|
FIRST UNITED CHURCH AT 2012
Over the last two years, First United Church has proudly celebrated its 250th anniversary of the original New England Presbyterian Planter settlers who arrived in the Truro Township in 1761. In establishing their church on the present Robie St. Cemetery site in the late 1760's, it became the first Presbyterian congregation and church in Canada. Today the Georgian-style building topped by its 143 ft. steeple and its expansive grounds is conspicuously set in the heart of the downtown. It is designated both as a Municipal and Provincial Heritage site. The interior of the sanctuary with its high ceiling and windows, oak wainscoting, paneling and gallery reflect the classical style of the exterior. It is frequently used by the community for concerts of local and visiting artists and for public services.
A newly formed Church Council, consisting of an executive and 16 committees manages all the administration of the congregation and church programs. A church newspaper, the First United News, is produced and distributed to members four times a year.
In September 2011, Rev. Valerie Kingsbury was warmly welcomed as our Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care, and is supported by Rev. Roger Moore as Minister of Faith Formation, and Chris Bowman, Minister of Music. Karen Parker is our Sunday School Coordinator overseeing Sunday School and youth involvement in church services.
A strong music program under Chris Bowman includes adult, men's and handbell choirs. Both traditional and contemporary music are included and the congregation has now become familiar with the newer hymn settings of 'More Voices' adding to the regular 'Voices United', with accompaniment by the Casavant organ, a grand piano and other instruments. 'A Music Under the Steeple' series presents concerts by local and visiting musicians. The Christmas Candlelight Concert, the Christmas Eve Family Service and 'Choirs for Comfort' involving over three hundred youth and adult voices, are annual community highlights.
Weekly study groups are led by Roger Moore, and a self-led Men's Eagle Sunrise Breakfast discussion group meets weekly at a local restaurant. There are six UCW groups, a Men's Fellowship monthly luncheon, and groups for crafts, line dancing, and guitar.
The Second Truro Scouting program has a distinguished history of a variety of outdoor programs.
Our church Outreach has faithfully met its annual commitment to the Mission and Service Fund. In the past year, the congregation led a major community fundraising project which shipped a 40 ft. container full of supplies to earthquake-torn Haiti.
Locally we support the food bank, Christmas Index program, a monthly social for seniors and share with other local churches in an 'Out of the Cold' program, weekly KD for high school students, and a monthly community dinner for those in need.
Ours is a welcoming congregation and we extend an open invitation those who would like to worship with us, and to take part in any of the programs of the church.
We endeavor to live by our Mission Statement:
'To Glorify God while striving to be an inclusive, friendly, teaching congregation committed to serving our community and our world'.
Minister Emeritus
Rev. Richard F. Humby, B.A. M. Div
Rev. David MacNaughton, B.A. M. Div
Order of Ministry
Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care
Minister of Faith Formation
Minister of Music
Office Administrator
Sunday School Co-ordinator
Sexton
Council Chair
Vice-Chair of Council
Clerk of Council
Finance Chair
Board of Trustees Chair
UCW President
Men's Fellowship
|
Rev. Valerie Kingsbury
Rev. Roger Moore
Christopher Bowman
Tracy Boutilier
Karen Parker
Steven Krizsan
Sheila Allan
Grant Langford
Russell MacKinlay
Alan MacLean
Ann MacCormack
|
|
|
Valerie Kingsbury
Minister of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral Care
'Make a Joyful Noise to God!'
These words from Psalm 100 capture the essence of Rev. Valerie. Born and raised in Newfoundland she crossed the water some 25 years ago and made her home in Nova Scotia. She has journeyed with several Pastoral Charges where her life has been profoundly changed as the others have revealed the presence and power of God.
Valerie is passionate about life and in particular, life in Christ. She takes seriously the call of Christ to take up the cross and follow. To follow has led her out into the market place. Where the surprises and challenges of life have opened doors and revealed the unconditional love of God.
At heart Valerie is a storyteller and singer. She believes that together, as the body of Christ, we can change the world.
|
|
|
|
Roger Moore
Minister of Faith Formation
Rev. Moore comes to us after forty years in full time Ministry. He was born and raised in Pictou County and Ordained to the Christian Ministry in 1970. Roger was educated at Bethany Bible College in Sussex, NB, received his under graduate degree in Theology and Archaeology from Nazarene College in Colorado and his Masters from the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax.
He follows the School of Liberation Theology and is a member of the Jesus Seminar, The Biblical Archaeology Society and the Society of Bible Literature.
He is married to Moira, they each have two daughters, and many grandchildren.
|
|
|
|
|
