A look into the life at Foothills United Church

Gleanings from the Annual Report 2004

by Fritz Voll

The Annual Report of Foothills United Church allows an interesting look into the background activities of this small but very active congregation.

Only the names of staff persons will here be mentioned.

The minister, the Rev. Joanna MacQuarrie, invites us to glimpse into her workweek. Preparation for Sunday worship has high priority. It involves selecting a theme and lectionary readings and preparing a bulletin with music, prayers, etc. which are integrated with the readings and the sermon. The sermon preparation includes, of course, the interpretation of Scripture passages and setting the understanding of a passage into the present-day context. In close cooperation with office staff and the Pastoral Care Committee, the minister does crisis intervention, hospital visits, home and office visits and counselling. She visited the Circle of Friends meetings, gatherings of members in small groups in other church member’s homes.

And then there are the times of transitions in people's lives, where the church plays an important role and not only to members of the congregation but beyond in the wider community. In preparation for weddings and funerals, time is spent with couples and families. These occasions offer many opportunities for pastoral care. Along with the Office Manager and the church Council, the minister has administrative tasks, answering messages which may come by email or phone, attending committee meetings and helping in the preparation of meetings. The minister is also required to attend the monthly meetings of Calgary Presbytery of the United Church and work on committees of the wider church. Last year she worked on the Personnel and Settlement Committees of Alberta and Northwest Conference. Ministers are supposed to take three weeks of Continuing Education a year, which Rev. MacQuarrie used to take part in courses at Saskatoon, in a summer retreat and in study sessions with Biblical Scholar John Dominic Crossant. She speaks of challenges as well as of the joy of being the minister of the congregation. “No two days are alike, as I have the pleasure of working with the amazing people at Foothills, in the community and in the wider church.” She sees herself as part of a large team of lay leaders and expresses her gratitude. She writes, “In ministry, I am presented with awesome opportunities to walk with people as they seek to deal faithfully with the situations of their lives and to chart their spiritual paths, learning to live God's love. Rev. MacQuarrie concludes her report with the following prayer for 2005:

Gracious God,

We give thanks for the abundance of your love as we have experienced it in 2004: for comfort in trying situations, for guidance re what to do, for the gifts and talents of the people in our church community and for what we are able to accomplish together. As we enter into this New Year, we seek to follow Jesus in our attitudes and our actions. Grant us the insight and courage to approach each situation and circumstance with love and wisdom, dealing creatively with the gift of life, ever aware of your support and guidance. Open our eyes that we may see what you would have Foothills United church do and be in 2005 and beyond. Amen.

The Chair of Foothills Council expresses her gratitude for the work of the Council as well as of the office staff. She speaks of the well-maintained building that accommodates the congregation as well as outside groups. She makes special mention of “the cheerful ladies” in the office. “They are helpful, considerate and very pastoral” . . . “our ambassadors to the outside world and they represent Foothills well.” She writes, “I also want to extend a special thank you to [our minister] for all her support. She has always been available for consultation. During Council meetings, she provides guidance and direction which enables us to make knowledgeable decisions. She often provides the leadership for the Circle of Learning that begins our Council meetings and helps to get us centred for the work ahead. She also provides a theological reflection at the end of the meetings.” In her report the chairperson also expresses her gratitude for the “many others in the congregation who provide leadership and volunteer their time and their talents in the life and work of Foothills.”

The Worship Committee consisted of 10 members which helps to bring new meaning to the Sunday morning worship. Its responsibilities includes special music, recognizing the many talented and gifted people in the congregation. The Committee takes care of new worship resources, electronic equipment, arrangements for special services, e.g. the service supplied by the Men's Group, the Peace service, a service on the Prevention of Violence and a Healing service. The Committee also organised a retreat for greeters, readers, ushers and presiders at worship gatherings.

The Senior Choir had 16 members in 2004. Besides contributing one or two anthems at most worship services, the choir had special engagements throughout the year. It joined the other choirs of Northwest Calgary at the Twelfth Night Celebration on January 11, 2004. On May 16 it offered the annual Music Service together with the Chancel Singers presenting their favourite anthems from the previous eight months of music. The choirs integrated their Christmas music presentation into the regular Sunday morning service of December 12. The choirs practice on Thursday evenings. The Music Director, Carolyn Shyba, in addressing them said, “your love of music and laughter make Thursday nights something to look forward to!”

Shouldice Lodge. On the third Wednesday of every month, a ministry team of three members of the congregation provide worship, music, readings and meditation to the residents of the Lodge. On some occasions additional members join the regulars. The ministry team always feels uplifted after spending time with the elderly.

Bowview Manor. On the third Sunday of each month at 2:30 p.m. a team of other members of the congregation visits the Manor to hold a worship service. Music is provided by one of the members and other members of the congregation join frequently. Ten to seventeen residents of the Manor attend the meetings. The leader of the team has, over the past four years, come to know many of them. She looks forward to seeing them and is thankful for this opportunity to serve God and the congregation.

Bow-Crest Care Centre. On the first Sunday of the month another team of five members of the congregation holds a 3:00 p.m. service. For approximately one hour the recreation centre is transformed into a sanctuary. When the team arrives, there are usually two or three residents already present, anticipating the service and eager to hear the word and the music, and experience a time of sharing. The residents very much appreciate listening to music presentations by a number of congregational members who join the regular team from time to time.

The Lodge at Valley Ridge. One of the members of Foothills United Church offered monthly church services to the residents of The Lodge for two years. In intervals of three months the minister provided communion which was greatly appreciated by the residents. Other members helped out by providing music.

The Pastoral Care and Membership Committee has five members. It has oversight of members of the congregation, especially those in need of the support of their church family, and of welcoming newcomers. To this end the committee has continued its regular activities including delivering tapes of Sunday worship services to members who are shut in, delivering flowers to those who are sick or distressed, organizing rides to church for members who do not drive and inviting newcomers to meet members on "Soup and Sandwich" Sundays. One member continues to send out cards to mark both sad and glad occasions, others produce the tapes each Sunday.

The Commune-I-Care team of nineteen members maintains contact with every member by a phone call twice per year and tries to respond to concerns expressed. The Committee is aware that many people in the congregation carry out tasks of pastoral care, such as visiting, telephoning and driving people to church functions. The members of the team are grateful to all those who help to make Foothills an inviting and caring congregation. It lets people know that they are in the thoughts of their church family when they are experiencing times of stress. The C-I-C program is a call-out system that has been in effect at Foothills United Church since September 1999. All information that is gathered during these calls is kept confidential and is only passed on to individuals or committees that are in a position to be of assistance to the member's particular circumstances. The director of the program is thankful for the warm reception the callers received from members of the congregation.

The Christian Development Committee has three members but is always looking for more volunteers. It oversees the work of Christian education within Foothills.

The Youth Group had a very successful year with many activities and fellowship. The Committee sends “bouquets” and many thanks to Jennifer Coates for the wonderful leadership she has provided. Foothills will greatly miss her when her contract comes to an end in June 2005. The team trusts that it will be as successful in finding another co-ordinator with the same understanding of the young people when our search begins in the spring.

A schedule for the Nursery is in place and the Committee is grateful to the ladies who have been on hand each Sunday to provide a comfortable and loving place for the small children while their parents attend worship.

A small number of persons graciously gave of their time so that the church could have a Sunday School program.

The Committee was responsible for the Fantastic Fun Frolics, the wind-up in June 2004. There was a scrumptious potluck lunch, a “fish pond” with prizes for everyone, and numerous indoor games that were enjoyed by those of all ages who attended. The Youth Group organized the outdoor activities, and while some of the members weren't as agile as the youth, they all had fun. The weather co-operated and the only soaking occurred while playing “pass the water balloon”.

On December 5, the congregation once again held its annual Foothills Sundae Sing-a-Long/Christmas Tree Ornament Making Evening. Five members made the evening magical. The craft table, carol singing and ice cream sundaes were certainly enjoyed by "the kids of all ages", and our Christmas tree took on special character with the variety of hand made ornaments.

Opportunities for spiritual growth and Bible study for adults led by a lay person continued on Thursday mornings and on one Wednesday evening per month led by the minister.

Sunday School. During the first part of the year the Sunday School changed its curriculum to The One Room Sunday School. The lessons for each Sunday are set out according to the lectionary and there are different skill levels for participating children. There is a lesson plan for each Sunday. The lessons can be taught by one person or three persons. The more persons who are in a leadership capacity, the more time can be devoted to children who need extra assistance to complete a task. The lesson may start with a story and talk time and then the individual child may have a choice of what activity she or he would like to do. Sunday School starts in September and runs from the Sunday after Labour Day to the second Sunday in May. A Recognition Sunday is held for all the children and the Sunday School teachers. Each child was given a book for attending Sunday School for 2003-2004. The teachers were given a candle with the inscription "Sunday School leading the pathway to God's Word." From the end of May to the end of June the children see videos. As part of learning, the children have been giving their offerings to the Mission & Service Fund. They are learning about missions here in Canada as well as in other countries. The children have asked that their offerings go to children in Canada so that they may have Sunday School and be able to learn about God like they do here every Sunday.

Youth Ministry. The youth group this year has been a great success, with only better things to come. The young people have actively participated in the choosing of activities well ahead in time to allow youth, parents and drivers a better opportunity to plan. 2004 was the first year that a 'parent meeting' was held at the start of the year to inform parents of what their sons and daughters do while at the church and to provide an opportunity to ask questions and get involved. Activities take place on Sundays and Friday evenings, and the Youth Coordinator expresses her great joy and satisfaction in the interaction of the young people and the spiritual growth as well as the group's growth in numbers. She is especially thankful for the support of the congregation.

Spiritual Journey Bible Study. This group meets on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. to look at Scripture and how it relates to us today. There are lively discussions about current affairs and there is time to share personal concerns. During the winter and spring months of 2004, the book of Proverbs provided some lively discussion. In the fall sessions, the group began working their way through Genesis. The format allows anyone to attend all sessions or drop in and still be in tune with what the group is doing.

Foothills United Church Women presently are operating with 37 active members. They have two units, Westcroft and West Hillside. These groups meet individually the first Monday of each month, in a different member's home each time. The six member executive of UCW meets the last Tuesday of the month at the church. Approved projects that the women support financially are: the Naramata Centre, the Women's Emergency Shelter, Calgary Urban Projects Society, Aventa, Discovery House, The Back Door and the Mustard Seed. The group gave substantial financial support to the church fund and a one-time amount to the TUXIS parliament weekend held at the church in 2004. The group provides coffee after the Sunday moning service, lunches for funeral services and a number of other occasions. The group takes part in the World Day of Prayer and organises a number of special events: Scottish Tea in January, Stew Supper in March, Strawberry Tea in May and food sales at both garage sales, Fall Bazaar at the end of October and Ladies Advent Dinner in December. The UCW seems in many ways to be the backbone of the congegation. Their choice of a poem at the end of their report is characteristic of their attitude of service:

“A moment is a little thing
But moments make the day
So crowd it with a worthy task
Before it slips away.”

Foothills Men's Club. Between twenty and thirty men of the congregation meet regularly on the second Saturday morning for breakfast, fellowship, guest speakers and event planning. Each year the group supports one charity -- last year, the Mustard Seed Street Ministry. The men organise a Family Barbecue around Father’s Day, attended by the congregation as well as many guests from the wider community, and they also lead the worship service on Fathers Day. Some of their members attended the annual Banff Men's Conference in the fall. The group also assist at the Ladies’ Advent Dinner, setting tables, serving coffee and tea and washing the dishes. For one of the Sundays of Advent the men form a choir to contribute their singing to the worship service.

Calgary Interfaith Foodbank Bowness Depot. In 2004, the Bowness Depot at Foothills United Church was open for 198 days, including one evening prior to Christmas. The volunteers worked 802 hours and distributed 1360 hampers (averaging 7 hampers per day). In December the Depot distributed 217 hampers. This number was about 700 hampers lower than 2003 or 2002. The drop can be attributed to many factors, also to significant changes to the main Food Bank's distribution. It is comforting to know that the Calgary Interfaith Food Bank statistics reveal there is only a small percentage, between 1 - 2%, who abuse the system. There are also only about 17% who use the Food Bank more than three times per year. The team of regularly eight volunteers and a number of substitutes is thankful for the congregation's generous donations of food. A small supply of this is kept available locally and the rest is sent to the main Calgary depot, from where the depot at the church is supplied with hampers for distribution. Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Truly I tell you, just as you did these things to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."

Christmas Hamper Project. On the morning of December 21, eleven volunteers gathered in Lawrie Hall to pack and deliver hampers for thirty-two families consisting of 47 adults and 69 children. The coordinator, Mary Meggison, expressed her deepest appreciation to all those who donated and who helped at this fun-filled job with humor and enthusiam.

A toy sale had been held on Friday, December 17. Families Matter were, once again, very grateful for the quantity and quality of the toys that were donated.
There were almost 300 knitted items again this year – the majority donated by two ladies – to be included in the hampers. The balance was offered to Spectrum Youth and Family Services Association. The following is taken from a letter from Spectrum to Foothills: "The icing on the cake was the last minute gift of the left over knitted items from the mitten tree. All but a few hats and mitts found an immediate home and the remainder has been distributed to those families who couldn't come. They are very much appreciated and our thanks for the generosity of all those dedicated knitters."

Church in Society. The major projects initiated through the Church in Society Committee in 2004 were the support of a child, Ruhama Galato Sibu from Ethiopia and the collection of funds to dig a well for a village in Laos.

Grandparent Reading Program. Twenty-three participants in the program had another successful year. They all feel that it is very rewarding and that they are making a difference. The program started on January 8, 2004 and ended the first semester on March 25. Fall opening was October 14 and the program ran to December 16. During the year the program said "Good-bye & Thank You" to some Grandmas but luckily there have been others who have willingly taken their places. The grandparents donated books to the library. They always look for others to join them.

Stewardship of Space. In addition to our many church sponsored activities that occur at Foothills United Church, our building provides space for other groups to gather and offer their support and services. Some of the groups that met at Foothills in 2004 are:

Bowmont District of The Girl Guides of Canada:
      Brownies, Guides, Pathfinders.
Calgary Presbytery Marriage Preparation SeminarsCommunity Kitchen
Calgary Community Conferencing
Mother Goose Programs – Families Matter
Best Beginnings Program
Tuxis Parliament of Alberta Conference
Bowmont Interagency Meetings
Spectrum Youth and Family Services meetings and events
Adult Singles Ministry Palm Sunday service
Piano Recitals from within the community

The Annual Turkey Supper is a major outreach event to the larger community. About 300 people are fed in three settings. Between twenty and thirty member volunteers are involved in the preparation of food and deserts, in the serving and cleaning up after each setting.

Other items in the 2004 Annual Report include reports about two very successful Garage Sales that help to provide the church and the Building Fund with needed support. A core group of 12 volunteers is joined by many others to make these events the largest and most unique in the larger community.
The Property Maintenance Committee together with a number of member volunteers engaged in the maintenance of building and property.
The Ministry and Personnel Committee included four members. It meets monthly and handles matters relating to the six paid staff of the congregation.
The Communications Committee of three members is responsible for advertising, the newsletter and the website. Many members send their written contributions to the newsletter Mountain Top Thoughts from the Heart of Foothills and the two members editing and publishing the newsletter four times per year are doing a professional job.
The Board of Trustees consists of seven volunteer members and is responsible for legal matters and holds the church property in trust for the United Church of Canada.
The Finance Committee oversees the work of the treasurer. There are of course counting teams for the donations at each service and an envelope steward.

Counting all the members who freely give of their time and talent, one wonders if there are any left who never serve in some capacity or another. In thanking, one is left with volunteers thanking other volunteers. That is the impression one is left with after reading the Annual Report. God's grace has made a deep impression on this congregation that is reflected back to God in humble praise and joyful service to those around.