by Michele | Jul 15, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, The United Church of Canada
We are Hiring!
Job Posting: Executive Assistant
For Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils
Click here for Job Description: https://united-church.ca/opportunities/executive-assistant
Job Number: 24-28
Opening/Closing Date: July 15, 2024 to August 5, 2024
Description
The Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an Executive Assistant on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours per week).
Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils share staff with many, including this position, 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.
Reporting to the Executive Minister, the Executive Assistant supports the Executive Minister, the Regional Councils and their Executives and plays a vital role in the preparation for and holding of Executive and regional council meetings. The Executive Assistant also ensures that the official records of the regional council are properly maintained.
The primary areas of responsibility are:
- Resource meetings of the Executives and Regional Councils (25%).
- Executive Minister Support (22%).
- Support to Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways (15%)
- Information Management (20%)
- Function as or on behalf of the Governing Official (18%)
See attached job description for detailed tasks
Qualifications
- Post-secondary studies in a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a senior administrative role or equivalent work and life experience.
- Computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms and a willingness to use new technologies;
- Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact: offering welcome and support;
- Solid administrative, planning, time management, organizational and situational analysis skills to prioritize and plan work, meeting deadlines and completing multiple tasks on time with limited supervision, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations and priorities;
- Strong minute-taking skills;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written (includes writing, editing, proofreading, keen eye for attention to detail);
- Competence in arranging and hosting electronic meetings;
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, collaboratively and collegially;
- Demonstrated research, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of the United Church would be considered an asset.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada;
- Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff.
Working Conditions
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working from a home office 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. 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 $49,462 to $56,372 per year with the ability to progress to a maximum of $65,950. This is based on category 4 on the 2024 salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate 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 to Human Resources at careers@united-church.ca. Please quote job number 24-28 in your application.
Downloads
by Michele | Jun 28, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, Stewardship, The United Church of Canada, UCW, Volunteer
We’re trying something new. We’re introducing an Ask An Expert series in partnership with the General Council Office. You ask the questions, and we’ll provide the expertise.
Who are the experts? Well, it depends on the topic and staff availability.
Maybe you want to know more about the insurance partnership between the GCO and Communities of Faith. Or what you do when the local newspaper calls (or when you want to get a good story out). Or what the new government relations officer does. Or what the cost-of-living-adjustment is.
It’s kind of like a Pick-Your-Own-Adventure book. Here’s how it works:
1. You send us your questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z
2. We find the expert who can answer them.
3. We all tune in on Wednesday September 18th, 7-8 p.m. by Zoom here: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89972136949
4. As many questions will be answered as can be within the allotted time. Unanswered questions will carry over to the next session, or we’ll answer them on our Regional Council Facebook group.
5. Tough questions are okay. We’ll do our best to answer them, and if we can’t on the spot, we’ll follow up with the right information.
So, pick your adventure. Will it be insurance? Or grants? Climate justice? Governance? Media relations? Government relations? Global partnerships? Or something else?
You pick. Ask your question here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z. Join us on Wednesday September 18th at 7 p.m. to get an answer in real time. Don’t have a question right now? Listeners welcome!
This session will be facilitated by: Michelle Owens
by Michele | Mar 5, 2024 | Community, Events, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, Resources, Staff, The United Church of Canada, Volunteer
There will be signs (Luke 21:25)
Before the pandemic, many of our communities of faith were beginning to see signs that their finances and volunteer resources were declining. Now with the impact of the pandemic the signs are everywhere. Discussions and decisions that were put off as we waited out Covid 19, are now urgently needed. These are signs that the way we have always done things is no longer working, and change is happening, but there are also signs of hope as we face these challenges together. What isn’t helpful is simply letting time rob you of the opportunity to explore options and make choices about the future of your congregation and ministry.
Recognizing the Signs
If your community of faith is:
Anxious about the future of your community of faith?
It’s time to explore options
Struggling to recruit enough volunteers?
It’s time to talk about the future.
Experiencing increasing deficits and declining investments?
It’s time to make a plan
Recognizing signs and making decisions is something we do every day. Overcast sky; we take an umbrella. Gas gauge on empty; we head to the gas station. Toothache; we call the dentist. We have learned that ignoring the signs can lead to bigger problems later. And simply hoping we won’t run out of gas, or the cavity will fix itself is not realistic. The same is true when congregations see signs that their community of faith has become vulnerable due to a lack of money, volunteers or both. While it may be tempting to simply keep going hoping next year will be better, the reality is that with each passing month there is less time to explore options, talk about the future and make plans. And while these may be uncomfortable discussions, it is even more difficult when a decision is forced upon a community of faith because they have run out of resources and time.
There is no denying that acknowledging and responding to the signs is challenging work that takes courage and trust and often leads to change. But it can be the change you choose rather than the change that will happen if nothing is done.
Here are some things you need to know and remember:
1) You are not alone! God is with us. We are with one another.
2) This is not your fault. This change is the result of social, demographic, cultural and other forces beyond the control of any one congregation.
3) Things will not go back to the way they were.
4) The problems will not solve themselves.
5) All of the possible options such as collaboration, property redevelopment, amalgamation and disbanding take time to do well. Waiting until the last moment to make a decision will limit your options.
6) We are a resurrection people. We believe that new life will come, even in the midst of loss.
Your Congregational Support Commission invites you to make 2024 the year all of our communities of faith ask courageous questions about their situation, talk to one another, begin to make plans and choices rather than wait and see, and ask how together we continue our shared ministries as the United Church of Canada.
This year,
- If your community of faith has an abundance of resources, ask, how might we partner with our neighbours so that their ministry continues?
- If your neighbouring church is closing, ask how you might pick up some of their ministries so that the good work continues?
- Complete or update your community of faith profile, and look for signs that it is time to take control and start making plans.
Finances – Signs to Watch For
Halo Canada conducted a study of approximately 4300 churches in Canada that closed between 2009 and 2018. Their findings identified several key characteristics of congregations at risk of closing.
Warning Signs
- An annual deficit for three or more years consecutively
- Annual expenses running 30% higher than revenue
- Cash and long-term investments less than three times the annual deficit
- Property expenses 30% or more of annual expenses
- Staffing costs greater than 60% of the total expenses.
- Trend of declining income and/or increasing deficit
If a congregation is experiencing 3 or more of these risk factors, they are at high risk of closure in the next 3-5 years.
Use the Financial Viability Worksheet to identify whether these risk factors apply to your community of faith.
Volunteers – Signs to Watch For
Communities of Faith need capable, willing and available volunteers to carry out the work of being a church. Members are needed for the governing body, Board of Trustees and M&P committee and to help organize events, fundraisers, and worship. While it can be useful to have people with experience offer leadership, it becomes a problem when people feel they cannot “retire” from a position because there is no one available to take over the responsibility. In some congregations, a few people are stretched thin trying to ensure everything gets done.
Warning Signs
- Volunteers are being asked to fill more than one position
- Volunteers have held the same position for more than 5 years because there was no one else available
- The Board of Trustees or M&P Committee do not have the required 3 members
- Volunteers are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or resentful
- Very few people are gathering for worship in person or virtually
If a congregation is experiencing these challenges they are at risk of closure in the near future, even if they have ample financial resources.
Use the Demographic Worksheet to identify whether these risk factors apply to your community of faith.
Taking Charge – Exploring Options
Once your community of faith has determined whether they are at risk, you can now begin to make plans for your future. Knowing that your resources may be exhausted in a few years, you can begin to explore options and make choices.
Options and Opportunities
- Reach out to your regional council Congregational Support Minister and the Congregational Support Commission.
- Collaborative Ministry – share resources and ministry personnel with another congregation to reduce expenses
- Purchase complete worship services with recorded sermons to reduce the cost and time required to arrange for pulpit supply each week.
- Explore options to redevelop property or increase rental income
- Sell your property and rent space in the community or “nest” with another congregation to share worship and building facilities
- Begin to discuss amalgamation with a neighbour. (a good amalgamation requires time, at least a year in most cases, to get to know one another, create an agreement, celebrate the past and embrace the future)
- Make plans to disband. To do this well takes time. Time to celebrate the ministry you have shared, time to grieve, time to plan your legacy and time to manage your property and records.
Lynne Allin
MINISTER, CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT Horseshoe Falls and Antler River Watershed Regional Councils
You are Invited to:
Vulnerable Congregations Discussion
While this may feel overwhelming, remember you are not alone. The Congregational Support Commission is inviting your Minister, Chair, Treasurer and Lay Representative to a discussion session. Please share this article and the link below. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Lynne Allin (she/her) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Vulnerable Congregations Discussion
Horseshoe Falls Regional Council March 21st, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/87178139356 Meeting ID: 871 7813 9356
Join by Phone: 1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free
Antler River Watershed Regional Council April 17th, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/88944207737 Meeting ID: 889 4420 7737
Join by Phone: 1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free
by Michele | Mar 4, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunities, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, Stewardship, The United Church of Canada, UCW, Volunteer
Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting
When: Friday, May 24th to Sunday, May 26th, 2024
Where: Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin
Theme: Life Together
Speaker: The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, UCC Moderator In-Person
Registration:
Registration information you need to know (including accommodation costs)
If you need assistance or are unable to complete the online registration form contact: Michele Petick at MPetick@United-Church.ca
- Childcare available Free of Charge
- Kids and Youth Programming
- Kids and Youth accommodation/meals Free of Charge
Registration Deadline: April 15th, 2024
After April 15th, only Zoom registration available
A G E N D A
Friday, May 24th: 2 PM start. Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak.
Saturday, May 25th: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon.
Sunday, May 26th: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Worship with Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes
Note: 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.
Would you like to serve on the Executive or a Commission or become the next President of the Regional Council?
If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for Executive or one of our three Commissions, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by May 1, 2024.
If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for President-Elect, please complete the President-Elect Nomination Form by May 1, 2024.
New for this meeting …
We will be posting Workbook materials on the website, as they become available. A complete Workbook will be made available one week prior to the meeting. So, check back often for updates.
Save the morning! Stewardship Workshop
10am – Noon on Friday morning May 24th (before the start of the Tri-Regional meeting)
You can do hard things: How to Preach on Stewardship
A workshop for ministry personnel and those who lead worship in their communities of faith.
Led by Rev. Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Staff
Registration and more information coming soon. Contact Brenna at bbaker@united-church.ca with questions.
by Michele | Feb 5, 2024 | Community, News, Regional Council, Staff, The United Church of Canada
Epiphany Greetings!
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?
Together in Christ,
Greg Smith-Young (he/him)
Growth Animator | Southwest Ontario
gsmith-young@united-church.ca
