by Michele | Dec 20, 2023 | News, Regional Council, Staff, The United Church of Canada
Today I sent an email to staff titled, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy.” I acknowledged that my news did not rival that announced by the angel choir but it was good news.
It is also good news for our regional councils that Rev. Mark Laird has offered himself as our next Executive Minister. Mark has been engaged with our regional councils from the first meeting of the Transition Teams, so knows what has guided our leaders as they sought to be church in a new way. The goal was to need fewer volunteers so that more of our leaders could focus on “being” the church in their local context. We also sought to grow expertise and understanding among those serving in leadership and the ability of Commission and Executive members to step into staff roles when needed attests to that working.
From our evaluation, we have further steps to take but, as I prepare to leave, I want to applaud all three regional councils for your willingness to work collaboratively, to create a staff complement to strengthen congregations and to steward resources for the future of the church as a whole, and the regional council in particular. It has been a privilege to work with such dedicated and visionary leaders. I will miss you.
To allow Mark to provide the required 90-days’ notice to Drayton United Church, his start date is March 1, 2024. I will be working half-time as your Executive Minister and half-time in my new role as Senior Governance Support Lead. I look forward to when our paths will cross as, together we celebrate 100 Years of Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice starting June 9, 2024, and gather together for General Council 45 in 2025.
It is not me who is announcing the good news of what next for our regional councils but, as a member of one of them, like the shepherds on the hillside, I welcome this good news.
Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa
Executive Minister
by Michele | Dec 19, 2023 | News, Regional Council
SCAM ALERT:
Some congregations have recently received a scam email demanding payment by December 31st under threat of the loss of a particular service or coverage like insurance.
Please check any such demand directly with your provider before ever transferring funds to urgent types of emails or phone calls such as the above scam (do not reply to the sent email – telephone or create a new email to verify the validity of any requests).
[Photo: Markus Spiske via Unsplash]
by Michele | Dec 19, 2023 | News, Regional Council, Staff
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS: 
The Regional Council Staff Team thank YOU for all you are, what you do and share across the Antler River Watershed Region and wishes you and yours a very blessed Merry Christmas and peace-filled Happy New Year 2024.
Please note the Regional Council Office closure Dec 22nd thru to Jan 1st back to work on January 2nd. 
by Michele | Dec 18, 2023 | News, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada
Merry Christmas, Dear Friends!
In the midst of the festivities, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the miraculous gift of God’s love for all humankind through the birth of Jesus Christ. May this season inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our bonds with one another, and rekindle the flame of hope that burns brightly within our hearts.
As we go about our celebrations with loved ones this season
may we pause to remember those who may be experiencing
loneliness, hardship or despair. Take a moment to reach out
in kindness and generosity and share the
hope, peace, joy and love to those who need it most.
During this holy season I think of all of you and I am filled with the hope, peace, joy and love that this season brings. May the Christchild, who offers these gifts to us all, continue to bless you in the coming year.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and may the spirit of Christmas continue to shine brightly in our regional council in the coming new year.
Wishing you Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Cheryl Bolton
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
by Michele | Dec 7, 2023 | Community, News, Regional Council, Staff
The General Council Executive approved the appointment of the Rev. Mark Laird as Regional Council Executive Minister, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls, and Antler River regional councils, at its meeting November 17‒18, 2023.
Mark will begin his new appointment March 1, 2024.
The approval followed the recommendation of the General Secretary and the search team. The selection panel to recruit the new Executive Minister included the presidents of the three regional councils, a member from one of the regional councils, and a senior staff member from the General Council Office.
Mark is a Diaconal Minister and has been serving Drayton United Pastoral Charge since 2015. He has served as President for the Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council, was a member of the General Council Boundaries Commission, and also served as interim Executive Minister for the three regions. Mark brings his love for and experience of the church into his commitment to helping communities of faith engage their ministry.
We welcome Mark and pray for God’s blessings on this new chapter.
