Message from the Minister
Vince E. Galbraith
Lay Pastoral Minister In Training
As the Designated Lay Minister, DLM, recognized by Maritime Conference, I am honoured and privileged to serve Park Avenue Pastoral Charge. This Charge consists of Red Head United United Church and Park Avenue United Church.
Park Avenue United is a unique congregation, worshiping in a unique building in a unique part of our city of 110,000 people.
The congregation began in 1924 as a truly community church, most of the blue collar/labour/middle-management members became a driving force and center of worship to the surrounding homes, many within the shadow of the Church.
In the early days the congregation met in the basement of the yet unfinished sanctuary. Eventually the top section, with its Roman like tower, became the beautiful sanctuary we know today, with stained glass windows, a full chancel and choir loft and seating for 250. In those years of growth and prosperity the church was full almost every Sunday, youth programs flourished and Park Ave. boasted 110 Sunday School students with a full compliment of dedicated teachers and superintendent.
Time does have a habit of marching on, some things continue, others blossom and fade, the church is no exception....commitment, relevance, volunteerism, participation and priorities of the community have changed....as a result, as a general rule, church programs have dwindled, become non existent or poorly attended. ENOUGH!
the time has come to regroup, assess the situation, adapt the requirements of those it serves or serve it...the time has come and as usual Park Ave. United is rising to the occasion...the faithful remnant continue the struggle of daily operation, but a new dawn is rising new ideas are being presented, innovative methods are being considered.
WE ARE ON THE MOVE! WE ARE OPEN FOR THE BUSNESS OF THE LORD! WATCH US GO!
Recently one of our life long, dedicated, talented members, Tracy Friars, cut a professional CD entitled BOW THE KNEE...with the support of a wonderful volunteer team and Tracys talents Park Ave. hosted a gala evening at the most prestigious venues in the city, the magnificent Imperial Theatre. (How popular was it you ask?) All 950 seats were sold out before the event was advertised! To-date 1000 of the recordings have been sold...a second printing has been necessary. All of the proceeds from the sales and sold out theatre tickets have been designated, by Tracy, to the Outreach Program of Park Avenue United...WHAT A GIFT! WHAT A CHALLENGE!
A clear picture of our Outreach Programs is coming into focus...we are "ON THE WAY"
Pray for us, come, join us in fellowship worship at 11 a.m. every Sunday the big white church at the corner of Park Ave. and Wilton Street, East Saint John. if you need a drive call 632-1050
God Bless and Keep you today and always
Vince E. Galbraith
Designated Lay Minister, DLM
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