Our Services

Worship

Deer Park gathers each Sunday morning at 10:00 for worship. Our worship is inspirational, relaxed, welcoming, and creative.

Children ages 3 to senior highs have the opportunity to participate in the Children’s Program for learning, friendship, and spirituality. They begin by worshipping with the congregation and then transition to the Chldren’s Program, Junior High Youth and Senior High Youth. Some youth and children prefer to remain in worship and are most welcomed to do so.

There is a staffed Nursery on Sunday mornings, September through to June, for children ages 0 -2 years of age.

The sacrament of Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Baptisms are usually celebrated on the third Sunday of each month.

Deer Park’s worship is greatly enhanced by our choir and musicians. People are welcomed to join the choir and offer their musical talents.

For more information, call 403-278-8263 or Email Us

Baptisms

Baptisms are a celebration of life – our life, God’s life in us and us in God’s life. Deer Park baptizes infants, and people of any age if they were not baptized as a child. Baptism declares that all people are children of God and that all are “stardust” from the dawning of creation. Our lives are full of energy and love to be nourished and celebrated.

When we baptize, we are following the command of Jesus by claiming and welcoming all people as beloved children of God. Baptism is about faith, hope, care, love, and grace. Promises are made by parents, the church, and those being baptized as older children or adults to love and care for each other within a community of faith.

Baptisms are usually celebrated on the third Sunday of the month. Parents presenting their children for baptism are asked to come and meet with one of the ministers and a volunteer from the church. Adults and youth are normally baptized following a time of learning and community building. This often is in the form of a 4 to 6 week course (meeting once a week) offered by the staff.

Find out more, call 403-278-8263 or Email Us

Weddings

Weddings are great celebrations of love and hope. Deer Park staff will help you find and develop a wedding ceremony that will be unique to you.

Deer Park celebrates heterosexual and same-sex marriages. We are an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada.    

When planning your wedding, Email Us early in the process to secure your date. Someone from Deer Park’s staff will meet with you and journey with you as you plan for and prepare for your wedding

Deer Park supports healthy relations and recommends that couples take a marriage preparation course that is offered by the United Church of Canada in Calgary. For info on these courses, please call 403-287-0375.

Pastoral Care

We care for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. Our ministry staff are available for brief counselling (usually three sessions), prayer, spiritual direction (pondering life, purpose, meaning, and spirit), and visits to hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and homes. Others in the congregation also make visits and are able to support people in many ways.

Deer Park offers Healing Touch and Reiki, makes referrals, and often runs support groups for those who are battling sickness, grieving, or other forms of loss and pain.

We support healthy living and lifestyle choice

Tai Chi and Yoga are ongoing opportunities. Alcoholics Anonymous meet weekly at Deer Park.

To seek help or to offer help, please contact the office – 403-278-8263 or Email Us

Prayer Requests

James 5:13 -14

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of Jesus.

Funerals/Memorials

Funerals and Memorial Services are as unique as the person’s life being celebrated and remembered. Deer Park staff can assist you in planning a service for a loved one or in pre-planning your own funeral or memorial service.

Deer Park can also provide food and refreshments for your funeral or memorial service reception.

A call to Deer Park when a loved one has died will open the door to support and comfort in your time of grief and loss. In addition to assisting you with the service, Deer Park can also provide ongoing support in your time of grief.

Please contact the office for further information at 403-278-8263 or Email Us

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Deer Park United Church Prayer Shawl Ministry

This pastoral care ministry under the direction of Health and Healing started at our church in the early winter of 2006. Dedicated persons meet on site and off site to create shawls. Some knit or crochet on their own mindful of their intent and bring their finished works to the church to be blessed and distributed to those in need.

Anyone can request a shawl for oneself or another person. Shawls usually are given to people who are experiencing pain, brokenness, or grief in their lives. Shawls are an expression of God’s love and grace. They remind the recipients that they are not alone and that they are cared for and loved.

Our shawls are lovingly created. Many people all around the world – North America, Cuba, Australia, Africa – have received these loving reminders that God’s love enfolds and holds us all.

For further information, contact the church office at 403- 278-8263, or Email Us

Labyrinth Walk

Labyrinths at Deer Park United

Labyrinths are known to have existed in many cultures as long as 5,000 years ago.

The labyrinth is “unicursal” – one pathway to the center and out again. Most labyrinths are circular. Deer Park’s labyrinths are unique in that they are square. This represents the four directions, all peoples, and all of creation. The two labyrinths are mirror reflections of each other. The entrances/exits to the labyrinths face each other and one can walk from one labyrinth to the other in a way that is one of infinite wandering.

Labyrinths provide any opportunity for prayer, reflection, meditation, and healing that is physically active.

There are three parts to walking the labyrinth.

The walk to the center is a time of preparation, seeking, observing, and moving.

At the center one experiences a sense of being grounded, centered, and connected. Time at the center should not be rushed. It is often a time of quiet reflection and of listening to the heart.

The walk out is a movement forward in one’s life with the new insight, inspiration, courage, hope, and love that one has perhaps discovered at the center. One returns to life’s journey renewed and refreshed.

“To walk the sacred path Is to know and to trust That there is Guidance to help us Live our lives on this Planet.”Lauren Artress

Please contact the church for times that the labyrinths are available, 403-278-8263, or Email Us