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Prairie to Pine
Weekly News

The United Church of Canada
We acknowledge with gratitude the traditional territories of our Indigenous and Metis neighbours and their hospitality. We offer our respect and commitment to living into right relationship with all our relations.
June 3, 2020

Information that you would like included in the Weekly News should be sent to Cherry through this email by 4:00 p.m. on Tuesdays: PrairietoPine@united-church.ca 

 

We REALLY want to facilitate the sharing of news about pastoral concerns, celebrations, educational opportunities and events so PLEASE share them with us. Due to the volume of requests, we will be pleased to publish announcements about events on 2 occasions before the deadline for registration and/or the actual event.

 
NOTE: We will be aiming to send out the Weekly News on Wednesdays.

June 4 - Prairie to Pine Regional Council Executive via Zoom, 3:00 p.m.

June 4 - Congregational Programming (details under COVID-19 Updates

June 4 - Youth Forum Virtual Q& A session (details under "In Other News")

June 9 - Ministry Personnel Check-in (details under COVID-19 Updates)

June 10 - Governing Bodies and Ministry Personnel Gathering (details under "In Other News")

June 21 - Indigenous Day of Prayer (details under "In Other News)
Our thoughts and prayers are with Don Schau, his partner Shelley and their extended family on the death of their adult child, Erryn Renee Schau this past week. Don is the Minister at Atlantic Garden City United Church in Winnipeg.

From the Regional Minister for
Justice and Communications

National COVID updates

Note: important update on emergency loans and other funding below. Please continue to use your community of faith channels to share these.

National webinar series:
Wednesday’s now-famous congregational finances during the pandemic is on hold until more updates become necessary.
All you hard working treasurers: please take a break!

June 4: Congregational programming: During the pandemic, United-in-Learning is offering a weekly series for ministers and church leaders, with just-in-time skills and reflections intended to help us all respond to the unusual situation we find ourselves in. If you have specific requests or suggestions for future topics, please CLICK HERE to email us! Here’s full information on this weekly series.

Regional COVID- related updates 


The Regional Council will continue with Tuesday ministry personnel check ins that are Region-specific. Here is the Meeting link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/5662855587. Please see your Regional Council’s Events calendar for the dates and meeting information or check with your Pastoral Relations Minister.

Opportunity for Zoom Conversation
on Re-opening 
New


On May 13, 2020 there was an opportunity for members of Community of Faith and Ministry Personnel from the three regions (Northern Spirit, Living Skies and Prairie to Pine) to attend a ZOOM gathering to discuss re-opening of buildings for worship and/or other activities /tenants or user groups. The ZOOM call that evening was based on resources that we had at that time and the health authority restrictions and gathering numbers at that time. Some of you were unable to access the ZOOM meeting because we exceeded the maximum number.
 
Since that date, we also now have a few more resources for places of worship from governments and health authorities in various provinces (Alberta and Saskatchewan), from various Regional Councils across the country and from our Ecumenical partners (Evangelical Lutheran Church Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario Synod) some of which were share in an email to active ministry personnel and pastoral charge supervisors on June 1st, 2020 (Resources available here)
 
In addition to those resources two more have become available this week through the Living Skies Regional Council website:
A Discernment process:
https://livingskiesrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/DiscerningRe-openingTogether-Living-SkiesRC-UCC.pdf

A template for writing your Community of Faith re-opening plan is available here.
 
We are awaiting the possibility of a resource for places of worship from the government and/or health authority of the province of Manitoba .

The Prairie to Pine Regional Council through its Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy (SMcCarthy@united-church.ca) or one of the Co-Chairs of the Regional Council, Lori Stewart (Loristewart@hagerman.ca) are open to hearing if there are still resources that your communities of faith would find helpful as you make decisions about any aspect of re-engaging in buildings.
 
We expect that It will be a while before the Province of Ontario reaches a stage where re-opening of places of worship for larger groups is anticipated.
 
Given these new resources we wanted to provide another opportunity for members from governing bodies and Ministry Personnel from Prairie to Pine Regional Council to gather together in a ZOOM meeting to discuss any matters related to making decisions and developing plans for re-opening of buildings on Wednesday evening, June 10, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Click here for the connection information for this meeting. For those joining by phone, here is the meeting information.

Annual Statistical Forms  New


Just a reminder that Annual Statistics Forms for General Council need to be completed as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns please contact Susan Jackson at: Sjackson@united-church.ca or call 1-800-268-3781.

Introducing Our New Executive Minister
for Indigenous Ministries and Justice 
New

We welcome Murray Pruden as the Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries and Justice in The United Church of Canada. His appointment was approved by the National Indigenous Council last week, and begins on July 1.

Murray is originally from Smoky Lake, Alberta, and is a member of the Goodfish Lake and Saddle Lake First Nations, Treaty 6. He currently lives in Burnaby, BC, and serves as Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s Indigenous Minister.
He brings years of varied experience to this role: he has been a theatre director, worked in government, and played leadership roles in several United Churches. He has fulfilled the requirements to graduate from the Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre and has completed a Masters of Divinity at the Vancouver School of Theology, where he received the Chancellor’s Scholarship in September 2019. He led the team of inspiring worship leaders at the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering in 2019.

What is Youth Forum, anyway?  Updated
Join us Thursday, June 4th at 7pm to find out!


Our region gets to send four youth forum representatives to the National United Church’s General Council (GC) meeting.

Youth and supporters of youth, this is your chance to join a virtual Question and Answer session where our panel will be Youth Forum participants from the past two General Council meetings.  GC Youth Forum is an opportunity that only comes around every 3 years, so it’s worthwhile finding out if it’s a good fit for you, or someone you know.

On Thursday, June 4th, at 7pm, please bring your questions and join the panel discussion by clicking on this zoom link. 

https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97086878379?pwd=UmNmVG9Ha2VnMWpoaFh1dUpoaURuZz09
Contact Twila if you have questions: tmacnair@united-church.ca

Virtual Youth Drop-In  Updated

(not on June 4th due to evening Q & A advertised above,
but continuing through the rest of June)

Calling all youth who would like a chance to connect online with other United Church youth for some games, discussion, and sharing. Thursdays at 2:30 pm. 

Please email Twila MacNair at TMacNair@united-church.ca

A Note from the Office of Vocation  New


Please click here to view the letter, re: Annual Declaration of Rev. Dr. Karen Medland, Office of Vocation Minister for Northern Spirit, Living Skies and Prairie to Pine Regions.

Indigenous Day of Prayer: a history  New


June 21 is a deeply important day for many Indigenous Nations and United Church members. Here’s a short background on the history of this day, now celebrated across the land.

Remit 1: Gender-inclusive language
in the Basis of Union 
Updated


In the fall of 2020, delegates to the regional annual meeting will be voting on a remit to make a small but important change to the Basis of Union. Current wording about eligibility for ministry uses “men and women”, and the wording would be changed to “all people”, to reflect a diversity of gender identities. (Further background is here.)

The Equity and Diversity Committee of Prairie to Pine Regional Council and various resource people will create some learning opportunities that will be open to all. Have a look in the events section for an invitation to our June 24 webinar!

Camps: creating community
during a difficult summer 
New


As you likely know, our United Church camps are dealing with the hard reality that they will not be able to gather physically to be with the beauty of the land and the water. They’re responding with creativity and care, as you can see in this article from a national camping conversation. Check in with the camp closest to you and see if you can help spread the word about their needs and their summer programming.

Learning opportunities  Updated

Indigenous United Church; intercultural check in; inclusive gender language; vigil for peace in Korea; eco-commoning.
Before a little summer rest begins, check out the amazing range of online gatherings here.

Eco Commoning: June 11, 18 and 25, 90 minute forums and discussion on ecological justice in your community of faith. Full details are here.

Sundays in June: Indigenous Heritage Month Series: Foundations of the Indigenous United Church
Every Sunday in June at 2:00 PM in AB and SK: come explore the foundations of the Indigenous Church in the United Church of Canada. These sessions are open to everyone to come and learn. For additional information or to register, please contact: right.relations@hillhurstunited.com
Sessions:
June 7Foundations: Indigenous Women's Spirituality with Rev. Bernice Saulteaux
June 14Formation: Indigeneity in Christian Formation with the Very Reverend Stan McKay
June 21Indigenous People’s Day/Mission: The Indigenous Church, Mission and Call with Rev. John Snow Jr. 
June 28Vision: The Caretakers Report and the Future Indigenous Church with Adrian Jacobs, Keeper of the Circle, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre. 
Many thanks to these elders and knowledge keepers, and to the Right Relations Circle at Hillhurst United Church in Calgary, for offering us the space to learn together.

Advocacy for and with refugees online workshop series
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is holding their 2020 Spring Consultation online from May 19 - June 26, 2020. CCR is a long time United Church partner and a well-respected education and advocacy group for the rights of people seeking refuge and their supporters. Participate in the Virtual Spring Consultation to explore current issues affecting refugee protection and newcomer settlement, featuring perspectives from all Canadian provinces and experts in diverse fields. All are welcome! https://ccrweb.ca/en/2020-spring-consultation

Tuesday, June 23: Western Intercultural chai and coffee check in
Join the Western Intercultural Network with your tea, chai, coffee (or water) in hand. We’ll talk about how we’re all doing, and discuss the racism COVID is bringing to light as well as strategies for confronting it. We’ll also share updates on our fall gathering, now moving online for September and October. Time: June 23, 2020 11:30 AM Pacific; 12:30 PM in AB, NWT, and SK; 1:30PM in MB and NW Ontario. Link (do not post this on social media - use email only please):
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97973729801

Wednesday, June 24: Gender diversity and the power of language, 6:00PM in AB and SK, 7:00PM in MB and NW ON. What is gender inclusive language and how does it have the power to embrace or exclude non-binary, Two Spirit, trans, and gender queer people? Join us for a practical discussion about evolving language and personal perspectives on its importance. All welcome. This time together is especially recommended for Regional Council delegates who will be voting on Remit 1 this fall. The Zoom link will be set as soon as possible; please watch the Regional calendar under Events.

Thursday June 25: Peace vigil for Korea
Join us for an online prayer vigil for peace and reunification on the Korean Peninsula, marking the 70th Anniversary of the start of the Korean War on June 25, 2020 at 5:00PM in BC, 6:00PM in SK and AB, 7:00PM in MB and NW Ontario. This special event links the United Church with the World Council of Churches' (WCC) global prayer campaign, A Light of Peace, inspired by United Church partners in Korea. The campaign invites people of faith around the world to pray and act for peace on the Korean Peninsula and for a world free from war and nuclear weapons. 

Call for Nominations to Manitoba Council for International Cooperation   New


As a member of MCIC, the United Church is eligible to nominate someone who has an interest and experience in international development. http://mcic.ca/members/  If you know of someone who might be a good candidate, please let them know that this is a great volunteer opportunity to learn and network with the international development community in Manitoba.  

Before the pandemic... "board members are expected to attend all board meetings, about 6-7 per year, which are held in Winnipeg at the MCIC office on Smith Street, usually at 6 pm on a week day.  They are also expected to participate in the work of one or two committees, some which meet by email/phone, and others which meet in person. Directors living outside of Winnipeg are paid mileage to Winnipeg, but receive no other financial compensation." The MCIC Annual meeting is scheduled to be held by ZOOM on  June 25th, 5:00 - 6:30 PM.  
 
An annual report at  http://mcic.ca/pdf/13485-MCIC-AnnualReport_2018-2019_May2019-WEB2.pdf  explains the work of the organization and the committees.   

Call for Nominations


There are over 90 members of Prairie to Pine currently doing work for the Region and the wider church - that is, doing work on our collective behalf. We extend a Huge Thank You to all of you!

The Nominating Committee is now looking at filling the positions of those who have so graciously given of themselves and have completed their terms serving on various commissions and committees of the Prairie to Pine Region. We ask you to give your thoughtful consideration to filling some of these roles within the Regional council for the next term. Our committee is carefully discerning the balance, passions, experience and new “blood” for all committees in the Prairie to Pine Region.

If you feel called to one of these vacant positions, please fill out this form online, or speak to a member of the nominations team.  If you know someone who may be an especially good fit, please encourage them to put their name forward. More detail regarding the work of each of the commissions and committees can be found on the Prairie to Pine website (https://prairietopinerc.ca/) or by clicking on the links below!

Please click here for the list of volunteer opportunities on Committees and Commissions.

Nominations Committee
Prairie to Pine Region, United Church of Canada

Open Out  Updated

 
New Open Out podcast: De-shuttering worship (1): A deep dive into worship with the other 90%  is now available. In this episode we look at practical ways to open our worship services, our worship experience to those who have a different cultural background. This, the first of two on worship, helps us understand how folk from 90% of the world experience worship - what is important to them and why? https://www.buzzsprout.com/917410/3994214

Request to Share


Some Communities of Faith that are without Called or Appointed Ministry Personnel or those whose Ministry Personnel are planning vacation time would welcome a list of communities of faith who are offering worship through links to YouTube or live through ZOOM. Those willing to share please submit details regarding links or where to access links to Cherry Abad (cabad@united-church.ca)

Reminder: put your community event
on our website!


Reminder: you can still promote your local event through our website. Regular worship should be registered with the national church’s map and listings, but everything from bible study to a workshop to drive up pie or bannock fundraisers can be shared on our Communities of Faith events calendar through our community form. The event needs to be a United Church event open to the public. Give it a try!

From the Pastoral Relations Minister

of Prairie to Pine Regional Council


Greetings.  A few matters that I wanted to make you aware of related to my work and the work of the committees/commissions with whom I relate:
 
Renewals of Appointments:
Given that some Communities of Faith are currently experiencing some financial challenges due to COVID 19 and given that once an appointment start date and percentage of time for a position has been approved it can only be changed by all parties changing motions, withdrawing and redoing online CHURCH HUB forms, it was decided that the Pastoral Relations Minister will receive and hold all Record of Appointment notices for renewals until the June meeting of the Pastoral Relations Commission.

To ensure that the nuances of determining financial viability are being tended to given the impact of COVID 19, the Pastoral Relations Commission is requesting that Communities of Faith forward a copy of their 2019 Year End Financial statement, a YTD financial statement/picture to the end of April, 2020 including any moneys expected to be received as part of government wage subsidy programs and indicate confirmation of  the terms of an appointment to the Pastoral Relations Minister.
 
Renewals of Licenses for Sacraments Elders
In an email to Pastoral Charge Supervisors this week, a process was shared for renewing the licences of Sacraments Elders whose current licences end July 01, 2020. The Regional Council Committee on Lay Ministry/Lay Leadership Support approved a the NEW deadline of June 15, 2020 for having all the relevant approvals/emails/documents into the Pastoral Relations Minister.  

COVID-19 Updates
In addition to the information provided above by Julie Graham on COVID 19 Updates please make certain that:
  • any governing body that has made decisions or is contemplating decisions about staff layoffs is in touch with the Prairie to Pine Regional Council Pastoral Relations Minister, Judy Hare to review all options, to receive process instruction and receive templates for letters especially for any staff who are members of the UCC Benefits plan.
  • Morneau Shepell has made available some more resources which can be used by those who are affected by, or responding to, traumatic events. The Benefits Centre has posted them on the website,https://www.uccan-benefitscentre.ca/morneau-shepell-traumatic-event-support/
  • While some Health protocols and restrictions and Government Assistance Programs are the same across the country, please make certain that you check the latest information available on the websites for the province and health region that you are located in.
Here are few sites for those in the Province of Manitoba to be aware of:
 
Public Health bulletins:
https://manitoba.ca/covid19/soe.html
https://engagemb.ca/covid19-csp                         
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restoring/index.html

Government of Manitoba Assistance with 75% wage subsidy
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/business/index.html

Labour Standards explanation of temporary layoffs:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc,Temporary_Layoff_Provisions_COVID-19,factsheet.html#q2200

Letter of Executive Minister, 
Re: Prairie to Pine Regional Gathering


Please click here to read the letter of Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy. 

Prairie to Pine 2020 Annual Meeting update
and new dates


The Prairie to Pine Executive has set the dates for an electronic Annual Meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 7, (evenings only)

This will be a 2-part electronic meeting, with both video and phone connections available. The details are still being worked out, and more information will be posted later. All voting members of P2P Region are asked to save the dates. Please see the website for more details.

Moderator’s letter: “Seize the Moment”
for a Universal Basic Income in Canada


Moderator Richard Bott is calling on the Canadian government to “seize the moment” offered by COVID-19 pandemic relief programs and move forward with developing and implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program. A UBI program would help provide an adequate living level for everyone and address the persistent inequities within our country. Here’s the article, the Moderator’s full letter, and a related action invitation for congregations from Westworth United Church in Winnipeg.

Worship themes and resources for June


In June both Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities are a focus for the United Church.  June 7 is Pride Sunday (as well as Union Sunday- the best of liturgical luck with mixing these two themes.) June 21 is National Indigenous Day and the Indigenous Day of Prayer; find new resources for this important day here.

Employee Support Resources


Morneau Sheppell ( provider of the UCC Employer and Family Assistance Program – EFAP) are excited to announce that they will be supporting the mental wellbeing of Ontarians and Manitobans with AbilitiCBT – our online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program.
 
AbilitiCBT addresses anxiety, depression, and anxiety symptoms related to the uniquely challenging aspects of pandemics: uncertainty, isolation, caring for family and community members, information overload, and stress management.
 
Employees can access AbilitiCBT from home on a smartphone or a tablet; and it’s guided by registered therapists.
 
For employees who live in Ontario, here are the key details :
  • All Ontarians, aged 16 and over, can access AbilitiCBT for free
  • They can learn more about AbilitiCBT here
  • Once employees select “Sign up for AbilitiCBT,” they will be asked to complete a short questionnaire and they will be paired with a registered therapist who will guide them through the AbilitiCBT program
  • AbilitiCBT is the only iCBT program offered by the Government of Ontario that can address the specific triggers and symptoms associated with a pandemic
AbilitiCBT is an effective way to get help into the hands of employees – particularly during a time when we are required to self-isolate and practice physical distancing.
 
Morneau would also encourage employees to review the full list of resources made available by the Government of Ontario as part of its expanded mental health support to Ontarians – available here.
 
Employees in Manitoba can connect here to follow the link to sign up for AbilitiCBT without cost to them, or to you as the employer.
 
Need broader support?
Ontario’s expanded mental health coverage is a temporary response to the increased challenges we are facing during the pandemic.

United Church Emergency Support


The page and form for the loans program are now live.

Visit United in Learning for upcoming COVID-related finance webinars and recordings and PowerPoints from previous webinars on ways to manage the financial impact of the pandemic on our communities of faith. Capital Assistance Loans and Grants. For the moment, the regular United Church capital assistance loan and grant programs are on hold pending ongoing evaluation of our financial capacity to respond.

Invitation: Universal Basic Income action


Westworth United Church in Winnipeg invites you to join them in speaking up for a Guaranteed (or Universal) Basic Income. Taking the lead from a recent letter from all of Canada’s Lutheran and Anglican bishops to the federal government, we’re asked to support the principle and practice of government-guaranteed minimum income for families and individuals as a more effective way of addressing poverty. Please see the action for full details.

"Messy Connections"


The "Messy Connections" Canadian Conference scheduled for October 15-18, 2020 has been moved to October 14-17, 2021. 

Archivist


Erin Acland will be off work starting Friday, May 22 to Monday June 8th.

Worship themes and resources
for May and June


All special Sundays and worship resources for them are noted here in this handy summary. Many of our special Sundays highlight diverse communities and special ministries. May is Asian Heritage Month, celebrating the roots and cultures of many in our church and across Canada who hold Asian heritage. Worship resources for your use are available here.  In a personal reflection, Rev Dr Alan Lai invites us in the intercultural challenges of Asian Heritage Month.

2020 Camp Season - Wellman Lake UC Camp


The Wellman Lake United Church Camp Board recently made the difficult decision to cancel the upcoming 2020 camp season due to COVID-19 restrictions. We are saddened to have to take such measures in our 64th season but know that it is in the best interest of the staff and campers. With the cancelling of the season we hope to still hire a few staff, that we will be able to keep busy with different projects such as painting, yard work, etc, around our site. We ask that everyone stay safe and healthy and we look forward to seeing everyone in the future.

National Prayer and Worship Online Gathering


As  people get into a new routine in this time of COVID 19 restrictions, various connections are becoming part of those routines. This week I call to your attention a couple of offerings by the Moderator, the Right Reverend Richard Bott that some may have discovered through other sources and some may be unaware of:
Ministry personnel prayer gathering   https://zoom.us/j/350685135
EVERY DAY, 9 am PDT / Noon EDT  /11:00 am CDT/ 1:30 NDT
Dial in: 1 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free, Meeting ID: 350 685 135
Weekly Worship Gathering   https://zoom.us/j/592865212
TUESDAYS, 4 pm PDT / 7 pm EDT /6:00 p.m. CDT/ 8:30 pm NDT
Dial in: 1 855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free, Meeting ID: 592865212

This worship is taped and available on the UCC YouTube Channel.

Racism during the pandemic:
A United Church member reflects


From the beginning of this pandemic, incidents of racism against Asian communities and individuals have marred our communal response to COVID. In this reflection on racism and COVID, Kim Uyede-Kai notes that “The curve of the escalation of the disease of racism is rising with the curve of the escalation of COVID-19. While there is presently no vaccine against either disease to stop the spread of both, COVID-19 will eventually be eradicated. Racism will continue to mutate unless we make collective efforts to stop the spread.” She concludes with practical suggestions that could help us identify and address racist comments and acts in our day to day conversations and relationships.

The Enneagram


The Enneagram is a multi-layered symbol of transformation that provides a structure and a process for self-knowledge as well as a map to the greater unfolding of events in our world. It can help us find new ways of working with the challenging situations in life and open us up to insights for the complete development of us as human beings — mind, heart, body, and soul.

There are four different online workshops being offered depending on your level of knowledge of the Enneagram. Please click here for more information.

Sacraments Elder Training 
 

The planning team  for the sacraments elder initial training and refresher from the Committee on Lay Ministry/Lay Leadership Support met on Monday, April 27th,2020. After reviewing the content of the proposed training, brainstorming about alternative ways to deliver some of the proposed components and acknowledging that celebrating the sacraments are not likely to be among the initial things permitted when Communities of Faith gather together again, it was decided to postpone the training until it can be delivered in a face to face workshop. Those who registered for the initial training in March, 2020 will be notified directly of this matter and will be consulted as part of the rescheduling process, likely in the fall.

Draft Affirming statement for Prairie to Pine


Your Equity and Diversity Committee is currently working with the LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit Affirming process for the Regional Council. This draft Vision Statement will eventually go to the Regional Council for approval. Please have a look here. For more information, please contact co-chairs Jamie Miller and Ken Delisle. For privacy reasons, please contact them through prairietopine@united-church.ca

A Trans Christian Faith Perspective


Some time in the fall, delegates to Regional Council gatherings/ annual meetings will be voting on Remit 1, which proposes renewed, gender inclusive wording Basis of Union wording about who can become a minister in our church. If you’d like to talk further about this important change, please contact Julie Graham, Justice and Communications staff, jgraham@united-church.ca

Watch this recorded 90-minute webinar where five trans and non-binary people share a little of their personal stories, and how their Christian faith has made a difference along the way. Hear about how they understand their gender identity, why language is important, and why the church has been an important part of their lives. Click HERE to access the recording as well as to find Resources for Going Deeper.

Pulpit Supply Lists

 
Those trained lay leaders (Licensed Lay Worship Leaders and Designated Lay Ministers who are collecting pension) who have requested inclusion on the pulpit supply list are on one list -Lay Worship Leaders. Those individuals who are Order of Ministry who are unassigned or collecting pension who  have requested inclusion on the pulpit supply list, have their credentials up to date and whose formal association letters have been received are included on a separate list- Ministry Personnel.
 
Both Lists will be updated as more requests and documents are received. These list will also be included in an email to be sent to every Community of Faith in early December and will be posted on the website when it becomes available.
 
Ministry Personnel who want to be on the pulpit supply list should see the comments on the Pastoral Relations Ponderings on formal association and credential requirements. All those (Lay or Order of Ministry) who wish to be on the Pulpit Supply List should download, complete and return the following Licensed Lay Worship Leader form or the Ministry Personnel form.

The lists and forms are also available in the Prairie to Pine website.

Reply Requested:
Clusters & Interest and Support Groups or Networks


Requests and opportunities for participation in various events being held in specific areas throughout the Regional Council  are being received at the office. It would be good to pass these on to groups in those geographic or interest areas. We are once again attempting to compile a list of clusters / support groups, interest groups or networks functioning within the Prairie to Pine Regional Council area. Please send information about the nature of your group and at least one contact person to either Cherry Abad (cabad@united-church.ca) or Judy Hare (jhare@united-church.ca).

Q&A about Covenants with the Regional Council


1. We submitted our Governance Document and our Covenant. Are we to expect a response to either the Covenant or the Governance Document?

Yes, you will get a response. Over 70 covenants have been received so far. They have all been reviewed by a group of volunteer readers experienced in congregational leadership. The Committee on Community of Faith Support is reviewing the reports received and are drafting letters that will likely go out in January. The Regional Council Executive has named a team of people to draft the Regional Council's portion of the covenant. Eventually this piece of work will be completed! It is taking much longer than we anticipated. 
 
2. We haven't done our covenant yet, and can't seem to find the information that was sent out early in the year. Do we still need to do a covenant? 

All communities of faith need to complete a covenant of mutual commitment, accountability and support with Prairie to Pine Region. If you need to have the information and sample material resent, please request it from Cherry Abad, (cabad@united-church.ca) who provides support to the Committee on Community of Faith Support. 

UCW Assessment and Bursary Donations


Please be advised that cheques for UCW assessment / membership fee should be made out to MNWO Conference UCW and mailed to Karen Corbett (UCW Regional Treasurer). Her address is 1017 Jessie Ave., Winnipeg MB R3M 1A2.

Prairie to Pine Regional Council Bursary donations should be made out to Prairie to Pine Regional Council and mailed to the Regional Office at 1622B St. Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3W7.  Please note UCW bursary on the memo line of the cheque.

Our newsletter comes out every Thursday!

To make a submission of United Church related news to the Prairie to Pine Weekly Newsletter:
Deadline:

Email:
Subject line:

Include:



 
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM

PrairietoPine@united-church.ca
"Prairie to Pine Weekly News"

TITLE of your news piece
BLURB or WRITE-UP to be included
Files or posters to be included (if any)

Thank you!

To see all of our previous issues, all in one tidy place, please click below:


Address
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
1622-B St. Mary's Rd
Winnipeg MB R2M 3S7
Local Phone
204-233-8911
Toll Free
1-866-860-9662
General Inquiries
PrairietoPine@united-church.ca

Prairie to Pine Regional Council
STAFF

Shannon McCarthy

Executive Minister for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council


SMcCarthy@united-church.ca
204-421-8149

Jamie Mckay

Program Assistant for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council


JMckay@united-church.ca
204-594-8380

Judy Hare

Pastoral Relations Minister
Prairie to Pine Regional Council


JHare@united-church.ca
204-421-8151

Twila MacNair

Minister of Young Adults And Youth
Prairie to Pine Regional Council


TMacNair@united-church.ca
204-421-8148

Cherry Abad

Administrative Support
Prairie to Pine Regional Council


CAbad@united-church.ca
204-594-8381

Off-site Staff

Heather Dootoff

Financial Administrator for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council


HDootoff@united-church.ca
Phone:306-789-1622
 

Julie Graham

Regional Minister: Justice & Communication for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council


JGraham@united-church.ca
Phone: 306-244-2157
 

Erin Acland

Keeper of the Archives
Prairie to Pine Regional Council


ucarchives@uwinnipeg.ca
Phone: 204-783-0708
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