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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.
January 13, 2021

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.

  • Our condolences are extended to Mark Satterly and his family on the death of Mark's father Gerald Satterly in England on December 8, 2020. Mark is a Ministry Personnel at Kildonan United Church.
  • Our condolences are extended to Noel and Veronica (Roni) Suministrado on the death of Roni’s father in the Philippines on December 19, 2020. Noel Suministrado is Ministry Personnel at Broadway Disciples United Church, Winnipeg.
  • Our sympathies are with the family and friends of Loraine Call on January 05,2021. Loraine was the spouse of the late Rev. Roger Coll who served as Executive Secretary of the Conference of Manitoba Nd Northwestern Ontario and also in various pastoral charges throughout the area. Further details are available through the obituary: https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-295218/COLL_LARAINE
  • Our condolences are extended to Lynda Trono and her extended family on the death of Lynda’s mother Bettie May Myers on January 05, 2021. Further details are in her obituary found at: https://passages.winnipegfreepress.com/passage-details/id-295300/MYERS_%20BETTIE
  • Our sympathies are extended to Karen Tjaden and her extended family on the death of Karen’s mother Isabell Tjaden on January 07, 2021. Further details are in her obituary found at https://www.doylesfuneralhome.ca/obituaries/2021/1267-tjaden-isabell
  • Our condolences are extended to the family and friends of Frank Evans who died on Sunday, January 10, 2021. Frank was a Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre graduate, lifelong UCC member and the spouse of Rev. Susan Evans, Ministry Personnel at Red Sucker Lake. Let us keep Susan, their four children and extended family in our prayers.

Critical Red Restrictions Extended Update


The province of Manitoba has extended the critical red restrictions scheduled to expire on January 08, 2021 for two more weeks. the new expiration date is January 22, 2021.

Restrictions related to faith-based communities and the closure of church buildings with limited access and restricted use for food banks, schools  and day care remain in place. Drive in services are permitted.

The full text of the Public Health Orders that took effect January 09, 2021 are posted on:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/index.html

Updates for Ontario regulations and Health Orders are much more “regional/district” oriented and can be found through your local health unit or the link at:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information

In Ontario, you must know what Zone you are in and what stage that Zone is in and can check the current restrictions online through:

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions OR  https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/59922/ontario-declares-second-provincial-emergency-to-address-covid-19-crisis-and-save-lives#resources

The restrictions issued that took effect on December 26, 2020 and were recently revised on January 12, 2021 with the declaration of a new State of Emergency and there are some implications for gathering sizes that may impact faith-based communities in many locations in Ontario.

Unfortunately, the Prairie to Pine Pastoral Relations Minister is not included in any consultations with Ontario government /health officials and is not available to monitor two daily news briefings.

If Ontario churches have questions please be in touch with your local health unit.

Manitoba Bridge Grant  Extension

 

With the extension of the red restrictions for COVID 19, “beginning on January 8, 2021, the Manitoba Government will begin issuing a second payment to eligible applicants that applied for a Bridge Grant during the period of November 16- December 31, 2020”. For more information please go to:

https://manitoba.ca/covid19/programs/bridge-grant.html

Communication


The Prairie to Pine Weekly News is our primary means of dispensing information during these times. For those who are not currently receiving, to get registered to receive the Weekly News please email Cherry Abad with your request (cabad@united-church.ca)
 
Some information is also available through the Prairie to Pine Regional Council website:  www.prairietopinerc.ca

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/

Regional Ash Wednesday  New


Ash Wednesday (Feb. 17, 2021) -- Mark your Calendar. Share the invitation with your congregation. Plan to participate in the Regional Ash Wednesday online evening gathering and worship service. In addition to the Ash Wednesday liturgy there will be time for informal conversation in small groups, and a covenanting liturgy. This will recognize recently completed Covenants of Mutual Commitment, Accountability and Support between Prairie to Pine and communities of faith. This Ash Wednesday covenanting event is open to all who want to attend, not just to those who are members of Regional Council or representatives to Regional Council, or from communities of faith with newly-completed covenants. Details about how to participate will be available here at the end of January or in early February.
- Coming to you from your friendly Committee on Community of Faith Support.

For more information, contact Lynne Sanderson (urbalanced@gmail.com ), Pat Bird its.patricia.hjlp@gmail.com), or Heather Lea (hthrlea@gmail.com) of the Committee on Community of Faith Support

Virtual Trivia Night Fundraiser  New


On January 16th at 7pm, the YAAY Committee will be hosting a virtual Trivia Night to raise money to bring a refugee family to Winnipeg. Please join us on Zoom for an evening of fun and competition. The top three winners will each get a prize, one of these prizes being a cheesecake! Tickets are available with a donation of $5 of more. To register, please email p2pyaay@gmail.com, and they will reply with donation instructions. We hope to see you there!

COVID, community and connection reflection  New


Congratulations to Rev Teresa Moysey for a CBC reflection on church, community, and COVID! Click here to have a look.

Affirming celebration, McKenzie United Church  New
in Portage la Prairie


Congratulations to McKenzie United Church, who held their public celebration of becoming Affirming on January 10! Thank you to the congregation for being publicly, intentionally, and explicitly committed to the gifts of LGBTQIA+ and Two Spirit people. You can send a note of congratulations to McKenzie through Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble’s form, and while you’re there, check out the many resources offered by this movement within the United Church.

Interested in exploring the process for your congregation, camp, chaplaincy, or more? Contact AUSE, and let the Region’s Equity and Diversity Committee know too. Email prairietopine@united-church.ca and we can send you contact information.

Letters of support to Korean minister  New
disciplined for same sex blessing


In August 2019, Rev Lee Dong-hwan of the Korean Methodist Church accepted an invitation to bless the crowd at the Incheon Queer Festival. As a result of this support, in October of 2020 he was stripped of his ability to practice as a minister in the Korean Methodist Church for two years. Members of the Korean Ministers’ Network of the United Church have offered a public solidarity letter, as have some United Church ministries. Please click here for a copy of the Network letter, further information, and a gracious thank you video from Rev Lee speaking to his decision and commitment.

Important update:  New
Congregational annual meetings for 2021


A reminder of a notice sent late last year: The General Council Executive has suspended the requirement to hold congregational annual meetings until June, in light of the pandemic. You can still hold an online meeting as possible, but meetings are not required. Please click here for details. Further details about related matters like budgets and annual reports this will be shared later this month.

Information About Annual Meetings
and Annual Reports
  New


The calendar now has us in 2021 and many questions have been forthcoming about Annual Reports related to 2020 and also Annual Meetings for that period. Many of our Congregations have remained closed for several weeks if not months. Committees have been less than active in many cases due to the disruption. Others have been extremely active in creating safe space and connections in your midst.

The General Council Executive back in April, 2020 made some amendments to The Manual (2019) related allowing for some matters that are deemed necessary.
See this link for details. 
https://united-church.ca/sites/default/files/gs_49_temporary_amendment_re_pastoral_relations.pdf
Read more

Reminder: Regional Meetings 2020 evaluations  New


If you registered for the Regional Council’s annual meeting/ gathering, you would have received an evaluation invitation in mid December. Please remember to fill it out! Need the link? It will be in your inbox -or possibly in your spam folder, despite our best efforts.

CDI Loan and Grants applications  New


Grants and Loan applications are now available. To know more about Church Development Inc. (CDI) and how to apply for the grants and loans, please click here.

Deadline to receive grants applications: March 31 and October 15
Deadline to receive loan application: Accepted anytime

United-in-Learning updated webinar offerings


The webinars offered over the next several months are now posted and open for registration on the United in Learning website. These webinars include:
  • Boundaries training (Introductory course and refresher courses in the areas of Social Media and retirement with January dates);
  • Pension Information Seminar (March 09,2021);
  • Congregational Finances (monthly with the first one on January 27);
  • Thriving Churches Beyond COVID 19 (January 27 and February 3 & 10);
  • faith on the Move Lenten Series (beginning February 23).
For details and registration please go to:
https://united-in-learning.com/index.php/webinars/upcoming-webinars

Last Call: Training Opportunities- UCC Conflict Resolution Facilitators


The United Church of Canada is seeking applicants to serve as Conflict Resolution Facilitators under the United Church’s Dispute Resolution Policy.  Deadline for applications is January 31, 2021. For details about the requirements and application process please see the following link.

Ministry Personnel Support Gathering


The Committee on Ministry Personnel Support of the Prairie to Pine Regional Council recently sent out an email about a program offering the listening ear of some experienced retired/retained colleagues, the MP2MP Connectors. Every two weeks on Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Ministry Personnel are offered the opportunity to check in with one another through a ZOOM connection. The next one is on January 26, 2021. The Zoom link is available on the P2P website under the events calendar or in the Weekly News.

News from Equity and Diversity Committee


Huge thank you to all that participated in the Regional Meeting. We just wanted to let everyone know that our vision statement was approved UNANIMOUSLY! What an amazing feeling. 
 
We have included the version voted on at the meeting. 
We still have 2 seats open on our committee, if you have a passion for social justice, want to hang out with a great bunch of people and meet once a month - this may be the committee for you! Want to attend a meeting to check us out? You are welcome to do that as well. Let us know! 
Read more

UCW Stat Form


The deadline for submission of the stat form has been extended to February 15, 2021. Please submit your completed form on or before that date.

Please click here for the thank-you letter from the national church for UCW's donations to Mission and Service. 

New phone numbers and extensions
for some staff


Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy, Program Assistant Jamie McKay and Young Adults and Youth Minister Twila MacNair have new phone numbers: 
Jamie: 1-800-268-3781 ext 2040  
Shannon: 1-800-268-3781 ext 2028
Twila: 204-781-8124

Support for Ministry Personnel

 
These are stressful times when ministry personnel are attempting to fulfill the tasks associated with their role and calling and find safe and creative ways to keep congregations connected and spiritually nurtured. For many the time it takes to draw upon the gifts and skills of others to carry out some tasks and the learning curve around new technologies to enable meetings, study groups, worship and virtual coffee times to happen is significant. Ministry Personnel are encouraged amid all that is being required of them, to tend to self care and seek out the support of others if and when it might be helpful. The Employee and Family Assistance Plan of the United church of Canada offers several supports accessible online or by calling: 1-800-387-4765

With further details under:  www.uccan-benefitscentre.ca

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

HELP  OFFERED:
Resources for re-engaging during COVID 19       

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
 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
 
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. 

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.
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.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity resources  New


This year’s global Week of Prayer for Christian Unity runs from January 18- 25. The theme for 2021 is "Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit"(John 15:5-9). A wide range of ecumenical resources are available here; add your own event listings here.  A communion service from the United Church is available here. See Events, below, for a related invitation.

Up to date 2021 Minutes for Mission:  New
where to find them!


The national church is pleased to share with us the 2021 Minutes for Mission in two formats in addition to the basic print booklet, which has been mailed to all congregations:

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQDu-SgFb3Rjbi4t2qvhNhbEA17GXiLNo  (These are under their own playlist on the UCC’s YouTube site; bookmark this!)

Online text and photos: COVID means that our Canadian and global partners’ work is adapting quickly. In order to help us keep up to date, Mission and Service Minutes are also being offered online. Please find them along with accompanying photos for use in your presentations or social media, here:  https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/get-involved/generosity-through-mission-and-service/stories-our-mission

And finally, the national Stewardship newsletter comes out monthly and has lots of good updates. Sign up here.

Online worship national map:  New
share, and add your ministry


As more and more communities of faith join in online worship, or refresh your skills and expand your reach, make sure you update your listing and help people find you! Here’s the national map. Share it on your website and social media, as many Canadians are looking for supportive spaces in this difficult time. You can add your ministry through this form.

Lent resource now available: Faith on the Move  New

 

The Lenten devotional, “Faith on the Move: Daily Reflections on Hope and Change,” is now available from the United Church Bookstore (UCRD). This new book focuses on themes of movement and change, physical and spiritual journeys. In this Lenten devotional, daily reflections by diverse contributors invite us to reflect on and embody God’s welcome and love for people who are on the move for a variety of reasons.

A study guide for in-person or online groups is included. United in Learning will also be hosting six webinars throughout Lent to explore the book so you can connect with others walking the Lenten journey. Order your copies today!

Facebook group to support your
live streaming learning curve


If you live stream your service, or are thinking of moving things online, and you want a place to share ideas, check out this Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/676613006560597/

Online National Ecumenical Service,  New
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Sunday January 24 at 2:00PM in MB and SK (Central),
1:00PM in AB (Mountain)
 
The service will be offered in French and English. Register here to receive the Zoom or YouTube links.

Church finances webinar  New

27 January, 6:00PM Central, 5:00PM Mountain
 
For January 27 we will focus on any loose ends from 2020 including PD27 filing, whether to issue T2200 forms for employees working from home, payroll upgrade to Teampay, assessment processing and of course the latest on federal support programs. Click here for details and to send in your questions.

Blanket Exercise Teaching &   New
Sharing Circles, Winter 2021 Series  


Led by Indigenous Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers with extensive KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) experience, these (90-minute) interactive Zoom-based sessions aim to build positive relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people through truth, sharing, and open dialogue. 

Topics offered in the Winter 2021 public sessions ($25 registration fee per session) include:  the Impact of Residential Schools, We Are All Treaty People, the Doctrine of Discovery, Métis Teachings, Shannen’s Dream & Jordan’s Principle, Social Injustice in the Court System, the 60s Scoop, Child Welfare & Practice Standards, Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and the power of Growing Healing Gardens.  Each topic can also be booked as a private group session by contacting cumana@kairoscanada.org
Visit https://www.kairosblanketexercise.org/kbe-virtual-teaching-sharing-circle/ for the full schedule and to register.

Deepening Practices of Restorative Solidarity  New

February 12-15, 2021,

Live on Zoom from unceded Chumash territory, in the Ventura River Watershed, California https://www.bcm-net.org/study/bki2021 The Bartimaeus Institute has lots of ecumenical Canadian connections, including resource people Harry and Germaine Lafond, of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the Metis Nation, respectively. Considering creating the usual Canadian delegation online this year, and deepen engagement with decolonizing discipleship. 

Prairie to Pine Church in the Wild in January  New
at a time that is convenient for you and your family

 

While it is not safe to gather in groups, even outside, many of us can still go out for a solitary or family walk.  So, you are invited, wherever you are, to worship in the wild and to celebrate Jesus among us with a walk to look for “Yonder Star” one clear night that’s good for star watching in January.  HERE is a liturgy that you can take with you on your phone or print.    

Church in the Wild is an outdoor worship and learning experience in the tradition of wild church. For more information contact Karen Tjaden (204) 745 6477, Lori Stewart (204) 832 5310, Noelle Bowles (204) 770-9837, or Caryn Douglas (204) 487-2076.

Prairie to Pine Covenant


The Regional Council Executive approved the Prairie to Pine Covenant. A copy of the document can be viewed here.

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.

Prairie to Pine Reaching Children,
Youth and Families


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.

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.

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. 

Our newsletter comes out every Wednesday!

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

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Subject line:

Include:



 
Tuesdays at 4:00 PM

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

TITLE of your news piece
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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
1-800-268-3781 ext. 2028

Jamie Mckay

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


JMckay@united-church.ca
1-800-268-3781 ext. 2040

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
204-781-8124
 

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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