Northern Spirit Regional Council

Mill Woods United Church Christmas Craft Market
2022-12-03 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Edmonton) | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
December 03 from 10-4pm
The Christmas Market has been happening for over two decades. We have a variety of vendors selling items from handmade products to commercial vendors such as Norwex and Epicure on both floors of our church. There is usually a hot lunch with soup put together by our Heavenly Hospitality group for purchase at the downstairs concession on the date of the sale. Entry to our sale is by donation. This fundraiser supports the life and work of our church in the community of Mill Woods.

Weekly ministry personnel gatherings
2022-12-06 13:00 - 14:30, 2022-12-13 13:00 - 14:30, 2022-12-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Zoom
All Ministry Personnel are invited to join colleagues every Tuesday at 1pm over Zoom for conversation, support and information sharing. Vocational Minister, Laura Fouhse, will be hosting the gatherings while Earl is away. NOTE: we will not meet on December 27th. Join the Zoom meeting at:
Join the Zoom meeting at: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/87847286336?pwd=[REDACTED]

Ministry Personnel Lunch
2022-12-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Muttart Conservatory, 9626 96a St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6C 4L8, Canada
Please join your colleagues for an informal clergy lunch on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton. Please RSVP: catherine@stpaulsunited.org.

Talking Hands Spirited Arts Writing Workshop
2022-12-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
Wednesday December 7, 7:00 to 9:00 pm, in the Club Room at Robertson-Wesley 10209 123 st.
This workshop will use simple hand gestures as our starting point to explore past and present together and to create written conversations, stories, poems, or other language pieces.

Night: an exploration series
2022-12-08 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-12-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-12-22 19:00 - 21:00, 2022-12-29 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-01-05 19:00 - 21:00, 2023-01-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
This 6 part contemplative spirituality series will invite us to explore and embrace the theme of ‘Night’. We’ll explore and dig deeper into the meaning of celestial bodies, northern lights, nocturnal animals, and solstice and more! November 16 – December 21, 2022. 7:00pm -9:30pm MST on zoom. Cost: $88.00. Register at https://www.emberwood.ca/stillpoint/night
Emberwood is a project of Spiritual Seekers United in Community, affiliated with the United Church.

A Service of Lessons & Carols
2022-12-11 16:00 - 17:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
December 11 at 4:00 pm at Robertson-Wesley 10209 123 st.
This gentle candlelight service is a classic tradition, with a series of scripture readings that take us through the story of God’s promise, Israel’s longing and waiting, and the fulfilment of the promise in the birth of Christ. In person and online: please click here.

Blue Christmas
2022-12-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
December 18 at 7:00 pm at Robertson-Wesley 10209 123 st.
Christmas is a holy time that is not always happy. It brings up so many memories that can heighten our feelings of grief or sadness, pain or loneliness. This is a service of quiet reflection, remembrance and peace. We hope that this service will bring a sense of peace in this sacred season with quiet music, scripture, silence and candle light. Everyone is welcome. In person and online: please click here.

Deep Winter Song
2022-12-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740-19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 6W9
Deep Winter Song Winter Solstice celebration, December 18, 2022, at 7pm MST, live at Southminster-Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB.
Traditional and modern songs of winter, inspiring stories & poetry, angelic voices, delightful and mystical moods, beautiful projections, a time of Sacred Sound Journey, and a Solstice Fire Ritual.

Biblical Telling: A New Way Home
2023-02-03 - 2023-02-06 | Zoom
Storytellers from across Canada, India, the USA, and around the world gather to hone their bible telling skills and repertoire in a 2 ½-day Festival of Biblical Telling.
Workshops will cover a spectrum of topics: Biblical Telling 101, an introduction to performance criticism, biblical telling as a contemplative practice, sharing the Bible with children, starting small with little, tiny tellings, the ring shape found in biblical text, Deaf signing our telling, coaching from the world of drama on how to prepare a text, the connection between paperless music leading and paperless biblical telling, Godly Play, and the role of story in Indigenous wisdom and community.
You can find out more about us and the festival here.

Lighten Up: A Candlemas Contemplation
2023-02-03 09:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
“Lighten Up: A Candlemas Contemplation” … a Contemplative Gathering co-sponsored by St. Andrew’s College and the Living Skies Regional Council. Join us at either 10 am or 2 pm (Sask Time) on Friday Feb 3 for this hour-long contemplative pause as the light slowly returns.
Click here to register.
For more information, please be in touch with Dr. Bernon Lee, at bernon.lee@saskatoontheologicalunion.ca

Memorial Service for Omega Chilufya Bula
2023-02-06 06:00 - 08:00 | 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 | Alberta
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!
