Life of the Church: Joy’s and Concerns (January 2026)
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.
January News
Property Report December 2025: Since our last report the TELUS cell phone tower construction was completed with no major issues or interruptions. With the tower occupying some of the south parking lot, some changes were made including removal of most of the south property fence, some landscaping, and minor parking lot maintenance. Continue reading on website.
Leadership Council Third Quadrimestre Report (September - December 2025): During the third Quadrimestre of 2025 the Leadership Council had two regularly scheduled meetings. We continue to be grateful for the individuals who have volunteered to be a part of the Leadership Council as well as those individuals who volunteer for the variety of events and programs planned by our various ministry teams and working groups. Continue reading on the website.
Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist: This year we will be reviewing the book 52 Ways to Reconcile by David A. Robertson. According to his bio,
DAVID A. ROBERTSON is a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award, and has won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and the Writers’ Union of Canada Freedom to Read Award. He has received several other accolades for his work as a writer for children and adults, including being named Globe and Mail Children’s Storyteller of the Year in 2021, and for his work as a podcaster, public speaker, and social advocate. Continue reading on website.
Scrooge Wrap Up with Pictures: Thanks to everyone who supported Scrooge and came out to the see the show on December 13th and/or 14th. Scrooge was the work of many hands. There were so many people who offered their time to support this production. The end result was due to a big community of care that worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Continue reading and see pictures on our website.
Prepared to Drown: Special Guest for January 16, 2026 - Prepared to Drown is a monthly recorded podcast & live event with a variety of exciting themes exploring the intersection of faith & the world we live in today. Our next live recording is Friday, January 16, 2026. Continue reading on website
Worship and Congregational Leadership Minister Report: May – December 2025, 2025 was a busy year with lots happening in our church life. Continue reading on our website.
Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist, 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing by David A. Robertson. Week 3: Engage with Indigenous Social Media. Robertson acknowledges that social media can be a toxic environment, caused by the immediate reaction we give to immediate information – often without all the facts. It’s important when consuming social media to wait a few days before you react! Continue reading on website.
The Benevolent Fund: Matching Donation Opportunity: Matching Donation Opportunity. Thanks to the generosity of a committed supporter, our community has been given a remarkable opportunity: all gifts to the Benevolent Fund will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $10,000. In the weeks ahead, we’ll be sharing stories and insights into the meaningful work this fund makes possible, and the many ways it quietly strengthens individuals and families in times of need. Continue reading online.
Candle Station Safety: To help everyone enjoy the beauty of candlelight safely on Sunday morning, please take a moment to follow these simple guidelines. Continue reading one website.
Chili Lunch and Town Hall Meeting Sunday January 18, following the Worship Service: Chili and buns will be provided by members of the McDougall Leadership Council. Participants are invited to bring cookies, squares, or leftover Christmas goodies for dessert. The purpose of this Town Hall meeting is to provide updates regarding… continue reading on website
Notice of Passing: Myrna Miller: It is with sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of long-time member Myrna Miller earlier this week at the age of 87 following a tragic fall. Visit Myrna’s Candle Memorial here.
The Benevolent Fund: Allows a Quick Response: Last week we told you about an exciting opportunity where donations made to the Benevolent Fund between January 18 and February 15th will be matched up to $10,000. If you missed the announcement and want to learn more about what the Benevolent fund is, please read last week’s post. This week we continue our campaign with an example of why this fund is so important for the church. Continue reading on website.
T&T Tricks and Hints from January: Please find attached the Hints and Tricks from the January meeting. We have changed the format of the recipe page as it is easy to google the recipe if you wish to make it. What we have chosen to do instead is to give you the unique hints and tips that Danah shares with us as those are not readily available on the internet! Hope this works for you! Continue reading and see photos
Town Hall Meeting Summary Notes: January 18, 2026: Here are the summary notes from the Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Continue reading on website.
Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist: Week 4: Learn the Difference Between Cultural Appropriation and Cultural Appreciation from Robertson, David A.. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing. In this chapter, Robertson recounts his childhood days at a camp at Riding Mountain National Park where there was a totem pole along with other indigenous displays. Continue reading on website.
Dinners to Go Pictures: Thank you so much for your continued support of our Dinners to Go fundraising program. Last year we raised over $2,000. Behind the scenes of each Dinners to Go meal is the hardworking team of volunteers (under the leadership of Kim from Homestead Catering and our fearless volunteer Paula) that do the cooking. Below are some pictures from our January cooking afternoon. If you want to join our crew or do any other volunteering, you can find a list of options on our website.
The Benevolent Fund: Keeps Individuals’ Privacy: Two weeks ago we told you about an exciting opportunity where donations made to the Benevolent Fund between January 18 and February 15th will be matched up to $10,000. If you missed the announcement and want to learn more about what the Benevolent fund is, please read last week’s post. This week we continue our campaign with an example of why this fund is so important for the church. Benevolent Fund Provides Help While Keeping Individuals Privacy. Many of us know how difficult it can be to ask for help, especially in moments when it feels like we are the only ones falling behind or struggling to keep up. Most of us also know, if we’re honest, that we all need help from time to time … particularly during the hardest seasons of our lives. Continue reading on website.
52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing: Week 5-Research Indigenous Place Names
from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing. In this chapter, Robertson invites us to notice the places we move through every day, especially the rivers and lakes that shape our communities and our sense of home. He begins with the Assiniboine River in Winnipeg, describing how it is woven into daily life, from kayaking in the summer to neighbourhood hockey games in the winter. It is easy to enjoy these places, he suggests, without ever stopping to think about where their names come from. Continue reading on website.Leadership Council: Volunteer Positions Week 1, Leading up to the McDougall AGM on March 1st, we will be reviewing each of the volunteer positions that make up our leadership council. Many of these positions are up for nominations. We encourage you to review these positions and consider whether one of them might be something you could do, or if you know someone else who would be an amazing fit. This week we will be looking at the Leadership Co-Leads. 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 December here.
