The nights are long, wrapped in a wet sleeping bag, shivering from the damp and the chill, sleep comes fitfully—five or ten minutes every hour. A tree, a park bench, a doorway… these provide some shelter but safety and warmth and not common experiences for homeless youth.
First†Metropolitan United Church is one of several venues which offers night shelter for street youths each evening from November to April. It aims to provide warm, safe shelter for homeless youths aged 16 to 25 years. The coalition includes Beacon Community Services (lead agency), Cool Aid, St. John the Divine, St. Saviours Anglican, as well as First†Metropolitan United.
Volunteers are needed in two capacities:
- to be present for an evening or a morning shift to ensure the provision of a meal, and
- to donate the soup, muffins, eggs and other ingredients that make for healthy eating.
We also launch a yearly financial appeal to ensure that we meet our commitment of $5,000 towards the operational expenses of the coalition.
To volunteer or contribute in any way, please call the site coordinators, Leslie and Bob Wilson at 250-590-4586.
Category: Outreach | Also filed under: Inner City Outreach |
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:
First†Metropolitan United Church continues to serve over 240 roast beef dinners each month, for nine months of the year. All inner city people are welcome to our Fellowship Hall on the Friday before social assistance cheques come out.
Volunteers are always needed to help cook and serve these meals. Call Robin Breckon at 250-472-3381 if you can help with these jobs or are interested in serving in other capacities.
Volunteers are always needed to help cook and serve these meals.
Category: Outreach | Also filed under: Inner City Outreach |
Volunteer Leadership: Putting Your Faith into Action!
Helen 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:
The Pastoral Team sponsors a knitting group that meets to make scarves, hats, socks, toques, mittens, gloves, dishcloths, children’s sweaters, booties, lap robes for here and abroad. We meet once a month from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Room 107 at First†Metropolitan United Church. Check the events calendar for the upcoming dates.
We have worked on afghans and lap robes for the refurbished rooms at the Hospice. We also donate items to Cridge Centre for the Family, the Sandy Merriman Shelter for Women, Our Place, The Compassionate Warehouse and other locations. We have wool, needles, patterns, fun and fellowship to share!
For more information about the group or projects, please call Joan Mickelson at (250) 744-3047.
New to FirstMet?
Come, join other newcomers for refreshments, conversation and an opportunity to meet our staff. We will be sharing information about First Metropolitan United Church and the programs we offer. Gathering follows the 11 am service and is in the Doreene McLeod Room. Contact Sharon at the Front Office (Ext 221 or office@firstmetvictoria.com ) or Merle at 250.361.0064 or email merle.nicholds@gmail.com to attend.
