Life of the Church: Joy’s and Concerns (May 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.
May News
Many thanks go out to the McDougall congregation people that supported, loved, made many meals and other goodies, and visited me during my time in hospital and at home. Someone even planted sweet pea seeds for me to enjoy when they bloom. I was truly blessed in many ways and I am truly grateful. Eleanor A
Camp Kasota 2026 Schedule: The count down is on for this year’s Camp Kasota weekend on May 29 - 31st. We still have a few spots available if you were thinking about attending but don’t wait too long as registration closes on MONDAY, May 11. Camp is $95 a person and includes a bed for 2 nights and all meals/snacks. Below is the schedule for this year, we can’t wait to see you at camp! Continue reading on website.
Property Report April 2026: There have been no unanticipated property maintenance issues in 2026 so far, however rapidly escalating inflationary costs are a concern. Most of the inflationary cost increases are out of our control. The building continues to be used extensively for McDougall programs and as a community hub. Barrie Clayton and John Naylor
Notice of Passing: Brian Dowse, It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Brian Dowse on April 28, 2026 in Victoria B.C. at the age of 87. Visit Brian’s Candle Memorial here.
Fall Artisan Market: 2026 Vendor Application is now open, We are excited to announce that our third annual Fall Artisan Market will be happening on Saturday, October 3 from 10 - 4 pm. Please save the date, we are working hard to put on an amazing event. Once again we are planning to feature around 30 different vendors in Hospitality Hall. Continue reading on website.
The photo directory crew wants to hear from you! As volunteers begin the work of putting together a new McDougall photo directory, we are requesting that everyone please take a few minutes to fill out the following short survey so we can gauge interest and determine what information will be included moving forward. Please kindly have your responses submitted by May 31, 2026. Visit Amber in the hospitality hall following Sunday service if you need help filling out the survey or see Jen in the office during the week. Fill out the survey here.
Week 19 - Honour an Indigenous Worldview from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing. This week invites a different kind of reflection. Robertson encourages us to honour an Indigenous worldview. Honouring is rooted in respect, curiosity, and humility. It creates space for learning and for being shaped by what we encounter. Continue reading on website.
Scholarship Week One: More Than a Scholarship. Over the past months, I’ve had the opportunity to spend some time looking through the history of the McDougall United Church Scholarship. It’s a substantial list of names, years, family connections, and stories stretching back across generations of this community. Honestly, it has been deeply moving. Continue reading on website.
Reflections by Rev. Joanne Anquist I’m baaack! Thanks to everyone for all the care a support you gave while I was away. I received so many cards and gifts I can’t remember who sent what! I felt loved and cared for and I lived “we carry each other” in a real way. I am grateful to be part of such caring communities. Continue reading on website.
First Quadrimestre Report to the McDougall Congregation From the Joint Advisory Council. The Joint Advisory Council (originally called the Joint Vision and Planning Group) is a team of church leaders representing McDougall, Red Deer Lake and Ogden United Churches. This group has been responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of our Shared Ministry Team MOU agreements since 2023. Continue reading on website.
Leadership Council First Quadrimestre Report (January – April 2026). Your Leadership Council has had a busy start to 2026. We held two regularly scheduled meetings, hosted a Town Hall Meeting, and held our Annual General Meeting. McDougall is extremely fortunate to have so many volunteers and staff members that make up our council. At the AGM we welcomed the 2026 Leadership Council. Continue reading on website.
Seniors Lunch Pictures. On Tuesday, May 5th the annual Seniors Lunch was held. A BIG thank you to everyone who helped put on this wonderful event. See pictures on website.
Funeral Service Announcement: Helen Foster. It is with sadness and gratitude that we share that Helen Foster died on May 16, 2026. Helen’s funeral service will be held at McDougall United Church on Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00pm. Visit Helen’s Candle Menorial.
Happy Anniversary! Join us in congratulating Eleanor and Bob A. on their 60th wedding anniversary. They were married in Redwater Alberta on may 21, 1966. They kindly invite those attending service on Sunday (May 17th) to enjoy cake in the Hospitality Hall following service. Congratulations Eleanor and Bob!
Week 20 - Support Indigenous Tourism. from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing
This week’s invitation is a pretty engaging one: explore Indigenous tourism. Robertson comes to this through a personal experience. While travelling in Germany, he encountered a long-standing fascination with Indigenous cultures that hasn’t always been rooted in accuracy or respect. He was invited to speak, expecting he might need to challenge stereotypes head-on. What he found instead, especially at an event hosted by the Canadian embassy, was something different: a thoughtful, vibrant celebration of Indigenous cultures. Continue reading on website.
Scholarship Week Two: The Quiet Power of Being Believed In. Over the years in ministry, I have come to believe that one of the most meaningful things we can offer another person is encouragement. Encouragement reminds people that they matter, and helps them feel seen. Continue reading on website.
PASTORAL LETTER IN RESPONSE TO BILL 25: EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT. I have to confess from the start that I did not find this an easy message to write. There always seems to be more to say than anyone has energy to read. Still, some moments ask us to speak clearly. I believe this is one of them. On the evening of May 14, 2026, I sat in the stands at a school badminton tournament. Two of my children were participating in the exact same sport, at the exact same event, in the exact same school division. Only one of them required my validation of their sex assigned at birth in order to compete. Continue reading on website.
Congratulations Oliver! Earlier in the year we shared some photos from a dive competition that Rev. Danah Cox was able to attend where his son Oliver was competing (and did very well at). We are happy to share that Oliver has been named Male Athlete of the Year due to his diving accomplishments.
Week 21 - Mentor Indigenous Youth from Robertson, David A. 52 Ways to Reconcile: How to Walk with Indigenous Peoples on the Path to Healing. This week’s invitation can feel like a big one: mentoring Indigenous youth. Robertson comes to this through his work in education and workforce development. He shares how programs he helped lead went far beyond job training. For many Indigenous youth moving from community to city, there were real transitions to navigate; practical, emotional, and cultural. What made the difference in those programs wasn’t just the training itself. It was mentorship. People showing up, building relationships, and walking alongside youth as they found their footing. The impact was significant, with strong retention and, more importantly, a sense of support and possibility. Continue reading on website.
Scholarship Week Three: Planting the Seed. A seed well planted and nourished tends to grow, bear fruit and provide seeds for the future. Adding to the insightful thoughts posted by Rev. Bill, these past weeks, concerning the McDougall Scholarship/Bursary Fund, opens the opportunity to help make us aware of the birth and the support of the fund. In 1994, long time McDougall members Keith and Dawn Bees bequeathed a monetary gift directed toward establishing a scholarship fund for qualifying post-secondary youth affiliated with McDougall members. A pillar of the church, Dr. Tom Enta chaired the management of the fund. Later the baton was passed onto another church stalwart - Bruce Elson who upon his move of residence, handed off to Nick Perrin who continues to manage the fund. Continue reading on website.
Scholarship Week Four: Investing in the World We Hope to Build. Lately, I have found myself thinking about the kind of world we hope future generations will inherit. Are we working toward a world shaped by compassion, where people can find belonging and support? Do we want a world with thoughtful healthcare, strong communities, meaningful work, and opportunities for people to flourish? Can we envision world where creativity, innovation, wisdom, and justice continue to shape how we live together? Continue reading on website.
Notice of Passing: Sylvia Steventon. It is with sadness we announce the passing of Sylvia Steventon on Friday May 22nd at the age of 86. Visit Sylvia’s candle memorial.
Taste & Try: May Pictures & Recipe. Attached find two recipes for the Cabbage Alfredo that we did during our May meet-up. Danah had looked at several YouTube videos and combined them, to come up with Thursday meal, but the two recipes included are what started the whole process! Continue reading on website.
Congratulations Tina and Nia! A huge congratulations goes out to Tina and Nia who celebrated their wedding last weekend. We are all wishing you years of happiness together.
This list will continue to be updated as they are provided. Make sure you send in your news!
See what happened in April here.
