June 14th, 2026 – Indigenous Sunday
Due to our joint congregational picnic hosted by Devon United Church, the congregations of Stony Plain, Mewassin, and Devon are acknowledging the day on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
National Indigenous Peoples Day falls on Sunday, June 21, 2026. This date coincides with the summer solstice and marks the 30th anniversary of the holiday. It is a nationwide day of recognition to celebrate the distinct cultures, rich heritage, and vital contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. For generations, many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for many indigenous peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.
My family is a mosaic of different cultures, languages, ethnicities, gender identities and sexual orientations through birth, marriage, adoption, and chosen family. And we are richer for it. From childhood on i have been witness to my brother's lfie's journey as an indigenous 2Spirit person. I have seen the wounds of physical violence and discrimination rooted in racism. I have observed his strength, and the courage with which he has claimed his heritage and his identity.
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ theme for National Indigenous Peoples Day this year is centered around "The Good Life" (Mino-pimatisiwin). This Anishinaabemowin concept emphasizes living in good relationship and harmony with all of creation, intergenerational knowledge, family and community connection, and respect for the land and waters.
I find myself drawn to this theme of “The Good Life” rooted in all aspects of creation living in harmony. This concept is often a struggle and a challenge. At times it feels more like a push and pull relationship rather than a give and take union.
We cannot change history, nor are we expected to. What we can do, however, is acknowledge history and learn from it. We can strive to be open to each other’s pain, needs and joys as we seek to live in right relationship with each other.
We can remind ourselves that Jesus invites us to join in circle, sit at table, and share our stories. Ultimately, remembering that we are all in our own unique way part of the wonderful kaleidoscope and the vibrancy of creation.
Rev. Deborah
Sources include: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca and https://www.cupw.ca/en/june-21-national-indigenous-peoples
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UKULELES: Regular Wednesday practices are over until September; however there may be some practices in August to prepare for the SP Paper Bag Communion August 23.
REMINDERS
CHOIR: There will be no Choir until Wed. Sept. 2 or 9. Anyone who would like to do “Special Music” during the summer is encouraged to contact the office. Thanks to all who have participated in our Music Ministry this year!
MEWASSIN, SUNDAY JUNE 21: There will be no service at Mewassin Sun. June 21. You can attend the Picnic Service in Devon or the service in Stony Plain.
MEWASSIN SUMMER BREAK: There will be no services at Mewassin from July 5 to August 2, inclusive. Regular services resume Sun. August 9.
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH: An information board, featuring local placenames with their Indigenous origins, will be displayed in the Narthex throughout the month of June to celebrate National Indigenous History Month. Every Sunday over the next few weeks there will be one or two Alberta placenames with their meanings and/or related stories included in the bulletin. Special thanks to St. Andrew's United Church for creating the info board and giving it to our church!
SUNDAY JUNE 7: June 7 is Pride Sunday. Please wear rainbow colours.
UCW MEETING WED JUNE 10: The UCW has changed their regular meeting date to the second Wednesday of the month. Thus, we will meet next on June 10 at Rotary Park for our "picnic in the park'. Bring your bag lunch, beverage, lawn chair, sun hat etc. Arrive at 11:30 AM to secure a good location. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the picnic will be in the church.
TUESDAY JUNE 16 SP COUNCIL MEETING: The Stony Plain Council will meet on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 pm in the Board Room or on Zoom.
SUNDAY, JUNE 21 DEVON PICNIC AND SERVICE: Our congregations are invited to join Devon United Church for their Sunday service in the Park on June 21! The service will begin at 10:00 a.m. with games and then picnic lunch to follow. A reminder to bring lawn chairs is on the invitation. We have lots of kites for the children to decorate and fly after the service, and the parachute games were a hit last year, so that is on the games agenda again. Potluck items are welcome if people wish: salads or dessert/fruit or finger foods. There is a sign-up sheet available – please add your name if you’d like to attend– we need to RSVP with our numbers of attendees by June 7. Stony Plain will still hold its regular 10:30 AM service, and Mewassin will have NO service.
PASSING ON YOUR CONCERNS: If you know of anyone who would like a visit or needs a card, please contact the Care Committee, Rev. Deborah or call the Church Office (780 963-4745) or email
Employment Opportunity at Stony United Church Office Administrator:
Click for Position Description.
REV DEBORAH’S SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING SUNDAYS:
Sun. June 14, 2026 Communion Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP
Sun. June 21, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at Devon UC for their picnic service.
Mew & SP are invited. Regular 10:30 AM service at SPUC.
Sun. June 28, 2026 Rev. Deborah in person at MEW and SP
Sun. July 5, 2026 Rev. Deborah on vacation. NO SERVICE AT MEWASSIN.
Sun. July 12, 2026 Rev. Deborah on vacation. NO SERVICE AT MEWASSIN.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Ukuleles & Choir: Finished. Choir will resume Sept. 2 or 9, Ukes will be contacted if there are practices before September.
Card Recreators: Thursdays, 10 AM
MEETINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
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Tuesday, June 16 |
7:00 PM - SP Council Meeting |
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Sunday, June 21 |
Devon Picnic and Service - SP and MEW are invited! NO SERVICE AT MEWASSIN |
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July 5 - August 2, inclusive |
NO SERVICES AT MEWASSIN (Summer Break) |
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Saturday, August 15 |
Mewassin 100th Anniversary Service |
FROM OTHER UNITED CHURCHES AND THE COMMUNITY
(Posters on the Bulletin Board and on the table in the Narthex)
Town of Stony Plain Community and Social Development: Several programs are being offered in the next couple of months, including Mental Health Week Events, Sketch Book Club, Women’s Support Group, and many more.
July 1st - The Stony Plain Canada Day Car Show
- Breakfast from 8 to 10:30 AM
- Lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM
- and Concession - Ice Cream, drinks, chips from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.