Report from the McDougall Representative to Chinook Winds Region – May 2023

The annual gathering for Chinook Winds Region (CWR) was held May 4-7 in Medicine Hat with the theme “At the Crossroads”. Many of the presentations focused on the current state- of- affairs of our denomination, and individual congregations, and the look forward to what changes are expected in the future for which we need to be prepared. As a member of CWR Property Working Group meeting monthly, I see a rapidly changing landscape for mainline churches like ours and have concerns that we must have serious conversations about our changing place in society and how we function as the McDougall congregation. In a paper I presented to the conference, I asked the question for discussion at all united church congregations “what is the role of the United Church in today’s society?” There was a noble vision in 1962 when the McDougall congregation was formed and grew for many years serving the community needs of that time. There are different values today and how we as a congregation serve the community needs and our McDougall family needs today should have continual appraisal and update. I ask that this eminent discussion be led by Leadership Council soon. 

There are many congregations in the Region facing serious financial challenges. Adequate building maintenance is often put off, sometimes resulting in the cost to continue with that facility being overwhelming, and the property being sold. Even more disturbing is the inability to fund programs and adequate staff – there are many congregations without paid clergy and other support staff. Some of these congregations have been thriving until recently. The process of rationalization and closure we often see in commercial businesses is also occurring in our denomination, and it is critical that we engage in serious discussions about how this rationalization can and should be done. It is not only in the Region this should occur but also at McDougall. While our financial position is not rosy, it is better than many congregations. As we look at rationalization and consolidation of congregations, we should look at where to best use resources and where and how to have facilities and staff (lay and clergy) to serve the needs of united church people. In the view of several folks with knowledge of Calgary united churches, McDougall can be a hub church as a center for many programs and services to several communities. Sharing of staff and programs among several former communities can continue the united church presence in the community at a cost we can sustain. McDougall is in a position to be a leader in this process, understanding that we are also under financial stress.

To be more specific, with the Ogden project now in limbo, there is opportunity for sharing programs and staff. Some other congregations in our area that could be partners in a joint venture with McDougall currently are looking at their options. In the past 2 years, 5 congregations in Calgary have had to move out of their buildings (4 closed) with another 2 in serious financial trouble.

It is not all doom and gloom. With forced change there is always opportunity for renewal and growth. At McDougall we are good at some things and have some advantages, while other congregations and groups can input their strengths. It is not too late for McDougall to lead and combine our resources with others to serve a wider community. Let’s have that discussion at Council and with the congregation.

Submitted by Barrie Clayton.