March 10, 2024 - Lent 04

Andria is an ordained United Church minister who has served communities of faith in congregational leadership from North Vancouver to London, England. She has also worked as a church planter, a church consultant, and is an advocate for the faithful building and planting of digital communities (secular and faithful alike!) Digital authenticity is such a passion for her that she even authored a book alongside Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee titled "Following: Embodied Discipleship in a Digital Age." Her passion for sharing the gospel in online spaces has labeled her a progressive evangelist and a digital missionary. You can find her serving as the Associate Minister of Hillhurst United Church in Calgary, Alberta, where she lives with her French bulldog Eugene, a view of the Rockies, and a very public Instagram account. 

This week features Rev. Andria Irwin and the theme: “It’s for Everyone, Not Just Believers.” Focus Scripture: John 3:14-21

March 03, 2024 - Lent 03

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: “Our Response is to Love.” Focus Scripture: John 2:13–22.

February 25, 2024 - Lent 02

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 2023, Coronation Pastoral Charge in Coronation and Veteran, Alberta. 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 Intercultural Ministry Network of The Northern Spirit and Chinook Winds Regional Councils.  Ecumenism, Interfaith and Intercultural ministry is of great importance to Alwin

This week features Rev. Alwin Maben and the theme: “A Trivialized Cost of Discipleship” Focus Scripture: Mark 8:31-38.

February 18, 2024 - Lent 01

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: “When We Stop Forging Our Own Way.” Focus Scripture: Psalm 25:1-10 and Mark 1:9-15.

February 11, 2024 - Transfiguration 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: “The Importance of Perspective.” Focus Scripture: Mark 9:2-9.

February 04, 2024 - Epiphany 05

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: “Sometimes Freedom From – Sometimes Freedom For.” Focus Scripture: Mark 1:29-39.

January 28, 2024 - Epiphany 04

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: “The Importance of Authority.” Focus Scripture: Mark 1:21-28.

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January 21, 2024 - Epiphany 03

Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington is a Presbyterian Church, USA, pastor living in East Tennessee 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 down time she enjoys baseball, biking, and beer. No alliteration intended, but B is the best letter of the alphabet.

This week features Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington and the theme: “Being the First Follower.” Focus Scripture: Mark 1:14-20.

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January 14, 2024 - Epiphany 02

Mary Royal-Duczek is the minister at Almonte United Church in Almonte, Ontario, a small town outside of Ottawa on the Mississippi River. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the United Church of Canada Foundation. She lives in Almonte with her family where she enjoys reading and has recently gotten into gardening.

This week features Rev. Mary Royal-Duczek and the theme: “It Starts with Making Some Friends.” Focus Scripture: John 1:43-51.

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January 07, 2024 - Baptism of Jesus

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.

This week features Rev. Michelle Slater and the theme: “The Beginning Is In The Wilderness.” Focus Scripture: Mark 1:4-11.

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December 31, 2023 - Christmas 01

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: “Walking From the Old to the New” Focus Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

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December 24, 2023 - Advent 04

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: “Don’t Be Too Ready Now.” Focus Scripture: Luke 1:46-56

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December 24, 2023 - Christmas Eve

The Rev. Stéphane Vermette is the minister at Emmanuel United Church, Ottawa, ON Through worship, sacraments, and pastoral care, he is always looking to reach out to people, wherever they stand on their spiritual journey. Stéphane also believes we must reclaim the driving force behind Paul’s missionary journey when distinction between gender, race, status and affiliation were set aside in order to build a new community where everyone is welcomed.

This week features Rev. Stéphane Vermette and the theme: “With a Babe Comes Responsibility.” Focus Scripture: Luke 2:1-20

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December 17, 2023 - Advent 03

James McTyre serves the Presbyterian Church (USA) out of Knoxville, TN, USA, where he has served for 30 years, both in congregational ministry and leadership roles with the wider Presbyterian Church.  He is currently serving in Interim Ministry in Alabama.   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: “In the Time Before Jesus” Focus Scripture: John 1:6-8 and 19-28.

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December 10, 2023 - Advent 02

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: “The Sunday of Promise.” Focus Scripture: Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8.

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December 03, 2023 - Advent 01

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: “Preparing for a Second Coming” Focus Scripture: Mark 13:24-37.

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November 26, 2023 - Proper 29

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 Rev. Dr. Karen Medland and the theme: “What Does it Mean to Reign?” Focus Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46.

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November 19, 2023 - Proper 28

Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington is a Presbyterian Church, USA, pastor living in East Tennessee 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 down time she enjoys baseball, biking, and beer. No alliteration intended, but B is the best letter of the alphabet.

This week features Rev. Bethany Benz-Whittington and the theme: “Does God Care About our Financial Situation?” Focus Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30.

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November 12, 2023 - Proper 27

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: “Playing With Wisdom” Focus Scripture: Wisdom of Solomon 6:12-16.

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November 05, 2023 - Remembrance Sunday

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 Pacific Mountain 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: “Servanthood is God’s Highest Honour.” Focus Scripture: Matthew 23:1-12.

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