First United Church, Kelowna
741 Bernard Avenue V1Y 6P6 Kelowna, BC, Canada

Today's Staff United Member is Cheryl Perry. Cheryl was born in Saskatchewan and lived there until she was 15 when she and her parents moved west to BC. She has lived much longer in BC than she did in Saskatchewan, but still feel like a 'prairie person' because those were important, formative years. Some of the best qualities she brings to her work are a sense of humour and creativity, compassion and empathy, and a passion for inclusivity. She grew up in a medium-sized family...: She has two sisters and a brother, who she is very close to. Both of her parents died in 2018. These were two very big losses for her in a short time. She married Dave in 2002 and they have three amazing children: Nathanael, Caitlyn and Ailie. She got her first pet when she was 32 years old--a cat named Simon--and during COVID they have adopted a cat named Milo. All of the pets they have had (two cats, a beta fish and a dog) have been beloved members of their family! Being a mother is the best experience of her life. Besides her family, several things she doesn't think she could live without would be books, chocolate and sauces of any kind, she loves food--cooking and eating--and food shows like Chopped, Diners Drive-ins and Dives, and Rachael Ray's Kids' Cook Off. She also loves organizing shows, life hacks, and secretly loves to clean and organize. She loves to read and to write, and dreams of someday writing and publishing a novel. She loves to spend time with her family travelling, camping or hanging out at the cottage on the lake, playing board and card games, laughing, relaxing. She describes her job as "everything to do with children, youth and families," plus outreach! It's a big job that is always challenging, interesting and fulfilling. She especially loves hanging out with children--their energy, the way they help her connect with her inner child, how authentic they are. Their perspective and insight helps keep her in touch with what really matters. She loves people of all ages, though, and finds people at the other end of life wonderful to be with too--their storied lives, their wisdom, and their perspective. She has also found similarities in her work in the area of outreach. She finds people authentic and resilient in ways that inspire her; She finds their trust in her humbling. Knowing people who live on the margins challenges her to examine her own values and principles, and how she is (or is not) living these out in her life. The children and adults she meets in her work help her to grow in her faith and as a person. A message from her to all of us: "I love the community of First United Church and hope they know how much they mean to me. It has been, and still is, an amazing experience to do ministry alongside them." See more

Today's Staff United Member is Bob Wallace. Bob was born in Calgary, Alberta, he attended High School there. He studied at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon (sociology and music majors); Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Tx. He married Rev. Sarah with whom he shares 3 children, 3 spouses of children, 2 grandsons; assorted pets (we are currently pet-less!). His qualities and flaws (may be the same things!!!) are: likes to talk about Bibl...e, faith, etc. Also loves to build models (railroads, of course), can easily get lost in a book, if something catches his interest he can loose himself in following that interesting "trail" even if it is not something he will ever use. His favourite thing to do is operating a model railroad as if it were the real thing. (Perhaps the best thing about doing this is that he can tell the train what to do and when) He describes his job as diverse, challenging, stimulating, unpredictable -- his time is often used to help meet other people's needs, on their schedule. He loves the diversity, the challenges that arise from moment to moment, the opportunities to engage with people at the crisis-points of their life's journeys. A message from him to all of us: "We are not alone, nor are we inventing something for the first time. This is God's Church, and God is already gone ahead of us into our newly-emerging future, and is there, awaiting us. Trust that, in God's good time, all will be well." See more

Today's Staff United Member is Jessica Crawford. Jessica grew up in Vernon and moved to Kelowna after she finished her music degree (2008). She is energetic and positive and loves to try new things; her flaws: doing too much of everything! She has a husband and two kids (9 y/o F and 4 y/o M), and two Sphynx kitties! Her favourite thing is Broadway music and she will look for any excuse to sing it :). Normally she accompanies the First United Choir, and works alongside Franc...es with music for Sunday services. This past year, that has also included making recordings, backing tracks, and editing videos! She loves getting to create music with a group of people. A message from her to all of us: "I love sharing my talents with everyone and spending time with the music community at First!" See more

Today's Staff United Member is Frances Chiasson. Frances grew up in Terrace, BC. She has lived in Vancouver, Calgary, Lancaster (UK) and now Kelowna for last 7 years. She has a family - husband Mike ( been married for 24 years), daughter Sophia and son Noah. No pets, much to the sadness of my children! Biggest quality: details person. Flaws: details person! ;) Her absolute favourite thing is the dusk on a summer’s evening. She is the Minister of Music at First United, provid...es musical leadership in worship and other events. She loves the creative moments and finding ‘thin places’ through music. A message from her to all of us: "I’m grateful for the congregations willingness to ‘go for the ride’ of e-worship over the past year. It’s definitely been challenging to work in such a different way, but also encouraging to have our efforts embraced by so many within the congregation. And yes, I definitely miss live music!!" See more