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Highlights of Our Life and Work
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The office is now in summer mode which means shorter working days for Joanne and Beth, our dedicated and hard-working office staff, So we have returned to one email per week. Please continue to send in your photos, prayer requests and uplifting messages to share with the congregation. They will be included in the Friday emails.
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Deadlines for Announcements
Please email announcements to [email protected] or call 604-531-2979 and we will include them our weekly email. During the months of July and August we will be sending out one email per week. The deadline for the Friday email is Wednesday before noon. |
Sunday Worship Online :
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Bread and Fish, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville,TN. |
August 2, 2020
Join us as we hear the story of the feeding of the 5000 and celebrate communion separately in our own homes and yet together through the Spirit of Love which unites us. Bring a bun and juice (or substitute) to your worship place when you join our on-line worship.
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Scripture Reading:
Matthew 6: 5-8 and Matthew 14: 13-23a
Hymns from Voices United (VU)
are:
588;
501;
456; 483
Hymns from More Voices (MV) are:
194;
20;
84; 77
Invitation to practice Centering Prayer
Throughout August, Rev. Janice invites you to join her and others from the Centering Prayer group as we pray in silence in our own homes. Janice will be praying for 20 minutes each day at 7:30 am and again at 4:30 pm. For those who wake in the middle of the night, Don Galloway invites you to join him at 3:00 am. If 20 minutes is too long for you, try 5 minutes whenever you can.
Janice will be describing the Centering Prayer method in our on-line worship this week. For a one page introduction to Centering Prayer click here
You are welcome to join the Centering Prayer Zoom group on Tuesdays at 8 am for 10 minutes of Centering Prayer teaching and discussion followed by more casual conversation :
or Call us by phone
- Call 778-907-2071
- Enter meeting ID: 869 3902 7236
- Then enter password: 6882
Scripture Reading, Hymns, Short Introduction to Centering Prayer and colouring pages for download -
Click here to download.
Want to participate using your own TV instead of a computer, and enjoy the service on a larger screen?
Invite your friends and family members to worship with us from the comfort of their own home at a time that works for them.
We hope you can join us for our after Worship Virtual Coffee Sunday at 11:00 am.
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(11 am Sunday Morning)
Join with new and long-time friends in our Virtual Coffee Hour at 11am on Sunday. We meet altogether using Zoom and then move into break-out rooms of four or five people.
There's always room in Zoom! Come and give it a try.
Don't forget you can join us by phone! Here's how:
- Call 778-907-2071
- Enter meeting ID: 893 1783 8813
- Then enter password: 2979
Click here
to join us via zoom video on your computer.
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Nancy Painter,
a newer member of our congregation recommends the Zoom Coffee Hour
I've found the Zoom coffee hour even better for meeting people
than the real ones were. In person, we tend to stick with the people we know, but when we go into the breakout groups in the Zoom version, we're randomly assigned and get to meet lots of people. In addition, we go into the groups with a question to discuss (which we may or may not get to!), but it removes the awkwardness of starting a conversation with someone you don't yet know. And everyone's name is on their video feed, like a built-in nametag. I miss seeing people in person, but this has been an unexpected bonus of having our coffee conversations on Zoom.
Nancy Painter
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Cafe Church: Al Fresco
We had a wonderful turnout for our second
Cafe Church: Al Frecso on July 26! It was such a blessing to be able to come together in a
physically distant and safe manner.
Our next Cafe Church will be at
Kwomais Point Park:
August 16
at
1pm
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If you would like to join or volunteer or just get more information you
NEED to
RSVP to Robyn
ASAP.
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Your Generous Gifts are More Important than Ever
As we know, God's work is never done. Our ministries continue during the week, over months and years. It is immeasurable and powerful how it touches people even when we don't see them face to face.
We deeply appreciate your continuing, faithful gifts at this time.
Click here
for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time.
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"That All May Be One" - TAMBO Project Information
Our on-line Worship on Aug. 9 and Aug. 16 will focus on the responses to the TAMBO questionnaire. If you haven't read the responses please take a look at the documents below. We have also included a letter from Debra Bowman, our Consultant guiding us through the stages of work; and a reflective prayer incorporating congregation members' TAMBO responses" woven together by Janet McIntosh.
Please take the time to review before Aug. 9. Click on the links below to read the documents:
Yours in Christ,
TAMBO Committee
Rev. Janice Young
Anna Paton
Jean Macdonald
Joan Strutt
Elizabeth Winkler
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"Getting to Know You"
Do you remember that song from "The King and I"?
"Getting to know you, getting to know all about you, getting to like you
getting to hope you like me"
Let's try an experiment to help us get to know one another better at Peninsula United Church.
Open your church directory, find your name and count up 9 names and give that person a call to simply get to know them better. Remember to introduce yourself and ask if this is a convenient time to call. It may be that some are not able or interested in being part of this getting to know you experiment. Don't take it personally. Call someone else instead. Let's give it a try and see what happens.
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Many of us find fasting for medical tests hard-imagine going hungry all the time. Most of us can't. But for three quarters of people around the world, hunger is a painful, daily reality.
And it's about to get worse.
The latest figures from the United Nations predict that more than 250,000,000 people will suffer from severe hunger by the end of the year because of COVID-19.
That's more than double the number of people who are suffering now.
Usually, hunger is the result of conflict, the effects of climate change, and economic instability. People living in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean suffer most.
But now COVID-19 has made an already dire situation even more brutal.
That's why in addition to helping with sanitation and personal protective equipment, the United Church is working hard to combat hunger worsened by this crisis.
You can help. Make a gift to the United Church's COVID-19 Global Response appeal and help save lives. Every gift will make a difference to those suffering most.
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Other Opportunities for Worshipping Online
Below are links to three online ministries - you may want to worship from the comfort of your home with them!
Please let the office know if you found other worship sites that you would like to recommend.
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Sharing Fun, Meaningful & Inspiring Videos
Some inspirational videos to enjoy:
Reading Hope in Trying Times
78 inspiirational videos, by spiritual authors, each sharing their thoughts on where we are, discussing how God has helped them through trying times, and sharing some of their books that might be helpful during the challenging times we currently face.
CLICK HERE: for link for the interview with Barbara Brown Taylor that is mentioned in this week's worship service.
Here's a Song for Trying Times, "You Can Do this Hard Thing" by Carrie Newcomer: CLICK HERE
See all our Peninsula United Playlists
including:
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Here's your chance to take a course from Naramata without leaving your own home. Our congregation has purchased an "All Access Pass"-- a new initiative from Naramata Centre in response to the Covid-10 pandemic. What does this mean for you? It means that you have free access to over 40 on-line courses available between July 4th and December 31st, valued at between $110-$250 each. The All Access Pass is your doorway to engage in opportunities for learning, growth and spiritual transformation while building an inclusive and welcoming space online. You can make this an intentional community experience with others from the congregation. Gather on-line and then follow up later to deepen the learning with those who participated in the same on-line course.
Here are two examples of upcoming courses:
July 14 to
September 1 -
Freedom Through Forgiveness with Keli Carpenter - 8 sessions, weekly on Tuesdays (July 14, 21, 28, Aug 4, 11, 18, 25, September 1) - 9 am - 11 am PDT
August 17-21. Gender Diversity and Justice Making.
The Affirming Ministry Team encourages you to consider this course. In this workshop, participants will learn about some of the key social justice issues facing trans/gender non-binary/ gender diverse individuals and communities. Together, we'll explore some of the joys and challenges emerging in these communities, as well as ways that we can engage and get involved in this activism ourselves.
click here to learn more
You can take this course without charge, using PUC's All Access Pass to Naramata programmes.
This is only a start, the fall programs are yet to be posted - check out the website. If you have questions, feel free to give Barbara Gregg a call at 604-649-4926.
Plan to gather on-line with friends and register in the program of your choice - using the Peninsula UC All Access Pass - you will be given a password and connection information.
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 Please Pray for....
If you would like specific prayers for yourself or someone else to be included in the prayers of the people during our worship please send names to Rev. Janice at [email protected] or leave a phone message at the office.
If the prayer is for someone else, please first seek that person's permission to have their name included in our public worship service. |
Share your pictures
Please be aware that pictures submitted for use in Constant Contact will be posted publicly in our email, website,YouTube, and other online services as required to serve our congregation.
By submitting your photo you are giving Peninsula United Church explicit permission to use your photos for the above stated purpose until such time that explicit instructions to withdraw your consent are received.
Questions about the privacy policy can be directed to our Privacy Officer, Anna Paton.
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What are you doing with your time during
this Covid - 19?
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Many thanks to our hard-working gardeners for the major clean-up at the Crescent site: Val and Harry Weinert, Helen and Ed Virgo and Kathy Cross!
Roberta Braddock, who lives next to the church, got us a large green waste bin and kindly stores it and puts it out weekly for the church. Harry built two new handicap signs. Harry and Val worked very hard pruning and weeding, along with Ed, Helen and Kathy . The ukulele group helped
dispose
of some of the green waste that had been bagged. An ongoing group effort as we stay home and safe. We've noticed the lending library, built by Kees Koster and some of the Spirit camp children last summer, is very well used by the community.
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News from Tierra Nueva
Dear Cheryl,
Really glad to know you have been able to have meetings, respecting the social distance, to celebrate Rebecca's life. I would have liked to meet her.
We have been in contact with Tierra Nueva folks and thanks God, they're good, and by this time, they don't report any case of the virus to the community. We hope it continues like that for the rest of the year.
Gladly, the rains haven't affected the crops and soon they will have their corn harvest. We hope to visit them in the next few weeks, for things are a bit alarming in the country, with the confirmed cases and deaths we have, but we don't lose our faith, hoping that everything improves with the weeks and we can return to the streets a bit more safe than now.
Ana Luz and the community send their greetings, hugs and good thoughts to you, and all Peninsula United Church members.
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COVID-19 Update
With the province beginning the relaxation of the rules on gathering, the church is beginning to get calls on when we might be reopening. The Council of Peninsula UC has asked a small group to look at the what-how-when-etc. This group is Carol Monaghan from M&P, Anna Paton from Trustees, Lee Chamberlain from Property, Nikkie Ripka from Third Space, and Kathy Matusiak from Congregational Care. At our first meeting on June 8th we began considering all the available documentation, guidelines and procedures to prepare the reopening plans for PUC. This will take time and patience as our main concern is that we will keep our staff, congregation, user groups and wider community safe. Be assured, you will hear more from us.
Thank you and, like Dr Bonnie says, continue to be kind, be calm, be safe
COVID-19 Office Procedures Update
During the Covid 19 Restrictions, please remember that the buildings are still closed. The only staff working at the office are Janice Young, Beth Henderson and Sheri Kathrein.
To ensure the safety of everyone, please respect the protocols posted on the doors and inside the building entrances. This applies to everyone including key holders.
If you have an urgent need to come to the office, please call the office at 604-531-2979 to make arrangements. These procedures apply to everyone including key holders.
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Camp Spirit, a week long United Church children's day camp,
a week long United Church children's day camp, will be offered in a new format this summer, necessitated by Covid-19 safety requirements. Camp Spirit Team will be held at these locations and dates in August:
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United Churches of Langley in Murrayville (Langley), and
Gladwin Heights United Church in Abbotsford - August 10-14, August 17-21, 24-28.
The theme of the camps, which will be held out of doors, is "Peace Works: Empowering the Next Generation of Peace Makers". The camps are for children ages 6 to 11 years old and also an LIT (leader-in-training) program from ages 12-14 years old.
Full information on Camp Spirit's plans and safety procedures, as well as registration information, can be found on their website.
Bursaries are available for families in financial need. If you wish to make a donation to support Camp Spirit bursaries, you may mail a cheque, payable to PUC, to the Church office, indicating "Camp Spirit Bursaries".
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Your Ministers are Here for You
Although Janice cannot visit folks in person she is happy to speak with you by phone, especially if you are struggling with anxiety, health or family crises.
Rev. Bruce is away on Sabbatical and will return on October 1.
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Office Closed But Staff is on On the Job
The office and ThirdSpace
will be closed for the foreseeable future but all our staff are available by phone and email.
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Prayer Ministry Requests:
During the Corona Virus 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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ThirdSpace has a NEW WEBSITE!
Check out our new fresh site
and be sure to check back often! We will be keeping it up to date with the latest updates and happenings from ThirdSpace!
ThirdSpace is still building community and working to connect with you stronger than ever! Feel free to share with your family and friends so more people can connect and check in as we come together!
For more information, please contact Nikkie
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ThirdSpace
i
s looking for some shade canopies
to use as we begin to reopen.
If you have a large shade canopy (with no sides, just a shade cover on top) that you would be willing to part with for the summer, please
Thank you so much and look to future announcements for when in person conversations are going to start up!
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Summer Conversation Cafe
every Wednesday at 10:30am
Join
Wednesdays, at 10:30 for our Virtual Summer Conversation Cafe. As summer finally dawns our Conversation Café takes on a summer vibe as we relax our format - we will start with a topic and let the conversation flow where it may.
Bring your mug of tea or coffee to
ThirdSpace and have some conversation face to face!
What is an example of something you gain from a loss?
We will be meeting outside in a physically distant manner!
Please bring your own mug for coffee, tea or water and a camp chair or sit-upon. Canopies will be put up for shade and marks have been made to show how far apart to stand to remain safely physically distant. Please also bring a mask, just in case.
**You will need to sign in at a table and you will be asked about any symptoms, leaving the country and other possible exposures.**
Feel free to contact us for a copy of our safety plan for this event.
Weather dependent week to week. If the weather is not accommodating, we will be hosting Summer Conversation Café virtually on Zoom.
Instructions to join virtually (IF REQUIRED) below:
RAINY DAY - Conversation Café Wednesday at 10:30am:
**Instructions to join online**
You can join us by phone, or by Zoom video chat - your choice!
Meeting ID:
959 3657 1745
Password
: 0822
OR
2. Join us by phone (voice only). Here's how:
Call 778 907 2071, enter meeting ID:
959 3657 1745
, Password:0822
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Cafe Church: Al Fresco
roughly translates to Café Church outside! We will be going to various parks throughout the summer to worship, pray, and live our faith in God's Creation.
Our next Cafe Church: Al Fresco!
When:
August16, at 1:00pm
Where:
Kwomais Park, South Surrey
We require an RSVP for everyone attending for the safety of volunteers, staff and participants. Please contact Robyn to RSVP or for further information!
You are welcome to bring camp chairs, picnic blankets or sit-upons to make the worship more comfortable.
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ThirdSpace Virtual Cafe Drop In -
every Friday @ 10:30
Meeting ID:
999 4167 9678
Password:
0822
or you can also join us by phone.
Here's how:
Call 778 907 2071, enter meeting ID:
999 4167 9678,
then password:
0822
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Volunteer
As we continue to explore and plan ways we can gather safely and comfortably, we are looking for volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering in some way - in a socially distant, and safe manner. Please contact Nikkie
Volunteering duties may include: helping set up social distancing markers, hosting a sign in/sanitizing table, set up/take down of outdoor gatherings, marketing and spreading the word!
We still do not have immediate plans at this time to gather in the physical space. Volunteers would be expected to follow ThirdSpace Safety protocols in place.
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Click here to see what's happening in the Pacific Mountain Region during Covid-19 physical distancing measures |
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First Things First - Summer 2020
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Sincerely,
Name
Position
Company
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Sincerely,
Name
Position
Company
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