by Michele | Jan 10, 2022 | Affirming, Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
Photo by Jeremy Bezanger via Unsplash
The Tri-Region Affirm Network has created a resource to help!
With gratitude for the work of Network member, Anne Moore, the tri-region Affirming Network is pleased to provide a resource to communities of faith that are discerning and/or have entered into the Affirming Ministries process.
Meant to augment the tools made available through Affirm United/S’Affirmer Ensemble, this resource is full of wisdom gleaned by United Church ministries across the country that are living into the call to be Public Intentional and Explicit about the ways communities of faith live the welcome as Affirming Ministries.
Affirming Network Support Package (1)
Affirming Network Support Package PDF
For more information on the Affirming Ministries process, or the work of the tri-region Affirming Network, please contact Thérèse Samuel (TSamuel@united-church.ca)
by Michele | Jan 5, 2022 | Anti-Racism, Community, Learning Opportunity, News, Resources
The Islington United Church Anti-Racism Working Group is pleased to present a free speaker series in January 2022 on Racism in the Church, designed to educate ourselves and help us take action on racism within our church, the community, and the wider Canadian context.
We hope you will join us. For more information and to register: islingtonunited.org
by Michele | Dec 15, 2021 | Anti-Racism, Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Right Relations, Social Justice
Horseshoe Falls Regional Council is having a Sunday Evenings Discussion Group focusing on Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation as a part of an Anti-Racism series. As the discussion group is online, geography is no longer a barrier to participate in events across The United Church of Canada. Horseshoe Falls President Robert Lawson has invited anyone from Antler River Watershed to join in. The discussions are twice a month on Sunday evenings from 7-830pm, starting on Sunday January 16th. For more information or to register for the event please follow the link below …
It’s time for our next anti-racism series. You are invited to register for our winter series, which focuses on Indigenous justice and reconciliation. We will explore the topic through music, a podcast, a documentary, a Hollywood film, a Canadian film, and three books.
Zoom Conversations are twice a month on Sunday nights, 7-8:30pm, beginning January 16th. You can order your books through the Hamilton Resource Centre (call 905-318-5289). If you are a part of Horseshoe Falls Region, the Region will cover the cost of one book. Contact Deborah Laforet for more information: deborah@stpaulsoakville.com.
Register here, where you will find the media we are exploring and the dates of each Zoom conversation. We look forward to having you join us.
by Michele | Dec 15, 2021 | Community, COVID-19, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
Photo courtesy of Nick Fewings via Unsplash
Thank you for the care and attention you have given to an ever-evolving situation. It is difficult to face another round of uncertainty with the increase in Covid cases and the spread of the Omicron variant. Some communities of faith are re-examining their policies and re-considering their plans for Advent and Christmas.
As a starting point, check with your local health unit. Each health unit sets regulations based on transmission rates in their jurisdiction. Many health units have specific guidelines for worship including rules for singing, communion and masking of worship leaders.
To date, the provincial guidelines that came into effect on October 25th and were communicated in the October 26th regional council newsletter remain in effect:
Worship and Religious Rites
For worship and religious rites, communities of faith can either:
1) continue to welcome unvaccinated people provided that social distancing and capacity limits are followed OR
2) require proof of vaccination and lift social distancing and capacity limits.
Screening of attendees needs to continue.
The Medical Officer of Health has urged vulnerable people to avoid gatherings so please consider what on-line options might be provided for those who are not comfortable attending in-person worship.
Medical Care, Food, Medical Supplies
Proof of vaccination is not necessary. These are the only exemptions in the provincial legislation although some health units have reportedly also exempted AA and other 12 Step Program meetings. Please confirm with your local health unit.
Any Other Church Event, i.e. Meetings, U.C.W., etc.
These are indoor meetings and events and require proof of vaccination. Please make sure all attendees are screened in advance and provide proof of vaccination.
Tenants and Renters
Tenants covered by a lease are themselves responsible for complying with the legislation. The governing body may want to confirm with the tenant how they are complying with the legislation since as landlords they may have some liability risk.
One-off rentals may be the responsibility of the church. Churches should stipulate in any one-off rental contracts that the renter is responsible for complying with all COVID-restrictions then in place, including verifying vaccinations, as required.
Holding communities of faith and their ministry personnel in prayer as they face another round of decisions and remembering that, as Luke recounts the birth of Jesus, that was also a time of chaos and uncertainty. In this unsettled time, may you experience the wonder, hear the angel choir, and come upon Christ with us. God be with you.
Blessings,
Cheryl-Ann
Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa
EXECUTIVE MINISTER, ANTLER RIVER WATERSHED, WESTERN ONTARIO WATERWAYS AND HORSESHOE FALLS REGIONAL COUNCILS
by Michele | Dec 13, 2021 | Community, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada
photo courtesy of Dan Kiefer via Unsplash
The Regional Council Office will be closed December 24th through to January 3rd. Staff will not be responding to email or phone messages during that time. However, should you have an urgent, emergency situation, you can call 1-833-236-0280, ext 2 and leave a message. This voicemailbox will be checked regularly over the Christmas break.
Please note that many of the regional council staff are on holiday during the month of December and the first week of January and we appreciate your patience in receiving a response.
Wishing you a blessed holiday!
