Category: About Us

First†Met Foundation

By: r.a. paterson | June 10, 2009
First Met Foundation Logo

Have You Considered the Church in Your Will?

To ensure that yours is a lasting gift, please include a bequest to the First†Metropolitan United Church Foundation.

What Is It?

The First†Metropolitan United Church Foundation

  • holds trust funds
  • invests these funds
  • makes grants
  • assists the work of the church

The Foundation includes: The Memorial Endowment Fund and The Memorial Stabilization Reserve. Both The Memorial Endowment Fund and The Memorial Stabilization Reserve are "endowments" – only the interest is disbursed. Contributions thus become perpetual gifts, or legacies. They enable the church to extend its work beyond the provisions of its general budget. Grants are made for funding initiatives on requests approved by the Directors.

Applying for Grants

Application forms are available from the Foundation. Generally, the earnings of the Memorial Endowment Fund are for initiatives such as:

The earnings of the Memorial Stabilization Reserve are available to offset church deficits.

Contributions

The Foundation receives bequests, memorials, and special gifts and incorporates these resources into a trust.

Contributions may be directed to:

The First†Metropolitan United Church FOUNDATION
932 Balmoral Road
Victoria, BC
V8T 1A8

Additional contact information:

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Our History

By: r.a. paterson | June 11, 2009

When Metropolitan United Church and First United Church joined together in 1997, it marked the amalgamation of two historic congregations in Victoria, one with Presbyterian roots, the other with Methodist and Congregational roots. The United Church of Canada, founded in 1925 by these three denominations, was at the forefront of the ecumenical movement in Canada. Together we bring over 300 years of mission and service to the life of Victoria, with a ripple effect that has literally gone out around the world. As strong winds of change have blown through society at the beginning of the 21st century, so the Spirit encourages us to become a fresh and vital community of Christ at the heart of the city.

See Also

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First†Met Strategic Plan 2011

By: Brian Shields | February 4, 2011

The Strategic Planning Committee, with the support of the Executive Council,  developed this plan containing our vision, mission, values and strategic direction of First†Metropolitan. It provides a ten-year roadmap to enhance our journey for spiritual growth and active discipleship. The Council and staff will review progress quarterly and will review and update the plan annually as needed to ensure that we stay on course to 2020 Vision.

Following are Links to the Strategic Plan, as well as the various committees.

First†Met Strategic Plan 2011
Passed at AGM Feb 20, 2011

Committees Objectives:

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Our Mission Statement

By: r.a. paterson | June 7, 2009

We are a community called to live our lives as witnesses to God as known through Jesus. We invite others to share our Christian journey as we seek to be a transforming presence in our city and the world.

Our Values:

  1. To love one another unconditionally as God loves us.
  2. To value each person’s uniqueness and the gifts of community.
  3. To actively care for and live with respect in Creation
  4. To nurture Christian spirituality and justice-seeking in ways that foster personal growth and creative interaction.

Our Vision:

  1. To be an alive, welcoming and inclusive Christian community for all ages.
  2. To enter into worship that draws us closer to our Creator, enabling us to be active followers of Jesus in our communities.
  3. To nurture transformation through spiritual practices and learning that reconnect us to our Source and empower us to be salt and light in the world.
  4. To reach out with compassion and respect , seeking justice and healing within our church, our community and beyond.

Goals and Objectives for 2011 – 2013:

Our goals and objectives for these years are spelled out in detail in our strategic plan which outlines our vision to 2020. Ingeneral, our goals over the next years are:

  1. To promote ministry and programming that lives out our calling in Christ and meaningfully engages both our congregation and the broader community.
  2. To retain and recruit effective staff members and volunteers.
  3. To maximize resources so that we continue to be financially viable.
  4. To ensure that the building infrastructure meets the needs of our community.

 

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Organizational Structure at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | June 11, 2009

A process church uses a bottom-up organizational structure. It is much more intentional about encouraging every member and adherent in the congregation to share their spiritual gifts to enrich the worship and service life of all.

The Ministry Teams seek to draw on people’s spirituality and wisdom to help formulate church policies. To that end, anyone who wishes is invited to make their comments and suggestions known to the Council Executive that meets regularly each month or directly to one of the Ministry teams. One person may have an exciting idea for Sunday evening services, or another wants to encourage more interesting liturgy and a third has a vision of outreach in the neighbourhood. Ideas and concerns may also be brought to the church council which meets six times a year.

Team leaders and ministerial staff can help put flesh and blood on these bare-bones visions and bring together other interested and enthusiastic members of the congregation to make these ideas a reality. Teams are encouraged to be as creative and proactive as possible within the scope defined by the congregation’s mission, values and vision. In this way, we hope there will be a continual “bubbling up” of fresh, new ideas to enliven all aspects of our church life.

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Accessibility at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | April 21, 2011

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 (Room 223) – 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 and 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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Letting at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | April 27, 2011

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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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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Leanne Benoit, Minister of Pastoral Care and Shared Worship

By: Brian Shields | March 22, 2011

 

Leanne Benoit

Leanne Benoit joined our Ministry Staff at First†Met on July 1st, 2011. Her depth of spirit and gifts for ministry are well-suited to the position here.  Her background includes considerable experience and service within the United Church and broader community. 

Leanne completed her studies for diaconal ministry at the Centre for Christian Studies in 2009. She was commissioned as a Diaconal Minister of the United Church of Canada at a ceremony in Penticton in May of this year. During her diaconal ministry studies, she served at Clive United Church, AB, First United Church in Kelowna, BC, and Winfield United Church, BC. For the past two years she has served as part of a 3-person ministry team at Trinity United Church in Vernon BC.

Prior to commencing diaconal ministry studies, Leanne completed a Business Administration program in 1989 at Red Deer College and a Voluntary Sector Management program in 2004 from Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton. She had been employed as a Regional Program Coordinator for Junior Achievement in Alberta.

Leanne and her husband Harvey have three grown children and one grandchild.

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Share Your Gifts

By: r.a. paterson | June 1, 2009

Donate Now Through CanadaHelps.org!

First†Metropolitan United Church is a large, active community that reflects its calling to love, honour, worship and serve God through programs that reach inward to foster spiritual growth and outward to help meet the needs of our neighbours and others in the world beyond. It is through the contributions of you, our members, adherents and friends that we can live out that calling. Your support allows us to maintain the wide array of programs we presently offer, add new programs to serve urgent, emerging needs within the church and community, and to update our church facility to meet existing and future use.

 Whether it is your regular or one-time financial contribution or your skill as a musician, singer or performer, your friendly smile to greet newcomers, your warmth and empathy, your aptitude as a baker, cook or gardener, or your ability to type, photocopy, write or create graphics, you can share your gifts with other members of First†Met and the broader community by:

  • Contributing financial support to the church. Many of our members use offering envelopes or Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR) which have the benefit that your givings can be recorded and a donation receipt issued for Income Tax purposes (see the NOTE, below for more information) at the end of the calendar year. To receive offering envelopes or inquire about PAR, contact Carol in the church office at (250) 388-5188, ext. 223. You may also make regular or one-time financial donations online using your credit card through our Canada Helps button above or via the Paypal link on the welcome page.
  • “Our three year “Strengthening First+Met Stewardship Campaign ended in December, 2009. It received commitments of $1.14 M. Almost all were met. Three areas designated to receive support from this source were – Budget Enhancement, New Programs and Capital Projects. An unstated objective was to raise the level of Regular Giving, both in amount and the number of donors. All received some support but Budget Enhancement received more than originally planned in order to avoid deficits in 2007, 2008 and 2009. To replace this source of funding a new annual stewardship appeal was launched in 2009, with the intent of raising Regular Givings.
  • The Stewardship Committee arranges an appeal in October of each year. In 2010 about $96,000 was pledged for the year and almost $90,000 is expected to materialize. All pledges have been honoured except where death, hardship or moves have taken place. In the appeal for 2011, all of the target of $50,000 has been pledged to meet forecast budget needs. It looks as though that target will be exceeded.
  • Considering a gift or bequest to the church through your estate or a life insurance policy. For more information see the First†Met Foundation page.

Note

Under the Income Tax Act, a taxpayer is entitled to a tax credit in respect of donations made to a number of organizations. Gifts of $200 and less will produce a tax credit at the rate of 17%. If gifts exceed $200 in a year, the excess will give rise to a credit at the rate of 29%. The credit rate is multiplied by the amount of the gift/donation and the product is then deducted the tax otherwise payable. The value of the credit is effectively increased by about 50% when provincial tax is taken into account. (from the “Canadian Book of Charities,” 2004)

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