Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 19-25

Message from the Antler River Watershed Regional Council President

My name is Richard Auckland and I live in Talbotville, ON.  I look forward to serving the Antler River Watershed Region as President.  My spouse, Karen and I, have three adult children, who I am so thankful for, as they still like coming home for meals, games or just to hang out.  I’m a 50+ year member of First United Church in St. Thomas, and have served on the Official Board and Trustees of that church.  I am a retired educator having worked in elementary schools as first a teacher, and then in administration.  I continue to support students through tutoring and working with Teacher’s College candidates at the Western University in London.  Additionally, I am President of the Elgin-St. Thomas Christmas Care program which serves area residents with a food hamper and toys for children at Christmas. I plan to bring some of the skills I have accumulated to my role as President and I look forward to meeting and working with congregations across our area.

What a great Celebration of Ministry on May 31!  It was good to be a part of the service at Grace United Church in Sarnia as part of the Spring Meeting of ARW.  Rebecca, Melodee and Martin have entered into the next chapter in their ministerial journeys.  And Japhet made the trip from Capetown, South Africa (a journey of 27+ hours of flying, waiting and driving on top of that) to support Martin.  Now that’s dedication.  My hope is that all our ARWRC Communities of Faith are feeling supported in their spiritual challenges and triumphs.  It was good to connect with many individuals over the course of the Friday and Saturday meetings.  As well, the available staff were present offering their support.  It is great to be a part of a wonderful team of caring individuals.  I would encourage Communities of Faith to reach out and connect with us.  As a team, that is a lot of knowledge and experience on which to draw and find creative solutions or walk the journey, whatever it is, with you.

I look forward to serving Antler River Watershed as President for the coming two years, as I have served it in various capacities over the last 6 years on the Mission & Discipleship Commission and Executive.  And lastly, thank you to Past President, Cheryl Bolton for offering her leadership over these last two years.  I’m glad she is not going too far so that I can call on her for guidance as we move forward together into the next 100 years of the United Church of Canada!

Richard Auckland
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council

Is your church or ministry doing something new or exciting to grow your faith, reach out to the community, or seek justice for people or creation?

Don’t just be quiet about it! Let us know, so we can share the good news with others in the regional council.

Click to fill in the form: Story Sharing of Faith Formation, Justice and Outreach Activities – https://forms.office.com/r/cb4c1PR8Q3

God is doing so much in and through our churches. Let us celebrate and encourage one another by sharing stories of Christ’s church at work and at play.

For information contact Thérèse Samuel Tsamuel@united-church.ca

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

Invitation from The Moderator

The Moderator invites you to consider becoming a nominee for General Council Commissioner

English: https://youtu.be/0Zfpxtgva80    French: https://youtu.be/4bRACsa_VMU

Electing Antler River Watershed Regional Council’s Commissioners (The Manual Section D.1.1.e)
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS MAY 1, 2024

Click here to fill out the General Council Commissioner Nomination Form.

Antler River Watershed Regional Council voted to have a diverse slate of GC45 Commissioners that will be voted on as a whole at the Spring Meeting of the ARWRC, May 24-26, 2024. We will be asked to approve a slate of 13 Commissioners to accompany the President of ARWRC to General Council 45, for a total of 14 Commissioners.

As you consider General Council 45 Commissioner nominations, remember the importance of reflecting the diversity of our denomination. Also, consider the diversity we as a church want (or need) as we seek to live out God’s mission. Ask yourself questions like:

• Whose voices need to be heard in this decision-making body of our church?
• Who’s missing from the table?
• Whose wisdom, insights and experience can best contribute to the conversations and actions at GC45?

Let these questions – and others that the Spirit brings – aid you in your decision-making.

General Council Proposals (The Manual  Section F)
Do you have an idea for a way to strengthen the United Church? If so, please consider preparing a proposal. (See The Manual, Section F) Proposals have a set format:

• Title:
• Originating Body:
• What is the issue?
• Why is this issue important?
• What might the General Council do about it?

Detailed information is laid out in the The Manual, 2024. To view the GC45 Proposal Template Guide, click here GC45 Proposal Template Guide. Proposals reach the General Council through the regional council. If submitting a proposal, please do so as soon as possible to allow the agenda and business team time to allow sufficient time for discussion.

If you would find advice helpful in framing the desired action or change as you craft a proposal, please feel free to be in touch with Executive Minister, Mark Laird mlaird@united-church.ca for assistance. This would be help in terms of format and wording, not advice re: the action itself.

 Candidates for Moderator
Is the next Moderator of the United Church in our midst? Nominees for Moderator no longer need to be a Commissioner

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

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

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89103473757

Meeting ID: 891 0347 3757

Join by phone: 1- 855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free

Hybrid Meeting:
In-person and/or on-line

Registration Opens:
Monday, March 27 at 5:00pm

Registration Closes:
Friday, April 21 at 11:59pm

Zoom Link/Workbook launch:
Friday, May 5

Accommodation:
Best Western Stoneridge Inn, London
(click the EDIT button on the right hand side of the screen to enter your accommodation choices)

Celebration of New Ministries Service:
Saturday, May 13, 2023, Location TBD

Called to serve? Expressions of Interest can be filled out here.

Attend a national gathering for peace, justice & human rights in Palestine Israel!

The United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine/Israel (UNJPPI) is a country-wide network of people, many connected with the United Church of Canada, who are concerned about justice and peace in Palestine/Israel. We focus on advocacy, education to uphold human rights and justice in the region.

Every year, UNJPPI organizes a national gathering. Now that pandemic restrictions have eased up we are grateful for the opportunity to gather again for the first time since 2019 and would like to invite you to join!

We meet May 5-8, 2022 in London, Ontario. The gathering theme is “Responding to a Cry for Hope.”

UNJPPI’s May gathering is an opportunity to learn regardless of your previous knowledge or engagement with peace and justice in Israel and Palestine. It is a chance to hear from dynamic and diverse speakers, form connections with like minded advocates from across the country, gather strength and inspiration as we emerge from pandemic shut downs, form community over meals and music, engage in meaningful learning sessions and discussions, and envision how we carry the work for peace and justice forward.

UNJPPI is working to make this gathering a meaningful and memorable learning opportunity!

More information (program outline, speakers, logistics and registration) is available on the event website: www.unjppi.ca

You can learn more about UNJPPI at: https://www.unjppi.org/index.html

You can find the event’s Facebook page here: https://fb.me/e/2gn3aoAty