Woodcliff United Calgary

06/24/2026

A bold new chapter in theological education is underway—driven by collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to equipping leaders for a changing world

06/24/2026

Last Saturday, the Outreach committee was pleased to host 28 individuals that were part of the Calgary Climate Hub Mini-Forest bus tour.

Just before the bus arrived the sun came out! The process of Woodcliff becoming designated as one of the National Healing Forests in Canada was explained before the group was lead on a walk through the Serenity Path to the outdoor classroom, the labyrinth, the native plant garden and onto the Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden.

Lemonade and cookies were shared with the group. A very special afternoon!!

06/22/2026

On Sunday, June 21, Woodcliff United Church gathered for a special Worship Service honouring Indigenous Peoples Day. The Outreach Committee led the service, and the Indigenous candle was lit in recognition of the day.

The congregation was grateful to welcome Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes, Indigenous Facilitator and Traditional Knowledge Keeper, as guest. Cheryle shared a welcome song and drumming and offered a reflection during the service. A video presentation of Woodcliff’s Journey for Common Ground was also shared. During Sunday School, children created their own drum crafts inspired by the day’s theme and learning.

The service was followed by a coffee hour, providing an opportunity for fellowship and conversation.

06/22/2026

Today, June 21, is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a day to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

You can participate in this special day by attending a local Indigenous celebration, supporting Indigenous businesses and restaurants, reading a book by an Indigenous author, listening to Indigenous music, enjoying Indigenous art at a museum or gallery, donating to our Northern Indigenous Ministers appeal, and so many other ways: http://uccf-northern-ministers-retreat.pllenty.com

In this prayer by Rev. Nancy Best, we are called to love our neighbours and seek out ways to work for reconciliation and justice in our communities:

Tender and loving Creator, we are all part of the delicate web of life. When one thread is plucked, the ripples are widely felt, stronger closer to the epicentre, still felt toward the outer reaches. May the uncertainties and concerns we hold close to our hearts be gentled by the love we have of you, and the support of each other.

You know the longing of our hearts for a just society for all of your beloved children. When we are cut, we bleed the same colour. When we donate blood, it provides the same life-giving sustaining gift with no knowledge of race; it does not exist in that little clear bag. We don’t understand the conflicts and hatred rampant, which aren’t new; have they always existed? We pray for people living in troubled places, for refugees needing homes and relocation, for people without safe drinking water.

Rabboni Jesus, may your teachings lead us all to speak the same language of loving you, ourselves, and our neighbours. Gentle people’s harsh feelings and opinions. Restore our gratitude and refresh our faith. Grant us dreams of unity and harmony. May your light and love encircle and envelope us all as we rest in the promise of your goodness. Living Spirit, we are all relations in your family. We give thanks for our blessings. Amen.

—Prayer by Rev. Nancy Best, from a 2022 Indigenous Day of Prayer worship service. https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/indigenous-day-prayer

06/21/2026

Happy Father’s Day from Woodcliff United Church 💙

Today, we celebrate all the incredible men who lead, support, encourage, and care for others in so many ways — fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, foster fathers, godfathers, uncles, mentors, caregivers, and every person whose strength, wisdom, and compassion make a difference.

Thank you for the love you share, the lessons you teach, and the example you set each day.

Wishing everyone a Father’s Day filled with love, joy, peace, and appreciation. 💙✨

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

Today, June 20, is World Refugee Day, a day centered on a simple truth: the right to seek safety belongs to all of us.

Seventy-five years ago, in the wake of the Second World War, the world made a promise. It said that people forced to flee their homes would have the right to find safety and protection. That promise was never meant for some — it was meant for everyone. World Refugee Day was held globally for the first time in 2001 to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention.

None of us is truly safe until the most vulnerable among us are safe too.

When people are forced to leave everything behind, our shared responsibility is to welcome, protect, and stand alongside them. Refugee protection doesn’t just save lives — it strengthens the fabric of our communities.

On this World Refugee Day, we are called to remember that promise. To stand with refugees. To show up, together. Because until everyone is safe, the work is not done.

Take Action: The United Church of Canada is raising urgent concerns about the implementation of Bill C-12, warning that refugee claimants across the country are being denied access to hearings and placed at serious risk of deportation without adequate protection. Find out more and take action: https://united-church.ca/news/united-church-raises-alarm-over-bill-c-12-risks-refugee-communities-canada

Connect: Keep up to date with Refugee Sponsorship News, our e-newsletter about United Church work to help sponsor refugees, updates about sponsorship policies and procedures, and stories from refugee sponsorship groups about their experience helping to settle newcomers in Canada. Subscribe today: https://united-church.ca/e-newsletters

06/20/2026

The Calgary Climate Hub has invited Woodcliff to be a part of a Mini-Forest Bus Tour on June 20th to learn about forests and how they contribute to the greening of Calgary. Members of the outreach committee will provide a tour of the Medicine Wheel Garden, the labyrinth, the native plant garden, and the serenity path and highlight Woodcliff’s Journey for Common Ground. Everyone is welcome to join members of the outreach committee at 3:00 on Saturday afternoon.

06/20/2026

06/20/2026

Join us for Worship Service as we honour Indigenous Peoples Day on Sunday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m. We are grateful to welcome Cheryle Chagnon-Greyeyes, Indigenous Facilitator and Traditional Knowledge Keeper, as our guest. Everyone is encouraged to wear red in recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day.