About Us: A New Era Interim ministry has been a time of healing and growth. As the interim ministry comes to a close we are grateful for the guidance of our interim Minister as we carved out a vision for the future together. Setting New Goals Developing a Joint Needs Assessment Committee (JNAC) is the first step in moving from interim ministry to called ministry. Within our congregation, we will work to create a detailed plan as to what we want and need to help our faith community thrive. A New Minister Our interim Minister has been an invaluable, inspiring gift to our church. We will bid a sorrowful farewell but trust in our strength to carry forward the vision we have created. In keeping with that, we wait in anticipation for a new pastor that will make a positive addition to our membership. Inspiring Contemporary Worship The Worship, Youth and Music Ministries work together to create a blend of fresh and familiar services. The Alberni Valley United Church (AVUC) congregation values and honours children. Children often lead prayer and participate in the presentation of Tithes. Tradition and familiar worship rituals are very much part of every Sunday. There are also new and exciting bursts of contemporary worship ideas and music that create a renewed energy for our congregation. Youth Ministry Caring, respectful and dedicated young members of our congregation lead our Children's Worship (CW) and Preschool Activities. Our CW coordinator carefully plans lessons that follow the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. During CW, children under 10 take an active role in our Gathering Ritual and reflection activities that focus on the lessons each week. Young children (aged 1 to 4) are free to join CW for as long as they like. There are Preschool Activity Leaders available to guide them in play in our Nursery. We look forward to a time when the youth in our congregation will have their own activities and leader outside of worship time. Life can become a confusing maze for our youth. Creating a safe place to explore ideas and gather as friends will be a valuable addition to our Youth Ministry. Music Ministry Our Alberni Valley United Church Choir has two exciting parts, the Adult Choir and the Young Voices Choir. Together we dazzled the audience at the 2006 Festival of Choirs. We offer special pieces (sometimes one song, sometimes an entire collection) throughout the year to sing praises and add meaning to worship. The Young Voices was 10 strong this year. The children add a special flavour to each performance and grow with pride as the adults around them delight in their faith. The Adult Choir has more than 20 members that want to share music and fellowship together. We look forward to new members joining us whenever possible. Study/Fellowship Groups Worshiping at the AVUC is very much about praising God, together each Sunday, for the blessings He brings. In addition to that, each season brings new opportunities to meet throughout the week to know God, study new and old philosophy and grow in faith. Along the way, we learn to know each other. Together, we create a faith community of care rather than distance.