First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council
Weekly Announcements
August 12, 2020

info4rc16@united-church.ca

First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council Page Emergency Response Link

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Making Hope Visible Podcast – Justice and Mission Network of the Atlantic Regions of The United Church of Canada

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Weekly Prayer from Rev. Rev. Ian March-MacCuish, Mount Pearl – First United Church
Let us pray. Let your wisdom be our guide, O God, in these uncertain times. Allow that wisdom to wash over us and provide a path for your global village to move forward in the midst of this pandemic. Grant strength to those first responders and the medical staff who are overwhelmed. Grant comfort to all those grieving over the loss of loved ones. Grant knowledge to those in positions of power that they may make the best decisions that affect so many people. Grant security to those who are facing job loss and those businesses that are feeling the economic loss. Grant patience to those researchers developing a vaccine. May you offer your unconditional love to this your creation. We pray for our new Premier, Dr. Andrew Furey. May you be with him as he steers our province during this difficult pandemic and economic time. May all political parties work together for the benefit of the people. Loving God be with Premier Furey and the members of the House of Assembly. May they feel supported by the province. We pray, O God, for the people of Lebanon following the earth-shattering explosion that caused many deaths. For those plunged into grief over loss, allow your love to surround them. May the global community respond to helping the people of Beirut. We pray for ourselves, for all our congregations and ministries. For those enjoying their stay-cation and rediscovering our province. May you, God, travel with them and keep them safe. For those in hospital or sick at home, may these prayers allow them to feel loved and supported. Loving God watch over us all. Amen

First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council 2020 Summer Hours
Due to the ongoing restrictions regarding the pandemic, the office and bookstore at 320 Elizabeth Avenue remain closed. Staff continue to work remotely from home on secure devices during regular business hours. Effective June 29, 2020 through to and including September 4, 2020, the summer hours for the staff will be:
8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday
8:30 am – 12:00 noon on Fridays
Blessings for a safe and enjoyable summer holiday season!

Congregational Finances Webinar
Erik Mathiesen and Clyde Harris returned to United in Learning on Wednesday, August 12 to provide an update on financial tools and government assistance information that will be useful to church treasurers. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program is modified significantly and extended to December, 2020. Almost every ministry with a payroll account is likely to be eligible for some degree of support. Please visit United in Learning for a recording of this webinar.

New Wine: Western Intercultural Ministry Network Gathering, online this fall with Eric Law and Tony Snow
Join Northern Spirit Regional Council for a cross-Canada gathering of people living out the United Church’s intercultural vision. They are delighted that Rev. Dr. Eric Law and Tony Snow will be our lead resource people.

When: Fridays on September 25, October 2, and October 9, 2020.
Cost: FREE. (Thank you for your support through Mission and Service!) These will be three-hour sessions, with presentations, reflection, song, and small group discussion. Tools for engaging with your ministry between sessions will be offered, and so will afternoon/ evening informal conversation groups.
Full information: Northern Spirit Regional Council Western Intercultural Gathering
Sessions are free but registration is still required; please click here.
If you would like more information, please contact the Western Intercultural Ministry Network Executive through staff support Julie Graham, jgraham@united-church.ca

Save the Date
Annual Clergy Retreat: October 21-23, 2020 – Janice MacLean from Prayer Bench Ministry will be our guest presenter for the annual clergy gathering. More details to follow as the date gets closer.

Annual Fall Learning Event: November 5, 12 & 19, 2020 – This year our Fall Learning Event will take the form of on-line lunch and learn sessions with topics on Pastoral Relations. Thursdays, November 5, 12 & 19 from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Please look forward to a survey narrowing down on the topics that will be most beneficial for each session.

Shopper’s Drug Mart Run for Women in Support of Stella’s Circle 
It is well known that fortified by a good cup of tea, Stella Burry could accomplish just about anything! The legacy of Stella’s work continues in the work done by Stella’s Circle. The funds raised by the Run for Women support mental health programs for women at Stella’s Circle. This year the Run for Women is virtual. You choose your own route and your own time to do the walk or run any time from September 17 to 27. $40 registration fee goes directly to support the work of Stella’s Circle and each participant receives a $100 swag bag, t-shirt and bracelet from Shopper’s Drug Mart. Rev. Miriam Bowlby is looking for team members to join the team Stella’s Tea Cups. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Miriam at revmiriam@cochranestreetuc.com or go directly to the team page to join this team: Stella’s Tea Cups. If you do not want to walk or run, please consider sponsoring the team. For general information concerning Shopper’s Drug Mart Run for Women please click here: Shopper’s Drug Mart Run for Women

United Church Rural Ministry Network
Are you interested in the United Church Rural Ministry Network all across Canada? You can follow this link to the newsletter of the Rural Ministry United Church Network, itself one of the initiatives of those involved in the life of rural congregations. You may be surprised by all that’s going on and you may have a story to tell yourself.

Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland & Labrador First Link Lunch & Learn
On Thursday, August 20, 2020, the Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador will be hosting another First Link Lunch & Learn webinar! Join from 12:30-1:30 PM to get information on the First Link program, including how to become a referring partner. This presentation is free and open to the public. The aim of this webinar is to provide information about the First Link Program and inform you of the process to connect individuals with the Alzheimer Society. In order to connect with our clients, we require people such as yourself to help bridge those connections by becoming referring partners! If you are interested in the webinar, email your name, mailing address to: firstlink@alzheimernl.ca or call at (709) 576-0608.

United Church Appeal for the Devastation in Lebanon
The tragic explosion in Beirut on August 4 caused immense destruction, and the death toll continues to rise. You can help those affected by donating to OUR APPEAL. The Canadian Government will match your donations until August 24, 2020. The United Church of Canada has been in contact with our Mission & Service partners in the region about how best to respond to this tragedy. Please continue to pray for the injured and those who have lost their lives, as well as the families, communities, and first responders to the disaster.

First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council Webpage Emergency Response Link
Stay updated with Emergency Response Updates on COVID-19 on the First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council webpage.

Announcements
If you have news to share relating to First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council, please share it with us and we will include it in our weekly announcements.

Send any information to: info4rc16@united-church.ca

Prayer Room Ministry
Church in Mission Unit is offering weekly Prayer Rooms for each Regional Council. Congregations and leaders are invited to join facilitated half-hour online times of prayer (modeled after the Prayer Room at GC43) to pray for every pastoral charge by name. Nothing is required except your presence.

Sign up online and join us every Tuesday on Zoom at 1:00 PM EDT beginning June 2, 2020 running until mid September

August 18, 2020: Prairie to Pine
August 25, 2020: Living Skies
September 1, 2020: Chinook Winds
September 8, 2020: Northern Spirit
September 15, 2020: Pacific Mountain

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