Phone: 1-833-236-0280 | Mailing Address: PO Box 100, Carlisle, Ontario L0R 1H0 | arwrc@united-church.ca
Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas

Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas

woman in a blue sweatshirt and black pants and sandals in a forest chapel with people sitting around her

Kathy Douglas at Camp Bimini

Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas, Faith Formation Minister

With heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation, we announce the retirement of Kathy Douglas, our beloved Faith Formation Minister, after six years of dedicated service to the Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.

Kathy has been a guiding light in the spiritual formation of countless folks across all ages. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing faith, fostering community, and walking alongside others on their spiritual journeys has left a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege to know her.

From organizing youth retreats to Palestinian marches, Kathy’s ministry has been marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep love for Christ and the United Church of Canada community. Her legacy will live on in the lives she has touched and the seeds of faith she has helped to plant and grow.

Please join us in celebrating Kathy’s retirement and honoring her incredible contributions. Celebration of Kathy’s ministry to be announced at a later date, all will be welcome to attend and share in this joyful occasion.

Kathy, thank you for your years of faithful service. May your retirement be filled with peace, joy, and the continued blessings of God’s grace.

Kathy’s official retirement date will be December 31st, 2025.

Announcing: Karlene Kimber, Congregational Support Minister

Announcing: Karlene Kimber, Congregational Support Minister

a woman with shoulder length blond and grey hair wearing white round drop earring smiling

We are pleased to announce Karlene Kimber will be joining our team as Congregational Support Minister to Antler River Watershed Regional Council. Karlene will be working part-time and starts her position with the region on September 1st! Welcome Karlene and we look forward to you joining the team in this important work.

More about Karlene:

Karlene is deeply committed to helping people and communities grow in faith, hope, and connection. She has served in a variety of ministry settings, including a two-point charge and a five-point collaborative ministry, and brings valuable experience in guiding faith communities through change with compassion, curiosity, and encouragement. Karlene is eager to learn about the unique needs of the communities of faith in our region, to walk alongside them as they explore new possibilities, and to serve the wider church in whatever ways she can. In her free time, she enjoys reading, creating art, baking, and spending time with her family.

We are Hiring, Minister Pastoral Suport

Job Number: 25-17
Opening/Closing Date: May 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025

Description

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Pastoral Support 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 Pastoral Support is responsible for supporting ministry personnel. It is the key way the regional council fulfills its responsibility for encouraging and supporting ministry personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry practice. The main areas of focus will be:

  • Pastoral Care and Support for Ministry Personnel
  • Connection
  • Support the formation of pastoral relationships
  • Guidance

*Attached is a copy of the full job description

Qualifications

  • Minimum of four years post-secondary education or appropriate life experience;
  • Graduate studies in theology, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training and designation and Spiritual Direction training would be an asset;
  • 5 years of related work experience
  • Membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies or experience working in a similar faith community would be considered an asset;
  • Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
  • Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
  • Group facilitation skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
  • Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
  • Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills with the ability to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities;
  • Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils;
  • Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
  • Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
  • Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
  • Initiative, good judgement, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
  • Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.

Working Conditions:

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the regional council 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. Travel within the region will be required. Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $69,204.79 to $78,873.29 annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $92,273.03. 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.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting job number 25-17 to Human Resources,  e-mail: careers@united-church.ca.

Please note, interviews will be held on the week of June 23, 2025 and will be contacted in advance.

***Internal applicants, if interested, please advise your immediate manager of your intentions.

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We are Hiring! Minister, Congregational Support (Part-time 60%)

We are Hiring! Minister, Congregational Support (Part-time 60%)

a green paper sign with the words we are hiring

Job Number: 25-08
Opening/Closing Date: March 31, 2025 to April 30, 2025

Description

Antler River Watershed Regional Council of The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Congregational Support on a permanent part-time basis at 60% time (21 hours per week).This position reports to the Executive Minister.

The Minister Congregational Support resources the partnership between communities of faith and regional councils in the articulation of congregational ministry and the decisions flowing from that. This position works in close collaboration with the Minister, Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways, and the Minister, Pastoral Relations and in consultation with the Growth Animator and UCC partners such as Kindred Works (United Property Resource Corporation)  The main areas of focus will be:

  • Congregational Support: Nurture covenant relationship between the Regional Council and Communities of Faith, design and publish resources, support Communities of Faith dealing with emergencies and support emerging communities;
  • Ensure fulfillment of Regional Council responsibilities:  Resource the Congregational Support Commission by gathering and distributing required documentation to ensure the Commissions’ timely action on matters requiring their decision;
  • Resource property work: Provide support and advice to communities of faith dealing with real property within the guidelines of the regional council property policy;
  • Oversight and Administration: Promote compliance with both church and government requirements.

A copy of the full position description is attached.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of four years post-secondary education or appropriate life experience and 3-5 years of related work experience;
  • Graduate studies in theology would be an asset.
  • Membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies or experience working in a similar faith community would be considered an asset;
  • Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
  • Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
  • Skilled at recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers and Group facilitation skills;
  • An understanding of property matters, including leases, property sales and collaboration agreements and CRA regulations concerning property would be an asset;
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
  • Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
  • Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills with the ability to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities;
  • Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
  • Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils;
  • Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
  • Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
  • Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
  • Initiative, good judgement, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;

Working Conditions:

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the regional council 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. Travel within the region will be required.  Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $42,522.87 to $47,324.08 pro-rated annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $55,363.81. 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.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting job number 25-08 to Human Resources,  e-mail: careers@united-church.ca.

Internal applicants, if interested, please advise your immediate manager of your intentions.

Please note, Candidates who are being invited for an interview will be contacted the week of May 19th and interviews will be held the week of May 26th, 2025.

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Staff Announcement: Rev. Kevin Steeper, Pastoral Support Minister

Staff Announcement: Rev. Kevin Steeper, Pastoral Support Minister

a man with white hair and a beard wearing a green coat and jeans a woman with short grey hair wearing a grey jacket and dark pants in the background in a blue sky an ancient stone wall and trees
Kevin Steeper and Kate Ballagh-Steeper in Northern Scotland

Kevin Steeper our Pastoral Support Minister has accepted a call with the Eramosa pastoral charge effective April 1st, 2025.

For the last six years Kevin has served and supported our Regional Councils in this unique role with grace, prayer and confidentiality.  His dedication to this important work has been seen and felt by many through emails, phone calls, visits, clergy gatherings and luncheons.

As a staff team we’re not sure what we’re going to do without Kevin and his black belts in Taekwondo and skill in Aikido. We’re pretty sure the virtual office will be a much louder place, as Kevin limited himself to only 100 words per day and we’re not sure Eramosa pastoral charge will be ready for that. Good luck Kevin, we wish you all the best and don’t forget us!

Kevin will be using compensation time and vacation as he prepares to transition between the two roles. Eramosa’s gain is our loss and Kevin will truly be missed by the Tri-Regional Councils. Eramosa pastoral charge is blessed to have Kevin join their ministry at the beginning of April.

Staff Announcement: Rev. Lynne Allin, Congregational Support Minister

Staff Announcement: Rev. Lynne Allin, Congregational Support Minister

two people in a kayak in portugal

Benagil Caves, Portugal
It is with mixed emotions we announce the retirement of Lynne Allin, our Congregational Support Minister for the last six years.

Her unwavering commitment to communities of faith in the Antler River Watershed and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils have been instrumental to the success of many congregations. Lynne’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with her ability to see the bigger picture, has been invaluable.

Her willingness to go the extra mile to meet tough challenges consistently demonstrated her dedication to excellence. We are incredibly grateful for her constant support with the Regional Council staff team. Beyond her exceptional skills, Lynne has been a cherished friend to all, offering thoughtful encouragement and unwavering support.

We lose Lynne to her beloved grandchildren and her calling kayak! Her last day will be June 1st, 2025. We celebrate Lynne on a well-deserved retirement.

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