What's Going on at First?
We continue to meet Online Sundays at 10:30am
for our Joint Worship Service with
our own First family, as well as friends from Central, St. Andrew's & New Vision.
We'd love it if you joined us - even if you've never done so before!
This new season is a great time to connect with your faith community
and our friends from other United Churches in St. Thomas.
Also, First's Sanctuary is OPEN for those who would like to attend in person.
There are 28 spots available.
You MUST let us know in advance if you plan to attend.
Please note: we have STRICT Social Distancing Protocols in place
AND masks MUST be worn inside the Church Building at all times.
There are 28 spots available.
You MUST let us know in advance if you plan to attend.
Please note: we have STRICT Social Distancing Protocols in place
AND masks MUST be worn inside the Church Building at all times.
Lastly, you can watch our Online Worship Service LIVE on our Facebook page
(link to the livestream is posted on our FB page each Sunday just after 10:30am)
https://www.facebook.com/firstunitedchurch
(link to the livestream is posted on our FB page each Sunday just after 10:30am)
https://www.facebook.com/firstunitedchurch
First United Return to Church Info!
The Executive of the Official Board has decided that as of September 13, 2020 First Church
will be open to parishioners while continuing to offer online connection
and worship with Central, St. Andrew's & New Vision over the next few months.
It has been an amazing experience to offer these joint services with the people from our area churches.
Please see the “Return to Church” email (sent August 23) or the PDF attached below
for more details of the return to church plan to ensure safety while providing a worship experience.
While we used to shake hands, we will greet others with a nod, a wave or in another socially distant manner.
The Executive of the Official Board has decided that as of September 13, 2020 First Church
will be open to parishioners while continuing to offer online connection
and worship with Central, St. Andrew's & New Vision over the next few months.
It has been an amazing experience to offer these joint services with the people from our area churches.
Please see the “Return to Church” email (sent August 23) or the PDF attached below
for more details of the return to church plan to ensure safety while providing a worship experience.
While we used to shake hands, we will greet others with a nod, a wave or in another socially distant manner.
Key highlights:
- if you are ill, stay at home - you can still join online!
- entry from the back, accessibility door only
- RSVP in advance if you are attending in person (email office@1stunitedchurch.ca or call 519-631-7570 x21 & leave a message), attendance will be recorded & STRICT social distancing protocols are in place
- mask wearing is mandatory, hand sanitizer is provided
- pews where bubble groups can sit are marked with green painters tape; yellow marks pews where you cannot sit
- no singing is permitted
- Sunday School will not operate, but we are looking at alternatives
We look forward to safely returning to our Church building!
If you have any questions about the Return to Church info, please give the office call and if Lori can't answer the question she'll put you in touch with someone who can.
- if you are ill, stay at home - you can still join online!
- entry from the back, accessibility door only
- RSVP in advance if you are attending in person (email office@1stunitedchurch.ca or call 519-631-7570 x21 & leave a message), attendance will be recorded & STRICT social distancing protocols are in place
- mask wearing is mandatory, hand sanitizer is provided
- pews where bubble groups can sit are marked with green painters tape; yellow marks pews where you cannot sit
- no singing is permitted
- Sunday School will not operate, but we are looking at alternatives
We look forward to safely returning to our Church building!
If you have any questions about the Return to Church info, please give the office call and if Lori can't answer the question she'll put you in touch with someone who can.
| covid19_guidance_for_places_of_worship.pdf |
You are invited, if you are able, to drop off items for
the St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank in our Church Parking lot
(corner of Curtis & St George Streets)
THIS SATURDAY, October 17
from 10:00am-1:00pm
(Safe Porch pickups - no contact please - are also available during this time, if necessary – please message the church)
This is a SAFE, SOCIALLY DISTANCED Food Drive -
you drive up, take your groceries out of you car
and place them in the designated area.
(Volunteers present to supervise)
Thank you for sharing and helping us
to help stock the shelves at the Food Bank!
Here is the Grocery Item Wish List of what they are low on right now:
*Full-size Juices & Juice boxes
*Pudding cups
*Peanut-free snacks for children
*Snacks bags (baggies)
*Pasta Sauce
*Canned Pastas (Alpha-getti, Zoodles, Ravioli, etc.)
*Canned Chunky Soups, Stews and Chili for single clients
*Kraft Dinner/Mac'N Cheese/Sidekicks
*Fresh potatos, onions & apples are also a great idea!
Monetary donations to the Food bank can be made:
*via Canada Helps online
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-thomas-elgin-food-bank/
*Cash
*Cheques (made out to St. Thomas -Elgin Food Bank)
*Grocery gift cards
(Cash, Cheques and Gift Cards can be put through the Church mail slot
(Curtis Street door, south west corner of the church or brought the Food Drive).
Thank you for sharing!
Families are invited to attend our family worship service Sunday Mornings at 10:15
in the Assembly Hall at First.
We will be following all Co-vid guidelines and parents & kids must wear a mask.
We are planning to have a lesson/scripture, video/activity, and a craft each week.
Please RSVP by emailing Karen Auckland at 27Swifty@gmail.com or to answer any questions you may have.
If you want to participate but do not feel comfortable attending in person, please contact Karen,
and she will deliver to your home, a packet of materials for your children to complete at home.
These activities follow the children's time lesson being offered during our regular virtual service.
Many thanks to Central United for sharing these packets with us!
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Virtual Coffee & Conversation
with Rev. Daryl Mondays at 10:30am This week we will listen to a 10 minute meditation by Stephen Batchelor – who has written about the gift of solitude and the epidemic of loneliness - to help us ground ourselves in who were are, what we notice and how we belong to the world. Batchelor offers a way to have compassion upon ourselves. Do this meditation over the next few days and share any insights you have. It is a good way to continue the conversation we have been having about "trauma" in the body. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB_yl-vnyiw&t=3s Please email us at: office@1stunitedchurch.ca for the link to join our Coffee & Conversation Time. |
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Youth Group at First United!
No Youth Group on the 21st
See you on the 28th!
Youth from all churches are welcome!
(There is an ONLINE option – for more info, contact Chris Ross)
No Youth Group on the 21st
See you on the 28th!
Youth from all churches are welcome!
(There is an ONLINE option – for more info, contact Chris Ross)
Information About Our 2nd Online Blind Auction!!
We hope you have stayed up on the weekly announcements for our next Online Blind Auction. I hope you are considering being a part of this next auction.
What is a Blind Auction?
In this type of auction, all bidders submit blind bids. No one knows who the bidder is or what they bid on any auction item.
The highest bidder after the deadline pays the price they submitted for that item(s) and wins the auction item.
WHEN? Auction start date: Wednesday November 11
WHY? This is a chance to connect with our faith community, the wider community, raise some money for the General Fund and have some fun doing it.
HOW? How will this auction work?
I am inviting people to donate items, time, talent or service for this auction. (Can be from anyone) Items must be new or in like-new condition.
Details (and photos) of donations are to be submitted by email to Sherry Johnstone (sjohnstone1959@gmail.com) or by telephone 519-633-5606
Be sure and include the donor's name.
Deadline for submission of donations is maximum, Friday, November 6, 7 pm.
Delivery and pickup up items can be arranged by contacting Sherry Johnstone by Saturday November 7, noon.
Donation ideas
* Gift Cards
* Family Movie Night basket
* Snack Basket (granola bars/snacks)
* Homemade pie(s)
* Homemade Meal delivered to home for family of 4
* 1 dozen homemade cookies every month for a year
* Jewelry
* Lottery ticket arrangement in vase
* Coffee or Tea Lovers gift basket
* Birds lovers basket (seed, bird feeder)
* Dog/ Cat lovers basket (treats, toys)
* Wine lovers gift pack
* Assortment of baked goods
* Local brewery Tour/Tasting
* Food
* Christmas cookie boxes
* Squares
* Hand crafts
* Christmas crafts
* Children's activity gift basket
* Family Mystery Box
* Sock gift basket
* Hot Chocolate Gift Basket
* Hand sanitizer/soap gift basket
Check out Pinterest.com for some great ideas!!
IMPORTANT – Have fun choosing or doing up your donation
A list of the items will be emailed out on Tuesday, November 10 to those on our church email list.
We invite you to email this list to your family and friends who might want to join in.
Each item will be numbered and a photo/description will be included on the list.
Details of how to bid and contact information will be on the list.
How to bid?
If you wish to place a bid, you email or call in your bid starting Wednesday, Nov.11. to Sherry Johnstone or the church office.
Information required: Name of bidder, bidder telephone number, item #, the item description and price of bid being made.
All email bids will be confirmed by a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email by the end of next day, assume that your bid was not received.
Bidders can bid more than once on any item if they want to increase their previous bid.
NEW TWIST FOR THIS AUCTION - TWO POSTINGS OF UP-TO-DATE RESULTS.
On Monday Nov.16, there will be a separate email sent out showing the list of items and the bid status of each item. In the weekly church email on Thursday Nov.19 another revised list will be included showing the bid status to date. No bidders names will be revealed.
Deadline for bid submissions is Friday Nov.20, 7 pm.
On Saturday, Nov.21, winning bidders will receive an email or phone call notifying them.
Payment will be required prior to receiving their winning item.
If payment has not been received within 3 days of the winning bidder being contacted, the next highest bidder will be selected as the winning bidder.
Payment can be made in a few different ways.
Options on the First United Church website for donations can be used for payment, payment drop-off at church mailbox or pickup of payments can be arranged.
WHO? Anyone can participate.
To ensure this event is a success we invite everyone to participate.
Watch those emails for the bid updates.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sherry Johnstone
519-633-5606 (sjohnstone1959@gmail.com)
What is a Blind Auction?
In this type of auction, all bidders submit blind bids. No one knows who the bidder is or what they bid on any auction item.
The highest bidder after the deadline pays the price they submitted for that item(s) and wins the auction item.
WHEN? Auction start date: Wednesday November 11
WHY? This is a chance to connect with our faith community, the wider community, raise some money for the General Fund and have some fun doing it.
HOW? How will this auction work?
I am inviting people to donate items, time, talent or service for this auction. (Can be from anyone) Items must be new or in like-new condition.
Details (and photos) of donations are to be submitted by email to Sherry Johnstone (sjohnstone1959@gmail.com) or by telephone 519-633-5606
Be sure and include the donor's name.
Deadline for submission of donations is maximum, Friday, November 6, 7 pm.
Delivery and pickup up items can be arranged by contacting Sherry Johnstone by Saturday November 7, noon.
Donation ideas
* Gift Cards
* Family Movie Night basket
* Snack Basket (granola bars/snacks)
* Homemade pie(s)
* Homemade Meal delivered to home for family of 4
* 1 dozen homemade cookies every month for a year
* Jewelry
* Lottery ticket arrangement in vase
* Coffee or Tea Lovers gift basket
* Birds lovers basket (seed, bird feeder)
* Dog/ Cat lovers basket (treats, toys)
* Wine lovers gift pack
* Assortment of baked goods
* Local brewery Tour/Tasting
* Food
* Christmas cookie boxes
* Squares
* Hand crafts
* Christmas crafts
* Children's activity gift basket
* Family Mystery Box
* Sock gift basket
* Hot Chocolate Gift Basket
* Hand sanitizer/soap gift basket
Check out Pinterest.com for some great ideas!!
IMPORTANT – Have fun choosing or doing up your donation
A list of the items will be emailed out on Tuesday, November 10 to those on our church email list.
We invite you to email this list to your family and friends who might want to join in.
Each item will be numbered and a photo/description will be included on the list.
Details of how to bid and contact information will be on the list.
How to bid?
If you wish to place a bid, you email or call in your bid starting Wednesday, Nov.11. to Sherry Johnstone or the church office.
Information required: Name of bidder, bidder telephone number, item #, the item description and price of bid being made.
All email bids will be confirmed by a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email by the end of next day, assume that your bid was not received.
Bidders can bid more than once on any item if they want to increase their previous bid.
NEW TWIST FOR THIS AUCTION - TWO POSTINGS OF UP-TO-DATE RESULTS.
On Monday Nov.16, there will be a separate email sent out showing the list of items and the bid status of each item. In the weekly church email on Thursday Nov.19 another revised list will be included showing the bid status to date. No bidders names will be revealed.
Deadline for bid submissions is Friday Nov.20, 7 pm.
On Saturday, Nov.21, winning bidders will receive an email or phone call notifying them.
Payment will be required prior to receiving their winning item.
If payment has not been received within 3 days of the winning bidder being contacted, the next highest bidder will be selected as the winning bidder.
Payment can be made in a few different ways.
Options on the First United Church website for donations can be used for payment, payment drop-off at church mailbox or pickup of payments can be arranged.
WHO? Anyone can participate.
To ensure this event is a success we invite everyone to participate.
Watch those emails for the bid updates.
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sherry Johnstone
519-633-5606 (sjohnstone1959@gmail.com)
Coming Soon...
Confirmation Classes
offered jointly by Rev. Daryl (from First) & Rev. Paul (from Central).
Please contact the Church Office is you are interested in participating.
offered jointly by Rev. Daryl (from First) & Rev. Paul (from Central).
Please contact the Church Office is you are interested in participating.
Join your Extended Family of United Church Folks (Antler River Watershed Regional Council)
in a Special Virtual Service on Sunday, November 1 at 10am.
Special guest preacher will offer reflection and the Celebration of New Ministries Service will include 1 ordination.
Join in on the Antler River YouTube channel. A link will be included on our webpage and in an upcoming Weekly Update email.
The Churches of St. Thomas will see you there!
in a Special Virtual Service on Sunday, November 1 at 10am.
Special guest preacher will offer reflection and the Celebration of New Ministries Service will include 1 ordination.
Join in on the Antler River YouTube channel. A link will be included on our webpage and in an upcoming Weekly Update email.
The Churches of St. Thomas will see you there!
Due to Covid-19 we are unsure of when we will be able to host
another Rummage Sale. We ask that NO items be brought to the Church
as we don’t have the space to store them. Thank you.
another Rummage Sale. We ask that NO items be brought to the Church
as we don’t have the space to store them. Thank you.
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We’re looking for donations of
outdoor LED lights or outdoor extension cords for an outdoor Christmas light display.
Contact Lori in the Church Office if you can help! Thank you!
outdoor LED lights or outdoor extension cords for an outdoor Christmas light display.
Contact Lori in the Church Office if you can help! Thank you!
Story Submissions for the Timeline for our
Anniversary Celebration (date TBA)
are still being accepted!
Invitation to contribute stories: We are inviting members of our congregation and community to contribute to the story that is First United Church. Perhaps you or your family have a special connection with the church, have an interesting story of your involvement or have a longer history as a member.
We’d ask that you submit your story to Richard Auckland at rauck27@gmail.com.
The intent is that your story will become part of a large timeline that will be posted in the hall on the way into the sanctuary by the Fellowship Room. Below are a couple of sample submissions, but you may have your own thoughts. If you have pictures feel free to include those as well.
Sample Church History Submissions
Please include the date (approximate is fine), your name and brief story or history
of your family’s involvement at First United Church. If you happen to have a picture to include that would be great.
1946 – Some members of the Auckland Family have attended First United since the 1940s. My parents were wed at Talbotville United Church in 1948, moved to Pearl Street and attended the church. Lloyd (my dad) served on the Board, the Trustees and was witness to the horrific fire in 1946 which burned the church beyond repair. As leader of the Argonauts and Argonettes (the youth group), and as a local teacher, he taught many of St. Thomas’ future leaders. My mother, Phyllis, was an original member of the United Church Women (UCW) at the church. All five of us children were baptised and raised in the church. My sister, Sandra (& Mike), 1971 and our son Jon (& Laura), 2018 were wed in the church. A fond memory is coming to church and sitting in the south transept. It was always warm there with the heater on and the sun would often shine through. The Sandersons, the Parsons and other families sat in the same transept for many years as I grew up. Submitted by Richard Auckland
1970s – A fond memory for me was growing up with Lloyd, my father leading the Argonettes and Argonauts. As a youngster, I was permitted to go tobogganing at Union Golf Course with the older crowd. After a really long run, I continued on into the creek and got a real soaker! Submitted by Richard Auckland
Anniversary Celebration (date TBA)
are still being accepted!
Invitation to contribute stories: We are inviting members of our congregation and community to contribute to the story that is First United Church. Perhaps you or your family have a special connection with the church, have an interesting story of your involvement or have a longer history as a member.
We’d ask that you submit your story to Richard Auckland at rauck27@gmail.com.
The intent is that your story will become part of a large timeline that will be posted in the hall on the way into the sanctuary by the Fellowship Room. Below are a couple of sample submissions, but you may have your own thoughts. If you have pictures feel free to include those as well.
Sample Church History Submissions
Please include the date (approximate is fine), your name and brief story or history
of your family’s involvement at First United Church. If you happen to have a picture to include that would be great.
1946 – Some members of the Auckland Family have attended First United since the 1940s. My parents were wed at Talbotville United Church in 1948, moved to Pearl Street and attended the church. Lloyd (my dad) served on the Board, the Trustees and was witness to the horrific fire in 1946 which burned the church beyond repair. As leader of the Argonauts and Argonettes (the youth group), and as a local teacher, he taught many of St. Thomas’ future leaders. My mother, Phyllis, was an original member of the United Church Women (UCW) at the church. All five of us children were baptised and raised in the church. My sister, Sandra (& Mike), 1971 and our son Jon (& Laura), 2018 were wed in the church. A fond memory is coming to church and sitting in the south transept. It was always warm there with the heater on and the sun would often shine through. The Sandersons, the Parsons and other families sat in the same transept for many years as I grew up. Submitted by Richard Auckland
1970s – A fond memory for me was growing up with Lloyd, my father leading the Argonettes and Argonauts. As a youngster, I was permitted to go tobogganing at Union Golf Course with the older crowd. After a really long run, I continued on into the creek and got a real soaker! Submitted by Richard Auckland
“Anniversary Fundraiser”
POSTPONED - New date TBA
There will be 186 marked envelopes posted.
You are invited to choose an envelope (or multiple envelopes)
and fill them with the amount of dollars marked on the outside of the envelope
(of course you are always more than welcome to donate more if you wish 😊).
When we fill all of the envelopes we will have raised $18,000!
We appreciate your participation!
This will go a long way in helping us meet expenses!