Life of the Church: Joy’s and Concerns (December 2025)
Here is what our members had to share with us this month. To learn more about this please go here.
To share something with us, please send an email to: prayers@mcdunited.com
To visit our Candle Memorial, please click here.
December News
Open Table November Wrap Up: On Saturday, November 15th families joined us for a Family Games Night. We started the evening off by dividing into teams and playing Dutch Blitz. Large cards were printed for the occasion so that the game was played using one table per team to sort cards and then floor space in the middle. Continue reading on website.
Young Adults Group: We are so exciting to announce that we have a Young Adult Group at McDougall. It started in November and has had two meetings so far. The plan is to meet twice a month; on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7 pm. Continue reading on website.
Ministers’ Message: One of the truths at the heart of Scrooge’s journey is that each of us is shaped by the life we have lived so far. We carry the imprint of our joys and our sorrows. We carry the tenderness that was offered to us, and the hurts that were never fully mended. We carry the love that shaped us and the losses that changed us. The Ghost of Christmas Past invites Scrooge to look at his story, and as he does, he begins to see how every experience left its mark, and the parallels with his present life. The same is true for us. Continue reading online.
Christmas Hamper - Thank You: The Christmas Hamper Committee would like to thank everyone involved in making this year’s program a success. Through your generous support of money, time and talents we were able to supply presents, hand knitted hats and scarves, and food gift cards to 16 families (79 people). Continue reading on the website.
Joint Service Pictures: On Sunday, December 7th McDougall hosted a joint worship service with Red Deer Lake and Ogden United Churches. This featured a choir cantata that included members from each of the congregations. Continue reading and see pictures.
Christmas Closures - Communication Updates: With Christmas coming, here are a few important notes regarding holiday closures and the email blast schedule. Office Closures. McDougall United Church will be closing their office at noon on Wednesday, December 24th. The office will remain closed until it opens back up on Monday, January 5th. Continue reading on website.
Ministers’ Message: There is something remarkable about the Ghost of Christmas Present. This spirit brings Scrooge into the world he already lives in, yet has not truly seen. The rooms are familiar. The faces are familiar. The moments are simple. And still, everything appears different when he is perhaps a bit more willing to see. For the first time in years, Scrooge begins to see the people around him as people, not as obstacles, objects, or afterthoughts, but as human beings with love, struggle, delight, and hope woven through their days. Continue reading on website.
Thank You Lutheran Church of Our Saviour! A BIG thank you needs to go out to Lutheran Church of Our Saviour on Fairmount Drive. Volunteers brought items that had been collected from their giving tree and put them out for people to take during the Acadia Pantry day on Tuesday, December 16. Their generosity made many folks days that much brighter. This is the second year that this collaboration has happened. Representatives from McDougall, Acadia Pantry and the Lutheran church worked together so that items could stay in the community and get to the people who need them the most.
Ministers’ Message: The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come is often remembered as the darkest of Scrooge’s visitors, yet I’ve always believed its purpose is far more hopeful than frightening. I have watched this ghost send my own children scurrying out of the room during different cartoon versions of the story, or covering their faces with blankets until the scene passed. There is something about this silent, shrouded figure that touches a very human fear, even for adults. Continue reading on website.
Ministers’ Message: This year, as we turn toward Christmas Eve, I find myself returning to the closing scene of Dickens’ story. After all the visitations, after the long night that confronted his life from every angle, Scrooge awakens to Christmas morning with joy that surprises even him. He laughs. He dances. He calls out the window as though the world has suddenly opened. Continue reading on website.
Standing with disabled Albertans in light of the ADAP legislation: A joint statement from the ministry staff and governing boards of McDougall, Ogden, and Red Deer Lake United Churches, standing with disabled Albertans in light of the ADAP legislation: As Christian church communities seeking to follow the way of Jesus and to reflect the wide, welcoming love of God, we believe every person carries the image of God. People with disabilities are beloved neighbours whose lives hold deep worth. Their wellbeing matters to us. Their security matters to us. Their presence enriches our communities and helps shape our understanding of compassion, justice, and shared life. Continue reading on website.
This list will continue to be updated as they are provided. Make sure you send in your news!
See what happened in November here.
