Worship and Congregational Leadership Minister Report: May – December 2025
2025 was a busy year with lots happening in our church life.
EVENTS:
On May 3rd we held an Indigenous Reconciliation event at the Ogden HUB, which included drumming, sewing, Bannock and stew. Danah Cox ran this event and it was well received.
On June 8th, I attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the UCC, held at Gower Street United in St. John’s Newfoundland. This was part of my duties as the Presiding Officer of Chinook Winds Region. There were other events during this celebration including Whale and puffin watching, and work with a local lunch program. I took a holiday in Newfoundland as well.
I also took Study Leave in Halifax at the Atlantic School of Theology taking a course on Indigenous History and Culture
From July 21 through August 3 we held a Summer Stage Camp for kids, staging Junie B. Jones on August 2nd and 3rd. Kids had lots of fun, and the show was enjoyable for all.
Once again, we had a Reel Theology series from Mid-July through August with screenings at McDougall on Thursday evenings.
On September 27th we held an Orange Shirt Day event at Red Deer Lake as a member of SoCal (South Calgary Cluster of UCC). Attendance wasn’t as many as we would have hoped, but there was a great concert by Shane Ghostkeeper, metis crafts that Danah helped support, a great dinner, and a reconciliation liturgy.
As part of our “A Christmas Carol” emphasis during Advent, we staged “Scrooge” on December 13th (at McD with optional dinner) & 14th (matinee at RDL). Once again, a community began to form with the cast & crew, and the show was very enjoyable.
We hosted a Leadershift conference from October 17 – 19. This was an initiative of the Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regions. They were very pleased with our facility and gracious hosting.
SUPERVISION AND ADMINISTRATION:
I continue to Chair the Operations Working Group which meets once per month. Still looking for a congregation member to lead this important management group.
I am the designated member of the Leadership Council. I am grateful to have Danah Cox and Bill Weaver to step in when I am unable to make it.
We have had several meetings with the Joint Visionary team (RDL, McD & Ogden) as well as Joint M&P and now Joint Advisory. We continue to build the relationship between the 3 sites as we share the ministry team and programs.
As part of my duties as Presiding Officer for the Chinook Winds Region, I attended General Council 45 as a Commissioner (held in Calgary) from August 7 - 11. I was pleased to welcome the folks from across the country as we discussed proposals for how our United Church will move forward. I was also a table group facilitator. I attended training for this event throughout the spring. It was an interesting and eye opening experience!
My time as Presiding Officer ended in September, as Rev. Taylor Croissant from Lethbridge took over duties. I continue as a member of Council until the next Annual General Meeting in May 2026.
Annual Reviews for Support Staff were completed in September.
My Annual Review was completed on November 13th. Thanks for the privilege of being a minister to you, the congregation of McDougall.
In September, Leslie Stoddart came on as Worship & Spiritual Nurture Co-Lead (Thanks Leslie). This is her report:
I have gladly accepted the role of co-lead with Joanne for the Worship and Spiritual Development Ministry Team. This involves my supporting our minister in ways that include connecting with the congregation and working together to keep the church meaningful and relevant, acting as a sounding board for the congregation, and forming a small worship team.
Joanne, Marjorie MacRae and I had our first meeting on November 4 to discuss the direction Worship and Spiritual Development would take in January .
June Clarke agreed to work with the Right Relations team under the direction of Tony Snow. They have agreed to meet whenever necessary.
Amber Cannon offered to take on the role of coordinating Sunday morning volunteers.
It is necessary to find volunteers to fill the positions of Communion set up/clean up and looking after candle stations.
I am looking forward to working with this team,
WORSHIP:
On May 4th, we had a commemoration of Red Dress Day with guest, Teresa Snow.
On May 18th the McUke players were in our service – enjoyed by all.
In June we welcomed guests from IJM Canada (Erin Delamont) and the Poverty Institute (Derek Cooper).
We had a Reel Theology series during worship in July & August – using a film with our scripture to shape the service themes. Movies included: Master & Commander (Danah’s pick); The Mission, One Foot in Heaven (Joanne’s picks); Young@Heart, The Princess Bride (Bill’s picks)
During the Season of Creation (September 7 through Thanksgiving), we focused on the Medicine Wheel. Thanks to Tony Snow for providing an Introduction to the Wheel at our September 7th service. We discussed the colours and directions of the wheel and the different meanings which have been attributed to them by indigenous peoples.
In September we began holding services Sundays at 2 pm for Ogden United at the Ogden 50+ Center. A small group meets each week. Bill Weaver and I alternate leadership.
Beginning October 26th and through November (except for our Remembrance Day service), we had a Stewardship focus on the different “Tables” that we set in our community including: Learning, Compassion & Care, Fellowship and Worship,
Our Advent emphasis was “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Thanks to Bill Weaver for creating a beautiful liturgy for use during worship, including poems!
We held a Longest Night service on December 21st at Red Deer Lake. This is a time to remember all those who have died in the last year. This is a service underscored with a jazz ensemble and is a unique service.
We resumed our Christmas service of carols and remembrance at Lake Bonavista Village. Danah and Joanne led the service with the help of Tanya and Peggy Jorgensen.
Christmas Eve had two services at McDougall: 4 pm and 7 pm. 4 pm Danah led a pageant that was a variation of the Scrooge story (Ebenezer meets Jesus story) written by Bill. It was well received by the congregation. 7 pm was choir, communion, and candlelight led by Bill.
SPIRITUAL NURTURE:
We continue to hold Bible Study on the coming Sunday’s text each Tuesday at 11 am. This a great way to discuss sermon themes!
During Advent, we leaned into the story “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. As part of that, we had a Monday Book Study over 5 weeks which included lunch. Conversation was wonderful and we all gained a new appreciation for the classic tale.
Continued on the panel for our podcast “Prepared to Drown”, moderated by Bill Weaver. A host of interesting topics have been explored.
In November and December we began working with Zoe Watson & Grace McNeill to facilitate a Young Adults group. They will meet twice per month, once for a “fun” event, and once for a theological discussion. All 3 ministers are part of this initiative, alternating leadership.
PASTORAL CARE:
Sonia Dodd, a member of our congregation, died in April 2025. I officiated at her funeral on May 1.
Continue to meet with folks when asked. I love the Notebird app for keeping up with what’s happening in the congregation.
On May 18th Frank Olson joined our community through baptism.
We held services the third Tuesday of each month at Lake Bonavista Village and Fish Creek Manor. In the first part of the year (until June) Danah and I rotated leadership, which he took over in September 2025.
On August 4th, I officiated at the Celebration of Life for Gordon Morrison.
Respectfully Submitted, Joanne Anquist
To learn more about Leadership Council and to read more reports like this one, please visit the Leadership Council webpage.