September 01, 2024 - Proper 17

Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington is a Presbyterian Church, USA, pastor living in Maryville, TN with her husband and two kiddos. She runs an online educational ministry called Sacred Calls, which provides faith formation and training resources for churches. Her guiding scripture is Philemon 4-5, which calls us to be the kind of person other people see and say "Wow, that's a Jesus follower." In her downtime she enjoys baseball, biking, and beer. No alliteration intended, but B is the best letter of the alphabet.

This week: Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington - theme: “It’s More Than The ‘Sex Book.’” Focus Scripture:  Song of Solomon 2:8-13.

August 25, 2024 - Proper 16

Rev. Scott Reynolds serves at the Growth Animator in Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regions.  His role is to walk with communities of faith in discerning how to share the gospel message to love God and to love their neighbour.  He brings the gifts of listening, creativity, visioning, and discernment as he supports communities of faith in the two Regions.  Scott lives with his family in Red Deer.

This week: Rev. Scott Reynolds - theme: “Why Isn’t Jesus Healing Me?” Focus Scripture: Ephesians 6t:10-20.

August 18, 2024 - Proper 15

The Rev. Shannon Tennant is in ministry with Shiloh-Sixth Avenue United Church, a progressive and radically inclusive congregation in New Westminster, B.C. She was born and grew up in Montreal, except for a few years in London, England, as a teenager. Shannon served congregations in Northern and Southwestern Ontario before moving to British Columbia in 2006. She is the mother of an extraordinary daughter, a voracious reader, enthusiastic cook, bad knitter and indifferent gardener.

This week: Rev. Shannon Tennant - theme: “Do We Really Eat Jesus?” Focus Scripture: John 6:51-58.

September 08, 2024 - Creation 01

The reverend Greg Powell divides his time between part-time congregational ministry at James Bay United Church in Victoria, BC and prison chaplaincy at a nearby federal institution. Greg has bounced between western Canada and eastern Canada throughout his life and is happiest on the trails, in the canoe, or on skis. Greg's vocational passions include peace and justice: climate justice and indigenous rights; spending time with people at critical moments in life and finding meaningful ways--new and old--to express gratitude and to dream of heaven here on earth. Greg completed his Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College in Toronto in 2014. Prior to responding to his call to congregational ministry, Greg worked for an environmental non-profit and as an environmental engineer.

This week: Rev. Greg Powell & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Roots”
Focus Scripture: Genesis 2:4b-25

September 15, 2024 - Creation 02

Rev. Sadekie Lyttle-Forbes serves at Sharon-Hope United, Sharon ON. She is passionate about making connections between faith and day-to-day living. She believes that what we should impact the community and support all areas of our congregational life. Sadekie seeks to bring together spirituality, prayer, social justice and community engagement by following the teachings of Scripture and sharing the love of Jesus. She is warm, inspiring and faith filled with the added gift of bursting into song during a sermon. She comes with significant gifts and training in Counselling, Education and Ministry, with a high level of ministry effectiveness with children, youth and adults alike. She fully engages in the local community and currently serves on three committees at the national level. She is described as an inspiring preacher, engaging teacher, responsive pastor, supportive leader and a warm and considerate person.

This week: Rev. Sadekie Lyttle-Forbes & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Trunk”
Focus Scripture: James 3:1-12

September 22, 2024 - Creation 03

Paul became a candidate for ordained ministry in the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas (MCCA) in 1983 and then commenced ministerial formation at the United Theological College of the West Indies in Jamaica. Upon leaving seminary he served in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for three years and in the island of Barbados for fourteen years. While in Barbados he served as Circuit Minister in the Bethel and James Street/Speightstown Circuits and as Superintendent Minister for the Ebenezer and Bethel Circuits. Paul began serving as the minister for the Cold Lake-Pierceland Pastoral Charge of the United Church of Canada in 2011 and was elected President of the Alberta and Northwest Conference in May 2015. He is currently serving Pilgrim United Church, Edmonton, AB.

This week: Rev. Paul Douglas Walfall & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Branches”
Focus Scripture: Mark 9:30-37

August 11, 2024 - Proper 14

The Rev. Karen Bridges is the Minister of Congregation and Community Development at Robertson-Wesley United Church in Edmonton, Alberta. Karen was born and raised in Edmonton and within The United Church of Canada. Following her B.A (Drama major, and Religious Studies minor) from the University of Alberta, Karen completed her Master of Theological Studies at St. Stephen's College in 1998 while working full time as the Children, Youth and Young Adult Minister at Riverbend United Church until 2009. She then attended the Vancouver School of Theology and was ordained by the Alberta Northwest Conference in May, 2011. Karen has a passion for storytelling, creative worship, visioning, leadership development and faith formation, and she has a weakness for lattes!

This week features Rev. Karen Bridges and the theme: “God Still Needs Prophets” Focus Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2.

September 29, 2024 - Creation 04

Jeff Rock is in Ministry with the people of Canadian Memorial United Church in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. With a background in the science, he is passionate about social justice, politics, and the power of people working together for change.

This week: Rev. Jeff Rock & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Fruit & Seeds”
Focus Scripture: Matthew 13: 31-34

October 06, 2024 - Creation 05

Norm Seli was Ordained in 1992 and has followed God’s call into three different communities in Southern Ontario. Since 2005, he has been the Supervising Minister at Jubilee United Church in Toronto.  Norm delights in preaching, liturgy and supervising interns and students.  Norm has been a member of the General Council Executive and a member of the Indigenous Justice and Residential Schools Committee as well as a variety of Conference and Presbytery committees. Currently he is the Chair the Board of Vocation for the United Church of Canada.  In real life, Norm considers himself a husband, father, preacher, musician, supporter of justice and of the arts.

This week: Rev. Norm Seli & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Leaves”
Focus Scripture: Job 1:1 & 2:1-10

October 13, 2024 - Creation 06

The reverend Greg Powell divides his time between part-time congregational ministry at James Bay United Church in Victoria, BC and prison chaplaincy at a nearby federal institution. Greg has bounced between western Canada and eastern Canada throughout his life and is happiest on the trails, in the canoe, or on skis. Greg's vocational passions include peace and justice: climate justice and indigenous rights; spending time with people at critical moments in life and finding meaningful ways--new and old--to express gratitude and to dream of heaven here on earth. Greg completed his Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College in Toronto in 2014. Prior to responding to his call to congregational ministry, Greg worked for an environmental non-profit and as an environmental engineer.

This week: Rev. Greg Powell & the theme: “Exploring The Tree Of Life Through Scripture: Flowers”
Focus Scripture: Genesis 1:1—2:4a

August 04, 2024 - Proper 13

Alwin Maben, from Bangalore, India, served the Church of South India (CSI) Karnataka Central Diocese from 1988-2010. From June 2010 to October 2015, Alwin served the Woodland Pastoral Charge in Whitecourt and Mayerthorpe, and from 2015 to 2021, Coronation Pastoral Charge in Coronation and Veteran, Alberta and 2021-2023, Kimberley Shared Ministry (Anglican & United), Kimberley, BC.  At present serving Osgoode-Kars Pastoral Charge, ON as part time minister. After obtaining a Bachelor’s in Commerce, Alwin did his Theological Studies – Bachelor of Divinity (B.D) and Master’s in Theology (M.Th.) at United Theological College, Bangalore.  In 2019, Alwin was elected to the Executive of the Chinook Winds Regional Council.  He also served as Chair of the Western Intercultural Ministry Network  of The five Western Regions.  He also serves on the Board of Vocation apart from being a commissioner to the GC.  Ecumenism, Interfaith and Intercultural ministry is of great importance to Alwin. 

This week features Rev. Alwin Maben and the theme: “Emancipation, More Than Mere Law.” Focus Scripture: Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15

July 28, 2024 - Proper 12

Rev. Aaron Miller is the Congregational Minster of University Hill Congregation, in Vancouver BC.  He began serving there July 2016.  Prior to that, he was the minister at Faith Centennial United Church, in Selkirk, ON, for nearly 7 years.  Aaron is a graduate of Emmanuel College, in Toronto.  He lives in Vancouver with his wife and two young sons.   He enjoys the peculiar location of University Hill, on the UBC campus, knowing that the particularities of campus life pose interesting challenges for preaching and living the gospel. Aaron also enjoys the opportunity to interact and work with the students and faculty at the Vancouver School of Theology..

This week features Rev. Aaron Miller and the theme: “The Gospel for Then and Now” Focus Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21.

July 21, 2024 - Proper 11

The Rev. Michelle Slater, after over 15 years of ministry, continues to be fascinated by people's questions, stories and experiences of God/the Divine/mystery...and happy to share her own. Michelle loves the comfort and challenge of scripture and is passionate about the ways our stories are held within, and redeemed by, the stories of our faith. She is committed to the inclusion of people of all ages, stages, abilities and life experiences in the community of faith, especially LGBT people and their families.  She loves to sing, read murder mysteries, quilt, and play Pokemon Go with her husband and son in Oak Bay, BC.

This week features Rev. Michelle Slater and the theme: “Don’t Miss the Bibles Best Stories.” Focus Scripture: 2 Samuel 7:1-14.

July 07, 2024 - Proper 09

Leigh grew up in the United Church, spending summers at CGIT Camp Wohelo on Pigeon Lake and United Church's Naramata Centre.  After receiving her BA (Religious Studies and Anthropology) at University of Alberta, she completed her Masters of Divinity (2005) and a Masters in Sacred Theology (2015, focusing on rural ministry and the theology of Providence) at St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon.   God's gifts of energy and love for church, spiritual rituals and theology has called her to serve congregations passionate about maturing in the faith. Her love for the Gospel and stories (in any form: pages, voices, screens and stages) is fueled by coffee, quiet, conversation and walking.   Leigh has lived in the three prairie provinces and is currently serving at St. David's United Church in Leduc, AB.

This week features Rev. Leigh Sinclair and the theme: “Ignoring the Usual Markers” Focus Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:2-10.

July 14, 2024 - Proper 10

The Rev. Chelsea Masterman has served in team ministry at Grace United Church in Edmonton, Alberta since August 2018. The path to ministry wasn’t always clear cut for Chelsea, and she is grateful for the wilderness along the way. Some of the communities of faith that have shaped her include High River United Church, First United Church in Lethbridge, University Hill Congregation in Vancouver, the Caribbean and North America Council for Mission, New Spirit Community Church in Berkeley, California, Hummingbird Ministries in BC’s Lower Mainland, Cole Harbour Woodside United Church in Nova Scotia, and her first call: Westminster United Church in Medicine Hat, through which she also served Gordon Memorial United Church in Redcliff and Peace United Church in Irvine. Chelsea was ordained in 2014, and she has an MDiv from Vancouver School of Theology and a Certificate of Special Studies from Pacific School of Religion.

This week features Rev. Chelsea Masterman and the theme: “It’s a Call to Abundant Life.” Focus Scripture: John 6:51-58.

June 30, 2024 - Proper 08

The Rev. Hilde J Seal is an animator of the Holy, one who walks among creation and is in touch with her inner-child.  Recently retired, Hilde has been a member of the United Church of Canada for all her life, serving with congregations in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.  As a Spiritual Director Hilde walks with persons of all ages and stages as they seek God in the ordinary and the chaos of life.  Her Practices include silence, walking in the forest, preaching and focused breathing.  She loves to drum, dance and spend time with family.

This week features Rev. Hilde Seal and the theme: “How Are We Touched by Jesus?” Focus Scripture: Mark 5:21-43.

June 23, 2024 - Proper 07

Allan Buckingham is a lay member of the United Church of Canada living in Banff, Alberta. A passionate volunteer, Allan has sat as a member of the Executive of the General Council of the United Church of Canada, and the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, among many other church committees. Also involved in their community, Allan is currently the Chair of the Banff Housing Corporation, a local not for profit. When not attending meetings, Allan is a Communications and Technology consultant focusing on how churches can use innovative techniques to share their message. Allan is also the founder of Together We Worship.

This week features Allan Buckingham and the theme: “A God for the Oppressed.” Focus Scripture: Psalm 9:9-20

June 16, 2024 - Proper 06

Rev. Ming Yung Chuan, Ibi (as he prefers) began his journey with The United Church of Canada about five years ago.  He is an aboriginal from Bunun tribe in Taiwan.  He received his Bachelor of Arts in Christian education and a Master of Divinity from Yu-Shan Theological School in Taiwan. After arriving in British Columbia he completed a Master of Theology in Homiletics from Vancouver School of Theology in 2011 and is currently completing a doctoral degree with Carey Theological School at UBC.  He is passionate in theological conversation and the bridging between biblical text and the intercultural setting. A lifelong learner and seeker, he likes to share the spiritual life and Christian faith that is in the Bible.   Ibi has been supported in ministry by his beloved wife and children, his many friends and the United Church in Canada.  Ibi is committed to working with all ages to discover their Christian identity in the United Church and their own sense of ministry in the word. He is committed to working with affirming and is inclusive of faith-communities and is called to engage in conversation of how to be Church in our intercultural context.  Ibi was ordained in 2017.  He is serving at Cranbrook United Church in his new Ministry role.

This week features Rev. Ibi Chuan and the theme: “Finding Meaning in Metaphor.” Focus Scripture: Mark 4:26-34.

June 9, 2024 - Proper 05

Linda hails from Saskatchewan, the land of waving wheat. She was born in Regina but has called Calgary her home now for over forty years. Her husband, Gord, now retired, was also a minister in the United Church who more recently served the rural community of Rockyford. Together, they have raised two great kids, Dawn and Brendan who have added to the family circle by marrying Andrew and Heather. Linda and Gord are very proud of their four grandsons: Jordan, Nelson, Aemon and Nicky. The gospel has always engaged Linda and she is drawn to the hope and reconciliation that it offers. She also has a passion for social justice and the healing that is needed for the marginalized in our world.

This week features Rev. Linda Hunter and the theme: “We Like to Play the Blame Game” Focus Scripture: Genesis 3:8-15.

June 2, 2024 - Proper 04

Jeff Cork is a member of Grace United Church in Edmonton, where he is active in the choir and on the worship committee. Jeff enjoys providing lay leadership as needed. He is also a reader, writer, and board game enthusiast.

This week features Jeff Cork and the theme: “A Place for All Our Different Parts.” Focus Scripture: Psalm 139.