Sandra Atkinson - Woodcliff Music Director
Sandy was born St. John's NFLD, to musical parents. She is the youngest of 7 children, including a brother who is equally musical and a sister (Ruby) who was a Broadway, Film and Television actress.
Sandy is married to Ernie, an opera singer who has performed nationally and internationally and continues to teach. Their daughter, Lisa, is a singer and voice teacher in Toronto.
Sandy was educated at Memorial University in St. John's and holds degrees from Trinity College in London, England, and the University of Toronto. She has taught piano, worked with the Canadian Opera Company, Youth Music Centre, and Opera Piccola. Sandy has been with Calgary Opera since its inception in 1972, serving as Chorus Director and Repetiteur. Sandy has served as the Pianist and Choir Director for Woodcliff United many many years.
Sandy likes to knit, crochet, and needlepoint. As Brian Plesuk would say, she has a huge investment in The Good Earth Coffee Shops - especially Glenmore Landing, within walking distance of her home.
We are blessed to have Sandy as part of our Woodcliff family where she fills our space with beauty, grace, and beautiful music.
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Woodcliff United Church Council Meeting Summary - April 9, 2019
As this is my first council meeting as chair, and I want to say how thrilled and excited I am to be in this role. I am very much looking forward to working more closely with all of you.
Highlights from this meeting include;
- Presentation by Rev Eric, Sheri and Charlotte on their experience at the Disney 'Excellence in Leadership' seminar. We are hopeful that this could become a workshop for Woodcliff in the future.
- We spent a few minutes getting to know each other better.
- Rev Eric reported that the Scouts are looking for opportunities to partner with us in the community. He asked for feedback on events and church services. Confirmation and new member transfers will be on June 9, 2019.
- Steve Crosby reviewed the financial statement and all is well. He asked that all cheque requisitions be completed at all times.
- Congregational Life shared upcoming events.
- Proposed Council meeting dates will continue to be the second Tuesday of the month, except July and August.
- We received a proposal for solar panels for the church. More research and discussion is needed before any decision is made.
- Debrief on ACM - there were many things that could have been done better and we will keep them in mind when planning next year's ACM.
- Cell towers - we will not be making any changes to our contracts.
Mary Jane Holberton, Council Chair
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Soups and Books!
There will be an Outreach table in the lower hall this Sunday where you may buy the last soup mixes for $5 each and the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action books will also be available for $5 each.
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Sonshine Opportunities
Do you know a dentist with a big heart? The mom and her two children currently residing in the Woodcliff Suite urgently require dental care. They have low income but are not eligible for the Government subsidized dental services. Please contact Monica at 403-243-2002.
Sonshine needs a volunteer to shop 2x a month for eggs and milk at Walmart for the residents. Gift cards are provided. Please contact Monica for more information 403-243-2002
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Lenten Water Project CAWST www.cawst.org
Many have asked how you might support the 2019 Lenten Project. We did not create special envelopes but you may designate Lenten Project on your giving envelopes. Extra envelopes are available at the back of the sanctuary. Your cheque is still made out to WUC. If you do not have a giving number please put your name and address on the envelopes so you can receive a tax receipt.
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InterFaith Habitat for Humanity Finale!
May 5 - 7:00pm at Beth Tzedec Synagogue 1325 Glenmore Trail S.W.
"Building Sacred Bridges” an interfaith musical experience with inspiring works by Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Christian participants including a Gospel Choir and an interfaith Children’s choir called “All of God’s Children” No Charge but donations accepted for the Interfaith Habitat for Humanity project.
At the event we will be celebrating the conclusion of this project’s goal of raising $1M to help famlies buy their first home.
Reserve tickets at www.habitatsouthernab.ca/bsb
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Indigenous relations trainer Bob Joseph is speaking at Hillhurst United Church 1227 Kensington Close NW. on Wednesday April 17th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Bob is the author of the current best seller "21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act" - an essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussions on generations of Indigenous Peoples.
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Available this Sunday during coffee time.
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Needles and Pins is putting together Afghans for the Sherriff King. We are looking for 8"x8" knot squares. We hope to have several afghans to present to the Sheriff King in June. Please pick up yarn from Rhonda Dietzler or Mary Ann Christie. Finished squares can be dropped off with them as well or at the church office by the end of May.
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Tickets on sale this Sunday. Proceeds from the concert will help support the 86 Cubs and Scouts attend their upcoming jamboree.
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WOODCLIFF DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
If you are a caregiver for someone suffering memory loss and need a safe, confidential circle to share your experiences and obtain information, DCSG is for you. We meet on the first and third Tuesdays of the month from 1:30 to 3:00 pm in the Edworthy Lounge. No registration is required. For more information, please contact the church office. Next gathering is April 16, 2019 .
WOODCLIFF PRAYER CHAIN
To have names placed on the confidential Prayer Chain List please contact the prayer chain at wucprayerchain@gmail.com or 403-246-9384. Next Prayer Chain meeting will be held April 28 at 11:15 am.
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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A HERITAGE OF WELCOME
Our gifts for Mission & Service support food, health, and wellness programs at ministries like St. Paul’s Family Resource Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. We tend to think of food banks as something relatively new. This may be true in some places, but not in Halifax, where there is a long history of helping those who need support.
For example, after the War of 1812, there were soup kitchens in downtown Halifax. Samuel Cunard (who founded the Cunard Steamship Company, at one time the largest steamship company in the world) worked at that soup kitchen. He and his wife, Susan, donated food and then served it to the hungry. This is a long way from modern food banks, although the need for food is still as great as it was back in the 19th century.
The Family Resource Centre, which is an outreach ministry of St. Paul’s United Church in Spryfield, Nova Scotia, offers more services than a food bank: clients can sit at the Food Bank Café and have coffee and a snack while waiting to pick up their order, rather than waiting out in the cold or rain. The centre also offers a volunteer income tax service to those with limited income, and Legal Aid is often on hand to address concerns individuals may have. The Food, Fitness and Fun class is always being fine-tuned, and there are nursing students on hand to offer advice on health and nutrition. We are thankful for the many ways St. Paul’s Family Resource Centre offers a place of welcome and support to those who come through its doors.
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.
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INTO THE WOODS Jr
April 24th -26th at 7pm
West Ridge School
An adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's fairytale comes to life with West Ridge School's production of Into the Woods JR. Students bring back all of your favourite childhood characters from classic fairytales, as you are joined by the likes of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch. Enter into a lyrical retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical focuses on the Baker and his wife, who hope to have a child; Cinderella who wishes to go to the King's festival; and Jack and his cow Milky White. The characters stories weave among one another as the Baker and his wife embark on a journey to break the witch's curse.
West Ridge's Into the Woods Jr brings you singing, dancing, laughs and thrills. Director Kerrie Lutz describes the musical as “an energetic and highly entertaining performance delivered by amazingly talented students.”
Tickets can be purchased through the main office of West Ridge School at a cost of $10.
CALGARY RENAISSANCE SINGERS AND PLAYERS PRESENT "MIRTHE & MERIMENT"
Sunday April 28th - St. Stephen's Anglican Church
1121 14 Ave SW
Pre-concert talk at 7:00pm, Concert at 7:30pm
Tickets ($25 Regular, $20 Senior/Students, Free for under 18) available at www.brownpapertickers.com, www.renaissnace-singers.com or from Lorna Rowsell-Petti.
SYMONS VALLEY PLAYERS PRESENT "NO BODY LIKE JIMMY"
Thursday May 2nd, Friday May 3rd - Dessert at 7:00pm
Saturday May 4th - Roast Beef Dinner 6:00pm
Sunday May 5th - Dessert 2:00pm
Symons Valley is in their 23rd year of entertaining audiences with their Dessert/Dinner Theatre. Tickers are $27 per person for Dessert Theatre and $50 per person for Dinner Theatre (dinner and dessert). Table rates are available. Tickets are available through BrownPaperTickets.com or by calling 403-274-2361.
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