Dear friends in Christ,

I wish to offer these pastoral words within our Regional Council in the wake of the serious traffic incident in northeast Calgary on Thursday, October 15, 2026 that claimed the lives of three people and injured at least 19 others. Let us pray for God’s mercy and grace to be with those who have died, and peace in the coming weeks and months with their families. May the Holy Spirit be a source of healing upon those who have been injured and their families.

Some of you know that I was a volunteer firefighter while serving in my previous pastoral charge, in a community with a very dangerous highway intersection, where I was, at times, called to respond to the very worst of circumstances. Thursday’s traffic incident, and others like it, will take a heavy emotional toll upon Calgary’s first responders. So, I offer words of care to these first responders as well, especially the member of the Calgary Police Service who was injured on scene.  For our Communities of Faith within Calgary, please share my love with any of your members who are connected to the First Responder services.  May God always protect them in the conduct of their duties.

In addition, I offer prayers for our Communities of Faith this Sunday before the Alberta Referendum. For those who will lead worship, it will be a challenge to proclaim Christ’s gospel and justice in this moment of acute division. I pray that the Holy Spirit gives us the words that will cross boundaries of political identity, be a healing balm to God’s hurting world, and also give support to those on the margins.  Let us pray for the continuing unity of the church.

May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be always with you.

Rev. Taylor Croissant, Presider, Chinook Winds Regional Council and Minister at Southminster United Church, Lethbridge