Discovery Circle

Discovery Circle is tasked with visioning the future for Kamloops United Church, as a Centre for Community and Spiritual Discovery. Meeting twice monthly, Discovery Circle works to bring forward progressive and new ideas and dreams for the future of this church through innovative programs and community engagement.

Discovery Circle is currently co-chaired by Dawne Taylor and Mary Ann Milobar.

If you are interested in  more detailed information about the work of this group, please go to “KUC Centre for Community and Spiritual Discovery“.

Discovery Circle (DC) members are Dawne Taylor, Mary Ann Milobar, Alan Hodgson, Marcia Julian, Chris Dolson, Rev. Bruce Comrie, George Johnson, Carole Hutchings.

Goals for 2018 –  Activities and Initiatives of Discovery Circle

  • meet as a group with Council Circle as a group; develop agenda together; consider how work of Council and DC dovetail and ensure on same page;   vision together in broad terms for the Centre in future years

 –   continue follow-up/discussion/action on many of the initiatives begun before 2018

  • continue support and encouragement for existing programs as noted above (eg. Labyrinth Ministry, Jazz Vespers, Community Lunch, Aboriginal Ministry, Affirming Ministry)
  • encourage and support new initiatives which may be undertaken by KUC
  • continue to be the “vision keeper” for the Centre by envisaging and articulating possibilities, dreams, hopes, obstacles, etc.
  • meet with each group / ministry at KUC to speak about KUC as A Centre for Community and Spiritual Discovery, and explore how that group sees itself as contributing to the Centre, and how its contributions might be enhanced
  • improve communication with the congregation about the Centre, and clarify the role of Discovery Circle and all groups within the church vis-à-vis the Centre
  • follow-up and perhaps take responsibility for exploring and implementing some of the ideas which emerge from the Fishing Tips study
  • identify leaders who might offer programs or undertake initiatives as part of the Centre; support such leaders, and assist them in developing their leadership skills and abilities to vision, initiate and implement
  • plan and lead a worship service
  • encourage the development of “small groups” within KUC (ie. groups with members with a common interest or goal) to build community and enhance spiritual discovery
  • expand into the Kamloops community by connecting with agencies, groups, etc. to solicit info and “advertise” KUC as A Centre for Community and Spiritual Discovery
  • develop concrete plans for “keeping in touch” with congregants, including some kind of follow-up with those who leave the congregation
  • confirmed workshop for spiritual discovery / nurturance: Theological Banquet, March 17 (facilitator: Rev. Dr. Janet Gear) – for KUC and K-O Presbytery

  • discussions on other possible events for spiritual discovery / nurturance / public involvement include:

Lectionary Study
Christianity 101
Spiritual Practices Workshop or Group
Book Studies
Public Forum on Reconciliation (in conjunction with Aboriginal Ministry)

Highlights of earlier (2017) Activities and Initiatives of Discovery Circle

  • initiated and hosted two Newcomers’ Luncheons
  • undertook, facilitated or encouraged a facilitator for the following “spiritual discovery / spiritual nurturance / community-building programs:

St. Paul for the Perplexed series
Lenten Challenge
Jesus Fatwa
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain
Epiphany Exploration videos re-play from 2017 event
Medical Assistance in Dying Public Forum
StoryFest
Affirming Workshop
Fishing Tips Book Study
on-going discussions on how to involve the 25-40 year age group.