September 2008Men's Breakfast
Location: ABC Restaurant at Douglas and Burnside
Category: General
Wednesday, September 3 to Wednesday, September 17 First and Third Wednesday of each month
Men, join us for fellowship and food at 8:30 a.m. All men are welcome!
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Sanctuary Choir welcomes new members
Category: Music
Thursday, September 4 to Thursday, September 18
The new season begins for the Sanctuary Choir on Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m. New members are welcome, particularly if they have a wee bit of music reading skill. Please speak with Fran. We especially need sopranos and altos.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=fpollet
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 231
Fax: 388-5186
Pringle Bells new season begins
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: Music
Friday, September 19
Pringle Bells begins its new season with rehearsals on Fridays. If you are able to read music and have some hand/arm strength, you are encouraged to join this group.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=fpollet
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 231
Fax: 388-5186
12 Days for Peace
Location: First Metropolitan United Church and other locations
Category: General
Saturday, September 20 to Thursday, October 2
The Festival of Peace will be celebrated city wide and we want to be part of it all! Sept. 21 is the UN International World Day for Peace: Oct. 2 is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday and the UN Day for Non Violence. We will mark this time with 12 days of attention to the issues of peace in the world, in our communities, in our homes and within. Some of the events in which we will participate are:
Sept. 20: Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm - Festival of Families at South Park School, 508 Douglas St.
Sept. 21: Rev. Gai Burns will preach on "A Way of Peace" at both the 9:00 and 11:00 am services
Sept. 22-27: Noon Hour Prayers for Peace in the Chapel
Sept. 24: 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary - "Peace One Day" film and discussion led by Dr. Saul Arbess, spokesperson for the Canadian Dept. of Peace Initiative, a cultural anthropologist and futurist dedicated to forming a new architecture of peace and Penny Joy, Co-chair of Restorative Justice Victoria.
Sept. 26: 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary - "The Human Right to Peace: Full-time Work" with speaker Hon. Douglas Roche, author, parliamentarian and diplomat, who has specialized throughout his 35 year public career in peace and human security issues.
Oct. 2: Watch for further announcements to celebrate Gandhi's birthday and the UN Day for Non Violence.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Sunday School Party
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: FirstMet Kids
Sunday, September 28
This Sunday School Party will take place following the 11:00 am service. Join us for hotdogs, ice cream cones, a magic and illusion show with Donald Dunphy.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
October 2008World Communion Sunday
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: Worship
Sunday, October 5
World Communion Sunday has taken on new relevancy and depth of meaning in a world where globalization often has undermined peace and justice – and in a time when fear divides the peoples of God's earth. On this day we celebrate our oneness in Christ, the Prince of Peace, in the midst of the world we are called to serve – a world ever more in need of peacemaking.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Blessing of the Animals
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: General
Monday, October 6
Bring your pet to a special worship service on October 6th at 7:00 pm that celebrates the special place that pets hold in our hearts and give thanks for the gift of companionship, protection, service and loyalty they offer. Each animal friend will also be offered an individual blessing.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Turning Points: A Men's Gathering
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: General
Tuesday, October 7
All men are invited to an evening at which we will hear from six First Metropolitan men, including Neal Henderson and Jonathan Down, as they tell about a major turning point in their lives:
What was the situation?
What changes came about
What were the risks? What were the hopes?
What was lost? What was gained?
Various stages of men's lives from early adulthood to retirement will be touched upon during the evening. The evening will include opportunities for questions and answers and informal conversation over refreshments. Contact Allan Saunders for more information.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=asaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 226
Fax: 388-5186
Pilgrim Heart: Reflecting on Our Journey
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Chapel
Category: Spiritual Development
Wednesday, October 8 to Wednesday, October 22
Pilgrimage is a spiritual event common to most of the major religious traditions: touring the Holy Land, Making the Haj in Mecca, visiting the Vatican or walking the Camino in spair. Often those on pilgrimage experience the sacred and a coming home themselves in a new and fuller way. We are all pilgrims in life, even if we do not travel to these far-off places. This three part series will explore the meaning of pilgrimage in our lives through the lens of Scripture stories and the arts. This process will help us become more aware of our own journey as pilgrims in our daily life.
Session 1, Oct. 8: using reflection and Scripture, we will explore some key issues about pilgrimage: who are we as pilgrims? what are we leaving?, what do we want?, what are we taking with us?
Session 2, Oct. 15: Through scenes and stories from the Gospels, we will deepen our experience of our personal pilgrimage. some of the arts will also be included.
Session 3, Oct. 22: To conclude our time together, we will reflect on the pilgrimage of our daily life.
The series will be led by Sue Clough, MRE, who has been an educator, high school theology teacher, chaplain and adult educator. Through workshops, retreats, and counselling, Sue walked with young people and adults as they searched for meaning in their lives and discovered more of their own giftedness. In the last year, living in Victoria, Sue is enjoying a new way of life, nourished by the beauty of creation, new friends, kayaking, pottery and photography.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Thanksgiving Sunday
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Sanctuary
Category: Worship
Sunday, October 12
Join us at 11:00 am for a special celebration of thanksgiving.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
November 2008Celebrating Spirit: 150 Years of Victoria History
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Sanctuary
Category: Music
Sunday, November 2
This event celebrating 150 years of Victoria History features our First Metropolitan Sanctuary Choir, Linden Singers and Chinese Benevolent Society Children dancers. This multi-media event is our major focus in the fall music program. Tickets available at the church office: $15 and $10 for those on limited incomes. 2:30 pm
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Marriage Refresher Weekend
Category: FirstMet Kids
Friday, November 14 to Saturday, November 15 Friday, 7:00 to 9:30 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sponsored by the Children, Youth, Young Adults and Families Ministry, this weekend is for couples aged 20 to 50. Both partners need to be present. Topics include communication, spirituality, sexuality, financial management, relationships with in-laws and other issues. Have fun while refreshing your marriage. Individual marriage renewal vows (optional) will be offered at later dates. Each subject will be led by specialists in that field. Allan and Megumi (trained marriage weekend leaders) will be involved throughout. Watch for more details!
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=macdonald
Phone: 388-5188, ext 221
Fax: 388-5186
Children's Sunday and Advent Around the World Event
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: FirstMet Kids
Sunday, November 16
All children are involved in the beginning of the service this day. Then join us for a pizza lunch, beverages and heritage food for the entire congregation. Creche-making for children and families. Watch for more details to come.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
December 2008White Gift Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: Worship
Sunday, December 14
All of the children will be involved in this event. White Gift Sunday is about doing the works of God, the work of caring,and praying joy may come with the giving, that the hand of God may be seen. Families bring a gift in a plastic grocery bag (e.g., non-perishable food) that will be distributed in the community. Watch for more details!
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 235
Fax: 388-5186
Recurring Events
Health and Wellness
Summer Strollers
Location: Willows Beach
Category: Health and Wellness
Time: Thursday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
This popular strolling program is for folks who like to stroll and enjoy the views. Some bring their canes, others their walkers, and yet others are just a little slower than they were 5 or 10 years ago. The Esplanade at Willows Beach offers an even, paved surface on which to walk and benches along the way to sit and catch one's breath. After a stroll, participants gather at the Kiwanis Tea Room for refreshments, great conversation and laughter. All strollers are most welcome to come and join us. We often need extra drivers to help folks get to our meeting point at the parking lot at Willows Beach (off Beach Drive). If you would like to stroll and/or drive, please contact Ann Maffey
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=amaffey
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 233
Fax: 388-5186
Tai Chi for those who feel frail
Location: North Park Manor, just behind the First Baptist Church
Category: Health and Wellness
Time: Wednesday afternoons at 1:30 pm
This Tai Chi program is especially designed to improve balance. It is a gentle program perfect for those who are a bit frail. Call Edeana Malcolm, the instructor and a member of our congregation, at 250-412-7682 for more information.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=amaffey
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 233
Fax: 388-5186
FirstMet Kids
Mothers Morning Out
Category: FirstMet Kids
Time: First and third Friday of the month, 9:15 - 11:15 a.m.
This gathering provides an opportunity for mothers to meet with one another and share. First session of the new season is Sep. 7. Childcare is provided. For more information, contact Megumi Matsuo Saunders.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 235
Fax: 388-5186
Events outside FirstMet
Arthritis Self Management Program
Category: Events outside FirstMet
Sponsored by the Arthritis Centre, this series of six weekly two hours sessions will help you learn new skills to better manage your arthritis and pursue a healthier lifestyle. Discussion covers pain, fatigue, stress, depression, safe exercise, nutrition, medications, alternatives, your health team, community resources. $25 includes manual. Companion $10. Check the Health and Wellness Notice Board in the concourse for dates and times in Victoria, click on the link above or call the Arthritis Answers Line at 1-800-321-1433. The Centre is also holding two hour workshops throughout the Fall. Check the notice board for details. There is no charge for these workshops.
More Info: http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/bcyukon/HP/self%20mgmt/schedule/default.asp?s=1
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=amaffey
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 233
Health and Wellness
OSTEOPOROSIS INFORMATION AND SUPPORT GROUP
Location: First Metropolitan United Church, Doreene McLeod Rm.
Category: Health and Wellness
Time: 2nd Monday of month from 1:30 to 3:15 pm
If you are living with, or are at risk for, Osteoporosis and would like to have access to education and support, this is the group for you. Why not get involved and make a positive move toward bone health. Everyone welcome! Meets on the third Monday when there is a statutory holiday on the 2nd Monday. Upcoming dates are:
Sep. 8: Sonia Lakki, a pharmacist, will address the various medications used for osteoporosis
Oct. 20: Dr. David Docherty, Professor, School of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education, Univeristy of Victoria, will address health and exercise as one ages
Nov. 17: a guest speaker from BC Transit Community Travel Training Program will address using public transit to get around and tips for those using a walker or wheelchair.
Suggested drop-in fee $2.00. Call Ann Maffey for more information.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=amaffey
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 233
Fax: 388-5186
FirstMet Kids
Sunday School
Category: FirstMet Kids
Sunday School begins on Rally Sunday (Sep. 14) with Sunday School Registration. This fall, we will continue to use the rotation model curriculum called Power Express from Grade 1 to 5, which was so successful last year. In this exciting program the same Bible story is explored for several weeks in rotational learning settings which include art, cookery, science, games, music, story, video, etc. Toddlers and youth curriculum is "Seasons of the Spirit" and the Beginners class is using "Bible Quest." Our Sunday school time for Grade 1 to 10 will be extended until 12:15 to allow enough time for activities. Nursery, Toddlers and Beginners (Kindergarten) are released at 12:00. Please wait at the fellowship hall with visits over coffee and cookies until 12:15. A Sunday School Party featuring a magic and illusion show with Donald Dunphy will be held on Sep. 21.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 235
Fax: 388-5186
Spiritual Development
The Listening Heart: A Time Set Apart, to Relax, Be Still and LIsten
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Chapel
Category: Spiritual Development
Time: Mondays, 2 to 4 pm
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. 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 inthe Art of Spiritual Guidance program offered at Holyhock. Linda can be contacted at l.mulhall@shaw.ca or 479-8410.
Sessions will be held on Sep 15, Oct. 6 and 20, Nov. 3 and 17, Dec. 1.
Phone: 388-5188, ext 221
Fax: 388-5186
FirstMet Kids
Children's Choir directed by Carolyn Howe
Category: FirstMet Kids
Time: Tuesdays from 3:45 to 4:30 pm
Join the children's choir, aimed at children 8-11. Co-sponsored by the Music Team and Children and Families Ministry, this program offers the leadership of Carolyn Howe, who is well-known to many at First Met as a singer and children's conductor, having brought both South Park choirs to perform at the church. Carolyn is the music teacher at South Park Elementary School and director of the Mood Swings Chorus. Come to join the choir, sing and have fun! Please contact Fran or Megumi.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=fpollet
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 231
Fax: 388-5186
Spiritual Development
Time to Pray
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Chapel
Category: Spiritual Development
Is prayer your passion and an important part of your spiritual life. Join others in a process of discernment about the role of prayer in the life and work of First Metropolitan. We will meet in the Chapel on Wednesdays at 1:00 pm, starting Sept. 17. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Women Exploring Spirituality
Location: First Met Chapel
Category: Spiritual Development
Time: Fourth Monday of month, 7:30 pm
Facilitated by Rev. Colleen Erb, the group meets each month except July and August. The group is reflecting on on Paula D'Arcy's book "Gift of the Red Bird." All interested women are invited to come and share in the discussion. The book will be available at Koinonia Books in early September.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=smacdonald
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 221
Fax: 388-5186
FirstMet Kids
Family Fun and Faith Friday Potluck
Category: FirstMet Kids
Time: One Friday a month from 5:30 to 8:15 pm
These once-monthly get-togethers provide time for families to enjoy a potluck meal together, have fun, relax and enjoy discussions on common interest. Bring your board games and puzzles. Child care available for pre-schoolers. Call Megumi to confirm you are coming. For more information, contact Megumi Matsuo Saunders.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 235
Fax: 388-5186
Spiritual Development
Teen Confirmation Class for Grades 7 and 8
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: Spiritual Development
Time: Sunday afternoons, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
These classes will prepare teens for confirmation. Tentative schedule is Oct. 5, Nov. 9, Jan. 4, Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 5 and May 3, with one overnight session at Camp Pringle. Group will also participate in the Vancouver Youth Outreach Conference, Epiphany Explorations and BC Conference Jr. Youth at Naramata Centre (Oct. 31 to Nov. 3 - optional) Contact Megumi Matsuo Saunders for more information.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=msaunders
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 235
Worship
Contemporary Worship and Music
Location: First Metropolitan United Church
Category: Worship
Time: First Sunday Evening of the Month
With music leadership by Amy Collins and Jeff Poynter, this new worship at 7:00 pm will include lots of new music in styles such as roots, pop, world, folk and jazz. The informal worship experience will be open to all and is aimed at those for whom "church" might be a pretty new experience. Amy is a second year student at UVic's School of Music, sang in our choir last year and has been part of the summer staff at Naramata Centre as well as being active in the United Church in the Lower Mainland. Jeff has studied music for 13 years and plays piano, saxophone, guitar, a little bit of bass and accordion. He is in the second year in the Bachelor of Music Program and is a lifelong member of the United Church. We look forward to having others join with Amy and Jeff to form a house band for these worship experiences.
Phone: 388-5188
Fax: 388-5186
Celtic Vespers inspired by Iona
Location: First Metropolitan United Church Chapel
Category: Worship
This quiet, meditative service is based on the resources of the Iona Community and uses Gaelic melodies. We gather at the end of a busy week each second Friday of the month to worship and find the presence of Our Lord in our midst. 6:00 pm. Upcoming dates are Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12.
Email: http://www.firstmetvictoria.com/contact/mailform/index.php?id=fpollet
Phone: 388-5188, ext. 231
Fax: 388-5186
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