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Highlights of Our Life and Work
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Here is the latest news from our community of faith.
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Sunday Online Worship
On this last Sunday of the Church Year, we reflect on Jesus' familiar judgment parable of the Sheep and the Goats. The parable suggests that it's easy to tell the difference between sheep and goats--it's all in how they act toward the 'least' of folks. Is it that simple?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25: 31-46
Sermon: When did we see you, Lord?
For Scripture Reading, Hymns and colouring pages - Click here
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Photo: Stuart Lyster
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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! Even if you don't have a computer, you can join us by phone, a lot like the old party lines!
Click here to join us via zoom video on your computer.
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
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Your Ministers are Here for You
Although Janice and Bruce cannot do home visits at this time, they are happy to speak with you by phone, especially if you are struggling with anxiety, health or family crises.
Janice: 604-531-2979 ext.2 or 778-980-8310
Bruce: 604-531-2979 ext.3 or 604-992-9183
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Announcements Deadline
Weekly bulletin announcements must be in the office by 10 am on Wednesdays.
Email to [email protected] or call 604-531-2979.
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Join Rev. Bruce for our weekly Thirdspace Conversation Café...
Every Wednesday at 10:30 - 11:30am VIA ZOOM!
Join us for a gently facilitated conversation!
Join us on Zoom:
...or for further information click here!
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I Believe Even When...
The Season of Advent begins on November 29.
This year we will prepare for the birth of Jesus with the help of the Worship Design Studio's worship series called "I Believe Even When..."
Click here to watch the trailer.
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There are a number of ways that you can participate in the Advent preparations.
- Make an Advent wreath at home.
We recommend 4 blue candles and one white Christ Candle. Each Sunday we will light a new candle. Would you like to video yourself lighting a candle for inclusion in the on-line worship video?
Let Rev. Janice know if you would like to participate in this way. [email protected]
- Each week in the on-line worship we will sing a verse of "This Little Light of Mine" with 'sign language'.
Be prepared to learn another way of singing!
- Join the Los Posadas Journey of Mary, Joseph and the donkey (in the form of knitted stuffies).
They will be traveling through our community in
their miniature Recreational Vehicle. Because of health and safety concerns they won't be able to come into our homes but they can stay in their RV on your covered entrance or patio. And we can still have a quick, safe 6 ft visit while transporting the Holy Family from one home to another. Contact Pat Anderson 604-535-5652 if you would like to host the Holy Family for a night or two.
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- Make a luminary for your home Advent celebrations
- Play a role in the "virtual" Christmas pageant (for all ages!)
- Create a symbol of hope, love, joy or peace and decorate the Christmas tree in the entryway of the Crescent site.
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Olive Oil for Advent
It's a Peninsula Advent Tradition to support Palestinian farmers by purchasing Zatoun Olive Oil for personal use, or as gifts.
This year, you may place your order by email to [email protected]. Please put Olive Oil in the subject line so that your order doesn't get lost. Alternatively, you can telephone 604 538 4146 and leave a message on the answering machine if I'm not home.
The 750 ml. bottles are $25 each, a small portion of which goes to support Tierra Nueva, our El Salvador community.
Orders will be accepted until December 4.
~ Jean Macdonald
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Congregational Meeting
Our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, November 8th was held online over Zoom, with 61 people participating - a good number by any count. Well done, those who tried Zoom for the first time! The Public Health advice received just the day before prevented any in-person attendance in the Sanctuary, so we're sorry we had to rescind that option. A lot of work was done by our tech team to facilitate this meeting - sincere thanks to Glenn Roy, Pat Heslop, Teri Lydiard, and Peter Jones. Thanks to Joanne Feuer for handling registrations by phone and email. And thanks to our chair Jean Macdonald, and secretary Sylvia Uhreen, for conducting the meeting in this new and challenging way, and to Peter Jones for "hosting" the Zoom. Thanks to all who attended, for their participation and patience. It's interesting and heartwarming to note that at the conclusion of the meeting there was a general reluctance for people to sign off, so it morphed into a very convivial "coffee hour", with conversations and breakout chat rooms going on for another half hour or more. Such a feeling of connection, and "being together"!
On the business side of things, motions were passed to: 1) become an Affirming Ministry in the United Church of Canada. 2) appoint Saklas and Co. to prepare a Notice to Reader for our 2020 financial records. 3) elect the following members to Council, to June 30, 2021, and to permit the Council to appoint members to fill any vacancies that may occur. Strategic Leadership Committee Chair - Jean Macdonald; Secretary - Sylvia Uhreen; Treasurer - Sharon Birney; M&P - Maria Booth; Members at Large - Val Austring, Pat Heslop, Joan Strutt; Pacific Mountain Regional Council Rep. - Peter Jones; Trustee Liaison - Anna Paton. Ministry Team Convenors Worship - Victoria Jones and Mary Fran Bateman; Property Maintenance and Use - Lee Chamberlain; Congregational/Pastoral Care - Kathy Matusiak; Justice and Service - Kathy Booth; ThirdSpace - Elizabeth Winkler; Christian Formation - vacant.
As well, Jim Sheppard and Jean Kromm were recognized and thanked for their many years of faithful service to the church. Jim is transitioning from chair of Finance to the team of Trustees, and Jean is enjoying a well earned retirement from church leadership responsibilities. Our present Worship Team, with the core group of The Reverend Janice Young, The Reverend Bruce McAndless-Davis, Denice Grant, Angela Chu, John Leighton, Ashley McConnell, and others, was commended and thanked for providing consistently inspirational and beautiful on-line worship experiences throughout this time. And Jean Macdonald and Sylvia Uhreen were thanked for their long hours and hard work on behalf of the congregation in these uncertain times.
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The 2020 Church Directory Is Ready
The new Peninsula United Church phone directory has been emailed to those who are listed in the directory.
If you are listed in this directory and need to receive a printed copy , please contact Sylvia Uhreen at 604-538-1383 or [email protected] before Monday, November 30 to arrange for pickup or delivery..
If you know someone listed in the directory who does not have email and may need a printed copy, please ask them to contact Sylvia.
Please Note: The directory is published for the sole personal use of the congregation and is not to be circulated or forwarded to third parties outside of the congregation. Personal use does not include solicitations other than for explicit Peninsula United Church sponsored activities and requests. The Peninsula United Church Privacy Policy is available on the church website.
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Have you ordered your Purdy's Chocolates yet?
This is your last chance to put in your order!
Purdy's catalogues and order forms are available from Teri Lydiard 604-538-6352.
Return your order with cheque payable to Teri Lydiard by this Sunday, November 22nd, and your items will be available after November 29th - no mall panic required.
Delicious Georgia Browns, Yummy Hedgehogs,
Gift Boxes, stocking stuffers and even no sugar alternatives.
All profits will go towards our church.
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Anyone interested in creating a
Peninsula United Church Zoom Bingo?
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A Message from Your Covid Safety Team
As you know Dr. Bonnie Henry has alerted us to higher numbers of Covid-19 positive cases. We need to follow the orders and stop all of the in person gatherings. This does not affect the recording of our weekly services. It is prudent for all of us to be even more diligent in keeping safe...wash our hands, maintain our two meter distance, wear our masks, keep to our household bubble, etc!
If anyone wants further information on our church's safety plan it is available from the office.
The following groups have decided to put on hold their gatherings as recommended by the new provincial health orders:
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The Extreme Weather Shelter is currently seeing 13 or more guests each night since opening Friday Nov 13th.
A great team of volunteers from Peninsula United, Peace Portal Alliance, Sources and the wider community are providing daily baking and sandwiches for guests of the Shelter. Others are organising donations.
We are grateful for all the clothing and toiletry donations which have been delivered to Peace Portal Alliance Church (152nd and King George Hwy).
The needs for the Shelter will vary throughout the season.
Currently we especially need warm, waterproof jackets or rain ponchos.
At this time we do not need women's or men's underwear, toothbrushes/toothpaste or socks.
If you have questions about clothing donations:
Any general questions or queries about: toiletries:
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 We are sad to share the news of two more deaths in our congregation.
Peggy Penner of the former Sunnyside congregation died recently..... Please hold Peggy's family in your prayers.
Doreen Reid, of the Whitecliff Retirement Home, passed away on Wed., November 18th. She was a longstanding member of Peninsula United United Church (formerly First United White Rock).
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Nitelights Potpourri Sale
The Nitelights will be holding a pandemic potpourri sale of home crafted items - fruitcakes, Christmas masks and fabric gift bags, toques, and aprons - on Saturday Nov. 28 and Sunday Nov. 29 from 11 till 2 on the driveway at Val Weinert's house, 13761 -18A Avenue. If raining the tables will be set up in the garage.
Please wear a mask and respect physical distancing rules.
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From the Envelope Secretary
Thank you for your continued financial support of the church through Envelopes and PAR givings.
For Envelope users, 2021 Envelopes will be available by the end of December, and we will let you know at that time how they can be picked up.
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Tuesdays at 7:30 am, Crescent site
We are a small group of 4-12 people who gather for 20 minutes of contemplative, silent prayer,
followed by coffee and conversation.
Due to increased numbers of covid 19 infections in the Fraser Health area, we have resumed praying in our individual homes on Tuesday mornings followed by zoom coffee. When our Health Officer permits, we will begin meeting in person on the first Tuesday of the month in the sanctuary at the Crescent site to pray in silence and then visit.
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Change to Office Hours
With the recent staff changes due to Beth Henderson's retirement we have had to adjust the times that staff will be at the office. The new hours are Tuesdays 9 am to noon and Thursdays 11 am to 2 pm. Calls outside of those hours will be returned on a timely basis. Joanne continues to work her regular hours from home.
Access to the church buildings continues to be restricted at this time.
Click here for information about access to office and church buildings during COVID-19 restrictions.
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Local Acts of Practical Reverence
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JOIN Skipper Otto...
and be confident of the taste and quality of your fish purchases.
This is a practical way to support our local fishery.
The system is flexible, letting you pick what you like from the year's catch. Everyone's share looks differently depending on family size and how often you eat seafood.
It's easy: sign up online, order on line and pick-up at Choices Market on King George Blvd.
For more detailed information visit:https://skipperotto.com
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#1 - 1381 George St. White Rock, BC V4B 2L1
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What's New at ThirdSpace?
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Join Rev. Bruce for our weekly Thirdspace Conversation Café...
Every Wednesday at 10:30 - 11:30am VIA ZOOM!
Join us for a gently facilitated conversation!
Topic for November 25: What were you "into" as a child that is still part of your life?
To Join:
Online Via Zoom:
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
Password: Please contact us at [email protected] for password
Dial In:
Dial: 778 907 2071
Meeting ID: 883 7065 1699
For further information click here!
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Due to current BC Government restrictions on gatherings, our Drop-In temporarily back online.
Friday morning 10am - 11am, grab your java and join us from the warmth and comfort of your own home!
How to join us:
Virtually Via Zoom:
Or Dial by Phone:Dial: 778 907 2071 Canada Meeting ID: 999 4167 9678 Passcode: Please contact us at [email protected]
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Gifts with Vision
A new year of giving through Gifts with Vision has begun! There are lots of great new gifts for our partners in Canada and across the world, along with some of your favourite projects from previous catalogues.
The world has changed so much since this time last year, and some of the new gifts reflect that, showing how our partners are responding to the pandemic. Your gifts bring help to those who need it most.
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Que alegria.
On October 23 there was a joyous celebration of 25 years on the land of Tierra Nueva. ( It has been 20 years since we helped them gain title to that land.)
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| | The cooks preparing the food. |
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| | There were 3 piñatas and both Canada and BC flags were prominently displayed. |
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| | You get a peek at a surprise being prepared for us. |
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| | A celebration of the bounty. |
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News from Affirming Ministry
Today (Nov. 20) is Trans Remembrance Day, to recognize the lives of those murdered specifically because of who they were. Stop and think about how every single aspect of your life would be affected if your body didn't match your identity.
Here's one happier story about that.
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Stewardship Seconds
November 22: Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Reign of Christ Sunday)
Stewards help to create a new heaven and a new earth by living as though they are already here. |
Covid-19 Safety Protocols at Peninsula United Church 
During the Pandemic our Covid-19 Safety Team (Kathy Matusiak, Anna Paton, Lee Chamberlain,Carol Monaghan and Nikkie Ripka) continues to ensure that safety protocols are in place.
Click here for information about access to office and church buildings during COVID-19 restrictions .
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Your Generous Gifts are More Important than Ever
Click here for information on how to continue your offerings during this changing time. |
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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?
Click here to learn more about Peninsula's All Access Pass
Click here to check the Naramata website for upcoming Fall retreats
If you need the discount code or have questions, feel free to give Barbara Gregg a call 604-649-4926.
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News from the Wider Church and Community
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Wonderful News!
The Naramata Slow group, through their green ribbon campaign, raised over $850,000 which was the target to enable the Regional District of Similkameen and Okanagan to purchase the Naramata Beach. This will ensure that it will remain a beach in perpetuity, with the RDOS doing the maintenance and giving priority to Naramata Centre during the summer months. A win-win-win for everyone!!
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| | Click here to see what's happening in the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada 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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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.
Peninsula UC Office :604-531-2979
ThirdSpace Office: 604-385-0822
Click here for information about access to office and church buildings during COVID-19 restrictions.
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