Provoking Leadership. April 30-May 3, 2026. Lethbridge AB.

With the theme, Provoking Leadership, the 2026 Chinook Winds Regional Gathering invited us to pause and ask a simple but demanding question: What is being asked of us now? Rooted in the words of Hebrews 10:23-24, Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, we reflected together on leadership that calls us forward, challenges us to grow, and reminds us that none of this ministry is meant to be done alone.

The Chinook Winds Regional Council met at Southminster United Church, Lethbridge. AB. The meeting began Thursday, April 30 and wrapped with the Celebration of Ministry Worship on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Registrants can participate in-person or online. Regional Representatives, Ministry Personnel and visitors can register HERE. In-person registration closed on April 7, 2026. Meals are not guaranteed for late registrations. 

A financial update took place online on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 with Finance Chair Sue Brodrick and Treasurer John Den Hoed.

Thanks to Southern Alberta Japanese United Church (SAJUC), those registered visited Lethbridge’s Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens on April 30 before the Regional Meeting began. This included a guided tour of the gardens as well as a historical talk with Rev. Dr. Tad Mitsui and Dr. Kathryn Yamashita.

Regional Meeting 2026 Photos

Photos from the 2026 Regional Gathering are highlighted. Click on a photo for a larger format and to scroll through the gallery.

Theme Speaker

Our theme speaker was Rev. Mitchell Anderson, lead minister of St. Paul's United Church in Saskatoon, one of the fastest growing congregations in The United Church of Canada. He is passionate about sharing the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ with new people and renewing the church through the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition to this theological education, Mitchell holds an MBA and advises and serves on the boards of local, provincial, and national organizations, bringing together financial and strategic insight to advance social change. Mitchell enjoys fitness, great coffee, and experiencing the natural and human beauty of the Prairies and Saskatoon with his fiancé Jordan.
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Youth

Youth Council in Action @ Chinook Winds Regional Gathering!

Our Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Youth Council once again stepped up as voting members at this year’s Regional Gathering! These young leaders, aged 14 to 17, made meaningful contributions to decisions and conversations.

Questions about the Youth or Children's Program or Youth Council? Please email First Third Ministry

Glimmers of Glory Children's Program - Saturday, May 4, 2024 8:30am to 4:30pm

Meeting Materials & Resources

The detailed Agenda, Reports and other documentation will be uploaded here when available. Please click on a button below to access relevant forms or documents.

Live-streaming for the Meeting & Sunday’s Celebration of Ministry Worship

Live-streaming of the Regional Meeting 2026 was available throughout the gathering on the Chinook Winds YouTube Channel.

On Sunday morning, congregations throughout Central and Southern Alberta joined in worship with us through the live-streaming. We had a good tech team on board and congregations will have a cell number that they could call or text if they are experience technical issues.

Chinook Winds' YouTube Channel

Last Year's Livestream from Regional Meeting 2025