In the past there has been great misunderstanding between the Christian community and the gay and lesbian community. This has led to much abuse, both ways, so that it has been difficult to be “out” as a gay, bisexual, lesbian or transgendered person in the Christian community or as a Christian in the gay and lesbian community.
The United Church is working to break down the barriers and has a network of supportive, affirming and or inclusive congregations. It worked with other groups to bring about the legalization of same-sex marriages.
Please let anyone you know who may be interested that Queer Victoria Christians, a new, seeker-friendly social group meets monthly at First†Metropolitan United Church. This social group is for gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgendered people who wish to explore their connection with God. Sponsored by the Victoria Presbytery of the United Church. For more information:
- E-mail: QVC
- Phone: (250) 544.8312
Healing Touch
Date: Every Monday afternoon
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
We believe that healing is a process guided by God to restore balance and wholeness of body, mind and spirit, not only within the individual but also within relationships, community and creation. Experience and research has shown that patients experience a faster recuperation with healing touch.
Healing Touch sessions are available by appointment on Monday afternoons on the hour from noon to 6:00 pm and other times by prior arrangement. To make an appointment, phone the First†Met office and leave a message in the Healing Touch voicemail box or phone Susan Walma at (250) 361-0694. A list of the healers is posted on the Wellness notice board. Each one can give information and healing.
On the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm, the healers meet to share our experiences and to practice new and old techniques. We welcome new healer members who have training in Reiki or Healing from the Heart.
- Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext. 235
- Fax: (250) 388.5186
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, the most important season in the church year. The week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday is known as Holy Week. While individual preparation and reflection is an important part of this preparation, there are also a number of events, activities and materials to assist in this process:
- Mardi Gras celebration for children and families, following the 11 am service on Mar 6. Hot dog luncheon and games.
- Experiencing God in Our Lives, a book of daily reflections for the Lenten season, written by the youth, their parents and other adults of the congregation will be for sale following church services. Cost $8; proceeds provide bursaries for summer camp and other summer youth programs.
- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper: Mar 8, 5:30 pm. Hosted by the younger men of the congregation. Adults $7, Children $3, Families $15. Tickets available at the church office or following Sunday services.
- Ash Wednesday service, March 8, 7:00 pm
- Sunday services, Mar 27 at 9:00 and 11:00 am, Martin Brokenleg, guest preacher
- Palm Sunday, Apr 17, 9 and 11 am, with our new Minister of Pastoral Care and Shared Worship, Leanne Benoit, introduced
- Maundy Thursday service, Apr 21: Potluck supper seder and tennebrae, 6:00 pm (please note time correction)
- Good Friday service, Apr 22, 11:00 am
- Easter Sunday services, Apr 24 at 9:00 and 11:00 am. Bring flowers to decorate the cross. Featuring brass, choir and special hymns of Easter.
Date: June 30, 2011
Time(s): 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
Location: Camp Pringle, Shawnigan Lake, BC
Sponsored by the Victoria Presbyterial United Church Women, this is a full day of fellowship, worship, book exchange singing and learning followed by dinner and vespers. The theme is Hawaiian – please wear something Hawaiian for the day and bring two dozen cookies from each church, a notebook, pencil or pen, the schedule, and a donation for the Duncan Food Bank. If you have any special dietary needs, please attach this information to your registration form which may be obtained from the UCW. The fee of $20 covers two meals and the day fee for the camp. Maximum number is 100 and registration deadline is June 15, 2011. For more information and registration, please contact Mrs. Karen Hoshel, 201 – 390 Waterfront Crescent, Victoria, BC, V8T 5K3.
Category: Events | Tag(s): Outside Events |
Date: Each Sunday during the 11:00 am service in July and August
Time(s): 11:00 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church
We will have three classes – Nursery, Toddlers and K to G4 combined class. Grades 5 and up have the option of staying in the Sanctuary or helping with some younger classes. Parents and other volunteers willing to help with the Summer Sunday School should contact Megumi Matsuo Saunders.
Category: Events | Tag(s): Sunday School |
Dates: First and third Wednesday of month
Time(s): 8:30 am
Location: ABC Restaurant at Douglas and Burnside
Men, join us for fellowship and food on the first and third Wednesday of each month. All men are welcome!
A Time Set Apart, to Relax, Be Still and Listen
Date: First and third Mondays of month, Sep through June
Time(s): 1:30 to 3:00 pm
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church Chapel
In our very busy lives, it can be difficult to hear the promptings of the spirit. We will practice coming to inner stilness so that we might hear the “still small voice” within.
Practices will include the use of scripture, poetry and music to inspire us; guided meditation and relaxation; and developing compassion for oneself. We will be drawing on Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Sufi traditions. Suitable for beginners and the more experienced.
The facilitator is Linda Mulhall, MEd, whose own spiritual journey has been rich and diverse. She was a Roman Catholic nun, General Secretary for the Student Christian Movement of Canada, and a practitioner of Metis and First Nations spirituality with Oriah Mountain Dreamer. She is a member of First†Met and engaged in the Art of Spiritual Guidance program offered at Hollyhock Educational Retreat . Linda can be contacted by email or by phone at (250) 479-8410.
- Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext. 221
Date: Each Sunday
Time(s): Following the 11:00 am service
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church Fellowship Hall
Did today’s sermon move you? Stimulate you? Make you think about your life in a different way? There will be an opportunity to informally discuss today’s sermon with others at coffee time in the Fellowship Hall. Look for our table.
Facilitated by the Worship/Christian Spiritual Development Team.
Please note: First†Met discount code is FM2011
[Event_Registration_Single event_id="21"]
What an exciting conference we had! Next year, Jan 19-23, 2012 will be our 10th Year and will feature speakers Marcus Borg, Richard Rohrbaugh, Mary Jo Leddy, Elizabeth May and others. Information will be posted in June on the program for 2012. Registration starts on August 15.Thank you to all our volunteers, delegates, presenters and staff!
See Douglas Todd’s Article on Philip Yancey: Vancouver Sun Jan 29, 2011. Download a handout of his presentation.
Check out what the Edmonton based March Congregational Life Newsletter had to say about our Conference!
Download a copy of the 2011 Conference Schedule at a Glance or details of the main sessions or workshops
Download the full conference brochure
Register online for the conference (please make sure that you have a copy of the Schedule at a Glance and workshop list handy when you do so!)
Please Note change in Workshop
Bethel Lee’s workshop “Why is the United Church so Confusing?” has been replaced with Martin Brokenleg: “Deep Talk on Aboriginal Issues”
This workshop is a guided conversation on current and past dynamics of Native and non-Native relationships. Come prepared to just talk and start real dialogue to begin true reconciliation. A maximum of 40 people can attend this workshop.
Download a registration form
See frequently asked questions
Read our Special Needs policy
Download a copy of suggested readings (PDF) by our 2011 speakers
The United Church of Canada is offering a Learning-in-Community Grant of up to $1250 for those who wish to attend the event as a group, and then continue to meet and reflect on learnings together. Apply online.
Each year, our participants tell us how much they enjoyed the conference and how much they learned:
This is hands down, the very best continuing education event I have attended. .. only sorry to have missed previous Epiphany Explorations.
I have learned to trust this event … knowing that I will be blown away – awe, inspiration, affirmation of gifts and insights, progressive understanding of Christianity in the world.
Always a highlight of my faith journey – much food for thought and growth.
Keep it going. It was like a pilgrimage to be here.
