Memorial Service for Omega Chilufya Bula
2023-02-06 06:00 - 08:00 (America/Edmonton) | Zoom, Canada
Memorial Service for Omega Chilufya Bula: Monday February 6th 2023 at 8 AM EST (6 AM Mountain Time).
A great Tree has fallen
– (African proverb)
It is with broken hearts that people of The United Church of Canada mourn the passing of Omega Chilufya Bula, Beloved Justice Leader, Sister, Elder, Pioneer, Mentor, Friend and Colleague. Omega passed away in Lusaka, Zambia on January 31 2023. Her son Mwai Bula shared the sad news that Omega passed away from heart complications after a long battle with cancer.
Omega leaves an incomparable legacy of ecumenical leadership in the struggle for racial, gender, economic and social justice in her home country of Zambia, across the African continent, in The United Church of Canada, and globally. She served in the General Council Offices in the Division of World Outreach as Area Secretary for Southern Africa and Gender Justice, as the first-ever Racial Justice Minister, and as Executive Minister of the former Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations (JGER) and Partners in Mission Units (PIM). Her commitment to partnership led to the formation of the Partner Council, and was instrumental in shaping the Principles of Global Partnership that guide the global partnership program of The United Church of Canada today.
The global ecumenical movement has lost one of its greatest leaders, and Omega will be deeply missed.
“Well done, good and faithful servant”.
(In Bemba): Ichibote cha kwa Lesa chende naimwe (God’s peace go with you)

The United Church of Canada is hosting an online space on Zoom on Monday, February 6th 2023 at 8 AM ET. where those who knew Omega Bula can gather to pray, to remember her, and to sing her soul to rest with God. Please join us. The Zoom link can be found on this page.
We ask for your help to share this email with those whom you know of who would wish to join the online memorial who may not be aware of the online gathering.
♥

Valentine’s Art Show and Tea @ Spirit of Hope United Church
2023-02-11 11:00 - 16:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Join us for a delightful afternoon of tea, fellowship and art!
Date: February 11, 2023 – 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Spirit of Hope United Church (7909 82 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6C 0Y1)
Relax and enjoy a cup of tea while admiring artwork by local artists and connecting with others in the community.
Don’t miss out on this chance to connect and be inspired. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information, contact the Spirit of Hope United Church office at 780.468.1418 or officeadmin@spiritofhope.ca

Mill Woods Previously Loved Jewelry and Scarves Fundraiser
2023-02-11 13:00 - 17:00 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
SAVE THE DATE !
Saturday February 11, 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
Come, bring a friend for coffee, browse, or shop!!
CASH ONLY
Mill Woods United Church
15 Grand Meadow Crescent
(780)463 2202

Covenanting: Sherwood Park United Church
2023-02-12 14:30 - 16:30 | Sherwood Park United Church, 20 Fir St, Sherwood Park, Alberta, T8A 1Z6, Canada
Sherwood Park United Church invites you to join them in celebrating their Covenanting with Rev. Marlene Salmonson on Sunday, February 12th, at 2:30 p.m..

United Against Hate public forum for faith communities
2023-02-15 18:00 - 19:30 | Zoom
United Against Hate: faithfully responding to anti-2SLGBTQ+ actions, Wednesday, February 15, 6:00pm MT, 7:00pm Central. Join Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble, Alberta’s Affirming Connections, and United in Learning to learn about the malicious misinformation campaign and threats that have been launched against the drag and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Canada-and what you and your faith community can do. Registration and details are here.

"I Can't Breathe": Black History Month film screening
2023-02-26 10:30 - 13:00 | McDougall United Church, 10025 101 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2B7, Canada
“I Can’t Breathe” honours Black History Month at McDougall United Church, Edmonton – Sunday, February 26, 10:30 am.
Red Deer film maker Love Nwigwe shares true stories of racial discrimination faced by Black people living in Canada. The film features a Red Deer family whose members are grappling with what can and must be done to put an end to the prejudice and harm that many in their community endure. There will be a Q & A with the film maker following the service – and a pancake lunch! Our address is 10025 – 101 Street, Edmonton, phone 780-428-1818 or email info@mcdougallunited.com

Being Good Relations Network Learning for Lent Event
2023-03-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom
Instead of Chocolate, Why Not Give Up Myths & Misconceptions This Lent?
Join Grace Hussey, BSW, RSW & Student Minister, to learn the facts about Canadian Indigenous Issues in a safe online space. We will be reading & discussing Chelsea Vowel’s informative & funny book, “Indigenous Writes”. Come to 1 or all 5 sessions running Wednesdays 7-8:30pm MST, from March 1st-29th, 2023. You are also welcome to sign up & join online as a group!
We Hope to see you there!
Please Register by Sun. Feb. 26th, 2023. To register click here, or scan the QR code.
Contact Grace if you have any questions or concerns.

Liberating Liturgy
2023-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Livestream
★ Liberating Liturgy: Wednesday, March 1, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Featuring Dr. Becca Whitla, Professor of Practical Ministry and Lydia E. Gruchy Chair in Pastoral Theology. Livestreamed by the Saskatoon Theological Union.
Dr. Whitla explores what it means to liberate liturgy in today’s contexts. Drawing from the experience of several communities, she proposes that churches that want to fully embrace the multilingual, multiethnic, multicultural realities of the Canadian context need to examine and transform what goes on at church on a Sunday morning. Using a couple of case studies – singing and territorial acknowledgements – she proposes some initial principles for liberating and decolonizing how we worship. There will even be a couple of chances to sing and dance. Please join us for some mid-winter warmth and conversation!!! Please register for both in-person and livestream options by emailing standrews.college@saskatoontheologicalunion.ca by February 22.

The Art of Living and Dying Workshop Series
2023-03-03 - 2023-03-04
The Art of Living & Dying Series is more about living than about the end of life. This series of four internationally acclaimed workshops draws from the wisdom of our ancestors that the quality of life is enhanced when we do not live in fear or denial of suffering or our mortality. The results of facing or “leaning into”’ existential-spiritual pain are profound for both care-givers and care receivers and include:
• Physical and emotional well-being
• Antidotes for compassion fatigue and burnout
• Enhanced capacity for healing
• Improved pain and symptom-control management
• Peace of mind and improved relationships
Each workshop is an interactive and inspirational learning experience appropriate for professional and lay caregivers alike, and are followed by a three-month study group process called Circles of Trust©. Participants explore universal patterns of spiritual and emotional suffering with time-tested ways to relieve them. All programs are a creative blend of best practices, instruction, personal reflection, hands-on experience, multimedia presentations, and creative rituals from the world’s great wisdom traditions.
Special United Church single + group pricing available.
For registration information email karin@sacredartofliving.org

Full four workshop series flyer – UCC
Module One Workshop:
Understanding Spiritual Suffering
March 3-4, 2023
Module Two Workshop:
Recognizing Spiritual Suffering
May 19-20, 2023
Module Three Workshop:
Responding to Spiritual Suffering
September 29-30, 2023
Module Four Workshop:
Transforming Spiritual Suffering
January 19-20, 2024

Earth Week 2023: Together for the Love of Creation Discussion
2023-03-07 10:30 - 12:00 | Zoom
During Earth Week 2023 (April 16–23), The United Church of Canada is joining with
numerous sibling denominations and faith-based organizations under one
banner, Together for the Love of Creation. During Earth Week, we invite you to hold
events to pray, learn, and act for climate justice.
Ready to take action? On Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. MT, come learn more, brainstorm possibilities, and hear from Moderator Carmen Lansdowne at the Together for the Love of Creation Zoom session.
*Please note that in the Northern Spirit Newsletter, this event was incorrectly listed as taking place at 10:30 p.m.. This was a typo: the event is at 10:30 a.m. MT / 12:30 p.m. EST.
Click here for more information about the Tuesday March 7th Discussion.
Click here for more information about Earth Week 2023, Together for the Love of Creation!

GatheringWorship.ca Orientation
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Zoom, Canada
The Reverend Susan Lukey, B.Ed., M.Div., Th.M., is a mother, educator, editor, and an ordained minister in The United Church of Canada. Currently, she serves in full-time ministry with her husband and colleague, The Reverend David Robertson, at High River United Church, High River, Alberta. She is also the editor of Gathering, the United Church of Canada’s worship resource (in print and now also a website).
Gathering is a resource by and for worship planners and leaders. It is a gathering of worship gifts from the church for the church; gifts that come out of lived worship experience. Gathering also shares with you the pulse of United Church worship practice and theology.
In this session, Susan is thrilled to introduce you to the GatheringWorship.ca website, which was launched this past year. She’ll take you on a tour through the website and show you all the tools it has to help you in your worship planning. Whether you are a current Gathering subscriber or if you haven’t subscribed to Gathering, come and find out what this online extension of our print resource can offer to your congregation. Bring your questions and your ideas, and we’ll explore GatheringWorship.ca together.
Please contact the office at NorthernSpirit@united-church.ca for more information.

Ottewell United Church Online Auction
2023-03-19 10:00 - 2023-04-02 09:00 | Ottewell United Church, 6611-93A Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Online Auction To Support Ottewell United Church
Greetings fellow auction enthusiasts! Our online auction will begin accepting bids on Sunday, March 19 at 10:00 am. All bids must be submitted before closing on Sunday, April 2 at 9:00 am.
We invite you to browse our auction catalogue and bid on a variety of items including Lego, Family Passes, Puzzles, Homemade Items, Assorted Baskets and more which have been generously donated by many local businesses and individuals. We thank them with gratitude.
To Access and View the Auction Website
Please go to charityauction.bid/ottewellchurch to register.
Only your name and email address are required.
Once registered, you will receive more information regarding the bidding process.
A few questions I have been asked
How do I pay for the item ?
You can pay by registering your credit card online or in person by cash or cheque within 1 week of the auction closing.
How will I get the item?
You can come to pick up your item(s) at the church on Wednesday, April 5, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or on Sunday, April 9 following church at 11:15 am. If you are unable to pick up at these times, contact us to discuss an alternate arrangement.
Contact Joan at tabakjoan1955@gmail.com 780 919-0242 or Becky at rlcharette@shaw.ca 780 235-1957 if you have any questions. Thank you for your interest and support. God Bless, Joan and Becky

Movie Night: Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor
2023-03-31 19:00 - 21:00 | St. David’s United Church, Leduc, 4614 - 48 St., Leduc, Alberta, T9E 5X7, Canada
In honour of International Transgender Day of Visibility, we will be showing Dawn, Her Dad and the Tractor, a Canadian true story of love and transformation.
The funds giving us permission to show it go to DAWN, a Halifax based group supporting transgender youth.
Free will donations will be collected for an organization doing the same in our area.
Friday, March 31, 2023 starting at 7 PM
St. David’s United Church, Leduc
4614-48 Street
Popcorn will be provided!

Walk the Labyrinth: Mill Woods United Church
2023-04-03 - 2023-04-06 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
Spiritual Practice of Walking the Labyrinth in Millwoods United Church, starting on Monday through Maundy Thursday (April 3-6).
On Monday the Labyrinth is open from noon to 3:00 PM; on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
All are welcome.

The Elements – Movement Workshop
2023-04-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
April 4, 7 – 9 pm in Room 11 at Robertson-Wesley
For generations, different cultures have tried to understand the universe by breaking it down into its basic elements: often this means fire, earth, air, and water. This movement workshop will explore how these elements (and others!) can help us in performance or daily life – or in other uses of our imagination. – Facilitated by Charlie Peters.

Rainbow After Rain - Writing Workshop
2023-04-05 19:00 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
April 5, 7 – 9 pm in the Club Room at Robertson-Wesley
The rainbow symbol is one of hope, inclusion, love, and friendship. After the storm when the sky is still full of moisture, the rainbow shines the strongest. In this writing workshop, we’ll explore making rainbow poems: poems which give us hope when we need it and show us how far we’ve come.
– Facilitated by Beth Janzen.

2023 Outdoor Way of the Cross
2023-04-07 10:00 - 14:00 | Immigration Hall, 100 Street & 105 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Good Friday, April 7, 2023, 10 a.m. (Immigration Hall, 100 Street & 105 Avenue)
The 43rd annual Outdoor Way of the Cross invites people to think about the relevance and importance of the Gospel message in our world today. This year’s theme, “Hope in the Midst of Crisis,” is based on Micah 6:8: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
The walk will once again take place in person, along the streets of Edmonton’s inner city. It will include five stations, and each station will offer a reflection on an aspect of the overall theme that highlights both a challenge and a source of hope, woven together with music.
People of all faith traditions are welcome. The 2 km walk is reasonable for most ages and levels of fitness and ability. Free street parking is available near the start location. Light refreshments will be provided at Hope Mission after the final station.
For more information, visit the Way of the Cross website.

Good Friday Cantata: The Seven Words of Christ
2023-04-07 14:00 - 16:00 | McDougall United Church, 10025 101 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2B7, Canada
A Good Friday Presentation of The Seven Words of Christ, Haydn’s Lenten Cantata.
Friday April 7, 2023, at 2:00 p.m..
Free Admission
at McDougall United Church, 10023 – 101 Street, Edmonton.
Free parking available.
Performed by the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra & the McDougall United Church Choir.

UNITED CHURCH EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
2023-04-09 07:00 - 10:00 | Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Sunday, April 9 (7:00am)
Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, Edmonton – (11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW)
Warm yourself around a shared fire as the sun’s new light creeps through the trees and sing the first Hallelujahs of a new Easter morning. Bring your favourite morning beverage to enjoy.
Organized by United Churches in Edmonton. For more information, contact Blaine Gregg at minister@spiritofhope.ca.

Beef Supper
2023-04-15 17:00 - 20:30 | Ardrossan United Church, 22 Main Street, Ardrossan, AB, Canada
Ardrossan United Church is hosting a Beef Supper on April 15, 2023
Tickets are $30, Children $10, Under 6 Free
Two settings 5:00pm and 6:30pm
Call: Keith or Lauraine Barber for tickets 780-464-7235

Wild Church YEG
2023-04-16 13:00 - 14:00 | Fire Pit at Emily Murphy Park, 11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Join Wild Church at Emily Murphy Park at 1pm on April 16, 2023! Gathering around a fire, we will explore WATER as the second in the series, “Praying with the Elements”. Meet at the east parking lot; bring an empty mug for a hot drink after worship. Cancelled below -15°C with windchill. Contact us at wildchurch@rwuc.org with questions or to arrange transportation if required. Follow us on Instagram @wildchurchyeg .

Planning for Indigenous History Month: Being Good Relations Webinar
2023-04-22 14:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
April 22, 2 – 4 p.m.
Indigenous History Month is approaching! How will you and your community of faith “Learn, Understand, Act” and observe Indigenous Day of Prayer on June 21? Join us for this webinar for tips and support on enhancing your community’s response to the TRC Calls to Action. You will hear what some communities have done, and have a chance to talk with others on the journey of reconciliation as to what has worked, what obstacles have been experienced, and what resources have been helpful. Click here to register!

WOMEN OF THE UNITED CHURCH: 2023 Conference and Annual Meeting: "We Are One"
2023-04-27 - 2023-04-29 | FCJ Christian Life Centre, 219 19th Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2S 0C8, Canada
Women of the United Church, Chinook Winds and Northern Spirit Regions
Conference and Annual Meeting
“We Are One”: a look at Bias and Racism
April 27-29th, 2023
FCJ Christian Life Centre
219 – 19th Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
Guest Speakers:
Adele Halliday, Anti-Racism and Equity Lead
Lorna Berlinguette; Systemic Racism: A New Face Through Literature.
Carolle Dallas-Arbuckle: The Healing Fund
Cheryle Greyeyes: Elder and wisdom keeper of Cree Nation
All Women of the Church are Welcome
We last met in person in 2019.We think that you will enjoy and be enriched by the program we have prepared and by meeting and worshipping with other women once again. Registration includes accommodation and all meals, or if you live close by, you can choose to come for the day and go home at night. Free parking is available.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Registration must be received by March 24, 2023. Commuters must register by April 17, 2023.
For more information and for access to the registration form, click here!

Laughter Medicine
2023-05-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
May 3, 7 – 9 pm in the Club Room at Robertson-Wesley
What kind of sense of humour do you have? Do you enjoy puns, dark humour, quirky jokes, or absurd situations? Or does physical humour make you giggle? In this writing workshop, we’ll play with techniques to write short funny monologues and dialogues. Bring your own unique sense of humour, and we’ll see if we can make each other laugh. – Facilitated by Beth Janzen.

Northern Spirit Regional Council Annual Meeting 2023 !
2023-05-04 12:00 - 2023-05-07 13:30 | Camrose United Church, 4829-50 Street, Camrose, AB, T4V 1P6, Canada
Registration is now open for our 2023 Annual Meeting, to be held May 4-7 in Camrose, AB!
To register, click here!
For more information click here.

Grace United Garage Sale
2023-05-05 16:00 - 19:00, 2023-05-06 10:00 - 14:00 | 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.

From Trash to Treasure Sale
2023-05-06 09:00 - 15:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
Robertson-Wesley will be holding its first mini-rummage sale of the year on Saturday, May 6. The sale will feature kitchen items only, such as gadgets, small appliances, tea towels, cookbooks, sets of carving knives, baking sheets etc.

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
