Author Archives: r.a. paterson

Our Place

By: r.a. paterson | January 3, 2009

First†Metropolitan United Church is active in inner-city outreach through its sponsorship of The Our Place Society (formerly The Open Door Inner City Ministry and The Upper Room Society). Our Place is affiliated with the United Church of Canada as a Community Ministry, and has a long history of support from our congregation.

Our Place has been operating from its new building at 919 Pandora Street since December 2007. It is open five days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on all holidays and during the winter it provides emergency shelter at night when conditions dictate.

Services and Programs

Services and programs provided at Our Place are extensive. Transitional housing is provided to 45 residents until they can move on to more appropriate accommodations, whether it involves treatment or more independence. Meals are provided to residents and drop-in members of the inner-city family. Other services include hygiene and clothing, healthy snacks, computer access, library, medical support, counseling, literacy, choir, advocacy, recreation and pastoral care. The approach is to provide a hand-up, not a handout and "unconditional love in a non-judgmental way."

First Metropolitan provides both financial and volunteer support to Our Place, including leadership through the Board of Directors. Donations of clothing, food and toiletry articles are also much appreciated.

More information can be obtained from the Our Place office at (250) 388-7112 or from the web site at: www.ourplacesociety.com.

Our Place PhotoOur Place has been operating from its new building at 919 Pandora Street since December 2007.
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Inner City Dinners

By: r.a. paterson | January 3, 2009

First†Metropolitan United Church continues to serve over 240 roast beef dinners each month, for nine months of the year. All inner city people are welcome to our Fellowship Hall on the Friday before social assistance cheques come out.

Volunteers are always needed to help cook and serve these meals. Phone Tara Channell, (250) 385-9166 for more information or to volunteer.

Inner City Dinner PhotoVolunteers are always needed to help cook and serve these meals.
Category: Outreach | Tag(s): , | Comments closed

Out of the Rain Night Shelter

By: r.a. paterson | January 3, 2009

The nights are long, wrapped in a wet sleeping bag, shivering from the damp and the chill, sleep comes fitfully—five or ten minutes every hour. A tree, a park bench, a doorway… these provide some shelter but safety and warmth and not common experiences for homeless youth.

First†Metropolitan United Church is one of several venues which offers night shelter for street youths each evening from November to April. It aims to provide warm, safe shelter for homeless youths aged 16 to 25 years. The coalition includes Beacon Community Services (lead agency), Cool Aid, St. John the Divine, St. Saviours Anglican, as well as First†Metropolitan United.

Volunteers are needed in two capacities:

  1. to be present for an evening or a morning shift to ensure the provision of a meal, and
  2. to donate the soup, muffins, eggs and other ingredients that make for healthy eating.

We also launch a yearly financial appeal to ensure that we meet our commitment of $5,000 towards the operational expenses of the coalition.

To volunteer or contribute in any way, please call the site coordinators, Leslie and Bob Wilson at 250-590-4586. 

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Faith In Action

By: r.a. paterson | January 3, 2009

Faith in Action is a group of people from many different faith communities in Greater Victoria with a shared concern for the poor and vulnerable in our society. Our focus is to advocate for BC income assistance programs and other anti-poverty initiatives that recognize the dignity and worth of all citizens. All who share this vision of a just and sharing community are welcome to join with us.

By consultation, collaboration and consensus, Faith in Action works:

  • To educate our members and faith communities about the needs of the poor.
  • To provide resources, forums and venues that enable persons of faith to participate in finding creative solutions to identified problems and issues.
  • To engage in an on-going conversation with all levels of government about the need to humanize the policies, services and programs that assist the poor.
  • To communicate what has been learned to the news media and in the public arena.

Contact Sheila Hanna at (250) 920-3662 for more information.

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United Church Women (UCW)

By: r.a. paterson | January 4, 2009

UCW Logo

The purpose of the UCW as stated in its constitution is to unite women of the congregation for the total mission of the church and to provide a medium through which we may express our loyalty and devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship and service. The UCW supports and cares for the women within the UCW membership and also extends goodwill to all women of the Congregation.

The UCW has more than forty committed members, working within three units, namely:

  • Harmony
  • Mildred Mossop
  • Unity

Each unit holds monthly meetings. Meetings include presentations by First†MetropolitanChurch staff and congregation members as well as by outside presenters. First†Metropolitan members attend Presbyterial meetings four times each year. A Presbyterial highlight of the year is the June event at Camp Pringle – Day Apart.

The UCW makes financial contributions to the First Metropolitan United Church’s Children, Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Hospitality team, Health and Wellness Ministry, the Flower Committee, and the Grace and Howley James Fund. In addition, the UCW supports the United Church of Canada’s Mission and Service Fund, the Kitchen at George Pringle Memorial Camp, sponsorships of children to attend summer programs at Camp Pringle, and the UCW UCW Presbyterial and its Projects Fund.

Another function of the UCW is the continuing connection with the young children on the Cradle Roll. Birthday cards are sent to children ages one to three. In addition, cards are sent to UCW members on special occasions: 90th birthdays, Anniversaries, get well messages, thinking of you and sympathy cards.

We support events of the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada such the World Day of Prayer and the Least Coin Project. Many members attend and participate in these programs. Our members continue to share their knitting skills. We have given bags of knitting (socks, mitts, toques, little sweaters, and dishcloths) for the Knitters Group and Midwives in Africa to distribute.

One of the highlights for all units is assisting with producing, preparing, and selling of the Lenten Meditation book organized the Mildred Mossop Unit. This book, which includes meditations written by members of the congregation, has been a success in each of the last fourteen years. It has become a tradition to hold a special inter-denominational worship services at Advent. Members of the UCW experience bonds of friendship, fellowship and pastoral care.

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First Time at First†Met?

By: r.a. paterson | May 31, 2009

  • Are you new to Victoria?
  • Looking for a new church home?
  • Visiting for a few days or spending the summer/winter here?
Welcome!

Please join us at a worship service or enjoy one of the many spiritual development seminars or study groups, musical offerings, children’s events, social events and clubs, educational or health and wellness activities that take place every week at First†Met. In addition to the events sponsored directly by the congregation, First†Met is committed to building bridges through community partnerships with such organizations as the Inter-Cultural Association of greater Victoria, the Church of St. John the Divine Anglican, Inter-faith Chaplaincy at the University of Victoria and many other groups. For a sampling of the activities, visit our events page.

Welcome Badge

We welcome visitors and encourage you to identify yourself to one of the greeters at our services. Greeters are easily identified by their white metal “Welcome” badges. They will ensure that you are made welcome, that you receive a service bulletin to use during the service and will invite you to coffee so that you have an opportunity to meet others.

If you are a local visitor, we will call you to welcome you to our church and thank you for taking your time to worship with us. Should you have any questions about First†Met and what we may have to offer, please ask. You can also contact us directly at the e-mail at the bottom of this page.

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Newcomers Welcoming Network

By: r.a. paterson | May 31, 2009

Buffet Photo

The Newcomers Welcoming Network hosts several luncheons throughout the year for our newcomers. They are intimate, fun-filled gatherings that will give you an opportunity to meet others who may be new to our church, as well as our ministers and staff.

Look for our display board, located in the concourse next to the interior entrance to the Chapel. You will find photos from our luncheons and pictures of our Greeters, Core Team, and Ushers, all part of this vital ministry of First†Met. Watch for notices of upcoming events that we may be hosting as well.

If you are a newcomer, snowbird or summer visitor, First†Met has special events and activities just for you. Please give us your name, address, local contact information and email address so that we can invite you to attend. We write to keep in touch with our Snowbirds through the year. We can arrange to have the church’s monthly newsletter mailed to you as well – just let us know! We are here for you – wherever you may be hanging your hat!

This website has lots of information for church members and visitors. Please browse its contents using the menu bar at the top or the popular subjects and features on the right. If you still have questions or would like some information, please contact the Newcomers Welcoming Network.

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Directions to First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | May 31, 2009

The church is located at the northeast corner of Quadra Street and Balmoral Road in Victoria, BC. Note that Balmoral Road becomes Fisgard west of Quadra.

The entrance to the Sanctuary is on Quadra, while the entrances to the church office, chapel, fellowship hall, and meeting rooms are on Balmoral. If you are attending Epiphany Explorations or other conferences and events, please use the Balmoral entrance.

Parking

On Sundays, angle parking is available on Balmoral Road. Weekdays, parallel parking is the rule. The two hour time limit on street parking 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday is strictly enforced, so please observe the signs and watch your time. Additional parking spots are available in a small lot off North Park Road, beside Canadian Linen Supply. A walkway and stairs leads from the back of this parking lot to the entrance to the church buildings adjacent to the office. Please note that this entrance is not accessible to those with wheelchairs.

For a current map of parking facilities, including secure bicycle parking and disabled parking zones, see the City of Victoria’s Downtown Parking Map (PDF).

Parking rates vary from $0.50 per hour to $1.00 per hour. Daily rates are from $4.00 to $6.00.

When attending large conferences or events at First†Metropolitan, check the event brochure or registration package for availability of additional parking.

Public Transit

First†Metropolitan United Church is located on a bus route. For transit information and schedules, see the Victoria Regional Transit System. If you require accessible bus transportation, see the Guide to Accessibility.

Taxi Service

Many taxi companies serve the Victoria area. Blue Bird Cabs and Yellow Cab of Victoria offer wheelchair accessible vehicles. They also honour BC Transit Taxi Saver coupons.

There are two phones available at the church to phone for a taxi. One is located in the Narthex (main entrance) of the Sanctuary, and the other in the photocopy room.

Security Reminder

Please do not leave any valuables in the pews or meeting rooms while at church functions. While we do the very best to be watchful and aware, things do go missing if left.

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Letting at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | May 31, 2009

We make space available to support individuals and families in the important transitions in life as well as meeting the needs of nonprofit community groups.

First Met Sanctuary

Weddings

A wedding … one of life’s foremost celebrations! We would like to celebrate with you on this sacred occasion! In the presence of family and friends, couples rejoice in the God-given love they share, and call upon God’s blessing as they begin their new life as partners.

First†Metropolitan United Church has a beautiful, newly renovated historical sanctuary, offering a cathedral atmosphere for your wedding.

Constructed in 1915 of red brick in the perpendicular Gothic style, it is registered as a heritage building. The interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500, a central aisle, a hand-carved Chancel, and original artifacts, all done in soft tones of burgundy, sage and heather. Expansive stained glass windows provide wonderful natural lighting. The front is spacious with an open wooden cross in modified Celtic style. When the service is over, our large wooden front doors offer excellent photo opportunities when the wedding party leaves the building.

Photo of the First Met SanctuaryThe interior is richly adorned with wooden carved pews that will seat 500

Experienced ministers will guide the preparation and officiate at your special ceremony, with attention to details and personal requests. Our gifted music director provides a wonderful range of selections for the four-manual Allen organ and/or grand piano.

FM hearing assistance provided for those who would benefit from it. The sound system is capable of tape-recording, and video recording is permitted.

For smaller weddings, our chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting for groups of up to 60.

Photo of First Met ChapelOur chapel provides a warm, intimate and informal setting

Following the wedding, receptions may be held in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. The Doreene McLeod Room has a small service kitchenette attached, suitable for preparing tea and coffee and serving simple refreshments.

Doreene McLeod Room kitchenetteDoreene McLeod Room kitchenette
Doreene McLeod RoomDoreene McLeod Room

The Fellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen and can seat up to 300 persons for a meal. It also has a stage and sound system. Church policies now permit wine, beer and cider to be served provided that you have obtained a special occasion permit, purchased liability insurance and meet the requirements of the Liquor Licencing Branch.

Fellowship Hall KitchenFellowship Hall has a fully-equipped commercial kitchen
Fellowship HallFellowship Hall can seat up to 300 persons for a meal

Meeting and Special Occasion Rooms

Special Occasions

Is your community group looking for one or more rooms to use for a special occasion or on a regular basis? First†Metropolitan United Church has rooms available during the week and on weekends, to suit meetings, rehearsals, workshops and other gatherings. The spaces available include:

  • A sanctuary suitable for presentations, music, dance or drama accommodating audiences of up to 700 with a sound and lighting system, FM hearing loops, an audio-visual system with four projectors, two plasma screens and two rear projection screens
  • A chapel seating approximately 60.
  • A fellowship hall with stage and commercial kitchen seating up to 300 for meals and 500 for presentations and other events. This hall is equipped with a gym floor and basketball hoops and is suitable for basketball, volleyball, badminton and other sports.
  • Individual meeting rooms seating from 15 to 60 people, some with attached preparation areas for coffee and tea.

There is a reasonable letting fee to cover costs of custodians and utilities, etc. Inquire about letting rooms by phoning Sharon in our church office at (250) 388-5188 ext 221.

Special Occasion
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Accessibility at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | May 31, 2009

Several parking spots, for those who with handicapped stickers, are available outside the entrance to the church buildings on Balmoral Road. From this entrance, both floors including the Sanctuary, Chapel, all offices, classrooms, and social areas are accessible. The elevator to the second floor is located just prior to the interior (chancel) entrance into the Sanctuary.

Please note that the only areas not accessible to wheelchair users are the balcony and the Kindergarten room – the entrances to these rooms having two to four steps – as well as the washrooms located downstairs from the Fellowship Hall and from the Narthex.

There is a universal access washroom on each floor: 1st floor – adjacent to Balmoral Road entrance; 2nd floor – almost directly above next to the Social Suite (Rm. 200.)

Our Greeters, Ushers, and staff are happy to assist you in your seating and/or addressing any needs you may have.

For persons with hearing impairments, our regular amplification in the Sanctuary is augmented by an FM system. You may be provided with "ear plugs" or for those who have a "T" device in their hearing aids, a "loop." At present this system is not available for the Chapel or other areas of the church.

First Metropolitan is a smoke-free, scent-free church. Please note while we do our best to accommodate the special needs visitors, we cannot guarantee to meet every need. We have a family room available to those with special sensitivities. Please dress appropriately for the season in layers so that you can adjust your clothing for comfort.

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