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Highlights of Our Life and Work
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Here is the latest news from our community of faith. During these times of physical distancing, we want to be intentional about staying connected, so please continue to send in your photos, prayer requests and uplifting messages to share with the congregation. They will be included in our weekly Friday emails. We are not alone...
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Deadlines for Announcements
Please email announcements to [email protected] or call 604-531-2979 and we will include them in our weekly email.
The deadline for the Friday email is Wednesday before noon.
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Sunday Worship Online: September 13, 2020
with the Rev. Dr. Dale W. Johnson
The worship service for September 13th will provide an opportunity to think and reflect further on the impact of becoming an Affirming Congregation, especially on those who struggle to feel included and accepted.
I look forward to us worshiping and reflecting together.
Scripture Reading:
Sermon: Confronting In and Out Theology
Hymns from Voices United (VU) are:
374; 639 vs. 1,3,4
Hymns from More Voice (MV) are:
28 vs 1,2,4,5; 92; 1 vs. 1,3,5
Scripture Reading, Hymns and colouring pages - Click here to download.
Want to participate using your own TV instead of a computer, and enjoy the service on a larger screen?
Invite your friends and family members to worship with us from the comfort of their own home at a time that works for them.
We hope you can join us for our after Worship Virtual Coffee Sunday at 11:00 am.
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Attention all Beauty Lovers
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Wild Carrot Blooming on White Rock Beach
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As we continue with our theme of Beguiled by Beauty we thought it would be a fun activity to ask all of you to share photos you feel showcase beauty. If you would like to have ONE of your photos showcased here, please contact the church office with your photo and a brief description of what inspired you to take that picture and why it moves you. Thanks.
This picture from Janet McIntosh is a great example of what we're looking for - one photograph with a short description:
"This is a Wild Carrot blooming on White Rock beach. It is just a common weed, but its beauty did beguile me!"
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Stuart Lyster submitted this photo taken with a Skywatcher 5" refracting telescope from his backyard.
Messier 51 - Whirlpool Galaxy (Messier 51), near the Big Dipper. But a whopping 23 million lightyears away. (99 minute exposure).
"It makes one feel small, but in a good way. Then a mosquito bites you, and you remember you're outside in the dark, the neighbours think you're nuts."
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| Don Galloway
"The Gathering: Hazelmere" |
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Phoners Urgently Needed!
We need volunteers to aid in collecting information for the new church directory. If you are able to help with this please contact Sylvia Uhreen at 604-538-1383.
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Toiletries Needed!
The Nitelights are, once again, gathering toiletries to package and give to Atira Women's Resource Society this fall. Should you wish to contribute any NEW items please drop them off at the home of Val Weinert - 13761 18A Avenue. Val will leave a cardboard box labelled "toiletries" on her back deck. As the box will be there daily from 9am to 9pm there is no need to contact Val to make sure she is home. For further information call Val-604-536-6576
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Cookbook:
ThirdSpace is going to be creating a digital cookbook! Filled with recipes from the community of comfort foods! This cookbook is not something you are going to want to miss out on!
Send your recipes to Robyn at [email protected] to have your fave food featured! Also, you can send a little blurb about WHY this is your comfort food.
Send by September 15 so we have a chance to put them all together!
We already have recipes for entrees, appetizers and desserts!
Where does your favourite recipe fit in?!
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Thanks to the UCW!
A successful garage sale took place on Aug 29/30 at the home of Val Weinert with the assistance of Winnie Kowalewich. Strict safety protocols were adhered to and the sale was very successful. A total of $340.75 was realized. This money will go towards the UCW Mission and Service commitment.
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Orange Shirt Story
Every year on September 30th, we wear orange shirts to honour residential school survivors. Orange Shirt Day grew out of Phyllis Webstad's story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at residential school, told for the first time in May 2013. It has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually. Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Phyllis published her first children's book called "The Orange Shirt Story" which aims to bring communities together.
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Here are other ways PUC is connecting with one another
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Are you missing meeting up with your PUC friends? Here are a few ways you can keep in touch in addition to following worship on YouTube.
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Wednesday, September 16
If you would like to join a group of 4 to "Walk and Talk" on Wednesday, September 16 at 10 AM, email Janet McIntosh
We will meet at White Rock Beach at the west beach boat ramp for our one hour "Walk". After, we will have our half hour "Talk" at one of the picnic tables on the grassy slope above the boat ramp. It will be low tide, and very easy to physically distance out at the water's edge. The sand there is nice to walk on.
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| | Bring Your Mask and Own Beverage |
 Fiddy Diddy Outdoor visits with Janice NOW ON MONDAYS ONLY
(Fiddy Diddy is short-hand for physical distancing)
Janice is missing seeing her PUC people so here's a chance to come and visit with her and 5 others at the Sunnyside site. We will meet Mondays only, starting September 14, from 1-2 pm. Bring a lawn chair, face mask and your own beverage. We'll meet on a shady grassy patch under the trees on the north-east corner of the Sunnyside property. Please be aware that there is a slight slope from the parking lot down to our meeting place. We will meet in the Sunnyside sanctuary during inclement weather.
Please RSVP with Beth in the office 604-531-2979.
Sorry, the washrooms are not available during these visits.
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| Chubb Gosse, June Pratt, Winnie Kowalewich, Janice Young, Pat Anderson
August 28, 2020 |
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Cafe Church Date AND Time Change We are changing the date and time for September so PLEASE take note.
Cafe Church: Al Fresco will be happening at 2 pm on September 20th at Kwomais Point Park, South Surrey
We require an RSVP for everyone attending for the safety of volunteers, staff and participants. Please contact Robyn to RSVP or for further information!
You are welcome to bring camp chairs, picnic blankets or sit-upons to make the worship more comfortable.
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(11 am Sunday Morning)
Regardless of when you watch the service, you're welcome to join us for a Zoom coffee hour at our usual time 11am on Sunday. We meet altogether using Zoom and then move into break-out rooms of four or five people.
There's always room in Zoom! Come and give it a try.
UN-ZOOMED? ZOOMOPHOBIC?
You don't need to use a computer, laptop, or tablet - though that is best. You can also join by telephone!
Any one of the following will be happy to coach you through setting up access to the coffee hour.
Don't forget you can join us by phone! Here's how:
- Call 778-907-2071
- Enter meeting ID: 893 1783 8813
- Then enter password: 2979
Click here to join us via zoom video on your computer.
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Phone Directory Updates are underway!
Because we are not meeting in person due to COVID-19, having this updated information is especially important this year.
People who were listed in our previous directory were sent a separate email and are asked to carefully review the information that was attached to the email. We are asking everyone who received that email to please NOTIFY THE CHURCH OFFICE at [email protected] OR PHONE 604-531-2979 to let us know that the information is correct or listing the changes to be made. We ask that you respond to this request as promptly as possible. We need confirmation that information is correct as well as notification of any changes.
Are You New to Peninsula United? We would love to hear from you if you wish to be included in our directory. Contact Sylvia Uhreen at 604-538-1383 or [email protected].
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My sincere thanks to all who joined me in the August Centering Prayer Challenge. My goal was to pray for 20 minutes twice a day, every day in August. It was very helpful to have that sense of accountability to others in our community of faith who had committed to pray with me. I didn't always manage to pray twice a day but I did pray at least once a day for 35 days in a row. As a result, I'm hopeful that Centering Prayer has become a good habit that will continue at least once a day. One of the benefits of this practice for me is the reminder that ministry is not my gig; it belongs to God and we are in this together.
Others in the Centering Prayer group had these comments after praying daily throughout the month: "Knowing that the CP GROUP and others were praying at the same time as me, held me to account, and it was an opportunity to be close to others in prayer. I prayed every day at 7:30am for 30 of the 31 days. I am continuing CP daily as it was a time that I could rest knowing that God was holding me and I could just "be". I had a few challenges this past month and realized that God had showed me the way forward." One person resonated with this quote from Thomas Merton "... [Centering Prayer} it is not so much a way to find God as a way of resting in him whom we have found, who loves us, who is near to us, who comes to us to draw us to himself." Another person who prayed twice a day during the month discovered the voice of God in the form of "Wise Woman" who " has quite a lot to say. She is not intrusive, she is creative and sensible and suggests how to build on the knowledge and skills and experience I already have. This insight was such a breakthrough - I no longer have problems concentrating, and look forward to hearing what wisdom she will convey or what "to do's" she will suggest."
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"Getting to Know You" - This week's invitation!
Do you remember that song from "The King and I"? Getting to know you, getting to know all about you, getting to like you, getting to hope you like me".
Let's try an experiment to help us get to know one another better at Peninsula United Church.
Open your church directory, find your name and
count back 25 names from your name in the directory and give that person a call to simply get to know them better. Remember to introduce yourself and ask if this is a convenient time to call. It may be that some are not able or interested in being part of this getting to know you experiment. Don't take it personally. Call someone else instead. Let's give it a try and see what happens.
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Leadershift is pleased to offer this gift to us from the Rev. Dr. Janet Gear and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council. In this recording of the PMRC's June 24, 2020 Townhall Janet explores what we know, understand and feel about being United Church, and missing church, in these COVID-19 days and calls us back to the table of grace, community and love. Articulating the ways United Church people live and experience God, Janet's conversation with Treena and those gathered online, reminds us how well we are connected, supported and ever-growing when we listen for, and respond to the Christ-call to be heart-open and present to one another, especially in our differences, especially when we're not gathering in person.
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Your Generous Gifts are More Important than Ever
As we know, God's work is never done. Our ministries continue during the week, over months and years. It is immeasurable and powerful how it touches people even when we don't see them face to face.
We deeply appreciate your continuing, faithful gifts at this time. Click here for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time. |
Other Opportunities for Worshipping Online
Below are links to three online ministries - you may want to worship from the comfort of your home with them!
Please let the office know if you found other worship sites that you would like to recommend. |
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Here's your chance to take a course from Naramata without leaving your own home. Our congregation has purchased an "All Access Pass"-- a new initiative from Naramata Centre in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. What does this mean for you? It means that you have free access to over 40 on-line courses available between July 4th and December 31st, valued at between $110-$250 each. The All Access Pass is your doorway to engage in opportunities for learning, growth and spiritual transformation while building an inclusive and welcoming space online. You can make this an intentional community experience with others from the congregation. Gather on-line and then follow up later to deepen the learning with those who participated in the same on-line course.
Click here to check the Naramata website for upcoming Fall retreats. Here's one to consider:
September 24 - October 15 - 
Rebirthing the Soul (Finding Harmony in Life's Unfolding)
Tap into your own inner widsom, learn to trust yourself, and cultivate confidence in your sense of what is right for you and your loved ones.
To register click here
Facilitated by Kim Marie
If you need the discount code or have questions, feel free to give Barbara Gregg a call 604-649-4926.
Plan to gather on-line with friends and register in the program of your choice - using the Peninsula UC All Access Pass. You will be given a password and connection information.
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 Please Pray for....
If you would like specific prayers for yourself or someone else to be included in the prayers of the people during our worship please send names to Rev. Janice [email protected] or leave a phone message at the office.
If the prayer is for someone else, please first seek that person's permission to have their name included in our public worship service.
Donna Roy and Kathy Booth are requesting prayers that the Spirit will guide us in our search for partners and a new home for our Community Dinners and Extreme Weather Shelter.
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What are you doing with your time during
this time of Covid - 19?
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Maria Booth and Elizabeth Winkler took a walk at Blackie Spit, wandered about the community gardens and were amazed by the colours and abundance.
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Share your pictures
Please be aware that pictures submitted for use in Constant Contact will be posted publicly in our email, website,YouTube, and other online services as required to serve our congregation.
By submitting your photo you are giving Peninsula United Church explicit permission to use your photos for the above stated purpose until such time that explicit instructions to withdraw your consent are received.
Questions about the privacy policy can be directed to our Privacy Officer, Anna Paton.
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#1 - 1381 George St.
White Rock, BC
V4B 2L1
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Volunteers Needed for
ThirdSpace
As we continue to explore and plan ways we can gather safely and comfortably, we are looking for volunteers.
If you are interested in volunteering in some way - in a socially distant, and safe manner. Please contact Nikkie
Volunteering duties may include: helping set up social distancing markers, hosting a sign in/sanitizing table, set up/take down of outdoor gatherings, marketing and spreading the word!
We still do not have immediate plans at this time to gather in the physical space. Volunteers would be expected to follow ThirdSpace Safety protocols in place.
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 ThirdSpace has a NEW WEBSITE!Check it out and check back often for all the latest information on Thirdspace and their progams! |
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every Wednesday at 10:30am
Join Wednesdays, at 10:30 for our Virtual Summer Conversation Cafe. As summer finally dawns our Conversation Café takes on a summer vibe as we relax our format - we will start with a topic and let the conversation flow where it may.
Bring your mug of tea or coffee to ThirdSpace and have some conversation face to face! This Week's Topic:
Wednesday, September 13
"What do you love abut fall?"
We will be meeting outside in a physically distant manner!
Please bring your own mug for coffee, tea or water and a camp chair or sit-upon. Canopies will be put up for shade and marks have been made to show how far apart to stand to remain safely physically distant. Please also bring a mask, just in case.
**You will need to sign in at a table and you will be asked about any symptoms, leaving the country and other possible exposures.**
Feel free to contact us for a copy of our safety plan for this event.
Weather dependent week to week. If the weather is not accommodating, we will be hosting Summer Conversation Café virtually on Zoom.
Instructions to join virtually (IF REQUIRED) below:
RAINY DAY - Conversation Café Wednesday at 10:30am: **Instructions to join online**
You can join us by phone, or by Zoom video chat - your choice!
Meeting ID: 959 3657 1745
Password: 0822
OR
2. Join us by phone (voice only). Here's how: Call 778 907 2071, enter meeting ID: 959 3657 1745, Password:0822
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Every Friday 10 - 11 am
Meeting ID: 999 4167 9678
Password: 0822
or you can also join us by phone.
Here's how: Call 778 907 2071, enter meeting ID: 999 4167 9678, then password: 0822
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News from the Wider Church:
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 A Message from First United in Vancouver
In the midst of two public health crises, we can't afford to stop.
We're approaching Day 1600 since the province declared an overdose emergency, but right now things are only getting worse. In 2020, while COVID-19 grabbed headlines and forced us all to adapt, we've broken overdose death records. Both COVID-19 and the overdose crisis are emergencies, and both should be treated as such.
Help us to serve the needs of the Downtown Eastside community as a place of hope and healing through two public health emergencies and the suffering they've brought. Support the call to fix the poisoned drug supply and ensure safe, regulated substances alongside treatment and support for those who need it. We can't do this work without you. Please donate today. |
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| | Click here to see what's happening in the Pacific Mountain Region during Covid-19 physical distancing measures |
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Prayer Ministry Requests:
During the Corona Virus Pandemic, since we are no longer placing written requests in the sanctuary Prayer Box, members and adherents can submit prayer requests to Louise Bureau or Olive Lee by email or phone. You can find our contact information in the church directory. If phoning in a request, please phone before 8 PM. You may also submit requests through our ministers. Thank-you. It is our privilege to serve you through our prayer ministry.
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 Sharing Fun, Meaningful & Inspiring Videos
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COVID-19 Update
With the province beginning the relaxation of the rules on gathering, the church is beginning to get calls on when we might be reopening. The Council of Peninsula UC has asked a small group to look at the what-how-when-etc. This group is Carol Monaghan from M&P, Anna Paton from Trustees, Lee Chamberlain from Property, Nikkie Ripka from Third Space, and Kathy Matusiak from Congregational Care. At our first meeting on June 8th we began considering all the available documentation, guidelines and procedures to prepare the reopening plans for PUC. This will take time and patience as our main concern is that we will keep our staff, congregation, user groups and wider community safe. Be assured, you will hear more from us.
Thank you and, like Dr. Bonnie says, continue to be kind, be calm, be safe
COVID-19 Office Procedures Update
During the Covid 19 Restrictions, please remember that the buildings are still closed. The only staff working at the office are Janice Young, Beth Henderson and Sheri Kathrein.
To ensure the safety of everyone, please respect the protocols posted on the doors and inside the building entrances. This applies to everyone including key holders.
If you have an urgent need to come to the office, please call the office at 604-531-2979 to make arrangements. These procedures apply to everyone including key holders.
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Your Ministers are Here for You
Although Janice cannot visit folks in person she is happy to speak with you by phone, especially if you are struggling with anxiety, health or family crises.
Rev. Bruce is away on Sabbatical and will return on October 1.
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Office Closed But Staff is on On the Job
The office and ThirdSpace will be closed for the foreseeable future but all our staff are available by phone and email.
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