Events | Antler River Watershed Regional Council https://arwrcucc.ca Holding and Encouraging Communities of Faith Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:35:39 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://arwrcucc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cropped-favicon-1-32x32.png Events | Antler River Watershed Regional Council https://arwrcucc.ca 32 32 Towards 2035 Townhall Meetings https://arwrcucc.ca/towards-2035-townhall-meetings/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=towards-2035-townhall-meetings Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:35:39 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=47481 blue background in white text townhall meeting red accents for registration

Towards 2035 Townhall Meeting

You may have seen the presentation at the Regional Councils fall meeting…you may have heard about it from a colleague or fellow congregation member…you may have seen the General Council resources for Communities of Faith…you may be asking yourself “What does this all mean?”

Please join me (Executive Minister Mark) for a time of conversation, and answering questions of what does Towards 2035 mean in your local context, and what resources are needed for us to be this group of:

resilient, inspired, diverse contextual communities of disciples

seeking to continue the story of Jesus

by embodying Christ’s presence in the world!

These sessions are open to clergy, lay reps, chairs of boards/council’s congregation members. Please register for a time at fits your schedule:

Wed April 29th 7-8:30pm

Wed May 6th 7-8:30 pm

Tues May 12th 1:30-3pm

Blessings,
Rev. Mark Laird
Executive Minister, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada
mlaird@united-church.ca

Register here now: https://forms.office.com/r/ZjvMB4TVKL

]]> We are Hiring: First Third Ministry Faith Formation https://arwrcucc.ca/we-are-hiring-first-third-ministry-faith-formation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=we-are-hiring-first-third-ministry-faith-formation Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:47:02 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=42991 pink text on a black background in a speech bubble

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

Apply here now: https://unitedchurch.elevate-ats.com/job/982153/minister-first-third-ministry-faith-formation-arw-wow-hf-rcs?s=cw
]]> Join us for Kathy Douglas’ Retirement Party https://arwrcucc.ca/join-us-for-kathy-douglas-retirment-party/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=join-us-for-kathy-douglas-retirment-party Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:24:54 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=33375 a woman with curly shoulder length hair wearing glasses and smiling

]]> An Invitation from ARWRC President, Richard Auckland https://arwrcucc.ca/an-invitation-from-arwrc-president-richard-auckland/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=an-invitation-from-arwrc-president-richard-auckland Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:55:58 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=31533

]]> Registration NOW OPEN for Antler River Watershed Regional Council Fall Meeting 2025 https://arwrcucc.ca/registration-now-open-for-antler-river-watershed-regional-council-fall-meeting-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=registration-now-open-for-antler-river-watershed-regional-council-fall-meeting-2025 Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:52:45 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=31529 orange and gold fall leaves with trees in autumn on a blue background and black text

Register Now for the Antler River Watershed Regional Council Fall Meeting

THEME: SEASONS

Online via Zoom Only

Friday October 3rd: Time 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday October 4th: Time 9:00am – 3:00pm

Click here for a Video Invitation from ARWRC President, Richard Auckland

Good day, and with fall-like weather upon us it is a glorious day. It is hard to believe we are winding up our summer and heading into fall. Students and teachers are heading back to school, and as a retired educator, I know how they are feeling – a little nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and an unsurety of what the future holds. And as a church, we too may be feeling similarly about what the future holds. Toward 2035 is an initiative of the General Council Office predicting and planning what the United Church of Canada’s future may hold for us all. During our meeting time, we will also review some of the events of General Council 45 held in Calgary. The theme of our fall meeting will be Seasons, taken from Ecclesiastes. Won’t you join us online on Friday, October 3rd & Saturday, October 4th? Registration is open now!

Looking forward to seeing you online in October,

Richard Auckland

President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council of The United Church of Canada

REGISTER NOW: ARWRC Fall Meeting 2025

 

Meeting Target Dates:

Registration Opens: Thursday September 4th (no registration closing date required)

Complete Workbook and Zoom Link: Tuesday, September 23rd
Note: Meeting Information will be posted on the website as it becomes available HERE

Meeting Dates:
Friday October 3rd: 6:30pm-8:30pm  Online via Zoom
Saturday October 4th: 9:00am- 3:00pm Online via Zoom

Post Meeting Feedback Survey – Monday October 6th via email

 

]]> The Climate Express https://arwrcucc.ca/the-climate-express/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-climate-express Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:51:35 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=31407 The Climate Express leaves on it’s journey to GC45 on Wednesday July 30th, follow along here:

https://www.polarsteps.com/ClimateExpress/19256495-climate-express

a train on a blue background with a white mountain

]]> Registration Now Open for the ARWRC Spring Meeting https://arwrcucc.ca/registration-now-open-for-the-arwrc-spring-meeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=registration-now-open-for-the-arwrc-spring-meeting Wed, 16 Apr 2025 14:05:19 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=30331 blue and white spring flowers, people in a circle holding hands and a hand on a keyboard

a woman with short brown red hair, wearing glasses and a blue shirt with a white pastor's collar in the background is a tiled wall

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

 

Register Now for ARWRC Spring Meeting 2025 ]]> Ontario Election – Workshop and Relevant Issues https://arwrcucc.ca/ontario-election-workshop-and-relevant-issues/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ontario-election-workshop-and-relevant-issues Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:51:43 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27622 a light brown hand holding a yellow X

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 27th 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.

Read More Here ]]> Black History Month Event https://arwrcucc.ca/black-history-month-event/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=black-history-month-event Tue, 28 Jan 2025 16:42:59 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27489 decorative

Register here now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lu2FfRocTb6yqlx2FznABw

]]> ARWRC Spring Meeting 2025 https://arwrcucc.ca/arwrc-spring-meeting-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arwrc-spring-meeting-2025 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:06:20 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27479 blue flowers, people raining their hands together, a hand on a laptop keyboard

Hybrid and In-Person

When: May 30th and 31st
Where: Grace United Church, Sarnia

More details to come as they become available.

]]> Effective Transitional Leadership Training Course https://arwrcucc.ca/effective-transitional-leadership-training-course/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=effective-transitional-leadership-training-course Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:41:22 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27348 a multicoloured mosaic
A Unique Learning Opportunity for Lay Leaders and Ministry Personnel in ARW, HF and WOW

The Effective Transitional Leadership (ETL) Training Course has been designed by the Interim Ministry Network to support the work of ministry personnel and lay leaders in congregations experiencing change and transitions.

This training will be held on the following dates:

  • March 6, 13, 20 and 27th
  • Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT via Zoom
  • Instructor: Pegi Ridout

This is a fantastic opportunity you to enhance your leadership skills.

What are the intended outcomes of ETL?

  • understanding change theory and how to apply it in transitional times
  • feeling more competent in the role of a transitional leader and facilitator for the work of your congregation
  • being equipped to manage both yourself and your congregation in the midst of conflict
  • practicing transitional leadership, using tools designed to guide a congregation through a transition
  • applying your learnings, using case studies and reflection on your experience/knowledge
  • overall, being prepared and confident to assist a congregation towards health, effectiveness, and faithfulness to its purpose/mission

The cost for this training is $75 per person – a savings of 50% off the regular price.

Registration is limited to 24 people.

Attendance at all 4 sessions is expected.

Course material and the zoom link will be provided closer to the first meeting.

Registration Closes on February 24, 2025

Payment can be made by e-Transfer to hfrc@united-church.ca or by cheque mailed to Horseshoe Falls Regional Council – PO Box 100, Carlisle, Ontario L0R 1H0

Please respond using the link to the registration form by February 24, 2025:  

Register Now:

ETL Training Registration Form

This is an opportunity you do not want to miss. We look forward to your participation!

For more information about the course ETL Description  and   ETL and IMN FAQ

]]> Pilgrimage of Learning Delegations https://arwrcucc.ca/pilgrimage-of-learning-delegations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pilgrimage-of-learning-delegations Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:14:10 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27344 The United Church of Canada invites United Church of Canada individuals interested in learning about global partners and the Global Partnership Program to apply to the Pilgrimage of Learning initiative, comprising of 4 delegations each visiting one (1) partnership region (Latin America & the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East) between May and September, 2025.

Are you interested in engaging with global partners in their own contexts to witness first-hand the mutuality of partnership? About the rich history of Mission & Service partners, and the priorities that they are addressing?

Read more here:

https://united-church.ca/opportunities/pilgrimage-learning-delegations

]]> Story Sharing of Faith Formation and Social Justice Outreach Activities https://arwrcucc.ca/story-sharing/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=story-sharing Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:20:07 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27316 in the background is a camp, a water faucet, rainbow LGBTQ and a pantry of food

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.

]]> Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator https://arwrcucc.ca/flourishing-spend-a-day-with-the-moderator/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=flourishing-spend-a-day-with-the-moderator Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:42:21 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27296 yellow and pink background with a a woman with dark mid length hair wearing glasses and a green shirt
Flourishing: Antler River, Western Ontario Waterways, and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils

Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities.

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (local time).

9:00am -9:30am Registration and coffee/tea

9:30am – Welcome and Introductions

In person

Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford, ON N5A 6N4

All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy, and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.

The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect to one another in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.

Is your church flourishing?

(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)

Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?

How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Flourishing Workshop

]]> ARWRC President Cheryl Bolton’s Christmas Message https://arwrcucc.ca/arwrc-president-cheryl-boltons-christmas-message/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=arwrc-president-cheryl-boltons-christmas-message Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:49:36 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27171 a woman with short brown red hair, wearing glasses and a blue shirt with a white pastor's collar in the background is a tiled wall

 

Dear Friends,

As we gather to celebrate the joyous season of Christmas, I want to extend my warmest greetings and blessings to each member of the Antler River Watershed Region. As we travel through the Advent Season, we reflect on the profound gifts of Hope, Peace Joy and Love that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into our world.

Those gifts often feel lost with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and it is easy to feel disconnected—from our loved ones, our communities, and even from God. Christmas is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew these essential bonds.

This season, I invite you to reconnect with each other and with God in meaningful ways. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a meal, a story, or simply a moment of your time. Maybe you are missing seeing your neighbouring churches or colleagues, why not reach out and get together support each others events, form a cluster or just have that coffee that we keep talking about having but never quite set a date!  The new year is the perfect time for new and renewed relationships. When we connect with one another, we embody the spirit of Christ’s love and hospitality.

Let us also take time to reconnect with God. Through prayer, scripture, and worship, we can deepen our relationship with the Divine. Remember the humble manger where Jesus was born—a symbol of God’s profound love and presence in the simplest of places. God is always with us, inviting us into a deeper communion.

As we light our Advent and Christ candles, may they remind us of the light of Christ that shines within us and guides our path. Let this light inspire us to spread Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in our communities of faith and beyond.

May your hearts be filled with the wonder of Christ’s birth, and may you experience the true meaning of Christmas through the warmth of reconnection this holiday season and beyond.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with grace and peace.

In Christ’s Love,

Rev. Cheryl Bolton
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council

]]> Worshiplude 2025 https://arwrcucc.ca/worshiplude-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=worshiplude-2025 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:58:57 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27165 a dark blue background with hanging lights promoting Worshiplude

]]> Clarity on 100th anniversary package sent to communities of faith  https://arwrcucc.ca/clarity-on-100th-anniversary-package-sent-to-communities-of-faith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=clarity-on-100th-anniversary-package-sent-to-communities-of-faith Tue, 26 Nov 2024 17:55:12 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=27017 Clarity on 100th anniversary package sent to communities of faith 

Nov 20, 2024 | News, UCC Centenary 

In October, many communities of faith or pastoral charges received communication from Brian Arthur Brown, chair of Friends of the United Church Foundation and author of two recent books that were widely distributed to communities of faith, Keys to the Kindom and The Untied Church. 

The letter speaks about inviting specified Communities of Faith to come together and participate in events for the United Church’s 100th Anniversary, including special services raising funds for specific ministry initiatives within the church. The associated group calls itself “Friends of the (United Church) Foundation”. 

The communication circulating is an invitation, not a directive or a request from any official body within the denomination. Communities of faith are free to engage the invitation or develop their own ways of commemorating this milestone in the history of our denomination. The choice is entirely yours. 

Further clarity about Centennial worship services 

The worship service referred to in the correspondence is not the worship for the Centennial.  It is one of many such planned services, and communities of faith that appear in the lists were chosen somewhat randomly and/or for their association with the members of the Friends of the Foundation. The services Brian Arthur Brown is organizing will happen live on June 1st and be available online on June 10, ,2025. The official denominational national service will be held online and in person in St John’s NL on June 8th, 2025. 

Antler River Watershed will likely hold its own Region-wide centennial service online, with materials available for all communities of faith, possibly alongside the Celebration of Ministries service. More information will be sent out through the weekly newsletter as plans develop. 

In the meantime, please check the information on the General Council 100th anniversary page  and the Regional Council anniversary page for more information about these events and services. 

And remember, the Region and the national church want to help promote your plans! Have a look at the above links, and please let the Regional office and Keeper of the Archives know if we can support you in any way. We wish you creative and faithful planning as we commemorate this milestone, honour those who came before us, and look to the future. 

]]> Youth and Elders Fishbowl Discussion https://arwrcucc.ca/youth-and-elders-fishbowl-discussion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=youth-and-elders-fishbowl-discussion Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:26:25 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=26117 a fishbowl with orange fish swimming on a dark purple background promoting a cross generation discussion

Regional Councils of ARW, HF and WOW in partnership with The Hub and Trinity UC Kitchener-
Thursday November 28th, 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 https://arwrcucc.ca/register-now-for-the-antler-river-watershed-regional-council-fall-meeting/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=register-now-for-the-antler-river-watershed-regional-council-fall-meeting Thu, 03 Oct 2024 13:53:38 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=26098 red, yellow and brown fall leaves on a blue background promoting a fall meeting

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

Register for the ARWRC Fall Meeting Now ]]> Ask An Expert – Answer Session https://arwrcucc.ca/ask-an-expert-answer-session/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ask-an-expert-answer-session Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:28:14 +0000 https://arwrcucc.ca/?p=25804 ask an expert even poster in the background is a blue sky with white clouds

Ask An Expert – Answer Session:


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Join us on Wednesday evening for a special one hour Zoom event.

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 from 7-8pm

We’ve been asked some great questions over the summer, come and hear the answers! 👂👂👂

Some of the experts include Mark Laird, Executive Minister, Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewarship Support and hosted by Rev. Michelle Owens.

All welcome to attend on Zoom at this link https://united-church.zoom.us/j/7858382024!
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