From the Minister's Desk

I imagine some of you read the article that was in our county newspaper on May 13, entitled "United Church mulls changes". It was written by columnist Frank Dabbs, and reflected a rather misleading bit of information about what the United Church is up to in these changing times. The church is indeed in a process of discernment around how we continue to serve the world given the current realities of economics, an aging demographic and decreasing membership. The article Dabbs wrote, however, made it sound like we're making plans to close our doors. I did write a letter to the editor of the Mountain View Gazette, in hopes that I might be able to shed some light on this matter, but it did not get published. I offer it below, and invite you to share it with friends and neighbours.

Dear Mr. Singleton:
I must express my sadness that someone who claims to be a researcher would write such a commentary without doing the research required to verify the statements made. The United Church is alive and well. Yes we are considering changes. What major denomination in our country isn't? The reality is, all aspects of life in Canada are changing, and the church needs to be responsive to a changing society.

To quote a recent document produced by the Comprehensive Review Task Group of the United Church of Canada, "It is time to seek new ways of serving God and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in our changing world." (Fishing From The Other Side: Seeking the Wisdom of Presbyteries, Unionization of clergy is not under consideration by our denominational body. As Mr. Dabbs himself noted, elimination of presbyteries and conferences is indeed under consideration, however Dabbs neglects to point out that another model of governance is being proposed that will continue to do the work of those two governance bodies in new and different ways. All of this, it is important to note, is in the proposal stage. No decisions have yet been made.

Mr. Dabbs also compares the proposed actions of The United Church of Canada to actions taken in the corporate world. I am happy to say that we are not a corporation, but a church denomination, so such a comparison is misleading at best. There is a great deal of visioning work being done to look at how to repurpose some of the properties of the United Church, so that they will continue to be places of mission and ministry.

The United Church of Canada has indeed opened its doors. This is because we believe that all people are beloved children of God, equally deserving of opportunities to serve, to be served, and to receive the gift of God's love and grace. I for one am proud of my church and its open doors.

Other denominations in our country are in various places on the journey of welcoming and acceptance of diversity. We, as the United Church, are in a position to offer support and experience to our neighbours as they discern their future in this regard.

Just recently this paper carried an article that covered the new shared ministry arrangement between Sundre and Olds United Churches. That piece was written very positively, and conveyed very well the energy and enthusiasm of two congregations working together to serve God in this area in new ways. We are just one example of a national church - formed by an act of parliament - that is indeed alive and well, and seeking new ways to live as disciples of Christ.

Blessings, Tammy (Reverend Tammy Allan)

Dear People of Olds United Church

• Helping in the Sudan - Alarmed at the growing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, the United Church of Canada is issuing a church-wide appeal. Donations will aid displaced persons with food, water, shelter and medicine. Mission & Service partners are already on the ground in refugee camps serving those in need. Contributions are urgently needed to mitigate the severe human suffering that threatens to worsen as the time of seasonal rains draws closer. To see how you can help out, visit www.united-church.ca.
• From the 120th Anniversary Planning Committee - Plans are underway for celebrations for the month of November 2014, with a variety of activities. Have you got anecdotes to share, or pictures that we can use for display purposes? Please bring those items to the church by June 1st, to allow the Anniversary Committee to scan/copy photos and compile stories into a format to be shared.
• Membership Classes - Everything you wanted to know about the United Church but were afraid to ask ... Are you interested in learning more about the United Church, about what makes us who we are, as people of faith? Perhaps you're considering becoming a member, either by Profession of Faith (Confirmation) or by adult baptism? There will be a 4 session program for both Sundre and Olds offered Wednesday evenings May 28, June 4, 11, and 18. Please contact Tammy if you are interested in participating in this program (403-556-3052)

Church News & Events

JULY
Summer Worship Schedule
Everyone is welcome to participate in our Sunday morning worship, 10 am ... July 6, 13, 20, 27.

JULY 22
Memorial Service
For Jack Walker, 2 pm.

AUGUST
Summer Worship Schedule
Join with congregations in our surrounding communities this month: August 3, 17 & 31 - Olds United; August 10 - Didsbury United; August 24 - Bowden United. All at 10 am

AUGUST 30
Wedding Celebrations
Congratulations to the Harris and Rutschke families!

MORE EVENTS HERE

Daily Scripture Reading

Heb 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

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!

United Church of Canada Videos
The Moderator Thanks Presbyteries
Moderator Gary Paterson warmly thanks all Presbyteries and Districts across The United Church of Canada that are participating in the vibrant re-imagining of the church for the 21st century. For more information and resources: www.united-church.ca. To participate in the discussion, visit UnitedFuture.ca. Learn more by watching the video below.