United Church of Canada is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and on Sunday, June 1, Zion United Church is hosting a centennial cluster service to mark the occasion.
The service gets underway at 7 p.m., commemorating the 1925 union of Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist churches— an ecumenical milestone, and one that Rev. Lorne Calvert, former Saskatchewan Premier and long-time minister says has deep roots within the province.
“In many ways, it began in Saskatchewan before 1925 before that full formation. Churches in Saskatchewan (communities) were coming together because it just made sense to work together to serve the community,”
‘Methodists, Presbyterians and Congregationalists in towns across Saskatchewan, in many ways, led what was then called the ‘Union Movement’ that brough the church together right across Canada.”
That spirit of cooperation and service to the community that is the bedrock upon which the church was built has not diminished over time explained Calvert.
“The United Church of Canada has played a very significant role in communities all over Saskatchewan, right across Canada. It continues to do so. It's a smaller church today than when it was it was founded, but it is equally just as vibrant and just as committed to serving in the community.”
The evening service will be led by a trio of prominent United Church members who have served in ministry roles in Moose Jaw or the surrounding areas, including Rev. Tim Ellis, Rev. Michele Rowe, and Rev. Janelle Shaw, with Rev. Lorne Calvert taking part in the guiding the service.
Alongside scripture readings and prayers, the event will also feature numerous musical performances, including a Mass Choir, Piano and Casavant Organ recitals, an instrument ensemble, and the Zion Church Handbell Choir.
While the event is open for all who wish to attend, those that want to join in the choir should arrive a little bit earlier, said Calvert.
“Those who want to join in the choir should come around 6 p.m. because there is going to be a choir practice.”
“All are welcome, friends of the church, and even strangers who just want an evening of celebration.”
There is plenty of cause for celebration, Calvert added, pointing to the hundreds of thousands—if not millions— of lives that have been helped, guided, or changed over the past 100 years of service and in the many years to come.