by Michele | Sep 16, 2024 | Community, Events, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, Resources, Staff, Stewardship, The United Church of Canada
Ask An Expert – Answer Session:
❓❓❓
Join us on Wednesday evening for a special one hour Zoom event.
Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 from 7-8pm
We’ve been asked some great questions over the summer, come and hear the answers! 👂👂👂
Some of the experts include Mark Laird, Executive Minister, Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewarship Support and hosted by Rev. Michelle Owens.
by Michele | Sep 13, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Children & Youth, Community, Events, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Resources, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada
Greetings Siblings in Christ,
It has come to our attention that across-Canada anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ protest marches are to be held on Friday, September 20, 2024. The organization responsible, Hands Off Our Kids (https://handsoffourkids.ca/) states their mission is to:“safeguard children from gender ideology teachings, sexual indoctrination, exposure to explicit sexual content, ensuring that parental consent remains paramount.” They also aim to “protect our children from thought control and will ensure their religious freedoms are protected.”
Their rhetoric has been strongly anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ and especially anti-Trans in the past. This group has worked to exert influence in school boards in Ontario and beyond, spreading harmful misinformation and opposing SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) education in schools, again with misinformation. For information about SOGI click HERE.
These marches are planned across Canada on September 20, including the following locations across our tri-regional councils:
WOW: Owen Sound, Meaford, Hanover, Orangeville and Kitchener
HF: Mississauga (2 locations), Oakville, Milton, Hamilton
ARW : London, Windsor
More details and updates can be found on their website: https://handsoffourkids.ca/resources/
A constantly updated list of in-person presence and counter-protests is available here. The private Facebook group 1 Million Voices for Inclusion, which also hosts community-specific chats and planning, is an excellent resource for ideas and support.
Christ calls us to be a peace-seeking, truth-speaking,
love-focused presence in the face of these movements.
How can you be active?
Faith-Filled Responses
- Send letters of encouragement to school staff and to any student group or individuals who need support;
- deliver homemade real church cookies to those groups/individuals;
- use your church signage and lawn to send PIE messaging;
- write letters to the editor;
- learn about SOGI and what it really is, as opposed to the myths spread about it;
- support school board candidates and members who are supportive of 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.
- Offer support to transgender, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people who are being targeted by this movement.
Faith-Focussed responses:
- Pray
- Re-read all the radical bible verses about God’s all- encompassing love.
- And be PIE— public, intentional, and explicit—about the fact that you’re people of faith supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ people (using your best judgement about when and how, of course).
When we show up in a positive way, it is noticed!
When discussing with your congregation:
- Know that it is possible that well-meaning people in your congregation may be supporting these movements. Leading with language of “hate” in this instance can alienate the well-meaning people that you wish to connect with.
- While the “Hands Off Our Kids” and related movements are understood as hate movements, and that is an accurate description of the impact of these movements, not everyone who shows up in support of these marches is doing so out of hate.
- Name and honour how this harms people in 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities without conveying an assumption that this harm was intended. Intentions and impacts are often very different, but a well-meaning intention does not erase hurtful and harmful impacts.
- Offer grounded information to counteract harmful mis-information.
If you are making plans or have concerns, please contact me, Thérèse Samuel, Minister Right Relations and Social Justice, and my colleague John Egger, Minister, Social Justice.
Thanks to Northern Spirit Regional Council and clergy from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council for sharing information that helped in the creation of parts of this resource.
by Michele | Sep 9, 2024 | News, Regional Council, Staff
Dear ARW Regional Council,
We are thrilled to announce that Max Watkinson (they/them) has joined our team at Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council. They bring a wealth of experience and skills to our organization and will be serving as our new Executive Assistant to the regions.
Max will provide administrative support to the Executive Minister and resources and provides lead administrative support to the three executives and regional councils. They also are the person to contact with any questions regarding marriage license registration and policy.
Max will begin working full-time with the tri-regional staff team on Monday September 16th, 2024.
Join us in welcoming Max to the regional team!
More about Max:
Max has spent most of their professional life working in administration. Most recently, they served as the Office Administrator for Silver Spire United Church in St. Catharines. They’re an avid reader, hiker and volunteer. Max looks forward to growing their knowledge about the wider church and serving in any way they can.
by Michele | Sep 6, 2024 | News
Please note that Lynne Allin, Congregational Support Minister for Antler River Watershed and Horseshoe Falls will be on sabbatical starting September 1 and returning November 26, 2024. During this time Lynne’s email will be monitored by Ann Harbridge. John Neff, Congregational Support Minister for Western Ontario Waterways and Mark Laird, Executive Minister, along with commission chairs Greg Simpson (ARW) and Adrianne Robertson (HF) will also be available to assist communities of faith during this time. Please continue to use Lynne’s email address LAllin@united-church.ca
by Michele | Aug 29, 2024 | Community, Events, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice
Looking for continuing education that will grow your understanding of ministry from Indigenous perspectives? Join the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre ministry training students in a learning circle.
October-21-25-2024-5-day-registration-form-Wisdom-and-Psalms
October-28-31-2024-4-day-registration-form-Prophets-and-Prophecy
For more information visit: sandysaulteaux.ca/events.
You can also contact your regional council Minister for Right Relations and Social Justice, Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca
by Michele | Aug 21, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, 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, Volunteer
by Michele | Aug 21, 2024 | Community, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, Resources
This summer we have become aware of a “payroll scam” targeting ministry personnel and other staff members of churches.
How the Payroll Scam works:
- Scammers review websites of churches and learn the positions of each staff member to understand the staff structure in an attempt to steal staff’s salary.
- After they get to know who the staff members are and what their role is within the church, they target a particular staff member(s) and create an email address that is very similar to the person’s real email address ie minister@butterflyuc.com to minister1@butterflyuc.com and then use that email to contact the treasurer or bookkeeper to have their payroll auto-deposit banking information changed.
- Another way a scammer can get access to staff email address is by hacking into the churches email server and gain control over staff emails. Once they have this control they can send an email directly from the staff members real account to community members or other staff. These emails will only be detected if the staff member check their “sent” emails.
- The outcome of the payroll scam is the targeted staff member is only alerted on pay day when their payroll is not deposited into their account and then contacts the church payroll administrator to find out a false request has been made to alter their payroll information. The payroll is deposited into the scammers account and will be a financial loss to the church.
How to avoid the Payroll Scam:
- Ensure that the payroll administrator on your staff team whether they are the treasurer, bookkeeper or church administrator use extra precautions when processing changes to payroll details for staff members.
- The best precaution is to respond in person or by telephone to verify any payroll information change requests.
- Have the staff member fill out a payroll change form in the office with a witness.
- Develop basic security protocols within the staff team and church council as an example, two staff members must approve financial transactions on behalf of the church ie cheque signing, payroll changes etc.
- Install trustworthy web security systems on all church devices.
Stay alert and be safe online and on the phone.
[Photo: John Schnobrich via Unsplash]
by Michele | Aug 8, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Community, Events, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Resources, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada
As Pride season continues, hate incidents, assault, hostility and pushback in communities across the nation are on the rise, and some of these incidents go unreported and/or undocumented.
The United Church of Canada is beginning to collate information on these incidents, to map out patterns and also to encourage reporting, create awareness, and support advocacy initiatives.
Unfortunately many congregations and other ministries have already experienced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ pushback. The regional council has created a reporting form for such incidents. Should you experience any incidents, please fill out the form and help us work together to address the pushback against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and wellness here:
Incident Form
And may you have a happy and safe summer.
Thérèse Samuel
Minister, Right Relations and Social Justice
Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls
TSamuel@united-church.ca
by Michele | Aug 6, 2024 | Affirming, Community, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, News, Regional Council, Social Justice, The United Church of Canada
Photo Credit Hannah Voggenhuber via Unsplash
Feedback on a draft apology to members of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities by The United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada’s Apology Task Group invites feedback on a draft apology to members of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities harmed by The United Church of Canada. This is a part of the United Church’s commitment to continued learning, reconciliation and action. A volunteer apology task group was appointed in November 2023, to draft an intentional living apology that moves beyond a statement to explicit action. Recognizing the need for apologies to be lived into with action, the apology task group has developed this statement in response to the findings of Iridesce: The Living Apology Project and the 2011 National LGBT Consultation, for which feedback is welcome. Further engagement with communities of faith is planned in town hall meetings commencing later this Fall.
The draft and feedback survey can be found here.
At the 42nd General Council, the church approved support for a national process of a Living Apology installation project for dialogue, story-telling, education, and reconciliation with persons who identify as sexual or gender diverse including but not limited to Two-Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer persons. The Iridesce: The Living Apology Project launched in 2017 and was a collaboration between the General Council Office (GCO) and Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble (AU/SE).
Over three years, the project gathered stories from across the United Church and submitted its final report to the General Secretary in July 2020. Upon review of the report, it was recommended that the General Council Office (GCO) form a working group to recommend follow-up actions to the General Council Executive. The working group concluded and submitted formal recommendations for follow-up on the Iridesce Project in January 2023. Among the recommendations was the crafting and offering an apology to 2S and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The apology task group members are Rev. Tricia Gerhard , Rev. Michiko Bown-Kai, Christine Dolson, Rev. Aaron Miechkota and Frederick Monteith. Further inquiries can be directed to Rev. Tricia Gerhard at minister@westworth.ca or through the GCO liaison to the task group, Jane Thirikwa at jthirikwa@united-church.ca.
by Michele | Aug 2, 2024 | Learning Opportunity, News, Resources
Did your Minister leave and run off with the sign in credentials to your church’s Facebook account? Did the volunteer on your communications team finish their term and didn’t give you access to your YouTube or Canva accounts? Is one of your staff members on leave and not accessible to retrieve passwords to your MailChimp or X accounts? Need to set up a meeting but don’t have the password to the Zoom account and your Church Administrator left abruptly.
You could be left out in the cold and shut out of your online church accounts like MailChimp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Canva, MailChimp, Constant Contact, YouTube, Vimeo etc.
The importance of setting up more than one administrator of your online church accounts has never been more important. The importance of having more than one leader, staff member or volunteer the ability to access your online accounts for church business has excelled as we move much of our messaging and communications online in digital formats.
Gone are the days where file folders of paper can be handed over to new staff or ministry personnel or committee members.
Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) or One Time Passcodes (OTP) are our new reality with bad actors coming up with new scams daily. Two-Factor Authentication and One Time Passcodes are important ways to verify your church’s identity and the user logging in. These 2FA or OTP notices should go to Communications or Administrative emails or phone numbers not to personal phone numbers for verification.
Best Practices:
- Assign more than one administrator on accounts such as Facebook. Many online and social media platforms offer differing levels of permission to be assigned to administrators depending on their responsibilities, so it isn’t necessary to turn over full control of your accounts, but a person can be given permissions limited to posting and replying to posts, for example.
- Make sure the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or One Time Passcodes (OTP) go to an accountable staff or volunteer person that is available to access where these authorizations land.
- Separate personal and business emails when creating accounts for your community of faith. Church email accounts should be set up as an example “administrator[your church name or initials]@gmail.com”.
- Create a secure password log to be held by your church treasurer or administrator
- Set up a dedicated communications or media email account that can be accessed by more than one accountable staff or volunteer member to be used for online community of faith accounts.
Consider using a social media management platform where you can manage access to multiple platforms from one place. The General Council Office uses Hootsuite, and there are many others to choose from, such as Buffer.
[Photo Sara Kurfess via Unsplash]
Submitted by Michele Petick, Websites and Social Media Manager, Administrative Assistant
Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.
by Michele | Aug 2, 2024 | Community, Events, News, Regional Council, Staff
All invited to celebrate the retirement of ARW, HF, WOW Regional Councils Executive Assistant, Susan Duliban on Friday September 6th from 1 to 3pm at the Regional Council Office 1552 Hwy 6, Waterdown, ON L8N 2Z7 or via Zoom at this link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/81252105843
by Michele | Jul 19, 2024 | Regional Council, The United Church of Canada
GC45 is quickly approaching, and with it the deadlines for Regional Councils to submit proposals. At the fall meeting of Antler River Watershed Regional Council we will be taking time to look at proposals which have come to ARWRC to be considered to be passed along to GC45.
More information about what a proposal looks like can be found on our website here: https://arwrcucc.ca/general-council-45/
We would like to give the members of the Regional Council time to review any proposal that is to come before them this fall, so it is preferred to have proposals in to be considered for GC45 two weeks before the meeting. This suggested deadline for Antler River Watershed is Friday Oct 11th.
Rev. Mark Laird (he/him)
Executive Minister
Antler River Watershed Regional Council
Questions: MLaird@united-church.ca
by Michele | Jul 15, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Pastoral Relations, Regional Council, Right Relations, Social Justice, Staff, The United Church of Canada
We are Hiring!
Job Posting: Executive Assistant
For Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils
Click here for Job Description: https://united-church.ca/opportunities/executive-assistant
Job Number: 24-28
Opening/Closing Date: July 15, 2024 to August 5, 2024
Description
The Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an Executive Assistant on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours per week).
Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils share staff with many, including this position, 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.
Reporting to the Executive Minister, the Executive Assistant supports the Executive Minister, the Regional Councils and their Executives and plays a vital role in the preparation for and holding of Executive and regional council meetings. The Executive Assistant also ensures that the official records of the regional council are properly maintained.
The primary areas of responsibility are:
- Resource meetings of the Executives and Regional Councils (25%).
- Executive Minister Support (22%).
- Support to Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways (15%)
- Information Management (20%)
- Function as or on behalf of the Governing Official (18%)
See attached job description for detailed tasks
Qualifications
- Post-secondary studies in a related field
- 3-5 years of experience in a senior administrative role or equivalent work and life experience.
- Computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms and a willingness to use new technologies;
- Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact: offering welcome and support;
- Solid administrative, planning, time management, organizational and situational analysis skills to prioritize and plan work, meeting deadlines and completing multiple tasks on time with limited supervision, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations and priorities;
- Strong minute-taking skills;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written (includes writing, editing, proofreading, keen eye for attention to detail);
- Competence in arranging and hosting electronic meetings;
- Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, collaboratively and collegially;
- Demonstrated research, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of the United Church would be considered an asset.
- Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada;
- Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff.
Working Conditions
The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working from a home office with office space available at the regional 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. 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 $49,462 to $56,372 per year with the ability to progress to a maximum of $65,950. This is based on category 4 on the 2024 salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate 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 to Human Resources at careers@united-church.ca. Please quote job number 24-28 in your application.
Downloads
by Michele | Jul 12, 2024 | News
While we might expect our church property to be a true “sanctuary”, a place of rest and safety, this is not always the case. As many communities of faith have experienced, our buildings and worship services can become targets of vandalism, hate crimes and protests because of our values, beliefs and ministries. Hateful graffiti on the church walls, destruction of pride flags and property, written, verbal and physical assaults are a reality that we cannot ignore. While we cannot anticipate or prevent all attacks against our communities of faith, there are some best practices which can help prepare and protect your community of faith.
Prevention:
There may also be a Federal Government program in the coming year. Check here for details https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/cntrng-crm/crm-prvntn/fndng-prgrms/scrt-nfrstrctr-prgrm/index-en.aspx
Response When Something Has Happened:
Hate mail, emails or comments on your Facebook page or website
- Do not engage or respond
- Remove the comments from Facebook or website and block the sender
- Do not use any computer drives sent to you
- Do not click on any links
- Take photos of the items sent by mail or posted on-line
- Report to the police
- Contact your regional council Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
Damage to Property and/or theft
- If the building is unlocked or open when you arrive, DO NOT enter alone as someone could be inside the building
- Call police
- Take photos
- Contact your insurance provider if necessary
- Be aware of how this has impacted members of the community of faith and surrounding community and offer support
- Contact your regional council Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
Someone Acting Aggressively
- Do not engage them if possible
- Find a safe place and call police
- When safe to do so contact your regional council Executive Minister, Minister for Congregational Support and Minister for Social Justice
- If staff have been directly involved, Contact Micol Cottrell, Pastoral Relations Minister MCottrell@united-church.ca
Additional Steps:
In some situations, the community of faith may require additional support and resources.
- Ask the police writing the incident report for the Case Number so it can be followed by your legal representatives
- Contact Nicol Treskler Legal Counsel for The United Church of Canada if legal assistance is needed NTreskler@united-church.ca
- If media are covering the incident consult with General Council staff for assistance writing a statement. Note that it is important to be careful about what is said to prevent jeopardizing the investigation. Rhonda Parkes, Director of Communications RParkes@united-church.ca or Lori-Ann Livingston, Press and Public Relations Lead LLivingston@united-church.ca
- If staff have been directly involved, Contact Micol Cottrell, Pastoral Relations Minister MCottrell@united-church.ca
- Contact EFAP for support for staff and volunteers affected by the incident
Resources:
Mind Beacon online/phone counselling service provided through employment benefits 1 877-252-6707 https://www.mindbeacon.com/
Telus Health administers the UCC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and offers critical incident counselling either in person or by phone at no cost. Phone 1-844-880-9142 and explain that you are a volunteer working in a church leadership capacity. On the automated directory select critical incidents to begin the process.
PDF
by Michele | Jun 28, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Fundraiser, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, Learning Opportunity, 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, Volunteer
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
by Michele | Jun 17, 2024 | Affirming, Anti-Racism, Camps & Retreats, Children & Youth, Climate Change, Community, Events, Funds & Grants, Global Community, Indigenous Justice, LGBTQIA+ and Two-Spirit people, Mission & Service, News, Regional Council, Resources, Right Relations, Social Justice
Mission Support Grants 2025
The Discipleship and Justice Commission for your region is now welcoming applications for the 2025 Mission Support granting cycle.
Application forms can be found under “resources” on your regional council’s website. Please use the 2025 form and include all relevant information, even if it was included in previous applications.
If you received a grant last year, we are also asking you to provide a story about your ministry and its impact, as outlined in “Sharing Your Story” on the last page of the application form.
Send your completed application and supporting documents (ideally in a single pdf document) to me by email at JEgger@united-church.ca by 8:30 am Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Blessings on your ministry,
John Egger, Minister, Social Justice
by Michele | Jun 10, 2024 | Events, News, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada
The Presidents of the Regional Councils attend the 100th United Church of Canada Kick-off Service at The Metropolitan United Church Sunday June 9th in Toronto.
(L-R) ARW President Cheryl Bolton, WOW President Jennifer Irving, and HF President Lennox Scarlett
by Michele | Jun 7, 2024 | The United Church of Canada
by Michele | Apr 22, 2024 | Community, Events, Learning Opportunity, News, Regional Council, The United Church of Canada, Volunteer
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=pgOMc2Y4EH567NGkaFXcCquWqeaOMW.1
Meeting ID: 829 5743 3893
Password: 216767
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 |
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by Michele | Apr 9, 2024 | Indigenous Justice, News
Dear Elders and members of the National Indigenous Council,
We are writing to let you know that Remit 1 has passed. All 16 regional councils, the National Indigenous Council, and 80% of pastoral charges participated in this vote on establishing an autonomous Indigenous organization within the United Church of Canada. This includes 81% of active Indigenous pastoral charges.
This news will be posted on the United Church and General Council 44 websites and shared on social media this morning. We will also be posting the NIC’s statement as prepared this past weekend, and included below.
The final breakdown of votes will be shared tomorrow, April 10. Again, we will share those numbers with you first, before they are shared with the rest of the church.
Murray and Sara
Statement from the National Indigenous Council on the Results of Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization
We, the National Indigenous Council, are a diverse group of Indigenous Peoples, rooted in distinct innate values and wisdom. We:
- Carry a common vision and dream
- Respect everyone’s story
- Care for one another
- Uphold community
- Build positive relationships.
We thank our Ancestors and All Our Relations who have brought us to this moment.
We are all Spirit first.
The work of Right Relations continues.
We commit to moving forward together in a good way.
Thank you
