by Michele | Jul 16, 2025 | Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Community, News, Regional Council, Social Justice, Staff
Kathy Douglas at Camp Bimini
Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas, Faith Formation Minister
With heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation, we announce the retirement of Kathy Douglas, our beloved Faith Formation Minister, after six years of dedicated service to the Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.
Kathy has been a guiding light in the spiritual formation of countless folks across all ages. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing faith, fostering community, and walking alongside others on their spiritual journeys has left a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege to know her.
From organizing youth retreats to Palestinian marches, Kathy’s ministry has been marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep love for Christ and the United Church of Canada community. Her legacy will live on in the lives she has touched and the seeds of faith she has helped to plant and grow.
Please join us in celebrating Kathy’s retirement and honoring her incredible contributions. Celebration of Kathy’s ministry to be announced at a later date, all will be welcome to attend and share in this joyful occasion.
Kathy, thank you for your years of faithful service. May your retirement be filled with peace, joy, and the continued blessings of God’s grace.
Kathy’s official retirement date will be December 31st, 2025.
by Michele | Jun 27, 2025 | Community, News, Regional Council, Staff, The United Church of Canada
We are pleased to announce Karlene Kimber will be joining our team as Congregational Support Minister to Antler River Watershed Regional Council. Karlene will be working part-time and starts her position with the region on September 1st! Welcome Karlene and we look forward to you joining the team in this important work.
More about Karlene:
Karlene is deeply committed to helping people and communities grow in faith, hope, and connection. She has served in a variety of ministry settings, including a two-point charge and a five-point collaborative ministry, and brings valuable experience in guiding faith communities through change with compassion, curiosity, and encouragement. Karlene is eager to learn about the unique needs of the communities of faith in our region, to walk alongside them as they explore new possibilities, and to serve the wider church in whatever ways she can. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating art, baking, and spending time with her family.
by Michele | Jun 20, 2025 | Community, Funds & Grants, Regional Council, Resources
More Information Here
by Michele | Jun 9, 2025 | News, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada, Volunteer
Message from the Antler River Watershed Regional Council President
My name is Richard Auckland and I live in Talbotville, ON. I look forward to serving the Antler River Watershed Region as President. My spouse, Karen and I, have three adult children, who I am so thankful for, as they still like coming home for meals, games or just to hang out. I’m a 50+ year member of First United Church in St. Thomas, and have served on the Official Board and Trustees of that church. I am a retired educator having worked in elementary schools as first a teacher, and then in administration. I continue to support students through tutoring and working with Teacher’s College candidates at the Western University in London. Additionally, I am President of the Elgin-St. Thomas Christmas Care program which serves area residents with a food hamper and toys for children at Christmas. I plan to bring some of the skills I have accumulated to my role as President and I look forward to meeting and working with congregations across our area.
What a great Celebration of Ministry on May 31! It was good to be a part of the service at Grace United Church in Sarnia as part of the Spring Meeting of ARW. Rebecca, Melodee and Martin have entered into the next chapter in their ministerial journeys. And Japhet made the trip from Capetown, South Africa (a journey of 27+ hours of flying, waiting and driving on top of that) to support Martin. Now that’s dedication. My hope is that all our ARWRC Communities of Faith are feeling supported in their spiritual challenges and triumphs. It was good to connect with many individuals over the course of the Friday and Saturday meetings. As well, the available staff were present offering their support. It is great to be a part of a wonderful team of caring individuals. I would encourage Communities of Faith to reach out and connect with us. As a team, that is a lot of knowledge and experience on which to draw and find creative solutions or walk the journey, whatever it is, with you.
I look forward to serving Antler River Watershed as President for the coming two years, as I have served it in various capacities over the last 6 years on the Mission & Discipleship Commission and Executive. And lastly, thank you to Past President, Cheryl Bolton for offering her leadership over these last two years. I’m glad she is not going too far so that I can call on her for guidance as we move forward together into the next 100 years of the United Church of Canada!
Richard Auckland
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
by Michele | Jun 4, 2025 | 100th Anniversary, The United Church of Canada
Don’t miss The United Church of Canada’s historic National Centennial Anniversary service – Sunday, June 8!
We invite you to join us in person or online, Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. NDT, at Gower Street United Church, 99 Queens Rd, St. John’s, NL for a special National Centennial worship service to mark the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada.
Find the official 100th Anniversary Worship Service Bulletin HERE
The Centennial Service is a significant milestone for the people of The United Church of Canada, offering a chance to reflect on our journey and envision the path ahead. Please join us in person or on the livestream! https://www.youtube.com/live/bh4sW1kdpWo
More information here: https://united-church.ca/…/national-centennial-worship…
#UCCan #UCCan100 #UnitedChurch100
