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 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 | Sep 20, 2023 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, 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
Photo by Jason Leung via Unsplash
Come and join our team!
We are hiring an Executive Minister : Antler River Watershed/Horseshoe Falls/Western Ontario Regional Councils
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by Michele | Sep 12, 2023 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Community, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, Stewardship, The United Church of Canada, Volunteer
From the Desk of the Regional Council Presidents
September, 2023
Dear ARW, HF and WOW Regional Councils,
We hope this message finds you well and having enjoyed a relaxing and restorative summer.
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of our Executive Minister, Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa.
Cheryl-Ann is currently on a three- month sabbatical, but she will be leaving us in January to begin a two-year contract offered to her by General Secretary Michael Blair. There she will become one of the staff resourcing General Council 45 and her wealth of experience and knowledge will be drawn upon in helping the wider church in its review of the new structure. We will miss her wisdom and unwavering support and care, but we know just what a valuable resource she will be in her new position at the General Council Office.
The Executive Minister position is being held by the very capable Mark Laird (Past President of WOWRC) during her sabbatical. The position will be posted by the General Council Office shortly and we ask that you hold the Search Team in your prayers.
The Regional Councils will plan an appropriate way to recognize, celebrate, and honour the contribution of Cheryl-Ann and to wish her well in her future endeavours.
Blessings,
ARWRC President Cheryl Bolton
HFRC President Lennox Scarlett
WOWRC President Jennifer Irving
