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.
Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister to Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils and a Lenten message. Send messages of welcome to MLaird@United-Church.ca
General Council is the decision-making body of the United Church as a whole. It brings together Commissioners (those elected to be members of this meeting of the General Council) to help set the course for the future of the United Church. GC45 Commissioners will need to be available for education sessions online June 14 and June 22, 2025. The 45th General Council will meet August 7-12, 2025 in person in Calgary, AB.
Invitation from The Moderator
The Moderator invites you to consider becoming a nominee for General Council Commissioner
Antler River Watershed Regional Council voted to have a diverse slate of GC45 Commissioners that will be voted on as a whole at the Spring Meeting of the ARWRC, May 24-26, 2024. We will be asked to approve a slate of 13 Commissioners to accompany the President of ARWRC to General Council 45, for a total of 14 Commissioners.
As you consider General Council 45 Commissioner nominations, remember the importance of reflecting the diversity of our denomination. Also, consider the diversity we as a church want (or need) as we seek to live out God’s mission. Ask yourself questions like:
Whose voices need to be heard in this decision-making body of our church?
Who’s missing from the table?
Whose wisdom, insights and experience can best contribute to the conversations and actions at GC45?
Let these questions – and others that the Spirit brings – aid you in your decision-making.
General Council Proposals (The Manual Section F) Do you have an idea for a way to strengthen the United Church? If so, please consider preparing a proposal. (See The Manual, Section F) Proposals have a set format:
Title:
Originating Body:
What is the issue?
Why is this issue important?
What might the General Council do about it?
Detailed information is laid out in the The Manual, 2024. To view the GC45 Proposal Template Guide, click here GC45 Proposal Template Guide. Proposals reach the General Council through the regional council. If submitting a proposal, please do so as soon as possible to allow the agenda and business team time to allow sufficient time for discussion.
If you would find advice helpful in framing the desired action or change as you craft a proposal, please feel free to be in touch with Executive Minister, Mark Laird mlaird@united-church.ca for assistance. This would be help in terms of format and wording, not advice re: the action itself.
Candidates for Moderator Is the next Moderator of the United Church in our midst? Nominees for Moderator no longer need to be a Commissioner
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
If you need assistance or are unable to complete the online registration form contact: Michele Petick at MPetick@United-Church.ca
Childcare available Free of Charge
Kids and Youth Programming
Kids and Youth accommodation/meals Free of Charge
Registration Deadline: April 15th, 2024
After April 15th, only Zoom registration available
A G E N D A
Friday, May 24th: 2 PM start. Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak.
Saturday, May 25th: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon.
Sunday, May 26th: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Worship with Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes
Note: 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.
Would you like to serve on the Executive or a Commission or become the next President of the Regional Council?
If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for Executive or one of our three Commissions, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by May 1, 2024.
If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for President-Elect, please complete the President-Elect Nomination Form by May 1, 2024.
For the remit vote, we are glad to hear that many of you are having conversations about the remit at your congregational meetings. Please also make sure your congregations understand that this is not something the congregation can vote on.
The remit vote must be made by the pastoral charge governing body (Board or Council) and cannot be delegated to the congregation. The Board/Council members should vote according to their own discernment. That being said, it is great for the congregation to share their thoughts before the Board/Council votes on it.
Your Pastoral Charge vote must be sent to General Council by March 31, 2024.
For links to the remit information and for educational materials go to
We believe that God is calling the United Church to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship and Daring Justice. Hearing this, our vision for the next 5-10 years is: Called by God, as disciples of Jesus, The United Church of Canada seeks to be a bold, connected, evolving church of diverse, courageous, hope-filled communities united in deep spirituality, inspiring worship, and daring justice.
One way the United Church is putting this into action is by working to Strengthen Invitation. This is about seeing existing ministries grow, and supporting new communities of faith. To support this, a new Growth Team was formed. We have 3 streams of work.
Renew: We are coming alongside existing communities of faith. We want to help you attract and welcome neighbours, knit them into your congregation’s life, share in the Spirit’s transforming work in their lives, and send them to share in God’s work in the world.
Create: We are seeding and strengthening new communities of faith. Often these will look and feel quite different from what many of us are used to. Imagine what possibilities there are for migrant communities, youth and young adults, Indigenous people, French-speakers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons, and people with disabilities? What about new forms of rural faith communities? How about online ones? God is calling people together in new ways. How can we join in?
Invite: We are helping United Church people to talk with others about our faith, and invite them to explore the Christian life together with us. How do we share the story of Jesus today? What does a post-Christian, post-colonial, humble and joyful evangelism look like?
An animator brings things to life. God is the Life-giver! I am, at best, a sub-animator. I’ll be looking and listening for glowing embers, sparks of heat and energy, signposts that God is working away. I’ll be seeing how I might blow some helpful air to help them burn a bit brighter: having supportive conversations, sharing in prayer, giving encouragement, exploring questions, making connections, offering resources.
Six Growth Animators are serving across the country. I am focusing on our 3 regional councils in southwest Ontario (Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways). I will be working closely with your regional ministers and commissions. And maybe I’ll get to work with you and your congregation!
I was with Hope Springs United Church until the end of December. It’s a recent amalgamation of Alma, Bethany and Elora United Churches. I continue to be based in Elora, while connecting online and in-person with people throughout our area.
Do you have ideas? Questions? Want to talk with me about your congregation? I have so much to figure out. Still, I’m already glad to listen and learn with you. What might we hear together?
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
It has come to our attention that material considered a hate crime in Canada is reaching some of our congregations this week. We are saddened to note that this is coming during a time when we are preparing to celebrate the arrival of the Christ in our midst.
The hate mail received this week has included a letter with disturbing messages and a USB key. It has come from the United States and may have a Customs declaration that it is a “gift.” If you receive mail that you suspect to be this or other hate correspondence, here is what we recommend you do:
Do not insert the USB key into any of your devices. Curiosity could put your computer and your security at risk.
Be aware that the letters that we are aware of contained disturbing messages targeting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals. You may choose not to open it.
If the mail meets the description provided above, you can report it as suspicious without opening it and include this newsletter to back up your concerns.
For security reasons, never put any USB key from an unknown or hostile source in your computer, as it could contain viruses or other malicious software that could steal your personal information, could cause harm to your computer and could also spread malware to your contacts. If you received a USB key, please report it to the police and surrender it to them. If you have already put such a USB key into your computer, please remove it immediately and take steps to check for malware before using your computer further.
Also, please be mindful of how distressing opening this mail may have been for the staff member or volunteer who did so. It will distress many and be experienced as a personal attack by any who identify with or are family and friends of the targeted population.
If you receive the above noted package or any other hate mail, please reach out to your Regional Council Social Justice staff- Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca and John Egger jegger@united-church.ca, even if only to notify us. Knowing what is happening helps us know how to best support you and the other congregations in our regional councils. And if you would also like any particular information or assistance, please let us know.
Sadly, this kind of hate correspondence profiles why our regional councils have chosen to become Affirming, and it is a reminder of why our Christian presence is so very vital in our communities, our nation and the world. If your congregation is not Affirming and you are interested in exploring the process, here is a link to information: https://affirmunited.ause.ca/affirming-ministry-requirements/, and contact Thérèse tsamuel@united-church.ca or John E jegger@united-church.ca if you have any questions.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to your regional council staff who are here to support you.
The Regional Council offices will be closed during the Christmas break. Emails will be answered after our return in the New Year. If you have opened the USB, we recommend contacting your computer care/service provider immediately to seek their advice.
May God bless you and your congregations as you celebrate the arrival of the Christ child, who comes to overturn injustice and to bring true and lasting peace. May the miracle of Christ’s presence fill you with comfort and warmth as you face all the joys and challenges that this season may bring your way.
Today I sent an email to staff titled, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy.” I acknowledged that my news did not rival that announced by the angel choir but it was good news.
It is also good news for our regional councils that Rev. Mark Laird has offered himself as our next Executive Minister. Mark has been engaged with our regional councils from the first meeting of the Transition Teams, so knows what has guided our leaders as they sought to be church in a new way. The goal was to need fewer volunteers so that more of our leaders could focus on “being” the church in their local context. We also sought to grow expertise and understanding among those serving in leadership and the ability of Commission and Executive members to step into staff roles when needed attests to that working.
From our evaluation, we have further steps to take but, as I prepare to leave, I want to applaud all three regional councils for your willingness to work collaboratively, to create a staff complement to strengthen congregations and to steward resources for the future of the church as a whole, and the regional council in particular. It has been a privilege to work with such dedicated and visionary leaders. I will miss you.
To allow Mark to provide the required 90-days’ notice to Drayton United Church, his start date is March 1, 2024. I will be working half-time as your Executive Minister and half-time in my new role as Senior Governance Support Lead. I look forward to when our paths will cross as, together we celebrate 100 Years of Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice starting June 9, 2024, and gather together for General Council 45 in 2025.
It is not me who is announcing the good news of what next for our regional councils but, as a member of one of them, like the shepherds on the hillside, I welcome this good news.
Some congregations have recently received a scam email demanding payment by December 31st under threat of the loss of a particular service or coverage like insurance.
Please check any such demand directly with your provider before ever transferring funds to urgent types of emails or phone calls such as the above scam (do not reply to the sent email – telephone or create a new email to verify the validity of any requests).
The Regional Council Staff Team thank YOU for all you are, what you do and share across the Antler River Watershed Region and wishes you and yours a very blessed Merry Christmas and peace-filled Happy New Year 2024.
Please note the Regional Council Office closure Dec 22nd thru to Jan 1st back to work on January 2nd.
In the midst of the festivities, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas – the miraculous gift of God’s love for all humankind through the birth of Jesus Christ. May this season inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our bonds with one another, and rekindle the flame of hope that burns brightly within our hearts.
As we go about our celebrations with loved ones this season
may we pause to remember those who may be experiencing
loneliness, hardship or despair. Take a moment to reach out
in kindness and generosity and share the
hope, peace, joy and love to those who need it most.
During this holy season I think of all of you and I am filled with the hope, peace, joy and love that this season brings. May the Christchild, who offers these gifts to us all, continue to bless you in the coming year.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and may the spirit of Christmas continue to shine brightly in our regional council in the coming new year.
Wishing you Peace and Blessings,
Rev. Cheryl Bolton
President, Antler River Watershed Regional Council
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Today I sent an email to staff titled, “Behold I bring you good news of great joy.” I acknowledged that my news did not rival that announced by the angel choir but it was good news.
