May, 2022

Sundays following Easter | Mother's Day | Guest Speaker Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes (Crossroads UC)

Message from the Council Chair

Mark Paetkau

• Guest speakers led the service on May 15: Rev. Cari Copeman-Haynes, Lead Minister at Crossroads United Church and Co-Chair of the First Forward Cabinet, and Amanda Burrows, Acting Executive Director at First United. They acknowledged our commitment to the redevelopment at First, updated us on the status of the redevelopment plans and encouraged our individual support to complete the major transformation of the United Church’s historical downtown east side mission. The First Forward team has produced an excellent video describing the project and plans. First Forward Video
• REMINDER: A congregational meeting will be held Sunday, June 5 at 1 PM. In preparation for that, look to the weekly newsletter for links to the annual program report for 2022 that will summarize the work of all the committees, and a financial report and other materials for congregational review.

Coordinating Minister's Report

Maggie Enwright, Coordinating Minister

• Summer Spirit planning is proceeding including five churches this year. All worship services will be held at Shaughnessy United Church.
• Pneumapalooza, a music day-camp for children and youth is planned for August 15 - 19, 2022.

Arts Committee

Heather Swallow, Chair

• We made plans to reprise outdoors, the pinwheels and thought-provoking questions about Pentecost. Indoors we have plans with streamers in fiery colours.
• The committee will not meet formally in July and August this year, but our last meeting will take place in person at a restaurant on June 13!
• We are open to receiving new members, Heather will step down as chair, and Susan Dickson will be the new Council representative.

Children Youth and Family Committee

Irene Griffiths, Chair

• Faith at Home kits for Pentecost will be distributed to families during the week of May 30th.
• At the end of June, we will honour all those who are at a time of transition: starting school, graduating, retiring or other life changes.  Please see the weekly newsletter for details.
• We welcome Luna Harlow, a VST student who is completing a practicum at Pacific Spirit from mid-May until mid-July. They are seeking children, youth and young adults who would like to work on a large art project on topics related to  LGBTQ+2 issues.  Please inquire through the church office for their contact details.

Finance Committee

Julie Poznanski, Chair

• A note that Janet Livingstone is retiring as Pacific Spirit's accountant on June 1 and we are grateful for her years of dedication and support. Michelle Steele will begin orientation into the job on May 25th. 

In-Reach Committee

Sally Ball, Chair

• No report for May 2022.

Outreach Committee

Patricia Alexis, Chair

• The Focus on First Campaign will run from May 18 to June 6^th. Donations are down and needs are up. How can you help?

• The “Beacon * shining light on Dementia” series from 2020-21 is being shared by WSH on social media using a series of storyboards. The series can be accessed by using the link: Beacon *shining light on Dementia

Ministry and Personnel Committee

Jacqueline Kelly, Chair

• No takeaways for the congregation for May 2022.

Property Development

• Read the Annual Report for an update from this committee.

Property Oversight Committee

• The gym is now ready for demolition.
• Sprinkler systems are being renovated and maintained.

Spiritual Nurture Committee

Chris Epting, Chair

• The Spiritual Nurture Committee is engaged in the process of educating itself on the topic of reconciliation, by reading the book “Yours, Mine, Ours: Unraveling the Doctrine of Discovery” for the next six weeks. There are several copies of this book in our church library.

Trustees

Doug Smart, Chair

• The Trustees have drafted criteria for being recommended as an honorary elder. 
• The names of two individuals will be brought forward to the Congregational meeting subject to their agreement, to be made elders of the church.

Worship Committee

Merrilee Thompson, Chair

• It is our plan/hope that in-person communion will recommence on World Communication Sunday in October.
• Worship Volunteers (scripture, prayers of the people) are reminded that an “Order of Service” is available to them on Sundays so they know when they are to participate.
• An Autumn session of Creative Minds will be held on August 31 to take a broad focus on the visioning report to begin to develop a strategic ministry plan for worship for the coming years.