August 10, 2018

During my vacation I had the opportunity to climb Ha-Ling peak, which is out in the Canmore area. On a website it was described as a moderate hike with an elevation over 900 metres. Michelle and I decided to give it a try. It was arguably the most intense uphill hike that I have been on thus far. And coming down? That was a whole ordeal due to the steepness of the mountain. However, the view from the top was breathtaking. All the cramps, pains and "oh no" moments were certainly worth it to see that view.

This experience reminds me about what we experience in our lives of faith. There are many moments which have us wondering whether we can reach our destination. There are moments of pain and disbelief. There are also times where the urge to walk away is strong. But that view... That understanding or comfort that comes with reaching the destination, in knowing that God is with you at the destination (but also the journey!) makes that climb worth it.

A life of faith is not always going to be a walk in the park, sometimes it will more closely resemble Ha-Ling peak. However, that view from the top surveying what you have went through, makes the journey all the more memorable.

Blessings,
Eric

On Saturday September 29, 2018, visual artists from the Woodcliff congregation are invited to display and sell their paintings, drawings and photographs. Choir members will be performing throughout the day. Please mark your calendars for September 29^th. Proceeds from the Art Sale will go towards the Woodcliff United Church music program. For those members of Woodcliff that are Artists wishing to participate in the Choir Art Show, registration forms & detailed information is now available in the Church Office. Please contact Charlotte.

SUMMER HOLIDAYS
Children and Youth programming is on summer holidays! Hope you enjoy time with your families. We are planning for a great fall and can not wait to see you back in September. If you attend church in the summer, be sure to check out our children's activity corner in the Sanctuary.

CAMP KASOTA WEST
Summer sleep away camps for children and youth grade 1-9. Information is available on the downstairs bulletin board, on the web site www.campkasotawest.com, or by phoning 403-275-3636.

WOODCLIFF DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Our caring circle meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm in the Edworthy Lounge here at Woodcliff. No professional referrals are required. If you are in need of a safe, confidential circle to share your experience, learn from others and support others in their journey, our Caregivers Support Group is for you and is open to all. If you have questions, please be in touch with the office. Next gathering is August 21, 2018
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WOODCLIFF PRAYER CHAIN
To have names placed on the confidential Prayer Chain List please contact the prayer chain at wucprayerchain@gmail.com

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
Pick up a request form at the Church to arrange for a prayer shawl presentation.

CARD MINISTRY
Contact the church office to help us acknowledge the life situations of our congregants.

HEALING MINISTRY
The Healing Pathway Ministry team is available to give healing sessions upon request. To experience relaxation, and receive the gift of healing hands, please contact the church office at 403-249-3121.

SONSHINE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Sonshine Centre is currently recruiting volunteers for a variety of roles to support the women and families residing at Sonshine. If this interests you, please contact Lise Blanchette, Coordinator of Volunteers, to learn more. 403.705.3490 Lblanchette@sonshine.ca

What is Happening with the Window Project?
A contract has been signed with DBD Construction under the leadership of Noah Whyte. They have sourced and will be installing the new windows and doors. All the new windows have been ordered and delivery is expected late in August. Shop drawings for the new exterior and interior door systems should be delivered this week and orders will be placed by Aug. 14. Installation of all windows and doors will commence the first week in September. Installation of new windows and doors and maintenance work on remaining installations will be completed by the end of October.

The Committee will be contacting user groups as we get closer to the installation dates to coordinate access to the various affective spaces.

If you have questions about the project contact Steve Crosby at sccrosby51@gmail.com.

We Found Our Home

Our gifts for Mission & Service support community ministries across the country, including this one in North Bay, Ontario. The Community Homeownership Action Group Project, also known as HOAP, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the people of the United Church for continued support through a Mission & Service–funded mission support grant.

We are currently working with our 13th family to become stable homeowners. One family member shared with us this story: “When I was a child we moved constantly, never in one house for more than two years. Our son will have a solid home. His room will be his room. He will have roots that I never did. For me, having rented all my life, I have never felt at home in a place. Now I do.”

Another family shared their story: “When we found our home, we put in lots of hard work for renovations. With the help of Project HOAP and some great volunteers, we completed the renovations and were able to move in by early spring. We were worried about the house not being safe, but HOAP had lots of knowledge about what would be needed and took the time to explain everything to us. The program helped us to purchase what we needed to complete the renovations.... It was fantastic to see the outcome.”

Alisha Matheny, coordinator of Project HOAP, says, “Families in our program are hard-working and motivated to accomplish the goal of homeownership; however, without our organization and the support we receive together from the United Church, the obstacles would be too great to overcome. It is a privilege to participate in a program that works alongside its participants to create meaningful change in their lives and our community.” Mission & Service makes this possible.

If Mission & Service giving is already a regular part of your life, thank you so much! If you have not given, please join me in making Mission & Service giving a regular part of your life of faith. Loving our neighbour is at the heart of our Mission & Service.

For more Minutes for Mission resources, see our photo collection and video playlist.

BUILDING RELIGIOUS & CULTURAL INCLUSION IN THE WORKPLACE
August 13 – 17, 2018
This course is helpful for professionals working with diverse populations. Develop the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to support religious diversity in the workplace and beyond. Learn through readings, reflection, discussion, case studies, and site visits to various sacred spaces in Calgary. Sign up at conted.ucalgary.ca

LITURGICAL MEANINGS IN STAINED GLASS
St. Mary’s University
6 week fall course Saturdays 9:30 – 12:30pm starting Sept. 22, 2018.
Design and create two stained glass pieces while learning about liturgical meanings and our connection to stained glass.
For more information contact Elizabeth.cressman@stmu.ca

SOUTHERN ALBERTA KARIOS BLANKET EXERCISE
FACILITATOR TRAINING
September 2018 Canmore, AB
We welcome any individuals interested in becoming a KAIROS Blanket Exercise facilitator to attend. The training will happen on a weekend in September (TBD). Training will take 1.5 days and free Bed and Breakfast, snacks and lunches will be provided. If you are interested please contact Mary Shearer at shearermary04@gmail.com or 403-609-0690.

BRAVE SPACES
September 28 & 29, 2018 McDougall United Church
Brave Spaces is a conference that asks the difficult question: what does it look like to be truly inclusive. Tickets are $20 - $70 and are available on Eventbrite.ca or by emailing bravespaces@mcdunited.com.

ARBI 40th REUNION
September 22, 2018 from 1:00-4:00pm at 3412 Spruce Dr SW
RSVP at www.arbi.ca/40th
As many of our congregation know, ARBI (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured) had its first home in the basement of our church. This association came about as a result of the brain injury of Mel Laine, son of Alice, who was an active member of our congregation. She and her friend, Audrey Morrice, began this association to assist others as well as Mel in recovery from brain injury.

5010 Spruce Drive SW T3C 3B2
403-249-3121
NEED AN ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE BULLETIN, MESSENGER OR POWERPOINT? email the office at
office@woodcliffunited.com
wucprayerchain@gmail.com
woodcliffkids@gmail.com
youthwuc@gmail.com

Please add us in your address book.
Find more information about the wider Church at:
Calgary Presbytery: www.calgaryunited.ca
Alberta & Northwest Conference: www.anwconf.com
The United Church of Canada: www.united-church.ca
Wondercafe2 http://wondercafe2.ca/index.php

© 2018 Woodcliff United Church, All rights reserved.

5010 Spruce Drive SW

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