Contact Rev. Jim Tenford:
Minister:
Jim Tenford
Rev. Jim Tenford joined Sunset on September 1st, 2022.
Youth and Young Adult Coordinator:
Michelle McConkey
Michelle has a contagious smile and a kind and generous nature that children gravitate to. Michelle loves to travel and wants to visit every province and territory in Canada - only one province and two territories to go! In 2016, she had the opportunity to walk the El Camino de Santiago de Compostela with her father and her aunt. She is interested in games, crafts, and cooking as is evidenced in her teaching methods each week in Sunday School. She enjoys music, singing and movies..you might even hear her humming in the halls of the church. She also loves to volunteer, especially with the Roughriders during the regular season and, whenever possible, into the post-season; the 2013 Grey Cup was definitely a highlight! Michelle moved from Swift Current to Regina in 2005 to attend university. She joined the Sunset staff in September 2013.
Office Coordinator:
Polly Williams-Olesen
Polly is the newest member of the Sunset United Staff. She started in September 2021.
Choir Director:
Corinne Groff
Pianist:
Shirley Hill
Caretaker:
John Ashley
Youth Group and Young Adults
Youth Group is open to all ages 11 and up. We meet at least once a month for fun activities and mission initiatives. They also help out with Sunday School and other church events.
There are also young adult events hosted at the church, including confirmation. Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
"We need the cooperation of the world’s youth although we come from very diverse backgrounds and movements, no one should be left behind in the societal changes happening around the world and in the churches for we are already being carried into the mainstream of the swift current of social change.
The COVID 19 crisis has taught us a great lesson on how to cooperate with the world’s protocols in order to save lives while there is no vaccine at the moment. Such simple rules in times of crisis like social distancing, wearing mask, washing of hands and staying at home are not followed because of selfish interests and without respect for others. We have to cooperate for our survival and to heal as one.
We can only realize this by doing our compassionate acts together in caring for the future that will not only benefit us but those who are already suffering. With the health crisis and the world’s recession, the youth of today can now work together by helping the most vulnerable in our homefront but at the same time uniting our efforts around the world to push for significant changes leading to the transformation of church and society. The road would be long in changing knowledge, systems and structures that are inappropriate and dysfunctional if we will not act now.
Consider therefore the words coming from tradition and the wisdom of old by our indigenous peoples for you to reflect on as you journey towards fulfilling what motivates you in your faith to become bold enough to make a difference in these challenging times." - Rendez-Vous organisers and participants, August 11-14, 2020
YOUTH GROUP (AGES 11 AND UP)
The Youth Group’s goal is to have fun while supporting community initiatives. These young people lead busy lives but they try to meet once a month from September to May. Some annual events include a sleepover at church and a murder mystery
In addition, the Youth Group supports several organizations through fundraising and by volunteering their time. Organizations include, but are not limited to: the Regina Food Bank, the Salvation Army, and Rainbow Youth. The Youth Group also participates in at least one Sunday service a year. This year we are supporting the Kids Help Phone Line by doing the Walk so Kids can Talk.
Michelle plans and leads the activities for the Youth Group with the support of parents. There is always room for more! Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.
Messy Church
We have joined with a group of other churches to create a monthly Messy Church. What is Messy Church? It is a way of being church for families and others. It is Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality, and celebration. There will be crafts and games; a celebration (short worship time); and supper!
These will be held once a month, on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. We will rotate the location of each month's event. The first one will be held on Thursday, September 14 at Sunset United Church. Come out and see what it is all about!
See our page on Messy Church for more information!
Lumsden Beach Camp (K-12)
This camp has been open since 1905 (it's as old as the province as Saskatchewan). We have been supporting this camp for many years by sending campers, helpers, cooks, cleaners, leaders, and money. They held camps over the summer and always appreciate our support. Check out their webpage.
The GO Project
In 2007, the youth group of Islington United Church and their minister, Michael Shewburg, began planning for a mission trip overseas. Like many other young people, they sought an experience which would allow them to create change, grow together in faith, and learn more about the world around them.
Finding a partner organization whose values and understanding of theology matched with theirs proved to be difficult, however. Coupled with a growing awareness of the many areas of need in their own community, they decided to create their own service and learning experience in Toronto, and The GO Project was born.
In the 13 years since, The GO Project has facilitated youth programs in Vancouver, Saskatoon, Stratford, Montréal, Halifax, St. John’s, and of course, at Islington United Church in Toronto. 2014 saw the introduction of our Children’s Adventure Camps, which are less intensive than the youth programs, but also strive to help participants recognize how they can create change in the world using their unique gifts and abilities, all while living in community and serving as God’s hands and feet in the world. As of 2019, these week-long day camps have been hosted by faith communities in over twenty-five cities and towns across Canada.
All GO Project programs are safe and affirming spaces for participants, staff, and community members who identify as LGBTQ+, are of racial or cultural minorities, are questioning their faith, longing for a place to belong, and are of all physical and intellectual abilities.
Check them out and see what you can learn.
EVENTS FOR OLDER YOUTH (GRADES 7 AND UP)
Regina and Area Youth Group (Grade 7 to 12)
Open to youth entering grades 7 to 12!
A weekly Zoom gathering on Sundays from 6:30pm to 7:15pm.
Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with your name and your preferred email for the Zoom link.
Confirmation Classes
We are currently in discussion with other churches to create a Regina-wide Confirmation Class. Wait for more information. If you are interested in Confirmation Classes, contact the office or Michelle.
About Sunset United Church
We’re an affirming ministry – that’s what this symbol means.
When we say “all are welcome”; we mean ALL. As we affirm in in our Statement of Faith:
“… Diversity is truly a gift of God … We celebrate the richness that diversity brings to our church, even as it challenges us individually and collectively.”
That is the short way of saying: We are committed to making you welcome – if you’re old or young, male or female, straight or gay or lesbian or bisexual or transgendered, married or single, rich or poor, differently abled, in whatever combination of any of these characteristics you possess – and combined with whatever ethnicity or cultural membership or other background or experience you may bring with you. And all of your friends as well. That’s affirming.
Sunset is the center of a circle of community - a place for joyful worship, open minded spiritual exploration and growth, support for one another and outreach to the broader community and around the world. We welcome all to be a part of us - to find comfort, purpose, challenges and opportunities for service. Come help us be the church God calls us to be.
Sunday Worship Service
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Worship at Sunset United Church starts at 10:30 a.m. between September and May. During the summer (June, July and August) we worship with two other congregations. Check the website under Events : Tri-Church Shared Summer Services - Summer 2022 for the worship schedule. We do our best to be open to where the Spirit leads us, which means providing a wide variety of worship experiences. We worship "in the round", trusting that the circle can always be drawn wider to include whoever wants to join us. Our prayer is that all who are gathered into community for the worship service will know the presence of God, and will be strengthened for their journey, wherever it may take them. |
What to expect on a Sunday morning:
- We worship “in the round” – no matter where you sit, you will always be able to see the face of someone else across the circle from you, we are all connected in the circle
- There is no “reserved” seating – every chair is a possibility!
- Our worship is thought-provoking, vibrant, and Spirit-filled. We are enriched both by the heart-felt sermons, and the beauty of our choir anthems. Although there is a general flow to the service each week, we are also very open to exploring alternative expressions of worship, such as drama, music, videos and humour.
- We have Sunday School for children ages 3 and older
- We are very baby and toddler friendly:
- there are rocking chairs at the back for anyone who needs space to rock
About the Neighbourhood
Sunset is located in SW Regina in Albert Park, a neighbourhood developed in the late 70s, early 80s, and Harbour Landing, a neighbourhood that is currently being developed. The nearby housing is predominantly single families with pockets of apartments and condos. Located in close proximity is the South Leisure Centre, the Optimist Ice Arena, Outdoor Water Park, Sunset Extendicare, Ethel Milliken Elementary School, and Southland Mall.
Quick Facts:
When can I contact the office?
Regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (September to June) Tuesday through Friday.
Who do I contact with questions?
You can send an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or leave a voice mail message (306-586-3613) and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.
What makes Sunset special?
Those attending Sunset identify our music program, our commitment to being an Affirming Ministry, the strong leadership in our minister and our sense of community. Sunset also is involved in many social outreach activities.
How is Sunset working toward being inclusive?
- We have listening devices to assist those with hearing difficulties.
- We are printing "large print" bulletins for those with visual difficulties.
- We utilize 3 screens around the centrum for words to songs and for congregational responses.
- We strive to be a nut aware zone and a scent free worship space.
- We officially became an Affirming Ministry of the United Church of Canada in the fall of 2007. We continue to work towards living into our understanding of what being "affirming" means for us as a community of believers.
What's available for my child?
Please visit our Children & Youth page for more information about what is available.
