Welcome

First United has a new YouTube Channel

See the latest video clip “First United receives a Totem Pole”.TotemRaising-78

follow this link: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=FirstUnitedVancouver

  

 

GOLF FORE THE HOMELESS

golfballA fund-raising golf tournament in support of the work of First United Church in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside

Date: Monday, May 3rd, 2010
Place: University Golf Club – 5185 University Blvd., Vancouver BC
Time: 1:00pm SHOTGUN START (Texas Scramble)
Fee: $200.00 per person

(Registration Fee includes bucket of practice balls, light lunch, pull cart, golf, barbecue dinner, silent auction and tax receipt for $60)

To register, please contact
Bob Burrows  -  604-290-6159  Bob_Burrows@telus.net
Isabelle Pecqueur  -  604-681-8365 ext 121  isabelle.pecqueur@firstunited.ca

Download and print form > Golf 2010 Registration

RUN / WALK FOR THE HOMELESS

walk-pledgesSunday, May 9, 2010
With the Vancouver Sun Run

Help raise funds for First United Mission – Have fun, get active, raise awareness and funds for the health of our community!

First United Mission seeks to assist individuals in Vancouver’s downtown-eastside in meeting their basic needs, breaking through their current circumstances and finding a “home” in a community that reaches beyond the margins!

For more information or to join our team, please contact:
Jennifer Cunnings jen.staw@telus.net 604-574-0827
Isabelle Pecqueur isabelle.pecqueur@firstunited.ca 604-5681-8365 ext. 121

 A Time to Heal – NOW AVAILABLE

Fundraising CD Project

im_atimetohealA remarkable collection of inspiring music– from classic to jazz—by renowned musicians from across Canada. The CD and enclosed booklet help to raise awareness of the extent of homelessness and of the groups who work with the homeless, helping to respond to their basic needs.

Tracks have been donated by: Dalannah Gail Bowen, Emerson Drive, Jim Byrnes, Linda Lee Thomas and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. Musicians from the National Arts Centre Orchestra and from the Vancouver area have worked together to create this unique musical offering. World-renowned violinist Pinchas Zukerman, Director of the NAC Orchestra, plays the violin solo on Larry Nickel’s “Come Unto Me”.

Laverne G’Froerer and Jacquie Forbes-Roberts have brought together more than 20 musicians, composers and arrangers to provide a tool that will help groups across Canada raise funds for their work with the homeless. They have indeed provided an amazing gift.

COMMUNITY ARTS PARTNERSHIP – for information about the community arts partnership click here > (CD Project pages are found on the main menu at the right)

TO PURCHASE CD’s:

ONLINE:
Purchase here at the First United Online Shopping Cart >

BY PHONE: BY MAIL:
First United Church                                                                              First United Church
Tel. 604 681-8365  ext. 118                                                               320 East Hastings St.,
Vancouver, BC,  V6A 1P4

COST   $20.00 (plus shipping & handling $5.00 for 1-4 CD’s. Free Shipping & Handling for orders of 5 or more.)

A CARING community

Since 1885, the church on the corner of Hastings Street and Gore Avenue has been helping those most in need in Downtown Eastside Vancouver.

OUR COMMITMENT to care

As an inner-city mission of the United Church of Canada that has been called to be a part of the Vancouver Downtown Eastside, we seek to be and become a faithful and authentic “Gospel Community” which, rooted in our Christian faith, is inclusive of all people. We value diversity and individual difference and are committed to stand with those who otherwise live on the margins of society. We are inspirational in celebrating life, and proactive in fostering peace and justice.

OPENING doors

Safe Refuge

bc-081224-homeless-shelter-church1-FULLSince we opened our doors at night, the increase in people sleeping in safe places like First United Church has effectively decreased emergency room visits and calls to 911. Homeless people are exposed to fewer hazards and in need of less emergency care. They can sleep without fear.

Sense of Community

firstunited

Many have been living on the streets so long that they feel alienated from society and cannot trust those who offer help. Since we don’t turn anyone away and volunteers are available at all times, we create a community where there is a sense of belonging. We have meals together, attend events and celebrate holidays together.

Breaking Bread

The health and strength of mind and body have opportunities to improve with regular meals, a safe place to sleep, friendship – a community to belong to, access to emergency groceries, basic services such as showers and haircuts plus activities such as movie nights and exercise groups.

Building Trust

Gradually as people spend time with our volunteers and staff, many regain health, a sense of belonging, and they may learn to trust enough to transition into a shelter, supportive housing or affordable housing.

Supportive Network

Through advocacy, improved health, stability and a reliable network, many who are homeless will find a way off the streets into safe, affordable housing where they can belong to a community of people who care and provide support.