What's Going on at First?
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.
(for more details about "In Person" Worship see the info below with the picture of the church!)
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.
(for more details about "In Person" Worship see the info below with the picture of the church!)
If you're not comfortable joining us in person...
We also 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.
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
An Important Message from Our Official Board Executive
COVID-19!!!!!
Will 2020 be considered by most as the year we would like to forget? That might be our preference but how can we possibly look back on the past several months and expect to forget what has unfolded? Looking back to March, who would have thought the COVID-19 pandemic would consume our lives the way it has…and for so long? Studies have apparently shown that 2020 has been deemed the most stressful year in our lifetimes. No surprise, really.
COLLABORATION A SUCCESS!!!
At First United Church, with the leadership of some amazing individuals, we were quickly able to offer a virtual Sunday worship service and we also began a very positive, collaborative relationship with Central United and other St. Thomas United Churches including St. Andrews and New Vision. Note that St. Andrews and New Vision have returned to operating independently; however, we enjoyed working with them throughout the summer and early fall.
LEARNING PROCESS
We have learned a lot since mid-March! The smoothness of the online services has improved and efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at First United continued in accordance with local direction from Southwestern Public Health. We tried to be extremely careful and even when the opportunity arose to physically return to church, we did so cautiously, encouraging most congregants to continue with the online service alternative.
Guidance at a provincial and local level has been very helpful. We have maintained lines of communication with Southwestern Public Health as guidelines have been revised. Church members can learn more about local health unit guidance by checking out this link:
https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/COVID-19-Resources/COVID-19-Guidance-for-Places-of-Worship.pdf
LOW COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS LOCALLY
Thankfully, our area has experienced very low case numbers during the pandemic and consequently, we have started to believe that it is appropriate to promote both in-person and virtual Sunday worship. Of course the safety of members and staff remains paramount.
SHARING RESOURCES? LET’S TALK!
As noted, coordinating a shared virtual service with Central United has been successful and we hope to continue to share our resources moving forward. A team from each congregation has been selected and these church members will meet to discuss future possibilities. Please understand this is not about merging, but rather sharing resources to grow stronger together while acknowledging our respective financial realities. This process could include sharing of staff or physical resources and sharing the cost.
POSITIVE PROGRESS
Some members of the congregation who have attended Sunday services at church (and others who have participated online) have indicated they would like to have more “live content” in the sanctuary. While lay leaders have often been present in the church for service (particularly in more recent months), our ministers have only more recently been present at First or Central United for worship. It is important to remember that Reverend Daryl lives in a part of Ontario where COVID-19 case numbers are much higher than the local situation and he has often been inclined to conduct his portion of Sunday services from home rather than in-person. This has certainly been a sound decision. It is also important to note that Rev. Daryl has been able to provide significant pastoral care through phone calls, Monday Coffee time and other “remote” means. It is anticipated that one element of the joint conversations with Central United will be the merits of shared resources.
MOVING FORWARD
In consideration of local circumstances and the feedback received from some members, we will begin to more actively promote in–church service, welcoming those who are comfortable to join, while continuing to offer a virtual connection given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases at a provincial level. We have lots of safe space for churchgoers in the sanctuary, with roughly 28 “bubbles” clearly marked in the pews. Congregants will be pleased to learn that a separate Sunday family program has been running successfully for approximately two months, with an average of four or five families participating each week. This program is scheduled so that families arrive in the Assembly Hall before regular Sunday service commences and exit before the worship ends upstairs. This approach has been well-received and is compliant with health unit requirements and guidelines. Contact Karen Auckland or Erin Chute for more information regarding this program.
OUR SERVICES – MUSIC AND MORE!
Music has always been a large part of First's worship services and has been difficult to offer under the current circumstances. Singing, especially group singing, creates a major risk in spreading the virus, and consequently is very restricted at this time in accordance with Southwestern Public Health direction. Although you can't sing during the service, Jody and the band would very much appreciate hearing you join in by clapping along with the music.
Jody is working on a plan to utilize the band to safely offer music within the building and virtually. One idea being explored is providing live music prior to each service as we head into Advent season. Other forms of “live” music are being considered as well. Stay tuned for more on this theme as well as other ways to provide “live streaming” of Sunday services in a safe, enjoyable manner.
NEW NORMAL???
If you have any questions, comments or concerns as you read this message, please feel free to communicate them to us. As we all continue to learn how to cope or adjust to what seems to be a “new normal”, patience and understanding will be important. We hope that First United Church can remain an important, viable component of your spiritual and emotional well-being so we encourage you to share any thoughts you may have as time continues to move along.
Thanks and may God be with you always!
Executive Committee Reverend Daryl Webber
Justin Chute
Richard Routhier
Richard Auckland
Karen Auckland
Don Renaud
Mark Snowsell
Will 2020 be considered by most as the year we would like to forget? That might be our preference but how can we possibly look back on the past several months and expect to forget what has unfolded? Looking back to March, who would have thought the COVID-19 pandemic would consume our lives the way it has…and for so long? Studies have apparently shown that 2020 has been deemed the most stressful year in our lifetimes. No surprise, really.
COLLABORATION A SUCCESS!!!
At First United Church, with the leadership of some amazing individuals, we were quickly able to offer a virtual Sunday worship service and we also began a very positive, collaborative relationship with Central United and other St. Thomas United Churches including St. Andrews and New Vision. Note that St. Andrews and New Vision have returned to operating independently; however, we enjoyed working with them throughout the summer and early fall.
LEARNING PROCESS
We have learned a lot since mid-March! The smoothness of the online services has improved and efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at First United continued in accordance with local direction from Southwestern Public Health. We tried to be extremely careful and even when the opportunity arose to physically return to church, we did so cautiously, encouraging most congregants to continue with the online service alternative.
Guidance at a provincial and local level has been very helpful. We have maintained lines of communication with Southwestern Public Health as guidelines have been revised. Church members can learn more about local health unit guidance by checking out this link:
https://www.swpublichealth.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/COVID-19-Resources/COVID-19-Guidance-for-Places-of-Worship.pdf
LOW COVID-19 CASE NUMBERS LOCALLY
Thankfully, our area has experienced very low case numbers during the pandemic and consequently, we have started to believe that it is appropriate to promote both in-person and virtual Sunday worship. Of course the safety of members and staff remains paramount.
SHARING RESOURCES? LET’S TALK!
As noted, coordinating a shared virtual service with Central United has been successful and we hope to continue to share our resources moving forward. A team from each congregation has been selected and these church members will meet to discuss future possibilities. Please understand this is not about merging, but rather sharing resources to grow stronger together while acknowledging our respective financial realities. This process could include sharing of staff or physical resources and sharing the cost.
POSITIVE PROGRESS
Some members of the congregation who have attended Sunday services at church (and others who have participated online) have indicated they would like to have more “live content” in the sanctuary. While lay leaders have often been present in the church for service (particularly in more recent months), our ministers have only more recently been present at First or Central United for worship. It is important to remember that Reverend Daryl lives in a part of Ontario where COVID-19 case numbers are much higher than the local situation and he has often been inclined to conduct his portion of Sunday services from home rather than in-person. This has certainly been a sound decision. It is also important to note that Rev. Daryl has been able to provide significant pastoral care through phone calls, Monday Coffee time and other “remote” means. It is anticipated that one element of the joint conversations with Central United will be the merits of shared resources.
MOVING FORWARD
In consideration of local circumstances and the feedback received from some members, we will begin to more actively promote in–church service, welcoming those who are comfortable to join, while continuing to offer a virtual connection given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases at a provincial level. We have lots of safe space for churchgoers in the sanctuary, with roughly 28 “bubbles” clearly marked in the pews. Congregants will be pleased to learn that a separate Sunday family program has been running successfully for approximately two months, with an average of four or five families participating each week. This program is scheduled so that families arrive in the Assembly Hall before regular Sunday service commences and exit before the worship ends upstairs. This approach has been well-received and is compliant with health unit requirements and guidelines. Contact Karen Auckland or Erin Chute for more information regarding this program.
OUR SERVICES – MUSIC AND MORE!
Music has always been a large part of First's worship services and has been difficult to offer under the current circumstances. Singing, especially group singing, creates a major risk in spreading the virus, and consequently is very restricted at this time in accordance with Southwestern Public Health direction. Although you can't sing during the service, Jody and the band would very much appreciate hearing you join in by clapping along with the music.
Jody is working on a plan to utilize the band to safely offer music within the building and virtually. One idea being explored is providing live music prior to each service as we head into Advent season. Other forms of “live” music are being considered as well. Stay tuned for more on this theme as well as other ways to provide “live streaming” of Sunday services in a safe, enjoyable manner.
NEW NORMAL???
If you have any questions, comments or concerns as you read this message, please feel free to communicate them to us. As we all continue to learn how to cope or adjust to what seems to be a “new normal”, patience and understanding will be important. We hope that First United Church can remain an important, viable component of your spiritual and emotional well-being so we encourage you to share any thoughts you may have as time continues to move along.
Thanks and may God be with you always!
Executive Committee Reverend Daryl Webber
Justin Chute
Richard Routhier
Richard Auckland
Karen Auckland
Don Renaud
Mark Snowsell
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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We continue to explore the practice of forgiveness. In this TED Talk video with Sarah Montana we learn a bit more about the process of coming to embrace the work and release of forgiveness. When people say we should forgive there usually is no guidance along that road and we are left to "fake it until we make it". Yet forgiveness is such an important journey so many of us want to take. Montana offers some guideposts that have grown out of her own journey toward forgiveness. Join us for coffee and conversation on Monday at 10:30. Bring a friend!
Here is the Video: https://youtu.be/mEK2pIiZ2I0 |
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Youth Group at First United!
Wednesdays from 7-8pm
Youth from all churches are welcome!
(There is an ONLINE option – for more info, contact Chris Ross)
Wednesdays from 7-8pm
Youth from all churches are welcome!
(There is an ONLINE option – for more info, contact Chris Ross)
2020 has been a crazy year!
Usually we would be putting out the Secret Santa bags for Christmas Care this week!
Unfortunately, that is not going to work this year...
but the need in our community is still great.
So instead we have decided to have a
Curbside Secret Santa Gift Drop Off at First for Christmas Care
on Saturday, November 28 between 10:00am - 1:00pm.
*if you need a pickup of your gifts, please email Lori in the Church Office
and something will be arranged!
Unwrapped Gifts or Monetary Donations would be GREATLY appreciated!
Our gifts will be included in the Christmas Care Packages given to those in need
this holiday season.
ALSO, again this year we are collecting SOCKS for Grace Café.
There is a huge need for Men's, Women’s and children’s socks!
Please bag these separate from your Secret Santa Gifts.
The SOCKS can also be dropped off on Saturday, November 28!
Usually we would be putting out the Secret Santa bags for Christmas Care this week!
Unfortunately, that is not going to work this year...
but the need in our community is still great.
So instead we have decided to have a
Curbside Secret Santa Gift Drop Off at First for Christmas Care
on Saturday, November 28 between 10:00am - 1:00pm.
*if you need a pickup of your gifts, please email Lori in the Church Office
and something will be arranged!
Unwrapped Gifts or Monetary Donations would be GREATLY appreciated!
Our gifts will be included in the Christmas Care Packages given to those in need
this holiday season.
ALSO, again this year we are collecting SOCKS for Grace Café.
There is a huge need for Men's, Women’s and children’s socks!
Please bag these separate from your Secret Santa Gifts.
The SOCKS can also be dropped off on Saturday, November 28!
We hope you will join us for this Co-Vid friendly event
in our Church Parking lot THIS Saturday at 7pm!
You are invited to drive-in and see the Lighting of our AWESOME, NEW Christmas Light Display & Hear Special Guest Reader Allan Hughson read a humorous story from Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe Collection! (The Reading will be broadcast over the newly installed outdoor speakers to the South Parking Lot OR you will be able to tune in over your car radio – 87.9FM) *If you do wish to get out of your vehicle, please wear a mask and follow physical distancing protocols.
When the reading is finished we'll "Light the Lights"!
If you are able, please bring a donation for Christmas Care
(toys or non-perishable food items - you can bring your Secret Santa bags!)
This event is in loving memory of long time First Church Member, Michael Gormley.
WE MISS YOU MICHAEL!!
This Lighting of the Lights is the kick-off to our Advent/Christmas Fundraising Campaign
in our Church Parking lot THIS Saturday at 7pm!
You are invited to drive-in and see the Lighting of our AWESOME, NEW Christmas Light Display & Hear Special Guest Reader Allan Hughson read a humorous story from Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe Collection! (The Reading will be broadcast over the newly installed outdoor speakers to the South Parking Lot OR you will be able to tune in over your car radio – 87.9FM) *If you do wish to get out of your vehicle, please wear a mask and follow physical distancing protocols.
When the reading is finished we'll "Light the Lights"!
If you are able, please bring a donation for Christmas Care
(toys or non-perishable food items - you can bring your Secret Santa bags!)
This event is in loving memory of long time First Church Member, Michael Gormley.
WE MISS YOU MICHAEL!!
This Lighting of the Lights is the kick-off to our Advent/Christmas Fundraising Campaign
"Reach for the Stars!"
Fundraising Campaign
Fundraising Campaign
It’s that most wonderful time of the year once again!
It’s Christmas Time.
A time to be thankful for that all God has given us.
A time to share our love with each other.
A time to show our thanks to First United for being a magnificent place of worship.
This year we invite you to participate in a Special Fundraising Campaign to help sustain our beautiful church throughout the 2021 year.
If you look up to the church chimney (south side of the church), you will see 4 stars. Our hope is to bring light to each of these stars before New Year’s Day! How will we do that? We can do it if we all pitch in and give a little in the Spirit of Christmas.
Our goal is to reach $10,000 by December 31st.
When we reach $2,500 the first star on the chimney will be lit;
when we reach $5,000 two will be lit;
$7,500 = 3 stars lit;
and when we reach our goal of $10,000… all 4 starts will be lit!
To contribute to this fundraiser,
just designate your donation in some way to “REACH FOR THE STARS”.
Your donation can be made by Cheque, Cash, E-Transfer, PAR or PayPal. For anyone opening a new PAR or PayPal account, committed to making monthly donations, we will multiply the first month’s donation by 12
and add that sum towards reaching our goal.
Let’s all pitch in and make this a Christmas to remember by lighting all four stars!!
It’s Christmas Time.
A time to be thankful for that all God has given us.
A time to share our love with each other.
A time to show our thanks to First United for being a magnificent place of worship.
This year we invite you to participate in a Special Fundraising Campaign to help sustain our beautiful church throughout the 2021 year.
If you look up to the church chimney (south side of the church), you will see 4 stars. Our hope is to bring light to each of these stars before New Year’s Day! How will we do that? We can do it if we all pitch in and give a little in the Spirit of Christmas.
Our goal is to reach $10,000 by December 31st.
When we reach $2,500 the first star on the chimney will be lit;
when we reach $5,000 two will be lit;
$7,500 = 3 stars lit;
and when we reach our goal of $10,000… all 4 starts will be lit!
To contribute to this fundraiser,
just designate your donation in some way to “REACH FOR THE STARS”.
Your donation can be made by Cheque, Cash, E-Transfer, PAR or PayPal. For anyone opening a new PAR or PayPal account, committed to making monthly donations, we will multiply the first month’s donation by 12
and add that sum towards reaching our goal.
Let’s all pitch in and make this a Christmas to remember by lighting all four stars!!
To make your Freewill Offering to this event,
please click the donate button and on the
"Add special instructions to the seller" line please enter PWCC.
Thank you for your support!
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.
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 to add to our
outdoor Christmas light display.
Contact Lori in the Church Office if you can help! Thank you!
outdoor LED lights or outdoor extension cords to add to our
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!