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.
