Film Screening: The Doctrine of Discovery

/in , /by

The Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts is a film about a devastating decision, made over 500 years ago, which continues to profoundly impact Indigenous and Settler people worldwide. Pope Alexander VI ruled that the lands being discovered by European explorers at the time were “empty” land and its millions of Indigenous inhabitants were “non-human”.

Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission released 94 Calls to Action in 2015, with many of them referring to the Doctrine of Discovery and calling for its repudiation. This film will be very informative for anyone wanting to move on the 94 Calls to Action.

Thursday, December 12, 2019
6:30pm to 8:30pm
First Mennonite Church, 1305 Gordon Drive, Kelowna

Admission is free but donations will be accepted at the door. Registration is not mandatory but to help us plan for seating and refreshments it would help if you could register on Eventbrite: https://doctrineofdiscovery-stolenlands-stronghearts.eventbrite.ca

You “Can” and We Did!

/in , /by

Thank you to your generous response to the food shelf campaign in October! We asked the congregation: “Can you help us fill this cart?” and you did! Each week the cart was in the Hall for people to drop off canned and non-perishable goods. In all we collected 34 cans of vegetables/fruit and beans, pasta, toilet paper, boxed macaroni and cheese, 20 cans of ravioli/chilli, peanut butter, tea, 20 cans of tuna, granola bars, rice, oatmeal and more!

In October Kelowna was ranked the 17th most expensive city to rent an apartment in Canada according to a national rental report. Kelowna was one of five BC cities, ranked only behind Vancouver, Burnaby, Westminster and Victoria. For many on meagre incomes or assistance this means 80% or more is spent on housing. Our Food Shelf helps those who can not afford groceries.

Handbell Boot Camp

/in , /by

Are you interested in trying out handbells? Have you rung in the past, are interested in joining the Alleluia Ringers or the Grace Notes, but it’s been a while and you need a refresher?

?Handbell Boot Camp is a one-day program for learning the basics of ringing, and preparing one piece for the service the next morning. If you have basic music reading skills and are interested in taking part, mark Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 on your calendar and contact Nikki Attwell at 250-707-3375 or [email protected] to sign up.

Decorate the Church

/in , /by

The season of Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for Christmas. To begin we invite you to join us to “make the house ready”—to help decorate the sanctuary, trim the tree, and enjoy a time of fellowship—on the first Sunday of Advent, December 1st.

Stay after church for a sandwich. Lend a hand decorating, enjoy a cup of warm apple cider or making a craft. This is a great way to meet others in the congregation of all ages!

Adult Study

/in , /by

Come be part of this lively 12-part study of Christianity in the 21st century. Contributors include: Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, Robin Meyers, Marcus Borg, Walter Brueggemann, John Dominic Crossan, Matthew Fox, Amy-Jill Levine, and a host of others for a conversation around the relevance of Jesus for today.

This video-based series will begin on Wednesday October 16 at 7:00 pm in room 14 and run to November 20. Facilitated by Sharon Wilson.

Welcome Potluck

/in , /by

The Affirm Committee encourages everyone to join in a welcome meal in the church hall on Saturday, October 5 at 5pm to come and meet our new supply minister, Rev. Bob Wallace. You are encouraged to bring a dish to share that reflects your heritage.

Adopt-a-Road Clean Up

/in , , /by

Enjoy some fresh air, an opportunity to get to know others in the congregation, and participate in a project that helps keep our city beautiful! First United is part of the City of Kelowna Adopt-a-Road Program and is responsible for a stretch of Guisachan Road east of the Chevron gas station at Gordon & Guisachan. If you would like to participate, please join us in the parking lot of the Chevron at 10:30am. The City provides reflective vests, bags to collect garbage, gloves, and signage. We provide the volunteers!

Click here for event details and map.

Ringing and Singing for Christmas

/in , /by

Join us for an afternoon concert of Christmas music performed with hand bells and vocal choirs. The Alleluia Ringers, under the direction of Nikki Attwell, and Alleluia Singers directed by Frances Chiasson will perform carols followed by refreshments in the church hall. Part of our Concerts at the Corner series. Admission by donation at the door. For information, phone 250.762.3311.

Transgendered People in the Church

/in , , /by

First United’s Affirm Committee is hosting a potluck dinner Monday, November 19 at 5:30pm followed by the screening of the documentary film “Belonging in the Body: Transgender Journeys of Faith.” Following the 60-minute film, we are excited to have Beth Carlson-Malena, who’s the director of community for Generous Space Ministries, who created the video, with […]

Read more