Ladysmith First United Church

09/03/2026

This sunday, we have Kent and Allison Krauza leading the service while our minister is away. We look forward to their view of things. Come as you are.

09/01/2026

This piece is from "The Upper Room" devotional.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. - Luke 6:38 (NIV)

Although my mother worked full-time and we had few material possessions as a family, she was always generous with her time and helped those in need — without expecting to be repaid for her kindness. As gracious as she was at giving, she was not always gracious at receiving. I suspect that her pride may have gotten in the way at times.

While giving graciously is important, it is also important to receive graciously. Without willing recipients, we are limited in how we can share the time and gifts with which God has blessed us. I learned this lesson firsthand when I visited a church and a woman there offered me a centerpiece with a candle in it. I started to refuse because I already had so many objects like this at home. However, another woman whispered to me, “You may not need the gift, but she needs to honor you with it. Accept it for her sake.”

That important lesson taught me that in order for people to give there must be recipients who are willing to accept. If we deny another person the opportunity to share what they have, we also deny that person the blessings that come from giving. In both giving and receiving, let’s strive to be gracious.

In Jesus' Name. Amen

08/30/2026

Our minister is away on holidays for the next couple weeks. Our guest speaker is Judy Wilson this morning. The message title is “On the Brink of Everything". All are invited to attend.

08/27/2026

A devastating flash flood in northern Nepal has killed hundreds of people and left hundreds more missing after a sudden surge of water and debris swept through communities near the Nepal–China border. At least 24 Canadians appear to be among the missing. The disaster has destroyed numerous homes, buildings, and critical infrastructure in the region.

God of Creation,

We live in a world where beauty and danger are found.
Hear our prayers for the people of the Nepal and China border region and the visitors, workers, and tourists
who have been affected by a devastating flash flood,

Bring healing to those who are injured.
Comfort those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.
Strengthen with your presence
all who are numb with fear and distress.
Guide those who are searching for loved ones
and those anxiously waiting for news.

Be near those who are grieving,
and bless them with your peace.

Grant tenderness, strength, and wisdom
and to all who are working to rescue and care for those in need.

May we be moved by compassion
and share willingly and generously
in the relief and recovery of your much-loved people.

Amen

(Adapted from Celebrate God's Presence, pg. 564.)

[Photo: Pixabay]

08/18/2026

Let's come together for a
PRAYER and CARE GATHERING
Monday August 24th

2017, 2018, 2023. These years rank as the top times when our province has had to battle extensive and complicated wildfires and now 2026 is being added to this list.

Overnight, the town of Summerland went from having a fire alert to having an evacuation order given for the town. It's only just a few days ago that some were able to start going in to check on the status of their homes and businesses. Some are arriving home to find their house was still standing. Some are coming home to face destruction that they neve believed they would see. The fire is still considered out of control, though some areas are being held.

The current situation is that there are 126 active wild fires, 12 of which have started in the last 24 hours according to the BC Wildfire service. 37% remain out of control.

It is overwhelming each year when we hear of the devastation that these fires bring. Sometimes we just sigh, imagining what so many are going through. There are sometimes things that we can do to help with financial and practical donations, and yet the concerns are still there and we wonder what we can still do.

Friends, let us never discount the power of prayers! Prayers for safety and courage and resilience. Prayers of thankfulness for emergency personnel who immediately step into harm's way to save and protect. Prayers are still needed.

We invite you to a dedicated time of prayer. We will unite our hearts together for all those affected by wildfires everywhere, both the people in affected communities and rescue personnel.


On August 24th, Ladysmith First United Church will open our sanctuary to welcome friends from our neighbouring churches and the community to gather our hearts and minds together in the unity of prayer and meditation.

From 3:30 - 4:30PM the sanctuary will be open for those who wish a personal quiet time for individual prayer and meditation.
From 4:45 - 6:00PM the gathering will expand for those who prefer a more community gathering with time for both silent and spoken prayers and contemplation.

Ladysmith First United Church
232 High Street,
Ladysmith B.C.

08/12/2026

A MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATOR
FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY WILDFIRES

Dear Pacific Mountain Region,

It is in the spirit of care, comfort and concern that I write to you. I can’t imagine the deep fear and distress the hundreds of wildfires now burning in your region must cause, for congregations and communities nearby. The emotional and physical distress, property damage and loss of habitat, homes and wildlife is incalculable.

I have been praying for your region, especially for the families who are under threat of evacuation, or who have left their homes and possessions behind to flee the destruction. I think especially of communities near Bradley Creek and Quilpituk Creek, and the Okanagan Indian Band reserve near Vernon, and other First Nations communities who have lost their homes to fire. I also think of the most recent evacuations in Summerland, where the whole community, including one of our own churches, is under threat of destruction by fire.

And now as wildfires threaten Metro Vancouver, the sheer density of people could take this climate disaster to another level. I pray for the firefighters who are stretched to their limit, and that no harm comes to them or to residents living in proximity to these fires.

I have also been praying for those who care for physical, emotional and spiritual needs through this, including clergy and regional staff. May you and the congregations in your care have the strength to accompany them as they recover, heal and rebuild.

I also pray for a future free of these kinds of climate-crisis-induced disasters. While fires consume our homes and other things that are important to us, they cannot burn away God’s promise of new and renewed life.

I pray for peace of mind to return in its time. And for you and the congregations in your care to walk together to lighten the load. If there are fundraising opportunities for the wider church to engage in, please know you have our support.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. –Psalms 34:18

In the hope of resurrection,

The Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath
Moderator

08/11/2026

9 August 2026

Dear Friends,
Today I, and all of you, are holding in prayer all those affected by the wildfires burning across British Columbia, and especially the people of Summerland and surrounding communities. Our hearts cry out for the people and communities affected, and for the earth we share and are called to cherish and protect.

We pray for those who have been evacuated or are waiting anxiously to know what comes next; for firefighters, emergency personnel and all those working to keep people and communities safe; and for those who are facing loss and uncertainty.

I am grateful, too, for the many ways people are stepping up to care for one another. Within our church and across the wider community, neighbours are helping neighbours, offering shelter, food, practical support and simply being present. In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and generosity that emerge when we recognize our responsibility for one another.

And even as we respond to the immediate crisis, we cannot ignore the larger reality in which these fires are happening. We are living with the consequences of a changing climate, shaped in part by the choices we have made as human beings. Our faith calls us not only to care for one another, but also to care for the earth that sustains us.

May this be a time not only of prayer and compassion, but of renewed commitment to the stewardship of creation and to the choices, large and small, that honour the world entrusted to our care.

For all who are in harm's way, and for all who are responding with courage, generosity and care: you are in our prayers.
Blessings,

Treena Duncan
Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council

07/31/2026

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2513302772448775/?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V&fs=e&fs=e

07/19/2026