December 11 - Advent 03

Mary Royal-Duczek is the minister at Almonte United Church in Almonte Ontario, a small town outside of Ottawa on the Mississippi River. She has been a member of the General Council Executive since 2009 and chairs the Permanent Committee for Programs for Ministry and Mission. She lives in Almonte with her husband Adam, their daughter Maria and two spoiled rotten cats.

This week features the Rev. Mary Royal-Duczek with the theme “A Different Child in Galilee.” Focus Scripture: Luke 1.46b-55.

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Deccember 04 - Advent 02

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 the Rev. Michael Ward with the theme “Are We Waiting or Preparing?.” Focus Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12.

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November 27 - Advent 01

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 the Rev. Adam Hall with the theme “It’s Time to Restart our Nintendo.” Focus Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 and Matthew 24:36-44.

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November 20 - Reign Of Christ Sunday

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 the Rev. Hilde Seal with the theme “A Profoundly Different Way to Reign.” Focus Scripture: Luke 1:68-79.

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November 13 - Remembrance Sunday

Rev. Dr. Karen Medland, serves the United Church of Canada as Chinook Winds Regional Council Staff as Pastoral Relations Minister.  Karen previously served at Carman United, Chilliwack; First United, Kelowna and North Thompson Pastoral Charge. She has also served as chair and secretary to the former Kamloops-Okanagan Presbytery, president to the former British Columbia Conference and co-chaired Local Arrangements when the United Church’s General Council met in Kelowna in 2009.  Karen holds a Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary.  She’s currently completing a Human Resource Management Certificate from the University of Alberta Extension.

This week features the Rev. Dr. Karen Medland with the theme “God is a God of Now.” Focus Scripture: Luke 20:27-38.

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November 06 - All Saints Sunday

Ordained in 2010, Jordan Cantwell was settled to Delisle-Vanscoy United Church in Delisle in Saskatchewan. She has had various roles within the national United Church of Canada, including as a representative to the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. From 2015-2018 Jordan served as the 42nd Moderator of the United Church of Canada. She lives in Saskatoon with her spouse Laura Fouhse and child Hope.

This week features the Very Rev. Jordan Cantwell with the theme “Determining Worthiness.” Focus Scripture: Luke 6:20-31.

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October 30 - Proper 26

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 with the theme “Who We Are is Enough.” Focus Scripture: Luke 19:1–10.

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October 23 - Proper 25

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 Idea of Grace vs. the Fact of It.” Focus Scripture: Luke 18.9-14.

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October 16 - Proper 24

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: “Is There Hope?” Focus Scripture: Jeremiah 31:27-34.

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October 09 - Thanksgiving Sunday

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: “Being Invited to Feel.” Focus Scriptures: Philippians 4:4-9.

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October 02 - Proper 22

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: “.Need More Faith?” Focus Scriptures: Luke 17:5-10.

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September 25 - Proper 21

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: “Listening to the Universe’s Chatter.” Focus Scriptures: Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 and Psalm 104:1-24.

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September 18 - Proper 20

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: “Starting Now is What Matters.” Focus Scripture: Luke 16:1–13.

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September 11 - Proper 19

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 week features Rev. Karen Bridges and the theme: “But What About Us?” Focus Scripture: Luke 5:1-10.

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September 04 - Proper 18

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 week features Rev. Graham Brownmiller and the theme: “Remembering We Are Known.” Focus Scripture: Psalm 39.

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August 28 - Proper 17

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: “The Angels Among Us.” Focus Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16.

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August 21 - Proper 16

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: “Doing Little Things for God.” Focus Scripture: Isaiah 58:9-14.

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August 14 - Proper 15

Rev. Greg and his family live in Langford, BC 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: “Using Conflict Proactively.” Focus Scripture: Luke 12:49–56.

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August 07 - Proper 14

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: “An Apology on Behalf of Preachers.” Focus Scripture: Luke 12:32–40.

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July 31 - Proper 13

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: “For Jesus, Neighbour is the #1 Priority.” Focus Scripture: Luke 12:13-21.

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