In line with recommendations from the B.C. Public Health Authority and the Pacific Mountain Region of The United Church of Canada, beginning this Sunday, March 22, and until further notice, we will not be gathering face to face as a worshipping community.  However, Sunday morning worship at 10:00 AM will continue online and we hope that you will all join us from the comfort of your own homes. You can participate online either at wvuc.bc.ca/live or on our Facebook page.  Our services are also recorded so you are always welcome to take in a service at another time.  We encourage you to share this information with those who might want to join us.

Consistent with many other public spaces in our community, our building is closed for all group activities until further notice.  However, we are still here to support you. If you have questions, please call our church office at 604-922-9171. We expect to maintain normal office hours Monday-Thursday 9-4 (closed 12-1) and Friday 9-11:30.  You may need to leave a message but our voicemail is being regularly monitored and we will do everything we can to get back to you promptly. According to our emergency plan, staff will be creating separation of work space which means, where possible, staff will be working remotely and/or alternating times in the church office.

For the time being, we plan to keep the chapel open and available during office hours to symptom-free individuals who wish to take time to pray, meditate or light a candle. Also, Bronwen’s Garden remains a great outdoor option for quiet prayer or momentary retreat.

If you are in self-isolation, we want to make sure that you have help receiving any supplies that you may require. We have a number of individuals and families who would like to lend a “helping hand” to those in need. If you require assistance with shopping, medication pick ups or other errands, or if you are able to join our pool of “helping hands”, please call Cindy MacLeod, our Coordinator of Care, at 604-809-6276 or cmacleod@wvuc.bc.ca. 

We know that in these uncertain times, people need to feel that they are not alone. When circumstances and directives are changing quickly, we need to know that some things will remain constant.  When we are surrounded by negative news, we need each other to remember that there continues to be goodness and hope in the world. As a faith community, we are doing all we can to connect people in creative ways, to continue to share worship with you and to be salt and light to our community.  We are not alone. We live in God’s world.

Please take good care of yourselves and each other and don’t hesitate to be in touch.  We continue to pray for you all.

Fiona Watts, Board Chairperson  fwatts@wvuc.bc.ca
Rev. Philip Newman  pnewman@wvuc.bc.ca
Rev. Simon LeSieur  slesieur@wvuc.bc.ca