Northern Spirit Regional Council

Worship Planning Together Retreats
2024-05-16 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | St. David’s United Church, Leduc, 4614 - 48 St., Leduc, Alberta, T9E 5X7, Canada
Save the date: January 18 & May 16, 2024
Come and do your worship planning in good company. United Church worship leaders, including DLMs and ordered ministry, lay worship leaders, and worship committees, are invited to St. David’s United Church in Leduc, Alberta, for facilitated experiences, individual reflection, and planning time.
Hosted by St. David’s United Church in Leduc, Alberta.
Facilitated by Rev. Leigh Sinclair, with support from the Ministry Personnel Support Committee.
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 9 am – 4 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Lent 2024 in good company.
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 9 am – 4 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Creation 2024 in good company.

What: A day away from normal church life to worship, connect and plan ahead to the coming liturgical season. All participants will leave with at least some of the worship plans for their community of faith. A rotation of times focused on your local and particular planning, worship experiences to explore the season’s Scriptures and hymns, as well as idea generation in small groups.
Who: United Church worship leaders – in groups of 1 to 3 from your Community of Faith, DLMs and ordered ministry, lay worship leaders, worship committees
Where: St. David’s United in Leduc.
Cost is $35 per participant per day to attend in person, as well as your own mileage (and accommodation if overnighting as part of travel). $25 per participant per day to attend via Zoom.
**If weather makes road travel scary we will move into “zoom land”.

FAQ:
How much time will I get to spend on planning the particulars of worship for my community of faith?
At least 2 hours divided into three sections throughout the day.
What lectionary will be used for our planning?
Revised Common Lectionary Year B
What if I can only come to one event?
No worries, they are “stand alone” so register for one or both.
***
Registration for the January event will open soon!

Worship Planning Together Retreats
2024-05-16 09:00 - 16:00 | St. David’s United Church, Leduc, 4614 - 48 St., Leduc, Alberta, T9E 5X7, Canada
Save the date: January 18 & May 16, 2024
Come and do your worship planning in good company. United Church worship leaders, including DLMs and ordered ministry, lay worship leaders, and worship committees, are invited to St. David’s United Church in Leduc, Alberta, for facilitated experiences, individual reflection, and planning time.
Hosted by St. David’s United Church in Leduc, Alberta.
Facilitated by Rev. Leigh Sinclair, with support from the Ministry Personnel Support Committee.
Thursday, January 18, 2024, 9 am – 4 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Lent 2024 in good company.
Thursday, May 16, 2024, 9 am – 4 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Creation 2024 in good company.

What: A day away from normal church life to worship, connect and plan ahead to the coming liturgical season. All participants will leave with at least some of the worship plans for their community of faith. A rotation of times focused on your local and particular planning, worship experiences to explore the season’s Scriptures and hymns, as well as idea generation in small groups.
Who: United Church worship leaders – in groups of 1 to 3 from your Community of Faith, DLMs and ordered ministry, lay worship leaders, worship committees
Where: St. David’s United in Leduc.
Cost is $35 per participant per day to attend in person, as well as your own mileage (and accommodation if overnighting as part of travel). $25 per participant per day to attend via Zoom.
* If distance or weather makes travel impossible please join the Zoom group – $25 per participant per day to attend via Zoom.

FAQ:
How much time will I get to spend on planning the particulars of worship for my community of faith?
At least 2 hours divided into three sections throughout the day.
What lectionary will be used for our planning?
Revised Common Lectionary Year B
What if I can only come to one event?
No worries, they are “stand alone” so register for one or both.
***
Registration for the January event will open soon!

Seniors Coffee Break
2024-05-21 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-05-28 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-04 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-11 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-18 10:30 - 12:00, 2024-06-25 10:30 - 12:00 | Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 2V7, Canada
Join us for a Coffee Break! Everyone 50+ is welcome. Come socialize with other from the surrounding neighborhoods, check out Kirk Centre and what we are all about and have some coffee and snacks.
Kirk Centre is hosting these events in partnership with Sage Seniors Association, Dovercourt Community League and Woodcroft Public Library. Location vary between 3 locations.
April 23rd – Kirk Centre
April 30 – Woodcroft Library
May 7 – Dovercourt Community League
May 14th – Kirk Centre
May 21 – Dovercourt Community League
May 28 – Woodcroft Library
June 4 – Kirk Centre
June 11 – Dovercourt Community League
June 18 – Kirk centre
June 25 – Woodcroft Library

Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage Edmonton
2024-05-25 16:00 - 18:00 | Alberta Legislature, Edmonton, 10800 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T5K 2B6, Canada
The Gaza ceasefire pilgrimage, has been initiated by Christian communities globally as a prayerful act of solidarity amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This symbolic gesture aims to promote peace and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the people of Gaza during these challenging times. As described on the official website, the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage is a meditative immersion into the suffering experienced by the people of Palestine. Each step taken is a prayer for every life lost since the occupation re-entered the news cycle following the tragedy of October 7th, 2023.
We’ve chosen to organize a 4 km walk here in Edmonton to represent the 41 km length of Gaza. It’s a gesture of solidarity with those who’ve been displaced from their homes, compelled to traverse long distances in search of safety and refuge, and have tragically lost loved ones along the way. Please consider joining us. We will commence our journey from the Alberta Legislature Building at 4pm on Saturday, May 25th.We will meet up at this location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/diRJAKJvimTwRfJm8?g_st=iwb . (on the Alberta Legislature grounds) Please wear white as a sign of peace.
*** PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS AN UNRELATED EVENT HAPPENING ON THE NORTHERN END OF THE LEGISLATURE GROUNDS THAT BEGINS AT 2 PM. THE LEGISLATURE WILL ONLY BE OUR STARTING POINT AND SHOULD NOT PRESENT A CONFLICT, HOWEVER ANTICIPATE THAT PARKING IN THE AREA MIGHT BE DIFFICULT. LOOK FOR THE D&P BANNER
If you’re unable to join us but wish to participate, you can take a walk alone or organize one with your friends, keeping the people of Gaza in your thoughts. We also encourage you to visit the official website to learn more about the intentions behind this walk. For alternative ways to participate, you can check out the Kairos website linked below, should you choose to do any event please let us know, so that we can share the event with others and include it in our database.
Official site: https://www.gazaceasefirepilgrimage.com/

The United Church at 100: Centennial planning workshop
2024-05-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Wednesday 29 May 2024, 6:30PM MDT
The United Church turns 100 in June 2025! Join our Regional archivists, Leanne Templeton and Erin Acland, and other resource people, and we’ll look at resources for creatively commemorating this anniversary in your context. We’ll talk about local, Regional, and national ideas together- both the celebrations, and the anniversary opportunity to look at where we’ve been as a church, and where the future might take us. Come with your ideas and questions, and be ready to bring some ideas back to your community and ministry! Have a look at the new Centennial website, too, and sign up for the newsletter.
Zoom info:
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/86218269850?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 862 1826 9850 Password: [REDACTED] 1 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie presented by The 9th Street Players
2024-05-31 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-06-01 19:30 - 22:00, 2024-06-02 13:30 - 16:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Three opportunities to have a thrilling time at Spirit of Hope United as the 9th Street Players bring Agatha Christie’s classic mystery, The Mousetrap, to life on stage. Get ready to be on the edge of your seat as the plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. Don’t miss out on this exciting in-person event with light refreshments served during the intermission.
“The Mousetrap” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Cost for all performances is $20 adult; $15 student and senior; $5 child.

Regional Council Affirming Celebration and Ordination
2024-06-01 14:00 - 17:30 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
Regional Council Affirming celebration and Celebration of Ministries service, Saturday June 1 at 2:00PM, Mill Woods United Church, Edmonton!
Having completed all the requirements of Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble’s process for becoming a 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming ministry, Northern Spirit Regional Council will hold its Affirming Celebration in Edmonton. It will include worship, invited guests, a livestream for the whole Region, online dessert, and an in-person Pride picnic after. Click here for the YouTube link.
All are also warmly invited to celebrate the ordination of Carrie Symondson at the same service!
Mill Woods is an accessible space and we thank them for hosting us.
We have much to celebrate together. Absolutely everyone is invited.

Movie Showing - 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture
2024-06-07 19:30 - 21:30 | St. David’s United Church, Leduc, 4614 - 48 St., Leduc, Alberta, T9E 5X7, Canada
St. David’s Adhoc Affirming Committee and In-Reach Out-Reach Committee invite you to a showing of the movie “1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture.”
This is event is open to everyone in the community. Admission is by donation. We hope to see you there.
About the movie
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring.

1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture
2024-06-09 12:30 - 14:30 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Everyone is welcome to watch this enlightening, inspiring and challenging documentary at Spirit of Hope. An online discussion will follow at 7 pm for those who are interested in joining.
1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture is a feature documentary that follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators.

Our Children, Our Future: online film and conversation
2024-06-10 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
The Being Good Relations Network invites you to a webinar in honour of Indigenous History Month:
Our Children, Our Future film and conversation
with Dr. Patricia Makokis, Saddle Lake Cree Nation servant leader, and Hayley Christen, Coordinator, First Nations, Metis and Inuit Learning Services, Red Deer Public Schools.
Monday, June 10, 2024, 7:00 to 9:00 pm MDT.
We will watch the video together and be in conversation with the film producer and walk organizer Dr. Patricia Makokis about what our children are learning, how we take part in treaty, and the possibility of organizing treaty walks and talks in our communities. Hayley Christen will help us understand concern about the proposed new AB social studies curriculum, and what we can do.
To view the first two videos in the series, see www.treatytalk.com
Zoom connection details:
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/83155001968?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 831 5500 1968 Password: [REDACTED] 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

Meditation in Motion
2024-06-14 18:00 - 19:30
Invitation to Walk the Labyrinth at St. Paul’s United Church Every Second Friday of the Month 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Lower Hall
Fee: $ 15 per person
A labyrinth is an ancient contemplative tool. Walking the labyrinth is as simple as taking time to follow the path to the centre, to pause there and to walk back out. You are also free to walk out of the labyrinth any time you wish.
Ideas for Your Walk
There is no “right” way to walk the labyrinth. An open mind and open heart is enough. You might choose to walk the labyrinth while focusing on a particular word, phrase or emotion, spend time thinking on a particular person, or just bring a question to ponder.
You are also free to just walk and allow your mind and body to relax after a busy day.
The St. Paul’s United Church Labyrinth is based on the labyrinth laid in the floor of the Chartres Cathedral in France from around 1220. It takes 30-40 min to walk it.
Following the walk there will be three stations offering an invitation for a deeper engagement with the possible emotions or insights gained during the walk:
1. Grounding the experience by spending some time journaling the experience.
2. Grounding the experience with an art activity.
3. Sharing in a circle led by Karin Stewart.
Karin Stewart has walked many labyrinths at many places over the years and is passionate about it as a tool of meditation and spiritual growth.
For more questions please contact the office at 780-436-1555 or at office@stpaulsunited.org

Learning on Purpose 2024: CCS's intensive leadership development course
2024-06-17 - 2024-06-28 | Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue, Montreal, QC, Canada
Leadership doesn’t have to mean a business suit and a firm handshake. It doesn’t require a flashy persona and all the hippest jargon. It’s not about having the power to call all the shots.
The Centre for Christian Studies is grounded in the diaconal tradition, which means being the church in the world. It means standing with those who are marginalized. It means leadership that empowers others, and it’s grounded in a theology of justice.
At Learning on Purpose you’ll explore models of leadership and approaches to theology, education, pastoral care, and social justice that empower and create change.
Learning on Purpose: Changing Leadership for a Changing World is the Centre for Christian Studies’ 2-week intensive leadership development module. It is a practical, holistic, hands-on, learning community experience, and those who take it come out feeling transformed (in a good way!).
Learning on Purpose 2024 will be held in Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue (Montreal), QC from June 17 – 28.
It is open to Continuing Studies students who want to be better leaders as well as CCS diaconal ministry and certificate students starting their programs.

BBQ Beef and Pork Dinner and (not so silent) Silent Auction
2024-06-22 16:30 - 21:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Everyone is welcome!
Vegetarian options will also be available.
Bring your family and friends to this evening of great food and fun. Proceeds will support community events, outreach projects and programming for children and youth.
Doors open and bidding starts at 4:30. Dinner will be served at 5:30.
Tickets must be purchased in advance: Adults – $30 Youth (under 16) – $10 Children (under 6) – No charge
Contact officeadmin@spiritofhope.ca for tickets. Tickets also available at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bbq-beef-and-pork-dinner-not-so-silent-silent-auction-tickets-911523199427?aff=oddtdtcreator Use discount codes for child and youth tickets.

Farewell to Camp WoHeLo
2024-07-06
Greetings Friends of Camp Wohelo!
Please join us at 10 am on July 6 for visiting and reliving a day at Camp Wohelo!
10:00 – Morning snack, make your name tag, sign the guest book
10:30 – Craft, games and/or visiting
12:00 – Lunchtime
1:00 – Craft, games and/or visiting
2:30 – Afternoon snack
3:00 – More activities and/or visiting
6:00 – Hot dog cookout Campfire!
Please RSVP with the number of people attending, ages, allergies, dietary restrictions/preferences to campwohelo@yahoo.ca so that we may be well prepared for you all. Note the method of payment, an e-transfer or bring the payment with you.
15 years old and up, $20
Seniors and under 15 years old, $10
Free for 10 years old and under.

Care of Creation Town and Country Garden Tour
2024-07-13 10:00 - 16:00 | Living Spirit United Church, 5141–54 Street, Drayton Valley, AB, T7A 1S3, Canada
Enjoy a day in the sunshine, tour beautiful gardens and celebrate God’s creation!
The tour is self-directed. On the morning of the tour, present your ticket at Living Spirit United Church, 5141 54th Street (between the Thrift Store and the RCMP station). Your ticket will be exchanged for a program providing the name, address and brief description of the participants gardens. Choose which spaces you want to see and ENJOY! Each host will have a sign in their front yard, directing you to their garden space.
Tickets are available for purchase at Value Drug Mart, or the morning of the tour at the Living Spirit United Church.
$15.00/Adult over age 16 years
Under age 16 are FREE!

All proceeds to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

A GREAT GARAGE SALE- OTTEWELL UNITED CHURCH 6611 93A Ave
2024-07-20 10:00 - 2024-07-21 16:00 | Ottewell United Church, 6611-93A Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
what do you need. What do you want, you will find it here

Wild Church YEG
2024-07-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Emily Murphy Park, Picnic Site #3
Join Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church fireside at Emily Murphy Park Picnic Site 3 on July 21 at 1pm. We gather outdoors monthly to connect with the sacred through nature. All are welcome!
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 cup for a beverage!
Contact wildchurch@rwuc.org for questions or transportation arrangements. Please check our website (wildchurchyeg.org)/Instagram(@wildchurchyeg) for any last-minute location changes. Cancelled if air quality index is 7 or greater.

Emancipation Day Service
2024-08-01 18:30 - 19:30 | Pilgrim United Church, 9008-135 Ave. NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5E 1N4, Canada
Pilgrim United Church will be holding a worship service to commemorate Emancipation Day. Theme “Still Singing the Songs of Freedom”. All invited to attend.

Ardrossan United Church - BBQ Concession
2024-08-20 16:30 - 19:00 | Ardrossan United Church, 22 Main Street, Ardrossan, AB, Canada
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs and Pie!
All for a reasonable price
This Concession will be held at the same time as the ARAS FARMERS MARKET, so stop in for dinner and enjoy shopping at the Market.

You're Amazing! Martin Kerr Concert
2024-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Get ready to be amazed by the talented singer-songwriter Martin Kerr as he takes the stage at Spirit of Hope on Fri, August 23 at 7 pm. Join us for an evening filled with beautiful music and positive vibes. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience Martin Kerr’s incredible performance live! See you there!
Martin Kerr narrates moments as if they’re happening in real-time. The UK-born and Edmonton-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer acutely focuses on the little things—the small details of his surroundings, the looks exchanged in passing, and the unspoken intention behind our words. He brings these nuances to the surface by superimposing unshakable singalongs over expressive folk instrumentation and inventive indie production. Now with millions of streams and thousands of shows under his belt, he continues to magnetically pull listeners into his embrace on his upcoming 2024 EP, After The Apocalypse.
Beyond captivating crowds as a street-performer, visiting 35 countries, he has shared the stage with everyone from Sarah McLachlan to Dermot Kennedy and Walk Off The Earth. He catapulted to the Top 10 of the Canadian Album Sales Chart and #2 on the iTunes Canada Album Chart with his full-length debut, Better Than Brand New. Then “You’re Amazing” buzzed into the Top 5 of the Spotify Viral Chart. Even in the middle of the lockdowns, he kept bringing music to the masses. He transformed an alley next to a fan’s apartment into a stage and soon delivered “Stay Home Street Concerts” at a prolific pace, performing 400 innovative live shows during the pandemic. His embrace of another perspective gave rise to After The Apocalypse.

Kirk Centre's Ethnocultural Free Community Event
2024-08-24 14:00 - 16:30 | Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 2V7, Canada
Featuring variety of performers from multiple ethnic backgrounds will perform in Kirk Centre’s parking lot from 2-4:30 pm on Saturday August 24th. This event is free to everyone and everyone is welcome! In case of inclement weather the show will go on, and will be moved indoors.

A Night With Jeffrey Straker
2024-09-05 19:00 - 22:00 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Join us on Thursday, September 5th, 2024, at 7 pm for a concert with a cause! Come enjoy some beautiful prairie-grown tunes by Jeffery Straker as he shares his music and stories in support of our hands-on refugee support.
For decades, we’ve been fundraising, facilitating, and supporting small families and individuals seeking refuge in Edmonton. Every ticket purchase will go straight to this ongoing effort!
Tickets are on sale now at ssucedmonton.com and EventBrite!

Jazz and Reflections - Allan Jacobsen Trio
2024-09-15 15:30 - 17:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
The Allen Jacobson Trio will provide an afternoon of jazz music. Allen is professional musician, educator and arts consultant with over 30 years of performance, touring, recording, festival and events history in Canada, Europe and Asia.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy an afternoon of music, spiritual reflection and refreshments at no cost. Donations will be accepted to cover the musician’s fees and other expenses.
