The crest is designed in the form of a St. Andrew's Cross with an insignia in each of the four corners. The X at the centre, the first letter of the Greek word for Christ, is a traditional symbol for Christ. Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28-30. The oval shape of the United Church Crest is derived from the outline of a fish, a symbol of identity by early Christians. The initials of the words Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour spell the Greek word for fish.
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Welcome to Olds United Church
Located in the heart of Olds, Alberta, the United Church has witnessed the Christian faith through worship, service, and fellowship for 120 years (as of 2014). All are welcome to share in our ministry.

"I know there is nothing better for them,
than to be happy and enjoy themselves."
ECCLESIASTES 3:12

From the Minister's Desk

As the Lenten season begins, so too begins a new relationship of shared ministry between Olds and Sundre United Churches. It is with great excitement that we enter into this time of testing the waters and discerning how best to work together, sharing resources. We will be operating with 2 joint committees, Worship and Christian Life, and Ministry and Personnel. All other committee and council work will be specific to each congregation, with a couple of joint council meetings throughout this 10 month time of "engagement" to evaluate how things are going.

Remember to turn your clocks back on Saturday night/Sunday morning.As we move toward the fall, we will discuss, and as individual congregations, decide whether or not we maintain this relationship for the long term, or whether we end the relationship and explore other options for sustainability. In order to take part in the actual vote around that decision, folks will actually have to be a confirmed member of either Sundre or Olds United Church. I note this because I am aware that we have many actively involved people in both congregations who do not hold membership. It is my plan to offer a session for membership after Easter ... in the SPRING ... remember that season where things turn green and grow!

I offer to you the following reflection on "Wilderness time" that comes to us from the Season's of the Spirit Lent/Easter 2014 curriculum. May it bring you inspiration for following the journey of Jesus.

Wilderness time
During the Season of Lent we travel with Jesus on a journey. We start in the wilderness - away from the things that normally comfort and sustain us - and continue in the steps of Jesus' ministry and through to the last days of his life. At this - like maybe no other - time of year, we are invited to examine our spiritual lives and identify those parts of ourselves that need improvement. Where are we falling short? What relationships need attention? How do we dig deeper into our relationship with God? What parts of our lives have become too much about us and not enough about God?

Seasons of the Spirit provides people with lectionary-based, ecumenical resources that empower all ages to be transformed in Christ as they explore meaning and mystery in the Bible.Trappist monk Thomas Merton said, "The whole Christian life is a life in which…the more we progress, the poorer we get so that the man who has progressed most, is totally poor - he has to depend directly on God. He's got nothing left in himself."

When was the last time you heard someone say they wanted to be "totally poor"? The human tendency is to accomplish, acquire, and ascend - always looking to gain, not to become poor. Merton's "totally poor" is a life that's progressed the most, a life that's getting closer to God and further away from worries about money, possessions, and power.

As we begin Lent, we find ourselves at the edge of "wilderness time," at the edge of total and complete dependence on God for everything we need. Scary? Yes. Completely and totally fulfilling in the spiritual sense? Absolutely.

Entering and participating in a Lent that empties you of selfish desires and temptations and puts your complete faith and trust in God isn't easy. As we will read in the Bible stories of the Lenten season, Jesus' explanation of the Reign of God and the movement of the Spirit in our lives weren't always understood by those who heard it - even the disciples who were closest to Jesus.

So, in the wilderness, we needn't despair when we don't get everything right. But we are called to put an intense focus on our relationship with God and how we show God to others in our lives. Our progress on this journey won't be measured in success, but by how empty we become, how much room we are able to make for God in our lives.

Blessings, Tammy (Reverend Tammy Allan)

Dear People of Olds United Church

  • Olds United Church 120th Anniversary planning - Plans are underway for celebrations for the month of November 2014, with a variety of activities. At this time, the planning team is asking for photos, certificates, documents and other memorobilia, as well as anecdotal stories that help tell the story of the life and work of the church over the years. Some items may be included in a temporary showing at the Olds museum, as well. The next anniversary planning meeting will be Tuesday April 22, 7:00 pm. We welcome new members!

Church News & Events

Let's celebrate springtime with our friends and family. MARCH 12 - APRIL 9
Lenten Study
Using the 'God is Closer Than You Think' video resource. This study will be co-facilitated by Reverend Tammy Allan (Olds United) and Reverend Joan Schellenberger (St. John's Anglican). 7 pm Wednesday evenings at St. John's Anglican in Olds.

APRIL 20
Easter Sunday
Please join us for our Easter Sunday Service at 10 am. Everyone welcome.

APRIL 22
Anniversary Planning
Olds United Church is celebrating its 120th Anniversary this year. Anyone is welcome to attend this planning session at 7 pm at the church.

MAY 1
Fashion Show
Our May Day Fashion Show. Presold tickets $10 each. Fashion Show by Craig's.

MORE EVENTS HERE

Daily Scripture Reading

Cor 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

 The Olds United Church is a beautiful facility and was built during the ministry of Reverend Jack Towers and dedicated on September 11, 1960. It involved great congregational involvement in planning, construction, and financing.

The church looks wonderful throughout the year.Our church is always beautifully decorated. Visit our Photo Gallery to see our favourite pictures, or better yet, stop in for a personal visit sometime!

Chic Miller Gift Keeps on Giving
Thanks to the foresight of a rare gift from a prominent Olds businessman, deserving individuals or organizations in Olds will, once again, get a hand up in 2014. Olds United Church will be accepting applications until April 4th for annual grants from the Chic and Billie Miller Endowment Fund, created by a legacy from businessman, community booster and philanthropist Chic Miller, and his wife, Billie. The fund is designed to support projects that meet the needs of the community of Olds. Key considerations in awarding grants from the fund will be the overall need of an individual or organization and the number of individuals who will benefit. Deadline: April 4, 2014.
DETAILS & APPLICATION INFO

United Church of Canada Videos
Turn Around - Take Off: 6
PALM SUNDAY
Click here to see a message about the future of the United Church of Canada.Happening every Sunday night during Lent, you are invited to join Moderator Gary Paterson to a six-week online Lenten Study. On Week 6 (April 13) in our online Lenten series, Moderator Gary Paterson reflects on Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and his call to change and transformation. Learn more by watching the video below.

Messages & Blogs from the Moderator

Connect With the United Church of Canada on Social Media.
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BIRTHVERSE consists of 366 verses chosen from the 66 books of the Bible. Each verse correlates the chapter and verse with its month and day.

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.

Joyfully His Preschool offers children a faith based environment for spiritual, emotional, social, intellectual and physical growth. Runs at the United Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Click here for details.

How to get here
From Highway 27, go south on 48th Avenue, and turn right (west) onto 50th Street. The large parking lot is just west of the church. 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

 If you questions about our ministry, services, or programs for families, send us an email.

The United Church is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada with a rich history closely entwined with the development of Canada itself. We believe a United Vision is serving, friendly, flexible, inclusive, welcoming, faithful, compassionate, justice-seeking, caring, peace-seeking, tolerant, and innovative. The vision of the United Church of Canada involves ministry in our own United Churches and in work with partners across the country and around the globe. In the four corners of the United Church crest are symbols, three of which are particularly associated with the three communions, Congregational, Methodist, and Presbyterian, that united to form The United Church of Canada in 1925.
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