of the First United community,
Dr. Cheryl Bear
Nadleh Whut’en First Nation
Director of Community Ministry
Over Easter weekend, we need to raise $25,000 to provide survival-supports, spiritual-care, and advocacy in the Downtown Eastside. Donate today and directly impact the frontline work that saves lives and supports justice.
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Naramata Centre - Summer Programs!
Have you already made safe plans for your summer vacation? If not, Naramata Centre will be offering programs and accommodation for all ages this summer (within Covid restrictions at the time).
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Surrey Hospice Society Presents |
Embracing Your Death in Life Series With Special Guest Stephen Garrett
Starts April 15
Series 1: April 15th 2021 7:00 PM - Are You All Ready to Go?
Series 2: April 29th 2021 7:00 PM - Creating Personal Rituals that Work
Series 3: May 13th 2021 7:00 PM - The Unique Art of Grief
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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.
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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
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Weekly bulletin announcements must be in the office by 10 am on Wednesdays.
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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:
Nikkie Ripka (Administrative Assistant):
ThirdSpace Office: 604-385-0822
Click here for information about access to office and church buildings during COVID-19 restrictions.
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15639 24th Avenue,
Surrey, BC V4A 2J6
604-531-2979
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