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About UsHistory - Church Council - Baptisms - Weddings - Funerals History Woodcliff United Church is a member of the wider United Church of Canada www.united-church.ca and was chartered April 7, 1957. In 1960 through the generous land gift of the Edworthy family a Christian Education Building was erected on the former Shaganappi Ranch site which became the entrance to Edworthy Park. Woodcliff serves the southwest communities of Spruce Cliff, Wildwood, Rosscarrock, Westgate, Coach Hill, Strathcona, Signal Hill, Patterson, with an increasing outreach to the newer developing communities on the west side of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The first full-time minister was the Reverend E.W.Mullen from 1956 - 1962. Rev. Norman Hunter and his wife Edna led a creative pastoral ministry from 1962- 1982. From 1980--82 Rev. Ron Barnum developed Christian Education programs and church expansion. Following Rev. Hunter's retirement in 1982, Rev. Ron Jeffrey and his wife Karen arrived to begin the transition of Woodcliff United reaching out into the newer west end developments. Following the Jeffreys departure to the Interior of British Columbia Rev. Don Brown served a year as interim Minister until the Rev. Bob Mutlow and his wife Katie were called from Winnipeg Manitoba in 1988. A part of church growth, the leadership of Woodcliff decided to offer a second worship service and the Rev. Earl Klotz and his wife Michelle were called in April of 2000 to facilitate the growth of a "Contemporary Praise Worship Service" and in September of that year we moved to two services 9:30 and 11:00, this was an exciting transition time in the congregation as we installed a screen and Powerpoint capabilities. Rev. Earl accepted a call to Gilchrist United Church in Edmonton in July of 2001. Woodcliff returned to one service, a blended sevice that uses a variety of contemporary and traditional music. Rev. Mutlow's retirement September 2009 brings us to a new beginning for Woodcliff United Church. A Joint Needs Assessment Team was formed with a Search Team to be formed within the near future. Rev. Jim Hillson, was called to serve as a Supply Minister from September 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010. Rev. Hillson's roots are in Saskatchewan and is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and St. Andrew's College. Rev. Piotr (Peter) Strzelecki VDM was called to serve Woodcliff United Church from a 3 point charge (Hythe, Beaverlodge and Wembley) in Northern Alberta on Sept 7, 2010. Rev. Piotr and his wife Dawn come with a broad range of experience and we look forward to our faith journey with them. Woodcliff has been fortunate to have a number of paid staff that have contributed much to the life of the congregation. Music Leader Sandra Atkinson, who has been part of Woodcliff since she became pianist in 1974 and took a combined position of Music Director in 1989 lends her vast expertise to Woodcliff's music program. We are currently seeking a Minister Of Faith Formation. Youth Leader Amy Spark, joined us in August to offer a safe but energetic place for youth to explore their faith. Amy comes to us with a United Church background and as a former Youth Coordinator at Deer Park United Church. Office Administrator Rhonda, a long time member of Woodcliff, has played an important role in the day to day running of Woodcliff United. The strength of any church is in the dedication of its members. Woodcliff is fortunate to have a strong, caring group of volunteers helping in the life and work of Woodcliff United Church. Woodcliff's congregation is passionate about it's Outreach Programs, Pastoral Care and Hospitality Programs. You may wish to become involved in many of the programs Woodcliff has to offer from Women of Woodcliff (WOW), Men's Breakfast Group, Prayer Chain, Casserole Ministry, Sunday School, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Hospitality, Outreach to local and global organizations, or to any of the Committees, Council or Finance Teams. You may find further information on any of these groups on the Church Groups page on the Homepage. Our Sunday Morning Worship is at the heart of our community life as we seek to live out our vision "We will be a vibrant caring community living our faith."
Church Council Woodcliff United Church Council meets the second Tuesday of each month. To sit on Council you must be a member of Woodcliff United but all are invited to attend meetings and discuss cares or concerns with any of the Council members. To contact them email the church office and all correspondence will be forwarded to Council. If you would like to have a copy of the Council minutes they can be emailed to you, just contact the church office. 2011 Church Council Julie Campeau
Diane Carter - Caring Community Chair
Steve Crosby
John Deakin
Gary deLeeuw
Gale Holroyd - Congregational Life Chair
Linda Koroluk
Deanna Main
George Olsen - Council Chair
Jim Real - Property Chair
Tracy Robertson - Minister Of Faith Formation
Campion Swartout - Treasurer
Rev. Piotr Strzelecki - Minister
Catherine Williams - Ministry and Personnel Chair
CHURCH 403-249-3121 403 686-4968 (F) woodclif@telus.net
Baptism - Confirmation - Reaffirmation of Faith What is the Meaning and Purpose of Baptism? Baptism is more that just a symbol or memorial. It is a demonstration of acceptance of Christ as Saviour and Lord and a means of union with Christ. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we share in the death and resurrection of Jesus, and are incorporated into Christ’s holy church. By the sign of the water, God declares that we are beloved daughters and sons and we are joined in Jesus’ ministry of love, peace and justice. Through Confirmation, Reaffirmation, Transfer or Renewal we confirm our faith and affirm our commitment to the church. Baptism is... Baptism is an act of faith Baptism is when we receive the Holy Spirit Baptism is when we are "clothed” in Christ Child Baptism When an infant/child is baptized he/she can not answer the questions for himself/herself, so someone needs to answer on his/her behalf. At infant baptism the parents promise to bring the child up in the Christian faith and take responsibility for this. Do you desire to have your child baptized? Will you be responsible for seeing that the child your present is brought up in the Christian faith and life? Will you by your prayers and witnesss help this child to grow into the full stuature of Christ? Baptism at Woodcliff At Woodcliff Baptisms usually occurs on the last Sunday of each month. Baptism occurs during the main service as this is a service of promises and the congregation witnesses these promises and promises to uphold the infant/child and his/her family. We understand that this is a Sacrament that you wish to share with family and friends both near and far. So if you have family coming to town on another weekend than the last one of the month we will try to arrange it for the baptism to occur during that time period. Contact the church office if you would like to have your child baptized. Adult Baptism To become a member of the church adults must have been baptized. This can occur during the ceremonies of Confirmation and Reaffirmation of Faith. The Role of Sponsors or God -Parents In Church history the Godparents also promised to bring up the child in the Christian faith and took responsibility for this. Today the role of the Godparents(sponsors) has become one of a “supporting friend” who assists the parents and takes a special interest in the child but does not stand in for the parents or make up for any lacks in their care.
Weddings The 1984 General Council of the United Church of Canada adopted the following affirmations about marriage in “Gift, Dilemma, and Promise: A Report and Affirmations of Human Sexuality.” The United Church of Canada affirmed: ¨ That marriage is a gift of God through which Christians make a covenant with one another and with God.
¨ That in marriage we offer each other the promise of a lifelong companionship, the rich expression of human affections and sexuality, and nurture for the children.
¨ We affirm that the unity is a creation of God and is greater than the two individuals. (The challenge in every marriage relationship is finding the balance between your separateness as individuals versus your togetherness as a couple.)
¨ That marriage as an institution can under gird each relationship and provide stability for society.
¨ The value of marriage and that the church must work both to redeem and care for the institution and to support those entering into a covenant relationship with each other.
¨ Acceptance of all human beings as persons made in the image of God, regardless of their sexual orientation.
For couples where at least one partner professes the Christian faith and has a connection with a church, it is appropriate and desirable to celebrate the marriage in the church.It is important to note that the couple marry each other when they say the vows. The minister is the principal witness and prays with the couple for God’s blessing on their intention. The gathered congregation are also witnesses. The presiding minister also represents the province, which has an interest in the marriage.
MUSIC IN THE WEDDING SERVICE:
Please contact the church office as soon as possible to book your wedding, talk to the minister and to be put in contact with the Music Director or Music Assistant to discuss your music program and to confirm their availability especially for July and August Weddings. We use the "Prepare" Marriage preparation course which can be taken at Woodcliff or you can also register for other marriage preparation classes including the Presbytery Marriage Courses.
You can listen to the following choices online at http://www.myweddingmusic.com or on youtube or you may consult the Music Director for other possibilities.
The following are some suggestions for wedding songs;
PROCESSIONALS: (choose one)
1. “Bridal March” from Wagner’s Lohengrin (traditional)
2. “Trumpet Voluntary” by Burke
3. “Voluntary in C” by Stanley
SIGNING THE REGISTER: (choose one)
1. “Arioso” by Handel
2. “When Thou Art Near” by Bach
3. “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach
RECESSIONAL: (choose one)
1.“Wedding March” by Mendelssohn
2. “Voluntary in D” by Alcock
3. Cornet Voluntary by Berg
Soloists add to the beauty of the service. You may have your own soloist or the church has a number of very qualified people who are prepared to sing at your wedding. Hymns may be sung during the service or at the end. Please check the marriage section in the hymnbook “Voices United” for suggestions. There are a number of readings suggested too.
FEES FOR THE USE OF WOODCLIFF UNITED:
The schedule of fees is designed to cover honoraria for the clergy, organist, and caretaker. In the case of non-members of the church, it covers the use of the church. Please pay the night of the rehearsal by cash or cheque in consultation with the officiating clergy.
¨ Members and Adherents of the church - $400.00
¨ Non- Members (those who are not on the Roll of Woodcliff United Church) - $500.00
Funerals
Woodcliff United Church works with any of the Calgary Funeral Homes to provide a Christian service and a reception following the service. For many families and loved ones, getting through a funeral or memorial service is just the beginning. If you would like to receive more information about planning a Funeral or Memorial service through Woodcliff please contact the church office. 403-249-3121
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