July 24 - Proper 12

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: “Remaining Audacious.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 11:1–13.

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July 17 - Proper 11

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: “Managing Our Little godlets”. The focus scripture for this service is: Colossians 1:15–29.

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July 10 - Proper 10

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 Rev. Tracy Robertson and the theme: “Holding Horror and the Holy.” The focus scripture for this service is: 2 Samuel 13 (selected verses).

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July 03 - Proper 09

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: “Do We Need to be Circumcised?” The focus scripture for this service is: Galatians 6:7-16.

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June 26 - Pentecost 03

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: “Knowing the Cost of Following.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 9:51–62.

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June 19 - Pentecost 02

Doug Goodwin was the minister in small, rural and indigenous congregations in Manitoba and, for fifteen years, in a northern BC multi-point pastoral charge (Vanderhoof, Fort Fraser and Fraser Lake). For almost twenty years he has worked in administrative positions with BC Conference (now Pacific Mountain Region), from 2003 to 2019 as the Conference Executive Secretary. Doug is now retired although working on a very part-time basis for the Region. He is a member of University Hill Congregation in Vancouver where he is able to preach from time to time.

This week features Rev. Doug Goodwin and the theme: “Our Reactions When Life Sucks.” The focus scripture for this service is: Psalm 42 & 43.

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June 12 - Trinity Sunday

Michael Ward: Born and raised in Toronto, Michael attended the University of Toronto receiving both an Honours B.A. in Economics as well as a Master of Divinity degree. After serving a multi-point rural charge in Saskatchewan, he received a call to Central United Church in the inner-city of Calgary in 1980. He retired as Senior Minister there in 2015 after more than thirty-five years of service. Michael passionately believes in the role of the church in being a transformative presence in its community. He helped to found The Calgary Urban Project Society which currently ministers to thousands of homeless, needy people and families. As well, while at Central, the church became one of the founding churches of Inn From the Cold which provides shelter and services to the homeless. 

This week features Rev. Michael Ward and the theme: “A Spiritually Inappropriate Spirit.” The focus scripture for this service is: John 16:12-15.

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June 05 - Pentecost

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: “The Power of the Spirit.” The focus scripture for this service is: Acts 2:1-21.

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May 29- Easter 07

Rev. James McTyre is the transitional General Presbyter and Stated Clerk for the Presbytery of East Tennessee, as well as Pastor of Lake Hills Presbyterian Church (USA), Knoxville, TN, where he has served for 25 years.  He has a Doctor of Ministry degree from Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, GA, an M. Div. from Union Seminary in Richmond, VA, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from West Virginia University. He and his wife have two daughters and a tiny Biewer Terrier.

This week features Rev. James McTyre and the theme: “The Appropriateness of a Thursday.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 24:44-53.

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May 22- Easter 06

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: “Is Evangelism Dead?.” The focus scripture for this service is: Acts 16:9-15.

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May 15 - Easter 05

Samuel Grottenberg: A church leader and academic integrator from Alberta, Sam’s passion is the interpretation of biblical texts for life in today’s world. Born and raised primarily in Calgary, Sam received the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Development from Rocky Mountain (Bible) College in 2012 and served as a youth and young adults pastor in three local churches from 2007–2015. In 2018, he was awarded the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (New Testament) from Regent College in Vancouver, BC and also granted United Church Testamur through a diploma from the Vancouver School of Theology. Although raised in The United Church of Canada (and the son of another preacher!), Sam has also pastored in two other denominations. Sam was ordained June 2019 and is currently serving Southwood United Church, Calgary, AB.  Together with his wife, Stephanie, he has three energetic young children under four.

This week features Rev. Samuel Grottenberg and the theme: “Challenging Lines in the Sand.” The focus scripture for this service is: Acts 11:1–18.

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May 08 - Easter 04

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.  Currently 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, he will retire from them all just in time to Chair the new 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 features Rev. Norm Seli and the theme: “Dissecting Psalm 23.” The focus scripture for this service is: Psalm 23.

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May 01 - Easter 03

Brenda Watt is retired from ministry as a Designated Lay Minister after 22 years, serving in Vulcan, Calgary, and Crossfield. Her MTS from St. Stephen’s College combined with her human resource background in recruitment, training and development, and organization development has equipped her with a diverse set of skills which has supported her in ministry, stewardship consulting and leadership. She is a trained facilitator for the Fresh Start Program and joined the Together We Worship team in July 2017. She is the Chaplain of the Crossfield Legion, enjoys performing and directing in community theatre, as well as singing and passably playing her baritone ukulele. She lives in Calgary and is very proud of her talented CPA son, Taylor who now lives in Seattle, who also sings and plays a really mean guitar!

This week features Brenda Watt and the theme: “Finding Jesus Amongst the Strangers.” The focus scripture for this service is: John 21:1-19.

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April 24 - Easter 02

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: “Practicing Resurrection.” The focus scripture for this service is: John 20:19-31.

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April 17 - Easter Sunday

Nick Coates is the minister at Red Deer Lake United Church in Calgary. One of the things that brings Nick joy is exploring what it means to be human and alive in the world. That's what led him to do a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Divinity. When not at work, Nick enjoys being active at the gym, playing dodgeball, reading, writing, drinking too much coffee, listening to good music, cooking, and hanging out with friends. Nick is the co-host of the podcast: "Prayer and Private Parts: a podcast about Sex and Jesus."

This week features Rev. Nick Coates and the theme: “Jesus in On The Loose.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 24:1-12.

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April 15 - Good Friday

Graham Brownmiller was ordained in 2009 in the United Church of Canada; he has served at North Thompson Pastoral Charge (Barriere & Clearwater, BC) and Queens Avenue United Church (New Westminster, BC), he is currently serving Jubilee United Church, Burnaby, BC. Until 2018 Graham is the Order of Ministry representative from BC Conference to the Executive of the General Council, of the United Church of Canada. Graham loves community and one-on-one interactions. He greatly enjoys witnessing to people’s stories and exploring moments of grace through authentic relationships.

This Good Friday service features the Passion story taken from Mark 14:17 to Mark 15:47. Written reflections are offered by Rev. Graham Brownmiller.

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April 10 - Palm Sunday

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: “Our Misunderstanding of Jesus.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 19:28-40.

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April 03 - Lent 05

Rev. Greg and his family live in the greater Victoria area, where Greg is planting a new church within the United Church tradition. 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 features Rev. Greg Powell and the theme: “Nobody Ever Said Life Was Fair.” The focus scripture for this service is: John 12.1-8.

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March 27 - Lent 04

Tracy was born in Calgary and raised on a farm in Balzac, AB. She is married to Todd and has two adult children. She has held various ministry positions in the United Church of Canada and is currently the Minister for Nurture, Education, and Outreach at St. Thomas United Church in NW Calgary. St. Thomas is an Affirming church that models Open Hands, Open Hearts, and Open Minds in everything they do. Tracy is passionate about living out Jesus’ teachings of radical inclusion and is very involved in Calgary’s Affirming Networks and is proud to walk the path to reconciliation with her Indigenous sisters and brothers. Tracy volunteers her time with at risk people involved in the criminal justice system.

This week features Rev. Tracy Robertson and the theme: “How We Take Care of Each Other.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

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March 20 - Lent 03

Rev. Adam Hall graduated with his M.Div. from St. Andrew's College in Saskatoon, SK and was ordained into the Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Pastoral care by Saskatchewan Conference (Living Skies Region) in 2010. Upon his ordination in July 2010, he was settled to Beaver Pastoral Charge (Tofield and Holden United Churches) in central Alberta. He has a passion for connecting scripture to everyday life, seeing the Holy in everyday moments and encouraging faithful growth in both personal and community-oriented ways. Currently he also serves The United Church of Canada as the chairperson of the Prairie Candidacy Board and enjoys the work of the Candidacy Board tremendously. In his down time, he enjoys fishing, NFL football, and spending as much time as possible with his family.

This week features Rev. Adam Hall and the theme: “Embracing Repentance.” The focus scripture for this service is: Luke 13:1-9.

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