Hillhurst isn’t your ordinary church experience
Hillhurst United Church is a place that for 100 years has opened its doors to those looking for open-minded discussions on issues that matter to them.
Our core values are:
- Radical Hospitality
- Social Justice
- Spirituality
Hillhurst United is an Affirming Ministry. We commit to be an inclusive community of faith that follows in the Way of Jesus under the banner:
Whoever you are, wherever you're at, join us on the journey.
We strive to accept each other as we are and welcome the ministry and participation of all persons regardless of age, gender identity, health, race, sexual orientation, differing abilities, religious or ethnic background or economic circumstance.
Hillhurst is a progressive christian community with a mix of age and experience and we welcome you. Our Sunday gatherings are relaxed and inviting, blending the relevant spiritual issues of the day with reflections rooted in the scriptures; metaphors of life-giving hope. Using humour, story, and an invitation to question, we journey to discover the message the Spirit has for us, both individually and as a community. There isn’t much dogma, doctrine, or dust in this beautiful historic site. At Hillhurst we are seeking opportunities to serve and be served.
During the service, children are cared for by experienced children’s ministers who teach positive, inclusive values rooted in our faith tradition.
Nursery care is also provided, although babies are welcome in the sanctuary.
Our music is a blend of traditional and contemporary, from Bach to Leonard Cohen.
After the service, there is time to enjoy lunch prepared by fellow members of the congregation, and throughout the week there are educational programs aimed at inviting you to ponder and create a meaningful life.
Meet our staff here.
You can learn more about us in our 2010-2011 Annual Report.
Our Logo
The new logo for Hillhurst United Church is full of meaning and symbolism about our core values, beliefs, and goals. For an explanation of our logo, click here.
Hillhurst Visioning Report
In 2008, the congregation at Hillhurst United Church embarked on a journey to discern a vision of its collective future. The guiding foundation evolved in the form of Core Values and supporting foundational statements that described its identity, purpose and vision. Some strategic directions were also identified in the form of Provocative Proposals circa 2014. This report synthesizes the three congregational events and the work of the Vision Team during that time. You may view the report here.
History
Hillhurst United Church celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007. You can find the complete history of the congregation and the building here.
Governance
Hillhurst United Church is a congregation belonging to the Calgary Presbytery of the Alberta and NW Conference of the United Church of Canada.
Hillhurst Board and Staff
The congregation is governed by a Unified Board. The current members are:
- Bryce Paton (Chair)
- William Brook (Vice-Chair)
- John Pentland (Minister)
- Eveline Goodall (Spiritual Nurture)
- Danielle Bryant (Building Operations)
- Vacant (Spiritual Gifts)
- Vacant (Worship)
- Sharon Higgins (Hospitality)
- Donna Christie (Congregational Care)
- Nathan Lemphers (Outreach)
- Vacant (Gen Nou)
- Anne Blackwood (Children's & Youth Ministry)
- Calvin Seaman (Communications)
- Lea Meadows (Past Chair)
- Alec Milne (Ministry and Personnel)
- Dan Wares (Treasurer)
- Dan Wares (Finance)
- Kathryn Wytsma (Inn From the Cold)
- Vacant (Presbytery Representative)
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the building and all major capital assets. The current members are:
- Janet Russell
- Tim Presber
- Sherry Philpott
- Wally Peters
Church Meetings & Reports
The 2011 Annual Budget Meeting was held on January 30, 2011. The budget can be viewed here, with explanatory notes here. The Annual General Meeting was held on June 26, 2011. The congregation was presented with updates for the Heritage Restoration Project and the Journey Affordable Housing Project. The annual report for 2010/2011 was approved, as were the nominations for new trustees and officers.