Imagine Newsletter
So where did the time go? --Rev. David
Recent conversations have been about how hard it is to believe that one year has passed since the waters
swept through High River and the wider South Western Alberta region. For most people it doesn’t feel
like a year. It feels much shorter than that. For others the time has dragged on and on for what feels like
an eternity. And yet, it’s all the same time. The earth has completed one orbit around the sun and here we
are. It’s the same season, but it’s not the same life we live. It’s the same time of year, but our homes and
our town are changed.
For some of us, our homes are altered, our basements are new, our places of work are different. Some
people are not home. Some homes are gone, and others are about to come down. Still others will not be
coming home at all and instead, are living in a new home somewhere else. No wonder it feels like the
time has gone either too quickly or too slowly. There has been so much to handle, so much to manage,
and so many decisions to make. And yet… here we are.
During the past year, I admit to having some days when I found it difficult to move off the couch. All I
could do was just sit there and stare blankly into space, pray, weep, read, enjoy the Daily Show with Jon
Stewart or watch re-runs of Bewitched on Netflix. Then, I would get bored with myself and move into
the balance of the day. I’m discovering that “moving” is not only empowering but healing.
Moving…placing one foot in front of the other. That simple action doesn’t deny or avoid our feelings,
our sentiments or whatever we are experiencing post disaster. But it does keep us moving. And that my
dear friends, is important.
We all arrived at this place in time by finding our own ways to keep moving through this time of loss and
recovery. Granted there are days when it feels like nothing moves! Our bodies feel stiff and tired, or
what ever bureaucracy we’re dealing with at the moment remains stuck. But, movement does happen and
we arrive in this moment because we have taken some steps to get us through even the toughest times.
One way we move is by being a people that proclaims hope. Another way we move is by offering
compassion to one another. We move when we hold gratitude in our hearts. When we face our fears and
seek courage, we are moved. When we strip drywall off and put new drywall on; when we re-run wiring;
when we do a house blessing; when we plant sunflowers and till the garden; and when we listen to
another’s story we move ourselves into the territory of hope and onto the path of healing.
A wise one once said, “We can only be in one place at a time, and that is the present moment—the now”.
The “now” is a very different place from “then”. When we pay attention to that, we can see how far we
have come and how far we have moved. We give thanks with grateful hearts that God accompanies us on
this journey as we move through each day. As we allow ourselves to be moved by our actions, our
decisions, our emotions, and our intentions it is amazing how in God’s time, we are healed and find
ourselves just that much further along the path of hope, recovery and renewal. And then, without really
recognizing it we are amazed and wonder, “now, where did the time go?”
Rev. David and Rev. Susan wish each of you a spacious and life-giving summer. Keep moving, keep
loving, keep God close. We can’t wait to see all of you when we return from our summer time away.
At High River United Church we believe God is calling us...
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To provide ministry that includes spiritual support and faith formation for all ages with a focus on our
children, youth, young adults and young families
To deepen, explore and communicate our faith through congregational and individual faith formation
To bring the love and compassion of Christ to our neighbours
To a practice of Christian hospitality.
Each of these mission goals are designed to create and share a vibrant, purpose-driven ministry that makes
a difference in our community and across the globe. We are called to be a centre of Christian spiritual
practice that is progressive, inclusive, and relevant.
The two things that our Imagine Campaign helps us remember to do are:
1. To be a growing and relevant vibrant community of faith by adding our support to the neighbourhood, by
being intentional about developing community partnerships and by being a safe haven for conversations
that matter.
2. Pay off the remaining balance of our mortgage so we can focus our energy on our mission and ministry.
What is truly amazing is that our congregation is on track with the original intent of the Imagine
Campaign despite the disaster that has affected us all. The love of this congregation for this church at its
mission to the community continues to transcend our own challenges and help us continue to excel as a
faith-filled community of help, home and hope!
Imagine HRUC responding quickly and creatively to post-disaster needs.
I’m Diane Strickland, Visitation and Advocacy, High River United Church. I’m your response to
recognizing community needs and knowing your capacity to meet them was diminished by those
same needs in your staff, lay leaders, and volunteer base.
I listen. I encourage and affirm. I provide tools for moving forward. I help people name unresolved
experiences from their lives that are brought forward with flood trauma. We work together to find
the gospel narrative that will hold those experiences but not let them take over the whole story. I
also am available to work on ongoing DRP and insurance issues.
2014 FINANCIAL TIDBITS
--Joan Vander Meulen, HRUC Treasurer and Chair of the Imagine Campaign
The month of June traditionally brings longer days and the slower pace of summer. This year, June will
certainly evoke many unsettling memories of June 20, 2013: the day when everything in our world
changed.
The commitment of this congregation continues to astound me! Even though most of us have had much
to deal with on the home front, we remain deeply dedicated to the key mission goals of the Imagine
Campaign. And one of those goals was to reduce our debt. So how have we done so far in 2014? To the
end of May, local contributions for our congregation’s mission and ministry were $91,716 which
surpassed last May’s total by $100! Miscellaneous income to the end of May was $27,238 which is right
on target with our budget predictions. It’s great to see that our beautiful, rebuilt facility is a hot
commodity! Mission and Service contributions are slightly over budget at $15,175. This spring we
received a Calgary Foundation Grant in the amount of $25,000! These funds will help to defray some of
the costs associated with our new front doors, the upgraded counter-top dishwasher and wireless Wi-Fi
service throughout the church. Overall, we can feel quite secure in the knowledge that we are doing just
fine on the financial front as we work through the recovery process. A full financial report will be
available at the church office and contribution statements and pledge information covering the first half of
2014 will be mailed in July.
As the slower summer months approach, we thank you in advance for your regular gifts to High River
United Church which help us continue to meet our expenses while many of us are away on vacation.
Many of our members are taking advantage of our Pre-Authorized Remittance program (PAR). If you
aren’t already on PAR, why not consider signing up for this stress-free way to continue making your
tithes and offering, even though you may be away on vacation. Just speak with Mel or Connie in the
office and bring along a void cheque. It’s that easy!
Thank you for your support to HRUC and your ongoing commitment to the vision and goals of the
Imagine Campaign. Together we are making a difference in High River.
Our Mortgage Update –Bart Brocklebank
On December 31, 2013 our Mortgage was
$356,208.92
At the end of June, 2014 our Mortgage will be $300,719.98
Our original debenture balance was: $325,000
Today, our debenture balance is:
$240,000
The total cost of our building project was $2.3 Million
Therefore, combining both debenture and mortgage amounts, we currently owe: $540,719.98
Based on current Imagine Campaign pledges and resulting cash flow, there will be another capital
payment applied to the Mortgage balance in July, 2014.
Wow!
Summer Reading --Joy Duncan
Tired of the same old summer reading? Here’s your invitation to drop in to the HRUC library and pick
out something different. We recommend:
1. Biography—everything from the unbelievable “A Year of Living Biblically” a light hearted
attempt to literally do what the Bible says, to “The Lemon Tree”, a story rooted in the Middle
East.
2. The new section of daily devotions. Choose from the shelves just inside the door and you will be
starting each summer day with a gift of grace.
3. Caring for the environment. It’s the perfect time of year to honour God’s world. Try Sanguin’s
“Darwin, Divinity and the Dance of the Cosmos” or “Sleeping Naked is Green”.
4. Come on… Be brave… Take something from our Theology section. Anything by Spong,
Yancey, Borg or Crossan will be worth your while.
Be sure to sign out your choices in the book on the library desk. Enjoy your summer with the best books
in town.
The CARPE DIEM Summer Experiment!--Rev. Diane
Have you had enough of the post-disaster recovery routine? Do you
want to break out” of the “DRP/Insurance/getting estimates/contractor/
inventory taking/emotional rollercoaster/appealing decisions/more
forms to fill in” grind? When you hear “disaster recovery” are you
starting to hear “Blah, Blah, Blah” even when you love the people who
are talking?
If so, you may be ready to CARPE DIEM! And we’re here to help you! CARPE DIEM is a Latin phrase
meaning “seize the day”. The HRUC CARPE DIEM summer experiment is about people doing
something this summer they’ve never done before that’s actually fun or interesting. Step out of your
box a little. Reach out into life and change what you select and how you participate. Here are a few
ideas:
 Try something brand new.
Have you ever tried waterskiing? Hiked or biked through Fish Creek Park? What about
horseback riding? What about taking a summer worship service at HRUC as a family or with
a few friends and leading it? Have you ever wondered about painting with watercolours?
Pick a day and do it!
 Trade favorites around the family.
Go for ice cream and each one order someone else’s favorite ice cream. Or, use each one’s
favorite colour, and everyone wear something in that colour until all the favorite colours
have “their” day. Take pictures. See how the other half likes to live.
 Take the long way.
It’s not just about getting from A to B. It’s about the journey. Plan a day trip and find
alternate routes to get there—the ones a little off the beaten track. Take a picnic and
pictures. Visit local sites. Buy a little souvenir. Make the journey the whole point.
 Do something familiar in a brand new way.
Grab your cameras and cell phones with cameras and go on a picture-taking adventure.
Choose a theme like cows, or blue things, or flowers, smiles, or machines, etc. Then create a
scrapbook or PowerPoint presentation of the results!
Those are just suggestions to get you thinking. What can YOU do to “seize the day”? It will be fun to
share our “CARPE DIEM” summer experiments in the fall. (No pressure)
Here’s hoping you will Seize the Day this summer and create room for fresh fun, whimsy, good
surprises, and a deeper connection with yourself, God, others, and the promise of abundant life
that is ours.
Sunflower Project
Just under 4,000 households received packages of sunflower seeds “From Your
Neighbours at High River United Church”. The seeds were placed in the post on Friday,
May 30th. Addresses that have a “no flyers request” registered at the Post Office will not
receive the seeds and so we ask that those residents please come by High River United
Church. (Please note: your address may have a “no flyers request” that was registered by a
previous owner! We recommend checking with the post office)
Sunflowers are being planted and we see evidence of new shoots sprouting. One neighbour is said to
have said to other, “My sun flowers are going to grow taller than yours!”
Community Partnering
Our congregation is partnering in many ways to provide support and care to our
community. Through our relationship with the Christian Reformed church we are able to
offer two Simple Suppers per month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Rev. David sits on the
Hearts and Minds advisory board, Rev. Diane continues to build partnerships between our congregation
and the High River caregiving network. Rev. Susan continues to reach the community through her
weekly email column “Adventures in Faith and Family”. Verna has been working with the Youth
Network and the Wellness Community to provide care for youth and adults. We are also spear-heading a
community wide initiative to provide personal and professional support to care-givers as they continue to
support our community through its post-disaster recovery.
Re-connecting with our Mission and Purpose
In the early Spring, our church council executive, program leaders and consultants met to reflect on our
congregation’s ministry and mission goals which were approved by the congregation’s AGM in January
2012. There was a strong consensus around the table that our goals continue to be even more relevant
post-disaster. The group named the tremendous effort in getting the church building cleaned up, repaired
and usable again; how we are making our church and resources available to help others in their journey;
the Simple Supper Ministry and its capacity to restore, renew and heal relationships; the establishing of a
ministry through social media (Facebook); having the foresight in order to identify the need for an
Advocacy and Support Ministry staff position (Rev. Diane Strickland)—extraordinary not only that the
need was recognized and identified, but that Council and the Ministry team asked for help. This will
prove to be a major leadership decision for the betterment of the entire congregation and the wider
community.
In the meantime, we continue to seek ways of supporting, helping and networking in order to provide
safe, purposeful experiences of faith and well-being for our congregation and our community.
Imagine Campaign
If there ever was a time when High River United Church can make a difference in our community it is
now. More than ever we believe people need to know that we are a different kind of Christian community.
At HRUC we don’t tell people “what” to believe. We are more interested in showing people “how” to live
according to the wisdom of our faith. In fact the phrase “to believe” comes from the Latin word credo
which literally means, “to lend one’s heart”.
We invite you to lend your heart to High River United Church and to the Christian faith it proclaims. The
HRUC is an inclusive community committed to the spiritual practice of hospitality and to excellence in
faith formation founded upon a theological approach that is progressive and open. Right now we are
working hard to pay off our mortgage so that we can more intently focus on
the mission and ministry that captures our hearts. We know we can make
an even bigger difference in our community. We are convinced that what
we are about is a Christian ministry that offers healing and transformation
grounded in the wisdom and ethics of Christian faith. We choose to commit
ourselves to a higher purpose than ourselves. We choose to support our
neighbourhood and be a safe haven in the downtown because we believe in
establishing right relationships, right living and a place to converse about
the things that matter most.
On July 1st check out our brand new HRUC website:
www.highriverunitedchurch.org
The Highwood United Calligraphers continue to meet throughout the summer.
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On Tuesday, July 17, 7:00 pm we will gather for a Learn & Share evening at the church.
Everyone welcome – all ages. $5. drop in
Saturday, August 16, 10 am – 3 pm Join us as we Step-out to Paint Watercolor Flowers
Cost $20. Melanie will show us some easy to paint fun gestural flowers for cards and journals.
No experience needed. This class will be outside if weather permits.
Summer Children’s Programming
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Children’s Worship Programming will be available every Sunday through the summer months.
“The Great Adventure Summer Camp” starts Monday July 7th to Friday July 11th .
Time: 9:00 am—12:00 noon. This camp is for children entering Kindergarten to Grade 5. Eran &
Verna have a fun filled week to kick off your summer. Registration Fee: $15 per child or $30 per
family. Register with Mel at the office. 403-652-3168
Summer Youth Programming
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“The Great Adventure Summer Camp” (see above) is a week-long half-day l e a d e r s h i p
opportunity for Youth (aged 12 and up). Youth Leaders will be working directly with Verna &
Eran. Please speak to Verna as soon as possible. We will meet Thursday, July 3rd for leadership
training at 2:00 p.m.
“Acting Up!” is a drama camp for youth aged 9 – 17 years
This camp will run from July 21st – 27th starting at 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
It will be an action packed exploration of Theatre Arts including: make-up, costumes,
script writing, acting, mask making and so much more! Registration fee is $65.00 for the
week! Please register with Mel at the office 403-652-3168
Labyrinth News
We will be bringing back our Labyrinth in the middle of August. Information will be posted in the
weekly announcements as to the timeline for painting. We will keep you in the loop!
Great Stuff Ahead!
Here are some things to watch for in the Fall:
 Our Sunday Morning Time (and throughout the week) will be guided by the theme: “Mending our
Relationship with Creation”
 “Painting the Stars” a DVD-based course that engages Science, Religion and an Evolving Faith.
 Simple Suppers begin at the Christian Reformed Church, September 3rd and the United Church,
September 17th at 5:30 pm.
 Gift of Music Concert Series begins September 20th
 Friday, October 3rd Good ‘Ole Fashion “Barn Dance” and HRUC Facility Official Opening
 Sunday, October 5th Visit from The Rt. Rev. Gary Patterson, UCC Moderator
 Power to Parent: The Vital Connection. A six week exploration of the relationship we can
develop with our children (of any age) which allows us to deal with resistance, anxiety, separation
and more. This course will help us discipline in a way that doesn’t divide, and to enjoy the wonder
of parenting our children as they grow. Dates and Times TBA
Listen…Trust…Believe!
HIGH RIVER UNITED CHURCH
P.O. Box 5520, 123 Macleod Trail, High River, Alberta, T1V 1M6
Phone:(403)652-3168
Email: [email protected]
Fax: (403)652-4965
On July 1st check out our brand new HRUC website:
www.highriverunitedchurch.org