The work of the church is more important than ever.  Hmmm, let me be more specific. The work of an inclusive, progressive, and open-minded church is more important than ever!

Deer Park United Church is a leader in community outreach and engagement. Let’s look at some of what we have most recently accomplished.

Summer Play was a huge success again this past summer. 69 children registered for the program. Funding for the program was from the Alberta and Northwest Conference of the United Church and from the United Church of Canada Foundation “Seeds of Hope Watkins Fund/Wesley C. Smith Fund for Innovative Programs and Projects in Addressing Poverty and Children at Risk.”

We served breakfast and lunch to the kids. They participated in many activities some of which were rope jumping, soccer, road hockey, water sports, hoop dancing with Jessica McMann who is an internationally acclaimed First Nations dancer, and science experiments.  Each week the children were given, by draw, sporting equipment to keep which included footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, scooters, and more. It was awesome to see the kids continue to play with these and to share them with others throughout the summer. Three themes formed our interaction with the children – respect, safety, and gratitude. It was moving to hear all that they were thankful for – everything from families to video games to Deer Park Church. This was also a time of building huge positive connections with these children and the church.

Children also enjoyed a week of Vacation Bible School which was a joint venture with St. Andrew’s Regional Ministries. Many, many thanks to Aspen, Regional Ministries, numerous volunteers, and DDQA!

Friday night youth drop-in didn’t run during the summer, but is now in full swing. Earlier we had youth participating in confirmation classes and retreats. Deer Park and St. Andrew’s have worked together to provide wonderful opportunities for our youth. Our youth workers Josh Carr and Lindsay Wigglesworth are doing a great job!

In August, Deer Park hired a Social Worker as our Congregational Care and Community Engagement Coordinator. Kiran McKee began work August 15 and is already making a difference. She is researching grants, working collaboratively with other churches to sponsor refugees, working with the Manchester Community Association, meeting with our pastoral care team, and seeking to be a wise steward of Funds given to establish the Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Bowman Fund set up to continue Betty’s passion for helping others especially women who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and abuse. Kiran also works with all who come to Deer Park for assistance because our goal is to provide more than a hand out. We want to give a hand up. This is only a part of what she does!

Kiran is a graduate of the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Social Work. She is also a Registered Social Worker in Alberta and a member of the United Church.

About the Manchester project…the City of Calgary invited Deer Park to be part of the team that offers support to 1500 residents of the Manchester Community. About half of these residents live in the Calgary Housing Project (two high rise apartment buildings visible from MacLeod trail) located just east of MacLeod Trail and north of Chinook Centre.  Manchester has few services and no churches. Kiran and I have had two meetings in the Manchester area. Deer Park will be assisting in helping to secure funding for a playground for the children and provide other services – possibly even a church service in the area!

The October 3 clothing event was a great success. Over 300 people came seeking winter clothing and most were able to find clothing that suited (no pun intended!) their needs. Over 30 volunteers from Deer Park, St. Andrew’s, and the community were on hand to support the event. Thanks to all!

Of course it doesn’t end here, we worship, we pray, we study, and we continue to support the Malawi Water Project. Women of Spirit are strong. Jan Mitchell will be leading guided meditation every Wednesday evening beginning on October 7 – December 23.

There is still time to get your tickets for the Malawi Water Project Annual Fundraising Dinner and Silent Auction on October 17, 2015.

Deer Park – an inclusive, progressive, and open-minded church – is making a difference!

Thanks to everyone who supports this vibrant ministry in so many ways! If you want to be involved – be in touch because you too make a difference!