|
|
|
|
|
REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICE NEWS
|
|
|
|
Our Christmas Staff Meeting - Just like yours!
|
|
Thanks for your patience as we caught up following regional council meetings. This edition was long delayed. We find ourselves much closer to Christmas than when we started to gather items for it!
Take care of yourselves and may the Christmas season
fill you with hope, peace, joy and love.
This year at Christmas we will be giving thanks for the blessing of church leaders who adapted so quickly and admirably in a pandemic. Please be sure to find some down time over the holidays for your personal rest and renewal. 2021 will be a new year but not a new situation. We will continue to be living through the pandemic.
Stay safe, be well!
|
|
|
From top left: Tanya Cameron, Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa, Pretima Kukadia-Kinting, John Neff, Kevin Steeper, Lynne Allin, Kathy Douglas, Sue Duliban, Diane Matheson-Jimenez, Ruthanna Mack, Diane Blanchard, Shaela Kinting.
|
|
|
Intentional Interim Ministers Refresher Course
|
|
|
Attention: Ministers or past Intentional Interim Ministers: The Office of Vocation, in cooperation with First Dawn Eastern Edge Regional Council, is offering an online refresher course for Intentional Interim Ministers. The course begins Wednesday, January 13 and runs weekly until February 10. Get the poster with full details including the registration link.
|
|
|
Use of Restricted Funds Extended
|
|
The Covenant Commission has extended approval for communities of faith to use investment funds previously restricted by presbytery or regional council in order to meet payroll or insurance expenses, if needed due to the impact of Covid-19. This approval is in effect until June 30, 2021.
If your congregation uses these funds, please complete the reporting form available on the website and email it to Lynne Allin, Minister, Congregational Support, and Mission LAllin@united-church.ca.
|
|
Do you want to be on the Pulpit Supply List? We are looking for ministry personnel who are willing to be available to do pulpit supply in our region. Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWLs) do much pulpit supply and that list is often sent out.
Right now, we are gathering the names of ministry personnel who are interested in being on a list for supply. If you would like to be added to the list for pulpit supply, please fill out this form. We look forward to hearing from you!
|
|
|
Harassment Policy Deadline
|
|
All places of work in Ontario are to create a policy about harassment, discrimination and violence --- and this includes United Church of Canada communities of faith.
This United Church Harassment Policy applies to all communities of faith and congregations, the General Council, regional council offices and other church organizations. Communities of faith may elect to use this policy or develop their own customized policy --- provided the policy complies with their provincial or territorial legislation related to discrimination, harassment, and violence.
Harassment does not include constructive criticism, evaluating or monitoring performance or setting performance standards, corrective or disciplinary action, or organizational change for business reasons. It is everyone’s responsibility to address and to raise concerns about discrimination, harassment, and violence in the workplace.
|
|
Now that our regional council has adopted the Affirm Action Plan, what happens next? Stay tuned for information about an on-line celebration to mark this decision. Information will follow soon ....
In the meantime, the Action Plan is on the agenda of the Executive. May our efforts to live into our Affirming Vision and Action Plan stir us to examine our patterns and practices and how they limit those who share in the life of our regional council.
|
|
|
Good Things To Know ... from the Covenant Commission
|
|
Congregational Meetings and Restricted Funds.
On November 26 2020, the Sub-Executive of General Council approved the following to:
- extend the temporary amendments to pastoral relations policies that were originally adopted in April, 2020; (allowing governing bodies to make pastoral relations decisions if a congregational meeting is not possible)
- temporarily suspend the requirement in section B.5.1 of The Manual for congregations or pastoral charges to hold an annual meeting; and
- temporarily amend the responsibility of the congregation or pastoral charge to make a decision on their annual draft budget by allowing the governing body of the congregation or pastoral charge to fulfil this responsibility where necessary, and where permitted by the regional council
What Does This Mean?
Congregations are still encouraged to hold congregational meetings whenever possible using safe options such as telephone conferencing or video calls such as zoom. However, when that is not possible, the governing body (council/board) can make decisions regarding pastoral relations matters, and approve a draft budget. Congregations may also choose to postpone their annual meeting if necessary during this time. These amendments are in effect until June 30, 2021. The Covenant Commission recommends that an annual report still be prepared as usual in readiness for the annual meeting.
Without Ministry Personnel since January 2019?
All pastoral charges that have been without ministry personnel since January 2019 or longer, are required to complete/update their Profile and Living Faith Story by June 30, 2021 for review by the Covenant Commission.Instructions and worksheets are available on the regional council website under Congregational Support Toolkit # 2. Please contact Lynne Allin, Minister Congregational Support and Mission, with any questions.
|
|
|
More Good Things To Know ... from the Covenant Commission
|
|
Recognizing that this has been a year like no other, the Covenant Commission has put together some important information to help you take care of your community of faith. You will find this package IN YOUR MAIL, yes, delivered to you by Canada Post. In it you will find helpful tips and resources for:
- Preparing your annual report
- Planning your annual meeting
- Completing your community of faith profile and living faith story
- How to do an annual self-assessment and
- Updates on changes related to Covid-19
Watch for this special mailing and share it with members of your congregation’s governing body, ministry personnel etc. This information will also be available soon on the regional council website under congregational support toolkits. Thank you all for the incredible ministry you are doing!
Please contact Lynne Allin, Minister Congregational Support and Mission, with any questions.
|
|
|
Licensed Lay Worship Leader Resource Team
|
|
The Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWL) Resource Team provides encouragement and support for recognized and prospective Licensed Lay Worship Leaders. The team is responsible for tracking LLWLs on a regular basis, recommending licensing and relicensing to the Human Resources Commission, and facilitating communication among LLWLs and communities of faith.
LLWLs are trained to prepare and deliver worship services on an occasional basis. We will be contacting all recognized LLWLs in the Regional Council in the next few weeks to request that they fill out a yearly report form to assist in determining their basic information and their current work status.
Read the complete article of the duties of the Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWL) Resource Team.
If you are or have worked as a LLWL, in a former presbytery, we would like for you to get in touch with the LLWL Resource Team by email.
|
|
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson
Strathroy United Church
Thursday, January 28, 7:00 - 9:00 pm by Zoom Link
|
|
An interactive Zoom discussion of Isabel Wilkerson’s book Caste: The Origins of our Discontents, hosted by Brad Morrison and Gail Barker. Caste is a powerful and beautifully written examination of the unspoken caste system shaping our culture’s race relations. If you’re looking for an intelligent holiday read, ask Santa to put this book in your stocking. You are welcome to join the Zoom discussion event even if you haven’t read all (or any) of the book’s 495 pages.
The 2 hour discussion will spark your thinking about anti-black racism. To register, email Brad Morrison for the Zoom link. If the cost of the book is an obstacle, get in touch with Brad.
The discussion is sponsored by Strathroy United Church and financial support from the Centre for Practical Theology (CPT). Download the poster for complete information.
|
|
Longest Night Service
Sydenham-Heritage United Church, Brantford
December 21st at 7:00 pm by Zoom Link
|
|
|
Download the poster for complete information.
|
|
Evolving Christianity
Sydenham-Heritage United Church, Brantford
Starting January 11 at 7:00 pm by Zoom Link
|
|
Join this book discussion group once a week for 6 weeks. Evolving Christianity takes a reflective and scientific look at Christianity and asks the simple question, "Can Christianity be made to work better today fighting racism and sexism?"
The book is available at the Five Oaks bookstore, on Amazon or from the trunk of Rev. Paul Shepherd's car.
Download the brochure. Email Paul Shepherd for more information.
|
|
Ending Life Well
Sydenham-Heritage United Church, Brantford
Starting January 7 at 2:00 pm by Zoom Link
|
|
Ending Life Well is a 7-week program once a week on Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:15, creating discussion about death in a safe and respectful place. Professional presenters cover the following topics:
- Legal Issues
- Hospice
- Palliative Care
- Medically Assisted Dying
- Funeral Homes
- Grieving & Loss
- Resources & Wrap Up
Download the brochure. Email Jane Baxter for more information.
|
|
|
A Year of Gifts with Vision
|
|
A new year of giving through Gifts with Vision has begun! There are lots of great new gifts for our partners in Canada and across the world, along with some of your favourite projects from previous catalogues.
The world has changed so much since this time last year, and some of the new gifts reflect that, showing how our partners are responding to the pandemic. Your gifts bring help to those who need it most.
Shop the Gifts with Vision catalogue and help save and transform lives!
|
|
|
It's Time to Talk to Dave
|
|
About bringing a Stewardship presentation to your community of faith.
Dave has a rather short video (15 minutes) that is perfect as an Introduction to Stewardship and is ideal for a Board or Council meeting, a confirmation class, adult study group and so much more!
You may want to hold a training with a stewardship focus, which would be an ideal presentation to start at the beginning of a new year for your faith community.
Talk to Dave Jagger, your Stewardship & Gifts Officer, by email or just give him a call at 519-570-6892.
|
|
|
The Moderator's Christmas Message
|
|
|
|
We hope this video brings you comfort and hope in a very different season of Advent and Christmas. The video can be downloaded from our YouTube channel.
|
|
|
In his Christmas message this year, Moderator Richard Bott reminds us that "The story of Jesus’ birth is not completely a beautiful one. The birth of Jesus was not easy. But in the midst of all these difficulties, the beautiful, amazing, and immense love of God was made tangible in a tiny little baby. Remind yourself―and the world―of the message the angels proclaimed: Do not be afraid! Good news! Great joy!"
|
|
|
New General Secretary: Michael Blair
|
|
The United Church of Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. Michael Blair as its new General Secretary beginning November 1, 2020.
The role of General Secretary provides leadership in the direction, management and coordination of the affairs of the church working in close collaboration with the Moderator. Read more.
|
|
|
|
Do you have a United Church podcast? If so, contact Sarah Charters, scharters@uited-church.ca. The United Church of Canada Foundation just might consider becoming a sponsor!!!
|
|
In this unprecedented time, to calculate your average weekly attendance for your 2020 annual statistical submission, please add the number of people in in-person worship to the online count and report that number. We are aware that while the online count might be inflated by people coming into and out of a stream/broadcast, there doesn’t appear to be any way to take that into account. For Year Book purposes, the column will be marked with an asterisk and a footnote added to indicate why the figures might be significantly different from other years.
Should you have any questions, please contact statistics@united-church.ca.
|
|
|
Innovation Grants (for that wild idea!)
|
|
Thinking about a brand-new idea but not sure if it's a good enough, or something worth pursuing? That’s exactly what Innovation Grants are for! You get between $500 and $5,000 to explore a new idea; it could be a garden, a program, something online, a new partnership, an idea that came from a community partner, or something that you have been thinking about for a while, but never found a good time to start. Learn more.
Already have an idea that's ready for the next level? Check out these grants that will help to take that idea and grow it.
Either way, we’d love to hear what you're up to and it's easy to reach us! Just book a time with us, or email us.
|
|
|
2021 Video License Applications Now Open
|
|
For more information about these licenses, the fee structure, and how to apply, please visit buyingunited.net. Learn more about what the license offers and answers to some frequently asked questions.
For more information email or call Alexandra at 1-800-268-3781 ext. 4157.
|
|
|
Church Online – Live Streaming Everything
|
|
|
Live Streaming at Marshall Memorial
|
|
A visionary minister added technology to our Marshall Memorial United Church, Ancaster sanctuary in 2008. We have been live streaming ever since!
In this time of COVID, we have carried on without skipping a beat. Members developed an interest and learned video production. We have produced our music videos weekly so that our choir, production team, organist and band are able to blend traditional and contemporary music into the worship services. Check out our YouTube channel.
We offer our service to churches unable to worship in their buildings at this time. Please subscribe! We are happy to share our weekly services with any church. With your congregation's email list you can send the link to the services in advance. If you have questions, we can offer some technology advice.
We need to connect and continue promoting the gospel in these difficult times. We need it more than ever! Email Kerry Radigan with your questions.
|
|
Rural Connect has been established to support rural congregations through the use of technology. Using the model of a hub church partnering with satellite churches, a cluster of congregations are joined together for a fully interactive, live worship service with participation from all of the partner churches.
All the technology is controlled by the hub/host church, and the satellite/partner churches receive a box with all the equipment fully configured and ready to go – they don’t even need internet.
Check out the website. Read the brochure. Apply!
|
|
|
Looking for Regional Council Prayer Cycles?
|
|
You found the list of ministries and community of faith prayer cycles. They are found on www.prayercycles.ca. Wayne Irwin took on this task after the former Hamilton Conference ended and has expanded it.
Let's live out our God-given mandate, “to pray for one another,” by providing regular, confidential prayer support that connects us to the total ministry of the community of faith.
Contact prayer@churchwebcanada.ca with your questions.
|
|
|
Palestinian Speaker for your Worship Service
|
|
If your faith community is already doing online worship because of COVID-19, but you miss having special sermons and discovering new things then enrich your Sunday experience with a sermon from the perspective of a Palestinian Christian guest speaker?
Sign up for Encounter, a virtual liturgy program that gives you early access to sermons, special prayers, and music by Palestinian faith leaders. The sermon will correspond to the common lectionary, and will be 8-10 minutes in length and sent 2-3 weeks in advance as YouTube and Zoom videos.
More information on the program found here.
|
|
|
Centre for Christian Studies
|
|
Favourite carols - who chose which carol?
Lace Cookies with Chocolate RECIPE!
Savoury Shortbread RECIPE!
Vanilla Crescents RECIPE!
Springerie RECIPE!
Lemon Squares RECIPE!
Download the December issue right now!!
|
|
Conflict Resolution Facilitators Training
Deadline for Applications: January 31
|
|
The United Church of Canada is seeking applicants to serve as Conflict Resolution Facilitators under the United Church’s Dispute Resolution Policy. Training will take place in spring of 2021
If this is of interest to you and you feel that you may have the gifts toward this type of work, take a look at the posting and respond before the deadline of January 31, 2021.
|
|
Indigenous Reference Group
Closing date: Monday, January 11
|
|
We are looking for Indigenous members with an understanding of The United Church of Canada and its history pertaining to Indigenous ministry and justice. The Indigenous Reference Group members work with the Racialized Reference Group and the Dismantling White Privilege Working Group to advise the General Council Executive and National Indigenous Council on how The United Church of Canada may dismantle White privilege, decolonize and become an anti-racist organization.
The three groups work together and with others to shift the power structures within our church. Please share this information with people who might express their interest, or nominate others. Individuals who have a lived experience of residential schools or day schools or are Sixties Scoop Survivors are encouraged to apply.
Application is through the nomination form.
|
|
|
The GO Project Creation Story
|
|
Online Sunday School! A 4-week lesson plan exploring the 7-days of Creation. Interactive, creative and integrative. Written by The GO Project & Rev. Miriam Spies, sponsored by the United Church. This is the free sample to try The GO Project curriculum. This impactful program has eco-justice and our faith response at the centre of every story and activity.
Order through your local Resource Centre, ask for item CH11124.
|
|
|
|
United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel
|
|
|
Sign up to receive the United Network for Justice & Peace in Palestine & Israel newsletter to your Inbox. We welcome your questions and requests for more information by email.
|
|
|
Discipleship Animators Network needed!
|
|
We are looking to curate an informal network of volunteer Discipleship Animators who can help raise the profile of social and political initiatives that impact both local communities and our global village.
All that is required is a heart for justice and faith formation. Prior experience is welcome. Not more than twice per month, you will receive an email asking that you forward information on a campaign or action to those in your social media or contact list. Encourage your contacts to sign epetitions, boost awareness of current issues, share posts from our region’s Facebook page, etc. The possibilities are endless and creativity is encouraged!
If you are interested in connecting with this work, please send your name, email address and location to Diane Matheson-Jimenez at dmatheson@united-church.ca. Feel free to include a note if there is an area of specific concern/interest for you.
With gratitude for all you are and all you do,
Kathy Douglas and Diane Matheson-Jimenez
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Horseshoe Falls Regional Council newsletter welcomes submissions of upcoming events, regional news and educational opportunities. This is also the place to keep up-to-date on information from the regional office.
Check out the  page and the  channel!
|
|
Supports, Connects, Empowers
Communities of Faith
Horseshoe Falls Regional Council
The United Church of Canada
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
