by Michele | Aug 2, 2024 | Community, Events, News, Regional Council, Staff

All invited to celebrate the retirement of ARW, HF, WOW Regional Councils Executive Assistant, Susan Duliban on Friday September 6th from 1 to 3pm at the Regional Council Office 1552 Hwy 6, Waterdown, ON L8N 2Z7 or via Zoom at this link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/81252105843
by Michele | Jul 19, 2024 | Regional Council, The United Church of Canada
GC45 is quickly approaching, and with it the deadlines for Regional Councils to submit proposals. At the fall meeting of Antler River Watershed Regional Council we will be taking time to look at proposals which have come to ARWRC to be considered to be passed along to GC45.
More information about what a proposal looks like can be found on our website here: https://arwrcucc.ca/general-council-45/
We would like to give the members of the Regional Council time to review any proposal that is to come before them this fall, so it is preferred to have proposals in to be considered for GC45 two weeks before the meeting. This suggested deadline for Antler River Watershed is Friday Oct 11th.
Rev. Mark Laird (he/him)
Executive Minister
Antler River Watershed Regional Council
Questions: MLaird@united-church.ca
by Michele | Jul 15, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, The United Church of Canada

We are Hiring!
Job Posting: Executive Assistant
For Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils
Click here for Job Description: https://united-church.ca/opportunities/executive-assistant
Job Number: 24-28
Opening/Closing Date: July 15, 2024 to August 5, 2024
Description
The Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an Executive Assistant on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours per week).
Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils share staff with many, including this position, serving all three regional councils. These three regional councils represent diverse contexts: major urban centers as well as rural and recreational communities. Within them are significant hubs for technology, manufacturing and academia.
Reporting to the Executive Minister, the Executive Assistant supports the Executive Minister, the Regional Councils and their Executives and plays a vital role in the preparation for and holding of Executive and regional council meetings. The Executive Assistant also ensures that the official records of the regional council are properly maintained.
The primary areas of responsibility are:
- Resource meetings of the Executives and Regional Councils (25%).
- Executive Minister Support (22%).
- Support to Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways (15%)
- Information Management (20%)
- Function as or on behalf of the Governing Official (18%)
See attached job description for detailed tasks
Qualifications
- Post-secondary studies in a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a senior administrative role or equivalent work and life experience.
- Computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms and a willingness to use new technologies;
- Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact: offering welcome and support;
- Solid administrative, planning, time management, organizational and situational analysis skills to prioritize and plan work, meeting deadlines and completing multiple tasks on time with limited supervision, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations and priorities;
- Strong minute-taking skills;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written (includes writing, editing, proofreading, keen eye for attention to detail);
- Competence in arranging and hosting electronic meetings;
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, collaboratively and collegially;
- Demonstrated research, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of the United Church would be considered an asset.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada;
- Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff.
Working Conditions
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working from a home office with office space available at the regional office located at 1552 Hwy 6, Carlisle, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Travel within the region will be required. Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $49,462 to $56,372 per year with the ability to progress to a maximum of $65,950. This is based on category 4 on the 2024 salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.
To Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to Human Resources at careers@united-church.ca. Please quote job number 24-28 in your application.
Downloads
by Michele | Jul 12, 2024 | News
While we might expect our church property to be a true “sanctuary”, a place of rest and safety, this is not always the case. As many communities of faith have experienced, our buildings and worship services can become targets of vandalism, hate crimes and protests because of our values, beliefs and ministries. Hateful graffiti on the church walls, destruction of pride flags and property, written, verbal and physical assaults are a reality that we cannot ignore. While we cannot anticipate or prevent all attacks against our communities of faith, there are some best practices which can help prepare and protect your community of faith.
Prevention:
There may also be a Federal Government program in the coming year. Check here for details https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/crm-prvntn/fndng-prgrms/scrt-nfrstrctr-prgrm/index-en.aspx
Response When Something Has Happened:
Hate mail, emails or comments on your Facebook page or website
- Do not engage or respond
- Remove the comments from Facebook or website and block the sender
- Do not use any computer drives sent to you
- Do not click on any links
- Take photos of the items sent by mail or posted on-line
- Report to the police
- Contact your regional council Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
Damage to Property and/or theft
- If the building is unlocked or open when you arrive, DO NOT enter alone as someone could be inside the building
- Call police
- Take photos
- Contact your insurance provider if necessary
- Be aware of how this has impacted members of the community of faith and surrounding community and offer support
- Contact your regional council Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
Someone Acting Aggressively
- Do not engage them if possible
- Find a safe place and call police
- When safe to do so contact your regional council Executive Minister, Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
- If staff have been directly involved, Contact Micol Cottrell, Pastoral Relations Minister MCottrell@united-church.ca
Additional Steps:
In some situations, the community of faith may require additional support and resources.
- Ask the police writing the incident report for the Case Number so it can be followed by your legal representatives
- Contact Nicol Treskler Legal Counsel for The United Church of Canada if legal assistance is needed NTreskler@united-church.ca
- If media are covering the incident consult with General Council staff for assistance writing a statement. Note that it is important to be careful about what is said to prevent jeopardizing the investigation. Rhonda Parkes, Director of Communications RParkes@united-church.ca or Lori-Ann Livingston, Press and Public Relations Lead LLivingston@united-church.ca
- If staff have been directly involved, Contact Micol Cottrell, Pastoral Relations Minister MCottrell@united-church.ca
- Contact EFAP for support for staff and volunteers affected by the incident
Resources:
Mind Beacon online/phone counselling service provided through employment benefits 1 877-252-6707 https://www.mindbeacon.com/
Telus Health administers the UCC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and offers critical incident counselling either in person or by phone at no cost. Phone 1-844-880-9142 and explain that you are a volunteer working in a church leadership capacity. On the automated directory select critical incidents to begin the process.
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by Michele | Jun 28, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, Stewardship, The United Church of Canada, UCW, Volunteer

We’re trying something new. We’re introducing an Ask An Expert series in partnership with the General Council Office. You ask the questions, and we’ll provide the expertise.
Who are the experts? Well, it depends on the topic and staff availability.
Maybe you want to know more about the insurance partnership between the GCO and Communities of Faith. Or what you do when the local newspaper calls (or when you want to get a good story out). Or what the new government relations officer does. Or what the cost-of-living-adjustment is.
It’s kind of like a Pick-Your-Own-Adventure book. Here’s how it works:
1. You send us your questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z
2. We find the expert who can answer them.
3. We all tune in on Wednesday September 18th, 7-8 p.m. by Zoom here: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89972136949
4. As many questions will be answered as can be within the allotted time. Unanswered questions will carry over to the next session, or we’ll answer them on our Regional Council Facebook group.
5. Tough questions are okay. We’ll do our best to answer them, and if we can’t on the spot, we’ll follow up with the right information.
So, pick your adventure. Will it be insurance? Or grants? Climate justice? Governance? Media relations? Government relations? Global partnerships? Or something else?
You pick. Ask your question here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z. Join us on Wednesday September 18th at 7 p.m. to get an answer in real time. Don’t have a question right now? Listeners welcome!
This session will be facilitated by: Michelle Owens