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
