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
Responding to the Call ...
Recently I had the opportunity to reflect on the call of Samuel into service for God (1 Samuel 3:1-10). It reminded me of my own call into ministry, as like Samuel, it took God more than once to get my attention! We are also in the time of year when many denominations authorize ministry personnel into new ministries. It is a time of great joy and celebration.
The story of Samuel's call, however, is not just for people in formal ministry settings. It is for each of us. Remember that Samuel was just a boy when he recognized God's call.
That call - to young boys like Samuel, to elders like Eli, to people like me, who enter into ministry - is one way of responding to the God's invitation to serve. However, there are calls from God that invite people to respond in other ways too. Teachers - a calling; nursing, or personal care, medical doctors, mental health practioners, child care workers, farmers, artists, animal lovers, gardeners, cooks and cleaners, pastoral care visitors, financial advisors and treasurers - the list could go on!
When you do what you do, for the glory of God and the good of all of God's creation, you are responding to the call.
Sometimes there can be steps along the journey that are harder to climb than others. Yet, even in those times, the Spirit is with us, encouraging, guiding, and inspiring our service.
So, as you go about your day to day work and play, may you hold on to the truth that whatever you do in service for God is gift and blessing, to God and to the world. Thanks be.
Blessings and peace, Tammy (Reverend Tammy Allan)
Olds-Sundre Pastoral Charge of the United Church
Are you someone who someone who has questions, who is seeking to explore your faith, and learn more about the story of Easter, or any of the other 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 me, the minister of the Olds-Sundre Pastoral Charge, please call the Olds office - 403-556-3052 and we can set up an appointment!
Church News & Events
June 21 & 22 NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY On Thursday evening, join us at 6 pm at the TransCanada Theatre for a performance of "New Blood". On Friday, come to Centennial Park for Mètis Dance Performances, Traditional First Nations Dance and Drumming, Teachings in the Tipi, Storytelling and Children's Crafts and Activities, Music Jam, Art and Marketplace Vendors, Traditional Food, Family Fun for All! Celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Mètis.
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 ...
Prayerfully decide how much you want to give each month.
Fill out a PAR Authorization Form with a cheque marked "VOID".
Enclose both in an envelope and place on the offering plate, or leave at the church office.
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!
NEW OFFICE HOURS - The Church Office is now open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 am - 3 pm.
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!
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.
Daily Scripture Reading
John 3:16 - This is how we know what love is, Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
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.
The story of Samuel's call, however, is not just for people in formal ministry settings. It is for each of us. Remember that Samuel was just a boy when he recognized God's call.
June 21 & 22
