Highlights of Our Life and Work |
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Greetings!
This Sunday we will be coming to worship in-person at the Crescent site at 10 am. A recorded version of the morning worship will be available later in the day on our YouTube channel.
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We enter the Advent season this Sunday and wonder how can our church become a house where the Holy will be born anew–offering respite, sustenance and care, opening the doors ever wider to those seeking shelter from the onslaught of life? No one church can do it all, but each can do something. As we study the biblical prophets that call us to care for our neighbors and “make room in the inn,” the lonely and frightened spaces within us are filled with the light of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 33: 14-16 and Psalm 25 VU 752 2nd refrain
Join us at the Crescent site at 10am
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(People in photo are further apart than they appear)
We are happy to be able to worship together in person once again.
We will continue to ask people to pre-register for each Sunday Worship service, sending the registration form out each Wednesday, and using a wait list when we reach capacity.
You can register from Wednesday 4 pm until Saturday evening, using the registration form here. If you get the wait list alert and space opens up you will be contacted by Saturday evening.
Please use worship@peninsulaunited.com to contact Victoria Jones at any time if you need to cancel. If you have a question she will usually be available to reply until 4 PM on Saturdays.
While following the SLC approved Safety Plan, we will monitor the numbers weekly and make adjustments to the pre-registration capacity numbers as needed.
We value the physical and spiritual well-being of all who enter our buildings for worship. We value caring for one another as Jesus taught us. We trust that each of us will follow Jesus' command to "love our neighbour as yourself" by adhering to these temporary measures that we prayerfully offer for this time.
At this time, we encourage those who are not vaccinated to join us for worship through the recorded service which will be available on YouTube as soon as possible, hopefully sometime Sunday afternoon. |
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Children belong to our Church Family!
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We welcome families with children to join us for Sunday worship in the library/children's activity area at the Crescent site.
- Any parent registering will have a seat reserved for them in the Sanctuary, however they are welcome to stay with their child in the activity room when needed.
- There will be a limit to the number allowed in the activity room.
Everyone aged 5 and older must wear masks inside the church.
The children's area, including the washroom, will be dedicated to children and their parents.
The washrooms in the lower hall, including a wheelchair accessible washroom, will be available for everyone else.
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The process to discern the future for Peninsula United Church (That All May Be One) continues this month with a series of opportunities to recognize what have been the strengths of The United Church on the Semiahmoo peninsula. We had some turnout to the events we offered in October, and we really want to hear from everyone else. The more voices we hear from, the stronger and more genuine the outcome will be.
Next Sessions:
Sunday, November 28 after church at the Crescent site
Wednesday, Dec 1, 10 AM - 12PM on Zoom
These are the last scheduled sessions.
Please click here to join the Zoom meeting on November 24.
(Meeting ID: 506 752 5788 Passcode: 6882)
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Monday, November 29, 2021 - Online
Wisdom
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Come and experience the wise stories of the Advent season with us.
Our annual service will be offered online this year as we continue this very important Peninsula United Church tradition. Our theme this year is Wisdom. People will have the option of donating their support to our chosen charities of AMA House and SOS Children’s Village, Surrey. Click here to make a donation.
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Help needed with a Flooding Crisis in our local Community. |
The recent flooding in BC has affected thousands of people in the province including a local family connected to our congregation. Due to last week's atmospheric river, their home has had significant damage which is not covered by their house insurance. Restoration costs are already in the thousands of dollars.
Their immediate needs are for some handy workers who could help lay rubber flooring down in the basement. Do you know of anyone who could offer assistance?
Other needs are being assessed especially since Christmas is near.
A potential Christmas gift for the children is a 10 gallon aquarium tank with a lid.
Do you have one in good shape that you are no longer using?
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The Benevolent Fund of Peninsula United Church.. |
..allows the ministers to offer immediate assistance to folks who are in financial crisis. Donations to the PUC Benevolent Fund are welcome anytime but especially now as our fund is almost empty. Click here to donate.
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Christmas Cakes, Olive Oil, Medjool Dates, "Stitch & Chat" Knitted Goods, and more for Sale this Saturday!
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The Nightlights have once again made their delicious Christmas Cakes. This year we have dark and light cakes.
There will also be a small selection of other little stocking stuffers for sale. Everything is on a “first come first served” basis. Jean MacDonald will be selling the Zatoun Fair Trade Palestinian Olive Oil and Palestinian Medjool Dates. “Stitch and Chat” knitted items will also be available for sale.
The sale will take place on the driveway (or garage if inclement weather) of Val Weinert – 13761 18A Avenue – On Saturday, November 27 from 10:00 to 2:00. Please call Val at 604-536-6576 if you have any questions.
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Please keep the family of Bev Wickstrom in your prayers. Bev, who died November 11, 2021, was an active member of our congregation for over 20 years and will be greatly missed. |
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Envelopes for a Christmas gift to the Church will be in the pews throughout Advent. Offerings received up to December 31st will be included in your 2021 tax receipt. Christmas Gifts to the Church can also be made using the Donate button on our website or by mail to the Church office or by dropping by during office hours. Blessings and thank you.
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Purdys Chocolate Challenges! |
With all the recent floods and road closures, it seems that the delivery system is being disrupted in the Lower Mainland.
Purdy’s just notified me that their chocolate delivery may be delayed due to the shortage of trucks and drivers.
They may be delivered a day or so late or may not arrive until next week but they will arrive before the beginning of December!
Thanks for your patience,
Teri
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Brian & Diane Filsinger are proud to announce the birth of their grandson, Leo Borissov. |
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A Very Joyful Mission & Service Update |
Peninsula United has exceeded its 2021 objective of $65,000. At the end of October 2021, the total M&S contributions were $58,086.88 which included $1,000.00 from the U.C.W. We are happy to report that recent donations made in memory of long-time member Howard Kennett have made it possible for us to exceed our 2021 objective – and we still have to count in our givings for December. Hallelujah!! |
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Looking for ThirdSpace Drop-In Café Volunteers |
Do you love coffee? (or tea, or water) Do you love chatting? Then come join our Drop-In Cafés as a volunteer!
ThirdSpace is looking for volunteers to assist with our Drop-In Coffee hours Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Most important duties include:
- assisting in preparing coffee, alternative beverages and seating
- greeting guests
- being present during the public open hours 10am -12pm.
- listen to Nikkie laugh at her own jokes - she really thinks she is hilarious sometimes
We have Covid Safety protocols in place and our guest numbers remain quaint at this time.
If you are interested in joining us a volunteer or would like more information please contact Nikkie at nikkie@peninsulaunited.com or 604-531-2979
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We wanted to let you know we’ve found a new church home at Knox United in Parksville. We will always look back on the 18+ years we spent at Crescent/Peninsula with fondness and deep gratitude for the many blessings we received. Delaying our departure from PUC (by close to a year!) with the advent of worship and coffee hours on zoom will always be the best thing that resulted from this pandemic.
Wishing you peace & grace ~
Susan & Brian Zwick
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Not only can a securities donation make an even bigger difference to Peninsula United Church, it can also reduce how much you owe at tax time, as it eliminates any capital gains tax. That means more money to fund Peninsula’s ministries, on-line services, music ministry, Emergency Weather Shelter, refugee sponsorships, roofs, ramps, cutting edge technology and more!
The United Church of Canada Foundation can facilitate your gift now: please email fdn@united-church.ca or call them toll-free at 1-866-340-8223 or share this form with your financial advisor.
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Hello Pastoral Care Visitors |
Thanks to all the kind and caring visitors who have faithfully connected with our folks in care facilities and homebound. This has been a challenging year for all, but gradually the facilities are opening for visitors.
We will be having our gathering for renewal, sharing and updates on Dec.9 at 1 pm at the Sunnyside site. Please let Rev. Janice know if you will be attending.
Rev. Janice, Rev. Scott and myself will be welcoming any new volunteers who would like to take part in this pastoral care ministry. Also if you are aware of those who could benefit from a church visitor please let our ministers know.
The UCW as in the past will generously provide poinsettias to be distributed on your pre Christmas visits and will be available for pick up on Dec.9 when you come to the gathering.
Kathy Matusiak, Congregational Care
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Some of the nitelights assembling donated toiletries in fabric gift bags made by the group. |
85 filled gift bags and some handmade quilts have been donated to Atira Women’s Resource Society. |
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The Shelter is now open for the homeless, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, on Emergency Weather nights only.
Thank you for your donations so far.
Currently we are needing: NEW: (L&XL) Men’s Boxer Underwear, warm Long Johns (M&L), Men’s Sweat-Pants, and Sweaters
Urgently Needed Now!
Men’s L & XL warm weather-proof jackets
(you can often find these reasonably priced at your local thrift shop)
***You are now able to take your donations to the Office of Peace Portal Alliance Church Monday-Friday, 9-4 pm! Or bring your donations to the Crescent site of Peninsula United on Sunday morning, or phone Pat Young (604-538-8335) for pick up.
Pat Young, EWS Clothing Co-ordinator.
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A new year of giving through Gifts with Vision has begun and the catalogues are available in the narthex at the Crescent site! There are many new gifts for our partners in Canada and across the world, along with some favourite projects from previous catalogues. Choosing one of these gifts is an opportunity for you to make a difference in someone’s life—during Advent and Christmas, or any time of year—from the comfort of home, with no packaging or wrapping needed. You can also check out the website to see the gifts that will make a difference in people’s lives throughout Canada and across the world.
Each purchase provides support for specific Mission & Service partners. The selection of a special gift from the catalogue will bring joy to the recipient and provide support for Gifts with Vision and our Mission & Service Fund. By shopping from the Gifts With Vision catalogue, you can help to save and transform lives!
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For the last few months we’ve been showing a variety of photos of our congregants as a slideshow in our services. We would LOVE to have you up on that screen. Now is not the time to be shy as we are missing each other! Please send along your picture to Angela Chu or Val Thorner. Your permission is needed as the service is being shown on YouTube. |
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Dec 19 at 2 pm. Elgin Heritage Park
13723 Crescent Rd, Surrey
Meet in the western parking lot
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Rev. Janice invites you to join us for Wild Church on the third Sunday of each month. Join us for a worshipful saunter on this beautiful holy ground. Saunter comes from the French phrase "a la Sainte Terre" meaning "to the holy land".
Dress for the weather.
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The Worship Committee is looking for a few volunteers to help out with the weekly AV productions on Sunday mornings. As we move forward with publishing our services online, it means we need a few more hands on deck to help with these tasks. Don't worry, previous computer experience is not required, just a curious mind and a willingness to learn. One Sunday per month is all we are asking.
Just imagine the bragging rights you'll have over your grandkids!
Sounds Interesting? Contact Glenn Roy or Teri Lydiard.
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#1 - 1381 George St.
White Rock, BC
V4B 2L1
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Death Café Cancelled for December!
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No Death Café in December
We’ll look forward to seeing you in January.
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ThirdSpace Groups are running week to week! Check out our website for updates!
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We welcome you to drop in to ThirdSpace Wednesday mornings between 10am - 12pm for a chat!
You can also continue to join us via Zoom from 10:30 - 11:30am. (link below)
*Please note the Zoom drop in is now only once a week during Conversation Café on Wednesday*
Our Covid protocols remain in place to provide safety and comfort during your chat!
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Drop-In Café is back and in person!
We welcome you to drop in to ThirdSpace Friday mornings between 10am - 12pm for a chat!
*Please note: Friday Drop-In is in person only. If you prefer to join us via Zoom please do so during our Wednesday Conversation Café!*
Our Covid protocols remain in place to provide safety and comfort during your chat!
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News from Affirming Ministry |
Lego, the largest toymaker in the world, wants to eliminate gender stereotypes from its toys. Research has found that generally children are more interested in playing with all toys, but parents discourage them, denying their children important learning opportunities.
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Tuesdays at 7:30 am in person at the Crescent site.
We are a small group of 4-12 people who gather for 20 minutes of contemplative, silent prayer, followed by coffee and conversation at a local coffee shop.
For more information contact Rev. Janice Young: janice@peninsulaunited.com
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News from the Wider Church & Community |
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The United Church of Canada sponsored an 8-person 'virtual' delegation from For the Love of Creation to attend and participate in COP26 online.
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What’s happening in the United Church of Canada? Check out these newsletters to learn more. |
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Giving Tuesday, New Disabilities Video, Leadership Counts, and more
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As we begin to gather again in-person, you'll now see in-person United Church Events included in the weekly Pacific Mountain Region email, as well as the usual Online listings!
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Find out what big developments and important work are happening at FIRST UNITED CHURCH Community Ministry Society in the Fall 2021 newsletter.
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Reminder to Church Groups & Committees |
Now that groups are starting to meet in person, we want to remind you to contact the office as soon as you set a date for your event so we can confirm the space is available and avoid any booking conflicts.
All groups will be required to follow these COVID-19 safety protocols (subject to change):
- If you are unwell with a fever, chills and/or a cough or sore throat, please stay home until you are feeling better.
- Please wear a mask when you are in the church.
- Sanitize your hands when you enter the building.
- Please give yourself and others space as you move through the building and when you are seated.
- Windows should be opened to promote ventilation and locked before departure.
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Click here for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time.
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Members and adherents can submit prayer requests to Louise Bureau by email or phone.
You can find her 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! |
Rev. Janice and Rev. Scott have been fully vaccinated. In addition to phone visits, we are available for in-person visits at the church, in your home or garden.
Janice will be out of the office Nov. 15-17 taking part in a community ministry consultation with First United Church in Salmon Arm. BC
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Rev. Janice Young
604-531-2979 ext. 2
or 778-980-8310
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Rev. Scott Swanson
604-417-9009
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If you need to come in at another time please call to arrange a time.
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Announcements Deadline
Weekly bulletin announcements must be in the office by 10 am on Wednesdays.
It is important that you honour this deadline. If anything comes in after that time, we cannot promise it will be included in that week’s email.
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15639 24th Avenue,
Surrey, BC V4A 2J6
604-531-2979
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