Dear Friends Last Sunday we explored how belonging can teach us to see differently, to notice what we might otherwise miss, and perhaps to see beyond some of the either-or ways our world encourages us to think. This week we take the next step. What does it mean to follow? Contemplative practice has taught me that following often begins with paying attention. In the story we will hear from Exodus, Moses is going about an ordinary day when something catches his eye: a bush burn

Dear Friends Last Sunday we explored how belonging can teach us to see differently, to notice what we might otherwise miss, and perhaps to see beyond some of the either-or ways our world encourages us to think. This week we take the next step. What does it mean to follow? Contemplative practice has taught me that following often begins with paying attention. In the story we will hear from Exodus, Moses is going about an ordinary day when something catches his eye: a bush burn

Friends I have come to believe that people shouldn't have to believe the right things, behave the right way, or have everything figured out before they belong to a church. In fact, I think it often works the other way around. It is through belonging, through being welcomed and known, eating and worshipping together, sharing our lives, that we are formed in faith and learn what it means to follow Jesus. Part of learning to belong is remembering that this isn't really "our chur

Mill Woods United Church welcomes Rev. Dr. William Brook Dear Friends, It was so good to be with you last Sunday! It was disappointing that the barbecue was rained out, but it was wonderful to worship together. Thanks to Kathy Poechman for offering her hospitality. Thanks also to Elfrieda Penner, AJ Janewski, and all those who made worship happen on Sunday. Darolyn and I are so grateful for the warm welcome we received. We are already beginning to feel at home. These past few

At the end of August, 2011, I formally retired from my position at VGH. My brother died the next week in Idaho and so I was off to be with family to honour his life and grieve his death. While there the hospital administrator who was responsible for Spiritual Care at VGH called me and asked if I would return to work part-time until the end of the year when the new person would begin. I said yes. In early 2012 when the Personnel Minister for the Pacific Mountain Region learned

This is a busy week for Mill Woods United Church. In addition to our normal weekly activities which include hand bell practice, stitching connection, clothing bank, food bank distribution, and the bread run, we are also involved in two memorial services. On Friday we will celebrate the life of David Baker here in our sanctuary at 3:00 PM. A reception will follow. At 1:00 PM on Saturday will be the memorial service for the Rev. Dale Irving, a member of our congregation and

This spring in Edmonton has been a bit of a roller coaster. We have a few glorious sunny days that are even warm, then the clouds roll in and the rains come, and come, and come. Then the cycle repeats. Our weather reminds me of the rhythm of life with highs and lows, peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows. Last Sunday we celebrated Pride Sunday and it was truly a mountain top, joyful experience. The joy continued to flow as towards the end of our worship service we held a “C

We are now in the month of June, the month that in recent years has been referred to as Pride Month. In light of this, Naheed Nenshi, NDP leader in Alberta, posted on Facebook that “Alberta is seeing growing attacks on 2SLGTBQ+ communities and warns that recent moves targeting trans rights are only the beginning”. What surprised me was the type of responses and replies to his post. Many either wanted to argue with his statement or simply come back at him with personal atta