Checking in: ten years in Edmonton

On December 30, 2013, I arrived in Edmonton to begin my work as the minister of Mill Woods United Church. Today, I re-open this blog to mark this anniversary.

In 2013, December 30 was a Monday. I had finished ministry at “Borderlands Charge” in Rockglen SK the day before with a farewell lunch and a release from covenant service at Wesley United, which was held on Sunday afternoon. I preached about journeys of faith in a sermon titled “Go West, Young Man” (Astute readers of my blogs [i.e. probably just myself!] will notice that I recycled this sermon at Mill Woods United in January 2019).

Here is a sketch of my last week in Saskatchewan. On December 22, I preached at three Sunday services for Advent 4 (“Dreaming of love). On Tuesday evening December 24, I offered my final Christmas Eve service for the three churches of Borderlands (“Scrooge: a Christmas Carol of Ignorance and Bliss”). On Friday, December 27, a moving van came to load my small stash of belongings from the manse in Coronach, leaving me with a not-very-good bed owned by the church and a modicum of other resources for two days.

On Sunday morning, I packed my Hyundai Accent with those resources, and drove from Coronach to Rockglen for the luncheon and the grief-stained (for me) 1 pm service. When the Chairperson of “Chinook Presbytery,” the Rev. Ken Shrag (who, bless his soul, had driven 2.5 hours from Shaunavon SK to participate) and I served the members of the three churches communion, I was surprised when I teared up while offering the elements to the people of Borderlands for the last time.

When the day’s proceedings were finished, I drove two hours north of Rockglen to Moose Jaw and spent the night in a hotel room. The next morning, December 30, 2013, I awoke at 6 am to get a bite of breakfast and then drove in the bitter -25 degree cold to Edmonton.

The sun was setting as I drove into Edmonton. The temperature had climbed to -5, and light snow was falling. I made my way to Oliver and parked the car in the guest spot at my sister’s Catherine’s condo on 100 Ave. I had a key for her condo, which I used to get into her place (Catherine was on Christmas vacation in Toronto); and there I found a key to my older brother Paul’s apartment, which was on the third floor of “The Edgehill,” an apartment building next door to Catherine’s condo. I used this key to get into the apartment and spent the next little while unloading my car. I then used a FOB to drive my car into Catherine’s underground parking spot (Catherine did not have a car at the time) and I went to sleep.

Paul rented this apartment, but he didn’t use it much. Since September 2010, it had marked him as an Albertan for Athabasca University. He was allowing me to sublet that place except during weeks when he came from Toronto to be in-person in Alberta.

The next day, Tuesday December 31, 2013, was a busy one. The truck with my belongings arrived. I put most of the items into a storage locker that I had rented at Storage Sentinel on 119th Street just south of the former Edmonton City Centre Airport. Then I spent a very quiet New Year’s Eve by myself after buying some groceries at Oliver Square.

On Wednesday January 1, 2014, I decided to drive to Mill Woods United to check on the route and do some scouting around the neighbourhood. I had been to the church once before on September 16, 2013 when I had attended an in-person interview with the Search Committee. But on that occasion, I had taken a taxi from Catherine’s condo since I had flown in from Regina on Sunday afternoon September 15 for that occasion.

When I got to the church, Maurice Oldham was busy clearing the parking lot of snow. I introduced myself, spent the next little while driving the circular streets of Mill Woods, and then made my way back to Oliver.

On Thursday January 2, I went back to Mill Woods to begin my work there as its called minister. I met Janice Martin, the Office Administrator, and Laura Webster, the custodian, and enjoyed a lunch put on by about 12 women in the congregation. I had met some of them when I met the Search Committee in September, but for most of us this was the first time we had met.

Finally, on January 5, 2014, I presided at my first Sunday service at Mill Woods United with a sermon titled “In the Beginning.” I would work there for 8+ more years before I retired from ministry on May 1, 2022.

So, that’s my 10-years-old tale. Today, I am a permanent Albertan having met Kim in 2015 at SSUC and having married her there in November 2016. With our lives so involved with her two children, whom I love (Kerry, who lives 10 minutes drive south of us with his partner Carlyn, and Katrina who lives in Calgary with our son-in-law Vinny and our grandson Ethan); with our busy life at SSUC; with my involvement with two non-church choirs; and with the presence in Edmonton of both of my sisters, Catherine and Jean, I suspect that however long or short our collapsing civilization allows me to live, I will be here in Edmonton.

Me in spring 2014 on the Victoria Ave promenade

A lot has happened in the last 10 years in my life, in Alberta, and in the world. In 2013, there were 7.3 billion people in the world. Today there are 8.1 billion. Alberta has lived through oil bust (2014-2021) and boom (2021 to present). It dodged the bullet of a fascist premier in 2012 when Danielle Smith, then Wildrose Party leader, was deep-sixed in her bid for power by a “lake-of-fire” opponent of LGBTQ+ rights; seen the NDP gain its first majority government in 2015; have the NDP ditch its promise to bring in proportional representation; and watch the NDP succumb to the union of the PC and Wildrose parties in 2018 with electoral defeat first at the hands of the lamentable Jason Kenney in 2019, and then at those of the fascist Danielle Smith in 2023. Unfortunately, Alberta is hardly alone in its drift towards authoritarianism. Fascists like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Doug Ford, and Viktor Orban are rising everywhere; and we live with the effects of this trend no matter where we live (war in Ukraine, genocide in Gaza, the collapse of public health everywhere, and so on).

Alberta just experienced the warmest December in recorded history in what is the world’s warmest year ever. Who knows what 2024 and its fossil fuel burning will lead us toward?

Despite my disappointment that the United Church of Canada refused to accept its demographic decline and so help us find new life in post-denominational and post-Christian communities of faith, hope and love, I appreciated my 13 years of ministry; and I feel exceptionally lucky to have SSUC just south of our place as a post-theistic community in which to sing in joy and gather in lament.

One of my disappointments with the changes since I left Mill Woods United in 2022 was the deletion of much of its website when it changed to a new design in summer 2022 (and which I discussed in my least-favourite-of-all time entry on this blog last December). However, this week I used the Internet’s “Wayback Machine” to retrieve some of the old site, and below I have reproduced “Mill Woods Highlights” from spring 2022 to 2015.

I am glad to have captured some of my experiences in this website, and I will probably make another entry on May 1, 2024 to mark the second anniversary of my retirement.

Ian

Mill Woods Highlights – 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022.

2022

April 10, 2022 — Newcomers’ Lunch

After a Palm/Passion celebration of communion, seven newcomers and six members of the Congregational Care Committee stayed after the service to enjoy a simple and tasty lunch and to share what had drawn us to join Mill Woods United. Thanks to Carla Janzen and everyone in the Committee for organizing this wonderful celebration and for all who participated. It felt like a great “post-pandemic” step forward.

January 16, 2022 — A Walk in the Park!

On 2 pm on Sunday January 16, Rob and Jennifer McPhee led a group of ten people from MWUC on a walk in the park. We started at Goldbar Park, walked across the pedestrian bridge to Rundle Park, and returned. The walk took about an hour and a good time was had by all.

2021

December 24, 2021 — Christmas Eve!

We enjoyed two gatherings on Friday December 24th for Christmas Eve. At 4:30 pm we held a short, child-friendly gathering in the service. It was not livestreamed, but a delightful time was had by all.

At 7 pm, we held a traditional Christmas Eve gathering of carols and candlelight. We enjoyed a special reading and Bryan LeGrow graced us with “Song for a Winter’s Night” by Gordon Lightfoot. Many people came in person (all doubly vaccinated!) and others joined us live on Facebook and later on video.

December 21, Longest Night service

Six people came for a time of silence, sharing, and singing to mark the longest night of the year and to explore all the many colours of Advent and Christmas. From 7 pm to 8 pm, we sat in circle and talked about our fears, losses, and hopes as the world turned towards winter and the promise of longer days.

December 20, “Together at Christmas”.

On the evening of December 20, 2021, 33 people attended our “Together at Christmas event.” From 6:30 pm until 8 those younger and a bit older joined together for Christmas fun. It was especially wonderful to enjoy the laughter and excitement of young children once again! Thank you for your support and being part of our very special church community — Rob McPhee

December 3, Christmas Cocktails

On December 3, 27 people attend our Christmas Cocktails event. As well as enjoying the time together on Zoom, we contributed $1610 towards the church’s 2021 finances. Thanks to everyone who participated! Rob McPhee

Festive Giving 2021

Once again, generous members of Mill Woods United brought unwrapped Christmas toys to the church, on November 28 and December 5, and once again Don Grabinsky delivered them to the Bissell Centre, where they will be distributed this Christmas season. Thank you to everyone who contributed and to Don for spearheading this effort. This is an effort that used to be known as “White Gift” givings.

Christmas Craft Fair, November 27, 2021

The resumption of the Craft Fair following a 2020 break due to the pandemic was a resounding success. About 400 people came in person, more than 40 vendors sold wares, and Heavenly Hospitality served delicious home-made snacks. Thank you to the many volunteers who made the day such a great success!

Fall 2021: “A Good War: Mobilizing Canada for the Climate Emergency”

In fall 2020, Seth Klein of Vancouver BC published a book that makes comparisons between Canada’s emergency response to World War II with what is required now to respond to today’s climate emergency. A small group of us spent five evenings discuss this book and its ideas in October and November 2021,

September 29, 2021

Ian sent out a video message about fall and winter plans for Mill Woods United and how the pandemic might affect them.

August 15, 2021

Summer worship at Mill Woods United . . . July and August in-person church services continued at the church building, with Livestreaming on Facebook for those not able to come in person.

Ian was here to lead services for the first three Sundays in July and the last two of August. He took a four-week break in the middle of the summer.

Rev. Dr. Dale Johnson, new to our congregation this past year and a retired minister, led us in worship twice on July 25th and August 8th.

We were also excited to have John and Lindy Mair as service leaders on August 15th.

Every summer has one long holiday weekend which was on August 1st this year. It was an opportunity to have a social event instead of a worship service. This year, on Sunday August 1st we had a picnic on the church lawn next to the parking lot. A lot of people brought their own chair and a picnic lunch and had a good time visiting and catching up with one another.

June 23 — Summer blessings

On the first Tuesday of summer 2021, Ian released a video message to the people of Mill Woods United as a way of touching base and offering encouragement.

June 9 and 24 — Coffee on the church lawn

A wonderful group of people from Mill Woods United formed a circle of lawn chairs to the east of the church building on two separate June mornings. Each time, about 15 people spent an hour chatting and enjoying a lovely spring morning. Thanks to Jennifer McPhee for organizing this chance for us to see and talk with some of our friends in person.

May 8 2021, Spring Craft Market — Online!

Our first ever online Spring Craft Market happened on Saturday May 8th, 2021 from 10 am to 2 pm. 35 vendors participated and a good time was had by everyone.

Thanks go to Cathy Bayly and Mary-Anne Janewski for organizing this successful Facebook Event, and also to everyone who participated!

April 22-May 20, 2021, “Ishmael” book study

Over three Thursday evenings this spring, a small group of us gathered on Zoom to discuss a 1992 philosophical novel by Daniel Quinn. In just over 250 pages, “Ishmael” explores ethics, the Book of Genesis, and sustainability. A perennial best-seller, it has been especially influential among environmentalists.

Thanks to Carla Janzen for motivating this book study

April 4, ICPM Bissell Centre Lunch

On Easter Sunday, Don and Lil Grabinsky once again responded to a call from the Inner City Pastoral Ministry to provide a lunch for people at the Bissell Centre. Because of the pandemic, for the second year in a row lunch was not served indoors. Instead, 150 pre-packed lunch bags were handed out. Thank you to all who made donations to pay for these 150 lunches, and especially to Don and Lil who shopped and assembled the lunch bags.

March 19, 2021 — Bingo!

On Friday March 21 at 7 pm, a large group of us gathered on Zoom to play online Bingo. Many thanks to Lindy Mair for the idea, for organizing the gathering, and for making it such a great evening of fun.

P.I.E. Day, March 14, 2021

Mill Woods United joined with other Affirming congregations across Canada for a National Affirming celebration on “P.I.E. Day“

This was the third year that Affirming Connections had piggy-backed on the mathematically-inspired Pi Day, which also happens on March 14. It is occasion to strengthen our commitment to welcome sexual and gender minorities into the membership and leadership of our communities of faith.

Mary-Anne Janewski took the lead at Mill Woods United this year. She asked us to imagine an “Affirming pie.” What would it taste like? What ingredients could one use? After a morning service focused on our Affirming status, she hosted a Zoom discussion hour where nine of us discussed our answer. A fun and revitalizing time was had by all. Thanks Mary-Anne!

Annual General Meeting, March 7, 2021

Our Annual General Meeting was held on Sunday March 7, 2021 at 12 pm on Zoom. More than 40 people participated. It was an opportunity to both look back at 2020 and forward to 2021. Below are links to the items we discussed:

AGM Agenda

• AGM Minutes: March 8, 2020
• AFM Minutes: November 29, 2020
• Statement of Receipts and Expenditures for 2020
• 2020 Annual Report

Thank you to everyone who participated and everyone who stood for a position on Church Council. In particular, we are grateful to now-Past Chair Rob McPhee who ended three years as Co-Chair or Chair of Council at this meeting.

Suds and Sweets – Feb 19, 2021

Valentine’s Days is CHOCOLATE. St Patrick’s Day is BEER. Friday February 19 was the day we brought them both together!

Four guys – Brian Hudson, Dave Janzen, John Mair and Rob McPhee — welcomed about 50 of us to Suds and Sweets – an evening of fun, learning, Alberta craft beers and fine Canadian chocolate!

We gathered on Zoom to learn a bit more about beer and pair great beer with fine chocolate; and to come together and have fun with great friends. This was a “fun-raiser” not a fund raiser.

We sampled four outstanding Alberta Craft beers – an Ale, an IPA, a Lager and a Stout; four complementary bars of Purdy’s fine Canadian chocolate – a nutty milk chocolate, a dark chocolate, a white chocolate and a salted dark chocolate; answered some fascinating beer and chocolate trivia questions; and spent two hours together on Zoom with great friends, chatting in small groups, and learning about the beer

• The Matchings and Beer Experts
• The Growlery Beer Company Ironside Amber Ale and Milk Chocolate Sweet Georgia Browns: Dave Janzen
• The Dandy Brewing Company Import Style Premium Lager and a Classic White Chocolate Bar: John Mair
• Bent Stick Brewing Fashionably Late IPA and a Classic Dark Chocolate Bar: Rob McPhee
• Big Beaver Brewing Oatmeal Stout and a Dark Chocolate Salted Butter Toffee Bar: Brian Hudson

Lenten Book Study – “Learning to Walk in the Dark” — Feb 18-March 26, 2021

Nine of us met on Zoom over five Thursday evenings in Lent to discuss a 2014 book by one of my favourite preachers and thinkers, Barbara Brown Taylor — Learning to Walk in the Dark. Taylor wrote it to help us sustain a healthy spiritual life in those times when we don’t have all the answers. She argues that in addition to a dominant “solar spirituality,” we can also learn to appreciate “lunar spirituality” since, like the moon, our experience of the light waxes and wanes.

To gain a sense of Taylor as a writer, I recommend an article of hers published by The Christian Century last July – “Finding God outside the church walls.”

Walk around the Fort, January 31, 2023

On January 31, about twenty people from MWUC gathered at the parking lot of Fort Edmonton and spent an enjoyable hour walking west along the river and then back along the south side of the Fort. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer for organizing this chance to get some exercise and safely visit with some friends on a calm and not-so-frigid afternoon.

2020

Advent and Christmas 2020

As always, the four Sundays in Advent focused on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. But because of the pandemic, things were different in 2020. Starting on December 13, we paused the in-person component and exclusively livestreamed the Sunday gatherings.

Renee Englot added a nice touch an online Advent Calendar. Thanks Renee!

We postponed a planned December 21 Family Christmas Time Gathering to 2021. We bet that 2021 will be a better and safer year for the joyous group singing, storytelling and eating together that has been the hallmark of our past Christmas gatherings. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to December 2021 when once again we can all come together, sing, share stories, and enjoy Christmas goodies together. Thank you. Wendy Edey, Jennifer McPhee, Rob McPhee

Because of Alberta government regulations, we also postponed a planned 4:30 pm outdoor Christmas Eve service until 2021.

At 7 pm on Thursday December 24, we livestreamed a service of carols, stories, and candle light.

Advent and Christmas felt like a blessing again this year despite the pandemic restrictions. Here’s to a magnificent celebration in 2021!

November 29, Annual Financial Meeting

A big thank you to the 30 plus people who joined us on Zoom for our Annual Financial Meeting. Following a review of financial actions taken over the past year and an update on finances thus far in 2020, the proposed 2021 budget was approved. Your ongoing support is so very much appreciated.

Follow this link to get access to all the documents discussed.

November 27 — “Bottles and Boards”

Thanks to the 30 people who joined via Zoom for our Boards and Bottles event on Friday November 27. It was wonderful seeing so many people and having time to enjoy conversation, the two wines, and the amazing variety of charcuterie boards. And … we raised $2,000 for Mill Woods United Church. Thanks everyone

November 14, An Evening in Colombia

Sixty-five people from Edmonton, across Canada and throughout the America’s gathered on Zoom on a Saturday evening to enjoy a presentation on Colombia. It was prepared and led by Audrey Murray and Brian Hudson, Jennifer and Rob McPhee, and Olga Garcia and Francisco Rico. They showed photos and videos, and told stories of a trip they had made to Colombia last December and January. One of the many highlights was video of traditional Colombian dancing and salsa by the church’s “Colombian connection” — Olga and Francisco, and Lilian Angel and David. A huge thank you goes to all those named above as as well as to Brian Sampson for videotaping the dancers. Viva Colombia!

October 14 and 21 — Regional AGM

Rev. Ian Kellogg, Wendy MacNutt, and Anita Piebiak represented Mill Woods United at the second annual general meeting of the United Church of Canada’s Northern Spirit Regional Council via Zoom over two Thursday evenings in October. There was one vote — to approve expanding the language of the UCC’s Basis of Union (constitution) to be inclusive of gender diverse people — which passed unanimously. The meeting was to have been held in person in June in Camrose but was postponed and conducted over Zoom because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oct 2-4, 2020 — Expressing Wonder

Five people from Mill Woods United — Ian, Ethel, Wendy M, Laine, and Barb — were among the nearly 100 participants in an online Zoom conference on anti-racism. Sponsored by Spiritual Seekers United in Community–Saskatoon, and with a subtitle of “Looking at the world with eyes wide open,” it included keynote addresses from a Somali refugee and a retired First Nations police officer from Saskatoon. Thanks to the Memorial Fund for subsidizing the registration cost for this inspiring and informative conference.

Sept 10, 2020 — Shock and positive change

Four of us gathered on Zoom to watch at 15-minute “Ted Talk” recorded by Canadian activist Naomi Klein in 2017 called “How shocking events can spark positive change.” We then spent an hour discussing Klein’s ideas and our reactions.

September 2020 — cracking open the doors

On September 6, 2020, we opened the doors for a public Sunday spiritual gathering for the first time since March 15. Thanks to everyone who made this possible, and especially to Brian Sampson who continues to lead us in livestreaming our gatherings via Facebook. Most of us are choosing to stay at home for now, but 17 people came to this first combined service.

Other things are re-opening in September — Tuesday Food Bank depot and Clothing Bank (by appointment only — 780-463-2202), The Bread Run, and yoga. Other in-person gatherings will follow, we are sure. But much depends on how the pandemic evolves in Edmonton.

Despite this partial return to “normal,” much of our programming remains online. On September 9, we held our first mid-week virtual Coffee Hour via Zoom, and 10 people logged on. Future offerings will be promoted under the Upcoming Events menu on each webpage.

Farewell to Laura Webster

In July, our long-time custodian, Laura Webster, resigned from the position after 12 years. We wish her well in her future endeavors and say a fond goodbye with thanks for her knowledge, dedication, and reliability.

A new custodian, Bruce McCarron, began work on September 1, 2020.

Summer 2020

COVID-19 led to a closure of the church facility on March 16 and a spring that included online-only services (see “Recent Spiritual Gatherings” for details). This practice continued in the summer. But we started to supplement livestreamed Sunday gatherings with in-person attendance on September 6.

“Treaty Walk” discussion, June 18

On the evening of June 18, seven of us gathered on Zoom to discuss the recently released video “Treaty Walk: a Journey to Common Ground.” The video documents a walk last June from Edmonton to Calgary of a group of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians as a way to raise awareness of the blessings that flow when we remember that all of us are Treaty people. Thanks to Mary-Anne Janewski for promoting this wonderful new video and for facilitating a lively and inspiring time of sharing.

March 17, Response to COVID-19

A working group met on March 17 and decided to suspend all gatherings and most activities of MWUC because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click on the link COVID-19 and MWUC, which is available from every page on this website

March 8, Annual General Meeting

At noon on Sunday March 8, more than 30 people stayed in the sanctuary after the spiritual gathering to participate in the Annual General Meeting of Mill Woods United Church. Chair-Elect Carol Hickmann and Past Chair Carla Janzen presented a year-in-review report. Randy Round led us on a roller-coaster ride of a financial report. And a new Council was elected. Thanks to all who prepared and participated in making this a successful AGM.

March 1, Young Adults Lunch

After the Sunday morning spiritual gathering, 11 young adults and eight children gathered in the Lower Hall with five “oldsters” for lunch and a time of sharing. The lunch was designed to let us get to know one another better and to learn what needs younger members might have including what those with children were hoping the church could provide. Thanks to the Future Steps Team for organizing this lunch.

February 22, “Movie Madness”

About 30 people from MWUC gathered at the Cineplex in South Edmonton Common on the evening of February 22. Some people saw “Call of the Wild,” others “1917,” and still others “Parasite.” Afterward, we reconvened at Rob and Jennifer McPhee’s house for snacks and conversation. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer for another successful and enjoyable Saturday evening.

January 26, joint worship with ZUMC

We joined with our Zimbabwean friends for worship and a simple lunch catered by The Congregational Care Team. Ian reflected on God’s call based on a reading of Matthew 4:12-23 in which Jesus calls his first followers (“Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?“). The choir sang “There Is No One Like Jesus,” In addition, Amber Petch gifted the congregation with a beautiful drawing of the church building. It now hangs outside of the Lounge on the main floor

Mill Woods Resource Fair, January 18

For the fifth year in a row, Mill Woods United was represented at an annual Mill Woods Resource Fair. Karl Kropf, Darlene Hayward, and Ian Kellogg staffed a table at which we talked to people about our outreach projects and our inclusive and expansive spiritual community.

The Fair is organized by Edmonton-Mill Woods MLA Christina Gray. As in past years, it was held on a Saturday morning and afternoon on the second floor of the Mill Woods Library Building on Hewes Way. About fifty tables were present representing local organizations involved with health, education, immigration services, and other social services.

2019

Christmas 2019

Advent and Christmas were filled with busyness and joy at Mill Woods United. Below you can read about the Christmas Craft Fair, a wine-tasting fundraiser, and a Family Christmas carol sing-song evening. Besides that, we had four well-attended services for Advent. one of which (Dec 22) included a “paper-bag pageant — see photo — and two jam-packed Christmas Eve services.

Now it is on to a new year and a new decade in which we will continue to strive to be a spiritual community where you can explore your purpose and place, and a community in which you can Join In, Reach Out, and Make a Difference!

December 20, Family Christmas

More than 70 people gathered in the sanctuary on a cold Friday evening for a enjoyable time of Christmas carolling, storytelling, Quizmas fun, and refreshments. It was a wonderful taste of everything we like best about Christmas. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this annual delight.

December 6, Wine Tasting

Thirty people gathered on the evening of Friday December 6, 2019 at Color de Vino on Whyte Ave. for an enjoyable evening of friends and wine tasting. More than $1,000 was raised for the church. Thanks for Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this wonderful social gathering.

November 30, Christmas Craft Fair

The 21st annual Christmas Craft on Saturday November 30, 2019 was a huge success. Approximately 400 people came; Heavenly Hospitality sold out on many lunch items and made more than $1,000; and more than $3,000 was raised from the rental of more than 50 craft tables and a voluntary entrance fee.

Thank you to everyone who helped to organized this extravaganza, especially to Laura Paquette for taking the lead this year! Now, on to 2020!

November focus on refugees

In November 2019, Mill Woods United focused on immigration, migrants and refugees by reading and discussing the 2018 award-winning book “Homes: A Refugee Story.” This work of creative non-fiction by Edmonton teacher Winnie Yeung tells the story of an Edmonton teenager, Abu-Bakr al-Rebeeah. He fled with his family from Iraq to Syria in 2010 and then to Edmonton in 2014.

Three Sunday mornings ( November 3, Seeking refugee“; November 17, “Welcoming strangers,” and November 24, “Becoming and intercultural church”) related the book to biblical passages and to our work as a community of love, learning, justice, and hospitality.

On a related note, we were impressed with this recent video clip from CBC’s “The National” about a reunion in Regina of a family of Syrian refugees.

We also held two evenings of informal conversation and discussion on “Homes” — on November 18 and November 25.

Transfer of membership, November 17

During the Sunday morning spiritual gathering, five people officially transferred their church membership to Mill Woods United in a brief ritual. They are: Audrey Murray, Anita Piebiak, Emily Kabotoff, Terry Staley, and Wanda Egilsson. The ritual allowed the congregation to express its appreciation for the presence of these five and all that they do within and for this community of faith, and it also allowed everyone present to reaffirm our own faith journey.

“Reel Injun,” November 17

A circle of ten people in the sanctuary enjoyed a screening of an informative and provocative 2009 documentary on the history of “the Hollywood Indian,” and all the different stereotypes the entertainment industry has propagated for more than 100 years about First Nations people. Thank you to Mary-Anne Janewski and Nancy Siever for organizing this screening and to Michelle Nieviadomy for leading us in a sharing circle after we had seen the film.

Annual Financial Meeting, November 17

Following the Sunday morning spiritual gathering, 42 people stayed in the sanctuary for the Annual Financial Meeting of Mill Woods United. Reports from our Council Chairperson and Past Chairperson Rob McPhee and Carla Janzen and our Financial Representative Randy Round were received, questions about our 2019 financials and a proposed 2020 budget were answered, and a 2020 Budget was approved. Thank you to everyone who prepared this meeting and who participated in it.

Let’s Play Crib, November 15

Forty people came to the church on a Friday evening for an evening of cribbage, conversation, snacks, and fellowship. A good time was had by all!

Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this successful social event.

Prayer Shawl recognition — November 10

As part of our “Remembrance” Sunday gathering, Ethel Ray took time to highlight the work of the Prayer Shawl Team in the segment of our hour called “This Is Us” to communally bless a large number of prayer shawls that had been knit over the fall,and to acknowledge the particular contribution of our friend Carolyn Manning, who has knit so many shawls over the last few years. Below is the prayer we used to bless the shawls as a community — children and adults alike:

Source of all love
Let this shawl be…
a warm hug on a cool day!
Let this shawl be…
softer than a kitten’s fur!
Let this shawl be…
as light as a feather, blowing in the wind
Let this shawl be…
a sign of love,
a sign of our love,
a sign of Jesus’ love,
to wrap around shoulders,
to lay upon laps,
to fill many hearts
Alleluia, Alleluia!! ALLELUIA!

What is God? October 28 discussion

Nineteen people gathered in the sanctuary on a cold Monday evening to warmly share their reactions, opinions, and hopes for the Mill Wood United’s Purpose statement. On this occasion, our focus was on differing images of the Divine. To read the background documents on this initiative, click here.

Thanks to Council and its Future Steps group for organizing this evening.

Newcomers’ Lunch, October 20

After the spiritual gathering on Sunday morning October 20, just over 30 of us gathered in the Lower Hall for our “second annual Newcomers’ Lunch.” This group included 16 adults who were new either in 2018 or 2019, eight infants and children, and 11 more established members of the congregation. Pizza, salad, dessert, and times of sharing around five tables were enjoyed by all. Thanks to Darlene Hayward, Cathy Bayly, and Ian Kellogg for their work in organizing this event.

Summer 2019

For 16 Sundays from May through August, Sunday morning spiritual gatherings happened at Mill Woods United without our called minister, the Rev. Ian Kellogg. Ian was on sabbatical in May, June, July, and then took a combination of vacation and study leave in August.

In Ian’s absence, David Faber, a Candidate for ministry here in the city, led the services in May and July and the Rev. Joanne Kobylka led the services in June. In August, the Rev. Yoon-Ok Shin, Olga Garcia, Francisco Rico, John Mair, and Lindy Mair led the services. Thanks to all the worship leaders, the Worship Committee, and to everyone else (Welcome Team members, counters, substitute pianists, PowerPoint projectors, and others) who worked together to make these services a success.

April 12, a 60’s musical car rally

On Friday April 12, an enthusiastic group of car drivers and their passengers participated in “Fun, Fun, Fun, “til Daddy takes the T-bird away!” It began with a car rally and finished with a time to socialize and enjoy delicious snacks from the 1960’s.

Teams of four were given a route map around Edmonton with instructions to locate key pieces of information and eventually find your way back! Each group also had a set of 1960’s musical trivia questions that kept them musically inclined throughout the journey.

Thanks to the McPhees for organizing this fun extravaganza.

March 23, congregational work bee

On Saturday March 23, twenty two members of Mill Woods United turned out for a busy and fun afternoon of painting, touch-ups, clear-outs, and other types of make-overs. The results are wonderful — the interior of the main doors are now without marks, the wood trim in the sanctuary and all of the risers are fixed, the bulletin boards have all been refreshed, and many other small and large changes have occurred. Thanks to everyone who came out and all who contributed their tasty snacks, their time, and their sweat equity. Bravo!

March 16, “That’s amore!”

On Saturday evening, March 16, 40 people enjoyed a delicious and enjoyable evening of eating Italian food at three different homes and socializing with fellow members of our spiritual community. Thanks to the hosts — Brian Hudson and Audrey Murray (appetizers); Paul and Kathy Poechman (main course); Randy and Audrey Round (dessert); and Rob and Jennifer McPhee (main organizers). The food was delicious, the conversation was scintillante, and the event was yet another successful adult social event. Bravissima!

Lent 2019, Paying It Forward

On March 10, the first Sunday in Lent, the document available by this link (opens a PDF file) was distributed to the congregation. It lists 50 ways we could “pay forward” our blessings this Lent as well as 16 suggested acts of reconciliation. We hope that everyone enjoys trying some of these “random acts of kindness” and reconciliation. The 16 suggestions on the second page are from the list “150 Acts of Reconciliation for Canada 150,” which was presented to the church in December 2017, and which we read during the eight Sundays of Epiphany in winter 2019.

Thanks to Carla Janzen for suggesting this and putting the lists together.

March 10, Annual General Meeting

Forty members of the congregation stayed after the Sunday morning service for a successful annual meeting. Co-chairs of Council, Rob McPhee and Carla Janzen, led us through a year-in-review, Randy Round presented the financials, a new Council, with almost all positions filled, was voted in, and the congregation approved a new MWUC Purpose Statement following almost a year of meetings and discussions: “We are a spiritual community in which you can explore your purpose and place.”

February 8, Travel Adventures

A group of 40 or more came out on Friday evening February 8 to enjoy two travel adventure presentations. Ethel and Brian Ray showed slides and talked about their five weeks in southern France last year and Rob McPhee showed slides and talked about his trip last year to the “Stans” (Kazhakstan, Uzebikstan, and others).

Thanks to the presenters for an informative, eye-opening, and enjoyable evening.

February 4, 11, and 25: “On the Brink of Everything”

On three Monday evenings in February a small but engaged group of church members joined with facilitators Joyce Madsen and Clair Woodbury to discuss our spiritual journeys with inspiration from three recent books: “On the Brink of Everything,” by Parker Palmer, “Grace Without God” by Katharine Ozment, and “Unbelievable” by John Shelby Spong.

January 19, Screenshots

Almost 30 people from the congregation gathered at South Edmonton Common to watch “On the Basis of Sex,” a biopic about the early career of famed U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Afterward, we repaired to Rob and Jennifer’s house for snacks and conversation. Most of us enjoyed the movie, and a good time was had by all. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for another successful social event.

January 12, Mill Woods Resource Fair

On Saturday January 12, Cathy Bayly, Carla and Janzen and Ian Kellogg staffed a table presenting information about our congregation at the Mill Woods Senior’s and Multicultural Centre as part of a Resource Fair.

January 6, Ian’s Fifth Anniversary

On the first Sunday of 2019, the church marked the fifth anniversary of Ian’s arrival in Edmonton and at Mill Woods United with a special service and a soup and bun lunch. Below are the Ian’s remarks from the preamble to the service:

Dear friends,

Today is Epiphany, a day on which the church celebrates the second and less-beloved of the two biblical stories of the birth of Jesus. It is the one from Matthew where Magi from the East follow a Star to Bethlehem. They don’t go to a stable far from Mary and Joseph’s supposed hometown of Nazareth. Those features are found in the story from Luke, which we heard on Christmas Eve. Instead, the Magi travel to the house of Mary and Joseph about two years after Jesus’ birth in the place that Matthew says was their hometown, Bethlehem.

The church celebrates Epiphany as a moment when the light represented by Jesus begins to spread beyond Bethlehem; and light will be our focus throughout the Season of Epiphany, which begins today and which continues until Ash Wednesday in early March. But today, I reflect on the concept of the call, which in today’s reading is represented by the Star and by dreams experienced both by the Magi and by Jesus’ step-father, Joseph.

I reflect on the call today because today is not just one of those rare Epiphanies that lands on a Sunday. It is also the fifth anniversary of my first Sunday service here at Mill Woods United. On the day before Epiphany in January 2014, I presided in worship from the front of this sanctuary for the first time and I preached a sermon based on the beginning of the Gospel of John.

I am grateful for all that I have experienced, learned, and enjoyed as a spiritual leader of this community of faith. I am pleased to think back on five years of sermons, baptisms, wedding, funerals, Pride parades, meetings, sharing circles, Bible and book studies, social events, and so many wonderful conversations.

At a confirmation service in 2014, I suggested that we view church as a place in which we engage in a never-ending conversation about Love. But as I noted in my first sermon five years ago yesterday, we don’t enter this conversation at the beginning but somewhere in the middle.

Some of you were here five years ago. Others have joined our band of fellow pilgrims since then. But regardless of when you came to Mill Woods United, I am grateful that you have decided to offer your voice as one of the threads that make up our tapestry of love. Thank you!

As for this morning, I hope that our time of song, sacrament, and sharing will inspire a new year of conversation, communion, and connection. May it feed our spirits and souls and help us in the joyous work of outreach and justice.

Hallelujah!

2018

Christmas 2018 at MWUC

Christmas Eve services capped a busy and soulful Advent and Christmas season at Mill Woods United. At the 7 pm December 24 service, the choir sang an anthem to a full sanctuary and Kim Denis offered a beautiful solo and led the evening with percussion. At the 10 pm service, about 30 people enjoyed carols, candlelight, and communion.

Earlier in December, on the 2nd and the 9th, we had two successful “Giving” or “White Gift” Sundays at which presents were gathered for clients of The Bissell Centre downtown. Thank you to Don Grabinsky for driving a full van from the church to Bissell to drop off all the presents.

When the Mitten Tree was finally taken down on January 5, it was laden with mitts, gloves, scarves and toques, which will be most welcome for the clients of our Clothing Bank.

There were the usual engaged crowds for the four Advent Sundays, and a great gathering for carol singing on the 21st (see below).

December 21, Family Christmas singsong

On the Friday evening of the longest night of the year, 55 people gathered in the sanctuary to sing carols, enjoy Christmas treats, and participate in a Christmas Trivia contest. A great time was had by all.

Thanks to Wendy Edey for playing the piano, to Jennifer McPhee for leading us in song, to Rob and Jennifer for organizing the evening and the trivia contest, and to Wendy for telling us a story about “Silent Night” and candle-light at previous Mill Woods United Christmas Eves. A great time was had by all.

December 9, “Indian Horse” screening

On Sunday December 9, 15 people gathered for a screening of the acclaimed 2017 Canadian movie “Indian Horse.” It tells a story of a northern Ontario First Nations boy who suffered at a Indian Residential School in the 1950s and 60s and who became an accomplished hockey player in the 1970s. Elder Evelyn Day led a sharing circle after the screening, which allowed us to process our feelings and thoughts after seeing this sad, difficult, and important movie. Thanks to Nancy Siever and Mary-Anne Janewski, our two witnesses to the Truth and Reconciliation process for organizing this evening.

December 7, “Canadian Wines”

Thirty people came to a fun evening and significant fund-raiser for the church at “Vines” at Rabbit Hill Road and 23rd Ave. It was an educational and fun wine-tasting event on the theme “Canadian Wines for Christmas.” Thank to Rob McPhee for organizing this successful evening.

Christmas Craft Fair — November 24

For the 20th year in a row, the church hosted a successful Christmas Craft Fair. New for this anniversary were a balloon display, popcorn sales and name-tags that honoured long-time participants — such as Lesley Verdin, over 13 years participating. We were excited to use the new TV screens where we featured past crafters, outreach programs and community activities. A big “thank you” to everyone who stepped forward to make this a fabulous event. We’ll also remember it as our first year that we didn’t have a working elevator!

Of course, we are always grateful to the Heavenly Hospitality team. You are the ribbon on the gift, so to speak. We raised over $3,200.00 this year through the vendors and including gifts at the door over $900.00.

Carla has been organizing the craft fair for 13 years, Ethel for 11 years, Cathy Bayly for 8 years and Darlene for 4 years. We have loved the challenge of maximizing our space, enticing quality crafters and achieving over 300 shoppers every year. It’s been great fun sharing our time, insights, ideas, and laughs.

We (Carla & Ethel) feel it is time for us to pass the torch and give others the opportunity to spread their wings and be creative. Please contact us if you are interested in beginning a new journey in organizing the Christmas Craft Fair.

Annual Financial Meeting — November 18

Thirty four people stayed after the worship service to attend the Annual Financial Meeting. For a post-meeting Financial Update click on this link — opens a PDF file.

Cribs and Crumpets — November 16

Forty people enjoyed cribbage, goodies and fellowship on the evening of Friday November 16. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this successful evening.

Council Retreat — November 10

On Saturday afternoon, November 10, members of the Church Council met under the facilitation of Joyce Madsen and Clair Woodbury for four hours of sharing and discussion. Look on this website for more information to follow about how this effort, and others that follow, will help all of us to redraft our congregational Vision statement.

October 21 — Newcomer’s lunch

Following the Sunday morning spiritual gathering, nine of us gathered in the Lounge for pizza and conversation. This was a first-ever “Newcomer’s lunch.” Four people who have joined our community of faith and five “veterans” shared what had first drawn us to Mill Woods United and what has motivated us to stay here. It was a great chance to get to know one another better and to share food and friendship. As Cathy Bayly noted, this event will surely become an annual tradition.

FundScrip — $1K and counting!

In September, the team who motivate our FundScrip campaign announced that the first $1,000 cheque has been delivered to Mill Woods United Church because of your participation in this fund-raiser. With FundScrip, church members purchase gift cards for various retailers through its website. MWUC makes money on each purchase — See a graphic of our “thermometer” here

September 16, “Welcome Back” wiener roast

Twenty one hardy souls enjoyed the fire pit, roasted hot dogs, and campfire singing at Jackie Parker Park from 5-7 pm. It was a late summer/early winter gathering as the temperature hovered around 1 degree and rain occasionally leaked out of the clouds. The fire, food, fellowship and singing kept spirits high and a good time was had by young and old. Thanks to the McPhee’s, who organized this.

Summer 2018 “coffee and conversation” Sunday services

In July and August while Ian was away, the Sunday services were led by other members of the congregation. Thanks to everyone who made our summer gatherings a blessing to all who came:

• July 8 — “Little Church in the Wildwood” — Jennifer and Rob McPhee
• July 15 — Wanda Egilsson and Celia Conway on gratitude
• July 22 — Laura Goss and Robin Lane on “Stand by Me”
• July 29 — John and Lindy Mair on the spirituality of pop music
• August 5 — church picnic at Poechman’s cottage on Lake Isle
• August 12 — “Stitching Connections” with Darlene Hayward
• August 19 — “Foregiveness” with Carla Janzen
• August 26 — First Nations spirituality with Evelyn Day, Dave Elliot, and Mary-Anne Janewski

June 10, a service on reconciliation

In the lead up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, Evelyn Day, Dave Elliot, and Nancy Siever led us in a service on reconciliation. Bryan LeGrow sang “The Book of Love.”

June 9, Pride Parade 2018!

A small but enthusiastic group of people from MWUC joined the United Church contingent to march down Whyte Avenue in support of LGBTQ2S+ rights. Despite some rain, it was the usual joyous, loud, and very-well attended event. Consider joining us next June!

May 26, A Backyard BBQ

More than 40 people came to BBQ at the house of John and Lindy Mair. A great time was had by all. Thanks to the Mairs for hosting this event (and for having two BBQs!) and to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing it.

May 12, Spring Craft Fair

Our Sixth Spring Craft Market was another success. Thirty five vendors offered their wares to a steady stream of neighbours on a beautiful and warm spring day. The Plant Sale sold out, and Heavenly Hospitality did a brisk business of snacks and beverages. And now, we look forward to this Fall’s Christmas Craft Fair, which will be on Saturday November 24 (but not before enjoying the rest of this gorgeous spring and what we imagine will be a hot and relaxing summer!).

Celebrating 25 years at 15 Grand Meadow Crescent

On April 22, we marked the 25th anniversary of the first Sunday morning gathering at our current church facilities. Happily, Linda Paddon, the Chairperson of the Building Committee from 1988 to 1994, was visiting Edmonton from Vancouver, and she spoke to the congregation about the project. Below are her remarks:

Good Morning! It is so good to be back among all of you today. You are an exceptional congregation. Ian asked me to speak as part of “This is Us” — about a committee that has not existed since 1994. I hope as I try to tell the story in two minutes or less, (really?!) that I can highlight factors of our identity then that still drive this community today.

We had been meeting in schools since 1974 and always talked about when we would build a church – we, who could barely balance the budget year after year! In the fall of 1988, the minister, Tom Sawyer, and the board chair, Cheryl Brown paid me a visit one Saturday morning. That was how recruitment was done in those days. I thought they wanted someone to lead the stewardship drive so I had my “no” ready. It turned out they were looking for a building committee chair. I asked, “What does a nurse know about building a church?” Cheryl’s answer “You don’t need to know. You need to be able to organize and delegate. Nurses know how to do that.” I accepted the job and set out to crunch the numbers to prove that financially, a building would never be a possibility. That would put an end forever to the talk of building a church. It didn’t quite work out that way.

So – it’s 25 years since the Sunday morning we moved in here. Hand’s up – Who was here then? These are the people who can tell you the stories. Don Grabinsky and Brian Sampson were on the committee. Ask Brian about climbing the scaffolding to look out the steeple windows. Some of us gathered a cold February morning to watch a crane lift the steeple to the top of the building. The press was there, and they let us take turns sitting in their cars to warm up. The next day this photograph was in a national newspaper.

The day we moved in, we began our service in Hillview school gym and then walked to our new building. I remember it as a morning of clashing of expectations. We had muddy shoes. We would track dirt. One of our youth who had only ever worshipped in a school gym had the nerve to wear his baseball cap in the sanctuary!!

I don’t think there were many of us that really felt we needed a building for Sunday worship. Rather, we were tired of living out of a suitcase. We wanted visibility, meeting space, room for our outreach projects, a place for social activities, our own church for weddings and funerals, somewhere to welcome in the community. It was that desire that drove the fund raising and volunteer efforts as we worked concessions at Commonwealth Stadium and sold frozen croissants. More than 100 volunteers were involved directly in the building project. Recently I was going through stuff and came across a document I wrote in March 95 recapping the project. I brought it today and will leave it for you all to look at.

Ian noted that this was happening along side the upheaval in the United Church over ordination of gays — that we pushed forward when others might have played it safe. This congregation was willing to take the risk and was determined to make it work. Despite financial struggles, just think of all that has happened in this building over 25 years! This is a congregation that looks outward. It has always adapted and moved forward. Sure – the building is nice, and we enjoy sitting here Sunday morning, but the real spirit of Mill Woods United Church is in its people. People who will continue to be good disciples of Jesus where ever they are whatever the future holds.

Linda Paddon

Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner — April 21

Thirty-five people gathered at eight different houses of members for a “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” event. Thanks for Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this fun evening and for distributing the guests between the eight hosts. It was an evening of good food, good conversation, and a great chance for members of the church community to get to know one another better.

Making A Difference — April 9-May 7

The photo below is of a display table with items representing some of the many activities and initiatives that occur at Mill Woods United Church. The more than 25 people who came to the April 9 and April 16 evenings of discussions about how our church is trying to make a difference saw this display.

Council chairpersons Rob McPhee and Carla Janzen rganized five Monday evening discussions using a 2013 booklet “Making A Difference” by Joyce Madsen and Clair Woodbury. The first two evenings focused on Purpose and Community. The remaining three focused on Communication, Hospitality, and Leadership.

In all, about 40 people participated in the five evenings. Carla and Rob are confident that the ideas generated, the connections built, and the energy sparked will be helpful as the church Council looks to update our Mission and Vision statements this year. Thanks to them for organizing this successful series and to everyone who came out and participated.

Hot Topics #6, April 19

On Thursday, April 19, five of us participated in the sixth and last in a series devoted to social issues. We gathered in the Lounge to discuss “Cross Purposes: The Battle for Christianity in Canada.” Written by Michael Coren — ex-evangelical, ex-Catholic, current Anglican, and columnist for the United Church “Observer” — this feature article from the March 31, 2018 issue of “The Globe and Mail” looks at attempts by Christian fundamentalists to legislate “morality;” and wonders if spirituality and social justice can unite.

“Cribs and Croissants,” March 16

Forty people gathered around tables on the main floor of the church building on a Friday evening to play cribbage, enjoy tasty treats, and vie for prizes. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this successful evening of fun and fellowship.

Hot Topics #5, March 15

Five of us gathered in the Lounge to discuss nationalism. To spark discussion, we screened a short video from the New York Times website (“How Nations Make Up National Identities”), watched an excerpt from a new Netflix cooking series called “Ugly Delicious” about the U.S./Mexican border and its impact on the restaurant industry and on people’s lives (this is episode #2 on Tacos!), and referred to a provocative opinion piece from The Atlantic Monthly magazine called “The Case for Getting Rid of Borders—Completely.” Some heat and light was generated!

Future sessions will occur on April 19 and May 17.

Annual General Meeting, March 11

Forty people stayed after the Sunday worship service to participate in the Annual General Meeting of Mill Woods United Church. Rob McPhee chaired the meeting, outgoing chairpersons Kathy Poechman and Carla Janzen presented a “year-in-review” report, Randy Round presented the 2017 Financials and 2018 Budget in an amusing and informative way, a new Council was elected, refreshments provided by Heavenly Hospitality were served, and everyone enjoyed the upbeat and positive tone of the meeting. For more details, please read the 2017 Annual Report.

Two fond farewells

On Wednesday, February 28, a steady stream of well-wishers came to the church to say congratulations to Janice Martin on her retirement and to thank her for more than 26 years of faithful service as the Church Office Administrator on her final day of work. Cake, cards, and good memories abounded.

Wednesday was also the final day for our Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, Paula Kirman, after almost two years with Mill Woods United. On Sunday February 25, Council Co-Chairperson Lindy Mair made a presentation to the Sunday morning gathering on the poetry, music, paintings, and activism of Paula. She thanked Paula for her service to the congregation and wished her well on future endeavours.

Blessings to both of you.

February 18, 2018 — a World Premiere!

On the first Sunday in Lent, the choir sang a world premiere of a composition by our own Bryan LeGrow, which featured Bryan singing a solo. It was met with a standing ovation! Listen here on Facebook

The tune and words came to Bryan from his friend Nelson, who sang a postlude at our 40th Anniversary service on November 20, 2016. Bryan composed a choral and piano accompaniment, and the end result was very well received.

Thanks and congratulations, Bryan!

February 13, Pancake Tuesday

A large group of people gathered in the Lower Hall from 5 to 6:30 pm to enjoy pancakes, ham, fruit, and conversation, and a chance mark the end of the Season after the Epiphany. This year, Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent, was on February 14. So our church honoured the tradition of Mardi Gras/Carnival/Pancake and Shrove Tuesday with a sweet feast on the evening before the 14th. Thanks to members of the Collective Kitchen and Heavenly Hospitality for organizing and preparing this dinner.

January 27, Mill Woods Resource Fair

Dave Elliot and Ian Kellogg staffed an information table about the church at the Mill Woods Resource Fair, which was hosted by MLA Christina Gray at the Mill Woods Seniors Centre. We distributed flyers about our many programs and chatted with interested people.

January 20, “From TIFF to Cannes”

About 30 people attended a screening of “The Post” at South Edmonton Common and then repaired to the McPhee’s house for savoury and sweet snacks and conversation. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer for another successful social event.

January 18, “Hot Topics” #3

Six of us gathered in the Lounge to watch two short excerpts from Michael Moore’s 2015 film “Where to Invade Next.” The first examines Portugal’s experience with decriminalizing all recreational drugs since 2000. The second is about the liberal prison system in Norway. We enjoyed a lively discussion about both topics.

2017

December 22, “Cookies and Carols”

An enthusiastic crew of carolers came out to sing songs of the Season, enjoy baked goods, and enjoy each other’s company. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this Christmas event and to everyone who brought goodies and raised their voices in a Spirit of Christmas joy.

December 7, “The Great Plains” in concert

About 45 people came out on a beautiful moon-lit evening to hear Darrel and Saskia of “The Great Plains” perform bluegrass, gospel, country, folk, and Christmas music. A good time was had by all and the event raised over $200 for the church. Thanks to Celia Conway who took the lead in publicizing the event for us and selling tickets.

December 3, “Kindred Voices” intercultural concert

Mill Woods United choir was one of seven to participate in the third annual Edmonton Intercultural Christmas concert. Held at Kirk United Church from 3 to 5 pm, it was organized by the Intercultural Ministry Committee of Edmonton Presbytery, which is chaired by our own Andrew Janewski. The featured performers were Linnea Good and David Johnson from Summerland BC. They performed and also led all seven choirs (from Mill Woods, McDougall, St. Paul’s, Grace, and Korean United churches and the United Methodist (Zimbabwe) and Wesley Methodist (Ghana) churches) in a mass chorus, “Light up the Night,” which was written by Linnea Good.

Thanks to Bryan LeGrow who led our choir so ably on the afternoon, the crowd which filled Kirk United Church, the organizers, and all who participated.

December 3, “150 Acts of Reconciliation”

Our Advent Peace Sunday service featured a presentation by Dr. Sara Komarkinsky of the University of Alberta talking about the “150 Acts of Reconciliation” guide that she and Dr. Crystal Fraser published in August of 2017. Thanks to her and to Mary-Anne Janewski and Nancy Siever for helping to organize this informative and inspiring worship service.

December 1, Wine-tasting fund-raiser

More than 30 of us gathered at “Vines” (near 23 Ave and Rabbit Hill Road) for a fun and informative evening of wine tasting. More than $1100 was raised for the church! Thanks to Jennifer and Rob McPhee for organizing this event.

November 25, Christmas Craft Fair

For the 19th November in a row, a successful Christmas Craft Fair was held in the church. Many thanks to the vendors, Heavenly Hospitality, and all the volunteers and organizers who made this a great fundraiser for the church and a fun time for the whole community.

November 19, Annual Financial Meeting

After a joint worship service with our partner congregation — United Methodist (Zimbabwe) Edmonton — 50 members of Mill Woods United gathered for an important congregational meeting.

A 2018 Budget was approved based on the “Comfort Zone” scenario that was put forward by the Facing the Future Team, endorsed by Church Council, and supported at the meeting by our three chairpersons, Lindy Mair, Carla Janzen, and Kathy Poechman.

The Budget calls for staff cuts. While the Custodian position will stay as is, the vacant Child Youth and Family position will not be filled, the Social Media Coordinator position will be eliminated, at least temporarily, and the minister, administrator, and musician will have their hours reduced by 20% in 2018. These cuts will mean less programming and greater reliance upon lay volunteers. It also means that the $20K deficit forecast for 2017 could turn into a modest surplus in 2018.

The meeting generated the following ideas for how this reduced level of staffing might work:

• services led by laypeople in July and August — “coffee and conversation,” sharing circles, hymn-sings, use of the labyrinth, and so on
• sharing summer services with another church
• Food Bank: Might they support us with say $500 / week if that helped to keep our depot open?
• Cell phone tower: could we be getting more for the tower, especially if we were in danger of closing
• Ian is fine with 80% working time; he has been involved in the discussions of FTF from the beginning, so this is not a surprise for him.
• Raising the rental fees for our tenants, especially to help cover our increased costs in power, heat, etc.
• Could the church be kept cooler to save on heating costs?
• How many members does our church have?
• A small amount of increased giving by each family would make a big difference
• Youth and children are necessary to grow
• Could we ask the Zimbabwean Congregation to help contribute more towards the upkeep of the church? Randy said they are already paying some and have increased this since they started here.

The Nominations Committee made a report that included the good news that Rob McPhee has agreed to stand for Council Co-Chair for 2018-19 and that Carla Janzen will continue in that role next year.

Thank you to Rob McPhee for chairing the meeting and treating us to a heartwarming synopsis of our church/family life over the past 40 years. Thank you to Laine Pickle and Randy Round for the huge amount of time they have dedicated in preparing a presentation providing us with clarity of our financial position.

The next congregational meeting will be our Annual General Meeting, probably to be held on Sunday March 11, 2018.

November 19, joint worship with United Methodist (Zimbabwe) congregation

A small but enthusiastic group of members of our partner congregation led us in joint worship. Rev. Tazvionepi (Tazvi) Nyarota delivered a gracious message and the singing was joyous and plentiful. The turnout would have been higher except for the sad news that the husband of Winnie Magara, the Chair of the Board of the Methodist church, had died the day before. Most of the members of the Zimbabwean congregation were in St. Albert praying with and supporting Winnie as she prepared to travel to Zimbabwe, where her husband had died.

As it turned out, it was a big week for immigrants from Zimbabwe. Moves by the military removed President Robert Mugabe from power, which left everyone in Zimbabwe torn between hope and anxiety. Our prayers of solidarity and support extend to our United Methodist partner congregation and to everyone in Zimbabwe.

We offered our condolences to Winnie and gave thanks for our partnership with the Zimbabwean congregation. We look forward to many more opportunities for joint worship, outreach and fellowship in 2018 and beyond.

November 18, “Church Chat” drag show

On Saturday evening, more than 50 people gathered for the second “Church Chat” drag show to be held at Mill Woods United Church. The first was held in June 2016.

The costumes were fabulous, the music was fun, and the banter between the two hosts, “Lady Tenderflake” and “Lola” kept us amused. Thanks to AJ Janewski for taking the lead in organizing this event, to The Sovereign Court of the Imperial Wild Rose for the performances, and to all who gathered to have fun and to raise money for the charities that the Court supports.

November 16, “Hot Topics,” #2

On Thursday November 17, seven us met in the Lounge to watch a 24-minute documentary on end-of-life decisions in an Intensive Care Unit, “Extremis,” Netflix 2016. This was followed by an hour of sharing and discussion. The next Hot Topic evening will be on January 18, 2018. We will watch two excerpts from a movie by Michael Moore (“Where to Invade Next”), which we hope will spark discussion on decriminalizing mind- and mood-altering drugs and the criminal justice system.

November 10, “Grab bag Whist”

Thirty people enjoyed playing whist, eating treats, and adjusting their grab bags of small goodies based upon their winnings. A great time was had by all. Thanks to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing the evening.

October 19, “Hot Topics” #1

On Thursday Oct 19 a small but engaged group met in the Lounge to listen to a podcast from the CBC radio program “Tapestry.” Called “The pros and cons of raising your kids with religion,” it generated a lively discussion. The second “Hot Topics” will be on Thursday November 19 at 7 pm. We will watch an award-winning Netflix documentary called “Extremis.” It is about end-of-life decisions at the an intensive care unit.

October 1, farewell to Bev Thompson

The congregation gave Bev Thompson a fond farewell at our Sunday service after three years of service as our Child, Youth, and Family Worker. Many people wore hats or wigs in tribute to Bev for a job well done.

September 8-10, United Methodist Revival

Our partner congregation made up of Zimbabwean immigrants (the United Methodist Church of Edmonton) held a spirited Revival Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and all night Sunday, finishing at dawn.

Ian and Kim were acknowledged by Rev. Tazi Nyarota at the start of Saturday afternoon worship

September 3, Paul Kirman preaches

On September 3, Paula Kirman, our Social Media and Marketing Coordinator, presented a reflection on her own faith journey and the work she does for the church.

July 16, indoor picnic

After our Sunday morning service, twenty of us gathered in the Lower Hall for a meal of hot dogs and desserts. In the middle of a beautiful and hot July, we had hoped to meet on the east lawn of the property under the shade of Aspen trees. But July 16 turned out to be a cool, windy, and smoky day, so we were glad to be inside for food and conversation. Thanks to the Worship Committee (especially Cathy Bayly and Laura Goss) for organizing this event.

June 18, marking National Aboriginal Day

We gathered in a circle on Sunday June 18 around the drums of Chubby Cree and two tables blessed with sacred symbols of Indigenous and Christian spirituality to mark National Aboriginal Day, 2017. Thank you to Mary-Anne Janewski, Nancy Siever, and Bev Thompson for organizing and leading this service for memory, reconciliation, and transformation, and to the wonderful music of Chubby Cree, the prayers of Evelyn Day, and all who came to sing and dance together.

Intercultural service, June 11

Andrew Janewski of Mill Woods United presided and Rev. Tazvi Nyarota of our partner congregation, Zimbabwe United Methodist – Edmonton, preached at Edmonton Presbytery’s first-ever Sunday morning Intercultural Ministry service. Held at Kirk United Church, about 70 people from a range of congregations (both “ethnic” and “majority European-descent”) attended.

In related news, Andrew Janewski has been elected the new Chairperson of Edmonton Presbytery’s Intercultural Ministry Committee. Congratulations Andrew!

Pride Parade, June 10

An enthusiastic group from MWUC joined the United Church contingent on the annual Edmonton Pride Parade down Whyte Avenue on Saturday June 10. As usual, we had a wonderful time as we showed our solidarity with LGTBQ people here and around the world.

Pentecost service and potluck, June 4

On Pentecost Sunday, the Mill Woods United and Zimbabwean United Methodist congregations worshipped together. We sang, prayed, and reflected on this annual celebration of the coming of the Spirit. Following the service, we gathered in the Lower Hall for a potluck lunch.

Annual General Meeting, May 28, 2017

More than 40 people stayed after Sunday worship to participate in our Annual General Meeting. The meeting elected a new Council including for the first time a trio of chairpersons: Lindy Mair, Carla Janzen and Kathy Poechman. For the complete list of Council members, see the June “Connections” newsletter.

Outgoing Chairperson Brian Sampson offered a year in review presentation and received grateful applause for the two years he has spent as Chairperson. Laine Pickle provided background on challenges facing the congregation in a Facing the Future presentation, and Randy Round presented a revised Budget for 2017, which was approved.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important event. The next congregational meetings will be in late November 2017 (Annual Financial Meeting) and late February or early March 2018 (Annual General Meeting).

Brand MWUC BBQ, May 27, 2017

More than 35 people gathered at Dave and Nancy Siever’s house on a beautiful spring evening for barbequed food and conversation. Thanks to the Sievers for hosting and to Rob and Jennifer McPhee for organizing this fun and successful event.

Spring Craft Market, May 13, 2017

Thanks to all the organizers, vendors, and people who came out on Saturday May 13, 2017 to make our fifth annual Spring Craft Market a great success.

Island Paradise, April 29, 2017

More than 40 people enjoyed a “progressive dinner” on Saturday April 29 as they traveled from Audrey and Randy Round’s house (appetizers), to Kathy and Paul Poechman’s house (main course), and to Veronica and Ken Tovell’s house (dessert) on a Caribbean Island theme. Delicious food and enjoyable conversation kept the party flowing all evening long. Thank you to Jennifer and Rob and McPhee for organizing this fun and successful event.

Holy Week and Easter 2017

We began Holy Week on April 9 with an inter-generational service. It started with Palm Sunday but took us right “to the foot of the cross” with readings for Good Friday as well. We sang through the communion prayers, and sisters Eliza and Hannah served communion with our minister.

On Thursday April 13, we gathered with our partners and friends from the Zimbabwean United Methodist congregation for a Holy Thursday service. Rev. Ian Kellogg and Rev. Tazvionepi Nyarota led a a celebration of Holy Communion and a ritual of hand-washing. Communion reflected the tradition of a Last Supper from the evening in which Jesus was betrayed (Paul, Mark, Matthew and Luke). Hand washing reflected the tradition of Jesus washing his friends feet on the night in which he was betrayed. (John).

The next morning after a night of snow, 25 of us gathered in the sanctuary for a time of song, reading, and reflection to mark the trials and crucifixion of Jesus in a Good Friday service. Mill Woods MLA and Minister of Labour for Alberta, Christina Gray attended. She gifted the congregation with a beautiful lily to mark the season.

On Easter Sunday, April 16, a large congregation gathered to reflect, sing and celebrate on a bright sunny morning. Four youth offered solos: Nate Burton, Oliver Burton and Sadie Englot on the piano and Georgia Englot on the violin.

Among other visitors on Sunday morning, we were glad to welcome the Member of Parliament for Mill Woods and federal Minister for Infrastructure, Amarjeet Sohi.

Twenty of our members were not at our service. They were at the Bissell Centre worshipping with the Inner City Pastoral Ministry and serving lunch under the leadership of Don Grabinsky. Thank you to Don and everyone who contributed to this special Easter lunch.

Sharing Hope: April 6, 2017

Ten people spent an evening sharing their feelings, thoughts and perspectives on living into hope in dark times. We passed a “grandfather stone” around a circle in the sanctuary. We shared which of 10 quotes on hope struck us most strongly; what difficulties we encounter in feeling hopeful today; and how we are able to proclaim hope despite difficulties. As we left, an article with 17 tips on staying optimistic was handed to each participant.

Thanks to the Worship Committee for organizing this event and to Ethel Ray for leading us in a time of sacred sharing, silence, and reflection.

Leprechaun Gold: March 18, 2017

Rob and Jennifer McPhee organized an adult social evening of the simple card game Court Whist along with green drinks, snacks and desserts. The 25 or so participants wore their finest green attire, and a good time was had by all. Thanks Rob and Jennifer!

Follow-up to February 26, 2017 Annual Financial Meeting

On March 14, Council continued a discussion on financial and leadership deficits begun at the Annual Financial Meeting on February 26. The discussion focused on feedback provided at the meeting and comments provided by congregation members following the meeting. Council thanks everyone for the constructive input.

As we all are aware, immediate resolution of the leadership and financial challenges is not possible. Despite the need for longer-term solutions to long term-problems, it was agreed by Council that four steps will be implemented as soon as possible:

An “ask” letter, will be sent to the entire congregation, both past and present, by the end of March. While it is recognized that this is only one step of a broader “stewardship” initiative, it is something that we can do now with the resources available to us.

Council will advise the Greater Edmonton Alliance that although we continue to support the vision of the organization, we will be suspending our membership for at least this coming year.

While we recognize the need for a strong social media presence and we recognize that we have made significant strides in this area during recent months, it has been decided that the contract with our social media contractor will be suspended or the hours will be reduced for an indefinite period while we reassess our overall approach to reaching out to the community.
Council has met with Bev Thompson to discuss how the evolving needs of the Child, Youth and Family ministry can best be approached given its current status and the current availability of financial resources to support the program. Bev has graciously offered to accommodate flexibility with respect to the number of hours and the types of programming she will provide to continue this inspired and valuable ministry at this critical point of the congregation’s life.

These four actions will have a positive, though not overwhelming, impact on the 2017 Budget and a greater impact on the 2018 forecast if continued throughout the full 2018 year. None of these actions, however, in themselves, address the existing and pending leadership issue.

At its next meeting on March 28, 2017, the Facing the Future Committee will address other suggestions brought forward and will begin to examine the longer-term impact of the key assumptions that support the core values of the congregation. Results of those discussions will be communicated to the congregation in early April. At its April 11th meeting, Council will continue the discussions and determine if it is appropriate to present a new 2017 Budget to the congregation at the Annual General Meeting on May 28, 2017, or, if a special congregational meeting will be required prior to that time.

Council feels confident that the church can find new leadership and new sources of funds that will allow our busy ministry to continue to thrive. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.

Pancakes and ashes, February 28, 2017

Heavenly Hospitality members and other volunteers brought the Season of Epiphany to a close in style with a traditional pancake supper. More than 70 people gathered in the Lower Hall to eat, enjoy, catch up with friends, and meet new neighbours. Several clients from the Food Bank dropped by.

Thank you to Heavenly Hospitality for making this event a success!

After supper, about 20 people gathered in a circle for a ritual of ashes to mark the beginning of Lent. This year, Lent runs from Wednesday March 1 through Saturday April 15. Ashes from previous Palm Sunday services at both Mill Woods United and the Zimbabwean United Methodist congregation were combined with oil to mark the sign of the cross on those who had gathered for this time of prayer, reflection and preparation.

Annual Financial Meeting, February 26, 2017

Thirty people gathered in the Lower Hall after worship on February 26 to attend Mill Woods United’s 2017 Annual Financial Meeting. Paul Verdin chaired, Elfrieda Penner recorded the proceedings, and much of the meeting was led by Council’s Financial Rep, Randy Round. Randy presented the 2016 financial results, reported on our progress in implementing the 2013 five-year plan, “Called to be the Church,” and Facing the Future’s 2016 report, “Our Path Forward,” and moved a 2017 proposed budget — click here to find links to all these reports.

The projected $30K deficit in the proposed 2017 budget generated a lot of useful discussion, and in the end the budget was defeated. Instead, the meeting directed Council to treat the 2017 proposed budget as an interim document ahead of an emergency congregational meeting at which Council will present alternatives. Watch this website for more details.

The meeting also passed a motion on a 2017 “Mission and Service” target of $17K and had a discussion based on a Nominations Committee report that noted the difficulties in getting candidates to step forward for positions like Chairperson of Council, Stewardship Lead, and others.

The meeting thanked Randy for the huge amount of work he put into preparing and leading this meeting, one that generated a lot of ideas for how we might approach our finances, our leadership, and our ongoing mission as a congregation.

“Almost the Oscars,” February 17, 2017

On Friday evening February 17, 25 people from Mill Woods United headed to South Edmonton Common to watch a movie. Some saw “La La Land,” others “Lion,” and yet others “Hidden Figures.” Following these screenings, we headed to the McPhee household for desserts and conversation. A great time was had by all!

Thank you to Jennifer and Rob for organizing this fun-filled evening.

Sharing Circle, January 19, 2017

The Worship Committee thanks the 14 people who came to an evening of sharing in a circle conversation for our congregation on January 19 on the mission and worship focus of the church. Under the leadership of three facilitators (Katharine Weinmann, Beth Sanders and Maureen Parker), we heard what was on our hearts and minds in the wake of big shifts in the world political situation and what this might mean both for Sunday mornings and outreach to the neighbourhood. We are confident this sharing will help us going forward.

A monetary donation has been forwarded to “The Circle Way” in lieu of professional fees.

At its next meeting, the Worship Committee will discuss other ways to encourage feedback and discussion — perhaps study groups and more times of sharing. Watch The Morning Messenger and the What’s the Buzz e-newsletter for more information.

“Next Travel Adventure” January 6, 2017

Rob and Jennifer McPhee entertained more than 20 people on Friday evening, January 6 with a photo and video presentation of their 2015 two-month tour of South America. Colourful scenes and stories from Chile, Antarctica, Uruguay, Argentina and Brazil kept us engaged. People also enjoyed refreshments and time to socialize afterward. Thank you Jennifer and Rob!

2016

Anniversary Service, November 20, 2016: Siyahambe!

Never underestimate the power of spiritual gatherings. That is one of my thoughts following the 40th anniversary service at Mill Woods United on November 20.

There was so much that I loved about that gathering: the 12 minute slide-show created with care and dedication by Brian Sampson; the presence of 13 of the 48 charter members from 1976; the words of appreciation — by Janice Martin upon being recognized for 25 years of service as Office Administrator; by Tazvi Nyarota of the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe; by MLA Christina Gray; and by Juan, Luis and Francisco Jr. Rico for being welcomed by the church 13 years ago; the sharing from three former ministers from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s: Tom Sawyer, Norm Macdonald and Dale Irving; the music of the choir, of the Zimbabwean congregation, and of soloist Nelson Nagrenda; the participation of children and youth under Bev Thompson’s direction; and the great spirit that prevailed during lunch in the Lower Hall.

Thanks to you everyone who helped with the day: Cathy Bayly and Lindy Mair for leading us off, Rob McPhee for being MC during the lunch; Heavenly Hospitality for serving lunch; Bryan LeGrow for leading us in music; Paula Kirman for taking photographs and doing such a great job of promoting the event on both traditional and social media; those who sent greetings by mail; and all 175 of us who gathered. Together we created an experience that showed the strength of this community of faith. I am also happy that CTV Edmonton wove footage of the service into its report on Transgender Day of Remembrance and highlighted the story of our own AJ Janewski. Thank you AJ for yourself and your advocacy, and to everyone who makes Mill Woods United such a diverse, welcoming and evolving church.

Celebrations like the one on November 20 accomplish a lot of things. They remind us of the joy that flows from the work of outreach, social justice, education, and worship. They reconnect us to sacred values of compassion, hospitality, and the search for beauty and truth. They inspire us to continue to be there for each other and our neighbours in times of trouble and triumph. They remind us that an inner flame of God’s Love flickers within each one of us.

Participating in the work of a church is not always easy. Walking the line between enthusiasm and burnout can be tricky. Being present to the moment involves both joy and grief. Figuring out what is going on in our hearts, in the neighbourhood and in the world is complex, and differences in perspectives are inevitable. Keeping a church firing on all cylinders but also financially viable is a constant struggle of both administration and inspiration.

But we did it. We made it through 40 wonderful years, and we celebrated this milestone. May this anniversary gathering fill us with new energy for today and with hope for the future in both church and world — Ian

Greetings received for the 40th

As well as the in-person greetings and memories mentioned above, we received best wishes by mail from many invitees who couldn’t make it. Some of them are copied below . . .

Rev. Shelagh Parsons
Dear friends,

I do regret that I am unable to attend your celebration today. I had it on my calendar and made plans to come but family and health matters have interfered sending these plans askew.

Although my times with the congregation were brief in nature, I have fond memories of my time spent with you; first a short stint (85 I believe), sharing the house with Tom Sawyer and then a later two-year interim with Southwood’s congregation (89-91).

The former brings forth memories of a Passover Celebration in the house with no room to spare. I was so surprised that so many decided to attend on Maundy Thursday. Following that was the Easter Sunrise service with the youth group on the little knoll behind the house. The sun was absent, my fingers just about fell off playing my guitar attempting to sing “Morning has Broken” and a little further on in the service “Lord of the Dance”. We were dancing alright with the cold wind and snow that decided to engage us. Yet there were at least 30 people if not more that came to be supportive. We finished quickly and ran for the house to crowd in and have toaster waffles. Don’t remember eating any but sure remember the coffee. Everything was less than perfect or even moderately good but all was embraced with heart.

The two-year interim was a difficult time for Southwoods; their minister Dan Newell was off on disability leave. I do recall the ‘dunk tank’ at the community fair for which I was the subject. Again, it was a cold Sept. day. It would have been great had Kim’s wet suit fit but alas it did not. I would have done OK if it wasn’t that so many were good at throwing a baseball and hit the mark.

The ‘dunk tank’ was probably appropriate to describe the interim at that time. Interim is to help in transition and this was one filled with grief and anger. Target practice was sometimes a necessary reality. However, the goodness of the folks and memories of a small but amazing choir are still with me. In fact, each year come Christmas, as I will this year, I pull out my Southwood’s Christmas CD and enjoy once again the wonderful music.

Thank you all for the memories; and again, I am truly sorry I will not be able to make it to your anniversary celebration. May you be blessed and the sacred of life continue to engage you today and always.

Shelagh Parsons

Rev. Deanna Cox
Dear Worship Team,

Thank you so much for the invitation to celebrate your 40th Anniversary as an official pastoral charge. It was my honour to be a part of your faith community during the six years that I served as youth minister (1997-2003). You continue to hold a special place in my heart. Looking back now you were an instrumental part of my journey towards ministry. You were the faith family environment that I longed for, a place of spiritual growth for our whole family, and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to get to know you as I did.

I regret that I am unable to be with you as you gather to celebrate. It would have been wonderful to see you all again, to show off how our family has grown, and to be able to thank and congratulate you in person. However, the calling that you helped identify in me means that I am leading worship in my own congregations that day. Know that I will be holding you and your ministry in my prayers that day.

Thanks for the gifts your ministry have shared with the world.
Congratulations on your 40th anniversary.

Many blessings as you continue to share the Good News with your corner of the world.

Sincerely,
Rev. Deanna Cox

Rev. Wim Kreeft
Mill Woods United Church

My connection with you runs deep.

Joy and I joined the Southwoods United Church in 1991. In 1992 Southwoods, with the leadership of Rev. Bob Harper, became my sponsoring congregation as I began my foray into ministry. On August 13, 1994 Joy and I were married in First Mill Woods United Church. In September of 1994 I began my 8-month internship at First Mill Woods with Rev. Tom Sawyer.

Southwoods and First Mill Woods were most generous with their love and support. I was encouraged and nurtured by these two wonderful congregations and by the leaders, both lay and ordered, who guided me on my journey.

As you have held the candle of God’s love for me, I’m certain you have done so for countless others. I pray that your 40th anniversary service is filled with wonderful memories.

Rev. Wim Kreeft
Centennial United Church
Stayner, Ontario

Rev. Armand Houle
Greetings to My Friends at Mill Woods United Church

It is with much joy that I wish you all the best on your 40th Anniversary.

I have many fond memories of my four years with you as your minister. From the Bread Run to the Mitten Tree, from the Heavenly Hospitality Group to the Men’s Breakfast, from the Food Bank to the Clothing Bank, from GEA to a budding relationship with the Papaschase First Nation, from all the wonderfully faithful people to all the other wonderfully faithful people in the congregation, I give thanks for my ministry in your midst.

Even as I give thanks for all these wonderful memories there are two events that stick out in my mind that I would like to mention.

The first was the formation of the Community Garden. What an exciting time it was to see the front lawn of the church transformed into shared garden space to be used by the community.

The other was the beginning of the “Little Green Thumbs Program.” The joy on the faces of the children as they gathered each week to learn about and tend their garden in the basement was amazing. Not to mention that it is not every minister who can say that there was a “grow-op,” in the church basement.

In all seriousness and sincerity, the greatest memory that I have is that the greatest strength of Mill Woods United is that it has always been, and continues to be, dedicated to being in and for the community locally and globally.

May the Holy Spirit continue to swirl in your midst as you continue to walk the way of disciples of Jesus.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Armand Houle

Virginia and Neal Palmer
Sonia, Andrew and I (Virginia) worshipped in First Mill Woods United Church at Hillview School the first weekend we arrived in Edmonton in 1989. We were welcomed warmly and stayed during the growing years of the kids and their involvement in Sunday School, the youth groups, the move to our new building, helping me with the Food Bank, attendance in a confirmation class, CGIT group and their Vesper Services, and leader of the Boys Group. Mill Woods United Church was our church home for many years, and I enjoyed my involvement on various committees, groups, and annual events. Sonia especially enjoyed her time with the confirmation class led by Rev. Norm McDonald.

My parents, George and Margaret Watt, began worshipping with us as a family at Mill Woods United Church when they moved to Edmonton in 1993 and also became involved in many activities and leading occasional worship services. It was a special and very sad honour to have both their funerals in Mill Woods United Church and be surrounded by so many of our church friends and feel their support and love at those times.

I [Neal] began worshipping at Mill Woods United in January of 2000. A time—between ministers. A time as well, to experience first-hand, the many gifts of the people there. Kim and Mitchell, in time, started coming as well, with Kim eventually singing in the choir, being mentored by wonderful people like Carole Kelly (and others.) Dale Irving arriving in August and introducing a theology I’d not been exposed to before. Leading me to some pretty serious questioning, at times discomfort, sometimes—even anger. Which, in time, led to a letter to Paul Verdin, Chair of the Board —asking that a discernment process be initiated to test what I suspected might be a call to ministry. Which, eventually, led to a discernment committee being formed—including Larry Garner, Renee Englot & Tim Janewski from the congregation here. That one year [plus] process was one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.

Speaking of gifts, there are many, I’ve come to know in ordered ministry. But one not so great is, eventually, having to leave one’s church family. And that’s what happened in September, 2009, when my internship at Trinity United began.

Mill Woods United Church will always be a very special place for another wonderful reason. This is where we met, and then were married there in 2008, again surrounded by our church family and friends. We love to visit there whenever we can, although visiting on Sundays is now rather difficult, due to Neal’s ministry obligations.

We and our kids always feel as if we are coming home when we walk in the doors and see and feel the welcome, the familiar surroundings and the memories. We are so sorry we aren’t able to attend on November 20, 2016 as we would have loved to do so, but Neal, unfortunately, has Presbytery commitments in McLennan, Alberta that day.

Rest assured, though, we will be there in Spirit…

Lovingly remembered,
Virginia and Neal Palmer

Amarjett Sohi, MP, Edmonton Mill Woods

We wanted to extend our congratulations on your 40th anniversary milestone this weekend. Your ongoing commitment to the community and devotion is a wonderful testament to what makes Mill Woods wonderful to represent. We wish you all the best as you celebrate and look to the future.
Leigh Makarewicz
Constituency Manager

On behalf of,
Amarjeet Sohi, MP
Edmonton Mill Woods

Fabulous Fall Frolic 2016

Our Fabulous Fall Frolic took place on October 29, 2016 at 7 p.m. Our theme was Masquerade, with entertainment from Go 4 Broke improv comedy troupe and Opus@12 Chamber Concert Society.
If you were not able to attend our Fabulous Fall Frolic, you can still help us meet our fundraising goals! Make a financial contribution to the Fabulous Fall Frolic Community Outreach Fundraiser by clicking on the Give button below! You’ll be taken to our fundraising page at the CanadaHelps website, where you can select “Fabulous Fall Frolic” from the menu of options, and donate securely!

Changing the “constitution” of the United Church of Canada

After worship on Sunday, Sept 25, 2016, five people met in the Lounge to hear Ian give a presentation and lead a discussion on four “remits” that General Council has asked all congregations to vote on by spring 2017. They will be presented for a “yes/no” vote at the Annual Financial Meeting of Mill Woods United in February 2017.

The four remits are headlined as:

• Three Council Model (merging presbyteries and conferences)
• Elimination of “Transfer and Settlement” (making calling a minister easier)
• A new “Office of Vocation” for calling, training and disciplining ministers
• Change in funding — simplifying how levels of the church above congregations are funded.
• For more information see gc42.ca/remits

Discussing theology — or the lack thereof!

On Thursday Sept 22, 20 members of Mill Woods United gathered in the sanctuary to share perspectives, comments and feelings about the United Church of Canada’s first ever heresy trial of Rev. Gretta Vosper of Toronto. This meeting followed a sermon on September 18 at MWUC that focused on the case.

Intercultural Ministry Picnic

The second annual picnic of the Intercultural Ministry Committee of Edmonton Presbytery took place at Rundle Park on July 9. Mill Woods is one of the congregations that is part of this ministry, and we enjoyed a fun time of food and fellowship.

June 26, 2016

Chief Calvin Bruneau of the Papaschase First Nation was our guest speaker during our morning service. The service focused on reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous people one year after the publication of the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and 30 years after the United Church of Canada first offered an official apology to First Nations people. We also created “reconciliation hearts” to plant in our community garden on the front lawn of the church and a special offering was taken for the United Church’s Healing Fund. That evening, 30 people came to our free screening of the film Elder in the Making.

Worship in the Park — June 19

On June 19, we met at Gold Bar Park for our annual Worship in the Park. The theme of the potluck was “Back to the Future” to evoke memories of church camping weekends in the 80s and 90s as we launch into summer.

Chat with the Church Lady

On Saturday evening, June 11, Mill Woods United sanctuary was the site for an uplifting and fun drag show put on by The Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose. This first-ever drag show at the church was part of the Affirm Team’s celebration of the 10th anniversary of the vote to make Mill Woods United an Affirming ministry. From Gospel to Broadway, from drag kings to drag queens, the evening had it all.

Pride Parade 2016

Eight happy MWUC folk joined a large group of United Church people from other congregations on Saturday June 4 on Whyte Avenue. The Parade gets bigger every year, but the applause that greets church folk who affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender expressions never gets old. Thanks to everyone who came to the Parade, helped to organize it, and who walked in it. See you next year!

Annual General Meeting
Sunday May 15 — more later!

Affirming Anniversary — 10 years!

During worship on May 15, 2016 and as part of the sermon/reflection, Tim Janewski came forward to share some of the history of what led Mill Woods United to vote to become an officially affirming congregation and the impact that decision has had on our work as a community of faith and upon Tim’s family specifically. More late . . .

Boomers and Beyond — March-April 2016

Thank you to Linda Paddon! She spearheaded this three-part information series for seniors saw more than 60 people come to Mill Woods United in spring 2016.

• March 30: Support services for seniors in need: Kathleen Kelly from Sage Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton
• April 6,: Planned giving: Kathryn Hofley, Financial Development Officer for the United Church; and Legal matters faced by elders and their children: Andrew McLaughlin from Turning Point Law
• April 13: Funeral Planning: Scott Misick from Serenity Funeral Service; and Downsizing and preparing to move: Shannon Lang from Eldermove

Why did we put this information series together? At Mill Woods United Church, we believe there is a need within the community to better understand some of the issues that arise with aging. Whether we are preparing for retirement or dealing with parents in their elder years, how do we access impartial information and supports?

The following statements are typical of the concerns we have heard:

• “I am newly retired. It seems that every time we get together with friends, we end up talking about declining parents.”
• “I was employed as an administrative associate at an investment firm. Too often I worked with executors who struggled with that role, or family members who knew nothing about their parent’s financial affairs when they needed to activate enduring powers of attorney.”
• “Because I used to be a long term care nurse, I get questions about where to go for help with the healthcare issues of elders.”
• “Our family needs to find new housing for a parent that can no longer live independently.”
• “Having struggled to help our parents down-size, we want to be better prepared so that our children don’t have to go through that!”
• “We have found ourselves planning a funeral only to realize that we don’t really know the person’s wishes.”

Planning for the future is a challenge since we don’t really know what kind of help we may need or when we will need it. Where can we go for help when a need arises? What aspects can we put in place ahead of time? It is far too easy to put off research and action until our need becomes urgent. At that point it could be too late, the stress would be huge, or worse yet, I may no longer be capable of making my wishes known.

The Boomers and Beyond speaker series was designed to share valuable information around aging issues. It occurred on three Wednesday evenings at 7:30 in the sanctuary. It was free and came with no obligation. Presentations featured leading experts in seniors and aging issues. The format welcomed questions and included discussion time to interact with the presenting expert.

April 4, 2016, Monday, 5 pm — ‘The Walrus’ talks spirituality

Six people gathered in the church Lounge for a live stream of an event in Toronto organized by the United Church ‘Observer’ and ‘The Walrus’ magazine. Leading thinkers examined faith, culture, community and the role of spirituality in our secular society:

• Nicole Brooks, creator
• Natalie Bull, executive director, The National Trust for Canada
• Lewis Cardinal, Cardinal Strategic Communications
• Timothy Caulfield, author
• Joan Garson, president, Holy Blossom Temple
• Michael Ingham, bishop and theologian
• Gretta Vosper, minister, United Church of Canada

http://ucobserver.org/faith/2016/03/walrus_talks/index.php

Holy Week, 2016

Thursday, March 24, at 7 pm Mill Woods United Church and the Zimbabwean United Methodist Church in Edmonton held our first ever joint worship service. Rev. Ian Kellogg and Rev. Tazvi Nyarota co-presided at Holy Communion and a ritual of foot-washing to commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus and his friends.

Friday, March 25 at 10:30 am we held a solemn service of song and reflection to mark Good Friday. Maddi Ferguson provided violin music to enhance the worship experience.

Saturday, March 26, Bev Thompson led a Community Lunch at which 60 people enjoyed hot dogs and ice cream after our normal Saturday Bread Run. Thank you Bev!

Sunday, March 27 at 10:30 am, we held a joyous Easter Festival worship service marked by singing, movement, and lots of joyous Hallelujahs!

March 6, 2016, “Great Plains” Concert

About 40 people came out to Mill Woods United on a snowy evening to enjoying the eclectic and upbeat music of Darrel and Saskia Delaronde, aka, “The Great Plains.” Some money was raised for the church, the singing was well-received, and a good time was had by all. Thank you Darrel and Saskia!

Great-Plains

“Reconciling Edmonton” Art Display, February 2016

From January 29th to February 22nd, 2016, Mill Woods United Church was pleased to host “Reconciling Edmonton,” a collaborative exhibit featuring:

• Paintings by 2015 Office of the City Clerk Artist-in-Residence Jennie Vegt
• Poetry by 2011-13 Edmonton Poet Laureate Anna Marie Sewell and 2014-15 Edmonton Historian Laureate Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
• Collage prints featuring 1200 of the hearts created by Edmontonians to honour Indian Residential School Survivors, from the Heart Garden planted in June, at the close of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s national events
• Royal the Gamble

This project is the work of RISE (Reconciliation In Solidarity Edmonton) founded by Miranda Jimmy, the fourth key collaborator in Reconciling Edmonton.

Reconciling Edmonton debuted on November 25th, 2015 at an event that featured the first Round Dance to be held in City Hall, and continues to tour to various locations.

January 17, 2016: Welcome Potluck

Following the Sunday worship time of the Zimbabwean United Methodist Church (ZUMC), Heavenly Hospitality hosted a welcome dinner for ZUMC, who are now sharing our facilities. About 100 people came out: to welcome the Zimbabwean congregation; to celebrate the beginning of MWUC’s 40th anniversary year; to give thanks for the year past, and to look forward in hope to a new year. Before coffee, members of ZUMC led us in some lively singing and dancing.

Below are three messages we received after the potluck. The first was from Rev. Tazvi Nyarota. She wrote:

Grace and peace to you all.

It is my great joy to write on behalf of The Zimbabwe United Methodist Church expressing our thankfulness to the welcome potluck dinner you hosted us. If there were other word besides “THANK YOU”, I would definitely use them so that you feel how grateful we are as a church. In our mother tongue, we have a saying that says, “relationships are fulfilled by sitting down and eat together” (that is when literally translated).

We feel welcomed and loved at the same time. May the good Lord continue to bless you and the ministry of the church. Once again, thank you for your love.

Another letter was from Heavenly Hospital. Lynda Colgan wrote:

THANK YOU!!! to all those who participated in the POT LUCK WELCOME LUNCH with the ZUMC this past Sunday. As usual, the food was good and folks seem to enjoy the opportunity to share with our Zimbabwean friends. Greetings were exchanged and they presented our congregation with a large clock. Ian responded with humour that it would help ensure we were finished our service in time for them to start their service and everyone laughed. We especially enjoyed their singing and dancing to drums. Hopefully this event signifies a future of learning and sharing together!

Finally, here is a message from Brian Sampson, Mill Woods United Council Chairperson:

With a new year, MWUC also began a new association for our church. I am very pleased to report that we have successfully welcomed the Zimbabwean United Methodist Church into our facility.

Their congregation has access to our facility Sundays beginning 1200-1230 pm for their service. As well they have similar access to book the rest of the building as do MWUC members on a first-come basis. As of January 18, they have held 3 services on Sunday afternoons, their ladies group has used the lounge on Friday evenings, and the youth president has held a meeting on a Saturday morning and both congregations recently held a joint potluck dinner. They have placed their drums in the sanctuary and are temporarily storing some kitchen goods downstairs until we find a place for it. They will be sharing the lounge as office space as we now do. Future uses of the facility will be by mutually agreed prior arrangements.

In general we seem to be fitting together well.

Our church is again becoming a busy place and we are aware of the need for a liaison person. As per our Sharing Agreement with ZMUC —

MWUC and ZMUC shall each designate a person to meet with the other church every three months, or as needed, to communicate any issues or concerns arising under this Agreement in order to encourage a positive dialogue between the churches.

Since each church has its own decision-making structure, each church understands that these persons may not have decision-making authority, but instead shall serve as the primary communication vehicle between the churches.

For MWUC, this person would report to the Council. Temporarily, Ian and I are serving together as that contact person. We now need someone from MWUC to step forward to become that person or persons to ensure the positive dialogue continues and grows.

Ready for a new and exciting position in MWUC?

Contact Ian Kellogg 780.463.2202 or Brian Sampson 780.722.7946

January 16, 2016, Saturday evening — To Touch Our Souls II

About 10 people attended this post-Christmas, mid-winter pick-me up. It included a meditative walk on the labyrinth, gentle Yin-Yoga, a coffee and tea break with fruit and other snacks, and a screening of “Best Exotic Marigold Hotel II”!

Review of 2015 Financial Results
January 6, 2016, Randy Round

The 2015 Budget approved by the Congregation on Fe 13, 2015 assumed local receipts of $196,000 and expenses of $222,700 for a cash flow deficit of $26,700. The Budget included an assumption of a return to 2012 levels of local offerings ($150,000); maintaining the existing staffing levels; building rentals from existing groups; and, the addition of a new significant rental tenant – the Weight Watchers group for the January to May period.

Although various individual items were veering off budget during the year, until September 30, the $26,700 deficit was still seen as the likely outcome. Local offerings were well behind a pace that would see the budget target reached. This unfavourable trend was offset by the continuation of the Weight Watchers agreement throughout the balance of the year. As we had an “Available for Local Operations” cash on hand balance of $68,000 largely carried forward from the 2013 year where we had no minister salary or benefit costs, we were prepared to move forward on the set of assumptions presented.

Then came October! Several factors arose to drastically and favourably change the march towards the large deficit of $27,600 to, instead, a surprising surplus that will likely be finalized at around $5,000.

The “Halloween Miracle”: Not waiting for a “Christmas Miracle,” October local offering amounts were almost double the average for previous months of the year. Although the nature of the increase is mostly “one-time,” it certainly helped the 2015 picture by offsetting the lagging contributions experienced prior to October. November and December offerings were also above average.

Church usage: The budget approved in February 2015 included five months of a significant new rental revenue component. Although it meant giving up valuable time and control of our facility, the “trade-off” was a significant revenue stream to help offset the challenging deficit situation. That revenue stream, at that time, was anticipated to be for the first five months of the year. In fact, the rental arrangement remained in place for the full year, contributing a $16,800 favourable variance.
Fabulous Fall Fun Frolic: A net contribution of just over $8,000 from this event filled out the fundraising “faith gap” and more.

Mechanics of UCC Benefit Plan: As we all know, we have missed the services of our key administrative leader for almost half of the year. Janice’s administrative and creative contributions cannot be fully replaced, though many have been picked up by part-time paid staff, our Minister and volunteers. In the meantime, a reimbursement from the benefit plan based on a percentage of the regular salary for this position, resulted in a favourable salary expense variance of approximately $12,000.

The total impact of these factors is sufficient to offset the forecast $26,700 deficit and to provide a likely small surplus. Also, instead of the cash available balance of $68,000 being reduced to the $40,000 range, we now have a balance to carry forward of approximately $73,000. Instead of looking at a rather dismal picture of running out of cash within two years, we can now see a picture where deficits over the next few years, assuming our key assumptions remain constant, can be managed while the congregation’s path to the future evolves.

Zimbabwean congregation at MWUC

Starting on January 3, 2016, the Zimbabwean United Methodist Church in Edmonton (ZUMC) began to gather to study and worship in our sanctuary after 12 noon. Mill Woods United Church welcomes this new arrangement and sees it is as a blessing for both of our congregations.

ZUMC worships in the Shona language, but their times of study, song, and worship are open to anyone. All members of ZUMC speak English and they are happy to translate for non-Shona-speakers.

To celebrate this new arrangement, we will hold a potluck on Sunday afternoon January 17 at 3 pm. Watch this space for the final details! We will use this time to get to know each other a bit, to have fun, and to hear a few people from both congregations say a few words of encouragement and blessings on this new era for both our churches.

In 2016 and beyond, we hope to not only share our building but also to have times of study, worship, community outreach, and fellowship together.

2015

Christmas Craft Fair 2015 edition!

On Saturday November 28, a large group of dedicated volunteers once again hosted a successful craft fair. All potential tables were rented. Large crowds showed up. Heavenly Hospitality made more than $800 by selling a delicious lunch. We served our neighbourhood while raising a lot of money for the operation of our church. Thanks to everyone who organized the day and helped run it, especially to Ethel Ray and Carla Janzen

Fabulous Fall Frolic Fundraiser!

On Saturday October 24, 2015, we frolicked the night away!

After three months of planning, a chaotic afternoon of set up and decorating, an awesome party with 130 people and an hour to restore the church to normal, we finally set the alarm at 11:59 pm and locked the door. And in the end, we raised over $7,000 from our Fabulous Fall Frolic Fundraiser!!!

From the beautiful baroque music by Opus at 12 to the hilarity of improv by Go4Broke, the evening was an amazing success due to to collective efforts of so many! A huge thank you to everyone who sold tickets, donated items, set up and decorated, tended bar, bought stuff, took part in games and cleaned up after it all.

It is impossible to list everyone who helped out, but you know who you are, and we are so very grateful for all your enthusiasm, time and gifts. We want to extend a special thank you to Laverne Boswell for giving us the idea in the first place; to Lynda Colgan who supervised the kitchen and assisted Chef Eric Hanson; and to A.J. and Andrew Janewski and Juan and Francisco Rico Jr. for doing a classy job of serving food to all of us. Yeah Mill Woods United Church! — from your #FabFrolic Committee

Time, Talents & Treasures Event

On Sunday September 20, we hosted our first ever “Time Talent and Treasure” Event! It was a smashing success! Not only did we have some fun and discover something about each other, we raised close to $700!!! And we even raised $25.00 for Don Grabinsky NOT to sing for us!

Thank you so much to all who helped organize, set up, clean up and especially those who donated and purchased auction items! Special “Woot! Woot!” to Tim and Mary-Anne Janewski for set up Saturday evening, to the youth for the popcorn sales and to Lady Flower Garden for pumpkins and flowers for decorations. Could not have done it without everyone’s participation and enthusiasm!!! – Nancy Siever

“Facing the Future” discussions, July-August 2015

At our Sunday gatherings this summer, we discussed issues raised by the “Facing the Future” (FTF) group. FTF looks for ways to help Mill Woods United sustain itself in a rapidly changing culture. Below are notes from seven Sundays of discussion . . .

August 30 — wrap-up discussion

• see sermon, “What so good about death?!”
• “we just have to keep the faith and keep working away”
• “we are becoming a service-focused church
• use of communications technology can help MWUC members who have moved away stay in touch and continue to contribute — audio/video/text/etc.
• we should be “loud and proud” about what our denomination and congregation have done and are doing
• church is more than a building. A visitor talked about how her small town in Saskatchewan sold their church building (it is now a private family dwelling). They now worship in the community hall

August 23 — use of digital communications technology

• see sermon, “Draw it wider still . . . “
• services with uplifting music, a buoyant style, &/or an exciting feel are likely part of what is attracting younger people to some of the fundamentalist churches. In spite of our more progressive theology, we likely come across as quiet and reserved
• it appears that a more traditional message wrapped in a modern package is getting traction at other churches
• We may be progressive in our theology, but we have not been nearly as progressive in our presentation
• on the same Sunday we are discussing use of electronic media, we are singing a hymn from 1828. Which of our traditions/practices are an asset and which are a liability when it comes to attracting a younger demographic?
• multimedia is being widely used in classrooms. What about using more multimedia in church school?
• we are successfully using electronic media in a number of ways such as: What’s the buzz, Morning Messenger, e-mail reminders of Men’s Breakfast. How do we leverage these wins going forward?
• on-line conversations could be a possible alternative to traditional worship
• broadcasting our Sunday morning services to Laurel Heights Retirement Residence on days when Ian isn’t there could be a great way to expand our virtual presence.

August 16 — how we work with other United Church congregations in Edmonton

• see sermon, “Waiting for Kairos“
• the merger of congregations can result in a lot of hurting/grieving people
• we at MWUC need to be sensitive to the pain felt by people from closed congregations who may find their way to us
• we get value from the personal relationships our members have with individuals in other congregations. For example some from MWUC have shared in projects with people from Trinity UC. This is an opportunity that should be nurtured
• we are quite different from the congregations along Whyte Avenue that are discussing mergers
• when a congregation ceases to exist, some members simply stop going to church
• we are geographically separate from other United Churches
• as the only United Church in Mill Woods, there is no gain in moving to a congregation to the north
• amalgamation is more hopeful than simply closing

August 09 — Should MWUC disband (the short answer, “no!”)

• see sermon “Bursting at the seams“
• church is not an event needing a building, but a mission
• we have to change with the times – i.e. everyone has a smartphone and perhaps we should incorporate an app for more interaction- i.e. text questions during service
• mindset of United Church is focused on decreasing numbers and the possibility of disbanding – if mindset is predetermined the energy is centred on that premise
• energy is spent to avoid disbanding but mindset is to “accept” decline
• we need to spend time not only on new members but also on energizing the existing members
• need to explore ways to move forward and recognize that society, community, family and church are changing
• need to find out what the community needs/wants and integrate more and provide these services
• need new ways to bring children to church: e.g. use teacher development days as church day camps
• find ways to incorporate new and old together to form a “post-modern tapestry
• church brings people together, and this need grows stronger as we get older
• church family is often a stand in/replacement for family providing the missing companionship

July 26 — Alternate days and times for worship services?

• when the time of summer worship was changed in the past, many people struggled to remember
• people are busy and time is precious
• perhaps a Sunday Sabbath no longer fits with our lifestyle
• Sunday just feels right
• Sunday morning services don’t hold the significance they once did
• giving up the prime Sunday morning time slot could allow us to increase our rental revenue from the building
• gathering together to worship is what is most meaningful
• we used to have a 9 am Sunday morning worship that embraced a wide range of worship styles
• it is important that our worship service be regularly scheduled to allow people to make plans
• visitors expect to find us gathering on Sunday mornings
• public transportation can be difficult on Sundays
• informal worship opportunities are good – such as drop in times for the Labyrinth and book study
• could we partner with service groups such as Rotary, Lions, etc, to fund programs like The Bread Run?
• offer space to community groups who might need a facility to run programs in our area
• discontinue church school and put staff resources into children’s programs during school holidays – a way of helping parents with childcare

July 19 — Relating to the intercultural reality of Mill Woods

• few other faiths are aligned to the United Church and we may have difficulty finding common ground
• new immigrants seek community. If they are Catholic, or Pentecostal, or Muslim, or Sikh, they have options here . . . the United Church isn’t a likely target.
• most of us at MWUC came looking for community. Maybe the answer is to figure out who might look for a community like ours
• Were we once approached by a Korean congregation to consider a partnership? [does anyone know this history? — IK]
• we mourn the loss of young families with children, and we hope that if we keep doing what worked in the past that this trend will change . . .
• some of United congregations along Whyte Avenue (Knox Metropolitan, Ritchie, Pleasantview, Avonmore) have been discussing how to work together. Should we join similar discussions. “Are we closing our eyes to reality?”

July 12 — How can we work more closely with other “mainline” Protestant churches in Mill Woods (Anglican, Lutheran, Moravian, Presbyterian . . . )?

• we already share to some degree now — Bread Run and Make Tax Time Pay; maybe we can build on that.
• would others want to even talk to us?
• the minister will need approach other clergy
• would we be willing to share our building on an equal basis?
• are we willing to go into an equal partnership for worship and programs?
• “I really don’t know. I have never attended another denomination’s services.”
• are we trying to maintain our own tradition or are we trying to be open to what might change?
• not much to gain by putting energy into this idea; better to focus on becoming better known in the community and to let what we do show who we are.
• in the past, two denominations sharing one minister was common
• perhaps our progressiveness is related to the decline in our numbers?

“Facing the Future” discussions, July-August 2015

At our Sunday gatherings this summer, we discussed issues raised by the “Facing the Future” (FTF) group. FTF looks for ways to help Mill Woods United sustain itself in a rapidly changing culture. Above are notes from seven Sundays of discussion . . .

Anniversary Sunday — June 7, 2015

On Sunday June 7, we marked the 90th anniversary of the United Church of Canada and the (almost) 40th anniversary of Mill Woods United. To celebrate, the church was alive with the sound of music – our choir sang for the last time before the summer break and young musician Sadie Englot provided our offertory music on the piano. As part of the celebration, we accepted a gift from Harry Lange — a matchstick model of Notre Dame de Paris that he and his friend Jeff had made. Harry and Anne were charter members of Mill Woods in 1976, and so it seemed fitting to accept his wonderful gift as part of our service. The youth presented, in a unique way, the 272 pairs of clean, new socks/underwear that were collected for the Bissell Centre. Following the numerous rounds of applause from the appreciative congregation we enjoyed eating a delicious anniversary cake during our fellowship hour. Thanks to everyone who participated in this amazing service.

Pride Parade – June 6, 2015

A contingent of folk from Mill Woods United Church, along with our always game minister Ian Kellogg, joined forces with some of the Youth Understanding Youth group that meets at our church and walked in this year’s Pride Parade. All participating United Churches from Edmonton and area walked together in a group of about 40. It was a beautiful day and we all enjoyed the sunshine and the rainbow crosswalks.

Annual General Meeting

On May 24, 30 people stayed after church for 90 minutes to help conduct the business of the church at our Annual General Meeting.

On behalf of the Facing the Future group, Laine Pickle led a discussion on the church’s future under our “four pillars:”

• Connecting people
• Mentoring children and youth
• Sunday morning worship experience
• Community outreach
• Based on a review of our Business Plan and our finances (see the Annual Report 2014-2015), he voiced concern that, given our projected deficit, MWUC can only continue for another 3 years before our resources will be exhausted. Substantial changes are required.

Various possibilities were discussed:

1. Reduce Costs by reducing staff — no support was expressed for this idea: stay fully staffed

2. Increase Revenue by:

local offerings — this was not felt to be feasible enough to make up our deficit
revenue from sources other than local offerings, such as:
– more rental income from additional groups
– asking previous MWUC members to continue to support us financially
– a major fundraising event
– finding sponsors to help finance some of our programs, such as Little Green Thumbs
OR considering options like:

using a different space to continue being MWUC
sharing our space with another church

3. Intercultural/Interdenominational ministry — support was expressed to explore such a ministry.

4. And what if MWUC cannot reach sustainability?

How does MWUC leave a legacy of our faith journey in the community in the event that we are unable to become sustainable?
Consideration needs to be given to the development of a worst-case scenario plan to be implemented in the event that MWUC is unable to reach sustainability before we exhaust our resources.
Council has decided to hire a part-time person to work for four months to work on marketing and media exposure for our church The hope is help us promote our programs and to communicate better with our community by increasing our social media presence, which in turn may attract more people to our church.

Make Tax Time Pay

Our Make Tax Time Pay program for 2015 is now over. This partnership with E4C has allowed Mill Woods United Church to help numerous low income families get their taxes done for FREE over the past 10 years! Thank you to everyone who helped to make this service available to individuals and families in our community.

United in God’s Work

On April 26, twenty members of Mill Woods United stayed after Sunday worship to discuss the Comprehensive Review Final Report, “United in God’s Work“. Its six recommendations are designed to help the United Church address diminishing financial and people resources and will be discussed and voted on at the next General Council Meeting in August. All congregations have been asked to give feedback prior to that meeting. Ian forwarded the following points to the April 28 Edmonton Presbytery meeting:

• The proposals would improve United Church structure and reduce bureaucracy.
• Changes in how ministry staff are hired, supported and disciplined should be positive for clergy.
• It gives more freedom and encouragement for congregations to ‘to move off the map’ and supports the directions our congregation will need to take.
• Funding will be set aside for innovative ministry, but we fear that the funding amount will not be even close to meeting the need.

There is no magic solution to membership decline, but the recommendations might help individual congregations to create a new ‘church’ that fits with the new generations. Church as we know it is disappearing as our members age.

Pizza and Movie Night

Mill Woods United Church hosted a free Pizza and Movie Night for our friends and neighbors on Saturday, April 25th. There were about 65 people for pizza and about 10 more came for the movie. It was great to meet so many new people. Thank you. to our neighbors at Pizza 38, 5403 – 38 Avenue who supplied the pizza. It was awesome! There was very little left at the end of the night. Thank you to all that helped with the set up, take down and set up for Sunday Service! Many hands made light work and we really appreciated the help. This was the fourth and final event organized by Anne Ford and Lesley Verdin that was funded by the Presbytery initiative “Welcoming Neighbours.”

Facing the Future with Social Media

On March 22, Mary-Anne Janewski presented an introduction to social media to more than 20 MWUC folks. Mill Woods United Church has Facebook and Twitter pages in place and Mary-Anne wants to encourage the congregation to learn how to use these tools to share information about our programs and events with others. More than 20 people “joined in” and learned how to “reach out” with Twitter hashtags, Facebook sharing and event invitations from the MWUC Facebook page. We hope that people will keep learning and that their sharing will “make a difference” in someone’s life.

Watch for more social media tips from Mary-Anne in the future editions of the Morning Messenger.

Rae Spoon Concert, March 21, 2015

More than 80 people came to Mill Woods United Church on Saturday evening March 21 for a concert by Calgary-based musician and activist Rae Spoon. The proceeds from the free-will offering will support the work of the Affirm Team to ensure that our church is one that welcomes people regardless of sexual or gender orientation, age, race, or faith background. In his opening remarks, Rev. Ian Kellogg spoke about the gracious challenges and joys of cultural changes around sex and gender and thanked Rae Spoon for their musical offerings and their work as an activist for gender liberation. Despite the snow covering our vehicles at the end of the evening, a delightful time seemed to be had by all.

Food and Fellowship

While children gather for our monthly Little Green Thumbs program, parents and other adults get together to cook good food. Everyone works together to prepare delicious meals to take home. On March 21st the church kitchen was a hive of activity with 5 participants and 3 facilitators. We made chicken pot pies with biscuit mix for topping, tuna loaves and meatloaf. The smell of the cooling meatloaves was so good that the kids in the Little Green Thumbs class stormed the kitchen to see if they could eat some right away.

Stewardship 2015

March 15th marks the third week with a focus on Stewardship — how we spend our time and money as a church. On Sunday, we will be handed a letter from Tim Janewski, the Chairperson of Council, and a narrative summary of the church’s budget. For those who can’t wait for Sunday, we have uploaded the letter and budget summary below. May we all prayerfully reflect on how we contribute to the community as followers of Jesus and as members of Mill Woods United Church.

Letter from Tim Janewski, Council Chairperson
Narrative Budget

Congregation meeting of February 22, 2015

30 people stayed after Sunday worship on Feb 22 for Mill Woods United’s 2015 Annual Financial Meeting. Randy Round presented a snapshot of our income and spending in 2014 and a proposed budget for 2015 along with background details to help us understand where we have come as a congregation and how we plan to continue our mission of faith, hope and love in our neighbourhood.

Linda Paddon and Laine Pickle from “Facing the Future” presented ideas about how to ensure that Mill Woods United remains sustainable in ever-changing circumstances. The PowerPoint presentation and financial documents available via the links below provide a more complete picture of what was shared.

After questions and discussion, the 2014 Financial Statement was accepted and the 2015 Budget approved. Thanks to all for preparing and participating in this meeting, including Heavenly Hospitality who provided a luncheon.

Signing off

One year ago today, I led my last service as a full-time United Church of Canada minister and retired from Mill Woods United in Edmonton Alberta.

Today, I write this as my twelfth and final monthly post-retirement entry; and I also close this blog, which, in its URL, is linked to Mill Woods United. It is not that I won’t blog anymore; and when I start a new one, I will link it to this one, just as this one links to a blog I started in February 2010, and which I used to document the sermons (and occasional notes) I preached at Knox United Church in Didsbury Alberta (September 2009 to June 2010) and at the three churches of my settlement charge in Borderlands in southern Saskatchewan (July 2011 to December 2013).

I deeply appreciate the opportunities provided to me by the United Church of Canada and the three different pastoral charges I served for nearly 13 years. I loved the privilege of engaging in ministry and being asked to write each week about issues that affected me and my congregants; and I am glad that I now have access to these sermons and notes. Even if no one other than myself reads them (and I know there are very few), I often refer to these entries. For me, sermon writing was a bit like journaling – a way to keep track of what was happening in the neighbourhood and world and of my feelings and reactions to those events. Please feel free to read and comment on any of the approximately 500 entries in these two blogs!

Unfortunately, I close this blog with ongoing disappointment that the UCC is not able to help me and the few other people it still represents to cope either with the near-term disappearance of the denomination or with the multiple social crises that threaten the future of humanity.

It was 10 years ago last month, that I first wrote about a key idea of my ministry – that the UCC, having been in steep decline since the 1960s, should acknowledge its imminent demise, grieve this reality, and search for a resurrected life of faith, hope, and love, one that was post-denominational, post-Christian, and post religious. (This essay is found on yet another blog of mine.)

But in 2016, with the success of Brexit in the United Kingdom and the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States, I shifted to other concerns– the demise of the biosphere, the end of democracy, and the increased probability of a civilization-ending war, what with a fascist having been “accidentally” elected as the most powerful person on the planet.

There is no stopping any of these social disasters. But I had hoped that the church, based as it was on the writings of Mark and Paul, which were written in an apocalyptic moment of death and defeat for Judaism, would help me and others navigate these last days of civilization with love, community, and courage. Unfortunately, denial runs deep – on pretty much any topic – and the death of the church has proven to be yet another of those instances of stunning and hypocritical denial.

My thinking about the devastating ubiquity of denial is focused today on novelist Jonathan Franzen. I am currently reading his November 2021 novel, “Crossroads” in which he explores the lives of six members of an American family in December 1971 – Russ Hildebrandt, a 47-year-old pastor of liberal “First Reformed” church in suburban Chicago, his wife Marion, and their children, 20-year-old Clem, 18-year-old Becky, 15-year-old Perry, and six-year-old Judson.

There are many reasons why I am loving this novel; and one is how much this fictional family parallels my own. In 1971, my late father, the Rev. James Clare Kellogg, was 48 years old, and the three eldest of his five children had been, or were, participating in the “High-C” youth group of Knox United Church in Cornwall Ontario. This group had many similarities to the “Crossroads” youth group in Franzen’s novel. My older sister Jean, at 18 years old and in first year university, had graduated from Hi-C. But my 16-year-old brother Paul and myself (then 14-years-old) were still members of this dynamic and strange group. My younger brother and sister, Andrew and Catherine, were 10 years old and so too young to belong to the youth group.

In a CBC podcast on “Writers and Company” in which Franzen talks about this novel, he notes that in 1971, liberal Protestant denominations like those that organized First Reformed and Knox United were still large and dominant. However, they had already begun a steep and ongoing decline, which means that today they are tiny shards, perhaps 5% of the size of what they had been in North America in the 1960s.

Especially relevant to me is an essay from 2019 that was discussed in the podcast – “What if we stopped pretending.” In it Franzen presents the (correct IMO) conclusion that climate disaster will not be prevented, and which wonders how we can continue to be active for social justice despite this terrible reality.

I wrote about the novel and the essay in my Advent One sermon in 2021. Franzen, much to my appreciation, searches for answers which I have sought since my early 20s, and which I groped for in a radical reading of the Gospel of Mark and the letters of Paul – how do we live, struggle, and thrive even though “all is lost?”

Unfortunately, the UCC and all other faith communities are incapable of waking up to reality, whether about their own demographic decline or bigger issues like the advent of artificial intelligence, the devastation of the natural biosphere, or the spread of fascist movements. Nevertheless, I have tried to live my life by waking up in the painful death of many illusions and hence opening myself to the grace of new life based upon the acceptance of tough realities.

And now, having enjoyed one year of retirement, I continue to walk this lonely track.

Last Sunday, Mill Woods United announced that it has finally hired a replacement for me — the Rev. Eli Carter-Morgan, who, among many other qualities, is probably the first non-binary minister in Alberta. I wish them well, and I am cheered that MWUC will enter a new era when Eli begins on August 1.

I continue to deeply appreciate my new faith community, Spiritual Seekers United in Community.

Summer has magically appeared in all its Edmonton-glory (though with fear of wildfires between now and whenever grasses and deciduous trees green up).

And it looks likely to me that Alberta will sweep the lamentable United Conservative Party out of power in the May 29th election.

As Franzen wrote at the beginning of his “What if we stopped pretending” essay, “there is no hope, except for us.”

Blessings, Ian

Minority report

When the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic three years ago, I saw it as a test. Ending the pandemic would be a challenge. But perhaps as important, it could show us how humanity might unite to tackle radically more complex and difficult issues – from climate disaster, to weapons of mass destruction, to species extinction.

Most of the world’s jurisdictions botched their initial pandemic response. But that was not a surprise to me given that the USA was led by Donald Trump, and that so many other jurisdictions — from Russia, to Brazil, to Hungary — were also led by nationalist reactionaries. Nevertheless, I felt hope when looking at jurisdictions like New Zealand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Canada’s Atlantic provinces that were containing or even eliminating the pandemic. Perhaps the latter’s best practices would spread.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has won. Now in its fourth year, almost everyone believes the pandemic is over despite there being about 300 COVID-19 deaths in Canada each week; and after COVID’s victory, it is again clear to me that humanity cannot solve big problems.

A good indication of the failure of public health can be seen in masking. Very few people now mask. But of those who still do, the majority use cloth or surgical masks even though it has been known collectively for more than two years that COVID is airborne and that the best masks to help slow its spread are N95 or equivalent respirators. After 3+ years of public health outreach, hardly anyone knows how COVID-19 spreads.

On the other hand, the need to mask should have long passed. I am among a tiny minority who think that COVID-19 could have been eliminated in a straightforward way. This required that a national jurisdiction a) adopt the goal of elimination; b) police its borders from any place that hadn’t yet eliminated COVID with well-ventilated quarantine facilities; c) test widely; d) contact trace those who have been exposed to COVID; e) mandate N95 masks until COVID has been eliminated; f) vaccinate widely; and perhaps most importantly, g) clean indoor air with CO2 monitors (which check for polluted air in general), updated ventilation and filtration, and HEPA filters to eliminate viruses.

Some indoor air spaces are being cleaned. But it seems unlikely that COVID will be eliminated anytime soon. This fact discourages me because, among other things, it illustrates the ability of climate-disaster-denying misinformation activists to overwhelm other issues, including public health — and because unlike many other social crises, COVID has an immediate impact on my life.

As I wrote in December, Kim and I had our first symptomatic case of COVID in early November last year, despite having had four vaccines at that point. We received a fifth bi-valent vaccine in February, and so I feel relatively OK now. I also mask in indoor settings; and I look forward to finding restaurants, stores, airports, health care facilities, and other indoor setting that are implementing clean air policies – not that I have run into any such Shangri-La’s yet!

Do you remember the concept of R:0 or reproduction number from 2020? It is a mathematical figure that indicates how contagious an infectious disease is. If the number is above 1, even slightly above as at 1.1, the disease will expand exponentially. If it is below 1, even slightly below as in 0.9, a disease will die out.

COVID-19 has often had a high R number, which explains why almost every Canadian has had at least one case so far. The number has also sometimes gone below R:0 of 1, which is why the disease has also waned in some periods. While long-term immunity does not exist, short-term immunity has kept the disease from overwhelming Canada’s healthcare systems in periods like this past winter.

But the longer-term looks grim. As a multi-system vasculitis, COVID-19 looks like it will continue to disable many of us and increase our chances of dying. We have just started Year 4; and I don’t look forward to the situation in Year 10 (assuming, that is, other problems like nuclear war, climate disasters, and the rise of fascist governments don’t get us sooner).

I sincerely wish that “the Atlantic Bubble” had spread to the rest of Canada in summer and fall of 2020, and that our leaders had been smart enough to then lift all restrictions such as masking.

I love this video from June 2020. It shows a crowd of 2,000 people in Auckland NZ enjoying a symphony performance, including an unmasked symphonic choir. This was the first such performance since NZ eliminated COVID-19 in May 2020.

But today, any political leader campaigning for clean air and disease elimination would be drowned out by angry skepticism; and neither has any government handled the pandemic in a way I appreciate.

Not that this should surprise me. We have known for at least 30 years that burning fossil fuels guarantees the climate will soon become hostile to human life. But since the 1990s, hundreds of trillions of dollars have been spent to ensure the continued growth in fossil fuel use – the creation of new suburbs, the building of more multi-lane roads and freeways, and the spread of power centres with endless parking. Not only does this guarantee the near-term end of human civilization. It also makes our lives vastly more deficient. If we all lived in “15-minute cities,” life would be safer, more varied, more interesting, and more convivial. I find it easy to imagine such a scenario even as I know it won’t happen.

So, what to do given these realities? My longstanding focus not just on my own personal mortality but also on near-term social mortality was a big part of why I rejoined the church in 2001. Hidden amidst much dross in the books of the Bible is a story about the death of Jesus as the Christ of Israel, which, for me, is about the death of illusions in tribal gods like Jehovah (Jesus) and the death of illusions in tribal monarchs like King David (Christ). Out of the painful death of such illusions, it is possible to accept the Grace to rise to a new life closer to the heart of Love – a love that is wildly democratic (the inner Christ) and universally divine (God as Love).

I still try to follow this course, despite the crazy antics of governments and other social leaders who can’t see their way out of an airborne pandemic, let alone out of a problem like climate disaster, which is probably thousands of times more challenging than COVID-19.

Last evening, I experienced both sides of this dilemma. As a member of Richard Eaton Singers, I sang Mendelssohn’s Elijah with the Edmonton Symphony. I loved the music and the whole experience of putting this concert together. I was also aware of how pathetic the texts upon which the oratorio was based were – the tales of the Hebrew Prophet Elijah from the biblical books 1st and 2nd Kings. They are supernatural tales of resuscitation and rainmaking; battles between the rival tribal gods Jehovah and Baal; and “divinely” sanctioned mass murder.

This is the sickly stew of our culture, a stew that informed the genius of Mendelssohn in the 1840s. What he created is sublime. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we had a different stew in which to marinate. (For more on my attitude to the tales about Elijah and Moses see my final “Transfiguration” sermon from last winter.)

I have now lived through nearly one year of retirement. Who knows how much more time I have left given the disquieting variables in which we live through? But then there are days like last Thursday in which a) a grand jury votes to indict former President Donald Trump; b) the Vatican dissociates itself from its 500 year-old genocidal “Doctrine of Discovery”; and c) a public inquiry into the mass murder of 22 people in Nova Scotia in 2020 correctly condemns the RCMP for its toxic biases.

You never know when the world will bite or soothe you, I guess.

Ian

Some things worth fighting for

Last week, the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its second year; and the reality of the invasion has focused my despair at living in a new era of fascism even as it has also given me some reasons to hope.

Russia would not have dared to stage the invasion if the election of Donald Trump as the first fascist U.S. President hadn’t occurred in 2016. When Trump’s victory was announced – albeit with 3 million fewer votes than those cast for Hilary Clinton – I assumed the world had entered a new stage of history. But with what results, I didn’t know. In the end, it meant the worldwide response to the COVID-19 pandemic was radically worse; that progress towards climate disaster mitigation slowed; and that the success of authoritarian acolytes of Vladimir Putin – from Kim Jong-Un in North Korea; to Danielle Smith in Alberta; to Pierre Poilievre in Ottawa; to Viktor Orban in Hungary; and to Ron DeSantis in Florida – has accelerated.

Like many people, I assumed that Russia would overthrow the Ukrainian government in a few days or weeks last winter. Happily, this has not been the case; and I sincerely hope that Ukrainian resistance can soon expel Russia from every corner of its territory. That this might also mean the overthrow of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian regime would be a fabulous bonus.

In a world where it seems difficult to articulate the fascist nature of groups like the U.S. Republican Party and the Albertan United Conservative Party government, I am cheered that there is one fight in which fascism, in its central Russian incarnation, is often being successfully met.

Who knows what will happen next? I certainly hope it won’t involve the use of nuclear weapons, whether small dirty bombs or a full-scale nuclear exchange between the U.S. and Russia – which would end the human experiment. But at least in Ukraine, Russian fascism is being resisted.

Ukraine also seems to have survived its first full winter of invasion.

I, too, have survived the winter. The first five months of my retirement – from May 1 till almost the end of September – were happy ones for me. But I have found the last five months a lot harder.

On September 25, our dog Coco became quite ill. Although she rallied, her decline has continued. She sometimes sleeps for 16 hours straight; and her eyesight and her cognitive ability are declining. There are some more cold days in the two-week forecast, but I imagine we will be able to get her through those as well. Just as I will relish spring-like weather whenever it occurs, so will she!

In late September, Rev. Nancy Steeves announced her impending retirement. And although we thoroughly enjoyed the send off given to her on January 22 by “Spiritual Seekers United in Community,” her departure has been tough for many people, me included.

In October, Ethan was quite sick for a week. We are grateful that he has rebounded well and that we have spent some time with him and his parents Katrina and Vinny each month. But the sickness badly affected us.

After stable and warm weather last spring, summer, and early fall, winter descended on Edmonton on November 4, and it has continued ever since.

Then there is COVID-19, to which Kim and I succumbed in early November. We have not yet had a second symptomatic case, and we’ve now received five vaccinations. But I don’t have faith in the ability of our governments to lead us out of the pandemic anytime soon.

I continue to love choral singing. However, we learned last evening that the conductor of the Richard Eaton Singers, Len Ratzlaff, can’t resume leadership of the choir because of his treatment for heart disease. So, our March 31st concert of Mendelssohn’s Elijah will be our season finale.

In the meantime, we await the May 29th provincial election in Alberta with bated breath. Soaring oil prices should mean an easy victory for the UCP government. But I hope against hope it is defeated.

Do the matters expressed in this entry affect spirituality? For me, they remain central. Alas, it is not so for many other people.

So this month, I have decided to not distribute this blog entry via Twitter and Facebook. I post it to document my experience in retirement and within and without the church. Those who subscribe to this blog – are there two or three of you? – will get it. As for anyone else who stumbles across this monthly entry . . .

Slava Ukraini

“Rolling in the Deep”

Today marks one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine – and I will write more about that turning point in my 10th monthly retirement blog on March 1st. But today also marks an important personal anniversary for me. On Sunday February 24, 2013, I rolled my car while driving between the first and second points of the three-point charge in southern Saskatchewan to which I had been settled in July 2011; and today, I’ve decided to mark this 10th anniversary by writing this entry.

By late February 2013, I had been in “Borderlands” for more than 1.5 years, and I had become familiar with the terrible main road, Highway #18, that connected the town of Coronach (700 people), where I lived in the manse, the nearly destitute town of Fife Lake (then about 20 people) and which housed a second tiny United Church, and the town of Rockglen (400 people), which held a third church. Running just north of the Saskatchewan-Montana border, Highway #18 had a “thin-membrane” surface, no shoulders, and virtually no traffic.

Road to Moose Jaw from Coronach — the Crane Valley

On that Sunday at 9 am, I had presided and preached for 15 people at the United Church in Coronach (which, perhaps appropriately, had as its theme the destruction of Jerusalem), and was making my way to Fife Lake. After Friday afternoon in which I had driven in a snowstorm for three hours to Swift Current for one of the four meetings a year of Chinook Presbytery, and a quieter and warmer Saturday in which I had driven the three hours back, it was a beautiful Sunday morning — blue skies, sunshine, and the promise of an afternoon temperature above freezing. I remember wondering if I had successfully survived a second winter of terrible winter driving in Saskatchewan and if there would be no more difficult tests for me on the marginal roads of this depopulated part of the province.

In the first 10 km of driving north of Coronach, the road was clear and fine. But when it turned west for the remaining 10 km to Fife Lake, snow had blown over the surface during the night. It was here that I lost control of my small Hyundai Accent hatchback. I drifted to the left, turned around completely, and left the road to slide into the snow on the south side of the highway. While such a crash is hardly an unusual occurrence, it is the first and only time I have lost control of a vehicle.

Going backwards at high speed, my car rolled twice and landed on its wheels about 30 metres from the highway. The side windows had blown out and been turned into tiny shards of glass. The car was filled with snow. But I was upright, and the car radio was still playing “Sunday Edition” on CBC. So, I took off my glasses, cleared them of snow, turned off the radio, and shut off the ignition.

I had difficulty leaving the car. I unbuckled my seatbelt. But I had trouble opening the door because the frame of the car was crunched, and because there was about two feet of snow surrounding the car. However, with some difficulty, I opened the car door, looked at my surroundings, and noticed that all four tires were blown. “That is going to cause difficulty” I foolishly thought.

I trudged through the snow to the side of the highway, and miraculously a car was coming towards me from Coronach. Not to my surprise it was driven by one of the four women who made up my usual Sunday congregation at the Fife Lake United Church. (To their credit, these four usually checked with each other on Thursday, and if one of them was going to be absent, they cancelled the service for the other three. This happened about once every five weeks).

We looked at my wrecked car, noticed that I seemed physically OK, and decided the best thing to do was to drive on to the church in Fife Lake. So, I trudged back to the car, opened the hatchback, removed my suit bag, which contained my alb and stole, took out the boom box, which we used in place of organists or pianists at two of the three sites, and drove on the few minutes to Fife Lake Church.

Inside this tiny church (which is the only church I have ever known with no running water), the other three “usual suspects” for Sunday service were there. We told a short version of my sorry tale and canceled the service. Instead, we decided to cross the field to the house of one of the women, Shirley (the only one of the five of us who still lived in Fife Lake), to make some tea and to phone the RCMP.

Except, when we climbed down the stairs to the front door, we found that the door mechanism, which had successfully let all five of us into the church, would not open the door to let us out! Happily, Shirley had a cell phone, which she used to call a nearby neighbour. Shortly he appeared to open the door for us. Because the door mechanism was broken, Shirley removed the entire handle from the door, and took it with her to her house. (It was fixed by the next Sunday).

As Shirley made tea, I called the RCMP. Our area was so sparsely populated, they couldn’t say when the crash site might be viewed by someone. But they pledged to phone me for a statement later that day or the next.

After tea, Shirley then drove me to Rockglen where the third service was scheduled. The congregation decided to cancel their service, but we had lunch, since a potluck had been scheduled. Then, a third woman offered to drive me back to Coronach.

When we approached the crash site, we noticed the RCMP were there. So, we stopped, and they took my statement. One of them noted how lucky the crash had been. There was no fence; no post; no trees; and nothing but a gully and a field filled with snow. With any of those features not present, it might have been a much worse result for me. And I realized that out of the thousands of times I had buckled myself up with a seatbelt, this was the first time it had been useful. In fact, the seatbelt had saved my life.

Happily, the RCMP did not fault me for the crash, which meant that I got full value for my totalled car from Saskatchewan Government Insurance – about $9K.

I removed more personal items from the car, was dropped off at Coronach, and started to make some phone calls.

Later that week, I took the bus to Moose Jaw (a mere three-hour trip!) to purchase a new Hyundai Accent, and made all the insurance arrangements to get reimbursement for my 2009 car.

There is nothing all that unusual about this crash. Every day, about 4 thousand people die worldwide in car crashes, which adds up to 1.3 million fatalities each year. There about 50 million annual serious car-crash injuries. And how many hundreds of millions each year have a serious crash in which the injuries are minor or non-existent? This is the price we pay for getting to point A and B using motor vehicles, along with the climate disaster that accompanies the burning of 100 million barrels of oil every day.

I’m glad that I was unhurt in this crash; that insurance covered the cost; that I got a better vehicle without too much difficulty; and that the kind people of Borderlands helped me deal with this occasion.

Ten years ago seems like such a different time. I was living in a vast and empty land of supernal beauty. I took my first call to Edmonton (Mill Woods United Church), starting in January 2014. And in Edmonton, I met my now-wife Kim, and we have been enjoying our wondrous relationship and her beautiful adult children Katrina and Kerry ever since.

In 2013, Barack Obama had just begun his second term. Facebook and other social media sites had not revealed their dark and corrosive social effects. Ukraine was still intact. Vladimir Putin was not yet a worldwide supporter of fascism. Trump was still a lugubrious reality TV host. I was only 55 years old and able to handle vicissitudes like this car crash.

Several people told me that God had taken care of me that day given that I had virtually no injuries. I preached about how I appreciated this sentiment but disagreed with it in my next Sunday sermon.

Kim and I still drive a car given that Edmonton is not yet a “15 minute city” and given there is no train service between Edmonton and Calgary. The world continues to be fascinating, and irrational, and out of control, and the only place we get to live lives of love.

I’m glad to have had the last 10 years, and I hope I get many more despite all the craziness of modern life.

Until March 1st.

Ian

My 2009 car amid the beauty of a Borderlands summer

Dancing in the dark

My decision to join SSUC (Spiritual Seekers United in Community/Southminster-Steinhauer United Church) when I began retirement nine months ago feels ironic to me. During the years in which I worked as an ordained minister (2011 to 2022) one of my goals was to focus the United Church and the four congregations I served on the denomination’s imminent demise. But now I find myself happily ensconced in one of the largest, most spirited, and most engaged UCC congregations in the country.

The vibrancy of SSUC shone bright in the January 22, 2023 retirement service and celebration of the ministry of Rev. Dr. Nancy Steeves. I loved the service, the fact that more than 250 people were there, and the celebratory lunch that followed.

Compared to some non-UCC communities, 250 people might be no big deal. For instance, both Hope City Church (formerly Mill Woods Pentecostal Assembly) and Beulah Alliance Church have an ambition to serve 1% of Edmonton, or 10,000 people. But for a nearly extinguished denomination like the UCC, 250 people is a big deal.

To gain a sense of how many of us loved Nancy’s nearly 20 years as a minister at SSUC please check out the messages collected on a Kudoboard — including submissions by both myself and Kim.

Part of the success of SSUC – before Nancy, during her time there, and now under the continued leadership of Rev. Chris New – has been its willingness to experiment, and to expand theologically.

I no longer expect the UCC or any other rapidly declining and aging denomination– whether Anglican, Catholic, Moravian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, or whatever – to awaken to their near-term demise and then to follow the Christ stories on a path of death and resurrection. Beyond that, there are much more important crises about which to worry – whether species extinction, the death of the oceans, or climate- and pandemic-induced calamities. But I don’t worry about SSUC.

For one, it has shed much of its denominational baggage. Last September, I sang at SSUC at a fall retreat of Edmonton’s Richard Eaton Singers, and one of my friends in the choir, who is a minister in another denomination, asked if SSUC was still part of the UCC. I said “yes,” but I also see the relevance of this fact shrinking.

I will continue to follow the UCC’s progress with interest. But mostly, I am glad that, through some set of miracles, SSUC exists; that it is a mere 10-minute drive from where Kim and I live; that Kim is the Treasurer of SSUC; that it is where we met in May 2015, at a meeting of the Edmonton Progressive Christian Network; that Chris and Nancy married us in a splendid wedding ceremony there on November 12, 2016; and that Kim and I get to sing in its choir with passion and joy each week.

Given the vagaries we all face – like the ongoing and strange trajectory of COVID-19; the potential for other pandemics; the war in Ukraine; the rising of so many fascist politicians like Premier Danielle Smith here in Alberta; and unstoppable climate disaster – I cannot see into the future with any confidence or equanimity. But with a queer-friendly, expansive, and vibrant community of faith just down the street, I am confident that I can dance with love in the gathering darkness with fellow travellers and so find better ways to cope, and even thrive.

And for all of this, I give thanks to the Ground of Being, Life, and Love we call God.

Ian

Rev. Dr. Nancy Steeves and Rev. Chris New at the the January 22nd service – photo by Terry McDougall

A cup of kindness

“Another year over and a new one just begun . . . Let’s hope it’s a good one without any fear.” So sang John Lennon 51 years ago in his hit “Happy Xmas (War is Over);” and it’s a nice thought, is it not?

For me, 2022 was colored with different brushes – my last four months of work as a minister, which culminated in an emotional service on May 1st; the joys of my first eight months of retirement, including beautiful weather during spring, summer, and early fall here in Edmonton; more time spent with our Calgary-based grandson, Ethan, who is now 19 months old, and who is an endless source of delight; the joys of singing, particularly the December 9th and 10th performances of Handel’s Messiah with the Richard Eaton Singers, and which were lifetime peak experiences for me; the first COVID infection for both me and Kim in early November; and the ongoing triumphs and travails of living in strange and turbulent times.

I appreciate how the New Year’s Eve song “Auld Lang Syne” includes the repeated phrase “We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,” especially this year since I don’t feel sanguine about 2023. Perhaps it will take extra offerings of cups of kindness from me to friends and family this year, and from them to me, to “make it a good one without any fear.”

A gaggle of issues cloud my vision: COVID-19, which is supposed to be over, but which resulted in the death of more Canadians in 2022 than in 2021 and 2020 (19K for 2022, 16K for 2021, and 14K for 2020); the presence of Danielle Smith as Alberta’s premier, a leader who is an undoubted fascist in my opinion, but whose success in winning 53% of the votes of UCP members in October has helped to make noxious views on COVID, Albertan “nationalism,” and climate change seem more normal; the 11th month of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; three cold snaps in Edmonton (early November, early December, and just before Christmas); and a “bomb cyclone” that impacted much of North America, which made the end of the year challenging for many of us.

Perhaps climate disaster will not impact us too forcefully this year. Perhaps Ukraine will defeat Russia this year and Vladimir Putin will be overthrown and replaced by a less aggressive imperialist. Perhaps Danielle Smith will lose the May 29th election in Alberta and an NDP-led government will bring down my blood pressure. Perhaps it will become clear to me that COVID really is just another cold, and not a lethal, multi-system vasculitis, which is what I have come to believe it is.

Perhaps.

In December, Kim and I watched a new movie on Netflix – “The Swimmers” – and it brought many of my feelings to the surface. It tells the true story of two sisters from Damascus in Syria; how civil war begins to disrupt their adolescence in 2011; how the dreams of one of them to become a member of the Syrian 2016 Olympic swimming team in Rio are shattered in 2015 by Russian bombing of their city; how they fly to Istanbul that year from where they hope to enter Europe to gain refugee status for themselves and their parents and younger sister; how they, along with about 30 other refugees, nearly drown making the perilous journey on a dinghy from Turkey’s Mediterranean shore to a Greek Island; how Greek and Hungarian authorities make their flight to Germany violently challenging; how landing in Berlin does not make it possible for them to bring their parents and younger sibling to safety until 2018; and how one of them competes at the 2016 Rio Olympics, as a member of a newly formed “Refugee Olympic Team.”

Promotional photo for “The Swimmers,” a 2022 Netflix docudrama

I liked the movie for many reasons. For one, it makes concrete the stories of the destruction of countries like Syria and the horrors — and often death — that come to many millions of refugees trying to escape from places like North Africa and the Middle East to Europe and North America.

I contrast the stories of these refugees with Canada’s Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, especially given the racism he used in the 2015 federal election. Harper’s Tories were set to lose to the NDP under Thomas Mulcair until Harper took a sharp racist turn based upon fears of Syrian refugees and his call against face veils worn by some Muslim women and for a “Barbaric Practices Hotline.” These racist pivots led the NDP to sink from first to third during the campaign, and helped Justin Trudeau’s Liberals win victory instead (see two contemporary sermons, “Who Owns the Earth” from Sept. 20, 2015 — and Competing Visions from Oct. 25, 2015).

The refugees portrayed in “The Swimmers” stand head and shoulders above Stephen Harper in my estimation; and I would much rather have them be my neighbours than a politician like Harper who traded in racism for so many years.

I view Syria in 2010 as a cautionary tale for what could happen to Canada in the next few years. In 2010, Syria was a prosperous, intercultural country filled with endless potential. But today it stands ruined under the continued mis-leadership of dictator Bashar Al Assad.

Russia is trying to turn Ukraine into another Syria. I hope that Putin has overshot his ambition and this horror is turned back by Ukraine and those of us who support Ukraine.

Danielle Smith tried to set herself up as emperor in Alberta in the first draft of the Sovereignty Act in November, but she reversed course when her dictatorial ambitions met fierce resistance. I hope such forces remain strong in 2023 and beyond.

Climate disaster continues to wreak havoc on the world’s natural environment. But perhaps 2023 will not be the year that its depredations overtake us here in Canada.

COVID-19 continues to mutate and flourish. Perhaps 2023 will not be an even worse year because of it. But not one single country is making moves to clean indoor air in a way that might bring COVID’s devastation to a halt. So, who knows?

I hope 2023 is a year in which all of us find clarity, growth and love. This can be the case regardless of how the problems I mention above unfold; especially if I remember to offer cups of kindness to those I meet; and if I remember to drink from those same cups when they are offered to me.

Happy New Year!

Until February, Ian

P.S. For more background on the deep pleasure I took from the December 9 and 10 performances of Handel’s Messiah, I recommend the sermons I wrote about Handel over the last several years.

“Happy COVID to all, and to all a good night”

On November 4, Kim and I became sick with COVID-19. We were quite ill for a week, and it has taken us longer than that to feel OK. Strange that we waited to get COVID-19 until after the pandemic ended, eh?

Sadly, our infections are hardly surprising. Official figures — for the small amount they are now worth — report about 700 million cases have been logged worldwide over the past three years; and seven million people have died. However, the real figures are probably over two billion cases and more than 20 million people dead. Many researchers think that two thirds of Canadians have been infected at least once. A lot of Canadians have now been infected multiple times, and 50,000 of us have died.

It is not surprising that Kim and I would finally succumb to this virus as it nears its third anniversary. This fall, we have been many more times exposed than in fall 2020 and fall 2021; and most of the world’s public health authorities have given up the effort to contain the pandemic. Testing is individual instead of collective. There are no longer requirements to isolate when sick. Indoor air has not been cleaned by filters. Mask mandates are gone. The world has “moved on.”

Except, the virus has not moved on. It continues to flourish, mutate, and cause severe health problems. We’ve had COVID as well as four vaccine shots; but we will not be immune for long. There is no hybrid immunity. We’ve had COVID, and with each subsequent infection, our immune systems will be weaker. We’ve had COVID, and our years of remaining health are probably now diminished. Under the pressure of COVID and its immune-suppressing effects Canada’s public healthcare systems are cratering.

In November, the United Nations declared that world population had finally broken eight billion. But I doubt it will reach nine billion. Childhood looks like it will return to its status from 100 years ago – a fraught time in which many children don’t make it to age five. Senior living looks similarly bleak. We may soon return to a time when reaching 65 years of age is rare.

I appreciated a comment I heard recently that said Canada is not moving from a public healthcare model to a private one. Instead, it suggested we are moving to a “Third World” system in which no one, whether rich or poor, can find adequate care.

I was sad that COVID meant I was unable to sing with the Richard Eaton Singers (RES) in “The Music of Vaughan Williams” on November 12. But we tested negative that morning, and so I bought a ticket near where Kim was sitting, and we heard the music at the back of Edmonton’s Winspear Centre. I was thrilled with the concert, especially the setting of Walt Whitman’s U.S. Civil War poetry in “Dona Nobis Pacem.”

Unfortunately, the RES conductor, Len Ratzlaff, went directly from the concert to the hospital ER. He was in the University of Alberta Hospital for two weeks with as-yet undiagnosed heart problems. I plan to sing with the RES in its December 9 and 10 performances of Handel’s Messiah with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (while masked), but we won’t be led by Len. I pray his recovery continues.

Being sick with COVID led me to re-read all of my sermons from March 15, 2020 onward. I quite like them, and I urge you all to read them as well!

Other than my focus on the 45th president of the United States, the biggest complaint I received about my sermons was how frequently I talked about COVID-19. But I’m glad I did so. The pandemic and the lamentable way that most leaders have tackled it has been a key feature of life for most of the last three years, so why not focus on it?

In mid-November, Kim and I saw “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and I got emotional in two strange spots. One was a scene set in Mexico in 1570 in which a large group of indigenous people are dying from tuberculosis. This made me think about the unfiltered air in the theatre and of today’s medical scourges.

Other scenes were set in an idyllic version of contemporary Haiti, which, unfortunately is now in a state of veritable collapse. On November 13, Thomas Homer-Dixon in a New York Times column described Haiti’s situation as one of “poly-crisis.”

One of the characters in the film is named after Toussaint Louverture, the key leader of the Haitian revolution of 1791 to 1804, and this fact also stirred and saddened me. I love how the Black Panther movies criticize colonialism and dream up mythical nations in The Global South that have avoided its depredations. Unfortunately, the real world is one still riven from top to bottom with the unhealed wounds of colonial violence.

For more on the depredations of colonialism, I also recommend my sermons! (See, for example, “Your one wild and precious life”)

Unfortunately, many links on these pages no longer work. In September, Mill Woods United Church changed to a new website, which among other things no longer lists “Recent Spiritual Gatherings,” which provided information and access to all the services there between 2016 and 2022; “Mill Woods Highlights,” which was a way to track the many special events at the church over the past eight years; old Annual Reports and “Connections” newsletters from 2013 onwards; and many other items. Last year, I started archiving all the weekly “What’s the Buzz” e-newsletters, but they are now gone. I also archived all the weekly bulletins during the pandemic, which are now gone. In looking at the website, there is no clue that I was ever the minister there from January 2014 until May 1, 2022.

Still, websites can be arbitrarily huge, and it may be that some or all the deleted items listed above will reappear; not that I’m holding my breath.

In my eight years of ministry at Mill Woods, I preached an anti-imperialist message, but I’m sad that it didn’t seem to get through. On November 11, the church posted a “Lest we forget” Remembrance Day message on Facebook despite, for example, my “Lest we remember” sermon from 2014. Oh well. Virtually none of us can think clearly in a world gone mad, and Canada’s annual focus on poppies is just another example. It has been 103 years since the first Remembrance Day. Perhaps Canada needs another two or three hundred years before it can finally come to grips with the reality of WWI!

On the other hand, I was thrilled with Season 5 of “The Crown,” which Kim and I binged in early November while we were sick. I especially appreciated two episodes that featured King Edward VIII, who abdicated in 1936.

Episode 6 showed him with his father King George V in London in 1917. As they inanely discussed shooting birds, word came from Russia that the Czar and Czarina were requesting asylum in Great Britain following their deposition by the Russian Revolution. The episode showed how, despite being the first cousins of King George, the Czar and Czarina were denied asylum because of anti-German sentiment in the British Empire — this despite Czarist Russia having lost three million soldiers in fighting against the King’s elder first cousin, Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany, who was Queen Victoria’s first and most beloved grandchild!

The monarchs of Britain, Germany, and Russia were all first cousins. In 1917, the British Royal Family had changed its name from the House of Saxe-Cobourg and Gotha to the House of Windsor to calm anti-monarchical feelings, which had been exacerbated by the incestuous German heritage of Britain’s monarchy.

Instead of spending their declining years living in luxury in Britain, the Czar, Czarina, and family were executed by Russia in 1918 as the British-supported White Army came close to freeing the Russian Royal Family from their exile in Yekaterinburg.

I had included information about the arbitrary and wretched nature of Europe’s monarchies in my sermons (see for instance “Past troubles and future dreams” from April 2016), but without much interest from the people who heard them. So, I am thrilled when a major entertainment property like Netflix’s “The Crown” includes background on the violence-drenched royals.

Episode 3 of Season 5 of “The Crown” begins in 1946 in Alexandria Egypt, which — despite the “War to End all Wars” of 1914-18 and the struggle against Nazism of 1939-1945 — was still a British colony. It shows abdicated King Edward VIII (then known as The Duke of Windsor, although The Duke of Saxe-Cobourg and Gotha would have been more accurate) enjoying post-war luxury in this British enclave, and how Mohammed Fayed, an Egyptian entrepreneur, was enthralled by the royals. Later, it shows Fayed hiring Edward’s Bahamian personal valet at the time when Fayed purchases the Parisian Hotel Ritz in the 1970s, and which was the last place Princess Diana was seen alive after she and Mohammed’s son Dodi left the hotel by car 1997 with marauding paparazzi in wild pursuit.

I’m glad I kept blogs of all my sermons from 2009 onward that were separate from various church websites, and that in June, I copied all my COVID-19 daily blog entries from MWUC’s website, from March 2020 to May 2022, to my hard-drive. Perhaps one day I will prune the links that no longer work.

In my sermons from March 15, 2020 onward, I often proposed the goal of eliminating COVID (see for instance Still dreaming of Aukland.) But in the absence of this goal, I can understand people like myself going back to restaurants, choirs, and other communal settings despite the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. The plague persists. Many of us will probably die sooner because of its persistence. But we still seek ways to try and enjoy life.

I see the pandemic as a “civilization-ending” plague, although, of course, I could be wrong about this – as could the epidemiologists and public health doctors I follow on Twitter. But can it really be true that most of our leaders won’t do the straightforward if difficult work of bringing the plague to heel? Are our leaders really unwilling or incapable of stopping mass death?

Yes! As one can see from long-term problems like climate disaster and weapons of mass destruction, our leaders have given up hope for the future of humanity. In this sad state, they will sacrifice us for the goal of achieving power. It’s their “short term gain” for humanity’s long-term extinction. We live in a “Mad Max” world, and its effects are crashing on more and more of our heads.

But for now, we are still alive, and another Christmas is coming. Despite war in Ukraine, horrible violence in Syria and Yemen, starvation in Somalia and Ethiopia, weird and destructive weather everywhere, and the continued success of COVID in the face of human stupidity, I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas. May we make it is as merry and bright as we possibly can.

Until January, Ian

The Banality of . . . everything?

How should we react to Danielle Smith now that she is Alberta’s Premier? I expect her UCP party will be defeated in the May 29th provincial elections next year. But what if the UCP wins?

She is one of the more died-in-the wool fascists to rise to power in the West in the last 15 years. She ignores climate disaster, aligns with anti-vaccine crazies like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and supports Vladimir Putin’s efforts to consolidate the power of “Christian” white nationalists. But she is just one of many such leaders, including Donald Trump, Doug Ford, Pierre Poilievre, and Viktor Orban.

I have been dismayed by the advance of fascism ever since the election of Rob Ford as mayor of Toronto in 2010, but I’m not surprised by this terrible fact. Despite all the changes in society that we appreciate, capitalism means continued environmental destruction and an inability to do much about it.

I thought about these issues on our drive to and from Calgary on October 25 and 27. Kim and I went to Calgary because our grandson Ethan had become sick on Friday October 21 and had emergency surgery to remove an abscess in his neck on October 25. Happily, despite the cratering of Alberta’s healthcare system and two terrible nights in the emergency room of Alberta’s Children’s Hospital on the 21st and the 22nd, Ethan was finally diagnosed on a third trip to the ER on the 24th, had surgery on the 25th, and was released on October 28. He is doing well; and Kim and I were glad to be close by the hospital for two days and to be of some support to Ethan’s parents, Vinny and Katrina.

On our drive to Calgary on the 25th, we stopped at The Harvey’s in “Gasoline Alley” in Red Deer for lunch, and I picked up a free newspaper that was stacked on top of the garbage bins. It was a fascist tract filled with articles against COVID-19 health restrictions and against worries about climate change. It was there to spread disinformation to unsuspecting people like me that picked it up.

I am negatively impressed by how fascists have used the COVID-19 pandemic to gain so much support. But I think climate disaster is at the core of their growing appeal. Here is how Gillian Steward put it last month in a column in the Toronto Star.

These ideas were concretized on our drive back to Edmonton on October 27. Our hotel was west of downtown Calgary, just below the hill where the wonderful Children’s Hospital sits. Google Maps told us the quickest way home was to drive a bit further west past “Canada Olympic Park” where the 1988 ski-jumping competitions were held during the Winter Olympics and onto the ring road “Stony Trail,” which eventually landed us back on Highway 2 north of the city and on which we drove to Edmonton. As we drove along Stony Trail, we passed endless suburban tracts — neighbourhoods which are incompatible with the survival of humanity into the 22nd Century.

We need cities that are dense, complex, and walkable. But most infrastructure development of the past 80 years has been the opposite of that; and leaders who talk about climate disaster yet who preside over suburban sprawl, parking lots, and multi-lane roads are guilty of hypocrisy. Those like Smith and her fascist friends who focus on “freedom” and ignore climate disaster are more authentic, in my opinion.

I wish Kim and I had been able to travel by bullet train to and from Calgary. But since 1985, there has not even been old-style passenger train service between Edmonton and Calgary. One hundred years ago, every hamlet in Canada was serviced by trains. If climate disaster were handled well, this would once again be the case. But it is much easier to imagine the victory of fascists and the continued destruction of the natural world than to imagine the densification of Canadian population centres.

Not that there aren’t temporary victories against fascism. On October 30, former Brazilian President Lula narrowly defeated fascist current President Bolsanaro, and at least initially it looks like democracy may yet prevail in Brazil, with Lula being inaugurated on January 1, 2023. We will see.

On November 8, there is a by-election in the Brooks-Medicine Hat riding in which Premier Smith is seeking a seat, and the mid-term elections in the United States. I will be thrilled if Smith is defeated and if the Democratic Party prevails in the USA.

But the inability of our leaders to handle climate disaster means more wind in the sails of fascists, I believe.

I was discouraged when the BC NDP moved against climate champion Anjali Appadurai on October 19. She was set to win the NDP leadership and thus become BC’s Premier. I would have been thrilled if a 32-year-old woman of Tamil descent, and one who puts climate disaster at the core of her agenda, had become B.C. Premier. But I guess the NDP is waiting until climate disaster becomes “dire” before allowing a radical like Appadurai to take the helm.

As the world burns, almost all leaders turn their eyes from policies that might help. This inability to look reality in its face reminds me of Hannah Arendt’s concept “The Banality of Evil.” Arendt originally applied this concept to Adolph Eichmann when he was tried for genocide in Jerusalem in 1962. She was struck by his inability or unwillingness to think what his actions as one the leaders of the Nazi Regime in Germany between 1933 and 1945 meant for the mass murder of Jews and other “state enemies.”

Today, I view the actions of leaders who focus on the economy instead of the imminent death of billions through climate inaction as another instance of The Banality of Evil.

It also helps me to understand my dismay at the mis-leadership of the United Church of Canada.

It has been evident for decades that the UCC, along with most other mainline Christian denominations, is dwindling towards its demise. But virtually no one in the church can speak this plain truth and probe it for what it reveals. When the world’s atmosphere, its oceans, the biosphere, and liberal democracy are all cratering, why not use the demise of church as a springboard to live through these grief-filled deaths and so rise to a new reality in which we could yet hold onto our sacred values of faith, hope, and love in this disastrous 21st Century?

We live in a new age – a post-2016 era in which fascism is on the rise, public healthcare systems are collapsing, and climate disaster is a terrifying reality instead of an ominous threat for the future. And yet, even a tiny, aging, and rapidly dwindling denomination like the UCC cannot grasp its own reality to better attend to a wider set of social crises. It can’t find the Grace evident in the stories of the death of Jesus and move closer to the Risen Christ. It can’t admit its demise for its 100th anniversary in 2025, let alone speak truth to the power of the imperialist church, which began its genocidal march through the world 1700 years ago with the Council of Nicea in 325.

Is this inability to think evil? Perhaps not. But it certainly strikes me as banal.

And yet . . . and yet . . . life is filled with endless sweetness. Below is a picture of me and our still-surviving dog Coco taken as the sun rose behind our Calgary hotel on October 27. For the first time in recorded history, Edmonton saw no accumulating snow between April and November. Cold weather and snow are now imminent, but I have loved the weather during my first six months of retirement.

Who knows what the future holds? Perhaps Smith, Trump, and Bolsanaro will all be sent packing – at least for now. I am glad that, despite its terrifying collapse, the Alberta healthcare system served Ethan well; that he is robust and thriving again; and that so far, all of my fall choral projects are proceeding.

Fascism, war, and climate disaster all have wind in their sails. But we are still alive and enjoying more wondrous moments of love, beauty, and spiritual growth.

Until December,

Ian

“Singing for our lives”

Retirement has brought me the challenge of time and space in which to confront undone things from my youth; so, I appreciate singing, which occupies much of my heart, mind, and time this fall.

On Tuesday September 6, I started singing with the Richard Eaton Singers; and I hope people in Edmonton will come to the Winspear Centre on November 12 for our first performance – The Music of Vaughan Williams.

Then on Thursday September 8, I joined Kim to sing with the choir of SSUC (Spiritual Seekers United Community/Southminster-Steinhauer United Church); and although we have yet to sing on a Sunday morning, I love this group as well.

Finally, on Monday September 12, Kim and I started another season with Edmonton Metropolitan Chorus, and we invite everyone to come on November 27 to First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton for The Genius of Gordon Lightfoot.

I also wonder if I will arrive some Tuesday evening at the Fine Arts Building at the University of Alberta for an RES rehearsal to learn that 30 or more of the 120 of us are sick with COVID-19 and that our performances with the symphony – Vaughan Williams in November, The Messiah on December 9 and 10, a Christmas Pops concert on December 22 and 23, and Mendelssohn’s Elijah on March 31 – have been cancelled due to an utter collapse of the health system. Like most everyone else, I am hoping for OK news with the pandemic even as I fear the opposite.

I am grateful that Kim and I have had four vaccine shots, and we will take a bivalent shot as soon as we are eligible. But no one really seems to know what the future holds.

I loved the past summer. On a recent Friday evening, I dropped Kim off downtown for an art class and then headed to a west-end gathering of members new to the RES choir; and I loved the drive. First I drove through Old Strathcona — past Holy Trinity church, where I had attended an Anglican-Lutheran worship conference in 2014; to Saskatchewan Drive and the QE II park, where I had done so much hiking this year; down the valley towards the North Saskatchewan River; over the wondrous new Walterdale Bridge; along River Road, where Kim, Catherine, and I had hiked this past summer; up Groat Ravine to 107 Avenue, and west to where the orientation was held. It was a warm and glorious evening — the last Friday of the summer — and after a wet spring and a dry and glorious summer, the city looked fabulous.

Edmonton has had only one third of its normal rain this year, and the fall has begun with brilliant sunshine and heat. In the hottest summer in human history, Edmonton has seemed to be in a “climate disaster” sweet spot, and I have deeply appreciated it.

Lately, I have changed my walking routine to a 30-minute walk up and down 111 Street around our house. I start out the back door and go one block south in a laneway to two blocks of suburban ordinariness that surrounds us. That takes me to the LRT tracks, which split 111 St.; I cross them to the one high-rise east of us (Southgate Tower); and then north along a bike trail that is wondrously separated from the LRT and 111th St by trees and small hills (see photo of me above, taken by Kim on September 23, the first full day of fall. This only about 300 meters from our house!). At 57 Ave, I continue north into the more interesting neighbourhood of Pleasantview (with boulevards, more deciduous trees, and about 50% of the housing being recent in-fills); turn west towards 111 Street (and where the LRT is blessedly underground), and then behind the Lendrum Place shopping centre, beside several low-rise apartment towers, and back into our neighbourhood.

This walk is varied enough, urban enough, and nature-filled enough to satisfy my soul and to keep my hopes for improved fitness alive. I look forward to seeing how the walk evolves with the seasons.

And I sing, which helps keep my spirits up in this disastrous moment of social history. I am reading less than I thought (although I loved “Immoral, Indecent, and Scurrilous: the Making of an Unrepentant Sex Radical,” which is a memoir of Gerald Hannon, whom I met once in the 80s and who is a friend of my friend Alan Miller), and have instead starting taping programs on PBS – Nova, Nature, and especially “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” a six-hour documentary by Ken Burns et al. Quite rightly, I think, the latter draws parallels between the rise of Hitler in the 1930s and the rise of Trumpism today.

This continues to feel like a challenging time to be alive, as I gave evidence in a letter of mine, which the Edmonton Journal published yesterday morning:

“Don Braid opposes higher gas prices. What he ignores is the need to stop burning fossil fuels. This would require cities like Edmonton to become places where most trips were accomplished by walking, biking, or transit.

I would be happy if gas rose to $2 liter this year, and then doubled in price each subsequent year (rising by 4% each month) until it reached a level where use dropped by 95% — $500 per liter, $5,000 per liter, who knows?

Inflation would be terrible. But the government could get its revenue from carbon fees; rebates could help us cope; and sprawling neighbourhoods with multi-lane roads and parking lots could be replaced by neighbourhoods where people lived close to work, shopping, and friends.

We can fight inflation under the current system and suffer the terrible costs of climate disaster, or we can create a society that is denser, more interesting, and sustainable.

Ian Kellogg, Edmonton, AB”

Reaction will probably be negative. Imagine saying that climate disaster, which comes at the cost of the near-term deaths of billions, is worse than the inflationary effect of radically higher gas prices?

In the midst of intractable social problems, what can we do but sing, I sometimes wonder.

This past week has been particularly eventful. Last Sunday morning, the Rev. Nancy Steeves announced her retirement from SSUC. Her final service will be on January 22, 2023. Although this was hardly surprising given that Nancy will soon turn 65, it has left me feeling sad. On the other hand, I was thrilled with the skill and wisdom with which Chris and Nancy made this announcement. I will miss Nancy’s leadership even as I am excited to see how SSUC evolves.

Most importantly, our wonderful but elderly dog Coco has been sick this week. For some reason, her back right leg stopped working on Sunday. We’ve had Coco for nearly six years, but she is 17-years-old so her time may soon be up. Whenever the end comes, it will break my heart.

Last month, I also presided at a Celebration of Life for Mark Ehrman at Mill Woods United. I don’t want to preside at many such memorials. But given that Mark died while I was still working at the church, I appreciated being asked to lead the service, and I deeply appreciated the work the family did to make this event happen. I hope the service was of help.

Oh, and the Queen died last month. I was surprised by how sad her death left me, probably because it echoed with the deaths of my own parents — in 2007 and 2017 respectively — given that they were born just before and just after ERII.

The occasion of her death also brought to my mind one of my more controversial sermons, which among many things talked about her 90th birthday in 2016 – Past Troubles and Future Dreams.

Until next month,

Ian

The title of this blog is inspired by Holly Near’s song “Singing for Our Lives,” which she wrote after the murder of Harvey Milk in San Francisco in 1978, and which Rev. Dale Johnson brought to my mind via a memorable sermon of his at Mill Woods United on August 24.