Affirming | Antler River Watershed Regional Council

We are Hiring: First Third Ministry Faith Formation

Michele — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:47:02 +0000

Minister First Third Ministry Faith Formation ARW/WOW/HF RCs

Carlisle, ON

$71,004 ‒ $80,924 Annually

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, First Third Ministry Faith Formation on a permanent full-time basis, 35 hours per week.

The Regional Council, as part of the wider United Church of Canada, is a decision-making body responsible to serve and support Communities of Faith within its bounds and provide necessary oversight. The three Regional Councils share staff with many 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:

The Minister First Third Ministry Faith Formation is responsible for supporting first third ministry in communities of faith, and the wider Regional Councils of Southwestern Ontario. They resource First Third Ministry leaders, connect with United Church camping ministries, and work in partnership with the Minister Right Relations and Social Justice and Minister Social Justice to resource the Discipleship and Justice Commission in each regional council. The main areas of focus will be:

Faith Formation

Support and educate communities of faith and their leaders in understanding the current context and cultural shifts that first third ministry finds itself in;
Encourage and equip communities of faith for their ministry with children, youth and young adults and connect and resource leaders engaged in ministry with children, youth and young adults;
Connect with campus ministries leaders, fostering connection and collaboration where possible between local congregations and campus ministries;
Provide resources to foster best practices for recruitment, screening and support of volunteers engaged with vulnerable populations and be available to provide advice on this topic to communities of faith and their leaders; and provide resources to communities of faith around Duty of Care.
Resource United Church camps in their development of United Church curriculum and worship as requested;
Provide training on boundaries and racial, gender and sexual orientation justice for camp staff as requested;
Convene camp directors and Board members for mutual education and support and for the promotion of best practices; and Help to foster connections between camping ministries and the wider UCC including local congregations.
Support, resource and liaison with the Tri-Regional First Third Ministry network;
Recruit and support leaders planning of an annual event for:
Support the involvement of youth from the regional council in national youth events; and Engage in national first third programming when it occurs within the regional councils.
Report monthly with a written report to the Discipleship and Justice Commissions on First Third Ministry within each Regional Council;
Attend Discipleship and Justice meetings upon request of the chair and support the formation of networks related to first third ministry across and beyond the regional councils to respond to Discipleship and Justice concerns.
Attend regional council and General Council staff meetings

Camping Ministries

Regional/National Events

Children across the regional councils;
Youth event for a specific regional council or across regional councils;
Event for young adults for a specific regional council or across regional councils.

Discipleship, Justice and Administration

Report monthly with a written report to the Discipleship and Justice Commissions on First Third Ministry within each Regional Council;
Attend Discipleship and Justice meetings upon request of the chair and support the formation of networks related to first third ministry across and beyond the regional councils to respond to Discipleship and Justice concerns.
Attend regional council and General Council staff meetings

Qualifications

Undergraduate university degree (general three-year program) or its equivalent in experience. Graduate studies in theology would be an asset;
5 years of related work experience; experience in a congregation setting supporting First Third Ministry, preferred;
Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the life and work of The United Church of Canada and First Third Ministry, with an understanding of the changing context of first third ministry;
Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
Strong leadership, organization, teaching and group process skills and significant experience developing and leading youth groups, programs and/or networks, with the ability to design and lead faith formation events for first third ministry;
Skilled at networking, building and supporting connected relationships throughout communities of faith;
Skilled at recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers;
Creativity and resourcefulness together with strong administration, time management, organizational, planning and implementation skills;
Strong computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, social media and online platforms, with a willingness to learn new technologies;
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively;
Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and reflect theologically upon the same;
Good judgement as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; willingness to consult with supervisor when no clear advice is available;
Ability to articulate the importance of Duty of Care, and able to resource, train and offer support for communities of faith around Duty of Care;
Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
Ability and flexibility to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities and ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
A commitment to always maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries;
Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils and membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies would be considered assets; and
Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.

Working Conditions:

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working offsite 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. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Occasional travel within the region and additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $71,004 to $80,924 annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,672. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.

Closing date for applications: January 9, 2026

JOB CODE: 16

Registration Now Open for the ARWRC Spring Meeting

Michele — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:05:19 +0000

Dear Friends,

With joy and anticipation, we, The Regional Executive and Staff, invite you to join us for the Antler River Watershed Regional Spring Meeting on May 30th and 31st, 2025, hosted at Grace United Church in Sarnia.

Our theme this year is “A Time of Renewal: Revitalize,” inspired by Romans 12:2 – “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…”

In this spirit, we gather as a community to reconnect, refresh, and rekindle our shared sense of purpose and call. It will be a time to worship together, engage in meaningful dialogue, hear from our commissions and explore the ways we are being invited to revitalize our ministries and our spirits.

We are thrilled to welcome Gail Barker, a gifted motivational speaker and workshop leader, as our guest. Gail will guide us with wisdom, energy, and encouragement as we reflect on how we continue to be transformed in faith and practice.

Whether you are lay or clergy, long-time attendee or first-time participant, your presence is a vital part of this gathering. We look forward to being together in community, grounded in hope, and open to the Spirit’s renewing power.

With blessings and gratitude,

Rev. Cheryl Bolton

Antler River Watershed Regional Council President

SPRING MEETING 2025

A Time of Renewal: Revitalize

Friday, May 30th to Saturday, May 31st, 2025

Friday May 30th, 2025: 2:00pm-6:00pm Hybrid and 7:30pm In-Person Community Building
Saturday May 31st, 2025: 9:00am – 3:30pm Hybrid

Celebration of Ministry: Grace United Church, Sarnia Saturday May 31st at 4:00pm In-Person and Live streamed to YouTube

Grace United Church, Sarnia
990 Cathcart Blvd, Sarnia, ON N7S 2H2 (Google Map)

Registration for In-person attendance closes: May 14th, 2024 at midnight

Ontario Election – Workshop and Relevant Issues

Michele — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:51:43 +0000

Ontario Election 2025:

More than Tariffs A panel discussion

Sunday Feb 23, 3:00-4:15 PM EST on Zoom

Information to help you faithfully discern your vote and continue advocacy after the Feb 27^th election.

Brief presentations by five panel members on selected topics.

Panelists will respond to questions from the audience.

Advance registration required:

https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pfy-0rDhQt-l-V5KqspFkw

For more information contact:

Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca and John Egger jegger@united-church.ca

Moderator:

Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly serves as the Executive Minister to ECO and EOO Regional Councils in Eastern Ontario. He was ordained in 2020. He served for 5 years as Responsible, Ministries in French, for 9 years as the National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Éric spent 17 years working in federal political circles and 7 years as a registered lobbyist. He also brings a hope-filled passion for the church.

Panel Members

Charles Barrett is a retired economist, who was actively involved in policy dialogue in North America, and the Asia-Pacific region in international economic relations, human resources development and capacity building. He has broad research experience and has written extensively on Canadian and international policy issues. He is a member of Riverside United Church, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council.

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Hetherington is an ecotheologian and ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. Working at the intersection of ecology and theology for 20 years, she inspires people of faith to transform their actions in response to the climate crisis. She currently serves as commissioner on climate justice with the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Sign up for her weekly newsletter: Faith. Climate Crisis. Action. (https://jessicahetherington.substack.com/).

Bryan Smith is a long-term member of the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice, an organization committed to work and advocacy on a wide range of social and environmental issues locally in the County of Oxford and across the planet. It stands in for the Ontario Health Coalition and stands up for public health. Bryan is a retired teacher, and is active in providing school lunches and community dinners, and promoting local foods, the avoidance of waste, community events, and public health.

Rev. Jeffrey Dale (they/he) is the Minister at College Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Jeffrey is a harm reduction advocate and community educator, working with harm reduction advocacy groups throughout the Province of Ontario to educate communities of faith and the wider society regarding the needs of people who use drugs.

Rev. Susan Eagle is the minister at Grace United Church in Barrie. She chairs both the Ecological and Social Justice Commission for Shining Waters Regional Council, and the Steering Committee of the provincial interfaith coalition, ISARC, which does policy analysis and advocacy for income security, homelessness and employment rights. She has worked with newcomer and low-income individuals and sole-support families as a community outreach worker, and served on London City Council for 13 years.

This workshop is presented by the Social Justice Network of Ontario Regional Councils (SJNORC) with representation from Eastern Ontario Outaouais, East Central Ontario, Shining Waters, Canadian Shield, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada.

Engage, Pray, Vote.

Story Sharing of Faith Formation and Social Justice Outreach Activities

Michele — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:20:07 +0000

Is your church or ministry doing something new or exciting to grow your faith, reach out to the community, or seek justice for people or creation?

Don’t just be quiet about it! Let us know, so we can share the good news with others in the regional council.

Click to fill in the form: Story Sharing of Faith Formation, Justice and Outreach Activities – https://forms.office.com/r/cb4c1PR8Q3

God is doing so much in and through our churches. Let us celebrate and encourage one another by sharing stories of Christ’s church at work and at play.

Youth and Elders Fishbowl Discussion

Michele — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:26:25 +0000

Regional Councils of ARW, HF and WOW in partnership with The Hub and Trinity UC Kitchener-
Thursday November 28^th, 2024, 6:30-8:30 (all participants are asked to arrive at 6:40).

Background: Post-pandemic, Youth leaders struggle to put together groups. A message often heard from youth in the church is that what’s being offered doesn’t work for them. Being an intercultural church includes finding ways to bridge communication between different age groups/generations.

Goal– To offer a forum that brings together youth and Elders in the church– a forum that allows the two groups to hear one another and be heard by one another, and to consider what might be the Spirit’s invitation to the church for youth ministry at this time.

FISHBOWL PROCESS:

8 Youth (teens to twenty-somethings) and 8 Elders (45+) from WOW, HF and ARW Regional Councils and facilitators will gather via Zoom.

Discussion questions will invite each to share and listen to experiences of their own youth faith formation, and hopes and challenges for youth ministry then and now.
On each question, using the Zoom spotlight feature to focus on one group of eight:
- Youth will invite one another to share, while the Elders listen.
- Places will be switched, and the Elders will invite one another to share while the Youth listen.
- For some questions, the order might be reversed, with Elders sharing first
After two rounds of sharing in separate groups, Youth and Elders will have an opportunity to reflect together as one group.

Each group will be invited to reflect on what they have heard and consider possible next steps.

Participants will be given questions for reflection and feedback, to be submitted in writing following the session.

This is a cross-cultural listening event, and a pilot project. This session will not focus on problem solving or planning. The focus of this event is to listen and learn about one another as a first step of re-visioning youth ministry in ARW, HF and WOW in this post-pandemic time.

An HONORARIUM of $105 is available for participants who are not otherwise paid for their time in this discussion.

To apply, complete the Application Form :

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qLUYz3gmEUCTEhXw9xV1dPBWSFWIXSNPila5mgKiAchUM0NLV0kyWUtVM1JXUEcyOUw4QlVaRlVDUS4u

Application deadline November 18, 2024

For more information contact

Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca

Kathy Douglas kdouglas@united-church.ca

Adam Cresswell – hubleadership@gmail.com

Aimee Belanger at youthevents@hubcommunity.ca

Register Now for the Antler River Watershed Regional Council Fall Meeting

Michele — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:53:38 +0000

Antler River Watershed Regional Council

A Time of Renewal: Rebuild, Reconnect, Revitalize

Welcomes you to the 2024 Fall Gathering!

Online via Zoom

Friday October 25th: Time 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Saturday October 26th: Time 9:00am – 2:00pm

The Celebration of Ministry will be In-person and Livestreamed on YouTube

Antler River Watershed Regional Council Fall Online Meeting Information

Supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ People

Michele — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:58:22 +0000

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

It has come to our attention that across-Canada anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ protest marches are to be held on Friday, September 20, 2024. The organization responsible, Hands Off Our Kids (https://handsoffourkids.ca/) states their mission is to:“safeguard children from gender ideology teachings, sexual indoctrination, exposure to explicit sexual content, ensuring that parental consent remains paramount.” They also aim to “protect our children from thought control and will ensure their religious freedoms are protected.”

Their rhetoric has been strongly anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ and especially anti-Trans in the past. This group has worked to exert influence in school boards in Ontario and beyond, spreading harmful misinformation and opposing SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) education in schools, again with misinformation. For information about SOGI click HERE.

These marches are planned across Canada on September 20, including the following locations across our tri-regional councils:

WOW: Owen Sound, Meaford, Hanover, Orangeville and Kitchener

HF: Mississauga (2 locations), Oakville, Milton, Hamilton

ARW : London, Windsor

More details and updates can be found on their website: https://handsoffourkids.ca/resources/

A constantly updated list of in-person presence and counter-protests is available here. The private Facebook group 1 Million Voices for Inclusion, which also hosts community-specific chats and planning, is an excellent resource for ideas and support.

Christ calls us to be a peace-seeking, truth-speaking,
love-focused presence in the face of these movements.

How can you be active?

Faith-Filled Responses

Send letters of encouragement to school staff and to any student group or individuals who need support;
deliver homemade real church cookies to those groups/individuals;
use your church signage and lawn to send PIE messaging;
write letters to the editor;
learn about SOGI and what it really is, as opposed to the myths spread about it;
support school board candidates and members who are supportive of 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.
Offer support to transgender, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people who are being targeted by this movement.

Faith-Focussed responses:

Pray
Re-read all the radical bible verses about God’s all- encompassing love.
And be PIE— public, intentional, and explicit—about the fact that you’re people of faith supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ people (using your best judgement about when and how, of course).

When we show up in a positive way, it is noticed!

When discussing with your congregation:

Know that it is possible that well-meaning people in your congregation may be supporting these movements. Leading with language of “hate” in this instance can alienate the well-meaning people that you wish to connect with.
While the “Hands Off Our Kids” and related movements are understood as hate movements, and that is an accurate description of the impact of these movements, not everyone who shows up in support of these marches is doing so out of hate.
Name and honour how this harms people in 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities without conveying an assumption that this harm was intended. Intentions and impacts are often very different, but a well-meaning intention does not erase hurtful and harmful impacts.
Offer grounded information to counteract harmful mis-information.

If you are making plans or have concerns, please contact me, Thérèse Samuel, Minister Right Relations and Social Justice, and my colleague John Egger, Minister, Social Justice.

Thanks to Northern Spirit Regional Council and clergy from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council for sharing information that helped in the creation of parts of this resource.

SAVE THE DATES – ARW Regional Council Fall Meeting October 25 & 26th

Michele — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:07:08 +0000

Reporting Form for Incidents

Michele — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:42:10 +0000

As Pride season continues, hate incidents, assault, hostility and pushback in communities across the nation are on the rise, and some of these incidents go unreported and/or undocumented.

The United Church of Canada is beginning to collate information on these incidents, to map out patterns and also to encourage reporting, create awareness, and support advocacy initiatives.

Unfortunately many congregations and other ministries have already experienced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ pushback. The regional council has created a reporting form for such incidents. Should you experience any incidents, please fill out the form and help us work together to address the pushback against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and wellness here:

Incident Form

And may you have a happy and safe summer.

Thérèse Samuel

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls

TSamuel@united-church.ca

The United Church of Canada Draft Apology 2SLGBTQIA+

Michele — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 17:47:29 +0000

Photo Credit Hannah Voggenhuber via Unsplash

Feedback on a draft apology to members of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities by The United Church of Canada

The United Church of Canada’s Apology Task Group invites feedback on a draft apology to members of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities harmed by The United Church of Canada. This is a part of the United Church’s commitment to continued learning, reconciliation and action. A volunteer apology task group was appointed in November 2023, to draft an intentional living apology that moves beyond a statement to explicit action. Recognizing the need for apologies to be lived into with action, the apology task group has developed this statement in response to the findings of Iridesce: The Living Apology Project and the 2011 National LGBT Consultation, for which feedback is welcome. Further engagement with communities of faith is planned in town hall meetings commencing later this Fall.

The draft and feedback survey can be found here.

At the 42nd General Council, the church approved support for a national process of a Living Apology installation project for dialogue, story-telling, education, and reconciliation with persons who identify as sexual or gender diverse including but not limited to Two-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer persons. The Iridesce: The Living Apology Project launched in 2017 and was a collaboration between the General Council Office (GCO) and Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble (AU/SE).

Over three years, the project gathered stories from across the United Church and submitted its final report to the General Secretary in July 2020. Upon review of the report, it was recommended that the General Council Office (GCO) form a working group to recommend follow-up actions to the General Council Executive. The working group concluded and submitted formal recommendations for follow-up on the Iridesce Project in January 2023. Among the recommendations was the crafting and offering an apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities.

The apology task group members are Rev. Tricia Gerhard , Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai, Christine Dolson, Rev. Aaron Miechkota and Frederick Monteith. Further inquiries can be directed to Rev. Tricia Gerhard at minister@westworth.ca or through the GCO liaison to the task group, Jane Thirikwa at jthirikwa@united-church.ca.

We are Hiring! Executive Assistant to the Regional Councils

Michele — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:26:49 +0000

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

executive-assistant-jd-june-2024-awh.pdf (212.19 KB) (PDF)

Ask An Expert

Michele — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:07:09 +0000

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

Mission Support Grants 2025

Michele — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 19:48:07 +0000

Mission Support Grants 2025

The Discipleship and Justice Commission for your region is now welcoming applications for the 2025 Mission Support granting cycle.

Application forms can be found under “resources” on your regional council’s website. Please use the 2025 form and include all relevant information, even if it was included in previous applications.

Quick Link here: https://arwrcucc.ca/mission-support-grants/

This year we have also included a checklist to help you ensure that all necessary supporting documents have been included in your application.

If you received a grant last year, we are also asking you to provide a story about your ministry and its impact, as outlined in “Sharing Your Story” on the last page of the application form.

Send your completed application and supporting documents (ideally in a single pdf document) to me by email at JEgger@united-church.ca by 8:30 am Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Feel free to reach out to me or any of my colleagues if you have any questions:

John Egger: JEgger@united-church.ca

Kathy Douglas: KDouglas@united-church.ca

Thérèse Samuel: TSamuel@united-church.ca

Blessings on your ministry,

John Egger, Minister, Social Justice

Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister

Michele — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:42:59 +0000

Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister to Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils and a Lenten message. Send messages of welcome to MLaird@United-Church.ca

Registration is Now Open for the Tri-Regional Spring Meeting 2024

Michele — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 01:07:35 +0000

Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting

When: Friday, May 24th to Sunday, May 26th, 2024

Where: Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin

Theme: Life Together

Speaker: The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, UCC Moderator In-Person

Registration:

Registration information you need to know (including accommodation costs)

Click here to register for the meeting

If you need assistance or are unable to complete the online registration form contact: Michele Petick at MPetick@United-Church.ca

Childcare available Free of Charge
Kids and Youth Programming
Kids and Youth accommodation/meals Free of Charge

Registration Deadline: April 15th, 2024

After April 15th, only Zoom registration available

A G E N D A

Friday, May 24th: 2 PM start. Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak.

Saturday, May 25th: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon.

Sunday, May 26th: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Worship with Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes

Note: Time will be designated for each individual Regional Council to meet separately. Each Regional Council will be electing their GC45 Commissioners, President Elect and slate of Executive/Commission members.

Would you like to serve on the Executive or a Commission or become the next President of the Regional Council?

If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for Executive or one of our three Commissions, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by May 1, 2024.

If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for President-Elect, please complete the President-Elect Nomination Form by May 1, 2024.

New for this meeting …

We will be posting Workbook materials on the website, as they become available. A complete Workbook will be made available one week prior to the meeting. So, check back often for updates.

Save the morning! Stewardship Workshop

10am – Noon on Friday morning May 24th (before the start of the Tri-Regional meeting)

You can do hard things: How to Preach on Stewardship
A workshop for ministry personnel and those who lead worship in their communities of faith.

Led by Rev. Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Staff

Registration and more information coming soon. Contact Brenna at bbaker@united-church.ca with questions.

Remit 1: Board or Council must vote by March 31

Michele — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:48:35 +0000

For the remit vote, we are glad to hear that many of you are having conversations about the remit at your congregational meetings. Please also make sure your congregations understand that this is not something the congregation can vote on.

The remit vote must be made by the pastoral charge governing body (Board or Council) and cannot be delegated to the congregation. The Board/Council members should vote according to their own discernment. That being said, it is great for the congregation to share their thoughts before the Board/Council votes on it.

Your Pastoral Charge vote must be sent to General Council by March 31, 2024.

For links to the remit information and for educational materials go to

https://hfrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

https://wowrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

https://arwrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

For more information contact:

Minister, Right Relations and Social Justice: Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca

Minister, Social Justice: John Egger jegger@united-church.ca

Save the Dates: Spring 2024 Tri Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:14:12 +0000

Details we know so far:

Time will be designated for each individual Regional Council to meet separately. Each Regional Council will be electing their GC45 Commissioners, President Elect and slate of Executive/Commission members.

Friday May 24: 2 PM start & Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak

Saturday, May 25: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon

Sunday, May 26: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes

ALERT Re: Potential hate motivated mail being delivered via Canada Post

Michele — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:51:38 +0000

Greetings,

It has come to our attention that material considered a hate crime in Canada is reaching some of our congregations this week. We are saddened to note that this is coming during a time when we are preparing to celebrate the arrival of the Christ in our midst.

The hate mail received this week has included a letter with disturbing messages and a USB key. It has come from the United States and may have a Customs declaration that it is a “gift.” If you receive mail that you suspect to be this or other hate correspondence, here is what we recommend you do:

Do not insert the USB key into any of your devices. Curiosity could put your computer and your security at risk.
Be aware that the letters that we are aware of contained disturbing messages targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. You may choose not to open it.
Report it
- to your local police, and
- also use the Canada Border Services Agency online form to report it if it has come from outside of Canada: https://bwl-lsf.cbsa-asfc.cloud-nuage.canada.ca/tip-sub-en.html

If the mail meets the description provided above, you can report it as suspicious without opening it and include this newsletter to back up your concerns.

For security reasons, never put any USB key from an unknown or hostile source in your computer, as it could contain viruses or other malicious software that could steal your personal information, could cause harm to your computer and could also spread malware to your contacts. If you received a USB key, please report it to the police and surrender it to them. If you have already put such a USB key into your computer, please remove it immediately and take steps to check for malware before using your computer further.

Also, please be mindful of how distressing opening this mail may have been for the staff member or volunteer who did so. It will distress many and be experienced as a personal attack by any who identify with or are family and friends of the targeted population.

If you receive the above noted package or any other hate mail, please reach out to your Regional Council Social Justice staff- Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca and John Egger jegger@united-church.ca, even if only to notify us. Knowing what is happening helps us know how to best support you and the other congregations in our regional councils. And if you would also like any particular information or assistance, please let us know.

Sadly, this kind of hate correspondence profiles why our regional councils have chosen to become Affirming, and it is a reminder of why our Christian presence is so very vital in our communities, our nation and the world. If your congregation is not Affirming and you are interested in exploring the process, here is a link to information: https://affirmunited.ause.ca/affirming-ministry-requirements/, and contact Thérèse tsamuel@united-church.ca or John E jegger@united-church.ca if you have any questions.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your regional council staff who are here to support you.

The Regional Council offices will be closed during the Christmas break. Emails will be answered after our return in the New Year. If you have opened the USB, we recommend contacting your computer care/service provider immediately to seek their advice.

May God bless you and your congregations as you celebrate the arrival of the Christ child, who comes to overturn injustice and to bring true and lasting peace. May the miracle of Christ’s presence fill you with comfort and warmth as you face all the joys and challenges that this season may bring your way.

Yours in Christ,

Thérèse Samuel,

Minister, Right Relations and Social Justice

Job Posting: Executive Minister

Michele — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:39:59 +0000

Photo by Jason Leung via Unsplash

Come and join our team!

We are hiring an Executive Minister : Antler River Watershed/Horseshoe Falls/Western Ontario Regional Councils

Click here for more details

Update from The Presidents of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils

Michele — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:01:52 +0000

From the Desk of the Regional Council Presidents

September, 2023

Dear ARW, HF and WOW Regional Councils,

We hope this message finds you well and having enjoyed a relaxing and restorative summer.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of our Executive Minister, Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa.

Cheryl-Ann is currently on a three- month sabbatical, but she will be leaving us in January to begin a two-year contract offered to her by General Secretary Michael Blair. There she will become one of the staff resourcing General Council 45 and her wealth of experience and knowledge will be drawn upon in helping the wider church in its review of the new structure. We will miss her wisdom and unwavering support and care, but we know just what a valuable resource she will be in her new position at the General Council Office.

The Executive Minister position is being held by the very capable Mark Laird (Past President of WOWRC) during her sabbatical. The position will be posted by the General Council Office shortly and we ask that you hold the Search Team in your prayers.

The Regional Councils will plan an appropriate way to recognize, celebrate, and honour the contribution of Cheryl-Ann and to wish her well in her future endeavours.

Blessings,

ARWRC President Cheryl Bolton

HFRC President Lennox Scarlett

WOWRC President Jennifer Irving