First United Church Women
First United Church Women is an active and fun-loving group who are very involved in the ministry of our church with a focus on leadership, fellowship, stewardship and social outreach.
UCW Mission
The mission of the UCW is
to love God;
foster Christian commitment, faithfulness, and spirituality;
and promote respect and love for all God’s creation.
First UCW Executive
President: Jean Fry
Vice-President: Glenys Harris
Secretary: Linda Manual
Treasurer: Heather Sinyard
What We Do at First United
First UCW meets the second Monday of each month with average attendance of 35 to 40 members. Regular meetings open with the UCW purpose, worship and then a time to deal business matters and then end with the UCW prayer, circle song and grace. Time is always set aside for fellowship, fun, food and laughter.
Activites - Volunteer Work - Outreach
Some of our long standing activities, volunteer and outreach work includes:
- Regular visits to senior retirement homes in the area
- Participating in activities of the Provincial organization
- Leading special worship services during Christmas and Lent
- Provide personal care and other items to those in need
- Providing Baptismal Candles for newly baptized children
The UCW contributes to various church and social outreach organizations including:
- Mission and Service Fund
- Burry Heights
- Chaplaincy Fund
- Fellowship of the Least Coin
- First United Local Operations and Building Fund
- Bridges to Hope
- Emmanuel House
- Carew Lodge
- Stella’s Circle
Fundraising initiatives and collection drives include such things as:
- Afternoon Tea and Bake Sale (Spring and Fall)
- Irish Stew Supper
- Mitten Tree Project
- Quilts for Comfort Project
The UCW also takes time out for fun and relaxation. They have annual Valentines and Christmas dinners (usually hosted and catered by the Men’s Club), as well as their closing dinner in June.
Who Are the United Church Women (UCW)
Who Can Join
Any woman “willing to contribute her prayers, gifts, and services for the work of the Church” may join the United Church Women (UCW). Along with providing important networking and social bonding opportunities, the UCW has led discussions on, for example, feminism and restorative justice.
“Indeed”, says Moderator Jordan Cantwell, “United Church Women are the “hands and feet” of the church.”
A Brief History
Online Source: United Church of Canada
In 1962 the UCW (United Church Women) was created as the successor to the Woman’s Missionary Society (WMS), a world mission-oriented service and study group that supported almost 100 active missionaries around the world. The Woman’s Association (WA) at that time focused on work in the local church and community. Guilds and Ladies’ Aids were the WA’s forerunners; in the early years, these units went unrecorded, just doing what needed to be done, spiritually, financially, and socially.
Today, that spirit of generosity continues in active UCWs in congregations, presbyteries, and Conferences from coast to coast to coast, united in expressing their devotion to Jesus Christ in Christian witness, study, fellowship, and service.