New congregation forms
EmmanuelUnited Church is a merger of St. Andrew’ s and George Street United Churches
On July 1, two historic congregation sin the Town Ward–St. Andrew’ s United Church and George Street United Church - amalgamated to form Emmanuel United Church. St Andrew’s United Church, founded in 1833, was the first Presbyterian church in Peterborough; George Street United Church, founded in 1835, was the first Methodist church in Peterborough. The decision to amalgamate was a process of about ayearandahalf.
As the discussion evolved, it became clear that the two congregations had much in common. According to a congregation member, “both are progressive spiritually and theologically; both are committed to social justice issues; both are active in outreach beyond the walls of the buildings (locally and globally) and both are Affirming Ministries within the United Church of Canada .”
An Affirming Congregation welcomes and celebrates all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
However, even with this shared sense of purpose, the move to amalgamate has not been easy. “It’s been a reflective, careful and emotional process. Many members of both congregations, although excited with the new venture, are experiencing grief in the los sofa church they have known all their lives.”
The new Emmanuel United Church congregation will continue to use both church buildings. The West Campus is the former St Andrew’s building at 441 Rubidge Street, and The East Campus is the former George Street building at 534 George Street. Further decisions about the buildings will be made at a later date. For the month of August, worship services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the East Campus.
This Saturday, the new congregation will worship with Trinity United Church and St James United Church, for a combined worship service. The service will take place at 10 a.m. at Trinity United Church, located at 360 Reid Street. Everyone is welcome to attend.
In the meantime, the new congregation is creative ly planning for the future. In the words of Emmanuel’s minister, Rev Don Uh ry niw“We are excited how the Spirit is working among us. God is doing a new and beautiful thing!”
Calendar
SCOTTISH TEA: at Hutchison House Museum, 270 Brock St. Enjoy fresh baked sc ones, preserves, whipped cream, oatcakes, and tea, lemonade, or ice tea. Served daily, Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the terrace in the museum’s period garden. For more information, please call 705-743-9710 or visit www.hutchisonhouse.ca.
NOURISH PROJECT: presents What Would a Basic Income Mean for You?, Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m., at Peterborough Public Health, 185 King St. This event is free and all are welcome. For more information, or to pre-register, please visit www.nourishproject.ca, phone 705-743-3526 or emailinfo@nourishproject.ca.
PETER BOROUGH MUSIC FEST: features White horse on Wednesday and The Last Waltz, a Blues Rock band on Saturday. Wednesday Aug. 3 is Country singers Mac Arthur Clark &Meg han Patrick and Saturday Aug. 6 is The Spoons. All concerts start at 8 p.m. in Del Cr a ry Park. Admission is free. For more information, including biographies of the performers, please visitwww.ptbomusicfest.ca.
MOVIES IN THE PARK: The Ben vanVe en Summer Family Film Series presents Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Friday in Millennium Park. The family friendly movie begins at dusk, roughly 8 p.m. Millennium Park is located at Water and King Streets. For more information, please visit www.downtownptbo.ca.
FIESTA STREET FESTIVAL: the new face of the Hunter Street Caribbean Festival, takes place Thursday Aug. 4 from 4 to 10 p.m., on Hunter St. between George and Water Streets. Features music, dancing, kids zone and food and craft vendors. Presented by the New Canadians Centre; for more information please visit www.nccpeterborough.ca.