1. Living Skies Regional Council News:
A letter from Rob Reed, Convenor of the Regional Gathering – Save the Date - new
Pastoral Relations Ponderings – Pastoral Relations Ponderings Vol 23 - new
Please review this document for important updates for retired ministers, M&P Committees, annual reports and covenants, pulpit supply and more.
GC 44 commissioners job description and invitation - new
As some veterans of General Councils past have noted (we won’t say who…), times have changed. Being a Commissioner to General Council can no longer involve being elected weeks before the General Council meeting and hopping on a plane. Instead, it’s a three-year commitment, with “recall” meetings that make decisions for the entire church, and opportunities to keep reflecting and deciding on a wide range of concerns. Have a look at the full details here. Your Nominations committee is seeking a lot of good names, spanning the full range of identities and church experiences. Please help them by spreading the word.
An important planning note: General Council 44 was moved back to July 2022 in light of pandemic uncertainties, and has now been moved to an entirely online meeting. But: even if you, or a good candidate you know, have limited internet or older equipment, do not let that keep you from applying or from encouraging others. General Council planning will include accessibility for a video meeting.
Ministry Personnel Gatherings
Join your colleagues on Tuesday afternoons at 1pm for conversation and support over Zoom. For specific topics and connection information, please check the Regional Council calendar.
Opportunities to serve the wider church in Living Skies now up!
Currently there are a number of openings within Living Skies Regional Council, representing a wide range of tasks, skills, and interests. Click here for all the details.
A message was sent to the newsletter list on Friday March 5. Click here to read it. All Nominations news, and relevant form links, can be found at all hours of the day and night right here. As always: please share widely! Questions? Ideas? Please contact convener Susan Reed at lsrcnominations@gmail.com or phone Susan through the Living Skies office: 306-704-0181.
Update: COVID Guidelines – new
Effective March 19, the restrictions on the number of people eligible to attend worship will shift to 30% capacity, to a maximum of 150. It is also permissible for concurrent gatherings to occur in the building as long as social distancing may be maintained, the overall number of people does not exceed 30 per cent of seating capacity or 150 people for the entire facility, and there are separate entry and exit points. For clarity regarding the best options for communion in your community of faith, please see this document. Please note that this increased capacity and permission for concurrent gatherings does not include communities of faith in Regina and the surrounding area. A summary of the implications of this change for communities of faith and the full provincial guidelines may be found at this link. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Tricia Gerhard at lsrcexecutive@gmail.com or Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca.
Church leaders and the SK vaccination program
As leaders in our churches, and in our communities, we have a role in making sure that the people we minister to and with have helpful, concise and trustworthy information regarding the vaccine and its roll out. The Faith Leaders Working Group requested that the Business Response Team provide some basic, clear information that we can share with our congregations. Please see and share this letter from the executive, which also links to important resources.
Staff announcement: New Stewardship Animator for Western Canada - new
Living Skies’ own Vicki Nelson will be our new stewardship animator. Born and raised in Regina, Vicki has been attending various United Churches since she was very young, including serving in staff positions at Eastside United Church and Knox-Metropolitan United Church. Since 2014 she has had the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Lumsden Beach Camp, SK. Camps, and especially that camp, has been a long-time passion for her. Beyond camp and church organizations she has several years’ experience working and volunteering with various non-profit organizations. She and her partner Adam have two children, Viva and Rocco.
A friendly reminder from your Office of Vocation Minister, Karen Medland
It’s almost time to complete your Annual Declaration re criminal charges. This is a requirement for all active Ministry Personnel, and must be done between April 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. Please don’t try to go into the system until those dates. Your Annual Declaration is how you confirm that you have not had any new criminal charges against you in the past year. You do not need to get a new police records check if you have not had any new criminal charges. Google Chrome and/or Explorer are the best browsers to use: please do not use Safari. To complete your form, log into your personal page at www.churchub.ca . If you experience any problems, please contact ministry@united-church.ca for assistance. If you have any questions about the Annual Declaration, please contact Karen at kmedland@united-church.ca.
National Good Friday Service - new
Please join us for "From the Table to the Cross," a Good Friday service with Moderator Richard Bott and members of the General Council Executive. We will gather online to remember stories of Jesus' final hour and sing and pray together. If you are able, please bring a glass of water, a flower, and a candle to help to set the table that reaches far beyond our own walls and screens. Available for streaming starting at 9:30 a.m. EDT, April 2 on YouTube: youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada
Seeking new participants in the KAIROS Prairies North Region - new
KAIROS is one of the United Church's main Canadian ecumenical partners. It has a broadly-based grassroots network that engages communities and faith communities in its work for social and ecological justice. It's looking to refresh leadership and involvement in that network's leadership for the Prairies North Region, which covers SK, NWT, and AB. Have a look at the detailed description here; an online potluck to learn more is also being planned for later in April. Here in Living Skies, recent KAIROS-supported work has included climate justice local engagement through KAIROS Regina and For the Love of Creation, and an event series on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Easter Sunrise Worship Service (Region-Wide) - Sunday, April 4th, 6:20am
Let's celebrate the joy of the Risen Christ together – experience the sky coming to life throughout our Living Skies Region! Join your church family for a Sunrise Easter Zoom from a frosty hill or your warm living room! Registration: https://form.jotform.com/210685803988267
More Info: https://livingskiesrc.ca/event/region-wide-easter-sunrise-worship-service/
Download Poster: https://livingskiesrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Easter-Sunrise-2021-Poster.pdf
Update: Practically Prophetic: Tools & Tips for our Ministry Together
“Practically Prophetic” is a new webinar series focused on tools and tips for our UCC ministry together. Think of it as Com-Ed (Community Education) for all: speakers, presentations, and panel discussions related to just about anything and everything in the vibrant faith-life of the church. We’re excited that Practically Prophetic is a pretty cool collaboration of Living Skies Region Faith Formation, St. Andrew's College, and the Centre for Christian Studies.
ONLINE WORSHIP – A PANEL DISCUSSION of TECHIE WISDOM - Wednesday, April 14, 7pm - NEW
Join us for a hosted panel discussion of Online Worship in our congregations. Our tech gurus bring a wealth of insight & experience, and will share some of their favourite technical tips, tricks, gadgets & software. Perhaps even more importantly, we'll also talk about the faith opportunities that online worship and community may hold for our own congregations and the United Church of Canada.
More info: https://livingskiesrc.ca/event/practically-prophetic-online-worship/
Registration: https://form.jotform.com/210574707062250 Click here to download poster .
Coming in May: MINISTRY WITH YOUTH ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM - new (Practically Prophetic Webinars)
We’re constantly searching for new ways to share in Jesus’ ministry with children & young people who experience life on the autism spectrum. Erin Scrivens is a special education teacher and life-long member of the United Church who brings over 20 years of experience working with, caring for, and laughing alongside kids on the spectrum. Watch for more details and date/time TBA.
Spring 2 Life Regional Concert! Date: Sunday, April 25th, 7pm – new
Spring is here, and it is time for a celebration of music! An incredible diversity of United Church musicians from throughout the Living Skies Region have prepared an amazing evening of musical entertainment & story!
Ticket proceeds support UCC Communities of Faith (congregations), and other UCC Ministries throughout the Living Skies Region. When you order your ticket, simply indicate the Ministry that you would like to support. More Info: https://livingskiesrc.ca/spring-2-life-concert/
Order Tickets: https://form.jotform.com/210804545521246
Download Poster (pdf): https://livingskiesrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Spring-2-Life-Poster-pdf.pdf
FAITH FORMATION
Zoom Gathering for Young Adults (18-35 Yrs)
A safe space for open-minded, faith-based and engaging conversation every Wednesday at 6:30pm
Contact Rev. Laura Fouhse for the ZOOM link: Text 306-291-5838, E-mail laura@mcclureunitedchurch.org
https://livingskiesrc.ca/event/zoom-gathering-for-young-adults-18-35-yrs/2021-01-13/
2. Wider Church Information:
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. Most of the ministry and resources you see here is supported by our Mission and service givings.
National church: new opportunities to serve
From conflict resolution facilitators to researchers about Black experiences in the United Church: please see details here, and consider both your own call and others’ gifts.
Reflection from SK: Strategies for ending racism
Living Skies’ Moses Kanhai explores ways to develop a strategic plan to end racism. Click here to read his blog, a contribution to United Church engagement with the International Day to End Racial Discrimination.
United Church member reflections on racism series continues - new
Rev Sun Young Kim calls on White people to listen to racial and ethnic minority people, saying that, “As an ethnic minority, I should confess that it is more difficult to deal with well-meaning progressive White people than with blatant racists. I am not afraid of the latter because they know where they stand on the issue, and so do I. It is more difficult to deal with progressive White people because their racism is so subtle that only ethnic minorities can feel it. ..That is why I need humility from my White siblings. I don’t want them to be discouraged that they sometimes hurt us without realizing it. However, I need them to be humble enough to ask for guidance. When in doubt, ask.” Read her full reflection here.
A reflection from Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy on dismantling White privilege notes, “Like many White people, I would not label myself as racist. It has taken time for me, however, to realize that by not being actively anti-racist, by not recognizing my White privilege, by not understanding how White supremacy affects so much of who we are as an institution and country, I am also not doing my part to dismantle racist systems that are so rooted in our church. What I have tried to do as I came to these understandings is not let it immobilize me in inaction, to not throw up my hands and say “this is too big of a problem” and hide my head in the sand.”
Light the Flame for a Guaranteed Livable Income on April 8, 2021 - new
In this video, Moderator Richard Bott invites us to join the call for a Guaranteed Livable Income and contact our Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. April 8 is a chance to make visible this call and Light the Flame for a Guaranteed Livable Income. Plan to light a candle and post publicly on social media (#UCCanlivableincome) in solidarity with small outdoor vigils being held on Parliament Hill, at Minister Chrystia Freeland’s constituency office, and at other MP constituency offices. Due to COVID-19, the vigils are restricted to locally designated individuals, and plans will be adjusted if needed. If you’d like to organize one, contact justice@united-church.ca. Take a look at the GLI page for more information and worship resources. And sign up here to receive updates. The Cross Canada GLI network of United Church leaders is eager to connect with you.
St. Andrew’s College’s 2nd No Gala Gala - new
We invite you to be part of St. Andrew’s College’s second #NoGalaGala online event. As a registrant of the college fundraiser, you will be able to access this content exclusively on YouTube for the first six months following the release of the event on Friday, April 9th at 4:00 PM (SK). An invitational link will be sent to you at the official launch time. Whether you choose to watch on your own, organize an evening with family, friends and/or congregants, please join Greg Torwalt, St. Andrew’s College Registrar, Richard Manley-Tannis, Principal, and Shawn Sanford-Beck, Recruitment Officer, as they engage in a conversation with Greg’s music. As those who support the college, we thank you for your ongoing trust to help us prepare disciples called to go out into the world boldly and humbly. To view the preview, please click here.
To be part of this event, please register at: https://bit.ly/39ShU2T. You will receive a tax-receipt for a portion of the registration fee.
For more information, please contact the College at 306-966-8970 or standrews.college@usask.ca
Stewardship Easter worship materials and videos - new
All Stewardship materials are now available here. A summary of Easter resources was sent out to the national Stewardship list, and it can be found here. For those of you streaming or recording services (and those of you lucky enough to have connection in the sanctuary!) here’s a short Easter Stewardship video. The national Stewardship Facebook group, Invite, Inspire, Thank, is here.
3. Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Community of Faith 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 .
New at United in Learning: click here for lots of March opportunities. Check out tonight’s Congregational Finances During the Pandemic webinar, among many educational opportunities.
UPDATED: Introduction to Indigenous Lands and Issues in Canada March 20 - June 19
Host Adrian Jacobs, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Keeper of the Circle, and Indigenous elders from across Canada invite you to explore the cultural and historic foundations to today’s headlines. Join us for a series of online conversations in response to the Indigenous education mandates from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Final Report. Registration info here. Please check the times carefully!
Indigenous Lenten Series: Ahogichipabi; Wednesdays Mar 24 - Mar 31 2021 at 7:30 PM MST.
Join us during this Lenten season as we explore Christ’s journey into the desert and the connection this has to Indigenous spiritual traditions: the 7 sacred teachings of the Assiniboine and the Vision Quest. We will examine the intercultural traditions found in Indigenous Christian theology and how this impacts our spiritual formation and worldview today. Sponsored by the Chinook Winds Region and the Urban Indigenous Circle. Click here for the Facebook event. The Zoom link is here. Contact Tony Snow for more information: tony.snow@hillhurstunited.com
UPDATED: Faith on the Move: a national online journey through Lent, March 30, Noon Central Please refer to this link for a full description and to confirm times.
Guaranteed Livable Income nationwide vigils April 8 - new
See elsewhere in this newsletter, and click here for the flyer.
A Free Flow Wellness Retreat: “An Imagination Pilgrimage for the Soul” – An Online Zoom Retreat Series offered by Marg Janick-Grayston Mondays: April 19, 26, May 3, 10, 2021 (1:00 – 4:30 CST)
During this time when travel has become challenging, this retreat invites us to take an IMAGINARY pilgrimage across Canada, in the company of others. As we use our imagination to travel from the Atlantic Ocean to the wide open space of the prairies, to the mountains of Alberta, and the lush gardens of BC, we will reflect upon ways that the natural landscapes we encounter under God’s clear blue sky might ruminate with our lives and connect us spiritually. Please register by April 5 via email marg@freeflowwellness.ca Full Descriptions available at: https://www.freeflowwellness.ca/retreats
A Breathtaking Path to Whole Hearted Living: Art as a Spiritual Practice
An On-Line Retreat series offered by Marg Janick-Grayston through Naramata Centre - April 24, May 1, 8, &15th from 1:00 -4:15 PD (2:00-5:15 CST)
Come explore the diverse nature of spirituality that connects us with our soul, and helps us discover ways to breath in life with courage and vigor. In this retreat we will discover our place in the universe through a mandala meditation, the power of our breath as prayer, and delve into the realms of our heart as we engage in creative processes that open up the doors to new ways of being. Full description available at https://www.freeflowwellness.ca/retreats or https://www.naramatacentresociety.org/online-programs Please register through the Naramata Centre link above.
2021 Virtual Festival of Homiletics: Registration Open
The COVID pandemic has made life harder for just about everyone. To uphold the health and safety of our communities, the Festival of Homiletics will be hosted virtually again in 2021. Registration is now open for the virtual Festival of Homiletics, May 17–21, 2021. We’re excited about the superb thinkers and teachers who will present on this year’s theme, “Preaching for the Future Church”.
St. Andrew’s College ReJUNEvation 2021
St. Andrew’s College ReJUNEvation is going virtual for 2021. It will be held June 16 – 18, 2021.
Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman will present on the theme, “Now it Springs Forth: Looking for Ecumenical Movement with Fresh Eyes.” Sharman, an academic and ordained minister who serves as the national Animator for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations in the Anglican Church of Canada, will invite participants to reflect on some of the most interesting and promising new directions for the ecumenical movement as we head further into the 21st century. He will address the “sense of stall and stagnation and ‘ecumenical winter’ that came to dominate during the ’90s and ’00s.” He will offer a theological, methodological, and spiritual diagnosis as to why that might have happened and offer examples of things that seem to be leading to new life and impetus for a renewed ecumenical movement – an “ecumenical spring” – especially in the Canadian context. ReJUNEvation will also feature online workshops and conversation among participants. We welcome new participants and long-time friends.
For more information, please visit https://stu.usask.ca/standrews/students/rejunevation.php. Registration info will be available soon.
Queen’s House
Our programming formats have significantly changed – while they will be offering occasional programs in-person at the retreat centre, following all safety protocols, much of our programming will be offered through Zoom. To see Queen’s House programming, please see their Our Programs page.
4. Reminders:
Canadahelps.Org For Online Donations To UCC Communities Of Faith
As we adapt to more online ministry, do you have a “Donate Now” element to facilitate charitable giving on your Community of Faith website or social media?
CanadaHelps.org information is available below: https://livingskiesrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CanadaHelps-What-Every-United-Church-Needs-to-Know-Mar-2020.pdf
New Ecumenical Chaplain at the University of Saskatchewan
Ecumenical Chaplaincy at the University of Saskatchewan, a co-operative ministry of the Anglican, Presbyterian and United Churches, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Rev. George Hind as our chaplain for the coming months.
If members of your congregation are part of the university community, and would appreciate time with our chaplain, please encourage them to contact Rev. George by phone at 306-380-2158 or by email at luthchap@usask.ca . You may also want to check out his ongoing work as chaplain through these pandemic times on the website: https://www.lutherancampusministry.sk.ca
Invitation on behalf of the Board of Regents at St. Andrew’s College
Doug (Chair) and Richard (Principal), invite you to a Town Hall gathering to share updates since the adoption of the strategic plan and decisions in February to accelerate changes for the college. We look forward to this time with all who are able to attend. The next town hall is April 13th @ 4:00 pm. If you could please confirm attendance with Melanie (melanie.schwanbeck@usask.ca) by 9:00 am on that day, and send any questions you may have, that will help us during our time together. Finally, Zoom information will follow prior to the town halls.
Invitation to an ecumenical intercultural event planning group
Roman Catholic and Anglican siblings are inviting Living Skies to a series focusing on intercultural ministry and thriving congregations. More details will come soon, and in the meantime: they would really appreciate a couple of United Church representative on this ecumenical planning team. Please get in touch with Nick Jesson at njesson@archregina.sk.ca or Cheryl Toth at stewardship@sasktel.net to learn more about the planning.
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