In this Newsletter...
• Save the Date: 2020 Regional Gathering to meet in Red Deer
• Pre-Advent Clergy Gathering on November 27
• And more news!
The Next Newsletter will be distributed Tuesday, November 12. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, by 4 pm. The Chinook Winds newsletter will now be coming out weekly except holidays and the submission deadline will always be the Thursday prior. Submission guidelines are at the bottom of this newsletter.
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Thank you to Gaetz United Church for hosting the 2020 General Meeting of the Chinook Winds Region. Save the Date!
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Pre-Advent Clergy Gathering
set for November 27
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The first-ever Chinook Winds Region Clergy Gathering will take place on Wednesday, November 27 at Symons Valley United Church, Calgary, AB. The day will run from 10 AM to 4 PM – morning refreshments and lunch included.
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This event is for Ministry Personnel, Retired Ministry Staff and Candidates for Ministry. It is offered at no cost but please register by November 20 to ensure your spot at the table!
You can register HERE:
Morning Session: “When Stress Turns Toxic: Signs and Strategies for Self-Care” with guest speaker Barb Higgins. Barb Higgins is a certified wellness speaker. She worked as a journalist for 26 years and previously was a news anchor for Calgary’s CTV News. Through presentation and conversation, we will explore how to recognize and move through stress in healthy ways.
Afternoon: “Finding Calm in the Storm Within” with Rev. Trevor Potter, McKillop United Church, Lethbridge. A spirit-filled and meditative time to participate in contemplative practices to touch the calm within as we work with our heart, mind, and body spaces together.
Questions? Please email Chris Mah Poy
THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM: “Whenever your heart space…is present and accounted for…you can experience a moment of deep inner connection with pure, gratuitous Being of anything and everything.” …Richard Rohr
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Report from the Chinook Winds Region Executive
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By Helen Reed,
Presiding Officer,
Regional Council Executive
The Chinook Winds Regional Executive has met several times since being elected last June and met in person September 30-October 1.
You'll find Helen's full report HERE
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As rifts in our communities turn into deep chasms and tensions grow, Irshad Manji offers a brave, new perspective on how to find common ground even as we stand our ground.
IRSHAD MANJI wrote the #1 Globe and Mail bestseller, The Trouble with Islam Today as well as the international bestseller, Allah, Liberty and Love. Her latest book, Don’t Label Me, is a guide to reclaiming our humanity – and each other’s – at a time of trenchant tribalism.
Tickets $15 ($20 at the Door).
Online Tickets
Location: Hillhurst United, Calgary
Presented by the Wisdom Centre, Hillhurst United Church and Affirming Connections.
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Organisations where children gather, such as churches, are also ones to which predators are drawn to be near young people. While we want to be invitational, we can unintentionally place our children and others at risk.
Thanks to the astuteness of the
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leadership in one of our communities of faith, what could have been a difficult situation with a recent volunteer was avoided. That person had a criminal record. Questions were asked.
The Chinook Winds Office reminds communities of faith and ministry staff that it’s wise to regularly review The United Church of Canada’s Duty of Care guidelines and to choose to do education programs on protecting children.
While getting police record checks for those who work with children is now the norm, it’s only one part of protecting our kids. Only 30 per cent of children who are sexually abused actually report what happened to them, so some predators go undetected and reported. Consequently, it’s good to have other screening methods and measures in place i.e. two screened leaders with children and youth at all times.
The Gospels are clear. Jesus loves children and of course, we agree. We are called to care for children and keep them safe.
• You can find Duty of Care guidelines, procedures and an online course recommended by The United Church of Canada HERE:
• Another up-to-date, well-put-together resource is the Commit to Kids Online Training program offered by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection. 4H Alberta and 4H Canada is requiring all of its volunteer leaders to take the 2.5 hour online course.
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Regional Staff: Notes from the Road
• Executive Minister Treena Duncan arrived in Chinook Winds Region last Thursday night, October 31. She attended the Hillhurst United Church/Wisdom Centre events YYC Church, as well as the Brian McLaren educational event that took place in Calgary over the weekend. Treena met with Region staff on Monday and will be in the Region until Wednesday.
• Pastoral Relations Minister Lee Spice and Community of Faith Strategy & Support Consultant Joel Den Haan joined with Renfrew United Church on Sunday, November 3 as the congregation decommissioned its building. The congregation now worships at the Bridgeland Riverside Community Hall and is working with the Alberta Land Trust on plans for redeveloping church property.
• On Saturday, October 26, Lee presented M & P 101: The Essentials, at St. Andrew’s United Church, Lacombe, to M & P members from a number of congregations. The good folks at St. Andrew’s provided coffee, snacks and a delicious lunch. Contact Lee if you’d like a similar workshop for a cluster of communities of faith in your area.
• Joel will be in the Stettler area meeting with communities of faith leaders next week.
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How you can help with General Council 44
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By Barb Lough
Thanks to the volunteers who already have been in touch as we head into the initial phase of planning the General Council 44 meeting which will take place in Calgary, July 21 to 25 in 2021, at the Telus Convention Centre.
We will welcome about 500 people to this event, so it will need a lot of people to put this in place.
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We’d love for you to be involved too. Here is a link to the guidelines document that the General Council Office has put together to help us get the Local Arrangements Committee in place.
Please take a prayerful look through these pages to determine if there is an area to which your gifts lead you. We need many volunteers to make this gathering a success. We’re counting on you to help make it happen.
Email Barb Lough, Chair, Local Arrangements for General Council 44
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We’d love for you to be involved too. Here is a link to the guidelines document that the General Council Office has put together to help us get the Local Arrangements Committee in place.
Please take a prayerful look through these pages to determine if there is an area to which your gifts lead you. We need many volunteers to make this gathering a success. We’re counting on you to help make it happen.
Email Barb Lough, Chair, Local Arrangements for General Council 44
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Old Tyme Christmas at Knox United, Drumheller
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Join Scott Woods and band on Saturday, November 23, 7 pm for this uplifting 2-hour live family-friendly show, featuring lots of Christmas carols, fun fiddle tunes, as well as Traditional Country and Gospel songs. Scott will keep you entertained with his keen wit, fiddle prowess, and trick fiddling.
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Featuring ‘The Telecaster Master’ Steve Piticco, Naomi Bristow, ‘Canada’s Yodelin’ Cowgirl, and step-dancing champion Leo Stock. Proceeds to Knox United Church, Drumheller. Call 1-855-726-8896 for tickets.
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Tickets: $20 each. Purchase at the door or in advance. Call 403-277-7756 or 403-477-0997.
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Other News
Registration Open for December’s Tuxis Youth Parliament. The TUXIS Parliament of Alberta is the oldest youth parliament in Alberta, and the longest continuously running youth parliament in Canada. It’s for youth ages 15 to 21 who have a passion for debate, politics, and bettering our communities. TUXIS is a spiritual non-denominational youth parliament that welcome members of all faiths and belief systems. Registration for the December Youth Parliament and more information HERE:
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How to submit news items to
Chinook Winds E-Newsletter
Your event, news or announcement can be included in the Chinook Winds E-News. For best promotion, it is advisable to submit material four weeks/one month in advance of your event's date or submission deadline. Events will be promoted for two newsletters and if you would like further promotion, please re-submit your item.
Please send the following information in the body of an email to Shelleydenh@gmail.com:
• Your name and e-mail as the contact
• Short title
• 30-60 word description (Tip: Include a compelling reason why the reader should click to find out more.)
• The URL or website where readers can visit for more information (If you do not
have a URL or website, you can attach a pdf flyer or poster.)
• Date
• Location
Attach to the e-mail:
• An image (JPG or PNG) with little or no text that
represents your event, campaign, etc.
• PDF poster or flyer, if applicable
(No image? That's fine. It will be placed in the "Other News" section.) |
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