OUR STORY: We at Crossfield United Church began our journey toward 2035 four years ago. Four of us from the congregation and our minister, Rev. David Crawford, took a Zoom seminar from Vicki Nelson, Community of Faith Stewardship Support. This exercise caused us to look at who we are as a congregation, where we want to go and by what means. The first step was identifying who we were as a congregation. It was decided that we were an aging congregation, and our focus would no longer be on bringing in young people. (Read on, there’s a twist!) 

Our strength was our seniors and the community. Vicki got us thinking outside the box, so we struck a stewardship committee.  We hadn’t had one in over 20 years. There are now six members on it. The focus of that stewardship committee was on outreach to the community where we live and hope to serve. 

How to do that? was the next question. We looked at who we are, what resources we have, and then what was needed in our community of Crossfield. It was decided to do outreach into the community. We would target those in Crossfield and area with food insecurity. Many of our members serve on the board of the local food bank, so we knew there was a need. We focused on the people using the food bank by inviting them to a community soup dinner.  We advertised at the food bank and around town. We started with 12 non-congregational people coming to dinner.  We also had a Saturday afternoon cooking demonstration on how to make soup to stretch your dollars. We had three people attend, none from the congregation! Our committee deemed it a success, so we organized a second soup meal!  60 people came that evening.  We were now filled with hope; this was the right way to reach out into our community. We also resurrected Shrove Tuesday pancake suppers and added a Nativi-Tea to kick off the Advent season. The Nativi-Tea has had music, tea and cake, a raffle for a quilt made by one of our members, a cookie walk for those people that don’t bake, and Nativity Sets and quilts. Last year, we had 50 Nativity scenes and 20 Quilts featuring the Nativity. 

Our Stewardship Committee voted to perform more outreach by having 4 community dinners each year. We are now organizing our second dinner in 2026, targeting those with food insecurity by having a lasagna meal. We advertise at the food bank, on social media and with posters around the community.  We also organized a concert in April for the community and surrounding areas.  We now have an annual Garage Sale in June, and planning has started for the Nativi-Tea this November. 

With Vicki’s direction, we looked at our strengths, identified them, and decided how to use them! As a result of looking inward and then outward, we now have 4-5 more families (with children!) coming to church on a regular basis.  We are now in the process of changing the configuration of our sanctuary to be more welcoming to children and upgrading their space.  All because of soup! 

Vicki Nelson is currently on leave, but if you are interested in Stewardship for your community of faith, contact Sarah Giles, acting Community of Faith Stewardship Support for Western Canada.

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Airdrie United Church and Airdrie Public Library have entered into an exciting new partnership, thanks to the collaborative and tenacious efforts of leadership from the congregation, local library and Chinook Winds Region.
      This new partnership was officially celebrated last Tuesday, May 12 in the bright room where the Airdrie United Church now gathers for Sunday worship. A playground is just steps away outside. Together, the congregation and library hope to create welcoming spaces where people of all ages can gather, learn, and build relationships and are particularly excited about the possibilities for youth and community programming.  You can also read more in Discover Airdrie.

The post New Era for Airdrie United Church: Partnership with Local Library appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

You are invited to join Chinook Winds Indigenous Minister Tony Snow and others for the monthly Right Relations Circle. We gather for conversation, connection, and friendship as we learn how to live out the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

While the Right Relations Circle normally takes place on the 4th Tuesday, May’s took place on May 5 for Red Dress Day. June’s date will be announced shortly and focus on Indigenous History Month. For the Right Relations Circle, you can register to receive the Zoom Link HERE   If you have previously registered, you will receive the Zoom link on the day of the Circle.

Questions? Please email Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region.

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Chinook Winds Region is seeking people to serve on our Nominations Committee.  The Nominations Committee helps identify and encourage gifted leaders for Regional working groups. This is an opportunity to help ensure the diversity, wisdom, and lived experiences of our communities of faith are reflected in the leadership of our church.

If you have a heart for encouraging others, recognizing gifts, and helping people connect their talents with meaningful ministry, or if you would like to recommend someone,  we would love to hear from you. Please fill out the Nominations Form or contact Jes Beckerley, Chinook Winds Regional Office.

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This spring, children and leaders gathered at Kasota East Camp for a joyful and meaningful weekend of community, creativity, and connection.

Grounded in the spirit of Acts 2:42–47, campers explored what it means to be a community that shows up for one another — sharing meals, learning together, caring for each other, and finding joy in belonging.

From the moment campers arrived, there was a sense of something special unfolding — a space where both returning and new children quickly found their place. Friendships formed, laughter echoed, and by the end of the weekend, many were already asking when they could come back.

Rooted in the spirit of Eat. Sing. Play. Imagine!, the weekend was filled with hands-on activities and shared experiences. Campers explored the outdoors on a nature walk, tried their hand at felting, and worked together through team-building challenges and creative “spider web” activity. There were moments of planting seeds, storytelling, games, and plenty of laughter woven throughout.

At the heart of it all was community — seen in shared meals, cabin conversations, and the simple joy of being together.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our youth leaders and adult leaders, whose presence, care, and energy helped create such a welcoming and inclusive environment. We are also deeply grateful to Kasota East Camp for their hospitality and partnership in making this weekend possible.

It truly was a weekend many didn’t want to leave.

We are already looking ahead with excitement and looking forward to next year, when we will gather again to continue building this growing community.

The post Imagine Children’s Retreat 2026– A Weekend to Remember appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

With the theme, Provoking Leadership, the Chinook Winds Regional Council gathers in Lethbridge at Southminster United Church from April 30 to May 3, 2026.

Even if you’re not registered, you can join us online via the Chinook Winds YouTube Channel and also in person or online for Sunday’s Celebration of Ministry Service. Plan to join us! You’ll find all pertinent details on our Regional Meeting 2026 page.

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Chinook Winds Regional Council will ordain William Brook at its May 3, 2026 Celebration of Ministry Service at Southminster United Church, Lethbridge, AB.

For the past two years, William Brook has served Living Spirit Centre, a newly planted second campus of Hillhurst United Church in Calgary.

Previously, he was a Professor at the University of Calgary, researching and teaching genetics. William studied the Christian contemplative tradition at the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque and is a trained spiritual director through Pacific Jubilee. He completed a Master of Divinity at the Vancouver School of Theology in 2025.

William’s “mountain-top” experiences happen most often in circles of people resting together in silence or sharing from places of depth and vulnerability. He is interested in how practices of presence draw us into the life of Christ within and among us, deepening sacred connection, building community, and leading us into loving action in the world.

This summer, William and his wife, Darolyn, will move to Edmonton, where all their children and grandchildren live and where William has been called to be Minister of Mill Woods United Church.

The post Introducing Our Ordinand: William Brook appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

By Josh Carr 

What if hospitality looked a little different? 

Imagine a table where strangers become companions, where storytelling replaces small talk, and where imagination opens doors to connection. This is the heart of a new young adult ministry taking shape—one built around the collaborative storytelling game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). 

For those unfamiliar, D&D is a guided storytelling experience. Each participant creates a character and, together, the group embarks on an unfolding adventure. There are no winners or losers—only shared journeys, creative problem-solving, and moments of laughter, tension, and discovery. One person, called the “Dungeon Master,” helps weave the story, while everyone else helps bring it to life. 

So how does this fit into ministry? 

At its core, D&D is about gathering people and making space for them to belong. Around the table, participants practice intentional listening, empathy, and cooperation. They make choices, face challenges, and explore questions of identity, courage, justice, and hope—all within a safe, imaginative setting. 

For young adults especially, this kind of space can be deeply meaningful. Not everyone finds connection in traditional settings. Some may feel unsure walking into a worship service or unsure how to join in. But a storytelling table? A shared adventure? That can feel different—more accessible, more inviting. 

In this ministry, the table becomes a place of radical hospitality. No experience is needed. Whether someone has never heard of D&D or has been playing for years, all are welcome. The goal isn’t mastery of rules—it’s connection. 

Participants might find themselves: 

• Working together to solve a mystery 

• Supporting one another through fictional challenges that echo real-life struggles 

• Laughing over unexpected twists in the story 

• Discovering new friendships along the way 

And perhaps most importantly, they experience what it means to be part of a community where every voice matters. 

This is not about escaping the world, but about engaging it differently—through creativity, relationship, and shared meaning-making. It’s about meeting people where they are, in ways that speak to their lives and interests. 

So if you’ve ever wondered what D&D is, or if you’re simply curious about new ways of building community, consider this your invitation. 

Pull up a chair. 
Your story—and ours—is just beginning. 

Hear below from one of Sanctuary D&D’s newest Dungeon Masters! Miriam Goodchild took on the daunting challenge of DM’ing for the first time, and has been doing an incredible job alongside our other Dungeon masters and players! Miriam was asked to speak about their experience with Sanctuary D&D and their opportunity to run the game for the first time within a safe and inclusive space!  

“DnD was something I first heard about as a teenager, and while the moments I was actually able to try playing were very few and far between, I quickly fell in love with this organized yet improvisational method of storytelling. The idea of a narrator guiding the story with main characters that are free to make their own choices that, in turn, affect that same story is such a fun, unique concept. After I started getting more invested in Actual Plays like Critical Role as an adult, my desire to find a space to engage personally in this game resurfaced with a vengeance. Sanctuary DnD has since become the space I was looking for.  

I initially started out as a player. I had thought of DMing at some point in the past, but I was nervous to try. The pressure that I thought would follow such a position kind of intimidated me, but as I continued to attend Sanctuary DnD on a weekly basis, I realized that any pressure to do “well” I might have feared in other groups was practically non-existent here. Most of our dms were new, or had only tried it a few times before. Many players were in similar positions. Each session felt like we were all sort of figuring out the game together, and I found that it dissuaded most of my anxieties and awkwardness very quickly. There was such an overt focus on just having fun with each other, and lifting each other up. There was no pressure to be a “perfect” narrator at all, only to do your best, whatever that may be.  

So I decided to take the leap. And I have since learned that I adore DMing! Having easy and open access to the materials needed to run the adventures alleviates a lot of stress regarding preparations, and the structure of Sanctuary DnD has created a space where encouragement, kindness, and constructive conversation are valued above all else, which has immensely aided in my ability to develop good relations with my players (both as a dm and as a friend, imo). I enjoy the chaos that is running combat, as well as encouraging active roleplay between NPCs and players, and more recently, watching and sitting back as my players engage and converse with each other in-character.  

I find myself becoming aware, more than ever, of what a communal process DnD truly is. While it’s portrayed as “complex” and even “tiresome” by some, I really think DnD (and any other TTRPG, really) is kind of the ultimate form of group storytelling. The DM may be the “leader” by technicality, but it’s the players who are the real stars of the show, driving the story set out for them forward through each decision and dice roll. I find myself enjoying the moments where I get to reveal bits of lore just as much as when I step back and watch everyone else discuss current matters, make jokes, and debate what choices they want to make. I don’t feel like a strict authority as much as a supportive guide, thriving as I watch each character gain experience and further the narrative with increasing confidence. It’s such a special experience that doesn’t really compare to anything else, and is why I highly recommend these sorts of games to anyone who has any interest.” 

We hope you’ll follow along as Sanctuary D&D continues to evolve and carve out space for young adults within our communities!  

Contact: Jess Andrews, Campus Minister, University of Calgary

The post A Bold Experiment: Sanctuary D&D from First Third Ministry & Campus United appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

    It’s your bulletin to plug your United Church event. Then plan to open it every month so you’re plugged in to what’s happening in Chinook Winds Region

You can submit your United Church event through the Submit Event Page, located under “events” on the top toolbar on the Chinook Winds website.  

Get Your Event in the First Edition!
The first Get Plugged In Events Bulletin will land in your inbox on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Make sure you submit your United Church event by Tuesday, April 14 for it to be included. All events are moderated.

Beginning in May, the Events Bulletin will go out the first Thursday of every month with a submission deadline of the Tuesday before. (The May deadline will be Tuesday, May 5).

Events Also Published on Chinook Winds’ Calendar
Your United Church event will also be located on the Chinook Winds Event Calendar. As well, you will be able to go to the Chinook Winds calendar and see the events happening across the Region.

How to Submit Your Event for Publication
To guide you in submitting your event for publication, please make use of this handy Tip Form. It’s also downloadable on the Events submission form.

What Happens with the Chinook Winds Newsletter?
Chinook Winds Newsletter will focus on news in our region, including community of faith news. If you have news from your community of faith, for example a ministry that you’re excited about or a youth leader or administrator job posting, that will still go in the newsletter. Submit them to Shelley Den Haan, Communications.

Any Questions/Need Assistance Uploading your Event?
If you have any questions or find you need assistance in uploading your event, please reach out to Shelley Den Haan, Communications 

Helpful Links!

• Submit Event Webpage/Form 
• Handy Tip Sheet for Submitting Events
• Chinook Winds Events Calendar
  

The post Introducing…the Get Plugged In Events Bulletin appeared first on Chinook Winds Region.

Easter meets us not in perfect moments, but in the midst of real life, with all its uncertainty, grief, and change.  I have found myself saying more than once this year that this has been the ‘lentiest” Lent I can remember, a season that has felt especially heavy, reflective, and real. And perhaps that is why the promise of Easter feels all the more needed. 

Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5)   

In her Easter message, our Moderator, Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, reminds us that hope is not about ignoring what is hard but trusting that God is still at work within it. Our work leading up to Easter Sunday is to face the pain and grief with grace and courage. We do not need to know the way out of the darkness- that is God’s work. And when the resurrection comes, it does not erase the wounds, but it does tell us that they are not the end of the story. Even in the hardest seasons, something new is being born, like green shoots pushing up through still-cold ground. 

As a church, we are thinking about our future, imagining, and dreaming about the church in 2035. And yet, this dreaming is shaped not only by hope, but by what we have loved and lost. We carry the ache of what has changed, and like Lent, we are invited not to turn from that grief, but to trust that God meets us within it and ultimately guides us through to new possibilities. God is not finished with us yet. Even now, new life is emerging: in our communities of faith, in fresh expressions of ministry, in the courage to imagine a different future together. And part of our calling this Easter is not only to notice new life, but to nurture it.   

And so, we look for the signs of resurrection: 
in small acts of faith,  in the return of robins amidst spring snowstorms, in renewed relationships,  in the quiet ways people continue to show up for one another, in the ways people choose to serve for the benefit of others, not just themselves. 

Christ is risen. And hope is alive. May you know that hope this Easter, and may it guide us as we step faithfully into the future God is unfolding.

Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Chinook Winds & Pacific Mountain Regions

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