by Michele | May 5, 2025 | Regional Council, Resources, Staff, The United Church of Canada
Job Number: 25-17
Opening/Closing Date: May 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025
Description
Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Pastoral Support on a permanent full-time basis, 35 hours per week.
The Regional Council, as part of the wider United Church of Canada, is a decision-making body responsible to serve and support Communities of Faith within its bounds and provide necessary oversight. The three Regional Councils share staff with many serving all three regional councils. These three regional councils represent diverse contexts: major urban centers as well as rural and recreational communities. Within them are significant hubs for technology, manufacturing and academia:
The Minister Pastoral Support is responsible for supporting ministry personnel. It is the key way the regional council fulfills its responsibility for encouraging and supporting ministry personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry practice. The main areas of focus will be:
- Pastoral Care and Support for Ministry Personnel
- Connection
- Support the formation of pastoral relationships
- Guidance
*Attached is a copy of the full job description
Qualifications
- Minimum of four years post-secondary education or appropriate life experience;
- Graduate studies in theology, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training and designation and Spiritual Direction training would be an asset;
- 5 years of related work experience
- Membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies or experience working in a similar faith community would be considered an asset;
- Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
- Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
- Group facilitation skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
- Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
- Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills with the ability to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities;
- Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils;
- Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
- Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
- Initiative, good judgement, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
- Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.
Working Conditions:
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the regional council office located at 1552 Hwy 6, Carlisle, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Travel within the region will be required. Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $69,204.79 to $78,873.29 annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $92,273.03. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.
To Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting job number 25-17 to Human Resources, e-mail: careers@united-church.ca.
Please note, interviews will be held on the week of June 23, 2025 and will be contacted in advance.
***Internal applicants, if interested, please advise your immediate manager of your intentions.
Downloads
by Michele | Apr 16, 2025 | 100th Anniversary, Affirming, Anti-Racism, Climate Change, Community, Events, Global Community, Learning Opportunities, News, Regional Council, Resources, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada


Dear Friends,
With joy and anticipation, we, The Regional Executive and Staff, invite you to join us for the Antler River Watershed Regional Spring Meeting on May 30th and 31st, 2025, hosted at Grace United Church in Sarnia.
Our theme this year is “A Time of Renewal: Revitalize,” inspired by Romans 12:2 –
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds…”
In this spirit, we gather as a community to reconnect, refresh, and rekindle our shared sense of purpose and call. It will be a time to worship together, engage in meaningful dialogue, hear from our commissions and explore the ways we are being invited to revitalize our ministries and our spirits.
We are thrilled to welcome Gail Barker, a gifted motivational speaker and workshop leader, as our guest. Gail will guide us with wisdom, energy, and encouragement as we reflect on how we continue to be transformed in faith and practice.
Whether you are lay or clergy, long-time attendee or first-time participant, your presence is a vital part of this gathering. We look forward to being together in community, grounded in hope, and open to the Spirit’s renewing power.
With blessings and gratitude,
Rev. Cheryl Bolton
Antler River Watershed Regional Council President
SPRING MEETING 2025
A Time of Renewal: Revitalize
Friday, May 30th to Saturday, May 31st, 2025
Friday May 30th, 2025: 2:00pm-6:00pm Hybrid and 7:30pm In-Person Community Building
Saturday May 31st, 2025: 9:00am – 3:30pm Hybrid
Celebration of Ministry: Grace United Church, Sarnia Saturday May 31st at 4:00pm In-Person and Live streamed to YouTube
Grace United Church, Sarnia
990 Cathcart Blvd, Sarnia, ON N7S 2H2 (Google Map)
Registration for In-person attendance closes: May 14th, 2024 at midnight
Register Now for ARWRC Spring Meeting 2025
by Michele | Apr 8, 2025 | Anti-Racism, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada

Faith in action: the 2025 federal election and the United Church
This resource includes links to workshops and resources, and will be updated and re-posted weekly until the election.
As faith communities, and registered charities, we don’t promote or critique only one party. We address all of them, we focus on their social policies, and we expect accountability of all of them. Below are some suggested principles and resources to help people of faith engage the federal election process.
We are called to speak up for what we believe in, not only what we oppose.
We are called to name our values, including what our faith calls us to. We live in a polarized and often anxious world and country, and it’s easy to focus on what we oppose. Try to ask others, especially those you disagree with, to name their values and their hopes.
Respond rather than react, working with communal and individual spiritual and faith resources.
Encourage people to engage the whole process, and vote.
Watch out for dis/misinformation. We are all vulnerable to it, because it’s tailored to spark an instant emotional reaction and to reinforce what we already believe. Always check your sources, and think before you post or share. Ask others for their sources if big, polarizing, or unlikely claims or situations are being presented as real.
Be aware that targeted and vulnerable communities are often the target of dis/misinformation, and be aware of the spiritual and emotional impact of this targeting.
Put another way by our Mennonite family members:
“I commit to loving my neighbours in the following ways:
• Listen with curiosity and compassion
• Speak with authenticity and integrity
• Act for the good of my community, here at home and around the world”
Upcoming Workshops (click on the date for the link to information and registration)
Tuesday April 8, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Federal Election Forum. Craig Norris, Host of the Morning Edition on CBC will moderate. Although everyone is very welcome, we are asking people to register to keep track of numbers. In person (Waterloo, ON) and online. If you register, a link for the online streaming will be sent to you. Click here for the registration link
April 24th Egale- Vote with Pride:
April 24th Canadian Interfaith conversation – Engaged Citizenship The role of Faith Communities during an election
Some key resources (click on each for the link to information)
Groups bringing justice concerns to the election process
United Church home page for election resources (scroll down to the bottom for resources- note that these will change as they’re being constantly updated.)
KAIROS Canada election resources on key issues and engaging your candidates well. (The United Church is a founding and active member of this ecumenical justice coalition.) Their resources include: Indigenous Rights; Ecological Justice; Gender Justice; Migrant Justice; Jubilee 2025
Citizens for Public Justice election resources and travelling/ online meetings (CPJ is a long-standing Christian social justice coalition.)
Mennonite Central Committee: Every Action Counts
Specific justice concerns: choose what you are called to prioritise!
Climate justice
Faith and the Common Good- Interfaith advocacy group
For the Love of Creation- Interfaith Advocacy
Nature Canada- Election 2025 Platform
Guaranteed Livable Income
United Church of Canada – Guaranteed Livable Income
Basic Income Canada Network
Healthcare
Canadian Public Healthcare Association election focus issues
Recorded Webinar: Federal Election 2025: Protecting Medicare in Canada (March 28, 48 min)
Housing
Housing Canada: A Sovereign Plan to Protect Canadians and Build a Resilient Housing System. This resource includes an overview, and links to “Take action and email federal leaders,” and to “Download the full plan”
National Right to Housing Network- Questions for your federal candidates
Indigenous rights
KAIROS Canada election resources
2SLGBTQIA+ rights
Human rights of gender-diverse/ 2SLGBTQIA people (Momentum Canada)
Palestine and Israel justice and peace
Vote Palestine: A coalition that includes Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and secular groups
by Michele | Mar 31, 2025 | Regional Council, Staff, The United Church of Canada

Job Number: 25-08
Opening/Closing Date: March 31, 2025 to April 30, 2025
Description
Antler River Watershed Regional Council of The United Church of Canada is seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Congregational Support on a permanent part-time basis at 60% time (21 hours per week).This position reports to the Executive Minister.
The Minister Congregational Support resources the partnership between communities of faith and regional councils in the articulation of congregational ministry and the decisions flowing from that. This position works in close collaboration with the Minister, Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways, and the Minister, Pastoral Relations and in consultation with the Growth Animator and UCC partners such as Kindred Works (United Property Resource Corporation) The main areas of focus will be:
- Congregational Support: Nurture covenant relationship between the Regional Council and Communities of Faith, design and publish resources, support Communities of Faith dealing with emergencies and support emerging communities;
- Ensure fulfillment of Regional Council responsibilities: Resource the Congregational Support Commission by gathering and distributing required documentation to ensure the Commissions’ timely action on matters requiring their decision;
- Resource property work: Provide support and advice to communities of faith dealing with real property within the guidelines of the regional council property policy;
- Oversight and Administration: Promote compliance with both church and government requirements.
A copy of the full position description is attached.
Qualifications
- Minimum of four years post-secondary education or appropriate life experience and 3-5 years of related work experience;
- Graduate studies in theology would be an asset.
- Membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies or experience working in a similar faith community would be considered an asset;
- Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
- Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
- Skilled at recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers and Group facilitation skills;
- An understanding of property matters, including leases, property sales and collaboration agreements and CRA regulations concerning property would be an asset;
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
- Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
- Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills with the ability to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities;
- Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
- Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils;
- Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
- Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
- Initiative, good judgement, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
Working Conditions:
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the regional council office located at 1552 Hwy 6, Carlisle, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Travel within the region will be required. Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.
Compensation
The target hiring range for this position is $42,522.87 to $47,324.08 pro-rated annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $55,363.81. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.
To Apply
Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting job number 25-08 to Human Resources, e-mail: careers@united-church.ca.
Internal applicants, if interested, please advise your immediate manager of your intentions.
Please note, Candidates who are being invited for an interview will be contacted the week of May 19th and interviews will be held the week of May 26th, 2025.
Downloads
by Michele | Mar 25, 2025 | Regional Council, Staff

Kevin Steeper and Kate Ballagh-Steeper in Northern Scotland
Kevin Steeper our Pastoral Support Minister has accepted a call with the Eramosa pastoral charge effective April 1st, 2025.
For the last six years Kevin has served and supported our Regional Councils in this unique role with grace, prayer and confidentiality. His dedication to this important work has been seen and felt by many through emails, phone calls, visits, clergy gatherings and luncheons.
As a staff team we’re not sure what we’re going to do without Kevin and his black belts in Taekwondo and skill in Aikido. We’re pretty sure the virtual office will be a much louder place, as Kevin limited himself to only 100 words per day and we’re not sure Eramosa pastoral charge will be ready for that. Good luck Kevin, we wish you all the best and don’t forget us!
Kevin will be using compensation time and vacation as he prepares to transition between the two roles. Eramosa’s gain is our loss and Kevin will truly be missed by the Tri-Regional Councils. Eramosa pastoral charge is blessed to have Kevin join their ministry at the beginning of April.
by Michele | Mar 25, 2025 | Regional Council, Staff
| It is with mixed emotions we announce the retirement of Lynne Allin, our Congregational Support Minister for the last six years.
Her unwavering commitment to communities of faith in the Antler River Watershed and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils have been instrumental to the success of many congregations. Lynne’s meticulous attention to detail, combined with her ability to see the bigger picture, has been invaluable.
Her willingness to go the extra mile to meet tough challenges consistently demonstrated her dedication to excellence. We are incredibly grateful for her constant support with the Regional Council staff team. Beyond her exceptional skills, Lynne has been a cherished friend to all, offering thoughtful encouragement and unwavering support.
We lose Lynne to her beloved grandchildren and her calling kayak! Her last day will be June 1st, 2025. We celebrate Lynne on a well-deserved retirement. |
|
by Michele | Feb 12, 2025 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada

Ontario Election 2025:
More than Tariffs A panel discussion
Sunday Feb 23, 3:00-4:15 PM EST on Zoom
Information to help you faithfully discern your vote and continue advocacy after the Feb 27th election.
Brief presentations by five panel members on selected topics.
Panelists will respond to questions from the audience.
Advance registration required:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pfy-0rDhQt-l-V5KqspFkw
For more information contact:
Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca and John Egger jegger@united-church.ca
Moderator:
Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly serves as the Executive Minister to ECO and EOO Regional Councils in Eastern Ontario. He was ordained in 2020. He served for 5 years as Responsible, Ministries in French, for 9 years as the National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Éric spent 17 years working in federal political circles and 7 years as a registered lobbyist. He also brings a hope-filled passion for the church.
Panel Members
Charles Barrett is a retired economist, who was actively involved in policy dialogue in North America, and the Asia-Pacific region in international economic relations, human resources development and capacity building. He has broad research experience and has written extensively on Canadian and international policy issues. He is a member of Riverside United Church, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council.
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Hetherington is an ecotheologian and ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. Working at the intersection of ecology and theology for 20 years, she inspires people of faith to transform their actions in response to the climate crisis. She currently serves as commissioner on climate justice with the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Sign up for her weekly newsletter: Faith. Climate Crisis. Action. (https://jessicahetherington.substack.com/).
Bryan Smith is a long-term member of the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice, an organization committed to work and advocacy on a wide range of social and environmental issues locally in the County of Oxford and across the planet. It stands in for the Ontario Health Coalition and stands up for public health. Bryan is a retired teacher, and is active in providing school lunches and community dinners, and promoting local foods, the avoidance of waste, community events, and public health.
Rev. Jeffrey Dale (they/he) is the Minister at College Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Jeffrey is a harm reduction advocate and community educator, working with harm reduction advocacy groups throughout the Province of Ontario to educate communities of faith and the wider society regarding the needs of people who use drugs.
Rev. Susan Eagle is the minister at Grace United Church in Barrie. She chairs both the Ecological and Social Justice Commission for Shining Waters Regional Council, and the Steering Committee of the provincial interfaith coalition, ISARC, which does policy analysis and advocacy for income security, homelessness and employment rights. She has worked with newcomer and low-income individuals and sole-support families as a community outreach worker, and served on London City Council for 13 years.
This workshop is presented by the Social Justice Network of Ontario Regional Councils (SJNORC) with representation from Eastern Ontario Outaouais, East Central Ontario, Shining Waters, Canadian Shield, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada.
Engage, Pray, Vote.
Read More Here
by Michele | Jan 28, 2025 | Anti-Racism, Community, Events, Global Community, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, Resources, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada

Register here now: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/lu2FfRocTb6yqlx2FznABw
by Michele | Jan 27, 2025 | Events, News, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada

Hybrid and In-Person
When: May 30th and 31st
Where: Grace United Church, Sarnia
More details to come as they become available.
by Michele | Jan 21, 2025 | Community, Events, Learning Opportunities, News, Regional Council, Resources, The United Church of Canada

A Unique Learning Opportunity for Lay Leaders and Ministry Personnel in ARW, HF and WOW
The Effective Transitional Leadership (ETL) Training Course has been designed by the Interim Ministry Network to support the work of ministry personnel and lay leaders in congregations experiencing change and transitions.
This training will be held on the following dates:
- March 6, 13, 20 and 27th
- Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT via Zoom
- Instructor: Pegi Ridout
This is a fantastic opportunity you to enhance your leadership skills.
What are the intended outcomes of ETL?
- understanding change theory and how to apply it in transitional times
- feeling more competent in the role of a transitional leader and facilitator for the work of your congregation
- being equipped to manage both yourself and your congregation in the midst of conflict
- practicing transitional leadership, using tools designed to guide a congregation through a transition
- applying your learnings, using case studies and reflection on your experience/knowledge
- overall, being prepared and confident to assist a congregation towards health, effectiveness, and faithfulness to its purpose/mission
The cost for this training is $75 per person – a savings of 50% off the regular price.
Registration is limited to 24 people.
Attendance at all 4 sessions is expected.
Course material and the zoom link will be provided closer to the first meeting.
Registration Closes on February 24, 2025
Payment can be made by e-Transfer to hfrc@united-church.ca or by cheque mailed to Horseshoe Falls Regional Council – PO Box 100, Carlisle, Ontario L0R 1H0
Please respond using the link to the registration form by February 24, 2025:
Register Now:
ETL Training Registration Form
This is an opportunity you do not want to miss. We look forward to your participation!
For more information about the course ETL Description and ETL and IMN FAQ
by Michele | Jan 20, 2025 | Community, Events, Global Community, Learning Opportunity, The United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada invites United Church of Canada individuals interested in learning about global partners and the Global Partnership Program to apply to the Pilgrimage of Learning initiative, comprising of 4 delegations each visiting one (1) partnership region (Latin America & the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Middle East) between May and September, 2025.
Are you interested in engaging with global partners in their own contexts to witness first-hand the mutuality of partnership? About the rich history of Mission & Service partners, and the priorities that they are addressing?
Read more here:
https://united-church.ca/opportunities/pilgrimage-learning-delegations
by Michele | Jan 16, 2025 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Orange Shirt Day, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada, Volunteer

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
by Michele | Jan 10, 2025 | 100th Anniversary, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, 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

Flourishing: Antler River, Western Ontario Waterways, and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils
Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities.
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (local time).
9:00am -9:30am Registration and coffee/tea
9:30am – Welcome and Introductions
In person
Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford, ON N5A 6N4
All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy, and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.
The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect to one another in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.
Is your church flourishing?
(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)
Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?
How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Flourishing Workshop
by Michele | Dec 20, 2024 | Advent, Community, Events, News, Regional Council

Dear Friends,
As we gather to celebrate the joyous season of Christmas, I want to extend my warmest greetings and blessings to each member of the Antler River Watershed Region. As we travel through the Advent Season, we reflect on the profound gifts of Hope, Peace Joy and Love that the birth of Jesus Christ brought into our world.
Those gifts often feel lost with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives and it is easy to feel disconnected—from our loved ones, our communities, and even from God. Christmas is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and renew these essential bonds.
This season, I invite you to reconnect with each other and with God in meaningful ways. Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. Share a meal, a story, or simply a moment of your time. Maybe you are missing seeing your neighbouring churches or colleagues, why not reach out and get together support each others events, form a cluster or just have that coffee that we keep talking about having but never quite set a date! The new year is the perfect time for new and renewed relationships. When we connect with one another, we embody the spirit of Christ’s love and hospitality.
Let us also take time to reconnect with God. Through prayer, scripture, and worship, we can deepen our relationship with the Divine. Remember the humble manger where Jesus was born—a symbol of God’s profound love and presence in the simplest of places. God is always with us, inviting us into a deeper communion.
As we light our Advent and Christ candles, may they remind us of the light of Christ that shines within us and guides our path. Let this light inspire us to spread Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in our communities of faith and beyond.
May your hearts be filled with the wonder of Christ’s birth, and may you experience the true meaning of Christmas through the warmth of reconnection this holiday season and beyond.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with grace and peace.
In Christ’s Love,
Rev. Cheryl Bolton
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
by Michele | Nov 26, 2024 | 100th Anniversary, Community, Events, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada
Clarity on 100th anniversary package sent to communities of faith
Nov 20, 2024 | News, UCC Centenary
In October, many communities of faith or pastoral charges received communication from Brian Arthur Brown, chair of Friends of the United Church Foundation and author of two recent books that were widely distributed to communities of faith, Keys to the Kindom and The Untied Church.
The letter speaks about inviting specified Communities of Faith to come together and participate in events for the United Church’s 100th Anniversary, including special services raising funds for specific ministry initiatives within the church. The associated group calls itself “Friends of the (United Church) Foundation”.
The communication circulating is an invitation, not a directive or a request from any official body within the denomination. Communities of faith are free to engage the invitation or develop their own ways of commemorating this milestone in the history of our denomination. The choice is entirely yours.
Further clarity about Centennial worship services
The worship service referred to in the correspondence is not the worship for the Centennial. It is one of many such planned services, and communities of faith that appear in the lists were chosen somewhat randomly and/or for their association with the members of the Friends of the Foundation. The services Brian Arthur Brown is organizing will happen live on June 1st and be available online on June 10, ,2025. The official denominational national service will be held online and in person in St John’s NL on June 8th, 2025.
Antler River Watershed will likely hold its own Region-wide centennial service online, with materials available for all communities of faith, possibly alongside the Celebration of Ministries service. More information will be sent out through the weekly newsletter as plans develop.
In the meantime, please check the information on the General Council 100th anniversary page and the Regional Council anniversary page for more information about these events and services.
And remember, the Region and the national church want to help promote your plans! Have a look at the above links, and please let the Regional office and Keeper of the Archives know if we can support you in any way. We wish you creative and faithful planning as we commemorate this milestone, honour those who came before us, and look to the future.
by Michele | Nov 13, 2024 | Advent, Community, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, Resources

Free Resource
for an Advent Small Group Study
We are offering every Community of Faith a gift this Advent season! By means of a regional subscription you can access an Advent Small Group Study created by:
The Prayer Bench entitled Advent Longing
We hope this will be a gift for busy ministers and lay leaders in this Advent season who want a faith formation opportunity for their community of faith.
This Advent Small Group Study invites participants to nurture longing as a powerful spiritual gift through an imaginative pilgrimage in an old-growth forest. It encourages us to notice longing in our ordinary days, recognize its gifts during times of desolation and reclamation, and welcome “thin spaces”—those moments of connection, support, and hope. In the context of a planetary crisis, we explore how to activate Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in the world God loves.
What You Receive with this Downloadable Resource
- Complete Leader’s Guide for three Advent sessions with ideas for Opening, Singing, Movement or Sound Prayers, Conversation prompts, a Group Spiritual Practice, and Closing.
- Three 8-10-minute audio recordings.
- Three scripts of the audio recordings to download and copy so participants can follow along.
- Access to a Prayer Bench webpage with all the study materials, downloadable image for social media promotion, customizable poster for the series, and other resources related to the study.
Click here to register and receive the free resource here:
https://prayerbench.ca/regional-license-for-advent-small-group-study/
Advent Small Group Study Taster on Zoom
An introduction to the Advent Small Group Study for Leaders with Janice MacLean of Prayer Bench, offering background information and hints for leading the process. Please download the resource and come with any comments or questions for use in your setting.
We are offering two sessions (the same content just different times and days) as follows:
Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council
Friday, November 22nd at 1:00pm
Click link to register and receive the Zoom link:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAudequpj4qHtUr_VJD6D436RejF-lPoQO7
OR with
Eastern Central Ontario Regional Council
Monday, November 25 at 7:00 pm
Click link to register and receive the zoom link:
https://ecorcuccan.ca/eco-rc-2024-advent-small-group-study/
by Michele | Oct 4, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Community, Events, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada

Regional Councils of ARW, HF and WOW in partnership with The Hub and Trinity UC Kitchener-
Thursday November 28th, 2024, 6:30-8:30 (all participants are asked to arrive at 6:40).
Background: Post-pandemic, Youth leaders struggle to put together groups. A message often heard from youth in the church is that what’s being offered doesn’t work for them. Being an intercultural church includes finding ways to bridge communication between different age groups/generations.
Goal– To offer a forum that brings together youth and Elders in the church– a forum that allows the two groups to hear one another and be heard by one another, and to consider what might be the Spirit’s invitation to the church for youth ministry at this time.
FISHBOWL PROCESS:
8 Youth (teens to twenty-somethings) and 8 Elders (45+) from WOW, HF and ARW Regional Councils and facilitators will gather via Zoom.
- Discussion questions will invite each to share and listen to experiences of their own youth faith formation, and hopes and challenges for youth ministry then and now.
- On each question, using the Zoom spotlight feature to focus on one group of eight:
- Youth will invite one another to share, while the Elders listen.
- Places will be switched, and the Elders will invite one another to share while the Youth listen.
- For some questions, the order might be reversed, with Elders sharing first
- After two rounds of sharing in separate groups, Youth and Elders will have an opportunity to reflect together as one group.
Each group will be invited to reflect on what they have heard and consider possible next steps.
Participants will be given questions for reflection and feedback, to be submitted in writing following the session.
This is a cross-cultural listening event, and a pilot project. This session will not focus on problem solving or planning. The focus of this event is to listen and learn about one another as a first step of re-visioning youth ministry in ARW, HF and WOW in this post-pandemic time.
An HONORARIUM of $105 is available for participants who are not otherwise paid for their time in this discussion.
To apply, complete the Application Form :
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qLUYz3gmEUCTEhXw9xV1dPBWSFWIXSNPila5mgKiAchUM0NLV0kyWUtVM1JXUEcyOUw4QlVaRlVDUS4u
Application deadline November 18, 2024
For more information contact
Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca
Kathy Douglas kdouglas@united-church.ca
Adam Cresswell – hubleadership@gmail.com
Aimee Belanger at youthevents@hubcommunity.ca
by Michele | Oct 3, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Community, Events, Learning Opportunity, Mission & Service, News, Regional Council, Resources, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada

Antler River Watershed Regional Council
A Time of Renewal: Rebuild, Reconnect, Revitalize
Welcomes you to the 2024 Fall Gathering!
Online via Zoom
Friday October 25th: Time 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday October 26th: Time 9:00am – 2:00pm
The Celebration of Ministry will be In-person and Livestreamed on YouTube
Antler River Watershed Regional Council Fall Online Meeting Information
Register for the ARWRC Fall Meeting Now
by Michele | Sep 23, 2024 | Learning Opportunity, News, Pastoral Relations, Resources, Staff
‘The Basics’: Ministry & Personnel Committee Workshops
Online by Zoom, Upcoming dates: October 3rd, December 5th, February 6th, April 3rd
2-4pm with Micol Cottrell, Minister, Pastoral Relations
Ordered ministers and designated lay ministers while in paid accountable ministry positions are office holders within The United Church of Canada. While there may be elements similar to employment, the essential nature of the relationship is a covenant.
~ Statement on Ministry in The United Church of Canada (2012)
New members are often elected to the vital Ministry & Personnel Committee near the start of the year, although M&P Committee membership can change for many other reasons throughout the year.
The Basics will help a new member learn the essentials of this crucial role. More experienced members of M&P Committees are invited to take this workshop as a refresher with their team, and keep up with changing United Church practices and policies. This workshop is open to members from Western Ontario Waterways, Antler River Watershed and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils!
Please Note: each member of your M&P Committee attending this workshop is required to register.
In your Confirmation Email, you will receive the Zoom link and material in preparation for the meeting to make the most of our time together. If you have questions about the content, please email Micol Cottrell, Minister, Pastoral Relations, at MCottrell@united-church.ca, or better yet, write down the questions to bring with you.