Robert Meredith passes the flame
At 6:30 am Robert Meredith, a member of our congregation was part of the Olympic Torch Relay. Robert was the second runner of the day and cheered on by friends and surrounded by security he received the flame, ran 300 metres surrounded by security and media and then passed the flame to another runner.
“It was an unbelievable experience and one everyone should try to do.” he said afterward.
Christmas Eve 2009
Rev Tom Miles
Revs Kathryn Ransdell & Gary Paterson
Silent Night
Thanks to Mark Anthony for the pictures
See us celebrating at the Santa Claus Parade (about 3 minutes and 15 seconds in)
surprise
a beautiful new stole
the symbolism explained
the model
my new stole!
special birthday cards
great food goes quickly
wreath making
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Welcome to all
A Full House
The Teddies never miss a party
Every Bear has a story
Peanut butter & marmalade sandwiches for all
Tired Little Teddy Bears
November Board Meeting
A St. Andrew’s-Wesley Board meeting is a wonderous thing. The November 3rd meeting was no different with 16 reports being shared and much discussion on the topics raised.
Highlights
The new boilers are being installed within the next two weeks and we can look forward to being warm this winter, using a lot less fuel and saving money .
Who would have thought a year ago that a church with a proud Presbyterian tradition would have a candle/prayer stand and that it would be so popular that a second one is needed. The new stand will arrive soon.
The second phase of the “Living Our Promises” has been completed with good results. Over 100 people who were not visited last year were visited. Our thanks to Michael Dobbin, Alan Lowe and their team of canvassers for their hard work.
In 2010 the Cunningham Foundation is sponsoring a Hymn writing competition. It will be open to all. A similar event in England was hugely popular.
The Teddy Bear drive is starting – only Teddy Bears need apply!!!!
SO CHEERFUL, SO EARLY
Men’s Breakfast Group at St. A/W… twice a month, at 7 am, on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, a group of men get together at the church (in the church lounge, 1018 Nelson St.) to share a breakfast (provided… for a small donation if possible), and conversation about whatever is on our minds and hearts. We’ve been going for a few months now and it’s a great group of guys, ranging in age from 24 to 65. You’re welcome to attend… just show up; or call the Office or Rev. Gary Paterson for further information (604-683-4569)
One of ten billboards going up around Vancouver
BENEFIT CONCERT AND CD LAUNCH TO HELP END HOMELESSNESS
Supporting the work of First United Church in the Downtown Eastside
VANCOUVER—Tuesday, September 29, 2009 Helping to end homelessness and furthering the work of First United Church Mission in the city’s troubled downtown eastside will be the focus of an upcoming benefit concert and CD launch at St. Andrew’s‐Wesley United Church, on Wednesday, October 14th.
“The downtown eastside continues to be the poorest postal code in Canada,” says Rev. Ric Matthews of First United. “There is an urgent need to break the cycle of homelessness, mental illness and addiction that afflicts this area and to build a greater sense of belonging and hope. That is our continuing goal, but to achieve it, we need the help of the larger community around us.”
Veteran CBC broadcaster Bill Richardson will host the live concert which will showcase inspiring music chosen from the CD—from classical and jazz to First Nations and blues— and feature well‐known singers and musicians such as Jim Byrnes, Steve Maddock, Linda Lee Thomas, and Dalannah Gail Bowen.
The concert, which is co‐sponsored by End Homelessness Now, marks the official launch of a new music CD to help end homelessness called “A Time to Heal: moving beyond homelessness”. The CD—with its themes of hope and renewed spirit – includes artists such as world renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman with the National Arts Centre Wind Quintet, jazz bassist Jodi Proznick, the Vancouver Chamber Choir and country music’s Emerson Drive.
Canadian composer Larry Nickel arranged many of the songs for the CD, which has been produced for First United by Laverne G’froerer and Jacquie Forbes‐Roberts. Proceeds from CD sales will be used to support the work of the First United Church Mission but will also be made available to organizations across the country on a proceeds‐sharing basis.
During the evening, Reverend Ric Matthews will provide an update on the work being done by the First United Church Mission, its volunteers and supporters, as well as plans to build a new kind of community on the downtown eastside for people living on the margins of society.
As well, Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will present the 2009 Local Hero Awards honouring
some of the exceptional individuals and organizations dedicated to ending homelessness.
About First United
First United has been serving the downtown eastside community for over 124 years. Today, it
provides critical support services for the area’s homeless and disadvantaged, including an emergency
place of refuge. On average, 200 people – including men, women and families—sleep on the pews and
floors of the church every night. www.firstunited.ca
Event Details
Title: “A Time to Heal: moving beyond homelessness”
Community Benefit Concert and CD launch
Location: St. Andrew’sWesley
United Church at Burrard & Nelson, Vancouver
Date/Time: Wednesday, October 14 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 pm
Admission is by donation. Everyone welcome.
Performing at the concert:
Dalannah Gail Bowen
Joani Bye
Jim Byrnes
Jesse Cahill
Bill Coon
William George
Joanna G’froerer
Brian G’froerer
Alicia Hansen
Diane Lines
Steve Maddock
Jennifer McLaren
Siri Olesen
Jodi Proznik
Linda Lee Thomas
The Vancouver Chamber Choir
Bill Vermeulen
Janet Warren
Media Contacts:
Don Evans
First United Church Mission
(604) 505‐5921
www.firstunited.ca
Gordon & Virginia Keast
(604) 808‐0636
vkeast@shaw.ca
…by Rose Bird
On July 20th fourteen of us left Vancouver on a pilgrimage to Guatemala.
Ready for an Adventure
The journey actually began well before our departure as Doris and Eric (St Andrew’s Wesley) prepared us for the assault on our senses. To touch but on a few of the key issues that have impacted Guatemala today; a civil war – the major conflict is over, however, the undercurrent of violence still exists; violation of human rights (indigenous Mayan) environmental and economic crisis. Our journey was arranged by G.A.T.E. (Global Awareness Through Experience) and was headed by two amazing individuals Sisters Jan and Marie. Our days were filled with new experiences (too numerous to mention all them). Guatemala, an incredibly beautiful country filled with the most amazing people striving/working for positive change filled our days and our dreams at night; a tour of a women’s clinic with Rosa: a challenging walk through a barrio;
Life in the barrio
visits to one of three schools housing 1 000 students (Chientla – in a marginated area) and a co-operative school headed by Betty; we spoke with a union lawyer (Enrique); union representatives for the bottlers union (Coco Cola); toured incredible churches, a hospital, an orphanage and Safe Passage school near the Guatemala city dump. We were hosted by a weaver in her home, toured Transitions (a disability association) with Alexander and paid a visit to the Canadian Embassy.
We met George head of the egg farm sponsored by St Andrews Wesley and discovered the project is trying to support a therapy addiction program. We remembered Rick Herron who had worked for the success of this program and knew he was with us in spirit. Mayan priests spoke to us of their faith and love of the earth. The Mayan vision acknowledges that we are all connected and prayer calls for unity and harmony. The tapestry of Guatemala is woven with threads filled with laughter, hope and dreams for a better future. On your own, you could not hope to have the incredible learning experience that this trip offered, so if you have the chance join Sisters Jan and Marie and our wonderful Doris for the trip of a lifetime. Guatemala will capture your heart.
