Victoria First Church of the Nazarene
4277 Quadra St.
Victoria, B.C., V8X 1L5
Phone: 1-250-479-1733
Fax: 1-250-479-1447
Email: firstnaz@pacificcoast.net
Website: www.vicnazarene.ca
The congregation of the Victoria First Church of the Nazarene traces its beginnings back to a series of revival meetings held in Victoria in 1911. The church was formally organized in July of 1912. During its early years the church struggled to exist, and was officially closed in 1935.
On July 21, 1946 a tent was pitched at Blanshard Street and Queens Avenue and 24 days of evangelistic services began. It was during this time that the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene was re-opened and organized. For several months the congregation met in homes and rented halls until a church building was purchased at 2721 Graham Street.
In the summer of 1954, a new church building was constructed on the corner of Quadra Street and Kings Road, where the congregation met for worship until relocating in 1978 to the present site at 4277 Quadra Street.
Since September of 1990, Gary Bennett has been pastoring the church, with Calvin Black serving as Associate Pastor since July of 1996. Mary Ann Timmins joined the pastoral staff in August of 2004, to serve in the areas of Family and Children’s ministries.
The congregation is a multi-generational church family, offering a full range of ministry opportunities for children, youth, adults and senior adults. The Sunday Morning Worship Celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. It is followed by a Fellowship time in the Fireside Room.
STAFF
Senior Pastor: Dr. Gary Bennett
Associate Pastor – Children and Families: Mary Ann Timmins
Email: matimmins@pacificcoast.net
Associate Pastor – Youth: Rev. Calvin Black
Email: calvinblack@pacificcoast.net
Church Office Manager: Sheri Eisenhuth
Email: firstnaz@pacificcoast.net
MINISTRIES
SENIORS STUDY
Rev. Bill Bahan leads a study, Tuesday mornings, 9:30 to 10:30 AM, at the church, as part of the SHARPS (Sincerely Happy Association of Seniors) program.
STUDY OF PHILIPPIANS
Graeme Bartle is leading a study of the book of Philippians, Thursday evenings, 7 to 9 pm, in the Fireside Room at the church. Contact Graeme at 474-1610.
YOUNG ADULT STUDY
Candace Stretch will be leading a new 10 week study.
Book title: Imagine by Steve Turner
First class: Wednesday, March 24th at 7:00 p.m.
For further information, contact Candace at 250-592-0651.
GROUP STUDY
Lead by Kevin Seibel and Scott Philipchalk every second Wednesday starting October 7th at 7:00 pm at 561 Baxter Ave. This study will follow “Flying Closer to the Flame” by Chuck Swindoll. Contact Kevin at 250-474-9190.
YOUTH MINISTRY
SLUGs
SLUGs is our youth program for boys, (Grades 6-8). which meets every second Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 pm. At Slugs, boys will be exposed to and experience God’s incredible love for them in a way that is real, relevant, relaxed and relational. Our team is committed to making the church experience a good one! Each week we gather together for an action-packed program that includes games, videos, skits, a fun lesson and more.
Senior Youth
An activity for Senior Youth (Grades 9-12) will be held every Wednesday evening in the Youth Room from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Contact Pastor Cal at 250-479-1733.
BUGS – Girls – Grades 6-8
The Beautiful Unique Girls group meets every second Wednesday for a bible study and group discussion, followed by a fun activity. Contact Bobbi McCullough at 250-384-7518 for more details.
Recent studies show that today’s teenagers are more stressed and anxious than ever before. We hope that Quest and Bugs will be a place to relax, have fun and build relationships. We can’t wait to have your student join us for one of the above activities.
MARRIAGE COURSE
Several times throughout the year, the church offers a Marriage Course for married couples. It is very practical, giving any married couple the tools to build a strong and healthy marriage that will last a lifetime. The next offering will begin April 28th, 2009. If you have questions or would like to register, please call the church office at 250-479-1733.
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Over seven evenings couples talk about important issues that can get swept under the carpet in the rush of daily life.
Topics covered include: recognizing each other’s needs, learning to communicate effectively, resolving conflict, healing past hurt, knowing how to make each other feel loved, relating to parents and in-laws, good sex, making time for each other and having fun together.
Privacy as a couple is always respected. There is no group discussion and no requirement to disclose anything about your relationship to anyone else.
Registration for the next Marriage Course may be arranged through the church office, by calling 250-479-1733.
Who is it for?
· those who want to enhance their marriage
· those in the first five years of marriage
· those at a challenging stage in their marriage, e.g. The birth of a child, a career change, teenagers at home, the “empty nest”
· those struggling with issues in their marriage
The course, while based on Christian principles, is very helpful for any couple with or without a Christian faith or church background.
PRAYER MINISTRY
Opportunities to pray for individual and corporate needs are offered on Wednesday mornings at 7:00am, Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00pm, and monthly on the 11th day of the month, from 11:00am to 11:00pm.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We offer a Sunday School program for children ages three years to grade eight. Babies to toddlers are taken care of during the service in the Nursery. Parents are welcome to stay and meet with other parents or rejoin the service.
During the 10:30 a.m. Worship Service we offer classes in the following categories: Nursery, Three/Four Class, Five/Six Class, Seven/Eight Class and 9/10 Class, and Junior Youth (Grades Six to Eight).
SENIORS MINISTRY
The Seniors enjoy several outings every year. This includes the annual picnic.
Every Tuesday, the program includes an opportunity to sing the old hymns as well as many favourites from years gone by. We also offer bible study and an exercise program.
The Seniors group hosts an annual garage sale every June. Much fun and fellowship is enjoyed during the months preceding this event, as everyone works together to prepare for the sale.
Our seniors support the work of the Compassionate Resource Warehouse (www.crwarehouse.ca). This includes sorting and bagging clothing, and other duties. Each year the Seniors coordinate the packing of Shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse organization.
Everyone is special, and so each month birthdays are celebrated during SHARPs on Tuesday mornings.
The Seniors group works on many different projects during the year. They provide rolled bandages for missionaries, put together encouragement cards, provide knitted items to the Warehouse and much more.
ACTIVITIES
LINKS QUILTING
Our LINKS group (Loving Interested Nazarenes Knowing and Sharing), meets every Wednesday morning to work on Quilts that will be donated to Missionaries and others who are serving in the field. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fellowship while working on a beautiful quilt.
CHILDREN’S EVENING PROGRAM
“Chosen Kids”
Held every second Friday evening for children in grades 3 to 6, starting September 26th, from 7 to 9 pm. Contact Sandy Simpson at 250-478-0179.
COLLEGE AGE SOCIAL GROUP
Aaron Mauger and Lorna Sainsbury lead a discussion/social group for young people, ages 18-30, every second Saturday evening at 7 pm. Email Aaron at rifrin@hotmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Lorna at 250-479-8923 for details.
