Ministries
Woodcliff offers connection and support by providing programs and community care through various ministries aimed at all different ages and stages of life.
Children’s Ministry
Sunday mornings are just one of the places kids grow in faith at Woodcliff.
Join us for Children’s programming September to June. Children are welcome during the summer in our worship services.
We have a coloring table to enjoy during the service or they can access the nursery with their parents supervision.
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From September - June, children begin the service in the sanctuary with their parents for a time of singing, prayer and welcome. Following a short “growing faith” chat, children move to the nursery where a volunteer will help the children explore and interact with a Bible story.
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All children are welcome to join us for our children’s program, we ask that parents accompany those children who are 2 and under.
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In addition to the Sunday School lessons we welcome families to participate in special evening events from time to time. This may be a family dinner, movie night or games night. Often these events have intergenerational connections and offer families the chance to connect with the work of our other church committees.
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Affirming Ministry
Woodcliff United Church (WUC) became an Affirming Ministry in March 2021. We believe all persons are a sacred creation and a gift from God. As followers of Christ we are called to seek full inclusion and justice publicly, intentionally and explicitly (PIE) for all.
The affirming mandate at Woodcliff is to provide learning opportunities and resources on topics which include racism, gender identity, sexual orientation, ableism and mental illness.
WUC is a member of AffirmUnited / S’affirmer Ensemble (AUSE), which is a partner of the United Church of Canada for the support of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Want to learn more? We encourage you to get involved in our Affirming Ministry committee or suggest ways we can improve our practices at Woodcliff to demonstrate our commitment to inclusiveness.
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Music
The sound of music fills our sanctuary every Sunday morning, thanks to the Choir and a variety of guest musicians who share their musical talents throughout the year.
Our choir is open to anyone who would like to sing, no previous experience necessary. Join us on Thursday evenings from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. for practice.
Looking for more information or to get involved?
Building Connections
Woodcliff is active 7 days a week building community, working towards a more just world and providing opportunities for all in the journey of spiritual growth.
Consider getting involved in one or more of the activities currently offered.
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We have seasonal study groups in Advent and Lent and book studies for periods of time throughout the year. These often tackle an issue of social importance and/or coordinate with seasonal worship series.
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We enjoy exploring and engaging in different spiritual practices like walking a labyrinth, meditation, centering prayer, meditative walks, and nature journaling. Check out our Program & Events page for more information!
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Come join us for a good cup of coffee or tea and some social connection on Thursday mornings either online or in person. Rumour has it that good baked goods tend to be on hand at Thirsty Thursdays!
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We know many crave fun social connections and creating community so we often run small groups during the year that focus just on that.
From weekly cooking classes to art exploration and learning new skills together - like woodworking or clay. These groups are a good way to connect with others and have fun together.
Check out our Programs & Events page for more information.
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Women of Woodcliff (WOW) is an active and fun loving group that loves to learn and make a difference in other’s lives.
Meeting monthly for a time of connection, a guest speaker and refreshments, WOW welcomes all people who identify as women to join them.
Outreach
Outreach, a vibrant and key ministry at Woodcliff, focuses on bringing awareness to local and global needs, pressing social justice issues and building community.
For more information or to suggest a project:
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Stretching out to meet needs in the wider community, we believe we strengthen one another to work, through God's grace, for a better world.
Together with the congregation, Outreach raises funds and awareness for others outside of Woodcliff both locally and globally. Some of our partners include: Habitat for Humanity, Brenda’s House, Sonshine House, Calgary Drop In Centre, Calgary Food Bank and projects through the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada.
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Addressing social justice issues is a key focus area for Outreach and we strive to bring awareness as well as initiate action surrounding various issues ranging from food security to addictions to homelessness.
Recent examples include hosting learning opportunities with guest speakers from AAware on topics such as understanding and working with vulnerable and marginalized populations.
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Our Outreach Committee has committed to a five year goal, “Journey For Common Ground” — learning, listening and walking with the Indigenous community. We invite you to learn more about some of the initiatives we continue to embrace like Red Dress Day, hosting healing circles and partnering with Elders to further our learning on the path to healing and reconciliation.
Contact our office for more information.
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Outreach helps organize several activities like our Outdoor Night Markets, concerts, “Saint” for dog treats, and life-sized community Advent Calendar — all in the name of building community.
We welcome people to get involved.
Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral Care ministry focuses on providing care and support for those in our church community.
From times of loss to struggles with different stages of life, our community of faith is here for you.
Interested in providing support to others? Different opportunities exist and we’d love to involve you as a volunteer.
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This ministry sends cards to community members to honour special events in their lives, and in times of illness and bereavement.
Do you enjoy writing cards and showing you care? Consider volunteering to help with our Card Ministry.
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Casserole Ministry provides nourishing pre-made food on a short-term basis to those who are experiencing life situations that make it difficult to obtain or prepare healthy food.
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For those who have been active members at Woodcliff but are perhaps now less able to travel to Woodcliff, our One on One visiting team endeavours to keep in touch via telephone, email, or personal visits.
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Never underestimate the power of prayer…
Prayers and blessings are knit into each shawl that is made by our knitters. Anyone is most welcome to join the prayer shawl ministry. Yarns and patterns are available.
To make a request for a shawl, please contact the office.
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Our Prayer Chain group offers prayer on behalf of those for whom a prayer request has been made. Each person in the chain prays in their own way and in the comfort of their own home. To make a prayer request please email wucprayerchain@gmail.com
We also welcome those who want to be part of the Prayer Chain.
“CONNECT”
CONNECT builds a strong sense of community within the community of faith through programs, events and activities. Kick-Off Summer BBQ, Stampede Breakfast, Welcome Back Sunday, Needles & Pins, Trunk or Treat in October and refreshments after church are just a few of the fun things they organize.
