Antler River Watershed Regional Council

HF - Are you vulnerable?
2024-03-21 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

HF Human Resources Commission Meeting
2024-03-27 13:00, 2024-04-24 13:00, 2024-05-22 13:00, 2024-07-24 13:00, 2024-08-28 13:00 (America/Toronto)

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, 2024-09-10 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, 2024-08-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-09-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)

ARW - Are you vulnerable?
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 (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

HF UCW Annual General Meeting
2024-04-27 09:30 (America/New_York) | Grace United Church, 2111 Walkers Line, Burlington, L7M 0Z2, Canada
HORSESHOE FALLS UCW ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
2111 Walkers Line, Burlington
“Out of the Kitchen” and into….
Worship: – Led by the Rev. Richard Bott
Guest Presenter: – the Rev. Brenna Baker
Community of Faith Support Staff for Horseshoe Falls, Western
Ontario Waterways and Antler River Watershed “TELLING THE STORY IN A NEW WAY”

Send cheques made out to Hamilton Conference UCW for payment to: Amy Hill
12 Neuchatel Place, Mississauga, ON L5N 6A7 DEADLINE: April 17, 2024
NAME(s):______________________________________ # of Tickets_______
CHURCH:_______________________________________________________
9:30 – registration 10:00 – Welcome
Cost – $20 Please bring your own brown bag lunch and a small contribution for
The Loaves and Fishes table to share at breaktime – eg. apple, cookie

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

Kids Across the Regions 2024
2024-06-07 - 2024-06-08 | Camp Bimini, 3180 Perth Road, St. Paul’s, Ontario, N0K 1V0, Canada
Camp Bimini, St. Paul’s, Ontario (Google map)
Kids Across the Regions is a fun, faith-filled weekend for children (in grades 4-8) from across the three regional councils of Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls of The United Church of Canada!
Please note: your GPS and/or Google Maps will not lead you to the camp! Download a Camp Map and Directions, Participant Letter, Permission Form and Packing List.
These are also attached in the Confirmation Email once you submit your registration.
Knowing that families have different financial realities, we offer a Voluntary Three-Tier Pricing System. Participants can choose the tier that is most suitable for their family: $50, $60, $70 (closest to actual cost). There is no cost for Leaders.
Payment is by E-Transfer to hfrc@united-church.ca.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 24th Your application, signatures & payment are required to complete your registration. If you don’t receive a Confirmation Email after submitting the registration form please call Kathy Douglas at 519-441-0656 to confirm we have received your registration.
Register Now:
Event Leader Registration

Child Participant Registration

The Day of Fellowship - Horseshoe Falls
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Register Now

Save the Date:
The Day of Fellowship will launch us into the year long Centenary Celebration of the United Church with Greetings from General Secretary, The Rev. Michael Blair.
Renewal and Transformation … A Season of Hope
The day will begin with Gathering at 10:00am
Morning service 10:30am – 12:00 noon
Lunch Break 12:00 noon – 1:00pm
Afternoon Session from 1-2:30pm (cultural expressions from around the region).

ARW Regional Council Orientation
2024-06-13 11:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
To be held at: St. Andrews United Church, Chatham, ON

Rendez-Vous 2024 - Audacious Hope
2024-07-03 - 2024-07-06
Youth, Young Adults, and Those Who Lead Them:

Save the Date!

Audacious Hope
July 3-6, 2024, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON

Brought to you by the Rendez-vous team of The United Church of Canada and the LIFT team of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

More information soon!

#UCCan #AudaciousHope2024

Curriculum Round Table
2024-08-21 10:00 - 11:15, 2024-09-04 19:00 - 20:15 (America/Toronto) | Online via Zoom
“We Are Not Alone” in Children and Youth Ministry.
What are your plans for children’s ministry this fall? Are you wondering about curriculum options? Do you want to connect, share, and learn from others in the field? Then don’t miss our Curriculum Round Table webinar!
To register or for more information, contact:
Kdouglas@united-church.ca Kathy Douglas (she/her): Faith Formation Minister, ARW, HF, WOW Regional Councils
Shull@united-church.ca Sharon Hull (she/her) Minister for Spiritual Nurture, Respectful Relationships and Justice with All Ages, East Central Ontario Regional Council
Sredden@united-church.ca Shawn Redden (she/her): Justice and Faith Formation Minister, Canadian Shield & Shining Waters Regional Councils

Ask An Expert
2024-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Online via Zoom
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
