News from Winfield United Church

Dear Friends,

I hope this note finds you all well today. I wanted to take this opportunity to connect with you and let you know that I am thinking of you all in the midst of these unprecedented circumstances. The Church has become an empty building as I write this. We made the decision earlier this week along with countless other congregations to cease holding gatherings of any kind, including closing our Thrift Store. There are many questions about what this will mean as time goes on. 
Our Region is working on addressing this week's developments and has been a constant source of support to our local Communities of Faith. We can do our part by continuing to financially support Winfield United with our offerings to the best of our abilities.
It may seem inappropriate to discuss money given the current economic landscape but our Church relies on the generosity of all givers to see it through this period of instability. If you are not on Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR), you may wish to consider mailing post-dated cheques or e-transferring to the church's email address: winfieldunitedchurch@shaw.ca.
Thank you so much!

I know this feels very different for us not to be gathering in person for things that give our lives meaning. I am continuing to work from the office, Tuesdays - Fridays. I am electing to do telephone visits and email notes during this time of social distancing unless a pastoral emergency presents itself. Sunday morning will be a different experience for us as well. Every Sunday I am going to share a video-recorded message with you to watch at your convenience. My reflection will also be available in a document and will be included with the video link on Sunday. Our building may not be available but our work carries on, outside our walls, and goes into our community.  It is wonderful to hear of the phone calls made and people offering up whatever help is needed to those who are homebound. We have much to be grateful for.

In closing, I pray all will be well for you and your families during this time of uncertainty. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like a conversation. My contact information is:

kessler.joanl@gmail.com
250-766-4458 (Office)
780-512-3916 (Cell)

Peace be with you all,
Joan Kessler

UPCOMING
Joan's video message with a link to her refelctions will be send out on Sunday mornings.
INVITATION TO 
Virtual Circle of Peace
Everyone is welcome! Join us for Circle of Peace - contemplative gatherings for silence, reflection, prayer and song.
Every Tuesday at 4 pm.
You can join on Tuesday March 24  from the comfort of your home via any digital device (computer, mobile phone, tablet) by clinking this link https://zoom.us/j/869389697
For more info please contact Sharon Hartwick 778-212-5774

Prayers for the Community

If you have a prayer request you would like shared publicly in our email newsletter and website, please contact Joan or a member of the Pastoral Care Committee (Fran Schultz or Sandy Bogardis).  We will endeavor to respect the privacy of those named.
Requests can be submitted here. 
Thank you.

EVENTS
Embodying our Creative Spirit
– a contemplative retreat exploring art and Authentic Movement
Friday, June 5 – Monday, June 8, 2020
with Lois Huey-Heck and Tannis Hugill
Naramata Centre, Naramata, BC
for more info visit the Pacific Jubilee website.
 
LOOKING BACK
Scripture Readings
John 4: 5 - 30
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9rKwgesV8o

Reflection snippet:
This has been quite a week. Not since the horror and tragedy of 9/11 can I recall a time in my life where there has been such unprecedented events taking place like we have experienced these past seven days... 

Read Joan's refection "Thirst"

Attendance Figures for March 8, 2020
Attendance: 37 adults; 0 children
Weekly contributions including Par: $1.271.00                
Thrift Shop sales for month of February, 2020: $ 6,551.50

PAR: To have your donations automatically withdrawn from your bank account or make a change to PAR please contact Treasurer,
Mae Husk: maehusk@shaw.ca or 250-766-3245

OPPORTUNITIES and MEETINGS
All Opportunities and Meetings are cancelled until further notice.
HUMOR
Humor and hope are the best ways to ease anxiety during a crisis like this.
This is your pilot speaking. I’m working from home today!
It’s been almost a week me and wife are working from home due to coronavirus situation. I think we will kill each other before the virus does!

Wishing you joy and sunshine on this first day of spring,
stay home, stay healthy, stay save!

 

Verena Velten 

Office Administrator Winfield United Church
currently working from home
3751 Woodsdale Road, Lake Country, BC

Contact Joan at 780-512-3916 or kessler.joanl@gmail.com
Office: 250-766-4458

winfieldunitedchurch@shaw.ca
www.winfieldunitedchurch.ca

Facebook
Website
Email
Copyright © 2020 Winfield United Church, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp