Category: Newcomers

Newcomers Welcoming Network

By: r.a. paterson | April 10, 2011
Buffet Photo

The Newcomers Welcoming Network hosts several gatherings 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 gatherings 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 contact our church office (office@firstmetvictoria.com or call 250.388.5188) with your name, address and email address. We can arrange to have the church’s newsletter emailed to you as well – just let us know!

This website has lots of information about our programs activities, worship and volunteer opportunities. Please browse its contents using the menu bar at the top or the popular subjects and features on the right.

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Rainbow Welcoming

By: r.a. paterson | April 20, 2011

First†Metropolitan United Church welcomes and celebrates diversity.

Friends, family and allies come together in a spirit of Christian love with people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered, transsexual, two-spirited, queer, and questioning. We support one another through worship, spiritual study, socializing, studying scripture, health and wellness activities, and by discussing issues of the day. All are welcome.

First Metropolitan also provides a meeting place for a new group sponsored by the Victoria Presbytery. Queer Victoria Christians meets monthly.

For more information, contact Allan Saunders, Lead Minister at 250.388-5188, ext. 226 or by emailE-mail Allan Saunders.

See Also:

Affirm United is an organization of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within The United Church of Canada. They work to provide the full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in the church and in society.

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First Time at First†Met?

By: r.a. paterson | April 18, 2011
  • 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 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 ~ Merle Nicholds: merle.nicholds@gmail.com

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Directions to First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | April 20, 2011

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.


View Larger Map

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. Between September and June, underground parking is available in the lot below the Balmoral Gardens Housing complex for the 11 am Sunday service. An attendant is available to let you into the lot. Note that this lot is not suitable for those with mobility issues.

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 (Quadra entrance) of the Sanctuary, and the other in the photocopy room near the Front Office.

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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Newcomer Gatherings

By: Brian Shields | February 16, 2012

New to FirstMet?

Come, join other newcomers for refreshments, conversation and an opportunity to meet our staff. We will be sharing information about First Metropolitan United Church and the programs we offer. Gathering follows the 11 am service and is in the Doreene McLeod Room. Dates are to be announced, usually one is in the fall and one is in the spring. Contact Sharon at the Front Office (Ext 221 or  office@firstmetvictoria.com ).

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