Category: Worship & Celebrate

First†Metropolitan Choirs

By: r.a. paterson | April 2, 2011

Choir singing during a liturgical dance

Music can serve to uplift and inspire us as we explore the very nature of God. Under the leadership of Frances Pollet, the choir sings a broad range of sacred music from classical to modern. Some members also accompany the anthems on bassoon, flute, tambourine and wind chimes. A bursary program encourages young musicians to join the choir while attending university.

Highlights of the year are participating at the monthly Taizé services with other downtown churches, presenting special concerts and an annual benefit concert featuring young musicians of the congregation.

Choir Practice is 7:00 p.m. Thursday evenings in the Social Suite. Long-term visitors to the Victoria area are invited to join us for practices and our Sunday Worship while away from their home churches!

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First†Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble

By: r.a. paterson | April 2, 2011
Photo of First Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble in performanceFirst Metropolitan United Vocal Ensemble

This ensemble conducted by Fran Pollet is already well-known for its renditions of traditional hymns, spirituals and folk songs which they have performed during church services and at Epiphany Explorations. The ensemble has released two CDs  titled When the Stars Fall and Canticle, available at a cost of $20 from the church office.

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Christian Funerals/Memorial Services

By: r.a. paterson | May 1, 2011

Funerals obviously cannot be scheduled. The Ministers are usually available on short notice when needed. It is critical, however, for the family to discuss the details with the Minister(s) prior to making other arrangements as there are particular guidelines to be followed in the United Church. We can help you to minimize the stress at such a difficult time.

In some circumstances, families may wish to have the services of a lay funeral celebrant. Linda Mulhall, an adherent of our congregation, is a trained funeral celebrant and is available to conduct services at the church or elsewhere.

Before a loved one dies, we can provide counseling as well as forms and plans which you may complete and have ready long before the sad event. A funeral service or memorial is most meaningful when it reflects the interests, values and beliefs of the deceased in the music, readings, and prayers chosen. You may choose to do this for yourself or with the help of the ministerial staff. Not only will this spare your survivors some grief, it will ensure that your own wishes are known and respected.

Services may be held in the Sanctuary, chapel or sometimes in another location. A reception or memorial tea following a service may be held in the Doreene McLeod Room, the Social Room or in the Fellowship Hall by prior arrangement with the Hospitality Team.

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Marriage Services

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

We celebrate weddings for couples of all orientations who are in committed relationships. Couples need not be members of First†Metropolitan United Church, but should desire a spiritual marriage ceremony in which God’s blessing upon the commitment of the partners is sought. If you do not regularly attend worship, we suggest that you attend a Sunday service prior to your wedding so that you are comfortable with a church service. Couples must apply for a provincial marriage license and bring this to the church office at least a week before the wedding.

The church can provide a chapel seating up to 50, a sanctuary seating up to 700 and reception space in the Doreene McLeod Room or the Fellowship Hall. Together with the Minister(s), you can plan this special day so that it reflects what you wish to express in your wedding ceremony.

Reprinted courtesy of Bright Photography

The Ceremony

While there are some portions of the ceremony that are required due to legal reasons, there is considerable flexibility to choose music, prayers and readings that reflect your special love and commitment for one another. You may also request the assistance of the music director, who can suggest suitable music for the processional, at the signing of the register and for the recessional. We are open to inter-church and inter-faith weddings in which someone from another faith community shares in officiating.

In order to allow time for the required pre-marriage counseling and to ensure the availability of the church, please contact the Church office at least six months in advance of the desired date of the wedding.

Depending on the size and formality of the wedding, either the chapel or the Sanctuary may be booked. In some circumstances, Ministers may perform weddings in other locations chosen by the bridal couple. In addition to the actual service, the church may also provide facilities for a wedding reception. Fees apply for the use of space, the services of Minister, Pianist, and custodians, and for the use of reception spaces. Please ask for these details.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are usually held the Thursday or Friday before your wedding and last no more than an hour. Decorations including pew bows and flowers may be discussed with the Minister and put in place during the hour prior to the wedding ceremony. Confetti and rice are not permitted as they are too difficult to clean up. Photographs may be taken during the processional, the signing of documents and the recessional. Videotaping is permitted from a fixed position in the Sanctuary to be arranged prior to the ceremony.

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Sanctuary Choir Resumes Rehearsals

By: joan mason | August 19, 2011

Are you looking for a new musical adventure? Consider joining the Sanctuary choir for the upcoming season and become part of the ministry of music at First Met. We encourage those who have a reasonable voice and some music reading skills to come and join us. You will be part of a warm fellowship of music lovers.

We are also looking for students to participate in our bursary program. If you know of a university age person that would qualify, please be in touch with Fran Pollet, our Minister of Music.

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Youth Focused Worship

By: r.a. paterson | September 10, 2010
Children participate in special SundaysChildren and youth are also involved in Special Sundays
  • Rally Sunday: Sunday School Starts Second Sunday of September
  • Children’s Sunday: Closest Sunday to November 20th UN Children’s Day
  • White Gift Sunday: First or Second Sunday of December.
  • Christmas Eve Family Service: December 24 at 4:30 p.m.
  • Christmas Eve Young Adults Service: December 24 at 11 p.m.
  • Maundy Thursday: Seder Meal and Tenebrae on the Thursday prior to Good Friday. (Passover)
  • Lenten Project Dedication Sunday: One week after Easter.
  • Great Parade: The First Sunday of June.
  • Children and youth are also involved in Special Sundays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Palm Sunday, Easter, Christian Family Sunday (Mothers Day), etc.
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Folk Vespers

By: r.a. paterson | April 1, 2011
Amy Collins, Jeff Poynter and friends

Held on the Third Sunday of Each Month from September to May 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 from October to May. This service was formerly known as Contemporary Sabbath. All are welcome to this spirit and music filled worship service. Young Adults usually meet for a shared vegan supper following the service, hosted by Henri Lock, UVic chaplain. Volunteers are needed who will make a pot of soup (carrot, pumpkin, minestrone – gluten-free and vegan) for the supper. Please call Fran Pollet if you can help.

Of further musical note:

Here is your opportunity to sing with friends – old and new. A group of young people (ages 16 – 29) meeting weekly to sing their joy, share their songs and grow together. The fall season starts on September 12th meeting at 7p.m. at Oak Bay United Church (corner of Granite and Mitchell Streets).

Share this group with nieces and nephews who may be in town for school/university, with your grandchildren or children, with friends and neighbours – check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/singyourjoy. A magical thing happened this past spring when those 20 singers took the stage – be part of it this season!

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Celtic Vespers

By: r.a. paterson | April 7, 2011

Celtic spirituality challenges the spirit and soothes the soul.

On the first Friday of the month from October to May, First†Metropolitan United Church offers a Celtic Vespers service in the chapel. This is a quiet, meditative service of prayer and song. The service is based on the resources of the Iona Community and uses Gaelic melodies. Check the Events calendar for the date of upcoming services.

See Also:

Celtic Christianity: Island Pilgrims, based in Victoria, BC, are dedicated to deepen our own knowledge of all aspects of Celtic Christianity and to share its rich heritage with others.

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Children’s Choir

By: r.a. paterson | September 10, 2010

Date: Sunday Mornings
Time(s): 9:30 to 10:30 am
Location: First†Metropolitan United Church

A children’s choir offers children aged 7 to 12 an opportunity to sing. It provides young musicians with a high quality choral experience and exposure to music that celebrates the presence of God in our world. Co-sponsored by the Music Team and Children and Families Ministry, this program is led by Sarah Quartel, a fine enthusiastic music educator with a gift of creativity. Our singers will practice weekly and present their music in services at  First†Metropolitan about seven times a year.

The focus of our 2011-2012 season is “A Song from My Heart.” Educationally, singers will learn how to use their voices in a healthy way and be taught proper singing techniques. Spiritually they will be encouraged to use theirvoices to expre4ss themselves and to celebrate the things they are most thankful for. Choristers  will enjoy working with global percussion instruments.

Sarah Quartel is an Ontario-born compser, educator and conductor, known for her fresh and exciting approach to the choral experience. Having received her first composition award at the age of eight, Sarah celebrates the musical potential of all learners by providing access to high quality repertoire and engaging music education.  Sarah’s choral works are performed by children, youth and adults throughout North America and internationally by groups such as the Finnish a cappella group Rajaton.  Kids will find her a joy and an inspiration to work with.

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Pringle Bells

By: r.a. paterson | April 7, 2011
Pringle Bells

The members of the Pringle Bell ensemble, under the leadership of Frances Pollet, meet for practice on Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m.

These talented folk occasionally play during the 11:00 a.m. service or accompany the choral anthems four times a year in the Holy seasons of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lent and Easter.

They also greatly enjoy playing for other events and are delighted to have acquired a four-octave set of Schulmerich hand bells.

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