2014

2014

February 

Both worship services on Sunday, Feb. 9th, were led by Dr. Crittenden. Our Dr. R. Maurice Boyd Preacher of Distinction Series guest preacher was Dr. Leslie Griffiths whose sermon was entitled The Mystery of God’s Calling. Many people attended Rev. Dr. Griffiths lecture on Saturday, Feb. 8th at Metropolitan. Dr. Griffiths is from Wesley’s Chapel, Burry Port in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Metropolitan United’s Policies and Procedures project, begun in early 2013, was completed in 2014. The Policies and Procedures Manual is available for viewing in the church office and includes 32 policies and procedures as well as 14 terms of reference related to committee structures. All 47 are posted on our church website for online reference. This project has proven to be of interest to other congregations and is widely copied. 

At the Feb. 6th Board of Elders meeting, Elders approved a new process to streamline annual reporting by Metropolitan’s committee chairs. The Board Chair requested that committee chairs report their accomplishments / celebrations in the prior year as well as challenges to be faced in the upcoming year. The new process using a newly designed computerized form was seen as an opportunity for committee reports to be included in Metropolitan’s annual congregational meeting. 

April

During the week of April 22nd, Dr. Crittenden hosted a clergy conference at Metropolitan. The Rev. Canon Dr. Herbert O’Driscoll came mid-week to participate in the event. Rev. Dr. O’Driscoll, a highly regarded preacher in the Anglican Church, was ordained in 1953, published 16 books and retired in 1995. 

Metropolitan United welcomed the Very Reverend, the Honorable Dr. Lois M. Wilson at both Sunday morning worship services on April 27th. The Very Rev. Dr. Wilson’s sermon addressed Not Peace But A Sword. Dr. Wilson is the first woman to be appointed Moderator of the United Church of Canada (1980-82), an elected President of the World Council of Churches (1983-1990) and former independent Senator in the Parliament of Canada (1998-2002). Dr. Wilson is a Companion of the Order of Canada (2004), a recipient of the Pearson Peace Prize (1985), a prolific author and has been awarded numerous honourary degrees and distinctions.

May

At the Hellenic Centre in London on Sunday May 25th, our Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Crittenden was installed as President of London Conference for the 2014-2015 years.

June

Sunday, June 8th, was Pentecost Sunday when Dr. Jeff Crittenden led both the 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. worship services. We welcomed Liturgical dancers who performed in the Sanctuary prior to the 11:00 a.m. service. We also welcomed Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa, Executive Secretary of London Conference, to our service of worship on Sunday. 

September 

The second recipient of the Shipman Organ Scholarship at Metropolitan United Church was Catherine Gray who succeeded outgoing Shipman Scholar, Andy Cloutier. Catherine studied under Dr. Gregg Redner, our Music Director and organist, between September 2014 and June 2016. Catherine learned not only organ performance, but also choral rehearsing and conducting, and choral singing. 

October 

We were delighted to welcome Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemann to Metropolitan as our Dr. George Goth Lecture Series presenter. Dr. Brueggemann gave sold-out lectures on October 24th and 25th.

Rev. Dr. Brueggemann also honoured Metropolitan as our Rev. Dr. John Bruce Hunter Anniversary series speaker on Sunday, October 26th when he preached at both worship services on the topic Two Turns … and Then Work.