Yellowknife United Church Announcements for the Week of June 22, 2025
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Margaret
Jun 21, 2025, 6:11:29 PMJun 21
to Yellowknife News Google Group
Here are the Announcements for the week of June 22, 2025.
Please remember that all church services between now and August 31 will begin at 10 a.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 21 - Indigenous People's Day
June 22 - Worship Service led by Lorne Gushue
June 29 - Worship Service led by Karen Wilford
📌 THANKS to our helpers for Sunday, June 22:
Opening host: Karen Wilford
Greeter: Laurie Gault
Reader: Laurie Gault
Closing host: The Congregation
📌 RED BINS - Help is needed to collect from the Co-op from July 1 - 15. All slots for the month of August are still available. If you are able to help, please let Terrilyn (terrily...@theedge.ca) know or speak to her after church.
📌 The United Church of Canada is looking for our input! - Online Focus Group regarding Racial Equity
The United Church of Canada (UCC) is reaching out to congregations to participate in an upcoming online focus group dedicated to reviewing the UCC's communications tools and practices--through the lens of racial equity. This is one part of a broader organization-wide initiative and the goal is learn from congregations about what the UCC is doing well, where it is falling short, and how the United Church of Canada can communicate more equitably and inclusively.
Yellowknife United Church is indeed fortunate to have a diverse and inclusive congregation. If anyone would like to participate in this focus group, or receive more information, please contact either Reverend Alison at revali...@gmail.com, or Laurie Gault at laurie...@hotmail.com and we will put you in touch with the UCC facilitator, Loralie Bromby. A specific date has not been set yet, but it is planned for later in June or in July, on Google Meet, for 90 minutes. All input will be completely confidential.
📌 NOTE FROM STEWARDSHIP: Many of us give just to the local expenses of the Church. Today I would ask you to consider adding extra money to your offering each week to support the work of the Mission and Service Fund. The demands on this fund are increasing and the work it does helps people both in Canada and all over the world. See the last article in this email will show one program supported by the Mission & Service Fund.
📌 Yellowknife United Church will be sponsoring two community Christmas Bazaars on November 15 and December 6, 2025. If you are interested in booking a table for this event or know someone who is, please email Marg Henderson (ma...@theedge.ca) for more information.
📌 BLUE ENVELOPES: On the side table you will find blue envelopes marked with ways you can financially support the work of The United Church of Canada Foundation on this the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada. The envelopes will be available until June 29 and all funds so marked will be forwarded to the foundation after that. The following will explain more about the mandate of the Foundation and more information can be found if you google "United Church of Canada Foundation". The Foundations’s purpose is to foster deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice by attracting and deploying financial resources. Through capacity building, convening, granting, and careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us, we support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada, create a more just planet, and celebrate God’s abundance in the world. United, we support the ministries that are meaningful to you. We help generous people sustain the work of The United Church of Canada, its congregations and its partners, in life and beyond. The Foundation directs your gifts to support the ministries you love both right now, and for far into the future. United, we create lasting change in your communities of faith.We support new initiatives, ministries, and programs that enrich the church through our extensive granting and award program, Seeds of Hope. Last year, we awarded almost $550,000 to 74 recipients through the Seeds of Hope program.
📌 Mission & Service: Gathering to Remember, Reconnect, and Renew
Creating space for cultural renewal, healing, and deep connection across generations
At Mamawe Ota Askihk, the land is more than a backdrop. It’s a sacred space where Indigenous children, youth, and families reconnect with culture, language, and one another.
Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and supported by your Mission and Service gifts, the 2023 summer gathering brought together 31 participants, supported by a team of staff, Knowledge Keepers, and youth leaders. From the first day, participants began building a community grounded in sharing, learning, and ceremony.
Workshops throughout the week included cultural teachings, hands-on skills like soapmaking and meat smoking, and powerful ceremonies, such as sweat lodges led by Knowledge Keeper Melody. Youth helped prepare medicines, served as firekeepers, and took part in every element of the lodge, deepening their understanding of tradition while finding a place of belonging.
Each evening, the group gathered around the sacred fire, where Knowledge Keeper Carla led drum songs and stories. The sound of the grandfather drum carried through the air as learning and healing wove through the circle.
The presence and engagement of the Neechi Youth Camp was central to the week’s success. These young leaders, many of whom returned in mentorship roles, participated in every activity and helped shape the program itself. Their voices, ideas, and enthusiasm brought energy and vision to the gathering. One participant reflected on how meaningful it was to feel part of something so connected: “Yes, in a way it reminds me that I am connected to people and not alone.”
The gathering was also deeply intergenerational. One participant, a Sixties Scoop survivor and niece of residential school survivors, joined with her great-niece to reconnect with culture and family. She found the experience, particularly the sweat lodge, to be profoundly healing.
There were many stories of transformation. Participants spoke of feeling safe, learning in hands-on ways that resonated deeply, and experiencing a sense of community that stayed with them long after the week ended.
Thank you for supporting the Healing Fund through Mission and Service. Your generosity makes gatherings like Mamawe Ota Askihk possible, creating space for cultural renewal, healing, and deep connection across generations.
Please remember that all church services between now and August 31 will begin at 10 a.m.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 21 - Indigenous People's Day
June 22 - Worship Service led by Lorne Gushue
June 29 - Worship Service led by Karen Wilford
📌 THANKS to our helpers for Sunday, June 22:
Opening host: Karen Wilford
Greeter: Laurie Gault
Reader: Laurie Gault
Closing host: The Congregation
📌 RED BINS - Help is needed to collect from the Co-op from July 1 - 15. All slots for the month of August are still available. If you are able to help, please let Terrilyn (terrily...@theedge.ca) know or speak to her after church.
📌 The United Church of Canada is looking for our input! - Online Focus Group regarding Racial Equity
The United Church of Canada (UCC) is reaching out to congregations to participate in an upcoming online focus group dedicated to reviewing the UCC's communications tools and practices--through the lens of racial equity. This is one part of a broader organization-wide initiative and the goal is learn from congregations about what the UCC is doing well, where it is falling short, and how the United Church of Canada can communicate more equitably and inclusively.
Yellowknife United Church is indeed fortunate to have a diverse and inclusive congregation. If anyone would like to participate in this focus group, or receive more information, please contact either Reverend Alison at revali...@gmail.com, or Laurie Gault at laurie...@hotmail.com and we will put you in touch with the UCC facilitator, Loralie Bromby. A specific date has not been set yet, but it is planned for later in June or in July, on Google Meet, for 90 minutes. All input will be completely confidential.
📌 NOTE FROM STEWARDSHIP: Many of us give just to the local expenses of the Church. Today I would ask you to consider adding extra money to your offering each week to support the work of the Mission and Service Fund. The demands on this fund are increasing and the work it does helps people both in Canada and all over the world. See the last article in this email will show one program supported by the Mission & Service Fund.
📌 Yellowknife United Church will be sponsoring two community Christmas Bazaars on November 15 and December 6, 2025. If you are interested in booking a table for this event or know someone who is, please email Marg Henderson (ma...@theedge.ca) for more information.
📌 BLUE ENVELOPES: On the side table you will find blue envelopes marked with ways you can financially support the work of The United Church of Canada Foundation on this the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada. The envelopes will be available until June 29 and all funds so marked will be forwarded to the foundation after that. The following will explain more about the mandate of the Foundation and more information can be found if you google "United Church of Canada Foundation". The Foundations’s purpose is to foster deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice by attracting and deploying financial resources. Through capacity building, convening, granting, and careful stewardship of funds entrusted to us, we support congregations, ministries, and programs that enrich The United Church of Canada, create a more just planet, and celebrate God’s abundance in the world. United, we support the ministries that are meaningful to you. We help generous people sustain the work of The United Church of Canada, its congregations and its partners, in life and beyond. The Foundation directs your gifts to support the ministries you love both right now, and for far into the future. United, we create lasting change in your communities of faith.We support new initiatives, ministries, and programs that enrich the church through our extensive granting and award program, Seeds of Hope. Last year, we awarded almost $550,000 to 74 recipients through the Seeds of Hope program.
📌 Mission & Service: Gathering to Remember, Reconnect, and Renew
Creating space for cultural renewal, healing, and deep connection across generations
At Mamawe Ota Askihk, the land is more than a backdrop. It’s a sacred space where Indigenous children, youth, and families reconnect with culture, language, and one another.
Hosted by Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and supported by your Mission and Service gifts, the 2023 summer gathering brought together 31 participants, supported by a team of staff, Knowledge Keepers, and youth leaders. From the first day, participants began building a community grounded in sharing, learning, and ceremony.
Workshops throughout the week included cultural teachings, hands-on skills like soapmaking and meat smoking, and powerful ceremonies, such as sweat lodges led by Knowledge Keeper Melody. Youth helped prepare medicines, served as firekeepers, and took part in every element of the lodge, deepening their understanding of tradition while finding a place of belonging.
Each evening, the group gathered around the sacred fire, where Knowledge Keeper Carla led drum songs and stories. The sound of the grandfather drum carried through the air as learning and healing wove through the circle.
The presence and engagement of the Neechi Youth Camp was central to the week’s success. These young leaders, many of whom returned in mentorship roles, participated in every activity and helped shape the program itself. Their voices, ideas, and enthusiasm brought energy and vision to the gathering. One participant reflected on how meaningful it was to feel part of something so connected: “Yes, in a way it reminds me that I am connected to people and not alone.”
The gathering was also deeply intergenerational. One participant, a Sixties Scoop survivor and niece of residential school survivors, joined with her great-niece to reconnect with culture and family. She found the experience, particularly the sweat lodge, to be profoundly healing.
There were many stories of transformation. Participants spoke of feeling safe, learning in hands-on ways that resonated deeply, and experiencing a sense of community that stayed with them long after the week ended.
Thank you for supporting the Healing Fund through Mission and Service. Your generosity makes gatherings like Mamawe Ota Askihk possible, creating space for cultural renewal, healing, and deep connection across generations.
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