phone call CAMPAIGN
What We Heard
Over the past three weeks, 24 volunteers made 340 phone calls. The goal wasn’t fundraising......it was gratitude for supporting Hillhurst United Church. A simple thank you to every person who supports Hillhurst United Church. We also took the opportunity to ask for feedback and stories of connection.
When you call 340 households in a community like ours, you learn a lot. Some good, some hard, all from the heart.
Gratitude
We heard overwhelming gratitude for Hillhurst’s energy, for John’s leadership, for the social justice work, and for “good religion.” People told us Hillhurst helps them live their lives in a way that is thoughtful, inclusive, socially aware, honest and full of compassion.
There was special affection for the music that fills the sanctuary: Amanda, Greg, Christy, the band, the choir, and the many other musicians who make Sunday mornings feel so meaningful. Several callers said the music lifts them when nothing else does.
The tech team got plenty of love for keeping livestreams clear and reliable, week after week. Our online community is now large enough to be its own congregation, and that’s because the staff in the tech booth strive for excellent sound and video quality.
Behind the scenes people were also mentioned in the calls: KidSpace teachers, Sunday hosts, hospitality volunteers, and Robert overseeing the renovation.
The Moderator nomination
Many calls mentioned John’s recent nomination for Moderator and the emotions were mixed. There was sadness that he didn’t receive the role, but also a kind of relief that he’s staying right here. People said things like, “We’re so proud of him... and so glad we don’t have to lose him.” Several donors expressed genuine concern about John’s workload and asked thoughtful questions about how we’re supporting him and planning for leadership sustainability. These issues are being forwarded to M&P and the board for additional review.
Summary: The entire process was very emotional for the congregation and everyone is looking forward to being able to connect with John again.
Money
People asked for straightforward updates:
How are we doing?
What are we spending on?
Where’s the shortfall?
What’s the plan for the future?
We heard this again and again: “We love this church. We just need to understand what it needs.”
It’s important to name the truth. We are projecting a deficit larger than we budgeted. Like many churches, we’ve felt losses through deaths and relocations, and the cost of everything has gone up from utilities to staffing.
Many donors told us, “If I knew more, I’d give more.”
Online
We heard story after story from people who join us online from across the city and the country. Seventy-eight households outside Calgary gave to Hillhurst this past year; twenty-one of them donate monthly.
For many, the livestream is a lifelinen because they’re homebound, in another province, or caring for children, parents, or themselves on Sunday mornings. They still consider Hillhurst their home church.
Living Spirit
Many callers spoke about Living Spirit as one of the ways Hillhurst funds spiritual formation, worship arts, pastoral support, and community life. We also heard specific gratitude for William’s leadership in stewarding this work; people noticed and appreciated his steady guidance. At the same time, several said they aren’t clear on the finances compared with the General Fund and asked for plain-language updates with simple proof points like “what did my gift make possible this quarter.” A few wondered whether Living Spirit is still active and how it relates to other funds like Raise the Roof and the Annex. Overall sentiment was positive and trusting, with a request for clear descriptions and periodic stories of impact. Some asked about more transparency surrounding the cost of having a second campus and how that impacts the overall budget. A few congregants who regularly attend the Wednesday night gathering talked about the delicious soups that are served.
Connection
We heard about illness, aging, loneliness, joy, and long friendship. One member talked about being baptized here decades ago. Another about watching a grandchild sing on stage. Some still give even after moving away, because Hillhurst shaped their lives and they want it to keep shaping others.
We also spoke with people who are struggling spiritually, financially, or emotionally and who simply needed someone to listen. We’re connecting several households with our congregational care team.
Thank you to all our callers who listened to this incredibly important feedback and said THANK YOU from Hillhurst United Church.
Fun fact: Four of our caller volunteers are Hillhurst members living in BC and Ontario. They watch the livestream every week. You can volunteer from hundreds of kilometers away!