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June 17, 2020 - Printable pdf

1.  Living Skies News:  Pastoral Relations Ponderings #16; Regional Check-ins and Support (Weds & Tues); National United Church Black Lives Matter prayer vigil; Black Lives Matter statement from the Regional Council; Re-opening your buildings (or not): discernment and planning resources; Worship themes and resources for June; Belonging in the Body video on trans Christians; Pastoral Charge Information; Church Office Admin Retreat; Job opening: Director, Integrated Community Ministries in Saskatoon; LLWL Gathering; A note from the OV re: Annual Declaration; Retiree Chaplains; United Church Camps: creating community during a difficult summer; Duty of Care Considerations for Online Youth & Children's Ministry Programs; Resources for Virtual Vacation Bible Schools;
2.  Wider Church Information:  National Time Sensitive Webinars: on hold till fall; United in Learning webinars.... continue!; 
3.  Upcoming Learning Opportunities:  Eco Commoning; Sundays in June: Indigenous Heritage Month Series; Western Intercultural chai and coffee check-in; Gender diversity and the power of language; Peace vigil for Korea; Advocacy for and with refugees online workshop series; Rendez-Vous Re-Imagined: Faith Gone Wild!; Living Skies Event Calendar Highlights;
4.  Reminders:  Put your community event on our website; Parkland Restorative Justice in PA is seeking a full time Executive Director; 

 
1. Living Skies Regional Council News:
The work of the Pastoral Relations Committee - Pastoral Relations Ponderings Vol 16

Regional check in and support meetings:
Wednesday evening meetings: Topic: Q & A for re-opening your churches in Living Skies. 
To assist in your discernment and respond to any questions, the final Zoom gathering will be offered tonight, Wednesday, June 17 @ 6:30pm. Here is the connection information: Meeting link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97292579140 ;*Please use local number when feasible (especially if you have unlimited long distance calling) to save costs for the church. *1-647-374-4685; Toll-free 1-855-703-8985  Meeting ID: 972 9257 9140  (Do not post this link on social media or your congregational website, please. Share it by email.)  Please encourage someone from your community of faith to join staff as we discern together, especially if you were unable to join us last week.  Please note that if you join the call, we will ask you to make sure your Zoom name is correct and to re-name yourself while on the call if not.  We will walk you through this, or if you prefer to learn ahead of time, here's a link.  Using your correct name helps us know who is actually on the call, and which communities of faith are and are not present.
Tuesday afternoon meetings:  Living Skies Ministry Personnel (only) Check-ins:  The Regional Council will resume facilitated check-ins on Tuesday, September 8.  In the meantime, you are encouraged to check in with one another over the summer for support and care.

National United Church Black Lives Matter prayer vigil
Sunday June 14 the church was blessed by a national service led by the Black Clergy Network.  In the continuing call to affirm and live the reality that Black Lives Matter, this service is a prophetic reminder. Here’s the video link. As you can, please watch and pray.
 
Black Lives Matter statement from the Regional Council
The Regional Council offers a commitment to Black lives and to the struggle against racism.  The letter is available here, including a PDF copy for sharingThe letter includes some links for important and more immediate reading, as well as recommended summer reflection resources and consideration of actions we must take.

Re-opening your building (or not): discernment and planning resources
As we discuss re-opening our buildings to various gatherings and needs, we know that complex discernment and planning that will be necessary before any doors can be opened.  Lay leadership and ministry personnel alike need to be part of these conversations.  To assist, we’ve created two new resources: one a discernment process , and the other a blank planning template for writing your plan.   To download these and see a reminder of other resources, please click here.

Worship themes and resources for June
In June both Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities are a focus for the United Church.  June 21 is National Indigenous Day and the Indigenous Day of Prayer; find new resources for this important day here, including two services of worship that can be used any time.  Pride resources are here, and can also be used any time.

Belonging in the Body video on trans Christians: free access for our Regional Council
This video asks transgender Christians to talk about their faith journey, and they do so with insight, grace, and love.  It’s an excellent and important resource.  Three Regional Councils have offered a donation to Generous Space Ministries, the producer, so that your community of faith can access this free of charge. This is part of the Affirming journey that Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils are currently on.
It is also intended to help delegates to the fall online Regional Council meetings learn more about the full inclusion of trans, non-binary, agender, and Two Spirit people.  At those meetings delegates will be voting on a church-wide Remit to change Basis of Union wording about ministry personnel from “men and women” to “all people”.
Please find more information on ordering here, and watch the trailer here.  When ordering access to the streamed video, please mention that you are part of Living Skies Regional Council.  If you wish to pay the $10 fee, you are supporting Generous Space’s work further.
If you need to access the video as a download because of limited connectivity, please contact Julie Graham at jgraham@united-church.ca   Unfortunately, a DVD isn’t available but we could discuss how to do that.
Remember, on June 24 we’ll have a Regional opportunity to learn more about inclusive language from some excellent resource people, including Shylo-- most of whom call Edmonton home.

Pastoral Charge Information
This summer, Admin Support Staff, Bev Diebert will be attempting to contact all the Communities of Faith to update the Regional Council’s contact information.  Church mail, Email and phone numbers will be confirmed for the directory, as well contact information for ministry personnel, pastoral charge supervisor and Regional Council lay delegates.  Permission will be requested / confirmed to include contact information in the password-protected directory.
Information (name, email and phone numbers) about LLWLs, Sacrament Elders, Board Chair, Treasurer and M&P Committee chairs connected to each Community of Faith will also be sought. This information will be collected for the purpose of updating our records, but will not be included in the directory.  If you have any questions, please contact Bev Diebert (bdiebert@united-church.ca ), Tracy Murton (tmurton@united-church.ca) or Julie Graham (jgraham@united-church.ca)

Church Office Administrators Retreat
Due to Covid-19 the Church Office Administrators retreat scheduled for October 19 – 21, 2020, has been rescheduled for October 18-20, 2021.  More information will be coming early next year. 

Job opening: Director, Integrated Community Ministries in Saskatoon
Integrated Community Ministries is based in Saskatoon and serves people from all over Saskatchewan’s treaty territories.  They are a ministry of Living Skies Regional Council.  They are searching for a full time Director for a two-year term.  The deadline at this point is June 30; applications should be sent to Board member Bill Pollock, scoout@sasktel.net 
Please see their job posting here. Share widely!

LLWL gathering
The Committee on Lay Leadership Support is inviting Licensed Lay Worship Leaders to a Zoom gathering for conversation, support and feedback into the future of the LLWL program in Living Skies Regional Council.  If you are a Licensed Lay Worship Leader and you have not received your invitation to participate, please contact Tracy Murton tmurton@united-church.ca for details.

A note from the OV re: Annual Declaration
Greetings Colleagues,
The deadline for doing your Annual Declaration in respect to criminal charges (EVEN IF YOU ARE RETIRED) is June 30th, 2020.  If you have not done this declaration it may jeopardize your standing and ability to make changes in pastoral relationships.  I am happy to assist and see if we can all get up to date.
Formerly you were required to obtain regular police record checks in order to remain in good standing.  This is now done as an annual declaration (like an affidavit) where you self-declare that you have been free from criminal charges (or not) over the past year.  And yes, this declaration is conveniently done online on the ChurchHub.  This is the second year it has been required so you may be well familiar with it already.
I realize the Hub is still intimidating to some and annoying for many others—understandable.  However, this really should take fewer than 5 minutes as long as you have access to the Hub already.  Full instructions are available here or can be found on the Living Skies Regional Council website, under Ministry Leadership > Office of Vocation (below the diagram).
Thanks for taking this time. 
Rev Dr Karen Medland
Office of Vocation Minister for Northern Spirit, Prairie to Pine, and Living Skies Regions

Retiree Chaplains
In keeping with our tradition that all disciples of Jesus serve in ministry within the United Church, Living Skies Regional Council recognizes the crucial role that retired ministry personnel continue to play in our life of faith.  From serving as pulpit supply to filling committee roles to pastoral charge supervision and beyond, our retired ministry personnel have served and continue to serve God and our communities faithfully.  Therefore, the Committee on Ministry Personnel Support are making available Volunteer Retiree Chaplains for support and connection to retired personnel.  If you are interested in serving in this role or know someone who might be interested, please contact Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca

United Church Camps: creating community during a difficult summer
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.  It's a loss of community, but also a significant challenge for the financial operation of the camps and their staff members. They’re responding with creativity and care, as you can see in this article from a national camping conversation
How to support our UCC camping ministries:
  1. Financial donations.
  2. Hire camp staff for coordination of virtual children's ministries in your church & community this summer.
  3. Lotsa prayer!
For more info and other ideas for support, please contact the faithful camp people at each of our camps:
https://www.lumsdenbeachcamp.com/                        http://www.camptapawingo.net/
https://shagabec.com/                                                         https://www.campwoodboia.ca/
https://www.campchristopher.ca/                                  https://wellmanlakeuccamp.ca/
 
Duty of Care Considerations for Online Youth & Children's Ministry Programs
When it comes to ministry with youth & children using online platforms, there are some unique but essential considerations for Duty of Care.  This linked article provides some very insightful and faithful recommendations to review with your faith community leadership.
With a whole bunch of appreciation to our friends in the United Methodist Church (USA): https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/safe-sanctuaries-supporting-a-shift-to-online-youth-ministry-meetings

Resources for Virtual Vacation Bible Schools
As you’re exploring curriculum options for a virtual VBS, Cokesbury Press has created a helpful “Virtual VBS Guide” with practical teaching tips for online leaders.  Complete information about the 2020 “I’ve Got This! With Jesus” is available at https://www.cokesbury.com/virtual-vbs.
Additionally, Illustrated Ministry will be releasing “Compassion Camp” as a virtual/at-home VBS resource in early June.  You can check it out at https://www.illustratedministry.com/vbs.
Updates and other resource recommendations will be posted on the Living Skies Facebook group and at https://livingskiesrc.ca/resources/faith-formation/

2. Wider Church Information:    
National Time Sensitive Webinars   
Wednesday’s now-famous congregational finances during the pandemic is on hold until more updates become necessary.  Thursday’s Congregational programming is also on hold until further notice.  Some recordings of these webinars and more are still available on their website.  If there is enough interest, we’ll pick these up in the fall.  

United in Learning will continue to offer its regular programming as well. Click here for info.

3. Upcoming Learning Opportunities:   
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 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 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 21 - Indigenous People’s Day/Mission: The Indigenous Church, Mission and Call with Rev. John Snow Jr.
June 28 - Vision: 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.

Western Intercultural chai and coffee check in, June 23
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 at 12:30PM in Saskatchewan   Link (do not post this on social media- use email only please):    https://united-church.zoom.us/j/97973729801 

Gender diversity and the power of language, Wednesday June 24: 6:00PM in SK
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 is here.  Please see the Regional calendar listing for full details.

Peace vigil for Korea, Thursday June 25
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 6:00PM in SK  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. 

Advocacy for and with refugees online workshop series
The Canadian Council for Refugees (CCR) is holding their 2020 Spring Consultation online until June 26, 20202.  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

Rendez-Vous Re-Imagined: Faith Gone Wild!  --  August 11-14, 2020    www.uccrendezvous.ca
Online registration is now open & free of charge!  
Rendez-vous 2020 will be a Rendez-vous unlike any other for youth, young adults, and their leaders.  Through real-time online events, recordings, and DIY workshop kits, we will celebrate bold faith, brave space and brazen grace.  Here’s what you can expect:

  • Inspiring speakers, powerful worship and singing your favorite songs
  • Fun, engaging and interactive workshops and activities
  • New friends from across the country and around the world
  • Awesome t-shirts (yep, it will be a Rendez-vous to remember!)

Events in Living Skies: highlights - Events calendar.

4. Reminders:
Reminder: Put your community event on our website
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!

Parkland Restorative Justice in Prince Albert is seeking a full time Executive Director  
Please help spread the word.  For the job description and more info on the organization please visit parklandrestorativejustice.com  or contact Board Chair, Jacquelyn Janzen at jacqjanzen@hotmail.com. Closing date: July 1, 2020.  Parkland Restorative Justice is a ministry partner of the United Church, and facilitates the P2P prison visitation program and Circles of Support and Accountability.
 

Copyright © 2020 Living Skies Regional Council, All rights reserved.


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