First United Church is a welcome place to explore familiar faith and new ways of coming close to the holy. We are a worshiping and faith-living community that encourages, inspires and acts in this world God loves. There are so many voices and expectations that clamour for our attention, it is not always easy to discern God’s call to live justly, to practice kindness and humility. Being part of a community of faith helps. We are stronger together! If you’d like to learn more, make a difference, grow in your faith, get involved!
Announcements
Weekly happenings
Sundays – You are welcome to join us in person or via the live-stream for worship at 10:30 am or on Facebook or You-tube anytime during the week.
There are a variety of services and Godly Play stories already on line with which to reconnect and refresh.
Mondays Cantare Jubilate mixed voices, community choir rehearses 7 pm.
Tuesdays – Women In Song – women’s choir rehearses 7 pm
On Facebook –
Thursday’s you’ll find a prayer and upcoming readings for worship.
Friday evening we add another quote/question for “Pilgrim’s on the Way”, to Facebook.
On Facebook and You-Tube
The Godly Play room is posting each Saturday morning!
You’re welcome to check out some of the previous weeks’ stories.
Upcoming events
Sept. 17 – 10:30 am, worship live and live-stream,
“Welcome” lunch, please bring a salad or dessert to share
Sept. 18 – 9:30 am, Bible study – John’s gospel
Sept. 19 – 7 pm, Leadership Team meets
Sept. 21 – We welcome Norquest College into the kitchen!
7 pm, worship at Peace Hills Lodge
Sept. 24 – 10:30 am, worship live and live-stream
Sept. 25 – 9:30 am, Bible Study
Sept. 25 & 26 Community Kitchen is cooking
Sept. 26 – 11 am, worship at the Hospital Chapel
Sept. 30 – Orange Shirt Day – to remember the children and commit to a better future
Oct. 1 – 10:30 am, worship live and live-stream ~ World Wide Communion Sunday
Taize Communion Worship at Living Spirit United Church in Drayton Valley
Oct. 4 – 10:20 am, Worship at Seasons Retirement
Oct. 8 – 10:30 am, Worship live and live-stream
Oct. 9 – Happy Thanksgiving! The office will be closed.
Oct. 15 –10:30 am, worship live and live-streamed.
1 pm, Faithful Conversations via Zoom
Oct. 17 – 7 pm, Leadership Team via Zoom
Oct. 21 – Girl Guides in the Building
General Council, United Church of Canada meeting via Zoom
Oct. 22 – 10:30 am, Worship live and live-streamed
Oct. 23 – 24 – Community Kitchen is cooking
Oct. 23 – 4 pm Spiritual Growth Team meeting
Oct. 26 – 9:30 am Music Team meeting
Oct. 29 – 10:30 am, worship live and live-streamed
Nov. 5 – 10:30 am, worship live and live streamed, Sacrament of Communion
Nov. 7 – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, “Creating a Culture of Respect for Gender and Sexual Diversity”
The Holy Family is on the move …
We have completed the 10,114 km from Wetaskiwin to Bethlehem; 10,107 km to Jerusalem.
Thanks to everyone who walked, jogged, cycled or cheered along the way. We will continue to post some images and wondering for wherever your summer pilgrimage might take you!
Pilgrimage – a journey, often into an unknown or foreign place; in search of a new or expanded understanding of self, others, nature, or the holy. You may travel virtually or physically, on your own or accompanied by others, with the same companions or open to those unexpected guests who come and go. Whether you’ve a specific destination on the horizon, or an inner space of being, you may discover the transformation happens on the way.
Living Water
Pilgrims on the Way ~
“You turn a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water.” Psalm 107:35
The gift of water flows, nourishes, washes, holds life. Too often we have squandered this gift. As ocean temperatures rise and glaciers melt, water moves in extremes of drought and flood.
I wonder how you treasure the gift that is water? I wonder what you are doing to ensure others can enjoy its life-giving presence?
The gift of water flows, nourishes, washes, holds life. Too often we have squandered this gift. As ocean temperatures rise and glaciers melt, water moves in extremes of drought and flood.
I wonder how you treasure the gift that is water? I wonder what you are doing to ensure others can enjoy its life-giving presence?
Gifted
Pilgrims on the Way ~
Did you know there are some gifts so big, they’re hard to see. In this season of Creation you’re invited to consider some of those great gifts.
In the beginning a smile, darkness and light and goodness.
In the beginning a smile, darkness and light and goodness.
You are wrapped in light as with a garment, O God, you ride on the wings of the wind. Psalm 104:2-3
I wonder what you notice in those transition times of dusk and dawn?
I wonder what you create with dark and light?
I wonder what you create with dark and light?
You are my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Psalm 27:1
Grounded in the Holy
Pilgrims on the Way ~
God calls us to pause, to feel the holy ground beneath us and pay attention! I wonder how you honour the earth as part of God’s good creation?
Greet the Day with Gratitude
Pilgrims on the Way ~
“When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” ~ Tecumseh
I wonder how you begin your day?
Choices
Pilgrims on the Way ~
“Watch what happens when you don’t name an experience ‘bad’ and instead bring an inner acceptance, an inner ‘yes’ to it, and so let it be as it is.” Eckhart Tolle
Grounded on this land …
Pilgrims on the Way ~
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. Psalm 90:2
“To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil, is to forget ourselves.” Gandhi.
The earth teaches us patience; the grass teaches us kindness.
I wonder what you have to learn from the earth, especially in this season of letting go?
Blessed are those who hunger for earth’s oneness for they will be satisfied. Matthew 5:6
The presence of God is like a treasure hidden in a field. Matthew 13:44