Announcements
May 22
Sunday service
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Current News
- New start time: – 10:00am Sunday mornings
Here are the announcements for this week:
- Search Committee Results – Good News! The search committee has been successful and would like to present a Ministerial Candidate for consideration to BUC membership. We are calling a short Congregational Meeting after services on Sunday June 5th. We will be discussing the search committee’s candidate of choice and then put it to a vote of the membership for final decision. Mark your calendars, Sunday June 5th. We need your vote
- Relay for Life Info – On Friday June 3rd, Isaac Burford is participating in Bert Church High School’s Relay For Life fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Isaac is collecting sponsorship donations for the Canadian Cancer Society. He has a paper sponsorship form to donate in person or you can donate to him online at: Relay For Life at Bert Church High School: Isaac Burford – Relay For Life (cancer.ca). All donations over $20 will receive a tax receipt. Keep him in your prayers on Friday June 3rd as he participates in his first Relay for Life Campaign.
Other Announcements
Rev Paul will be busy with Regional Meetings being held in Red Deer from May 5 to 8th. The May 8th service will be led by Hazel Mountford with the message from Dr. Alex Shawn (Lee Dowan’s son).
Q1 Financial Results: The Treasurer will be providing quarterly snapshots of our financial position for your reference. See the attached document for the financial status for the first quarter of 2022. Steven Burford is working with Hannah to transition these responsibilities over to her. He also started using a different software product to produce our financial statements as part of this transition process. If you would like to contact Steven, please leave a message on the church phone, 403-226-5844, and your request will be forwarded on to him.
Card Ministry – If you think someone in the congregation might benefit from receiving a card from the church this week, contact Joyce Covey or Sheryl Page, our card ministers and ask them to send out a card. Please contact them at covster@shaw.ca for Joyce or pagecovey@hotmail.com for Sheryl.
Paul Mullen
A note from Rev Paul:
A new future for Balzac United is looming! In preparation for a new minister coming soon, I volunteered at the Board to conduct two or three events before I go involving the congregation in some conversation. The plan is to hold the first session after worship on May 15. Whether you will be attending in person or on Zoom, I am inviting you to linger until 12:00 or 12:30 for some small group sharing. There will be two or three topics drawing on your own positive experience in relation to church in general and Balzac specifically. The groups will be loosely based on your location — Calgary, Airdrie, the rural areas, and Zoom. The goal is about enhancing our sense of who we are, our diversity, our unity, and how our congregation meets your needs. Sharing will be encouraged yet optional, and your participation both helpful and appreciated.
This event will not require a great deal of organization, and I don’t want to add work to our busy Board members. If you would like to help with some planning and arrangements, please linger after worship tomorrow, send me an email, or phone and let me know so we can connect in the coming week.
Rev. Paul
If you would like to contact Rev Paul, please leave a message on the church phone, 403-226-5844, and your request will be forwarded on to him.
Paul is our new interim minister and will be filling in for the time being. Rev Paul has over 40 years of ministry experience and has retired twice. He is with us for the next 6 months on a part time basis of 14 hours a week. He will be managing the worship services and helping out in some other areas as time permits.
Balzac United Church board
The Board needs your help in finding volunteers for the following board positions that will be vacant as of the AGM. We have provided a brief job description for your information. Please feel free to contact the existing board members if you would like to discuss the position requirements.
Sunday School
Sunday school is on going and registration is on now. You can download the form here and send it to Mrs. Angela or Mrs.Victoria
Airdrie food bank
Go to the Outreach page to see what is needed at the Airdrie food bank.
Did you know that for every $1 that the Airdrie Food Bank receives they can purchase $3 worth of food items? If you choose to support them in this way, please mark your donation clearly, and BUC will submit all monies received, to the Food Bank.
Veterans Food Bank donations
At this time of year, we support the Veterans Food Bank run by the Calgary Poppy Fund that assists veterans, ex-service, widows & dependents in Calgary & area. Donations of food, socks, mittens, gloves, & toques are needed & can be left in the church food bank bin in the entranceway.
Soap For Hope
Soap For Hope YYC is an Airdrie based non-profit group who provide basic hygiene kits to individuals and families. Soap for Hope YYC welcomes donations of soap. Soap For Hope YYC is in need of clean, empty shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, & body wash bottles with lids. High demand items include: razors, shave cream, feminine products. Always needed are 1 litre bottles of dish soap and laundry soap as well as diapers, wipes, nail clippers, and Kleenex. Donation box is in the entrance way.
More Details are on the Outreach page. Donation box is in the church entry way. The new Address for Soap For Hope YYC is 5120 6th NE just off Deerfoot and McKnight. We hope to be open to the public by next week. Can’t wait to see you. New phone number is 587-352-9500
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BUC community news:
Doreen Harrold has made 650 squares for Soap for Hope!
BUC Fundraiser with Shirley’s Greenhouse: 16 people participated and we raised $197.00
If you have news you’d like to share in the next newsletter please email the details to Angela at balzacunitedchurch@gmail.com or call her at 587-229-3878
Financial Church Support
- Thank you to everyone for your continued financial donations.
Some church folk have asked how they continue to financially support our church. At this time, there is two ways:
1) Mail a cheque to Balzac United Church, 10076 TWP Rd 262, Balzac, AB T4B 2T3. Mail is picked up on a regular basis.
2) Using a credit card, you can donate via www.canadahelps.org The national office of our United Church Canada does approve of this online donation method. Balzac will receive your donation less 4% for a processing fee. Your income tax receipt will be issued from Canada Helps.
At this time e-transfers are not a possibility but will update if that changes.
Donna Watt
Donna Watt sends cards to our BUC church family. If you know someone who is ill, is celebrating a birthday, is grieving, or just needs a thank you or a bit of encouragement, please email Donna at donnamwatt34@gmail.com
Youth Group
Youth Night TBA
Rita’s Tweets
Check out “Rita’s Tweets” a photoblog of Rita and Frog’s adventures while on sabbatical in 2019! See the link here
Sunday worship services in the church are cancelled until further notice
Since Sunday (March 15, 2020), Sunday worship services in the church are cancelled until further notice. At Balzac United Church, we will not take unnecessary risks when it comes to the health and welfare of our community. We are choosing to be proactive in our response to slow the spread of this virus. Rev Rita and the church board have not taken this decision lightly.
Rev Rita is available to provide support and answer any questions or concerns by phoning or texting 403-560-5197 or email cattellr@shaw.ca. Audio recordings of past worship services are available here on the side column or on our Audio page
Lax Kw’alaams Grace United Church
Weeks ago, Hugh and Levica Markides shared the news that Grace United Church in LaxKw’alaams B.C. (north west of Port Rupert) burned down on Saturday Jan 30th. When Hugh was a park ranger, he sometimes attended meetings in that community. The 147 year old building was completely destroyed. I know that our hearts go out to those folk who have lost an essential part of who they are. Your prayers are needed to help this faith community to persevere and recover as they rebuild. At times like these, even being well-insured, means that there will be additional expenses Financial donations are also appreciated.
Here are links on the side panel to donate and attached information from Treena Duncan who is the executive minister of our Chinook Winds Region and Pacific Mountain Region.
Stay well. Stay connected.
If you are called to and able to offer a financial donation to Lax Kw’alaams Grace United Church, please follow these steps:
- Go to the Pacific Mountain Regional Council donation page that is hosted on CanadaHelps.org
- In the first section called “ Donation Details” you need to designate the fund you wish your donation to go to:
Under AMOUNT
Select the frequency of your donation.
Set the amount of your donation.Under FUND
Change the drop-down option from “General” to “Grace United Church – Lax Kw’alaams Rebuilding Fund” to designate your donation to this specific effort. - Then complete the rest of the form. Note: you’ll be prompted to make a one-time donation to the organization that hosts our donation page (CanadaHelps.org).
- After submitting your donation, you will see confirmation page and number on the website, and you will receive an email with tax receipt (if applicable) to the email address you used on the donation page.
We are hearing many expressions of desire to help, and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council office and staff will continue to bridge the community of Lax Kw’alaams with the wider Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities of faith, as needed by the Grace United community.
With gratitude and blessings,
Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
United Church of Canada
PAST EVENTS:
Friday Night fire pit cancelled
❄❄❄😢 Sadly, with reports of 5-10 cm snow tomorrow; Angela, Zoe and I made the hard decision to cancel our Fire Pit/Pumpkin evening Friday, October 29.
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We hope to have more events coming up in the near future. We will keep you posted!!
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Have a lovely day tomorrow enjoy the beauty of snow and stay safe ❤
Victoria
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Youth Group Event
Hi everybody. We would like to invite you all to hang out with us at Nose Creek park in Airdrie this Saturday from 7-10 pm for an evening of games, roasting hot dogs over the fire and more.
What you need to bring:
-warm clothes for any kind of weather 🧤
-a camping chair
-a roasting stick
– a snack (if you don’t want hot dogs and chips)
– a blanket (optional)
– a water bottle
Please let us know if you plan on coming so we have the right amount of food.
Truth and Reconciliation Day
From Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region:
Thursday, September 30
Truth and Reconciliation Day was established in Canada this year in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools and honour the survivors, their families, and communities.
Regional Commemorative Service. Noon.
You’ll be able to access this online service on the Chinook Winds YouTube Channel HERE.
Online Panel with Ecumenical Indigenous Clergy for
Truth and Reconciliation Day 7 pm MDT
We gather a distinguished panel of ecumenical Indigenous Clergy voices from various denominations and spaces to discuss the history of residential schools, the impact of intergenerational trauma, the recovery of children’s bodies and the ongoing role of Indigenous ministry in the church’s dialogue about reconciliation today. Representatives from The United Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada among others will join us to discuss the efforts and challenges of reconciliation in their own contexts. Via zoom. Everyone Invited! Register HERE
Other Ways to Mark Truth and Reconciliation Day:
• Individuals and Communities of Faith may want to spend time reading again The United Church of Canada’s 1986 Apology to Indigenous People, the 1988 response and the 1998 Apology to students of United Church Indian Residential Schools and their families and communities. Download the Apologies and Response HERE
Sunday school Valentine’s Day party
Thursday February 18th 6:30 – 8:00. Games and crafts. Details of the party will be emailed to the parents!
Balzac’s Groundhog Day event
Balzac Billy is taking his season-predicting talents online this year. Due to gathering restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Grass Ltd. Nursery, Sod & Garden Centre’s annual Groundhog Day celebration will be held virtually in 2021.
Read the full article here
“Walking with Jesus”
As we walk with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, many interesting conversations happen.Listen to the rest of Rev. Rita Cattell’s sermons here on our website
January 12 Neighbour
January 19 Prayer
January 26 Carefree
February 2 The Times
February 9 Topsy Turvy
February 16 Lost and Found
Soap for Hope YYC
Soap for Hope YYC needs large empty, clean shampoo, conditioner, or soap bottles. Donations can be left in the Soap for Hope donation box in the church entrance way.
Lenten Sermon Series
(This series is based on the books: An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith by Barbara Brown Taylor and Deepening the Colors: Life Inside the Story of God by Syd Hielema as well as the worship themes created by New Life Christian Reformed Church in Guelph, Ontario and published in Reform Worship Magazine No 130)
March 10 – The Spiritual Practice of Getting Lost
March 17 – The Spiritual Practice of Being Grounded – Audio here
March 24 – The Spiritual Practice of Physical Labor – Audio here
March 31 – The Spiritual Practice of Saying “No” – Audio here
April 7 – The Spiritual Practice of Pronouncing Blessing – Audio here
April 14 – The Spiritual Practice of Waking Up to God – Audio here
April 7 – The Spiritual Practice of Pronouncing Blessing – Audio here
April 14 – The Spiritual Practice of Waking Up to God – Audio here
Video
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Coming up
April 3
Annual General Meeting
This Week
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events at this time.
Grace United Church in LaxKw’alaams B.C.
Weeks ago, Hugh and Levica Markides shared the news that Grace United Church in LaxKw’alaams B.C. (north west of Port Rupert) burned down on Saturday Jan 30th. When Hugh was a park ranger, he sometimes attended meetings in that community. The 147 year old building was completely destroyed. I know that our hearts go out to those folk who have lost an essential part of who they are. Your prayers are needed to help this faith community to persevere and recover as they rebuild. At times like these, even being well-insured, means that there will be additional expenses Financial donations are also appreciated.
Here are links on the side panel to donate and attached information from Treena Duncan who is the executive minister of our Chinook Winds Region and Pacific Mountain Region.
Stay well. Stay connected.
If you are called to and able to offer a financial donation to Lax Kw’alaams Grace United Church, please follow these steps:
- Go to the Pacific Mountain Regional Council donation page that is hosted on CanadaHelps.org
- In the first section called “ Donation Details” you need to designate the fund you wish your donation to go to:
Under AMOUNT
Select the frequency of your donation.
Set the amount of your donation.Under FUND
Change the drop-down option from “General” to “Grace United Church – Lax Kw’alaams Rebuilding Fund” to designate your donation to this specific effort. - Then complete the rest of the form. Note: you’ll be prompted to make a one-time donation to the organization that hosts our donation page (CanadaHelps.org).
- After submitting your donation, you will see confirmation page and number on the website, and you will receive an email with tax receipt (if applicable) to the email address you used on the donation page.
We are hearing many expressions of desire to help, and the Pacific Mountain Regional Council office and staff will continue to bridge the community of Lax Kw’alaams with the wider Indigenous and Non-Indigenous communities of faith, as needed by the Grace United community.
With gratitude and blessings,
Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council.
United Church of Canada
The External Affairs committee sent 70 handmade Easter cards to residents at Bethany.
Soap for Hope YYC
Michelle Edgar from soap for hope YYC @soapforhopeyyc visited us Sunday February 23, 2020.
Listen to her talk here
Soap for Hope is located
5120 6th Street NE, Calgary, Alberta Calgary, Alberta T2K 4W5 phone (587) 352-9500 or drop by if you would like to volunteer!
Audio posts
July 2021
July 25
July 18
July 11
July 4
July 25
July 18
July 11
July 4
May 2021
May 30
May 23
May 9
May 2
April 2021
April 25
April 18
Easter Sunday April 4
Good Friday April 2
March 2021
March 28
March 21
March 14
March 7
February 2021
February 28
February 21
February 14
February 7
January 2021
January 31
January 24
January 17
January 10
December 2020
December 27
December 24
December 20
December 13
December. 06
“Walking with Jesus”
As we walk with Jesus from Galilee to Jerusalem, many interesting conversations happen.Listen to the rest of Rev. Rita Cattell’s sermons here on our website
January 12 Neighbour
January 19 Prayer
January 26 Carefree
February 2 The Times
February 9 Topsy Turvy
February 16 Lost and Found
