Truth and Reconcilation - Join Us in Olds ...

33 years ago, the United Church of Canada offered it's first apology to Canada's Indigenous people, for its involvement in the brokenness caused by the church's participation in the residential school system. The Right Rev. Bob Smith, Moderator at the time, offered that first apology. In 1988, Mrs. Edith Momnook, representing the All Native Circle Conference, responded to that apology, asking the church to live into its words, with sincere actions.

In 1998, The Right Rev. Bill Phipps, Moderator, issued a second apology, clearly naming "the dishonouring of the struggles of First Nations peoples and the richness of your gifts". (The Right Rev. Bill Phipps, General Council Executive, 1998, The United Church of Canada).

You can learn more about the apologies, and Indigenous Relationships on the United Church of Canada website.

For the last 3 years, I have been a member of the Olds Indigenous Connections Team. We were formerly known as the National Indigenous Peoples' Day Planning Team, however the work we share takes us beyond just that one day a year. We did, indeed begin with the vision of Deborah Trehearne, to create a celebration during the 150th year of Canada's Confederation. That first event, one day, was a great success - with several hundred school children participating, as well as members of the community at large. People from several communitites in southern Alberta came together to resource the day.

Last year was equally successful, with the event growing from a single day to an evening and a full day following. This year promises to be just as good! We have over 900 children planning to attend all or part of the day, on June 18th. The evening prior, we are showing the film "Indian Horse" at the TransCanada Theatre. You can find more information about our events by searching for "Olds Indigenous Connections" on Facebook, or on the Town of Olds site.

I share this with you, and encourage you to attend, to learn, to grow in understanding with me. It has been an honour working with the team, and engaging in activities and events that help build awareness among all ages. For me, being part of a church that is committed to reconciliation and building good relationships is important. We are all treaty people - the treaties were agreements between the Indigenous Nations of our country and the settlers of our country. The agreements were/are about sharing the resources and richness of the lands we inhabit, such that all can live well.

Our history is such that we have not honoured the intent of the treaties. We need to seek justice, we need to be a part of new stories, of relationships built upon truth and justice, upon listening - heart to heart - and understanding one another.

Please, join us, and look for other ways to build right relationships - not just this week - but every day. For the Spirit of Truth and Justice, the Spirit of Christ calls us to do so.

In peace, Tammy (Reverend Tammy Allan)
Olds-Sundre Pastoral Charge of the United Church

Are you someone who has questions, who is seeking to explore your faith, and learn stories of our faith?

You're welcome to join us in worship on Sundays, in Olds at 10:00 am, and in Sundre at 1:30 pm.

If you'd like to have a conversation with Reverend Tammy, the minister of the Olds-Sundre Pastoral Charge, please call the Olds office and we can set up an appointment!

Phone: 403-556-3052

Church News & Events

Sundays
MORNING WORSHIP
We hope you will join us for worship at Olds United on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. Ask us about our programs for young people, families, and seniors.

Thursdays
DDP YOGA
Join us for DDP Yoga this month on Thursdays at 6 pm. No running, no jumping, no lifting. You can do this!

June 19
COFFEE CONNECTIONS
Everyone is invited for Coffee and Muffins from 10 - 11:30 am at the United Church (4810 - 50 Street, Olds). Admission by donation.

MORE EVENTS HERE

Dear People of Olds United Church

• PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) - Are you on PAR? If you already pay bills, taxes, or your mortgage with automatic withdrawals from your bank account, then you've got the PAR principle. Monthly PAR (Pre-Authorized Remittance) offerings are an exceptional expression of commitment and allows you to support Olds United Church through automatic monthly withdrawals from your bank account.

  Besides being convenient, using PAR for your offering ensures regular monthly givings to help our Church's ministry and increasing our overall financial stability, even while you are away. You can also include a regular Mission & Service gift at the same time. Why not participate in PAR? Here's how ...

  1. Prayerfully decide how much you want to give each month.
  2. Fill out a PAR Authorization Form with a cheque marked "VOID".
  3. Enclose both in an envelope and place on the offering plate, or leave at the church office.
  4. We send this information to the United Church's national office, who instructs your bank to automatically withdraw your gift around the 20th of each month.

  You can increase, decrease, or cancel your contribution at any time. To learn more, please call the church office at (403) 556-3052, The United Church of Canada at 1-800-268-3781, or visit www.united-church.ca. Thank you!

• WELCOME TO THE OLDS COMMUNITY LENDING SHELF! - Effective October 20, 2017 the Olds Community Lending Shelf became an outreach partner of Olds United Church. This means that this very important community non-profit is now housed in the lower level of our building, and has more space to carry out its work. We're happy to be able to provide space for these great folks, and we are pretty sure their director, Lucinda Watkins, has a spouse who is very happy to have his garage back! So, again, welcome!

Daily Scripture Reading

Cor 10:13 - No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Our church is always beautifully decorated. Visit our Photo Gallery to see our favourite pictures, including pictures from our 120th anniversary. Better yet, stop in for a personal visit!

United Church of Canada Videos
Reconciliation
Mending the broken link between Canada's Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous people is beginning with the first small halting steps. For The United Church of Canada, it means looking back and then moving forward so as not to repeat the painful lessons of history.

You are a child of God. He created you in His own image. He chose the day for you to be born. Look up your birth date and see what Bible verse corresponds to it. Click the image above to look up your verse now.

	How to get here
				Olds United Church is located on the corner of 48th Avenue and 50th Street, just a couple of blocks west of Olds College. Click the map for an enlargement.
		office@oldsunited.ca Ph: 403.556.3052 Bookmark our website www.oldsunited.ca