Advance Care and Planning Workshop - End of Life Conversations
2024-03-25 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
Mon. March 25th from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Advance Care Planning (end-of-life conversations) Workshop
Mon. April 8th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Grief & Bereavement Workshop
Mon. April 22nd 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Advance Care Planning Workshop
Mon. May 6th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Grief & Bereavement WorkshopIn conversation with Compassionate Ottawa

For more details contact Kathy Douglas, Minister Faith Formation KDouglas@United-Church.ca
Registration now open:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcO2spjIvG90XLU8UKGjp0xjR5BUO0IvQ

Grief and Bereavement Workshop
2024-04-08 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
Mon. March 25th from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Advance Care Planning (end-of-life conversations) Workshop
Mon. April 8th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Grief & Bereavement Workshop
Mon. April 22nd 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Advance Care Planning Workshop
Mon. May 6th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Grief & Bereavement WorkshopIn conversation with Compassionate Ottawa

For more details contact Kathy Douglas, Minister Faith Formation KDouglas@United-Church.ca
Registration now open:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-GppjguGdwdT2xn0g3AZD4oovY_xBmY

ARW Human Resources Commission Meeting
2024-04-09 09:00, 2024-05-14 09:00, 2024-06-11 09:00, 2024-07-09 09:00, 2024-08-13 09:00 (America/Toronto)

WOW Human Resources Commission Meeting
2024-04-16 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-05-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)

ARW Online Clergy Gathering
2024-04-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-14 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

WOW Pastoral Charge Supervisors
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
WOW Pastoral Charge Supervisors
As a valued member of our pastoral charge supervisor team, we appreciate your ongoing commitment and dedication to the regional council work. Your role as a Pastoral Charge Supervisor is vital in ensuring the spiritual well-being of congregations.
Why Continue Serving as a Pastoral Charge Supervisor?

Make a lasting impact on communities of faith who are without ministry personnel
Collaborate with fellow supervisors to nurture congregations
Contribute to the spiritual growth of members

We invite you to gather and share your insights, wisdom, and experiences. Join and support other PCSs. Your leadership is invaluable.
Tuesday April 16, 2024, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting

HF Online Clergy Gathering
2024-04-17 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-05-15 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-07-17 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

ARW - Are you vulnerable?
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
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

WOW Online Clergy Gathering
2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-16 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-07-18 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

WOW Are You a Vulnerable Community of Faith?
2024-04-18 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Before the pandemic, many of our Communities of Faith were beginning to see signs that their finances and volunteer resources were declining. 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.

It can be the change you choose, rather than the change that will happen, if nothing is done.
There is no denying that acknowledging and responding to the signs is challenging work that takes courage and trust and often leads to change.

Useful things to know and remember:

You are not alone! God is with us. We are with one another.
This is not your fault. This change is the result of social, demographic, cultural and other forces beyond the control of any one congregation.
Things will not go back to the way they were.
The problems will not solve themselves.
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.
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.

If your community of faith has an abundance of resources, ask, “How might we partner with our neighbours so that their ministry also 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 4,300 churches in Canada that closed between 2009 and 2018. Their findings identified several key characteristics of congregations at risk of closing.

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.
(Halo Effect is a measure of the socio-economic benefit that a religious congregation contributes to its local community. Halo Effect is expressed as a multiplier. Based on the most recent research, for every dollar that a congregation spends, the local community on average receives $3.39 in economic benefit.)
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, the 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.

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.

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.

While this may feel overwhelming, remember you are not alone. The Congregational Support Commission is inviting you, your Minister, Chair, Treasurer and Lay Representative(s) to a discussion session. Please share this article and the Zoom link. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Thursday April 18, 2024 from 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Join by link: Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 813 0230 9957
Join by phone: 855 703 8985

Follow Up - Advance Care and Planning Workshop - End of Life Conversations
2024-04-22 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

Duty of Care 101
2024-04-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

GC 45 Commissioners Town Hall
2024-04-29 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
You are invited to a
General Information Town Hall on what’s involved with becoming a:
GC 45 Commissioner
via Zoom Meeting

Monday April 29th, 2024 at 7pm
Join Regional Council Executive Minister, Rev. Mark Laird to discuss becoming a GC 45 Commissioner with others and get your questions answered.

Questions?
Not sure?
Learn more.
Find out why you would want to put your name forward.
Don’t think you qualify to apply? You do not have to be Ministry Personnel or a Lay Representative to be a Commissioner.

Please join by Zoom:
Topic: GC45 Commissioners Town Hall
Time: Apr 29, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/82957433893?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 829 5743 3893
Password: [REDACTED]
By Phone Dial by your location
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

45th General Council Resources:
ARW General Council 45 Website
An Invitation from the Moderator VIDEO
GC45 Nomination Form

Follow-Up - Grief and Bereavement Workshop
2024-05-06 16:00 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
Mon. March 25th from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Advance Care Planning (end-of-life conversations) Workshop
Mon. April 8th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Grief & Bereavement Workshop
Mon. April 22nd 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Advance Care Planning Workshop
Mon. May 6th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Grief & Bereavement Workshop
In conversation with Compassionate Ottawa

For more details contact Kathy Douglas, Minister Faith Formation KDouglas@United-Church.ca
Registration now open:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-GppjguGdwdT2xn0g3AZD4oovY_xBmY

Save the Dates: Spring 2024 Tri Regional Council Meeting
2024-05-24 - 2024-05-26
Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting
REGISTER for the Tri-Regional Council Meeting
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.
Friday May 24: 2 PM start & Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak
Saturday, May 25: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon
Sunday, May 26: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes

Music Ministry - Celebrating Pride Month
2024-06-24 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Online via Zoom
