Northern Spirit Regional Council

Wild Church YEG
2023-12-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Edmonton) | Emily Murphy Park, Picnic Site #3
As the year’s longest night approaches, join Robertson-Wesley’s Wild Church worship on December 17 at 1:00 pm to partake in a “Testimony to the Light at the Winter Solstice”. We will meet at the Emily Murphy Park Fire Circle at Picnic Site #3. To keep warm, there will be a fire pit and hot drinks provided (bring a mug). Remember to dress for the weather, and bring along friends of any age (or species)! For questions or transportation support, get in touch by email (wildchurch@rwuc.org), website (wildchurchyeg.org), or Instagram (@wildchurchyeg). Cancelled below -15°C with windchill.

Deep Winter Song XVII
2023-12-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Centre for Spiritual Living, 7621 101 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6A 0J6, Canada
“This magical event… I look forward to it every year! If you would love to sit in sacred reflections the stillness of the season and celebrate the upcoming Solstice & the return of the light… this will be a night that will fill you up from the inside out.”
Event Details:
Date: Friday December 15 2023
Time: Doors at 6:30pm
The show begins at 7pm (MST)
Location: Centre For Spiritual Living 7621 – 101 Ave. Edmonton AB Canada.
Create your personal Eventbrite account to properly purchase your tickets and to enter the in person event. Make note of your password!
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.
Complimentary Hot Seasonal Drinks and Tasty Treats will complete the evening.
Context: There is a subtle aspect of the dark winter season and the Solstice/Christmas/Holiday season which lends itself to reflection on darkness the stilling and hibernating of the natural world and celebration steeped in a sense of mystery and magic. At this time of year and in this event we engage uplift contemplate and deepen the energy of gifting holding each other more in our thoughts coming together in generosity and anticipation of magical unfoldings. As we move beyond the grip and rush of consumerism it is a time to slow down and let the deep yet playful part of ourselves emerge and to open the Heart’s imagination to everyday miracles. It is from this context that we offer inspiration and grounding presenting an uplifting evening of warmth music poetry and story which serves to enrich a sense of the sacred of wholesome celebration light-heartedness enjoyment and depth of Heart within this busy and sometimes challenging month of December. We sincerely hope that you will come and share with us in the music and depth of this season.
Performers include local musicians sound artists singer-songwriters performers and storytellers.
Featuring:
Storyweaver: Nathalie Jackson
Musicians: rEvolve (Gord Oaks ~ Chris Giffen ~ Josh McHan), Carrie Day
~ and special guests ~
Tickets are available at Eventbrite “Deep Winter Song 2023”
(https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/756454053437?aff=oddtdtcreator)
$30 per adult in advance ($35 at door)
$75 per Family of 4 ($80 at door)
$15 Youth 7-17 years old
Children 6 & under are Free
Please visit our Facebook event page for comments and to invite your friends to “Deep Winter Song XVII”
We Sincerely hope you will join us to share in the music and depth of this season.

Energy efficiency and grants for faith buildings webinar
2023-12-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Faithful Footprints carbon reduction for faith buildings webinar, December 15th at 1:00pm CST, noon MST. Join other Prairies and North people to learn more about strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of your faith spaces, and how to access the Faithful Footprints grant program to support energy efficiency upgrades and investment in renewables. Free! Register today at: https://forms.gle/WsPbu6tEvuzx89JP8

Kirk Centre's Canvas and Cocktails presents: Matching Mittens
2023-12-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 2V7, Canada
Join us for our first Canvas & Cocktails evening:
Doors open at 6 pm – Please arrive at this time to settle in and get to know your fellow artists
Class is from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Cost is $25 per person – to be paid upon registration by etransfer to kirkuccentre@gmail.com.
18 year + (please know that we will be planning a family event soon)
Mulled Wine and Apple Cider will be available at this event at $2 per glass, all proceeds will go to Mouse’s GoFundMe fundraiser.
This event we will be painting “Matching Mittens”.
This Matching Mitten event we are asking that everyone bring a pair of new or very gently used mittens or gloves to be donated to Kirk’s Little Free Closet. They will be paired with donated toques and scarfs and available to those who are unable to afford these crucial items in the winter months.

Highlands Blue Christmas Service
2023-12-13 19:00 - 20:00 | Highlands United Church, 11305 64 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5W 4H6, Canada
Highlands United Church (11305 64 Street) is having a special Blue Christmas Service, on Wednesday, December 13 at 7pm. This service is open to everyone who would like to attend, and is designed for those who are not feeling the joyful Christmas spirit: those who are grieving, battling depression, stress, illness, or for any other reason. You are welcomed into our fold.

A Service of Lessons & Carols
2023-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
December 10 at 4:00 pm. This gentle candlelight service is a classic, with a series of scripture readings that take us through the story of God’s promise, the longing and waiting, and the fulfilment of the promise in the birth of Christ. In person and online.

Christmas Concert - Morning Star
2023-12-08 19:00 - 20:00 | Spirit West United Church, 7003 199 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5T 3A8, Canada
The choir of Spirit West United presents Morning Star, a message of hope. We will be joined by a harp, flute, piano and percussion.

CCS Friday on Engaging Youth in Climate Justice
2023-12-08 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom, Canada
This summer, 15 youth from across the church participated in the United Church of Canada’s first ever Climate Motivators program. Each student was sponsored by, and in partnership with, a local community of faith where they worked together on local climate justice or environmental needs.
The motivators connected online and in-person to learn how to be leaders, worship, be in nature, act for change, and influence church policy.
Our special guest will be Amy Crawford, team leader for Faith Formation and Mission with the General Council of the United Church of Canada. Amy has just returned from a short sabbatical where she was reviewing and evaluating what happened to the youth and the people they interacted with. She will share some of her insights about getting youth involved in educating about climate change.
CCS Fridays are free. Please register to receive a zoom link, here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclduiqqTMqHdzVZnAl2bcp5TI2oUuC5d7z#/registration
CCS Fridays are online conversations to help us respond faithfully to emerging issues in local contexts. These workshops are open to anyone who might be interested. There will be a presentation that will be recorded for future viewing, plus opportunities to engage with the ideas in small groups.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE LABYRINTH
2023-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
How will you prepare for Christmas this year? Come for a reflective walk during Advent. The Labyrinth will be open in Memorial Hall Wednesdays December 6 and 20 from 6:30-8:00 pm.

Songs Of Solidarity An Evening Of Singing & Reflection
2023-12-05 19:00 - 20:30 | Robertson-Wesley United Church, 10209 123 st, Edmonton, Alberta, T5N 1N3, Canada
The world has felt so heavy lately and while it is important to feel those feelings, it is also important to move them through our spirits and out of the body. One way to do that is in community, through singing. Join us for a quiet night of lifting our voices with songs of freedom, love, peace, unity, and more. This will be a casual gathering with easy-to-join songs, reflections, and meditation. Please bring a contained candle, a pillow for sitting, and your water bottle. If you have a Keffiya please wear it. If you play an acoustic instrument, feel free to bring it along. All are welcome to join. This event is free however we will be taking an offering to pass on to Palestinian aid. December 5th, 7:00-8:30 pm. Robertson-Wesley 10209 123 street (west facing doors).

Christmas Tea, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction
2023-12-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Trinity United Church, 8810 Meadowlark Rd NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5R 5W6, Canada
Trinity United is having a Christmas Tea, Bake Sale, and Silent Auction on Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 2-4pm.
We will be selling Christmas baking and other delicious treats and will have gift baskets to bid on in support of our fundraiser. We are located at 8810 Meadowlark Rd NW, Edmonton. Please call 780-489-0860 for more information.

Christmas Craft Market- Mill Woods United Church
2023-12-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Mill Woods United Church, 15 Grand Meadow Cres, Edmonton, AB, T6L 1A1, Canada
The Christmas Craft Market has been happening for over two decades. We have a variety of vendors selling items from handmade products to commercial vendors (more than 50) 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 Mill Woods United church (15 Grand Meadow Crescent) in the community of Mill Woods.

2nd Annual Community Nativity Festival
2023-12-01 16:00 - 2023-12-02 16:30 | Alberta
Friday, December 1st – 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm and Saturday, December 2nd – 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
at Vegreville United Church, 5126 – 48th Avenue, Vegreville, Alberta
Food and cash donations to the Vegreville Food Bank will be gratefully accepted.
– A family fun event.
– Discover the reason for the season.
– See an astonishing display of more than 200 creches and nativities from around the world!
– Seasonal refreshments for a cash donation to the Food Bank.
– Community Carol singing on Friday at 6:00 pm and Saturday at 3:00 pm
– Co-sponsored by: St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church and Vegreville United Church

Strathearn Christmas Tea & Market
2023-11-25 13:00 - 16:00 | Strathearn United Church, 8510 95 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T6C 1Y7
$5 Tea, Bake Sale, Christmas gift baskets and items, antiques and Next-to-New Shop, books and puzzles, 9 Vendor tables (includes, wood carvings, wreaths, tatting, quilted and other hand-crafted items, jewelry, handmade purses and totes, and much more!), Purdys Chocolates.

Christmas Sale and Santa's Gift Shop
2023-11-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Spirit of Hope United Church, 7909 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Bring your whole family to purchase crafts and gifts from a wide variety of local vendors, pick up some yummy seasonal baking; enjoy lunch (beef-on-a-bun, pie and ice cream) and check out the new and gently used treasures in Santas Gift Shop. We’ll even wrap your presents and help your kids select and wrap ‘secret’ presents for you. Take photos with Santa between 1-2 pm. And you might even win what you spend in the 50-50 draw.

New and gently used gifts for all ages and budgets.
• Beef-on-a-bun, pie & ice cream
• Christmas baking
• Local vendors
• Santa’s gift shop
• Photos with Santa (1-2 pm)
• Gift wrapping
• 50-50 draw

Regional Council learning time on the Remit
2023-11-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Regional Council learning time on the Remit, November 23 at 6:30 Mountain and 7:30 Central, on Zoom.
Please join Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils online for a learning time on the Remit on an autonomous Indigenous organization within the United Church. We are grateful that elders and knowledge keepers Charlene and Russel Burns will be joining Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy for the conversation. All welcome; content will be designed for pastoral charge council or board members, pastoral charge supervisors, and ministry personnel.
Please register here; this will send you the link automatically.

Grace United Church Christmas Bazaar
2023-11-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
New and “New to You” gifts, Crafts, Christmas items, Kids’ shopping opportunity!
Baking, Preserves, Food products
Santa will arrive at 11:00
Lunch ($10.00 adults, $5.00 children under 12)

A Rocha Alberta? A conversation
2023-11-17 19:00 - 21:00 | King’s University, 9125-50 St., Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 2H3, Canada
Interested in caring for creation? Want to find out more about ways we can do this work together here in Alberta and in our local communities? On Friday, November 17th at 7 pm, join us in the Atrium at The King’s University (9125 50 St NW) for a conversation initiated by guest Luke Wilson, CEO of A Rocha Canada. Luke will share a brief presentation about what A Rocha Canada is doing in other communities across Canada, from BC to MB and ON. Refreshments provided. Then let’s discuss: could we have an A Rocha AB? We have the basic components. Do we want to put them together? Come out and share your thoughts, dreams, interests. Do you want to be involved?

Advent of Generosity: Inviting giving and participation during Advent and Christmas
2023-11-14 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
December tends to be a very busy month in the life of the church. It is also a busy month for individuals—there is extra baking, shopping for family and friends, Christmas parties, and more. Most charities save their biggest appeals for this “giving season”. Does your community of faith talk about generosity during Advent? Many people want an invitation to give. This can be a time to invite generosity or deeper participation. And it’s an opportunity to tell visitors about your ministry, and invite their support.
This 60-minute session will talk about different ways that church leaders can bring conversations of stewardship into Advent, Christmas Eve, and beyond. Let’s help make this Advent the beginning of a church year full of deeper generosity.
November 14, 10 a.m., via Zoom

Creating a Culture of Respect for Gender and Sexual Diversity: Wetaskiwin
2023-11-07 09:30 - 12:30 | First United Church Wetaskiwin, 5115 - 51 Ave, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, T9A 0V3, Canada
First United Church, Wetaskiwin is pleased to host Creating a Culture of Respect for Gender and Sexual Diversity – 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, Nov. 7, 2023 at First UC, 5115 – 51 Ave. Wetaskiwin.

Learn how to create more inclusive environments and safer spaces for gender and sexually diverse clients, colleagues, family and community;
Deepen your understanding of sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation;
Develop skills and tools to support 2SLGBTQ+ persons; and
Understand the impact of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

This workshop is facilitated by Mateo Jumas, M.Ed. (He/Him) from the Centre for Sexuality in Calgary. The Centre for Sexuality has been active for over 50 years, teaching training and advocating in the areas of sexuality, healthy relationships, human rights, gender identity, sexual orientations, equality and consent. Mateo Jumas brings a sense of humour, excellent communication skills and a thoughtful and knowledgeable presence to this presentation. This is an excellent resource for communities of faith looking to create and/or enhance their affirming ministry. It could also be away to connect with other allies in your communities to create more respect and safer spaces. This particular work is partially funded by a grant through RBC, which makes it accessible for not for profits or churches.

To register: email (firstunitedwetaskiwin@gmail.com) or call (780) 352 2157
Registration fee of $10 payable by Nov. 3 to confirm your spot. (E-transfer, cash or cheque payable to First United Church)
Or contact the Centre for Sexuality to see about hosting your own event.

Jazz and Reflections
2023-11-05 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-10-29 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-10-22 15:30 - 17:00, 2023-10-15 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.
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

Annual Turkey Supper
2023-11-04 16:45 - 20:30 | Ardrossan United Church, 22 Main Street, Ardrossan, AB, Canada
Ardrossan United Church
November 4, 2023
Two Sittings: 4:45pm and 6:45pm
Adults: $25
Children 6-10: $10
Under 6 Free
Tickets: Call Keith and Lauraine Barber 780-464-7235
Christmas Takeaways will be available for donations

Messy Church Friday November 3 5-7 pm Grace United Church Edmonton
2023-11-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
“Love your Neighbour” “Messy Church” Friday, November 3, 5-7 pm.
Social Room, Downstairs, Grace United Church
6215 104 Ave Edmonton.
A multigenerational exploration of “Love your Neighbour” with crafts, celebration, laughter and food!
Contact Jackie Simmonds at jbsimmonds@shaw.ca or Grace United Church at grace.united@shaw.ca 780-466-0916. Last minute decision? Please come too. Event is free. Free will donations to cover cost of supplies gratefully accepted.

‘Healing and Hope’ Retreat for clergy women
2023-10-30 - 2023-11-02 | Five Oaks Centre, 1 Bethel Road, Paris, Ontario, N3L 3E3, Canada
Save the dates: October 30-November 2: ‘Healing and Hope’ Retreat for clergy women.
At Five Oaks Centre, 1 Bethel Road, Paris, Ontario.
Rev. Tina Conlon from Davenport-Perth Community Ministry, and Shining Waters Regional Council President, will join us for part of the time. United Church Moderator Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak on the afternoon of Nov. 1.
We are hoping to ensure there is lots of time for small groups, and relaxation on the lovely grounds of Five Oaks. There are a few single rooms at $475 for room and meals for the entire time, and $405 for shared rooms and meals.
This is a first-come basis, maximum of 50 people but we will also keep a waiting list just in case. Contact us at sistersandministers@gmail.com.
(Logo of rainbow quilt by Rev. Rose Anne Vita.)

Northern Spirit Celebration of Ministries service
2023-10-21 16:00 - 18:00 | Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5L 2V7, Canada
Northern Spirit Celebration of Ministries service!

October 21, 2023, 4:00 p.m., at Kirk United Church Community Centre, 13535 122 Ave, Edmonton AB and via livestream on the Regional Council YouTube channel.

Myeongnam Park and Sungsoon Park will be ordained, and Linda Roberts will be recognized; we will also covenant with Regional staff member Adam Hall, Pastoral Relations minister. Regional Council chairperson Rev Helen Reed will offer the reflection, and we will share in communion together. Treats and coffee to follow the service.
Please note that the members of the former Affirming Task Group have decided to postpone the Affirming Celebration that was to have taken place at the same service until there is more capacity for planning a celebration that can include as many people in the Regional Council as possible.

Come celebrate with us!

Hiding in Plain Sight: The Impact of Immigration intercultural conversation and coffee
2023-10-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Join Chris Pullenayegem and members of the Western Intercultural Ministries Network as we continue our multi-year tradition of hosting deep and sometimes difficult conversations on pressing intercultural issues. Immigration is a complex and sometimes hot topic in our churches and our society. Come out in person or online and join the conversation! Bring your questions and dilemmas, your respectful curiosity, and your hopes for an intercultural church Coffee and fellowship after.
Friday October 20, 6:30 PM, in person at Grace United Church, 6215 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6A 0X9
And live streamed on the Grace United YouTube channel.
About our speaker and conversation facilitator:
Chris Pullenayegem is an immigrant from Sri Lanka specialized in law (specializing in refugee and Immigration law and policy), psychology, leading change and innovation and in adult education. Chris grew up in a multi-religious and multi-ethic context among communities fractured along these lines. In Canada he worked as a Refugee Policy Analyst which adds to the wealth of knowledge and experience he brings to the area of migration and Diaspora.
His current work as Director of Congregational Vitality at the Vancouver School of Theology includes building a vision for a new and emerging church in Canada co-created by established and migrant communities of faith, which involves researching and developing resources to facilitate this evolution. His interest in inter-faith work motivated him to lead an Ontario inter-faith coalition on social reform for a while. He is a trainer in cross-cultural competencies and multi-faith awareness and is a keen observer of people movements. Chris has decades of experience working with the Church in matters relating to church renewal, leadership and new ministry development and discipleship/faith formation.

Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023
2023-10-19 - 2023-10-21 | Star of the North Retreat Centre, St Albert, AB, Canada
Western Intercultural Ministries Network Conference 2023, 19-21 October, St Albert AB, Treaty Six, at Star of the North retreat centre.
Click here for registration. Thank you to the Regional Council who contributed funding so that costs could be kept low for all participants.
All welcome to our first in-person gathering since 2019!
All identities, background, and experiences welcome. Come with your questions, ideas, hopes, faith, and respectful curiosity.
Our theme: Daring Justice: intercultural and decolonizing lenses on truth and reconciliation. Song and worship, speakers, workshops, and lots of time for visiting and telling stories are all in the plans. October 21 we will join Northern Spirit Regional Council at their Celebration of Ministries service and Affirming celebration.
Resource people and presentations/ discussions
Click here for a downloadable document with more details.
Rev MiYeon Kim, music and worship leadership: minister at Fort Macleod-Granum pastoral charge, musician and hymn writer. Magpie, You Bring the Good News: Interculturality and Creativity in Ministry.
Rev Lloyd Nyarota, minister, Zimbabwe United Methodist Church and United Church of Canada; PhD candidate: Towards a Better Society: The Church’s Mission and Ministry of Reconciliation: A Study from Zimbabwe discussed in a Canadian Context.
Rev Murray Pruden, Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Executive Minister, Indigenous Ministries and Justice, General Council
Chris Pullenayegem, Director of Congregational Vitality at the Vancouver School of Theology: Hiding in plain sight: Diaspora and the emerging church. (This presentation will be open to the general public and scheduled in the evening on October 20.)
Dr Becca Whitla, professor of practical ministry and the Dr. Lydia E. Gruchy Chair in Pastoral Theology at St. Andrew’s College in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: Singing and Praying Justly: Deepening Intercultural Ministries through Music and Worship
Who is WIMN? Click here for an overview and news. Join our mailing list here.
Save and use this image as you wish. Art credit: AGS Andrews, licensed through Canva.
Save and use the above image as you wish. Art credit: AGS Andrews, licensed through Canva.
