By Rev. Nancy Nourse
Northminster and St David’s in Calgary have come together—two congregations, now one people—not by accident, but through significant planning and the mysterious and grace-filled movement of God. As their Ministry Plan says, “We have not lost who we were; instead, we have become more of who we are called to be.” Like the Body of Christ spoken of in scripture, these churches brought their distinct gifts, histories, strengths, and dreams—and together, they have become something more whole, more vibrant, and more alive. “Together, we are becoming the church the world longs to see.”
How it All Began
Just before the start of the pandemic, Northminster came to understand that their building was creating a significant yearly deficit, and they were afraid of the impact on their small but vibrant congregation. After working with UCC resource staff and local consultants it was determined that selling was the best option. Despite fears around whether or not they could be a church without a building, they thrived during COVID and soon realized they could take the leap toward a new way of being the church. Around the same time, St David’s was facing a vacancy after the retirement of their long-serving minister. In early in 2022, then Chinook Winds Region’s Pastoral Relations Minister, Rev. Dr. Stephen Harper, proposed they consider a two-year partnership to support each other through ministry vacancies and the need for a building. A Partnership Committee was formed with representation from each church along with Stephen and Northminster’s minister Rev. Nancy Nourse. Since May 2022, the churches have shared worship and programs (while maintaining separate governance and finances until amalgamation). They blended traditions and staff, tried new projects together, maintained ministries and committees of each church, and found ways to be a church in partnership. Thanks to a renewal of energy and ideas, within two years both congregations overwhelmingly realized they were better together and it was suggested this relationship become permanent.
Regular reporting and consulting with the congregation took place. In the winter months of 2025, numerous gatherings were held about hopes for the future, and discerning core values and how they aligned with the values of Jesus. From there, a Ministry Plan emerged through a great deal of prayer, congregational reflection, and the guidance of the Spirit.
The Name…Summit View United Church
“Summit View” is rooted in the geography that shapes the community, from the nearby Nose Hill and the Rocky Mountains to the west. It reflects a desire to look forward, envisioning a bold, inclusive future. Like climbing a mountain, the amalgamation has brought individual paths into a shared journey, and Summit View symbolizes this unity and convergence. The name also resonates spiritually, connecting to mountaintop experiences in faith, and moments where God’s presence is known and life is renewed.
The Calling
Together, four Core Values were determined: “Growing, Inclusive, Spiritual, Community”. Along side this, there is always the consideration of the congregation’s guiding question: how do we be a vibrant United Church presence in northwest Calgary? With the Ministry Plan along with a new Mission Teams model of governance, the core values are articulated and upheld.
Highlights to Celebrate
– Since amalgamation, they are seeing familiar faces return, new people—including young adults—discovering the church, celebrating the joy of 13 new members and 5 baptisms, and experiencing a renewed energy where people are eager to say yes—to opportunities, to serving, and to being part of something life-giving unfolding among them.
– Summit View established a Business Plan to name the financial priorities and stewardship long-term of current investments and funds coming from the sale of Northminster’s building.
– A surplus of combined assets from both legacy churches in the amount of $400,000 is being directed to Chinook Winds Region.
– In their commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, a gift of $50,000 will be sent to the Healing Fund of the United Church of Canada.
– A commitment to Young Adult ministries as well as lifting up their location to U of C and their partnership with Campus Ministries is a priority in the Ministry Plan. A memorandum of understanding has been signed which includes an annual $20,000 donation to Campus Ministries for the next five years.
– Summit View plans to grow its ministry team from 1.5 FTE to 2.5 FTE in the fall of 2026, as well as add paid leadership for livestream/tech, and is looking long term at enhancing children and youth staffing.
In the spirit of stewardship there is an understanding that the financial resources are tools to ensure Summit View remains a vibrant church for the long term. This is not an endowment to sit on, but a living resource to be used wisely—for possibilities not yet imagined.
Reflecting on Uniqueness and Exploring Common Ground
As Summit View takes their first steps, they recognize this is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter. The United Church of Canada’s Toward 2035 vision names both the challenges on the horizon and the opportunities before the church and is very much an affirmation of the work completed to date.
As Summit View grows into its new identity, there is also the possibility of becoming catalysts for collaboration both within and beyond the congregation. In the years ahead, they will explore intentional partnerships—with other United Churches and community organizations—that allow the sharing of resources, wisdom, and energy. The journey of amalgamation has already given the unique experiences built on shared gifts, and Summit View believes these learnings (successes and challenges) are not theirs to keep, but to offer as encouragement to others. In this way, the Summit View story may contribute to a lasting legacy in northwest Calgary and beyond: one that demonstrates the benefit of working together for faithful witness in the world.