Joanne's first sermon after returning from her medical leave in early May was based on the Great Commission, Matthew 28 26-20, Jesus' last instruction to his disciples, to build a faith community of followers of Jesus not just believers. McDougall puts this into practice by creating opportunities for the community to get involved in events at the church where they can learn, socialize, discuss and worship together.
We had a joint service with Red Deer Lake & Ogden on Pentecost, May 24 using a reading in three voices: “What Does This Thing Mean? By Glendon Macaulay. This service was punctuated by hymns and contemporary “secular” music featuring various singers and musicians from all communities. We all enjoyed cake after the service.
Other services within the Quadrimester included: On May 31 Joanne lead a service with the families out at Camp Kasota based on the Pentecost Theme; June 7 was Celebration Singers last Sunday until September; On June 14 we held a volunteer appreciation Sunday to recognize all the folks who keep McDougall vibrant and ticking; June 21 was National Indigenous Day of Prayer and we commemorated this day with a prayer in four directions and an expanded territorial acknowledgement; June 28 was our annual scholarship Sunday.
We celebrated Stampede Sunday on July 5 with the help of the McUke players. Wesley Watson, child of Lexi Berndt and Drake Watson was baptized on this Sunday.
This summer a series, titled Reel Theology, of seven films chosen by the ministers, was shown on Thursday evenings. Community members were invited to attend a free showing of the film. Attendees brought a snack for all to enjoy and were welcome to engage in discussion of the film at its conclusion. Ideas in the film were discussed in the following Sunday morning service. The films included Life of Chuck, Train Dreams, Shake Hands with the Devil, O Brother Where Art Thou, Ratatouille, Dogma, and 3 Queer Shorts.
Also, four podcasts presented by a panel directed by Bill Weaver discussed the questions posed in the referendum scheduled for October 19. These discussions, held on Friday nights in August, were welcomed by capacity groups of listeners interested in figuring out what the questions really meant and what significance a yes vote would mean to Alberta's treatment of the most vulnerable. Faith based responses were looked for in the troubled times in which we find ourselves.
A small faithful group continues to meet together on Sunday afternoons in Ogden. Over the summer they watched a short film which they discussed.
Bible study did not meet in July and August but will begin again in September.
Many volunteers have been involved in Sunday morning services. Amber Cannon coordinates the greeters and helpers for the worship service. She is grateful for the helpers she has but would welcome more volunteers as it is the same people who come day after day. Nancy Stein looks after the candles primarily and works with Karen Ormand with communion set up. Bob Mutlow is a floating member of all the teams and as such is available to help wherever needed. He helps with communion, leads in the seasonal setup , and can find volunteers if called upon.
The worship and spiritual development committee itself needs more people as there are only 2 participants at this time . If anyone is interested, please let me know.
Leslie Stoddart
To learn more about The Leadership Council or read other quadrimester reports, please visit the Leadership Council webpage.
