Please find a letter from the Ministers at Grace Presbyterian Church on Racism and Inclusiveness The senseless murder of George Floyd has sparked protest and outrage around the world. The scenes have been extremely unsettling – partly because for some of us these images are so close to places we called home, and partly because this movement has forced us to address the ways in which we perpetuate racism. Many of the images we see on social media, or news outlets are from American sources, but let us not assume that racism is not in Canada. While our two countries have varied histories,...
The Latest News from Grace
Faces of Grace: Homebound Visitor Volunteers Carol Campbell and Lyndon Nordean
Carol Campbell In the summer of 2019, Carol Campbell was on holiday, driving through Ontario, when her phone rang. The call was from Calgary, and Cindy Stephenson, Coordinator of Volunteers, was on the line. "Grace was looking for people to help out in the pastoral care area." Grace was holding a meeting in the fall to inform volunteers on what the role required: would she like to attend? Carol was interested. Training to equip and empower The ministers put together skits and scenarios to help the volunteers learn ow to reach out, build relationships, and handle issues or complications....
The Homebound Program: An Interview with Nancy Connors
As Grace moves from the Pastoral Church Model (where ministers work with everyone individually) into the Large Church Model (where lay leaders are engaged, empowered and equipped to support ministers and lead ministries, extending reach), new programs enable ministries to expand, utilize the gifts of members of the congregation, and increase support for the community. September 2019: The Homebound Visitors Program launches In 2019, there was a transition in Pastoral Care from the Rev. Dr. Jean Morris to Interim Pastoral Care Minister Rev. Christian Persaud, who took on a part-time role....
Morning Has Broken Sunrise Video for Easter
Bless you this Easter. You are invited to wake up with the sunrise on Easter morning and welcome the day. Sunrise Call to Action: Wake up with the sunrise Take pictures Send your sunrise pictures to office@gracecalgary.org Celebrate Easter with Grace's Easter Worship at 10:00 a.m. The Easter Worship 3 in 1 video will be released at 10:00 a.m. Easter Sunday morning (April 12). Get the service sent to your email by signing up or find the service link on this page. Peace, Jake...
Faces of Grace: Anne Mohtadi
Anne Mohtadi: Volunteer, Member of the Children & Youth Committee Anne was raised at Grace church and has “always come here,” she says. Now, she is a frequent volunteer who has served as an English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Children and Youth Committee. (She submitted this month’s report!) Growing up, Anne says that volunteering was “bred into me and my brothers,” by parents who “were always volunteering for something.” Like many a Grace volunteer, Anne is modest about her (numerous) skills. “Volunteering is a way to personal growth,”...
Faces of Grace: Cindy Stephenson, Volunteer & Elder
During her working life, Cindy was an engineer. After retirement, Cindy knew she wanted to be a volunteer at the church. At that time, Grace used the small church model and Cindy worked at many roles as a "jack -of-all-trades": from doing admin to working on the website to running the church as the Operations Director. Now, Cindy is a volunteer filling the role of Volunteer Coordinator. Elders, a Special Category of Volunteer However, one volunteer role that Cindy serves in is that of an Elder. Elders are volunteers in a special category. They take vows and are ordained for life and...
Faces of Grace: Rob McDonald, Treasurer
Rob is the volunteer Treasurer at Grace and works in the office most mornings. As a former teacher and certified accountant, Rob enjoys using his skills. Part of being a member of the church is offering gifts of time, talent and treasure - together these encompass stewardship. Rob embodies all three as the keeper of the gifts of treasure, and by offering his time and talent. Giving Back When Rob retired, he wanted to use his skills to give back and enjoys it. Known for his attention to detail and dry sense of humour, Rob says, “People don’t suddenly dry up when they become seniors.” Being...
Faces of Grace: Tanvi Seth
It’s been just over seven months since Tanvi Seth moved to Calgary from Mumbai, India. While this is her first extended experience with ice, snow and freezing temperatures, she “loves winter”. Tanvi came to Calgary with her husband and daughter (a student at Connaught), when her husband was offered scholarships at several Canadian universities. Her husband is pursuing a graduate degree in public policy. The family choose Calgary (over Victoria and Kingston!) because “it’s so liveable for a family,” Tanvi says. Life Was Tough in Canada at First This is Tanvi’s first time away from her...