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Chinook Winds
Regional Meeting
This week Marci Duncombe and I are attending the meeting of the Chinook Winds Region of the United Church. You
may remember that last year’s meeting was held here in Red Deer at Gaetz Memorial. I was leading the Worship and Theme Committee for that gathering, so I was kept very busy indeed. This year, I’m delighted to be attending simply as a participant, and to have Marci, Sunnybrook’s new Regional Rep, here along with me. We are soaking in the theme times, learning about the business of our region, and enjoying the fellowship that is shared throughout our time together.

Our theme speaker this year is Rev. Cameron Trimble of Atlanta, Georgia. Her area of expertise is organizational transformation. I am currently reading her book, Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight . . . oh, did I mention, she’s a pilot too. I look forward to sharing new ideas with you when we return.

Usually, the highlight of these gatherings is the Celebration of Ministry Service which will be held on Sunday. At this year’s celebration Jerial (JJ) Soriano will become ordained within the United Church of Canada. He will go on to serve in Cold Lake as a military chaplain. The guest preacher for that service will be Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu who is the Executive Minister for the Church in Mission Unit for the United Church of Canada.

I’m sure Marci and I will continue to take lots of pictures (and notes) so we can share this whole experience with you. This is valuable time spent together, reconnecting with colleagues and friends, learning new things, and being inspired to carry on the work of the church.

Peace and joy,
Nancy