Category: Making Connections

United Church Women (UCW)

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.

Also posted in For Adults | Tag(s): , | Comments closed

Social Groups

People new to the congregation will find that joining one or more of the social groups is an excellent way to begin to feel part of our community. Our groups include:

Also posted in New to Us?, Social Groups | Tag(s): | Comments closed

Ramblers

Photo of the RamblersThe Ramblers

The Ramblers are an eclectic mix of people who love to walk. The group meets every three weeks at various locations around Lower Vancouver Island and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.

The walks vary in difficulty from shorter walks on level ground to more challenging hikes on steep trails, such as to Heart Lake or to the top of Mount Finlayson.

The pace is moderate and often includes lunch out on the hikes further away from downtown. An annual Christmas party is held at one of the members houses.

For more information, please call Margaret MacQuarrie at (250) 388-6929.

Also posted in Social Groups | Comments closed

Acti-Mets

Formed in 1947, this group still pursues the purpose of “sociability and fellowship within the ambience of the Church.” The Acti-Mets have a very interesting program of activities and many get-togethers at members’ homes and at the church throughout the year.

If you and your spouse would be interested in joining the fellowship of this club, contact the Church Office at 250-388-5188 or call Ian MacPherson at 250-381-1539 or Don Hodgson at 250-388-9755. 

Also posted in Social Groups | Tag(s): , | Comments closed

Merry Mates

The object of the "Merry Mates" club is to promote the fellowship of the people within the orbit of the church and to support church enterprises to maintain the Christian family. The group meets on the first Friday of the month except for July and August. Meetings are usually held in members’ homes but occasionally are moved to another venue including the church.

After club business is briefly dealt with, the members enjoy a program and refreshments. They often have speakers, slide/video presentations, barbecues, go on hikes, plan tours, games nights and a year-end Christmas dinner.

Anyone interested in more information may telephone the membership officer at (250) 479-4882 or contact the Church Office.

Also posted in Social Groups | Tag(s): | Comments closed

Contemporary Worship

Amy Collins, Jeff Poynter and friends

Held on the First Sunday of Each Month at 4:00 p.m.

Join University of Victoria Music students Amy Collins, Jeff Poynter and friends for a contemporary worship service on the first Sunday of each month at 4:00 pm in the chapel. All are welcome to this spirit and music filled worship service. Young Adults usually meet for a shared supper at 6 pm. This service start up again in October 2010.

Also posted in For Adults, For Youth, Services of Special Interest | Tag(s): , , | Comments closed

Friendship Club

The purpose of the Friendship Club is to enjoy the fellowship of its members. They meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Many interesting speakers have addressed them on topics related to travel, education, health, fitness and financial planning. During the nice weather they go on field trips and picnics around Victoria, and occasionally will attend live theatre or concerts as a group or go out for dinner. At Christmas, their Christmas tree donations are given to The Open Door.

They also contribute from time to time to the church community and to their own members with cards and/or flowers during sickness or loss of family. New members are always welcome.

For more information, please contact the Church Office.

Also posted in Social Groups | Tag(s): | Comments closed

Volunteering at First†Met

Volunteer Leadership: Putting Your Faith into Action!

Helen MacKayHelen MacKay, sound technician, Inner City dinner greeter and more!

When have you said “yes” and were glad you did? Few things delight the heart of God more than when we respond to the Spirit’s promptings by saying (and living) “yes” in ways which make a positive difference in the world and in our own lives.

First Metropolitan is committed to discerning, nurturing and celebrating the gifts of lay people. We want our volunteers to be engaged in ministry which is:

  • meaningful
  • manageable
  • well-suited to their gifts and temperament and
  • life-giving to both volunteers and those who benefit from their participation

In the process, self-awareness grows, faith is deepened, lasting friendships are forged, and the moving of Spirit is acknowledged and celebrated.

As all Christians are followers of Jesus,
So each Christian is called to ministry…
Gifts are diverse
Ministries take various forms
All are essential to the work of the church.

(from Faith Talk II – A draft statement of faith from the United Church of Canada)

See Also:

Also posted in Volunteer | Tag(s): , | Comments closed

New Vistas

New Vistas is a series of ‘lunch and learn’ forums for older adults in Victoria, B.C.

Older adults are invited to explore spiritual issues from an interfaith perspective and connect with like-minded souls in a peaceful, scenic setting. It’s an opportunity to make new friends and renew old friendships through lively dialogue and over a delicious hot lunch at Queenswood Centre.

More than 65 people attended the inaugural program in Spring 2007 series on such topics as Becoming a Wise Elder, Forgiveness, Coming to Terms with Death, and What’s Your Story? Tools for Harvesting Life.

Ninety percent of the participants rated the series “excellent – very good” due to the quality of our speakers, the small group discussion, and the sharing from the heart.

Check the events page in the fall for dates and topics. For more information, contact Ann Maffey at (250) 388-5188, Ext. 233.

Also posted in For Seniors, Health & Wellness | Tag(s): | Comments closed

Tai Chi

Tai Chi ClassTai Chi Class

(Tai Chi Chuen)

Date: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time(s): 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church

Join other men and women in learning Tai Chi to improve their inner and outer balance, while also having fun! Newcomers always welcome. Speak to Carol Halvorson (250) 386-6670 for more information. There are no sessions when the Monday is a statutory holiday. Classes start again for the fall and winter Sep. 14. Beginners and returnees welcome!

Come and feel your energy flow!

No fee but donations welcome.

  • E-mail: Ann Maffey
  • Phone: (250) 388.5188, ext 233
  • Fax: (250) 388.5186
Also posted in Events, For Adults, For Seniors, Health & Wellness | Tag(s): , , | Comments closed