Author: Sarah Winters

Truth and Reconciliation: Where to Put Your Orange Guilt

Written by George Flett (Metis and Saulteaux), Shelter Manager, and Lauren Sanders (Prairie Band Potawatomi and Kickapoo), Indigenous Spiritual Care Chaplain. It’s that time again. Today is Truth and Reconciliation Day. Indigenous folks, allies, and people who feel the need to seek reconciliation all don orange shirts and walking shoes. We tell ourselves it’s how […]

Our statement on the Aug. 9 DTES decampment

Yesterday, August 9th, a violent and hostile scene erupted at Main and Hastings, as part of the City’s work to decamp the Hastings Street Tent City. According to the Our Streets report, over 50 Vancouver Police Department officers organized themselves through the intersection of Main and Hastings and assaulted and arrested residents, advocates, community organizers, […]

“See you in a little while…” – A Message From Carmen Lansdowne

As you may have heard, I have been elected as the 44th Moderator of the United Church of Canada, and my new journey begins at my installation this Sunday. I’m humbled that the people of the United Church—many of you—have put your trust in me to be the spiritual leader and public representative for the […]

FIRST UNITED confirms Amanda Burrows as Interim Executive Director

The FIRST UNITED Church Community Ministry Society Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that Amanda Burrows has been appointed as Interim Executive Director as of August 7, 2022. Amanda has been Acting Executive Director since March 2022, for the duration of Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne’s sabbatical. The Board is pleased that Amanda will continue […]

The 100-Year Dream for Advocacy

Next year, the FIRST UNITED Legal Advocacy program will turn 50 years old. Only our Meal program andcommunity drop-in pre-date the Advocacy program. It goes to show: people need to be fed, need a safe place to be, and need their rights upheld. Today, the Advocacy program is in high demand, especially for tenancy issues. […]

A Fond Farewell to 320 East Hastings

Communities of Faith gather to say goodbye as we move First Forward On May 20, nearly 40 members of our Communities of Faith gathered at 320 East Hastings to help usdecommission the building with a thoughtful remembrance of the work that took place within the walls about to be dismantled. Led by the Rev. Bob […]

Totem Pole Ceremony: Carved with Courage, Moved with Care

First United’s totem pole moved to a new location before demolition In our parking garage at 320 East Hastings, a team of Indigenous carvers worked under cover. From the 12-foot log in front of them, shipped from Haida Gwaii, the image of the thunderbird, the killer whale, the mighty bear, and grandmother moon emerged. Many […]

Invitation for Applications: Interim Executive Director

FIRST UNITED CHURCH Community Ministry Society (FIRST UNITED) is seeking an Interim Executive Director to serve for a three-year term while our current Executive Director fulfills her role as Moderator of the United Church of Canada. The Interim Executive Director’s term starts August 8, or as soon as possible after that. We are seeking an […]