NORTHERN SPIRIT REGIONAL COUNCIL - The United Church of Canada

NORTHERN SPIRIT REGIONAL COUNCIL
                The United Church of Canada
                Regional Council News                               March 9, 2021
                __________________________________________________________________

Announcements and information of interest to the people of the Northern Spirit region.
If you have news to share or information about an upcoming event or learning opportunity, please
write a short article, and send it to Kathy Jackson, Administrative Support: kjackson@united-
church.ca. We are unable to include posters or other attachments, but links to further information
may be included. Alternatively, our Community of Faith Events Calendar is open 24/7 for posting
about online events that are open to the public. Events can be posted directly to the Newsfeed:
https://northernspiritrc.ca/add-your-community-event/.

Family News
We have been notified of the death of Melvin Sunday, who was a member of the Goodfish Lake
community. The Rev. Robert Wright has requested that we extend our “prayers, meditations, thoughts,
and messages of good will as he and the family take Melvin on his final expedition”.

We have also been advised that the Rev. Ted Blezard, has passed away. Ted served several Pastoral
Charges in Saskatchewan, and then, Forestburg and Mannville/Minburn in Alberta, before retiring in
1999. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to Ted’s family and friends.

COVID-19 Concerns Continued …

Seeking Information and Guidance from the Church?
As we continue to face the challenges of the current pandemic, new information is produced almost
daily. In order to keep up with this kaleidoscope of change and concern, we invite you to visit our
Regional Council web site. If you visit the United Church web site, and search for “covid” you will find
links to a page on Faith Communities and COVID-19, as well as links to reflections, news, prayers, stories
of hope, and much more.

Resources for Online Congregational Annual Meetings
Many communities of faith are going ahead with congregational meetings online, and have many good
questions about voting. Here are some thoughts from Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy on not-so-
secret ballots and your community of faith’s online Annual Meeting. Here’s a good resource from some
of our kin in the Shining Waters and Canadian Shield Regional Councils that outlines the various options.
(Hint: there’s really no such thing as a completely secret ballot for everyone.) The Centre for Christian
Studies has just released a great recorded “how to” workshop (and a hilarious video that may sound just
a wee bit familiar).

Federal, Provincial and Territorial COVID Pandemic Guidelines
Please continue to check the Federal, and all Provincial and Territorial Governments for updated
guidance and direction related to the pandemic: Health Canada; the provinces of Alberta and British
Columbia; and the Northwest Territories.

Featured News …

Have You ever Heard of Surprise Lake Camp?
You know, that kids’ summer camp on a pretty little lake east of Edson? Maybe you have been there as a
camper, a councillor or a volunteer. If you have, there are probably some happy memories stashed
somewhere from those bygone days. The Surprise Lake Society would like to invite you to celebrate the
70th Anniversary of the Camp this summer. They want to honour those who have paid it forward with
their time and resources, and to let everyone see what they are doing now and where they want to go.
There are numerous events planned as well as opportunities to hook up and reminisce with old friends.
To stay up-to-date with the plans and events, sign up for our society newsletter on our website,
https://surpriselake.ca, or on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/surpriselakecamp.
See you for a sunset!

Attention: Ministry Personnel
A friendly reminder from your Office of Vocation Minister, Karen Medland …
It’s almost time to complete your Annual Declaration on ChurchHub. This is a requirement for all active
Ministry Personnel, and needs to be done between April 1 and June 30. You do not need to get a new
police records check if you have not had any new criminal charges against you in the past year. Google
Chrome or Explorer are the best browsers to use, please do not use Safari. To complete your form, log
into your personal page at www.churchub.ca . If you experience any problems, please contact
ministry@united-church.ca for assistance. If you have any questions about the Annual Declaration,
please contact Karen at kmedland@united-church.ca

Attention: Communities of Faith North of the 54th Parallel
The Madge Hogarth Foundation, in existence since 1974, has assisted clergy and their small
congregations to reach objectives they feel important in the practice of their religion and in the conduct
of their lives within a Christian congregation. Madge Hogarth was deeply involved with churches in
northern Canada, and her legacy for the north is the Madge Hogarth Foundation, and through it her
faith and generosity live on. The Foundation makes grants available to churches that are in communities
situated north of the 54th Parallel and west of Hudson’s Bay, with populations of less than 5,000
residents. The deadline for applications in 2021 is March 22, 2021. It may be too late for this year, but
the information can be held for when future plans unfold. For more information, and to download an
application form, please visit: https://www.vancouverfoundation.ca/madgehogarth.

Trauma Informed Ministry, A Primer for Ministers and Ministries
This new resource, by Diane J. Strickland, provides trauma information, theological exploration and
ministry principles you can use every day to be more effective in caring for others as well as yourself.
Learn more about the context and content of this resource in this short YouTube video. For ordering
information, group licence options, and other questions, email yourstoryissafehere@yahoo.com,

St. Andrew’s College Re-Aligning to Meet Challenges
In a March 4, 2021, news release, the Rev. Doug Neufeld, Chairperson, announced that “The Board of
Regents of St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon, announces significant changes to set the college in a new
direction in the coming years. A large unanticipated shortfall in revenues has necessitated realignment
of our course programs to better utilize partnerships with other colleges in Saskatchewan, Canada and

around the world. As well, we hope to better respond to the needs and expectations of a more diverse
faith community in a post-COVID world.” St. Andrew’s College is a partner with our Regional Council,
providing justice-driven theological education for United Church ministry candidates. For further
information, and to read the full news release, please visit the College’s web site:
https://stu.usask.ca/standrews/college_news/college-plans-program-realignment-to-meet-
challenges.php.
On behalf of the Board of Regents, Doug (Chairperson) and Richard (Principal), invite you to a Town Hall
gathering to share updates since the adoption of the strategic plan and decisions in February to
accelerate changes for the college. We look forward to this time with all who are able to attend. At the
moment, there are two gatherings planned: on March 16th at 4:00 pm, and on April 13th at 4:00 pm.
Please confirm attendance with Melanie (melanie.schwanbeck@usask.ca) by 9:00 am on the day of the
Town Hall, and send any questions you may have, that will help us during our time together. Zoom
information will be circulated prior to the town halls.

Open Out Podcasts: Finding the Heart Beat
In its continuing exploration of the nitty-gritty of building and sustaining intentionally-open, intercultural
faith communities, Open Out now turns its attention to the vital role of music in these communities.
More than a pleasant add-on to a worship service, or handmaid to the sermon, music is one way our
spirits pray - a language of the heart itself, expressing all the struggle and triumph, the complexities and
beauty of being in relationship with One we can know only by faith. Music is universal, yet specific to
cultures, linked so deeply to our memories and emotions. These two podcasts will ask the question,
“how can we create a respectful space in our diverse communities where we can learn each other’s
songs?” and will feature an in-depth conversation with Scottish hymn-writer, John Bell.
Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/917410/8009061
Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/917410/8062997

In Other News …

The Manual 2021 is now Available
The new United Church Manual (2021) has now been published and came into effect on March 1, 2021,
and supersedes previous editions. It can be downloaded from the United Church website: Manual 2021.
Print copies, for those who would prefer, are only available through the United Church Bookstore
operated by First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council. The cost is $19.95 (tax included) plus shipping.
For more information, or to order a copy, contact Leona at llaundry@united-church.ca. Please share this
news widely within your United Church networks.

In Search of a New Home
South Peace United Church in Dawson Creek, BC, is looking for a new home for its organ. This Rodgers
Cambridge 220-II series instrument was in working condition when it was stored in May 2018, due to the
sale of the church property. It has been kept in warm clean storage since then, and it now needs to be
re-homed as the owners of the space have moved and the building is being sold. For photos, please click
here. For more information, please contact South Peace United Church by email to spuc@pris.ca. Please
share this announcement with anyone who may be interested.

Feature on Yellowknife United Church
The Yellowknifer, the twice-weekly newspaper has published a feature article on Yellowknife United
Church. Congratulations to the congregation and Rev Linda Marcotte for this feature article on their
ministry together!

Anti-Racism Update sent to all Communities of Faith
As our church continues to lay out its commitments to becoming an anti-racist denomination, Adele
Halliday reminds us there is a great deal of anti-racism work happening across the church, in many
different places, and in many different ways. Do you have news to share about what is happening in
your ministry? Please share news on the new United Church of Canada Anti-Racism Facebook Group; or
email anti-racism@united-church.ca. Click here to read the anti-racism update that was sent to
congregations in early February.

Video: Perspectives on K-12 Education for Reconciliation Panel Discussion
Wilson and Charlene Bearhead and Melissa Purcell discuss why the Alberta government needs to "Make
age appropriate curriculum on residential schools, treaties and Aboriginal peoples' historical and
contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade
Twelve students." This event was hosted by Remembering the Children Society. Click here for the
recording.

Annual Meeting Planning Committee: Are You Called?
A reminder that the Nominations Committee wants you to consider who might help plan the 2021
Regional annual meeting. Have a look at the details here.

Events and Learning Opportunities …

Daylight Saving Time
Remember, Daylight Saving Time (DST) returns very early in the morning on Sunday, March 14. Please
remember to reset your clocks and check the websites for all of these event listings to be sure you have
the correct information.

Faith on the Move: a National Online Journey through Lent
On March 9, 16, 23, and 30, at 11:00 am (MT), you are invited to join a community of friends to walk
through Lent, sharing in a risky, surprised-filled adventure and exploring the places that will challenge
you and stretch you to your limits. Please refer to this link for a full description of these 60-minute
programs, and to confirm times, as the dates fall over the daylight saving time change.

Indigenous Lenten Series: Ahogichipabi
On Wednesdays, March 10 to March 31, at 7:30 PM (MST), join us this Lenten season as we explore
Christ’s journey into the desert and the connection this has to Indigenous spiritual traditions: the 7
sacred teachings of the Assiniboine and the Vision Quest. Click here for the Facebook event. The Zoom
link is here. Contact Tony Snow for more information: tony.snow@hillhurstunited.com

Affirming PIE Day 2021 Resources and Video Launch for Sunday, March 14
PIE= Public+Intentional+Explicit: the standard for creating a safer sacred space for LGBTQIA+ and Two
Spirit people. An initiative of Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble and Calgary’s Affirming Connections ,

inviting us to have a look at the materials to help animate PIE, including a new worship service. Check
out online events, and add your own. And, if you want your PIE hot, check out the just-launched short
video on a topic that is overly close to many LGBTQIA+ people: What the Hell?

Care for the Pastoral, Prophetic, and Priestly Self in a Pandemic
The Committee on Ministry Personnel Support from Living Skies Regional Council, in collaboration with
St. Andrew’s College, is hosting an online Ministry Personnel Retreat March 16-17 with leadership from
Diane Strickland (compassion fatigue specialist and traumatologist) and faculty from St Andrew’s
College. Details for the event, including a draft schedule, workshop descriptions and the registration
form, may be found at this link. Cost for the event is $25 and includes access to resources. For a video
introduction to Diane’s work, click this link.
Lay leaders: as a way to support participation of ministry personnel and offer a sabbath as they enter
into Holy Week, the Committee has also prepared a worship service for March 21. Details for the
worship service, including liturgy, reflection and PowerPoint slides, may be found at this link. If you have
any questions, contact Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca.

Learning Event: UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Is Bill C-15 a step forward or back? On March 16, from 6:00 PM to 8:00PM (Mountain Daylight Time),
you are invited to join a round table of Indigenous advocates and leaders to hear a range of
perspectives. Please register here: https://secure.kairoscanada.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=213.
The event is hosted by KAIROS Prairies North.
Bill C-15 and the United Church: Following discussions with the National Indigenous Council and the
Elders Council, the United Church of Canada has not signed on to the ecumenical campaign supporting
federal Bill C-15 on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Both the Council
and the Elders cited the need for community discernment, as outlined in the Calls to the Church, before
a decision could be taken. This reflects our commitment to the Declaration, which we continue to
support as the framework of reconciliation. We also continue to encourage everyone to learn more
about UNDRIP, one of the many crucial calls to our church within the TRC Calls to Action. (You can
download a free PDF of the text here and read KAIROS’ summary of the Declaration’s long journey.)

Circles of Support
We are all living through the same pandemic - "all the time, same storm but with different boats". We
are also living through precarious economic times, austerity plans and divisive, dangerous politics. This
non-faith-based support circle uses expressive art methods to process our thoughts and feelings around
the current time. Each session will start by checking in with each other, then sharing feelings and
thoughts, exploring possible hopeful futures through being creative together, and closing the time
together. The circles will be held from 11:00 am to 12:30 p.m. (MT), on January 23, February 20 and
March 20, 2021. You are invited to come to one circle or many, and to bring and eat your brunch (or
not). The hope is that we will feel less alone during this stage of the pandemic and political climate. To
register, please visit https://www.rwuc.org/artistic-justice-workshops/.

Introduction to Indigenous Lands and Issues in Canada
From now until June 19, host Adrian Jacobs, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre’s Keeper of the Circle, and
Indigenous Elders from across Canada, invite you to explore the cultural and historic foundations to
today’s headlines. Join in a series of online conversations in response to the Indigenous education
mandates from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Final Report. The next session is on Saturday, March

20. For a full schedule and further information, or to register, please click here. Please check local times
carefully, as each session varies.

United in Learning: Great New Opportunities
United in Learning is offering several new webinars and workshops. To view a list and find more
information, please check out their newsletter here.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
                                        Northern Spirit Regional Council Office
                              13535 122 Avenue NW Edmonton AB T5L 2V7 780.435.3995
                                               www.northernspiritrc.ca

    Earl Reaburn, Pastoral Relations Minister                           Kathy Jackson, Administrative Support
    ereaburn@united-church.ca                                           kjackson@united-church.ca