2024 Stewardship Campaign: Testimonial 6, Peggy Jorgensen

During our 2024 Stewardship Campaign we will be sharing Testimonials from some of our members. We hope that you enjoy them!

Peggy Jorgensen

When we moved to Calgary back in 2004, I was looking for a youth group for my son and choir for myself.   My minister in Edmonton mentioned knowing the Burtons and how they enjoyed McDougall so I tried it. I found this congregation had just hired Bill Weaver as the Youth Minister.  The gathering Sunday in September (Sundaes on Sunday) was an interesting experience as there was a song that they sang on that Sunday where they danced to the left, then the right…. I peeked over my shoulder and there were all these heads, grey or otherwise, bopping along.  I joined the choir, then Pam Gibson resurrected the Ladies Ensemble and I have enjoyed singing with both in my musical journey in the congregation. 

McDougall had many outreach projects that I enjoyed getting involved in (Inn From the Cold, Christmas Hampers, and things like Messy Church and the community events we hosted.)  They then became an affirming church, which was so important to me as my son is gay.  

During Covid, our congregation decided that we would get involved in Livestreaming so that we could make a difference in the community and be there for our congregation.  I was amazed at how many seniors watched the online services and even joined in on Zoom meetings.  We opened our doors to Ogden United so they could tear down their church building to make way for a multi-use/ low income housing project.  Rev. Bill and Rev. Joanne became a team, supporting each other and their congregations during this difficult time.  

McDougall continues to be a forward thinking church.  The concept of being part of a Church Hub excites me.  I was part of Southwoods United Church in Edmonton, a new church development congregation that struggled. I was so sad that after many years of struggling, we had to fold.  I am encouraged that this Hub concept may keep more churches alive and that we may grow and learn from each other.  The Ogden project falling apart encouraged the idea of the Hub.  The ministers, Rev. Joanne, Rev. Bill and Rev. Danah, all embraced this idea along with leadership from Barrie Clayton (who had been part of the team overseeing the Ogden Project), Joanne Pritchard, and Daren Patterson, who have been talking about how we can become the church for the future.

To learn more about this year’s Stewardship Campaign or to read past testimonials, please visit the Stewardship Webpage.