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
We believe that God is calling the United Church to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice. Hearing this, our vision for the next 5-10 years is: Called by God, as disciples of Jesus, The United Church of Canada seeks to be a bold, connected, evolving church of diverse, courageous, hope-filled communities united in deep spirituality, inspiring worship, and daring justice.
One way the United Church is putting this into action is by working to Strengthen Invitation. This is about seeing existing ministries grow, and supporting new communities of faith. To support this, a new Growth Team was formed. We have 3 streams of work.
Renew: We are coming alongside existing communities of faith. We want to help you attract and welcome neighbours, knit them into your congregation’s life, share in the Spirit’s transforming work in their lives, and send them to share in God’s work in the world.
Create: We are seeding and strengthening new communities of faith. Often these will look and feel quite different from what many of us are used to. Imagine what possibilities there are for migrant communities, youth and young adults, Indigenous people, French-speakers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities? What about new forms of rural faith communities? How about online ones? God is calling people together in new ways. How can we join in?
Invite: We are helping United Church people to talk with others about our faith, and invite them to explore the Christian life together with us. How do we share the story of Jesus today? What does a post-Christian, post-colonial, humble and joyful evangelism look like?
An animator brings things to life. God is the Life-giver! I am, at best, a sub-animator. I’ll be looking and listening for glowing embers, sparks of heat and energy, signposts that God is working away. I’ll be seeing how I might blow some helpful air to help them burn a bit brighter: having supportive conversations, sharing in prayer, giving encouragement, exploring questions, making connections, offering resources.
Six Growth Animators are serving across the country. I am focusing on our 3 regional councils in southwest Ontario (Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways). I will be working closely with your regional ministers and commissions. And maybe I’ll get to work with you and your congregation!
I was with Hope Springs United Church until the end of December. It’s a recent amalgamation of Alma, Bethany and Elora United Churches. I continue to be based in Elora, while connecting online and in-person with people throughout our area.
Do you have ideas? Questions? Want to talk with me about your congregation? I have so much to figure out. Still, I’m already glad to listen and learn with you. What might we hear together?
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
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.
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.
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