Category: Making Connections

Rights & Responsibilities

By: r.a. paterson | June 9, 2009

Rights and Responsibilities of Volunteers and Lay Leaders at First†Met

In a positive Volunteer experience there is giving and receiving in the very best sense. When volunteers share their gifts with us, they can expect to give and receive the following:

What will you receive?

  • The satisfaction of knowing that you have made an important contribution to the life of the church community and to everyone who participates in its programs.
  • A choice of a suitable assignment with consideration for personal preference, life experience, skills and interests.
  • Supervision and direction so that you know why the task is being done and that your work is effective through sound feedback, guidance and support.
  • Being heard and treated as an equal partner: to have a part in the planning; to feel free to make suggestions; to have a respect shown for an honest opinion; to have the opportunity to make a difference.
  • Recognition through on-going expressions of appreciation and formal training when feasible.
  • A variety of volunteer experiences and assignments

What do we expect you to give?

  • To be sincere in your offer of service: know that you really want to give your time, that you believe in and value what you are doing; accept only as much responsibility as you are willing and able to deal with.
  • To be willing to learn: know all you can about your job and participate in training; and welcome supervision.
  • To be dependable: do what you have agreed to do; make promises you can keep; notify your staff partner as soon as possible, when it is impossible to fulfill your commitment.
  • To be a team player: be considerate, respect others’ contributions; ask about things you don’t understand, get the answers you need; to be persistent, and not easily discouraged; provide feedback, suggestions and recommendations to your staff partner and other volunteers.
  • To understand the functions of the staff: work with your staff person and maintain a smooth functioning relationship.
  • To follow the guidelines – the policies and procedures – as established by our Church Governance.
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Youth Basketball

By: r.a. paterson | July 12, 2009

For many years, Metropolitan United Church served as the home of the Metropolitan Basketball Teams. Newly renamed the First†Metropolitan United Basketball Teams, upwards of 12 to 17 teams practice weekly in the Fellowship Hall and play at a local high school. This service is an “outreach” to the community, giving neighbourhood youth an outlet of healthy activity for six to seven months of the year.

Contact Rick and Sheila Vickery at (250) 479-0164 for more information.

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QVC: A Social Group for Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian and Transgendered

By: joan mason | January 12, 2010

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
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Hospitality Committee Members Needed

By: joan mason | June 16, 2010

The fellowship hour that follows Sunday services is an important ministry that welcomes newcomers and visitors and provides a social time for all members of our congregation. We are looking for someone to help on the committee with the goal of assuming responsibility for chairing the committee in the future. The chair oversees the running of the Sunday morning coffee hour and some of the other hospitality functions that occur at the church. A friendly personality and willingness to engage in conversation are important . Organizational ability and FoodSafe training would be an asset. For more information:

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Social Groups

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

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:

  • Acti-Mets
  • Ramblers
  • Merry Mates
  • Friendship Club
  • QVC, a social group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Christians and those wishing to explore their connection with God 
  • Craft and Smocking Group, bring your own craft or come and learn to smock. Phone Barb for more information – (250) 474.2098
  • Men’s Monthly Luncheon: No host luncheon on second Tuesday of month at Howard Johnson Banquet Room, 12 noon. Each luncheon features a guest speaker. Contact George Skelton at 250-727-0597 or Blain Thierry at 250-595-1932. Check the events calendar for dates and guest speakers.
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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 two units, namely:

  • 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.

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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New Vistas

By: r.a. paterson | June 9, 2009

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 the church.

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. Since then, the program has been offered each Spring attracting many participants from our congregation and the broader community.

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

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UCW Meetings

By: r.a. paterson | June 13, 2009

There are two UCW units which meet regularly, each group meeting on a different day and at a different time. The purpose of these groups is Christian fellowship, Bible study, spiritual growth, outreach and community service. They also do fundraising to help in areas within our church.

  • Mildred Mossop meets on the third Monday of each month at 10:15 am.
  • Unity meets on the third Thursday of each month at 12 noon

Please bring a bag lunch. All groups meet in the Doreene McLeod Room.

For more information, see our UCW page, or contact Joan Dowse at (250) 652-9766 or Marie McKee at (250) 592-7238.

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Volunteering at First†Met

By: r.a. paterson | June 9, 2009

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:

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Merry Mates

By: r.a. paterson | February 4, 2012

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.

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