In this Newsletter...

   • First Chinook Winds Regional Gathering in Photos
   • Alberta Bound: General Council 44th Meeting to be in Calgary 2021
   • Affirm United Annual Conference scheduled for July 26-28
   • Final Reminder -- Ministry Personnel: Annual Declaration due June 30
   • Marriage Preparation Courses for Fall 2019
   • Staff List for Chinook Winds - Contact Information HERE

First Chinook Winds Regional Gathering takes place in Lethbridge

Please click HERE for Photo Gallery
The first-ever Chinook Winds Regional gathering took place at McKillop United Church in Lethbridge June 7-8 under the theme of Born of Winds and Spirit. The Gathering brought together regional representatives and ministry personnel from Communities of Faith throughout the area south of Highway 13 that is now called Chinook Winds Region.

The two-day meeting included worship and business, covenanting with the new Chinook Winds Region Staff, electing the first-ever Chinook Winds Executive, covenanting with the Incoming Executive Minister Treena Duncan and short presentations and greetings from special guests, ministries and staff.

In response to a presentation from Affirming Connections, discussions from the floor led to a proposal for the Chinook Winds Region to begin the process to become an Affirming region within The United Church of Canada.

The Gathering also discussed a proposal on establishing a Being in Good Relations Circle and after much discussion, the Region voted on a process towards better relationships with Indigenous people and churches. It also voted for continued work to encourage intercultural ministry.

Thank you for the hard work of the local hosting committee chaired by Bob Wallace and Kathy Yamashita.

The Chinook Winds Newly Elected Executive are: John Snow, Bob Wallace, David Pollard, Kevin Dorma, Helen Reed, Eric Pagé, Vicki McPhee, Frances Liu, Alwin Maben, and Bill Moore.

Our photo gallery details more of the many significant moments of the Chinook Winds first gathering. Thank you to the photographers: Richard Betts; Doug Goodwin; Sam Grottenberg, Bob Wallace and Shelley Den Haan.

44th General Council is Alberta Bound for 2021

After approval by the General Council Executive last week, it was announced that Chinook Winds Regional Council will welcome the 44th General Council (GC) Meeting to Calgary, July 21-25, 2021.
The Planning Chair for the 2021 GC meeting is Calgary-based Sue Brodrick, a former member of the Chinook Winds Regional Commission. Thank you, Sue!
We will have more updates in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, check out the announcement on the General Council's website.

Affirm United Annual Conference also hosted in Calgary!

Theme: Disruptive Faith - Forging Brave and Inclusive Communities in Divided Times

You're invited for the Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble (AUSE) Annual Conference, in partnership with Hillhurst United Church and Affirming Connections on July 26-28 2019. Our rich and renewing time together will include theme speakers, worship, lots of conversation, children’s programming, great meals, and AUSE’s annual meeting. We'll begin with registration and BBQ at 4:00 PM Friday, enjoy a full day and evening Saturday and end by 2:30 Sunday. REGISTRATION: Click here.

Our keynote speaker: Harlan Pruden on "Two-Spirit Reconcili-action!" Harlan is Two-Spirit First Nation Cree/Nēhiyaw, a PhD Student at UBC, Community Organizer, Managing Editor of TwoSpiritJournal.com, and past advisor to Obama’s White House on HIV/AIDS.

Other News

Marriage Preparation Courses: Calgary Pastoral and Spiritual Care received a Mission Support Grant to continue offering Marriage Preparation courses for 2019. The courses are hosted by Knox United Calgary. For more info please go to www.kxcalgary.com/weddings. There are two dates still available for 2019, June 22 and October 19. It is a full Saturday facilitated by professionals. These courses come highly recommended by previous attendees.

The South Calgary Communications Cluster will meet at Red Deer Lake Church on June 27 from 3 to 5 pm. Red Deer Lake United is hosting and will be sharing some of the tools they are currently finding useful. If you are responsible for communications for your church (you do not need to be in South Calgary to participate) or want to learn more (and if you have tips and tricks you'd like to share, please joint us. RSVP to info@reddeerlakeuc.com

The former Conference Student Bursary Fund is now called the Alberta Chinook Winds and Northern Spirit Regions Student Bursary Fund. This past year a total of $7,600 was given to those who applied for bursaries. You will find an update from the Bursary Committee and an Appeal Leader for congregations HERE

Pulpit Supply or Short-Term Appointments. Chinook Winds Region is hoping to constitute a list of persons interested in pulpit supply or short-term appointments. Please indicate whether you are OM, DM, DLM or Licensed Lay Worship Leader. Please contact Lee Spice: LSpice@united-church.ca

For Ministry Personnel:
Time to fill out the Annual Declaration Form

You can fill out the Annual Declaration Form regarding the Criminal Records Check on Church Hub. You can access Church Hub HERE. You will need the date of your last Criminal Records Check to complete the form. Deadline to submit the form is June 30, 2019.

If you are not yet on Church Hub, please email ministry@united-church.ca. You'll access helpful people through this email address.

Summer dates and Registration HERE

How to submit news items to
Chinook Winds E-Newsletter

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