Northern Spirit Regional Council

Grace United Garage Sale
2023-05-06 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Edmonton) | Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Grace United Garage Sale: Friday May 5, 4 – 7 pm and Saturday, May 6, 10 am – 2 pm. Grace United Church, 6215 – 104 Avenue, Edmonton AB.
Antiques and collectibles, household items, clothing, jewellery, toys, books, sporting goods and more! Proceeds to the church. Information: grace.united@shaw.ca or 780-466-0916.

Spring Craft Market
2023-05-13 09:00 - 16:00 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
The Spring Market has been happening for 10 years.
Our vendors primarily produce handmade, artisan products such as decorative and silver jewelry, bath and body products, jams and salsas, wood and metal products, sewists, other stitchery items, as well as home based small businesses such as spices, cleaning products, home decor and craft items.
We team up with a local greenhouse to provide hanging baskets, patio planters, herbs, and annuals which are sold on site.
A cheerful cafe will provide a light lunch/healthy snacks and beverages (Gluten Free snacks will also be available for purchase).
Door prizes are distributed throughout the day made up from contributions from our vendors as a way to showcase the wide range of items our vendors produce.
This fundraiser supports the life and work of our church in the community of Mill Woods.

Chalmers-Castle Downs U.C. Spring Market and Bake Sale
2023-05-13 10:00 - 15:00 | Chalmers-Castle Downs United Church, 12315 132 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L3P6, Canada
Join us for our Spring market & bake sale!
Browse the handiwork of local artisans and home-based businesses as we welcome Spring’s arrival.
There will be a café offering coffee and tea, and a yummy homemade dessert. Cash only.
This fundraiser supports the life & work of our church in North West Edmonton.
Interested vendors should contact the church for more information: office@ccduc.org
12315 132 Avenue NW, Edmonton

Mother's Day Tea & Bake Sale Fundraiser
2023-05-13 13:00 - 15:00 | AB
Saturday, May 13, 2023 between 1:00 & 3:00 pm at Vegreville United Church, 5126 – 48 Avenue – Come and Go Tea (Dine In Only); Sale Tables with baking and jewelry items (as priced).

The Scott Woods Show
2023-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Grace United Church Wainwright, 1038 4 Ave, Wainwright, Alberta, T9W 1H2
We are delighted that the Scott Woods Show is coming to the Wainwright Communiplex on May 18th!
This uplifting 2-hour live show features Scott Woods on fiddle and his All-Star band, including piano, accordion, fiddles and rums. You will hear lots of Canadian Old Time Fiddle music, Traditional Country and Gospel favourites, fancy instrumentals. sweet harmonies, smooth vocals, sensational step dancing, family humour, inspirational stories, and of course some of Scott’s famous trick fiddling – front and back somersaults and walking on a barrel – all while playing his fiddle! And there may be a few surprises as well!
Tickets are $45 and are available from the church office between 9am and noon Mon-Fri for cash, chq or EMT.
Credit card purchases available by phone 1-855-726-8896.

Wild Church YEG
2023-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Stark Oak Tree, Edmonton, 12845-102 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 0M6, Canada
Let’s get ROOTED – join Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church at 1 pm on May 21!
Meeting at the Stark Oak Tree (found near the eastern wall of the old Royal Alberta Museum building on 102 Ave and 129 St), we will explore EARTH as the third in the series, “Praying with the Elements”.
People and pets of all ages are welcome! Look for the wooden wild church sign to find the gathering. You are invited to linger for a hot drink after worship – please bring an empty mug. Contact us with questions or to arrange transportation if required: wildchurch@rwuc.org . Follow us on Instagram: @wildchurchyeg

Scott Woods Old Fashioned Hoedown
2023-05-21 19:00 - 21:00 | St Paul’s United Church Grande Prairie, 10206 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 0V6, Canada
• The Scott Woods Show offers the kind of entertainment you just can’t find anymore. Don’t wait to get your tickets – it really is too good to miss!
• Scott Woods is a multiple Canadian Fiddling Champion. His band is incredible and there’s an excellent step dancer as well. The $45.00 ticket price really is reasonable considering the caliber of this entertainment.
• If you liked Don Messer’s Jubilee, or the Tommy Hunter Show, you’ll love the Scott Woods Show.
Doors will open an hour ahead as there is no assigned seating.
Come and enjoy the toe-tapping music of this wonderful group and liven up your long weekend in May.

McClure UCW – Strawberry Tea
2023-05-27 14:00 - 16:00 | AB
McClure UCW invites you to their Strawberry Tea! Come join us for Strawberry Short Cake and Tea or Coffee in our lower hall. There is an elevator if needed.

The 9th Street Players Present "Nan's Enchanted Neighbouthood"
2023-06-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-06-03 19:30 - 22:00, 2023-06-04 13:30 - 16:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Directed by Marie Fontaine, this drama group based out of Spirit of Hope United Church are offering this fun play from June 2 – 4, 2023
Tickets: Adults $15; Seniors $10; Children $5
Contact Spirit of Hope United Church: 780-468-1418

Support S.E.E.D.S AT OUR DINNER AND SILENT AUCTION
2023-06-03 17:30 - 21:00 | AB
Upcoming fundraiser dinner for SEEDS on June 3. Founded in 1997 by Spirit of Hope United Church members Meheret Worku and her husband Scott Smillie, Sustainable East Africa Education and Development Society (SEEDS) has partnered with schools in rural Ethiopia to support hundreds of children who would otherwise be unable to attend school. It costs SEEDS $204 CDN to send one child to school for a year; just $17 a month. Any contribution helps reach the goal of bringing education to as many Ethiopian children as possible. Currently 260 students are able to attend school because of SEEDS.
With the underlying belief that education is the key to bringing families out of poverty and to developing communities, SEEDS has also been involved in activities directly related to strengthening these children’s families and communities through economic, community and capacity development activities.
Spirit of Hope United Church is involved in and supports SEEDS by providing opportunities for SEEDS to use our facilities for meetings, education and special events (including our annual Christmas lunch) and for members to be involved as volunteers and supporters. See https://www.seedseastafrica.com for more information or to make a donation.

reVITALize
2023-06-07 13:00 - 2023-06-09 16:00 | St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 1Y9, Canada
Sponsored by the United Church Foundation, Pine Hill Divinity Hall, the Centre for Practical Theology, Atlantic School of Theology, and St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax, reVITALize is a gathering for ministry leaders and lay people to REFRESH, LEARN, and BE SUPPORTED. Speakers talk about what is revitalizing them at the moment, and time is given for people to gather with friends and colleagues and meet new folks. All denominations and traditions welcome!
Speakers include: MiYeon Kim, Graham Singh, Tamsin Robson, John Pentland, and more!
Dates: Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 1:00 pm – Friday, June 9, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Locations: St. Andrew’s United Church, Atlantic School of Theology, and other locations in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Registration Fee:
Early Bird: Register on or before March 1st: $205 plus Eventbrite fee
Regular: Register after March 2nd: $225 plus Eventbrite fee
Wednesday evening concert: Your registration includes a ticket to a concert by Sarah McInnis, from the Annapolis Valley!
Learn more and register at www.revitalizeconference.ca

Highlands Covenanting
2023-06-11 10:30 - 12:00 | Highlands United Church, 11305 64 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5W 4H6, Canada
Come join Highlands United & Rev. Mervin Gallant as they celebrate the covenanting of a new Pastoral Relationship within Northern Spirit Region.
Rev. Larry Wright will be guest preaching.

10:30 a.m., Sunday June 11
Highlands United Church
11305 64 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta
T5W 4H6

Wild Church YEG
2023-06-18 12:30 - 14:30 | Emily Murphy Park, Picnic Site #3
Gather, sun lovers, at Emily Murphy Park (Picnic Site 3)!
All ages – and pets – are invited to the Robertson-Wesley Wild Church potluck picnic at 12:30 on June 18, followed by a Summer Solstice Wild Church Service at 1:15. Feel free to join one or both activities.
Food will be provided. We encourage you, if able, to bring a potluck item and plates/utensils for yourself; if unable, come anyway!
Rain or shine, barring unsafe conditions. For questions/transportation arrangements, contact wildchurch@rwuc.org. Follow us on Instagram @wildchurchyeg

Diane Strickland Presentation: Releasing More Gospel Ministry in a Complex Context
2023-06-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, Canada
Diane Strickland, a Community and Workplace Traumatologist, will be giving a presentation on June 20, at 7 p.m., open to Communities of Faith, Lay Representatives & Leaders, and anyone interested.
Topic: Why is it so hard and what can I do?
1. Describing what’s making our ministry context complex—A reality check.
2. Identifying how it’s affecting you and your participation—eg. Grief, choices you might wish to revisit, changing expectations, anger, fatigue, disengagement, accepting who we are with compassion and courage for this “now.”
3. Identifying a biblical model for ministry in these days—Ministry inside a Parable.
4. With the unfolding of gospel into justice there is confusion about who we are and how to be in the parable—revisiting connections and relationships in and outside community of faith.
Please contact the office to register & receive the Zoom link.
*This event is being offered by the Northern Spirit Ministry Personnel Support Committee.

About Diane Strickland
M.A., (Psycholinguistics); M.Div. (Professional Degree for Ordained Ministry); Certified Community and Workplace Traumatologist, T.I.; Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist – Therapist.
Diane has invested in people all her life. She began doing one-on-one coaching in 2014, after many decades providing leadership and support to women at the crossroads of life. An ordained minister for over thirty years, Diane’s spiritual agenda affirms and honors your life—heart, mind, body and spirit. As a Community and Workplace Traumatologist Diane also provides trauma care in post-natural disaster settings and critical incidents. Whether recovering from a natural or unnatural disaster, Diane knows trauma and believes in her clients. She will challenge you to make your life a priority for safety and healing and show you how to do that in small steps and big ones.

Community & Connection 2SLGBTQIA+ Advocacy Conference
2023-06-22 - 2023-06-24 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
Bringing together those who do work in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community to share their challenges and experiences with each other and the greater community.

Vacation Bible School @ Sherwood Park United Church, July 10 - 14, 2023
2023-07-10 09:00 - 2023-07-14 12:00 | Sherwood Park United Church, 20 Fir St, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8A 1Z6, Canada
Sherwood Park United Church will be hosting a free Vacation Bible School (ages 3-12) from July 10-14, 2023. The hours are from 9:00 – Noon.
The theme is Rocky Railway – Jesus’ Power Pulls Us Through. Come and join us as we learn about Jesus through Loco Motion games, Bible Adventures, Chew Chew snacks, Imagination Station, Kid Vid videos, and Sing & Play Express/Rocky Wrap-Up.
For registration or more information, please email Cindy at cindy_camp@hotmail.com or go to: https://vbspro.events/p/sherwood-park-united-church.

Wild Church YEG
2023-07-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Join Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church fireside at Emily Murphy Park Picnic Site 3 on July 13, 2023, at 7pm. We invite you, if you wish, to bring your favorite nature-related prayers, poems, songs, and readings to share during this unstructured worship. Bring a mug for hot chocolate!
Rain or shine, barring unsafe conditions. Email us at wildchurch@rwuc.org for questions/transportation arrangements. Follow us online (wildchurchyeg.org) or on Instagram @wildchurchyeg – please check either one for last minute location changes.

Care of Creation Garden Tour, Town and Country 2023
2023-07-15 10:00 - 16:00 | Living Spirit United Church, 5141–54 Street, Drayton Valley, AB, T7A 1S3, Canada
Living Spirit United Church Drayton Valley is pleased to host a self directed tour of eight local gardens.
July 15, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost is $15.00 per person, $40.00 for a family, under 16 free.
Door prizes for participants on tour. Proceeds will go to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Local handi-bus available for free transportation as requested.
Tickets available at Value Drug or at our church the day of the event. (5141 54st)
This is not a contest – simply an opportunity to appreciate God’s amazing world!

THE 3RD ANNUAL EMANCIPATION PANEL DISCUSSION
2023-08-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Black Clergy Network YouTube channel
Topic: A CASE FOR REPARATIONS
Goals: Panel discussion will seek to:
• Explain the concept of reparations.
• Discuss some Biblical Foundations for reparations.
• Examine the relevance of truth-telling and reparations in the Canadian context.
• Consider the intersections of the Indigenous and African Diaspora claims for reparations.
Panelists:
Rev. Dr. Teresa Burnett-Cole:
Rev. Dr. Burnett-Cole is the Indigenous Representative on General Council Executive and serves as liaison with the National Indigenous Council, United Church of Canada, She is the Coordinating Minister at Glebe-St. James United Church in Ottawa.
Dr. Isaac Saney:
Director & University Teaching Fellow, Transition Year Program at Dalhousie University and Adjunct Professor, Department of History at Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia
Prof. Anthony G. Reddie:
Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture, Regent’s Park College, Oxford University, and Editor-in-chief of ‘Black Theology: An International Journal.
Rev. Dr. Steed V. Davidson:
Executive Director of the Society of Biblical Literature and former Professor of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament at McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago Illinois.
Moderator: Rev. Marlene M. Britton, Team Lead, Policy and Programs for Ministry Personnel, General Council Office.
Email rev.walfall@gmail.com to register to attend by July 30, 2023. You can watch the panel discussion on the Black Clergy Network YouTube channel on August 6.

Camp Dragonfly
2023-08-25 - 2023-08-27 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Camp Dragonfly is a summer camp based in Edmonton, Alberta with a goal to create a safe and welcoming space for trans* and gender-creative youth where they can be their authentic selves, meet trans* role models, and have fun. We are a summer camp for trans* and gender-creative youth age 6-13.
Over the past 6 years, Camp Dragonfly has provided this opportunity to over 160 families from Alberta and beyond. This year, our team wants to increase the number of families and youth that we reach, and invite them to take part in the impactful experience that is being known and loved exactly as they are.
Our campers have given us feedback that while at camp, the stressors and pressures of their day-to-day life seem to fade away. Through the connections, confidence, and skills they build at Camp Dragonfly, they are able to maintain that resiliency throughout the year.
Click here for more information about this year’s camp!
Click here to register a camper!
Click here to volunteer with Camp Dragonfly!

Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor
2023-09-17 12:30 - 14:30 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Spirit of Hope is pleased and honoured to offer a special viewing of this award-winning Canadian movie. Admission is by donation to the Dawn Fund to support trans youth.
This movie is about a young trans woman and her estranged father as they begin to restore the old family tractor. They cautiously rebuild their relationship and come to understand the mechanics of the heart.

Wild Church YEG
2023-09-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Paul Kane Park, Edmonton
JOIN US! Robertson-Wesley United Church’s Wild Church is an all-age communal practice of learning to converse with nature in order to experience sacred transformation and restore connection with the web of life. We worship next on the theme, “Autumn Equinox,” at Paul Kane Park (wheelchair and stroller accessible) on September 17 at 1 pm. Rain or shine! Contact us at wildchurch@rwuc.org. Follow us on Instagram @wildchurchyeg.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at Trinity United
2023-09-24 10:30 - 11:30 | Trinity United Church, 8810 Meadowlark Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5W6, Canada
Join us at Trinity United on Sunday, September 24 as we welcome guests Charlene and Wilson Bearhead & observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Trinity United invites you to join us for worship as we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day on the Sunday before Sept 30.
We invite you to wear orange if you are able to. If you do not have an orange shirt, remember the story and think about things that you have that help you to feel connected to family and community.
Guests Charlene and Wilson Bearhead will join us during worship to help us learn about developments toward reconciliation and the calls to action with particular attention related to education. They will be speaking during worship as well as staying after the service for further discussion time.
Please note, there is ongoing construction in the Meadowlark community. You may need to allow extra time. There is parking behind the church or in the neighbourhood.
Charlene Bearhead FRCGS- Vice President, Learning and Reconciliation at the Royal Canadian Geographical Society- is an educator, Indigenous education advocate and author with over 35 years of regional, national and international experience. Charlene is the co-author of the children’s book series, Siha Tooskin Knows and contributor to multiple anthologies and reconciliation focused resources.
Most recently Charlene served as a member of the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle for the National Film Board of Canada and in an advisory capacity with Nelson Education. Previously Charlene served as education days coordinator for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, education coordinator for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, education advisor for the Canadian Geographic Indigenous People’s Atlas of Canada and member of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights Indigenous Education working group. Charlene also served as the first education lead for both the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and the Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre at UBC.
Wilson Bearhead is Nakota, a member of the Wabamun Lake First Nation in Treaty 6 territory and the co-author of the children’s book series, Siha Tooskin Knows. Wilson has served as Chief in his own community, Grand Chief of the Confederacy of Treaty 6 as well as the Assembly of First Nations Alberta Regional Chief. Wilson was the first Elder in Residence for Edmonton Public Libraries before moving to serve as the Elder for Elk Island Public Schools for 4 years and is now the Elder in Residence at Victoria School for the Arts in Edmonton Public Schools. Wilson is the recent recipient of the Canadian Teachers’ Federation Indigenous Elder Award. Wilson’s grandmother Annie was a powerful, positive influence in his young life, teaching him all of the lessons that gave him the strength, knowledge, and skills to overcome difficult times and embrace the gifts of life.

Community BBQ and Showcase
2023-09-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Everyone is welcome to meet with others, enjoy free food and drinks and learn about programs and community agencies at this special event co-hosted by the SE Edmonton Community Collaborative and Spirit of Hope United Church. Financial support from a City of Edmonton Neighbourhood Micro Grant.

Visiting kihcihkaw askî Sacred Earth Ceremonial Site
2023-09-24 12:00 - 14:00 | kihcihkaw askî Sacred Land, 14141 Fox Drive NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5S 1G4, Canada
We will be meeting at St Paul’s United church, 11536-76 Avenue, at 12:00 PM, Lewis Cardinal will give a brief introduction and then he will lead our walk to the kihcihkaw askî (pronounced key-chee-cow-ask-ee) site. The site is just off the Whitemud Ravine near Fort Edmonton Park; the walk will be along the river valley and takes approximately one hour. We encourage anyone not walking to drive there and meet us (parking available at the site at 14141 Fox Drive NW).
BYO Lunch. People can eat during the introductory talk, during the walk, or afterwards on site.
Note that coffee & tea & some refreshments will be available on site.
Dress in walking clothes and shoes and in weather-appropriate clothes.
Rides back to St Paul’s from kihcihkaw askî can be arranged – we need to know who needs them!
Contact Shirley Perry 825 439 7960 or stbperry@shaw.ca
so she can arrange transportation back.

Ministry Personnel Support: Boundaries Training + Stronger Together Retreat
2023-09-26 - 2023-09-27 | Star of the North Retreat Centre, St Albert, AB, Canada
The Ministry Support Committee of Northern Spirit Region invites all active clergy to join them for one or both of the following events:
September 26th from 1:30 – 4:30pm
Boundaries Refresher: Social Media
Mandatory boundary training needs to be refreshed every 5 years.
This is your opportunity to complete it in person surrounded by colleagues.
Facilitated by Vocational Minister, Laura Fouhse.
Location: St. Albert United Church
Cost: $25
September 26th evening – September 27th at 4pm
Stronger Together: a gathering for active ministers in Northern Spirit Region
Facilitated by Pastoral Relations Minister, Adam Hall and Vocational Minister, Laura Fouhse.
This is a time to meet new colleagues and renew connections.
Location: Star of the North Retreat Centre in St. Albert
Options:
1. Join us after the boundaries training on the 26th for supper at Star of the North followed by some fun activities and stay through until the end of the gathering
2. Join us on the 27th for the day
Cost:
Option 1: $150 for Sept 26 evening to Sept 27th afternoon
Option 2: $100 for the day of the 27th only

To register for either event, please click HERE.

NOTE: There may be a registration limit for the gathering at Star of the North due to spatial limits. Please register early if you would like to attend. Registration deadline is September 7th.
If you have any questions, please contact the office (NorthernSpirit@united-church.ca) or Laura Fouhse (lfouhse@united-church.ca).

Rural Ministry Conference 2023
2023-09-29 - 2023-10-01 | High River United Church, High River, Alberta, Canada
A weekend gathering, for today’s rural ministry context: RURAL HOSPITALITY, INSPIRING THEME SESSIONS, AND PRACTICAL WORKSHOPS.
Friday September 29 – Sunday October 1
High River United Church, High River, Alberta

A LeaderSHIFT event, in partnership with Chinook Winds Regional Council.
This conference is for Lay Leaders and Ministry Personnel in the Chinook Winds Regional Council of The United Church of Canada — and anyone whose church life and work is rooted in a rural setting. Come experience rural hospitality, inspiring theme sessions and practical workshops tuned to today’s rural ministry contexts!

This weekend experience will equip & encourage communities of faith into the United Church of Canada practices of Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice!
Click here for more information & for registration.

Jazz and Reflections
2023-10-01 15:30 - 17:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Everyone is welcome to enjoy an afternoon of music, spiritual reflection and refreshments at no cost at Jazz and Reflections. Donations will be accepted to cover the musician’s fees and other expenses. Refreshments will be served.
Spirit of Hope United Church is excited and honoured to open the fall Jazz and Reflections Series with a performance by the renowned P.J. Perry Quartet.
P.J. Perry was inducted into the Order of Canada if 2016, and has received many honours and awards, including three JUNO awards and seven Best Alto Sax National Jazz Awards.

Oct 1 – P.J. Perry Quartet
Oct 15 – Mo LeFever Trio
Oct 22 – Allen Jacobson Trio
Oct 29 – Shelley Jones Trio
Nov 5 – Charlie Austin Trio
