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Our elevator is currently out of order. The service company is working hard to source the needed part but they will not have the elevator functioning for this Sunday. We are sorry for any distress this causes.
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The movie “Crazy Rich Asians” came out last week in theatres in North America. Critics have been raving about it and it has is projected to make over 100 million dollars in theatre, which is along the lines of what summer blockbusters can make. What makes this film unique is its entire Asian or Asian-American cast. This is the first time in over 25 years that this has happened. It is clear that the movie is needed in today’s world. And we can wonder why it has taken so long for actresses/actors that are typically not put in lead roles have had the chance now.
Growing up I never had to search very hard to find TV or movie characters that I could model behavior after or that I could look up to. Being a straight cis gender male I did not have to watch media and wonder why there is never a leading character that resembles me. Perhaps you had had like-minded thoughts, perhaps not. What the movie Crazy Rich Asians has done is promote a discussion in society about what it means to see yourself represented not only on the big screen, but what it means to oneself in a prominent role in the world. At Woodcliff United Church we are looking to see how we can continue to become a community church that welcomes all, just as Jesus did. Part of this thinking about things that we have not had to think of before. “Crazy Rich Asians” is more than another silver screen production; it’s a conversation starter that we as church, as Calgary and as Canada need to have.
I for one am going to see Crazy Rich Asians on Saturday, September 1st. The time will be announced in the next Messenger. You are more than welcome to join us.
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This summer has been of of freshening up in many spaces. We can’t wait for you to see all the hard work and love that has gone and is going into these projects.
One big project has been the nursery. Over the past few weeks the church nursery has taken on a beautiful transformation!
Thank you to the generosity of Gale Holroyd and the Healing Pathways team who donated their reserves to make this all possible.
Thank you to Bob Fairs for the bookshelf lovingly made and now re-purposed as a book and toy shelf in our brand new nursery.
Thank you to John Curda for the homemade rocking horse and perfect building blocks.
Thank you to Gary White for the amazing hand painted unique murals.
Thank you to Cheryl-Ann, Heather, Troy, Chloe and Sophia for cleaning toys and prepping the room.
The nursery is freshly painted, cleaned and outfitted with new appropriate toys and games (though a few pieces are still needed) - please stop in to see when you are next at Woodcliff.
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Invitation to any and all wanting to participate in support the LGBTQ+ community Pride Parade on September 2: Myrl Eddy will be walking with the Hillhurst United Church group and Calgary Affirming/Inclusive Ministries float and would welcome others to join. The float will leave from Riverfront Ave at 1st Street SE at 11:30am. If you would like to join us, we will be gathering at Position 171, Staging Block P.
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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 29th. 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.
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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.
CAN YOU HELP
Our children's ministry is looking to add to our volunteer roster this year! We are looking for occasional teachers. Skills required: Enjoy spending time with children, its a bonus if you like crafts, and are able to follow pre planned lessons. You do not have to have children in the program or do any program planning or have any previous experience. age 14 plus are welcome to help! Please contact Sheri at woodcliffkids@gmail.com to enquire more or to sign up!
PROGRAM LAUNCH
We can not wait to see you back in September. Registration for the upcoming Church year is ongoing but will begin on September 9th. Followed by a special BBQ and first day of program celebration September 16th.
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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.
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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
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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. 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.
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Across Turtle Island
Our gifts for Mission & Service support ecumenical partners like KAIROS, which seeks justice and offers ways for faith groups to live out the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
In March 2017, 45 people from many different backgrounds—Indigenous and settler, young and old, teachers and counselors, medical staff and faith leaders—gathered with one common goal, to learn how to facilitate the KAIROS Blanket Exercise at the Saskatoon Friendship Centre, Treaty 6 territory.
Those gathered were committed to living out the Calls to Action, especially as they pertain to education around the impacts of colonization. The KAIROS Blanket Exercise is a rich, complex, and emotional experience of sharing the history of colonization. It tells the story that we are not fully taught in school. The new facilitators committed themselves to carrying the experience into their communities.
The Blanket Exercise can be very powerful for participants. Together, the group learned ways to navigate the anger, tears, and painful revelations that can be brought to light by the experience. The 45 new facilitators listened to the words of the Elders, laughed, and shared together, promising to support one another. The group left with open hearts and open ears, ready to share the good news of truth telling and reconciliation.
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.
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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
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.
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