Encountering and celebrating the Sacred (God, Creator, Spirit, the Mystery beyond us), is an important part of our life together.

Our life as a community, unlike traditional Faith Communities, is not centered on the familiar act of Sunday (or Saturday) worship.

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SERVICES AS ENCOUNTER
The weekly service for most faith communities allows the members to come together as a community and to experience individually and collectively, the Gospel challenge that “comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable” It provides the context in which personal need and circumstance might better encounter the Mystery many call God.

At First United, that which is traditionally termed “worship” is most deeply experienced and lived out in the activities of the community – in the sharing of a meal, in the sacramental act of washing and caring for someone’s damaged feet, in the exchange of a smile or a joke as our bonds of belonging to each other are strengthened.   In our moments of vulnerability, we encounter the sacred mystery that is within us and beyond us.

While our work is a ministry of the United Church of Canada, our worship is not denominational in style nor Christian in focus. Pausing to reflect and to give thanks for life is an important ritual whether we consider ourselves religious or not and it is one  marks our life together as a community.

OUR WEDNESDAY CELEBRATION
Many members of our community believe in a theistic God and deeply value being present at weekly religious services/ceremonies. Many others encounter God not as a theistic being but as the Sacred we see at a baby’s birth, at sunset, and when an old man shares an ice-cream with a child. While some members believe in Jesus and others might not, we all believe in the things Jesus believed in. “Worship” suggests adoration of a theistic God, while “Celebration” allows inclusivity for those who are theists and those who are not.

Each Wednesday night we gather for a Service of Celebration in which we actively seek to experience the Sacred  Space where we can be inspired, comforted and challenged. During that time, we mark rites of passage in our lives, share a meal together and spend time in reflection.  Our language is inclusive and we welcome the participation of those who have a particular faith tradition and those who do not, to be involved in our community.

The service starts at 5.45pm and ends at 7.150pm (Light supper included).  The evening includes live music and community participation.   Limited parking is available under the building.

DAILY REFLECTION

For those who wish to reflect on Christian faith, a daily time of worship is set aside in the Hall each weekday morning at 9:15 a.m.    Join us and the community for conversation and reflection.

SPIRITUAL SUPPORT

First United staff include clergy from the United Church of Canada, a rabbi, and a Hindu priest. Together with other community members deeply grounded in their personal faith, these men and women provide a pastoral presence for all who need support in a time of personal crisis (regardless of whether or not they share a common Faith) – assisting individuals to explore their own faith/beliefs and to find meaning, comfort and hope in the challenges they face.

PRAYER ROOM

Our members frequently use the Prayer Room for smudging, quiet reflection, prayer and meditation.

It contains a quilt made in honour of Dawn Amanda Bergman (known on the streets of Vancouver as a 46-year-old homeless woman named  Tracey) who personified the plight of Metro Vancouver’s homeless when she died on December 18 2007 after a candle she was using to keep warm set her cart ablaze.

The quilt is made out of “yo-yos,” four-inch circles of fabric that are individually pulled together with thread to create smaller, puffier circles. Anna Keefer , a volunteer for several organizations that help women in need, was so touched by Bergman’s story that she and 100 other people from the Downtown Eastside and beyond made the quilt from more than 3,000 yo-yos — using material that came from a grandmother’s apron or a baby’s outfit or other well-loved clothes.

When the quilt was given to First United at a Wednesday Service, Anna said “There’s a universality about her story. It’s not just about Tracey. It’s about all other women. I wanted the quilt dedicated to Tracey, but I want it to be symbolic for all homeless people.

The reality of 100 people coming together to make a quilt in honour of Bergman is a perfect symbol for Vancouver residents of all stripes working together towards an end to homelessness. It helps create a sacred space where fear finds Peace, loneliness meets Belonging, where despair is met by Hope.