Kamloops United Church
421 St. Paul's street V2C 2J7 Kamloops, BC, Canada

This poem is stunning. Just wanted to share it. It is used in the Reform Jewish liturgy, as an optional reading, before Kaddish Every once in a while, a poem o...r song is so well constructed, so clearly conveys the authors meaning and is so precisely expressive that it becomes something of an anthem. The poem below, Epitaph, was written by Merrit Malloy and as one of those poems, has become a staple of funeral and memorial servicesfor good reason. Epitaph - By Merrit Malloy When I die Give what’s left of me away To children And old men that wait to die. And if you need to cry, Cry for your brother Walking the street beside you. And when you need me, Put your arms Around anyone And give them What you need to give to me. I want to leave you something, Something better Than words Or sounds. Look for me In the people I’ve known Or loved, And if you cannot give me away, At least let me live on in your eyes And not your mind. You can love me most By letting Hands touch hands, By letting bodies touch bodies, And by letting go Of children That need to be free. Love doesn’t die, People do. So, when all that’s left of me Is love, Give me away.

There's still time: see your photo in the United Church calendar! Send us your high-quality colour images of all kinds of United Churchesurban or rural, tradit...ional or modernto be considered for our annual church calendar. Deadline for submissions is January 15, 2021! Find out more: https://www.united-church.ca//get-invol/submit-your-photos #UCCan

Before the worst should happen, you should make a plan.

While the public may not be able to visit this year, the couple behind the popular winter attraction will continue to collect book and cash donations for Literacy in Kamloops.

Feel a little blue around the holidays? Our churches are offering non-traditional services of hope and healing. All are welcome! Blue Christmas Service December 1st at 7:00 pm To participate go to Kamloops United Church YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCypAkqHmga4T-X_zqZC4Djg... Service of Hope & Healing December 17th at 7:00 pm Hills of Peace to participate go to https://www.hillsofpeace.com/

The video performance is available beginning tonight and two screenings are planned for the Paramount Theatre.

WATCH | Along with expanding their regular meal program PIT Stop is preparing for their annual Christmas Dinner on December 13th. They’re asking the community for donations for that event.

"We have to accept that this is a new reality and find new routines to get our physical activity going."

WATCH | The BC Care Providers Association is now pushing for the provincial government to implement rapid COVID-19 testing in long-term care facilities.

"We're adjusting to the new normal ... but of course we cannot expect that surge capacity to last forever."

"Waves of anxiety rolled over me. She said she wasn’t scared, wasn’t nauseated anymore. And as a strong Christian, she said, she was ready to meet Jesus."

PIT Stop Christmas, a letter from Rick W: Hi Everyone 2020 has been an extremely difficult year. So many of our friends, neighbours, family, and community members have been affected terribly by COVID-19. Through this hardship, I am overwhelmingly gratified by the steadfast caring and commitment of this city. PIT Stop continues to provide hot, nourishing food to so many in our community. The dedication of the volunteers and supporters has been so mindful and focused that we ar...e now doing two meals every week. With the collaboration of Kamloops Reach, 'PIT Stop Too' is providing a hot meal every Monday afternoon. Thank you for this. I would really like this year's Christmas Dinner to be 'the best ever'. And seriously, the way that Kamloops Rotary Daybreak have done this meal for years and years in the past, it will be hard to beat. As it stands, the meal will be 'take away' only. We're going to do huge portions of turkey, mashed potato, gravy, stuffing, and all the trimmings. And, I'm hoping that this years' gift bags will be chock-full of items that our guests not only need but will also enjoy. The students at Aberdeen Elementary School will be hand making personalized Christmas cards again, which is a true delight. They'll also start gathering many items for the bags shortly which will make this their 5th year to do so. Sadly, we will not be able to use the students 'elf services' to help Santa give the guests their bags this year due to the pandemic. I'm attaching the list for items that we are looking for, for the gift bags this year. It's quite similar to lists from previous years that most of you have seen. I've had a $budget so I purchased some of the long underwear already, and all the hand sanitizer has been donated by Jennifer K. (thank you!). Gloves & mitts always seem to be where we fall a bit short on so if anyone can help there, it would be great. I've also added small LED flashlights which folks on the street in the dark, really appreciate. Another thing is the GC's. Especially for grocery stores or food outlets. Wouldn't it be nice if we could put one in each bag! Any help here would go a long way. The church door is locked but there is a buzzer and Joanna or one of the staff would be very happy to collect any items that you bring. Receipts will be provided for all $ donations and that money will be used for the bags.If you have any questions, please contact me and I will try to help. Our outside date for donations will be Thursday Dec 10 so that we have time to get the bags ready. The sooner donations can be dropped off, the better! Would you please share this message with your club members, team members, workplace peers, posts or wherever, as you are able. HoHoHo. Many thanks, Rick W.

"'I keep to myself a little more than before. I’m not as trusting.'"

Sharing this prayer for the Trans Day of Remembrance today.

"'There is no time to lose.'"

Having a project any project can help!