Northern Spirit Regional Council

Wild Church YEG: Honouring the Sun, Welcoming the Dark
2024-12-21 16:00 - 17:00 (America/Edmonton) | Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Join Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church on December 21 at 4pm (Emily Murphy Park Picnic Site 3 – near the east end of the parking lot) for an unstructured winter solstice worship. You are invited (if you wish) to bring a snack or a solstice-related poem, reading, prayer or song to share. Bring an empty mug for a fireside drink! All are welcome, including pets. Cancelled below —15*C.

Deep Winter Song 2024 ~ Featuring Martin Kerr ~ In Person and Live Stream!
2024-12-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Centre for Spiritual Living, 7621 101 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6A 0J6, Canada
Featuring:
~ Martin Kerr ~
~ Gord Oaks ~
~ and special guests ~
Deep Winter Song is an “acoustic” musical presentation exploring and celebrating the Mystery of the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and this wondrous dark season of winter. The night will include traditional and modern songs of winter, inspiring stories & poetry, angelic voices, inspiring words, compelling movement performances, delightful and mystical moods, laser starlight, beautiful winter projections, a time of Sacred Sound Journey, and a Solstice Fire Ritual.

Affirming Open House for youth (12-24) and their families
2025-01-11 15:00 - 19:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Join us for food, games, crafts, prizes and resources! No charge.
This event is for all 2SLGTBQOIA+ and allies. Prior to attending, youth are encouraged to complete this short online survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMqI7f1CwFcm5yqWq2C1XcsrILDp5antZxW-yYsfOkVs7VJA/viewform?usp=dialog
This event is part of an Alberta Health Services SOARING Project being facilitated by pflag and Spirit of Hope United Church youth. For more information or to volunteer to assist please contact Judy at community.spiritofhope@shaw.ca

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service
2025-01-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 119 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
A time of prayer and praise sponsored by the Edmonton & District Council of Churches. Reception to follow.

Planning Worship Together Retreats
2025-01-30 09:00 - 15:00 | St. David’s United Church, Leduc, 4614 - 48 St., Leduc, Alberta, T9E 5X7, Canada
Save the dates: October 10, 2024 & January 30, 2025

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, October 10, 2024, 9 am – 3 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Advent 2024 in good company.
Thursday, January 30, 2025, 9 am – 3 pm: Come and do your worship planning for Lent 2025 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.
***
Register for the January planning session now.

Jewelry Boutique and Coffee House
2025-02-08 11:30 - 16:00 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
Previously loved jewelry, scarves, bags and purses.
Come with your family of friends and enjoy a light lunch and shop for your Valentine.
15 Grand Meadow Crescent

Tastes of Syria, Tales of Newcomers
2025-02-08 14:00 - 16:00 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Come enjoy a talent-filled afternoon with stories, food, and music!

On Saturday, February 8th, 2025, SSUC is excited to present a special fundraising concert featuring food, storytelling, and music. We will have an opportunity to sample some authentic Syrian dishes prepared by members of the Syrian community. Storytellers Ruth Stewart-Verger and Dean Verger will share tales of families forced to leave home and find courage in a new land with musicians who will brighten your heart with cello and piano.
Tickets are $30. Available through the SSUC website and Eventbrite
The money raised will help to bring a family and their three-year-old out of a refugee camp here to Edmonton. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating on our website in lieu of your presence and note the name of this event with your donation. Thank you for your support, hope to see you there!

Doors open at 1:30pm
Tales & Music begin at 2pm
Tastings at 2:45pm
Tales & Music continue at 3:15pm
Event ends at 4pm

Feb 13 Webinar: Coffee with Franklyn James
2025-02-13 10:00 - 10:30 | Zoom
The Foundation invites you to another instalment in our Coffee With webinar series, Coffee with Franklyn James!
Join us on Thursday, February 13, at 12 PM EST for a half-hour session as we catch up with Rev. Franklyn James! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about his impactful work and his efforts to inspire and uplift through his writing and ministry, exploring themes of faith, community, justice, and resilience.
Register here: https://unitedchurchfoundation.ca/upcoming-webinar-coffee-with-franklyn-james/

Music for Medical Relief in Palestine
2025-02-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
We are reaching out to share an opportunity to participate in Music for Medical Relief in Palestine, a fundraising concert in support of medical relief efforts in Palestine. The event will take place on:
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Spirit of Hope United Church (7909 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6C 0Y1)
This unique event will feature contributions from musicians and poets of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, united in their desire to make a difference. All proceeds will support the critical work of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Gaza and the West Bank, bringing much-needed medical care to those affected by conflict.
If you or members of your congregation are interested in offering a musical performance or poetry recitation at the concert, we warmly encourage you to complete this form: https://forms.gle/h3CdHPwCu1PzsAjy54
Your support in spreading the word about this event is greatly appreciated, whether through announcements, newsletters, or sharing within your networks. Together, we can amplify our impact and bring hope to those in need.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to support a meaningful cause. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Camp Dragonfly Winterfest
2025-02-22 15:30 - 19:30 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Winterfest is our mid-year check in with campers and community members to remind them that the summer (and camp) are right around the corner! Come enjoy some hot chocolate around the campfire and play in the snow with us! This year we will have an indoor portion with music and a meal to share.
RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/nSXKUWK4XDHufCNw6
Register to Volunteer Here: https://forms.gle/NBCY3s9HuD1SgpGW6

Learning gathering on unmarked burials
2025-02-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Our Sacred Responsibilities: learning from the Unmarked Burials report and challenging settler denial.
All people of all backgrounds welcome to this day-long learning gathering, open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. We will focus somewhat on the United Church’s responsibilities, but all backgrounds are welcome as a full part of the day, and we will not focus only on the United Church.
Together we will learn about the recent report on unmarked burials; explore what reparations means; learn about the problem of settler denialism; and practice together how to challenge it. Speakers and knowledge keepers will help us, and all who come are full participants in helping each other and our communities create a good path forward.
Community, prayer, ceremony, and cultural supports will be part of our day. A separate support space is also available to First Nations, Métis and Inuit, respecting that this is a hard topic.
Practical details
Please click here to register. Registration is free but required, so we can plan for meals.
The full reports from the Office of the Special Interlocutor on Unmarked Burials are available here. (They’re long, which is one of the reasons we’re offering this learning space.)
Click here for a PDF poster to share with your community. You can also use the image at the top of this page.
Resource people: elder Wilson Bearhead (invited); elder Dennis Paul; knowledge keepers Rev John Snow and Rev Tony Snow; Sara Stratton, Reconciliation and Justice Animator at the General Council of the United Church.
Plan for our day: 9:30 gathering and coffee; program begins at 10:00AM; we will finish no later than 4:00PM. Our day will include (among other things): prayer and ceremony; an overview of key parts of the report on unmarked burials; reflection from a survivor; what do we and the report mean by “reparations”; what is settler denial, and how can we challenge it?
Our space: The building is fully accessible, and we will be using mics to assist those with hearing needs. We will be in a space where Christian symbols are minimal, and where smudging and medicines will be part of our day. There is parking on site, and transit a block away. Lunch and snacks included.
Travel costs for First Nations, Métis, and Inuk participants will be covered.
Organized by Indigenous Ministries and Justice of the United Church; Northern Spirit Regional Council: The United Church of Canada; and the Edmonton Cluster of the Being Good Relations Network. Thank you to Spiritual Seekers United in Community/ Southminster-Steinhauer United Church for hosting.

FREE Travelogue - Morocco
2025-03-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 2V7, Canada
Join us on March 13th from 7 pm to 8 pm at Kirk Centre and travel from the comfort of your seat while immersing yourself in info and photos on Morocco presented by Gerry Woolnough.
Enjoy authentic snacks and a beverage to make the experience all the more realistic!
Register here: https://www.kirkcentre.ca/upcoming-events or call 780-438-6619
Also available: FREE Travelogue – Thailand on February 27th 2025 from 7-8 pm

PIE day at RWUC
2025-03-14 17:30 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
Robertson Wesley United Church’s affirming ministry is hosting a free community event for the evening of March 14th, 2025, Pi day, or National Affirming Day; focusing on “P.I.E.” with the theme “sing out proud”. The aim of the event is to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and Publicly, Intentionally, Explicitly (PIE) emphasize the work of Robertson-Wesley United Church and pride organizations across Edmonton, who not only support, but integrate and raise up the queer community in our midst.
With the Alberta Legislature recently putting through several anti-trans related bills, the support of trans and non-binary individuals and vocal opposition to this sort of political rhetoric is essential. For that reason, whatever donations are received for this event will be split 50/50 between Robertson Wesley’s affirming work and Egale Canada’s efforts towards the litigation against these bills. Egale Canada is working with several families and Skipping Stone, suing the AB government for unconstitutional discrimination, particularly for Bill 26, which was just put into law on Dec 5, 2024.
The event itself is free (donations happily accepted) and will feature delicious pie, community networking, socializing, empowering words and a variety show of local performers.

PIE day at RWUC
2025-03-14 17:30 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
Robertson Wesley United Church’s affirming ministry is hosting a free community event for the evening of March 14th, 2025, Pi day, or National Affirming Day; focusing on “P.I.E.” with the theme “sing out proud”. The aim of the event is to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and Publicly, Intentionally, Explicitly (PIE) emphasize the work of Robertson-Wesley United Church and pride organizations across Edmonton, who not only support, but integrate and raise up the queer community in our midst.
With the Alberta Legislature recently putting through several anti-trans related bills, the support of trans and non-binary individuals and vocal opposition to this sort of political rhetoric is essential. For that reason, whatever donations are received for this event will be split 50/50 between Robertson Wesley’s affirming work and Egale Canada’s efforts towards the litigation against these bills. Egale Canada is working with several families and Skipping Stone, suing the AB government for unconstitutional discrimination, particularly for Bill 26, which was just put into law on Dec 5, 2024.
The event itself is free (donations happily accepted) and will feature delicious pie, community networking, socializing, empowering words and a variety show of local performers. Come and be welcome!

Jazz and Reflections
2025-03-30 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-04-06 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-04-13 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-04-27 15:30 - 17:00, 2025-05-04 15:30 - 17:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Jazz & Reflections – Sunday Afternoons
Spirit of Hope United Church invites you to experience Jazz & Reflections—a series of inspiring Sunday afternoon concerts.
📅 Dates: March 30, April 6, 13, 27, and May 4
⏰ Time: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Spirit of Hope United Church – 7909 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6C 0Y1
Enjoy live jazz music in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. These concerts are free of charge, with admission by donation. Refreshments will be served.
Come, relax, and let the music uplift your spirit!

Dance with Canada- A Canadian-themed dance event!
2025-04-05 15:00 - 18:00 | Kensington Community League Hall, 12130 134b Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 4Y4, Canada
Get ready to celebrate Canada with an unforgettable dance party! 🎉🇨🇦
🎶 Dance With Canada – A Canadian-themed dance event!
📅 Saturday, April 5th
⏰ 3 PM – 6 PM
📍 Kensington Community Hall, Edmonton, AB
🎟️ Tickets: $15 per person | $5 support person
🌭 Cash Concession – Hot dogs & more!
👕 Wear your best Canada-themed outfit!
All proceeds support our programs. Scan the QR code in the flyer to get your tickets! Choir members can also purchase tickets at rehearsal.
See you on the dance floor! 💃🕺

Black Voices Shaping the Church
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Zoom
In our Western Intercultural Ministries continuing workshop series, we welcome you to:
From the Edges to the Centre: Black Voices Shaping the Church, Thursday April 10 11:00AM Pacific, Noon Mountain Daylight/Central Standard, 1:00pm Central Daylight, 2:00pm Eastern, 3:00pm ADT, 3:30PM Newfoundland. (Ninety minutes.)
People of African descent and other ethnocultural groups have long contributed to the life and mission of the church, yet their voices have often been overlooked or sidelined. From the Edges to the Centre challenges us to recognize, amplify, and embrace Black leadership in shaping the future of the church. Here at the 100th anniversary of the United Church, where do the vision and practice of intercultural ministry challenge the church form local to global? Join us for an interactive presentation and community conversation, where we’re also learn about the travelling community exhibit and storytelling project, Here From the Beginning, from its originator, Rev Paul Walfall.
Rev Franklyn James is a Jamaican-born Canadian theologian, educator, and storyteller with over a decade of ministry experience. He blends wisdom, authenticity, and creativity, inspiring reflection and action. As a dynamic speaker, author, and poet, he challenges both traditional and modern rhetoric while inviting deeper dialogue on faith, identity, and social change. His work encourages others to explore spirituality’s transformative power. He is chair of the Ethnocultural Network and a member of the Black Clergy Network and he serves as the minister at West River United Church in Cornwall, Prince Edward Island.
Zoom details
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89626903761?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 896 2690 3761
Password: [REDACTED]
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

Not So Silent - Silent Auction and Beef and Pork Dinner
2025-04-12 16:30 - 19:30 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Not So Silent – Silent Auction & Beef and Pork Dinner
📍 Spirit of Hope United Church
📅 Saturday, April 12, 2025
⏰ Doors open at 4:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening of great food, friendly bidding, and community spirit at our Not So Silent – Silent Auction & BBQ! All proceeds will support community outreach projects and events.
🎁 We Need Your Help!
We are now accepting donations for the auction. If you have a suitable item, gift certificate, or unique experience to contribute, we would greatly appreciate your generosity. Your support will be recognized, as all contributors’ names will be displayed alongside their donated items.
🎟️ Tickets on Sale Starting Sunday, March 16, 2025!
Stay tuned for more details, and get ready for a fun-filled evening of bidding and BBQ!
Thank you for your generosity and support!

Edmonton Easter Sunrise Service
2025-04-20 07:00 - 08:00 | Emily Murphy Park, Picnic Site #3
Come one and all and warm yourself around a shared fire at Emily Murphy Park (11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW) as the sun’s new light creeps through the trees and sing the first Hallelujahs of a new Easter morning.
Bring your favorite morning beverage to enjoy.
Organized by various United Churches in Edmonton

Wild Church YEG
2025-04-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Earth Day is coming up! Mark your calendars for Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church as we gather to mark the occasion with the theme “In Touch: Gratitude and Grace”. We will meet at Emily Murphy Park (picnic site 3, at the east end of the parking lot) on April 22 at 7 PM. All are welcome, including pets and little ones. Contact us at wildchurch@rwuc.org if requiring a carpool. Bring an empty mug for a drink. Rain or shine!
Follow us on Instagram! @wildchurchyeg

Godly Play Core Training
2025-04-26 08:30 - 11:30 | AB
Godly Play Core Training (online and in person) takes place for three hours each on four Saturdays via Zoom and culminates in an evening and a full day training, onsite in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. 8:30 to 11:30 am PDT Saturdays April 26, May 10 & 24, June 7, 2025 Online via Zoom and 5:30 to 8:30 pm, Aug. 12; 9 am to 3:30 pm Aug. 13, 2025 in person
Pacific Spirit United Church, Vancouver, BC
The training will cover all the content as an in-person training: development and practice of all story genres – Sacred, Parable, Liturgical Action with the fourth genre, silence, woven throughout. There are also plenaries on creating sacred space, supporting the community of children, children’s spirituality, the Godly Play environment and getting started. Reading, reflecting and practicing stories between sessions is also part of the work.
We use an action/reflection model with some leader presentations and a lot of interaction. All learning will take place in a prayerful and playful atmosphere with creative and experienced Godly Play trainers. There are lots of things you can learn from a lecture, but Godly Play is learned from the inside out!
Cost: $350 CDN (if you register for all sessions). Includes all background information, resources, and information to tell the stories, plus in person, snacks, supper and lunch. Certificates of Participation are available for those who complete all the sessions. Space is limited to 12 people. Priority will be given for participants who register for the full training.
The Heart of Godly Play – Creating sacred space – Building and working in community – Nurturing spiritual development
– Learning religious language – Using silence, story, and play to make meaning.
I wonder how you will enter the circle?

University of Alberta Mixed Chorus & Handbell Ringers Spring Tour – Grande Prairie Stop!
2025-04-29 19:00 - 20:30 | St Paul’s United Church Grande Prairie, 10206 100 Avenue, Grande Prairie, Alberta, T8V 0V6, Canada
Experience an evening of breathtaking choral and handbell music as the University of Alberta Mixed Chorus and Handbell Ringers bring their Annual Spring Tour to St. Paul’s United Church in Grande Prairie on April 29 at 7 PM.
Conducted by Adam Robertson and Jackie Malcom, this talented group of musicians will deliver a captivating performance filled with harmonies and melodies that will inspire and delight audiences of all ages.
🎟 Tickets:
$20 for Adults
$15 for Students & Seniors
Tickets can be purchased at the church office (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–12 PM & 1 PM–3 PM), by calling 780-532-2415, via e-transfer (StPaulsucgp@gmail.com), or at the door.
Don’t miss this enchanting musical evening—come support live music in our community! 🎶✨

Garage Sale
2025-05-02 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-03 10:00 - 14:00 | Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Antiques and collectibles, household items, clothing, jewellery, toys, books, sporting goods and more!

Flourishing Workshops with the Moderator
2025-05-03 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
All in Northern Spirit Regional Council are invited to a day with the Moderator. You’re invited to create a team from your ministry whether in person or online.
Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities toward dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities. Saturday, May 3, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Mountain Daylight time).
In person: Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19 Ave. NW Edmonton, AB T6J 6W9
REGISTER HERE
Click here for a poster.
Click here for a bulletin announcement.

What is Flourishing?
All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.
The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.
Is your church flourishing? (Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)
Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?
How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship, and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?

Ardrossan United Church Roast Beef Dinner
2025-05-03 16:30 - 20:30 | Ardrossan United Church, 22 Main Street, Ardrossan, AB, Canada
Two Sittings: 4:45pm and 6:45PM
ADULTS $30
CHILDREN $10 (6-12)
UNDER 6 FREE
MAY 3, 2025
ARDOSSAN UNITED CHURCH
22 MAIN STREET, ARDROSSAN, AB.
CALL KEITH AND LAURAINE BARBER FOR TICKETS: 780-464-7235
