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

  • 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. The next Anniversary Committee meeting is Tuesday May 27 at 7:00 pm. Newcomers to the committee are welcome to join us.

Church News & Events

Happy Springtime. Enjoy life! APRIL 25
Spuds & Splitz
Held in conjunction with the Goods and Service Auction. (Potatoes and Banana Splits) is a fundraiser for the United Church. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $6 for 10 & under. Everyone welcome, 5:30 pm.

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

MAY 27
Anniversary Planning
The 120th Anniversary Planning Committee is meeting at 7 pm. Everyone welcome.

MORE EVENTS HERE

Daily Scripture Reading

Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

 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
The Moderator Thanks Presbyteries
Click here to see a message about the future of the United Church of Canada.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.

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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