On January 11th2023 the tri-regions hosted a Deficit Dilemma Workshop, with over 185 people in attendance! If you missed this workshop, or would like to review the content, a link to the recording and the Powerpoint Slides are available below:
Video:
Powerpoint Presentation:
Presentation PDF:
Register Now for ANTIRACISM and the UNITED CHURCHIntensive Workshop in 2023 (online)
Part 1: Antiracism Workshop with Selam Debs. Feb 7, 2023, 10:00-11:30 AM ESTPart 2: Antiracism and the UCC with Rev. Alcris Limongi March 7, 2023, 10:00 AM EST
This workshop is brought to you by Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils, and the three regions have covered all costs.
If you have any questions about this workshop or your readiness to participate in it, contact Thérèse Samuel at tsamuel@united-church.ca.
For more information about Antiracism and The United Church, and to register go to: https://catalog.churchx.ca/product?catalog=UILX1150
In the spring of 2022, Kathy Douglas initiated an online meeting for Hamilton area United Churches to talk about sharing a summer Bible-Camp-type program. Steven Barabash, the Community Outreach Leader at Barton Stone Mount Hope United Church in Hamilton, and Pam Byers, the volunteer camp coordinator at Emmanuel United Church in Hamilton, took part and agreed to look at the possibility of Steven doing a program at Emmanuel. The result was a 5-morning Baking and Food Justice Camp at Emmanuel, July 11-1, with 15 children, ages 9 – 14 taking part.
Each day Steven led the kids in baking something different, taught them a few baking skills and talked to the kids about justice issues related to food, such as Fair Trade and buying local. Pam coordinated the volunteer team of 6 adults that helped with set-up, child assistance and clean up, plus she used spiritual resources (Hebrew, Christian, Taoism and Indigenous wisdom) to introduce social norms about the sharing of food with those in need and caring for the world
that have existed since the beginning of time.
Both the children and their parents expressed how delighted they were with the program. Instead of charging a set fee, Emmanuel asked for donations to help cover the expenses and the donations received reflected their appreciation by more than covering the expenses of about $40 per child.
As adults at Emmanuel heard about the program they expressed the desire for a similar program for them, so Steven and Pam will continue to work on that possibility in the fall. We also hope this will lead to further cooperation among the United Churches in the Hamilton area.
It is my pleasure to introduce your new Community of Faith Stewardship Support staff, The Rev. Brenna Baker. As a member of the General Council Philanthropy Unit, Brenna will be serving Western Ontario Waterways, Antler River Watershed, and Horseshoe Falls regions
Brenna has been in ministry in the United Church for 11 years, having joined us from the Presbyterian Church, USA. Spending some time in a rural Saskatchewan community of faith, most recently she has been serving Erindale United Church in Mississauga.
Brenna brings a passion for teaching and stewardship to this position, as well as recently having completed a Certificate in Non-profit and Voluntary Sector Management from Toronto Metropolitan University.
In her own words, “I am a huge fan of the Called to be the Church program and use it often… educating newcomers and occasional visitors about our practices of giving and what, very specifically, their offering goes toward.”
Brenna begins this position on October 17, so please be sure to welcome her. She can be reached at bbaker@united-church.ca.
Rev. Dave Jagger
Community of Faith Stewardship Lead
General Council Philanthropy Unit
The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada Phone 1-800-268-3781 ext. 2073 – djagger@united-church.ca
