Hillhurst United Church

10/20/2026

Join us tomorrow for the final Tim Bits ’n Talk in our referendum series!

With the referendum votes behind us and some results still rolling in, we’ve seen how differently people across Alberta are thinking about our province’s future. The results offer an opportunity to reflect, listen to one another and consider how we move forward together.

What questions are you carrying? What can we learn from one another? And how do we continue building understanding across our differences?

Join lead minister John Pentland and Social Justice Coordinator Jenny Saarinen this Wednesday for coffee, conversation and connection.

There’s no set agenda or formal program. Just an open, welcoming space to share what’s on your mind, hear different perspectives and continue the conversation.

Wednesdays through October 21
9:30–10:30 a.m.
Hillhurst Heritage Room

Please enter through the Sanctuary doors.

Come for the Tim Bits. Stay for the conversation.

10/20/2026

Love Thy Neighbour. What Does It Look Like in Practice?

As Alberta reflects on yesterday’s referendum results, Sunday’s conversation between Rev. John Pentland and Rev. Travis Norvell of Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis reminds us that building community starts with how we care for one another.

Travis shared how his congregation responded to challenging times through hospitality, compassion, and courage.

As Travis reminded us, “Courage begets courage.”

Whatever comes next, we can keep listening, building connections across our differences, and putting love of neighbour into action.

Watch their conversation in the video below.

10/19/2026

In todays The Globe and Mail, Rev. John Pentland shares a Letter to the Editor responding to an article about four former Alberta premiers coming together to oppose separation.

John reflects on the relief of seeing leaders from different political parties unite in support of Canada and the common good.

As he writes, “Unity amidst diversity is Canada’s secret sauce.”

Read John’s Letter to the Editor in The Globe and Mail:

https://archive.ph/HalGM

10/19/2026

What a full and fulfilling weekend at Hillhurst United!

We began Friday with Story & Song Coffeehouse, filling the sanctuary with music and poetry and creating space to feel, reflect and connect as we approached Alberta’s referendum.

On Saturday, Rev. Travis Norvell led a powerful Love Thy Neighbour workshop, sharing lessons from his community’s response to the death of George Floyd and how those experiences helped prepare them to respond to ICE raids and the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. His message reminded us that the church has what it needs to stand up, support our neighbours and respond to injustice. Thriving communities are built by people willing to show up and speak out.

On Sunday, a packed sanctuary gathered for music, conversation and our sixth Referendum Moment of Reflection on Question 10. John Pentland and Rev. Travis shared a meaningful conversation, John reminded us of the importance of voting, and we sang O Canada together during the service.

Thank you to everyone who joined us throughout the week, and to all the volunteers and staff who made it possible. We couldn't do it without this incredible community.

This is what it means to be a seven day a week church: showing up for one another and putting our values into action when it matters most.

10/19/2026

Today is Referendum Day. Make Your Voice Heard!

Voting locations are open today from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Take time to cast your ballot and participate in this important moment for Alberta.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has come out to vote in the advanced voting and to the many volunteers who have helped make Hillhurst United a welcoming voting place.

We’re also grateful for a meaningful weekend of community, conversation, and connection, including Friday’s Story & Song Coffeehouse and our Love Thy Neighbour events with Rev. Travis Norvell.

As we come together in gratitude, we also hold the families affected by Saturday’s tragedy in Wainwright in our thoughts and prayers, along with those who were injured and the caregivers, doctors, and first responders supporting them.

May we continue to meet one another with compassion, hospitality, and care.

Peace is Possible.

10/18/2026

This Thursday: Have You Made Your Healthcare Wishes Known?

If you became seriously unwell or couldn’t speak for yourself, would your loved ones know what kind of care you want?

Join Congregational Care at Hillhurst United for How to Make Your Wishes Known: Goals of Care Designations & the Green Sleeve, an informative and practical session with Corinne Spronken, MHA, BSW, RSW, Education (ALA).

Together, we’ll explore Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care Designations, and the Green Sleeve, including what they are, why they matter, and how you can use them to communicate your wishes.

This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn practical steps, and start important conversations with the people closest to you. Bring the whole family and learn together!

Thursday, October 22 | 7:00–8:30 p.m.
In person at Hillhurst United or online

Registerat Hillhurstunited,.life (Link in Bio)

Making your wishes known is a meaningful way to care for yourself and the people you love. We hope you’ll join us!

10/18/2026

The Hillhurst 10:00 a.m. Sunday service starts soon. All are welcome to join online or in person.

Love Thy Neighbour and Beyond - Oct 18th - Hillhurst United Church...

10/17/2026

Hillhurst Online Community: Join Us for Reflective Space

Being part of a church community doesn’t have to mean being in the same room. Reflective Space is a monthly, hour-long Zoom gathering created especially for our online congregation to connect, share, and explore the themes of our Sunday services together.

What stood out to you in the sermon? Did something spark an emotion or a new perspective? How might you carry the message into your week?
Through guided questions and thoughtful conversation, we’ll make space to share our experiences, listen to one another, and deepen our connections as a community.

Whether you join us every Sunday online or are looking for ways to feel more connected to Hillhurst United, you’re welcome here.
Join us for Reflective Space!

Learn More at Hillhurstunted.life (Link in Bio)

10/17/2026

Love Thy Neighbour starts soon!

Join us this morning for Love Thy Neighbour, a conversation with Rev. Travis Norvell of Judson Memorial Baptist Church in Minneapolis about what it means to put love into action in a challenging world.

What does it really mean to love our neighbours? How do we live it out, and why does it matter?

Join us in person or watch online!
Today, Saturday, October 17 | 9:00 a.m. to noon
Hillhurst United Church or online

Love Thy Neighbour with special guest Rev. Travis Norvell - Oct 17t...

10/16/2026

Friday, October 16 | 7–8:30 p.m.

Story and Song Coffeehouse tonight at 7pm at Hillhurst United Chirch

Begin our referendum weekend with an evening of music and poetry. A chance to pause, breathe, celebrate, and ground ourselves in togetherness as we enter an important moment in Alberta’s public life. You won't want to miss this opportunity for connection!