Newest information is posted at the top!
Posted, Friday, March 27, 2020
This week's note is long but contains a lot of valuable information :)
Hello folks of First United,
A few weeks ago in our reflections on Orthodoxy, we learned that the early church, who didn't have a building, saw one another as the Body of Christ. We have been clinging to this image as we find new ways of being one people. Many of the leaders in the community continue to meet via internet to care for this old body, there are people who are making phone calls and connecting with everyone in the congregation to check in and listen to stories about the church. We will continue to have our Monday morning coffee time online (link to connect is at the bottom of this email) as we did last week. You may have read the invitation to "story-time" and creating your own stories on powerpoint and sharing them with the congregation! We have already had one submission, Bootsy's Backyard Adventure by Henry and Carlene MacMenamin. It was so creative, simple, funny and awesome. Thanks Henry! (see the email attachment of the story I sent out if you missed it!)
Our Worship Service this week will be streamed online. You may connect via the link at the bottom of this email. Thanks to all those who are the techies who are helping it all happen.
Please continue to read below the plea of the Finance Committee who are seeking a commitment to support the staff and maintain the building, and keep up with ongoing bills during this really uncertain time. We have considered several options around line of credit increase and dipping into investments and other measures. First has practiced generosity over its long history and this is among the most critical of times it faces. Indeed it is a such with many among us who face the same financial anxiety. If you are able to continue, increase support or pledge support, First would be so appreciative. If unable to do so, we understand the great impact many of us face in layoffs and business closures. We will support you as a part of Christ's Body.
I do hope your day today is finding a share of joy and contentment within it. We do have our story of the Sacred who has carried human history for thousands of generations! Time to lean into those arms together.
Rev. Daryl
From the Finance Committee
Dear First Church Friends,
First and foremost, we hope you are well.
If you are in need of support, please reach out to the Church through a phone call or email and someone would be happy to speak to you.
Church Office: office@1stunitedchurch.ca
Rev Daryl: minister@1stunitedchurch.ca
Church phone: 519-631-7570
Our Church building may be closed, but the Church is open wide with compassion and generosity.
First Church is trying to find new ways to respond to the needs of the congregation, and especially those who are most vulnerable at this unsettling time. We want to continue ‘being the Church’ as best we can, as we move through the next few weeks of practicing ‘physical distancing by not gathering for worship in our Church building. Without “passing the plate” on Sundays during the weekly offering, we are quickly heading toward a financial emergency. Now is the time to act with compassion and faithful generosity. Please, if you are able, we invite you to continue to make your donations to First so that we can stay ‘afloat” and provide ongoing ministry to our Church community.
We have a few easy ways to give:
1. By online electronic transfer (EMT) from your bank to First United. Simply log in to your bank account online and select “email money” or “etransfer.” Follow the simple step-by-step prompts to direct your gift, of whatever amount you choose, to office@1stunitedchurch.ca. This is automatically deposited directly into the church bank account. (If you've never used etransfer before, you'll have to add First United's email as a "payee" to send a transfer)
2. On our website using the Paypal link (on the ‘Ways to Donate’ page). It’s very easy – just click the button and follow the instructions!
3. By issuing a cheque (or a series of post-dated cheques) to First United Church. A team of trusted volunteers is in place to pick up your cheque from your home (without making physical contact) or you can drop the cheque(s) off at the church by putting them through the mail slot in the Curtis Street door (South-West corner of the building, up the stone stairs). If you wish to have a donation picked up by please email or call Lori (office@1stunitedchurch.ca or 519-631-7570 to make arrangements. If you drop off a donation please call or email Lori to let her know (as we’re not physically in the Church building at this time, but someone will pick up the donations)
4. By signing up for PAR (Pre Authorized Remittance). To do this please email Lori at office@1stunitedchurch.ca She swill be able to get the forms to you and mail them in (taking a little longer at this point as it has to be sent ‘snail mail’ since our General Council offices are closed.)
Please watch for our weekly ‘Update’ emails & stay tuned to our website to see the list of ways we are reaching out to our community and creating opportunities for virtual contact.
Thank you for your continued support of First United Church.
Stay well Friends!
How to join both the Online Sunday worship & Monday Coffee Time:
Sunday at 10:30am
Monday at 10:30am
Click on: meet.google.com/pjg-zbez-nax
If you use your cell phone, it will prompt you to install a google meets app (If you haven't already done so). If you click on the link on your computer, it will just take you to the webpage.
Or
by phone (cell or landline)
+1 289-350-8991 (PIN: 844463356)
or
+1 226-213-8281 PIN: 426 344 975 8715#
Take care everyone!!
Rev. Daryl, Official Board & Finance Committee
Posted, Friday, March 20, 2020
Greetings to the Folks at First,
I hope people are doing well as they stay isolated and keep healthy.
Sunday morning we will gather online for worship. Below you will see a link that you can click on to participate through your computer or a phone number to call to connect by phone. It is very easy. Just click on and join in.
Also attached is an order of service with announcements. Unfortunately, with our quarantine, most events are cancelled that require face-to-face interaction. We look forward to the time when we can return to worship - together in one place.
Lastly, just to tell you that there have been several volunteers who will be making phone calls to all individuals who have contact information in the directory. They will be calling over the next couple of weeks to see how you are making out and if you need any assistance. They will also be asking for memories you have of First United Church. They will be recording your stories for our Heritage Wall as part of our 185 celebrations...so get those stories ready. As we progress over the next few days/weeks we will send more communications to you. We will be offering some "programs and fun" going forward.
In the meantime, we hope you tune into our service at 10:30 am on Sunday. Susanna Suchak will be hosting the online service this week.
Blessings,
Rev. Daryl
How to join the service:
Weekly from 10:30 -11:00am on Sundays
Click on: meet.google.com/pjg-zbez-nax
If you use your cell phone, it will prompt you to install a google meets app. If you click on the link on your computer, it will just take you to the webpage.
Or
by phone (cell or landline)
+1 289-350-8991 (PIN: 844463356)
or
+1 226-213-8281 PIN: 426 344 975 8715#
Don't do both the computer and phone as you will get audio feedback.
You will be muted. If you need to say something or ask a question, use the chat. To unmute yourself, use *6
Try connecting prior to the service on Sunday to see if you are able.
If you are having technical difficulty getting connected please call Richard Auckland at 519-860-0381 and he'll try to talk you through connecting.
A Note from the Finance Committee/ Official Board:
With our church operating virtually for the next while, we continue to have costs that need to be covered. Please consider going online to donate to the church. Go to the church's website: http://www.1stunitedchurch.ca/ and then click on "Ways to Donate" at the top. Please consider "PayPal" or PAR so that our counters can avoid touching money which has been cited as a cause for some of the transfer of the coronavirus. If you need to donate by cash or cheque, you can slip your envelope containing your donation through the Curtis Street (South West door - up the stone steps) mail slot and Lori will be more than happy to deposit it for you. Your support at this time is GREATLY appreciated!!
Be well friends!
This week's note is long but contains a lot of valuable information :)
Hello folks of First United,
A few weeks ago in our reflections on Orthodoxy, we learned that the early church, who didn't have a building, saw one another as the Body of Christ. We have been clinging to this image as we find new ways of being one people. Many of the leaders in the community continue to meet via internet to care for this old body, there are people who are making phone calls and connecting with everyone in the congregation to check in and listen to stories about the church. We will continue to have our Monday morning coffee time online (link to connect is at the bottom of this email) as we did last week. You may have read the invitation to "story-time" and creating your own stories on powerpoint and sharing them with the congregation! We have already had one submission, Bootsy's Backyard Adventure by Henry and Carlene MacMenamin. It was so creative, simple, funny and awesome. Thanks Henry! (see the email attachment of the story I sent out if you missed it!)
Our Worship Service this week will be streamed online. You may connect via the link at the bottom of this email. Thanks to all those who are the techies who are helping it all happen.
Please continue to read below the plea of the Finance Committee who are seeking a commitment to support the staff and maintain the building, and keep up with ongoing bills during this really uncertain time. We have considered several options around line of credit increase and dipping into investments and other measures. First has practiced generosity over its long history and this is among the most critical of times it faces. Indeed it is a such with many among us who face the same financial anxiety. If you are able to continue, increase support or pledge support, First would be so appreciative. If unable to do so, we understand the great impact many of us face in layoffs and business closures. We will support you as a part of Christ's Body.
I do hope your day today is finding a share of joy and contentment within it. We do have our story of the Sacred who has carried human history for thousands of generations! Time to lean into those arms together.
Rev. Daryl
From the Finance Committee
Dear First Church Friends,
First and foremost, we hope you are well.
If you are in need of support, please reach out to the Church through a phone call or email and someone would be happy to speak to you.
Church Office: office@1stunitedchurch.ca
Rev Daryl: minister@1stunitedchurch.ca
Church phone: 519-631-7570
Our Church building may be closed, but the Church is open wide with compassion and generosity.
First Church is trying to find new ways to respond to the needs of the congregation, and especially those who are most vulnerable at this unsettling time. We want to continue ‘being the Church’ as best we can, as we move through the next few weeks of practicing ‘physical distancing by not gathering for worship in our Church building. Without “passing the plate” on Sundays during the weekly offering, we are quickly heading toward a financial emergency. Now is the time to act with compassion and faithful generosity. Please, if you are able, we invite you to continue to make your donations to First so that we can stay ‘afloat” and provide ongoing ministry to our Church community.
We have a few easy ways to give:
1. By online electronic transfer (EMT) from your bank to First United. Simply log in to your bank account online and select “email money” or “etransfer.” Follow the simple step-by-step prompts to direct your gift, of whatever amount you choose, to office@1stunitedchurch.ca. This is automatically deposited directly into the church bank account. (If you've never used etransfer before, you'll have to add First United's email as a "payee" to send a transfer)
2. On our website using the Paypal link (on the ‘Ways to Donate’ page). It’s very easy – just click the button and follow the instructions!
3. By issuing a cheque (or a series of post-dated cheques) to First United Church. A team of trusted volunteers is in place to pick up your cheque from your home (without making physical contact) or you can drop the cheque(s) off at the church by putting them through the mail slot in the Curtis Street door (South-West corner of the building, up the stone stairs). If you wish to have a donation picked up by please email or call Lori (office@1stunitedchurch.ca or 519-631-7570 to make arrangements. If you drop off a donation please call or email Lori to let her know (as we’re not physically in the Church building at this time, but someone will pick up the donations)
4. By signing up for PAR (Pre Authorized Remittance). To do this please email Lori at office@1stunitedchurch.ca She swill be able to get the forms to you and mail them in (taking a little longer at this point as it has to be sent ‘snail mail’ since our General Council offices are closed.)
Please watch for our weekly ‘Update’ emails & stay tuned to our website to see the list of ways we are reaching out to our community and creating opportunities for virtual contact.
Thank you for your continued support of First United Church.
Stay well Friends!
How to join both the Online Sunday worship & Monday Coffee Time:
Sunday at 10:30am
Monday at 10:30am
Click on: meet.google.com/pjg-zbez-nax
If you use your cell phone, it will prompt you to install a google meets app (If you haven't already done so). If you click on the link on your computer, it will just take you to the webpage.
Or
by phone (cell or landline)
+1 289-350-8991 (PIN: 844463356)
or
+1 226-213-8281 PIN: 426 344 975 8715#
Take care everyone!!
Rev. Daryl, Official Board & Finance Committee
Posted, Friday, March 20, 2020
Greetings to the Folks at First,
I hope people are doing well as they stay isolated and keep healthy.
Sunday morning we will gather online for worship. Below you will see a link that you can click on to participate through your computer or a phone number to call to connect by phone. It is very easy. Just click on and join in.
Also attached is an order of service with announcements. Unfortunately, with our quarantine, most events are cancelled that require face-to-face interaction. We look forward to the time when we can return to worship - together in one place.
Lastly, just to tell you that there have been several volunteers who will be making phone calls to all individuals who have contact information in the directory. They will be calling over the next couple of weeks to see how you are making out and if you need any assistance. They will also be asking for memories you have of First United Church. They will be recording your stories for our Heritage Wall as part of our 185 celebrations...so get those stories ready. As we progress over the next few days/weeks we will send more communications to you. We will be offering some "programs and fun" going forward.
In the meantime, we hope you tune into our service at 10:30 am on Sunday. Susanna Suchak will be hosting the online service this week.
Blessings,
Rev. Daryl
How to join the service:
Weekly from 10:30 -11:00am on Sundays
Click on: meet.google.com/pjg-zbez-nax
If you use your cell phone, it will prompt you to install a google meets app. If you click on the link on your computer, it will just take you to the webpage.
Or
by phone (cell or landline)
+1 289-350-8991 (PIN: 844463356)
or
+1 226-213-8281 PIN: 426 344 975 8715#
Don't do both the computer and phone as you will get audio feedback.
You will be muted. If you need to say something or ask a question, use the chat. To unmute yourself, use *6
Try connecting prior to the service on Sunday to see if you are able.
If you are having technical difficulty getting connected please call Richard Auckland at 519-860-0381 and he'll try to talk you through connecting.
A Note from the Finance Committee/ Official Board:
With our church operating virtually for the next while, we continue to have costs that need to be covered. Please consider going online to donate to the church. Go to the church's website: http://www.1stunitedchurch.ca/ and then click on "Ways to Donate" at the top. Please consider "PayPal" or PAR so that our counters can avoid touching money which has been cited as a cause for some of the transfer of the coronavirus. If you need to donate by cash or cheque, you can slip your envelope containing your donation through the Curtis Street (South West door - up the stone steps) mail slot and Lori will be more than happy to deposit it for you. Your support at this time is GREATLY appreciated!!
Be well friends!
Posted, Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Greetings to First United Church Congregation,
The Board took a vote last night and on the heels of the Premier declaring a State of Emergency this morning it has become even more apparent that First will not be gathering for meetings or Worship Services until April. We will pay close attention and heed the directives of the Government and Health Officials going forward. We are also following the directives of General Council & United Church of Canada Guidelines.
The Board continues to have conversations and make decisions in this period of time and will endeavour to keep you informed and care for the folks in our congregation who are in isolation. The Board continues to work ahead and manage the financial situation of the church. Lori is on holidays until next week but has helped enormously with communications, Dave is taking care of a list of extra jobs while no one is in the building and the Minister is co-ordinating Pastoral Care and ways to help people connect with the church family over the phone and electronically. Along with the Transition Team, we are seeking ways to continue being the Church community in new ways, which is ironically a way of stretching our care of one another. Please do not hesitate to connect with members of the Board with questions and comments. We also ask you to please connect with people in the congregation and just say "hi".
The Anniversary Celebration has been postponed, however it has been suggested that we ask people to offer "stories of our past and hopes for the future" for our timeline. We have posted a picture below of our "Wall of Heritage". We would like to take this opportunity to inspire people to recall some of your own memories of church-life that we can transcribe and post onto the wall.
We have a number of volunteers who have offered to call people and record your stories for posting. It will be a good opportunity to connect and appreciate our life together. I encourage you to spend some time wondering about your story of First and greet your caller enthusiastically! When we finally have our Birthday Bash it will be all the more fun!
I will be communicating with you again soon as First leadership makes adjustments in this time.
May Christ's Peace dwell everywhere.
The First United Church Official Board and Rev. Daryl
Posted: Saturday, March 14, 2020
Hello First Church Friends!
This is an important update from our Official Board regarding Sunday Worship & Church Events & Rentals in the midst of COVID-19
“Church is on for this week but we are adhering to local health unit regulations that want us to practice social distancing for gatherings under 250 people in order to soften the rise of the infections so as to not overwhelm the medical system over the next three weeks.
Also, there will be no coffee times, passing the peace, greeters, choir sitting together, etc. during worship. Your offering can be placed on the offering plates provided at the doors upon entering/exiting. The plates will not be passed during the service. It is suggested we keep a meter between us. We will have sanitizers available.
ALL church rentals, meetings/events and choir practices, etc., are cancelled for the week and until further notice.
We will do our best to connect by phone with the congregation and be the church in this period of time when we are all working together to curb the effects of this virus. We are learning from our neighbours in other countries that we have this small window to lessen the infection rate and keep it from peeking and being too much for the medical system to respond to. Caring for each other and our neighbour means taking some personal time for ourselves and staying home.
If you feel uneasy, are immunocompromised, or are feeling ill please take this opportunity to stay home, rest and care for yourself. Hold the congregation and the world in your best thoughts and prayers. Stay home and know we are in this together”.
We will keep you informed as we navigate through this situation.
Please take good care.
Your Official Board
Hello First Church Friends!
This is an important update from our Official Board regarding Sunday Worship & Church Events & Rentals in the midst of COVID-19
“Church is on for this week but we are adhering to local health unit regulations that want us to practice social distancing for gatherings under 250 people in order to soften the rise of the infections so as to not overwhelm the medical system over the next three weeks.
Also, there will be no coffee times, passing the peace, greeters, choir sitting together, etc. during worship. Your offering can be placed on the offering plates provided at the doors upon entering/exiting. The plates will not be passed during the service. It is suggested we keep a meter between us. We will have sanitizers available.
ALL church rentals, meetings/events and choir practices, etc., are cancelled for the week and until further notice.
We will do our best to connect by phone with the congregation and be the church in this period of time when we are all working together to curb the effects of this virus. We are learning from our neighbours in other countries that we have this small window to lessen the infection rate and keep it from peeking and being too much for the medical system to respond to. Caring for each other and our neighbour means taking some personal time for ourselves and staying home.
If you feel uneasy, are immunocompromised, or are feeling ill please take this opportunity to stay home, rest and care for yourself. Hold the congregation and the world in your best thoughts and prayers. Stay home and know we are in this together”.
We will keep you informed as we navigate through this situation.
Please take good care.
Your Official Board