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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.
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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.
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- On this Remembrance Day when we are not able to gather as we would in other years, our thoughts and prayers are with those who were and continued to be impacted by war and conflict throughout the world; we pray for those have served in battle and were killed or injured; for those whose loved ones were killed or were injured in war; for those who were placed in internment camps during the wars; for those who were conscientious objectors; for our active service people and military Chaplains and for those who continue to work for and pray for peace in our homes, our nation and the world.
- Prayers of Condolence are with Cherry Abad and her extended family as they grieve the sudden death of Cherry’s youngest sister Godiosa Levy Valle in the Philippines on Tuesday, November 10th.
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Manitoba moving to Code Red New
On Tuesday, November 10, 2020 the Premiere and Chief Public Health Officer of the province of Manitoba announced that the whole province will be moving into and further restrictions will come into effect as of Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 12:01 .a.m. for at least two weeks. Those restrictions include the closure of several non-essential businesses and the closure churches and other faith based buildings. Details of the public health order will be available online at some point on Wednesday at:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/index.html#provinciallevelThere was a follow up conversation held with the leaders of faith based communities on Tuesday afternoon where questions were entertained for clarification. Among the information gleaned from that exchanged were the following:
- The order is for churches and other places of worship to be closed to the public.
- Like in any non-essential business, the preference is for staff so far as possible to work from home but staff can be in the building for work if adhering to all COVID 19 protocols.
- There was acknowledgement that many Communities of Faith are providing virtual worship experiences for congregants. There were comments made that accessing the church building for taping of such services is permitted but the group (including technicians) must be limited to five people.
- Funerals and weddings will be restricted to a maximum of five people plus one officiant. In this circuit breaker cohorting of five person groups in separate physical rooms with separate entrances and washrooms to achieve a higher attendance at such an event will not be permitted.
There were a questions raised that required further clarification and that was promised within a couple of days (Regulations around FOOD BANKS run out of church buildings; whether regulations for gathering sizes is restricted to five indoors and outdoors).
The importance of following the spirit of these public health orders is being stressed rather than trying to find creative ways around them. Hopeful optimism was expressed that if we all do our part during these next two weeks we may achieve the desired outcome of beginning to flatten the curve.
This information will be sent out again directly to all active ministry personnel and pastoral charge supervisors within the Prairie to Pine Region via email later this week.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Pastoral Relations Minister, Judy Hare at jhare@united-church.caor 204-421-8151 |
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From the Manitoba Government about COVID
November 03, 2020
Good day Faith Based Community Leaders
Effective on Monday November 2, 2020 at 12:01am the Winnipeg Metro Region moved to Red (Critical Level) on the Covid-19 Pandemic Response System. The remainder of the Province of Manitoba has moved to Orange (Restricted Level) on the Pandemic Response System.
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Community of Faith Events Calendar
Reminder: our Community of Faith events calendar is open 24/7 for online events! As long as the public is invited, you can post it. From workshops to worship, go for it. Here’s the handy form:
https://prairietopinerc.ca/community-events-form/
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Ministry Personnel Support Gathering
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'Just Christmas' New
For the past 12 years, the United Church congregations of Northeast Winnipeg have held a ‘Just Christmas’ event, featuring vendors who promoted and fund-raised for non-profit local and global justice projects. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have regretfully cancelled this year’s event.
For those wishing to support some of those projects this year, here is information provided by four vendors:
MARG'S HONEY INC and JOANNE'S CANDLES
website: .https://www.margshoney.com
Contact: MARG: 204-794-9763 or email margshoney@gmail.com or
JOANNE: 204-612-9700 or email smithstermom@live.com
SUPPORTING: L.I.T.E AND HARVEST
THE CUTTING EDGE gives Refugee and Immigrant women the opportunity to learn valuable job skills in a comfortable, culturally appropriate setting. Merchandise includes face masks, toques, placemats, aprons…
Website: https://thecuttingedgedesigns.ca/our-products/
L.I.T.E. (LOCAL INVESTMENT TOWARD EMPLOYMENT)
L.I.T.E. works with partners to shatter the barriers preventing individuals from gaining skills, connections, and experience needed to become employed. Fund-raising includes cookbooks and pancake breakfast gone virtual. Website https://www.shop.lite.mb.ca |
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1JustCity Community Ministry
St. Matthew's Maryland New
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Do you want to help West End families enjoy a special Christmas this year?
Can You help us make sure COVID-19 doesn't Cancel Christmas? Our annual Christmas Store will be a new challenge this year, no doubt! But we are committed to keeping Christmas from being cancelled this year for West End families.
Please click the poster to find out how you can help.
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12th National Children Sector and
CSO Advocacy Workshop New
Kenya Alliance for Advancement of Children (KAACR) would like to invite anyone interested to speak at the CSO National workshop next week in Kisumu via zoom. You could share UCC experience on how it's addressing child labour globally.
The Workshop will be on 17th - 20th November 2020 in Kisumu city, Kisumu County.
The theme of the national workshop:
CHILD LABOUR DESTROYS LIVES, CHILD LABOR MUTES FUTURE GENERATIONS
Slogan: Child Labor Affects All
Strategies of Eliminating Child Labor in all settings in Kenya
Please click here to see the concept paper for the workshop. For more information, please contact Amy Crawford, Team Leader Identity and Mission | Identité et Mission at acrawford@united-church.ca.
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The Fellowship of the Least Coin
In-Gathering Service New
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Wednesday, November 18, 2020,
10:00 a.m. via Zoom
The Fellowship of the Least Coin is a global ecumenical movement of prayer for peace, justice, and reconciliation with prayers and least coins flowing to projects around the world that advocate for women and girls, support gender equality, and uphold human dignity.
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Please click the poster for more details and how to register.
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Indigenous Clean Energy Webinar New
November 18, 10-11 a.m.
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Register now for this upcoming free webinar on Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE). Once again the Manitoba Sustainable Energy Association (ManSEA) is excited to be offering this webinar in partnership with the Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA).
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We hope you will join us in learning more about the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (ICE) and how indigenous communities and peoples are leading the way for Canada’s clean energy transition.
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Christmas Fundraiser
St. Charles Headingley United Church
St. Charles Headingley United Church has partnered with Shelmerdine Garden Centre for a Fundraiser selling Poinsettias, Door Swags and Gift Cards. We hope you can help sell them to friends and neighbours.
The deadline for placing orders and payment is November 22nd.
There is a Voucher Pickup program for the plants and door swags for people to go directly to Shelmerdine to pick them up – at pickup you will have a choice of what color of poinsettia to choose.
Vouchers and Gift Cards will be available to pick up from the church on November 26th (times to be advised).
For more information, please contact Ramona Crowther – (204) 782-1123 –rambo4546@shaw.ca
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Home Street Mennonite Church
100th Anniversary
Have you worshipped at 318 Home Street? Join Home Street Mennonite Church for worship as we mark the centennial of the church building where Christians (Presbyterian, United, Seventh Day Adventist, and Mennonite) have worshiped and encountered God for 100 years. The worship service will be live-streamed on Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 am: https://youtu.be/F1HE0gPfuiA. Please join us! |
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Advent and Christmas Preparations
When the lay leaders from various Communities of Faith met via ZOOM last Tuesday and the Ministry Personnel met yesterday, there were some discussions about how to do Advent and Christmas in these pandemic times. There was discussion about various resources available online through the United Church website in Advent Unwrapped including a 2020 Advent Calendar, instructions for making an Advent wreath, various liturgies including a couple involving multiple hymns or carols that can be used for services at home or for those either worshiping in person or sharing worship with their communities through email, mailings, live streaming or YouTube taping. The link for these resources is:
https://www.united-church.ca/search/all?search_api_fulltext=Advent+Unwrapped
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A Few Important Deadlines Looming
Earlier in 2020 the Canada Revenue Agency extended the deadline for submission of the 2019 Charity Returns. Just a reminder that those 2019 Charity Returns ARE due in by December 31, 2020. The failure to file these returns can result in your Charity Status being revoked and among other things an inability then for your Community of Faith to issue charity receipts for any donations. The governing body of your Community of Faith should check with your treasurer that this important piece of work has been completed.
As part of the steps to help Communities of Faith cope with cash flow during the pandemic, the United Church indicated that payment of assessments could be deferred or postponed. As the end of the calendar and fiscal year approaches, Communities of Faith are reminded that the 2020 Assessment payments are due in to the General Council Office. Those with outstanding balances at the end of 2020 will have them added to 2021 assessments. These assessments are used to pay the governance costs of the Regional Councils and the General Council. For more information about assessments or any questions about your particular situation please contact: assessment@united-church.ca
Mission and Service Fund. Some communities of faith forward donations received locally to the national church at intervals during the year and others traditionally hold them until the end of the year. This year to manage cash flow many congregations opted to do the latter. A reminded that any donations received for Mission and Service Fund are considered designated givings and must be forwarded to the national church preferably by the end of the calendar year or as soon as possible thereafter. Monies in the Mission and Service Fund are used for mission and ministry of the United Church in Canada and around the world. For more information about ministries supported through that fund please see https://www.united-church.ca/stories/mission-service-changing-times
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Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble
Kitchen Sink open conversation series
Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble Kitchen Sink open conversation series, November 17 and continuing every second Tuesday, 5:30 PM in MB. Full information on the series is here. A variety of conversation topics are offered, all of them a part of becoming and staying LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit-affirming in our church.
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Our world seems smaller and more confined since COVID began. May these stories help widen it, and help us see where our prayers and actions from home can support those we may never meet in person, but with whom we are part of the Body of Christ.
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Invite a global speaker to your
worship or community of faith!
People in Partnership invites you to learn more about the work and mission of partners around the world by inviting an individual to come and share their stories with United Church of Canada communities of faith. Find out more about these pilgrims, companions, co-workers and learners here. Although speakers are grouped by region below, many are available to present and share remotely with your community of faith online. Please contact pip@united-church.ca to invite a speaker.
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Stewardship update for November:
around the globe and at home
God’s Mission, Our Gifts offers the latest stewardship news and resources. This month, stories include gratitude from Beirut, Lebanon for our gifts; the ongoing struggle for peace within and between some Asian nations; ideas for thank you letters at a time when people may struggle to give; a reminder of other resources, including offering prayers for November that are here. Read the whole (short!) newsletter here. If you or your community of faith want a snapshot of all of our Mission and Service givings and what they support, click here for the 2019 overview. |
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For the Love of Creation:
climate change and sustainability events coming up
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Olive harvest in the Occupied Palestinian Territories:
short video
As Canada settles into winter, the Middle East also prepares for the close of the growing season. The annual olive harvest is a deeply significant time, culturally, economically, and spiritually. In the Occupied Palestinian Territories, it is also a time of great tension and violence. Olive groves are frequently targeted by extremist Israeli settlers who are living in the Occupied Territories in defiance of international law. The World Council of Church offers this short video about the struggles facing Palestinian farmers: https://youtu.be/d2Nk3a3DcHo |
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Video licensing opportunity!
Deadline November 18
The United Church has negotiated video licensing agreements that include Paramount, Universal, Alliance Atlantis, New Line Cinema, Miramax, Disney, Veggie Tales and many more! Public Performance Licenses enable your community of faith to show full-length or clips from movies or TV shows for public viewing as a part of things like worship, fundraisers, family nights, youth group events, or educational programs.
For more information about these licenses, the fee structure, and how to apply, please visit: http://buyingunited.net/video-licensing You can also have a look at some frequently asked questions here.
The deadline for this round of applications is November 18th, 2020. We will offer another round of licenses to be available starting part way through next year. For any additional questions, please email or call Alexandra at edge@united-church.ca or 1-800-268-3781 x4157. |
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Advent Unwrapped 2020 resources!
Get ready for Christ(mas)! Advent—a holy, four-week countdown to Jesus’ birthday—begins on Sunday, November 29! Get ready to make room for Christ and the radical, countercultural messages that Christ brings. Throughout the season, videos, prayers, family resources, and reflections on this page will introduce and explore the Christmas story. For more worship resources visit our Advent and Christmas worship pages. Follow our Advent Unwrapped Facebook page for regular updates on all kinds of resources. |
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Prairie to Pine Reaching Children,
Youth and Families New
As a follow-up to a Zoom sharing session, a Facebook group by the above name was formed. We feel there’s a need to share ideas and resources across communities of faith, as we figure out how to reach children, youth and families while unable to meet in-person, or while following physical distancing measures. Please click here to be directed to that Facebook Group. Then join to add your own questions or post ideas and/or links to resources. |
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UCW Statistics Report New
To all UCW Pastoral Charges, please complete the statistics form. Completed form should be mailed or emailed to Gaye Pokotylo by December 1, 2020 (address and email are on the form). |
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An update form Rock Lake United Church Camp New
November 6, 2020
Dear Friends,
At our last meeting, the Board of Directors discussed the importance of keeping the congregations affiliated with Rock Lake United Church Camp more informed. We hope the following letter provides some insights as to what has been happening at Rock Lake Camp.
This year would have marked our 135th anniversary. We had a fundraiser and Open House celebration planned. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19 we were unable to proceed, as the Camp had to close due to government restrictions and for health and safety concerns. The closure impacted the Camp in many ways. Although we were approved for grants from both the Winnipeg Foundation and the Hometown Green Team, we were unable to accept them as they were contingent upon camp being open. Regardless of having no income, we still had expenses to cover, such as property taxes and insurance, as well as the usual utilities and maintenance.
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Job Posting New
Young United Church is searching for a part-time office administrator to start early in December. Please click here for more information.
Application deadline is November 18, 2020.
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United in Learning webinars for November updated
Lots of webinars are on offer, from preaching to racial justice, retirement resources to the continued series for church treasurers and other leadership who are navigating COVID finances. Click here for the latest. |
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New Recruitment Officer - St. Andrew's College New
St. Andrew’s College has just hired a new Recruitment Officer. The Rev. Shawn Sanford Beck took up the post shortly after Thanksgiving, and is looking forward to conversing with folks in each of the Prairie Regions (and beyond). If you know of anyone in your community of faith who might benefit from and contribute to theological education, please help connect them to Shawn. He can be reached at shawn.sanfordbeck@usask.ca or 306 441 6367. |
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Clusters and Networks update
(and reminder of $$!)
We know more online meetings may be the last thing on your mind. But just in case: If you are considering starting a new Network or Cluster, or if you’ve already been gathering, please take a moment to make sure that the Regional Council knows you’re meeting.
If your Cluster or Network is open to new members (and we hope it is) please make sure you’re listed. Please contact your Regional office (at the bottom of this newsletter) or Julie Graham (jgraham@united-church.ca) to make sure we have contact information and a short description. And remember: there is money in the Regional budget to support your work. Maybe you want to offer to pay for event registrations or resources. Maybe you want to submit receipts for a get together lunch over Zoom to support a sense of community. Questions about this? Contact the office. |
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New Resource for Musicians and Ministry
and Personnel Committees
There is a resource now available online, which is specifically written for M&P Committees and church musicians. It was a collaborative piece of work between Adam Hanley of the Ministry and Employment Unit, Alydia Smith who resources the Worship Desk at GCO and some reps from Music United. For those of you with a longer history in this work, you might want to know that it's a revision of a long out-of-print resource from 2004.
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Reminder: be careful with photo copyright!
Here are some tips
Photos are vital to our websites, social media, worship PowerPoints and much more. They add a lot to our online ministry and in-person PowerPoints. And they’re sometimes a little too easy to take and share. So please beware, and follow good copyright practices. Click here for some further information, resources, and ideas for copyright-free or fair use photos. |
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HELP REQUESTED:
Sharing resources for re-engaging during COVID 19
During recent ZOOM meetings with leaders from Communities of Faith (September 15,2020) and Ministry Personnel (September 22,2020) requests were made from some for samples of protocols developed by Communities of Faith for worship in building, celebration of baptism in person, celebration of communion in person, celebration of virtual communion on World wide Communion Sunday and plans for Sunday School or ministry with children and youth (both in person and virtual). If you are willing to share any of your resources please send them along to Cherry Abad and indicate whether you are willing to have a link posted on the Weekly News or prefer that they be available to others only upon request from Regional Council staff.
A reminder that there are links to resources of various types on both the Prairie to Pine Regional Council website and the General Council website. Another website with resources for ministry with children and families is Messy Church at Home: https://messychurch.org.uk/resources/messy-church-home-ideas
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HELP OFFERED:
Resources for re-engaging during COVID 19
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The United Church of Meadowood are offering their Pandemic Policy and Plan as a sample for those who are in the process of developing one and could benefit from a sample. It has approved by their local governing body and been implemented. https://ucim.org/ucim-covid-19-safety-protocols/
For further information please contact :Sandy Katyrynuik Office Administrator at UCiM: 204-256-7002
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Westworth United Church, Winnipeg is also sharing their Reopening Plan. For the month of October, the church has returned to online worship and beginning its Online Sunday School.
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Fort Garry United Church Safe Reopening Plan
This reopening plan is the result of a small ad hoc committee, struck by the Leadership Team, whose efforts were extraordinary at tailoring a plan to suit the specific needs of Fort Garry United Church. Our response to COVID-19 was quick and we switched to worshiping using Zoom on March 29, 2020 right at the beginning of the pandemic. Out of concern for the safety of our congregation, we have not returned to in person worship services, even when over the summer our cases in Manitoba dropped to nearly zero. Using the results of a congregation wide survey to garner ideas, as well as our Provincial Health Authorities, and United Church of Canada recommendations, this Safe Reopening Plan was developed. We will be ready when it is safe to return to in person worship. |
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Prairie to Pine Covenant
The Regional Council Executive approved the Prairie to Pine Covenant. A copy of the document can be viewed here.
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Greenshield Announcement
This past week a notice went out from Greenshield, the Benefits provider for the United Church of Canada to all members informing them of new requirements related to its Online Services. It requires members to log into their account and to share banking information. A few calls were received at the Prairie to Pine Regional Council Office inquiring about its legitimacy. Having connect with General Council the office, the Pastoral Relations Convener wants to assure the constituency that it is a legitimate invitation.
If you do have questions about the legitimacy of any notice that you receive requesting personal or banking information it is good to check it out with the Regional Council Office, General Council Office or the actual agency before opening the email.
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Stewardship update for November:
around the globe and at home
God’s Mission, Our Gifts offers the latest stewardship news and resources here. This month, stories include gratitude from Beirut, Lebanon for our gifts; the ongoing struggle for peace within and between some Asian nations; ideas for thank you letters at a time when people may struggle to give; a reminder of other resources, including offering prayers for November that are here. Read the whole (short!) newsletter here. |
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Livestreaming Everything?!
Resources available
Recently the United Church’s Edge network hosted a meeting on the sometimes difficult task of live streaming worship. Here’s a 50 minute video of that meeting; a summary of resources for live streaming best practices is here- you can download and share. |
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Shared Recording Music (hymns/anthems/slideshows)
Many congregations have been recording music (hymns/anthems/slideshows) for use in on line worship. Sharing our work is an effective way to be good stewards of our time and talents. A small number of congregations have been sharing files through Drop Box and are now inviting others to do the same. (there is no cost to upload or download from drop box). There is no obligation to contribute material, but if you have music which can legally be shared (copyright is to be respected) that would be great. We are working on a simple spreadsheet which will serve as an index to the materials available.
Contact Don Schau ( dfschau@mts.net) for more information. |
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Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday!
To make a submission of United Church related news to the Prairie to Pine Weekly Newsletter:
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Deadline:
Email:
Subject line:
Include:
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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!
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To see all of our previous issues, all in one tidy place, please click below:
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Prairie to Pine Regional Council
1622-B St. Mary's Rd
Winnipeg MB R2M 3S7
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PrairietoPine@united-church.ca
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Prairie to Pine Regional Council
STAFF
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Shannon McCarthy
Executive Minister for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council
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SMcCarthy@united-church.ca
204-421-8149
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Jamie Mckay
Program Assistant for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council
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JMckay@united-church.ca
204-594-8380
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Judy Hare
Pastoral Relations Minister
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
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JHare@united-church.ca
204-421-8151
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Twila MacNair
Minister of Young Adults And Youth
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
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TMacNair@united-church.ca
204-421-8148
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Cherry Abad
Administrative Support
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
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CAbad@united-church.ca
204-594-8381
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Heather Dootoff
Financial Administrator for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council
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HDootoff@united-church.ca
Phone:306-789-1622
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Julie Graham
Regional Minister: Justice & Communication for
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
Living Skies Regional Council
Northern Spirit Regional Council
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JGraham@united-church.ca
Phone: 306-244-2157
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Erin Acland
Keeper of the Archives
Prairie to Pine Regional Council
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ucarchives@uwinnipeg.ca
Phone: 204-783-0708
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