1. Living Skies Regional Council News:
Ministry & Personnel Committee 101 – last chance
Back by popular demand! If you have a new ministry and personnel committee, or would just like a refresher of the roles and responsibilities plus insights from the wellness survey for this most important task, please feel free to join Tracy Murton, Pastoral Relations Minister, for one of the following Zoom workshops: Wednesday, May 5, 7:00-8:30pm (after 3pm contact Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca ) OR Saturday, May 8, 10:00-11:30am. Email Bev Diebert to register bdiebert@united-church.ca. After registration, you will receive the Zoom link and the background materials.
Living Skies Regional Council Meeting – June 4 and 5 - new
The Living Skies Regional Council Gathering Planning Team has set June 4 and 5 (Friday and Saturday), 2021 as the dates for our online Regional Gathering. Plans include one gathering Friday evening, and two gatherings Saturday (morning and afternoon). The agenda will accommodate the emergent business of the Regional Council as well as acknowledgment and celebration of passages within our Region and more covenants (between Communities of Faith and Living Skies Regional Council).
The next Rambler will include information about registration and the docket. As sections of the docket are completed, they will be posted to the Regional Gathering page on the Living Skies Regional Council website.
New resource and reminder: writing a proposal for Regional Council
Proposals call on the Regional Council or General Council to make a decision or set policy on behalf of the church. These replace older formats like petitions or resolutions. If you know of a pressing issue that should come before our annual meeting, have a look at this short guide on who can make a proposal and how to prepare one. Deadline for proposals to the June 4 and 5, 2021 Regional Gathering is: May 14, 2021.
For Retired Ministry Personnel - new
An email was sent out from Tracy Murton on Monday to all Retired Ministry Personnel in the Regional Council with some important information about the Voluntary Associate Minister policy and a survey being conducted by the Committee on Ministry Personnel Support. If you did not receive this, please contact Bev Diebert at bdiebert@united-church.ca to ensure we have the most accurate email address for you.
Voluntary Associate Minister status - new
The role of retired ministers in our Regional Council varies significantly. What doesn’t vary is the gratitude we have for their presence and wisdom in our communities of faith. If there is a retired minister (or two) in your community of faith who offers leadership in some way (pulpit supply, pastoral care, small groups, etc.), please connect with them to make sure they have received information about becoming a Voluntary Associate Minister. The policy may be found at this link, and the form may be found at this link. Let’s work together to support these folks and the important ministry they offer among us.
Covenants, again - new
Thanks to the 46 Communities of Faith who have completed a Covenant with the Regional Council and sent it off to the Committee on Community of Faith Support to review. Some were celebrated in November, and the rest we will celebrate at the Regional Council gathering in June. This message is to the roughly 100 Communities of Faith yet to complete this task. Here is the link for the materials. Look under the Committee’s tab. If you have any questions, please ask Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca. If you do not know whether your community of faith has completed this task, talk to your representative to the Regional Council, or to your ministry personnel or pastoral charge supervisor. In order for the covenant to be celebrated in June, we need a copy no later than May 25.
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.
MINISTRY WITH YOUTH ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM (Practically Prophetic Webinars)
We’re constantly searching for new ways to share in Jesus’ ministry with neurodiverse 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 neurodiverse kids. Date: Wednesday, May 12, 7pm
Register: https://form.jotform.com/211086316900246
More Info: https://livingskiesrc.ca/event/ministry-with-youth-on-the-autism-spectrum-practically-prophetic-webinars/
Download Poster: https://livingskiesrc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/PP-Autism-Youth-Ministry-May-12-21.pdf
Worship service in support of those seeking refuge
St. Andrew’s United Church, Moose Jaw, offers us the Welcoming the Stranger worship service to support and strengthen both those seeking refuge around the work and those who welcome them. Please use freely. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9uRKakGGGk
Annual meeting exemption extended: - new
The General Council Executive has extended the suspension of the requirement to hold an annual meeting to December 31, 2021. If your community of faith will not be able to hold an annual meeting in the first half of 2021, the governing body can make a decision on the budget. If your community of faith is able to meet online or gather safely in person, it is still optimal to do so, but not required. Further information regarding this decision may be found here.
COVID Guidelines - new
The provincial government released a Roadmap yesterday outlining a plan for releasing restrictions which has an impact on communities of faith; the maximum numbers permissible for worship will increase to 150 or 30% capacity. Here is the link. It is important to highlight that all current health orders and guidelines remain unchanged at the present time. The Roadmap does not begin until certain thresholds are met, at the end of May at the earliest. Step 1 begins when the vaccine eligibility is 18+, and 3 weeks after 70% of people 40+ have been vaccinated. The current level is 65% of people 40+. As a reminder, here is the letter from the Regional Council Executive highlighting the church’s role in supporting accurate vaccination information. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Tricia Gerhard at lsrcexecutive@gmail.com or Tracy Murton at tmurton@united-church.ca.
Making Mother’s Day compassionate: Mission and Service campaign - new
Mother's Day is a complicated time for many. The new Mission & Service campaign both celebrates mothers and acknowledges the range of emotions this day invokes. T his Mother’s Day, Mission & Service is providing a special opportunity to not only help families in need but also reach out to honour and support our loved ones. Make a special Mission & Service gift this Mother’s Day/Christian Family Sunday. Your gift will help families in need at home and abroad, supporting things like prenatal and parenting classes, respite care for families with children, medical clinics for babies and mothers, safe shelter, and education for children.
Donors can send e-cards to people they want to honor, with a range of messages. Also, you can make your donation today, but have your card delivered on May 9 (or any other day). Click here for more information.
Camping & Outdoor Ministries – Summer 2021 - new
As you’re making family summer plans, some of our UCC Camps will be able to offer daycamp programs & volunteer opportunities. You can check out the registration info & details at:
1) Lumsden Beach Camp: https://www.lumsdenbeachcamp.com/
2) Camp Shagabec: https://shagabec.com/
Updates for all of our regional UCC Outdoor Ministries are available at: https://livingskiesrc.ca/programs/yayac/camps/
Additionally, online Camps/Summer programs specifically for 2SLGBTQ+ youth:
1) Camp fYrefly (OUT Saskatoon & UR Pride Centre): https://www.fyreflysask.ca/
2) Rainbow Camp (Welcome Friend Association): https://www.welcomefriend.ca/camp/
3) CampOUT! (University of British Columbia): https://campout.ubc.ca/
ATTENTION: Ministry Personnel
Thanks to all of you have already completed your annual declaration. I just wanted to up date some information for you all. The closing date for annual declarations is June 30 2021. You do not need to get a new police records check if you completed your annual declaration last year. If there is a reason you will not be able to complete your annual declaration by June 30, please email me at kmedland@united-church.ca so that we can make other arrangements for you.
Remember that ChurchHub is not compatible with Safari. To access all the aspects of ChurchHub, we recommend using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge as your web browser.
Once again if you have any questions about or problems with ChurchHub, please contact me via email. Always happy to set up a zoom meeting to walk you through your annual declaration.
Karen Medland, Minister for the Office of Vocation
SPRING2LIFE REGIONAL CONCERT – ENCORE PRESENTATION(S)! – new
Thank-you to all of the musicians, tech team, and hosts for a wonderful evening of community, laughter and song. Over $1400 was raised for various mission-supported ministries as well as direct donations to local communities of faith. If you missed it, just check out the Spring2Life Encore Presentations anytime at the Regional’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ1GFiDC4SA
Living Skies calls on the province to ban conversion therapy
Living Skies Regional Council of the United Church of Canada, acting on a proposal passed with over 95% approval in November 2020, has called upon the Government of Saskatchewan to:
a) Enact legislation banning “conversion therapy” for people of all ages in Saskatchewan, thus making it illegal for individuals or entities to engage in the practice of conversion therapy or to refer an individual to practitioners of conversion or reparative therapy; b) Include conversion therapy and bans on it in the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code; c) Ban health coverage for conversion practices; d) Ensure that the Government of Saskatchewan does not provide grants or contracts to any entity that engages in or refers individuals to practitioners of conversion or reparative therapy; e) Make a public statement against conversion therapy.
Please read and download the letter here. Many thanks to the many people who reviewed drafts and helped create a strong voice for our Region. Please share the letter with supportive community groups and individuals, and with Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people who may appreciate receiving it. Consider sending a letter of your own, whether personally or as a community of faith, to your MLA and/ or the ministers mentioned in the Regional letter. It doesn’t need to be long in order for your voice to make a difference. Short is sweet. Look for more suggestions on this, coming soon!
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.
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.
National Worship Service of Apology and Lament for the Church’s Role in Coerced Adoptions
On May 9 from 1:00-3:00pm (MDT) The United Church of Canada will acknowledge its role in forced adoptions through maternity homes operated by the church. During the service The Right Rev. Dr. Richard Bott, Moderator, will offer a formal apology to mothers and all affected by historical adoption practices. Please see this link for more information.
Opportunity: Pilgrim in Mission, 2-6 days between May to October 2021, for people with disabilities -new
The United Church of Canada is seeking two individuals who self-identify as people with disabilities to participate in World Council of Churches Pilgrim Team Visits (PTVs) which are being held virtually over the months of May to October 2021. These Pilgrim Team Visits are part of the World Council of Churches’ engagement with the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace. Please see full details here.
Opportunity for young adults: Ecumenical Stewards Programme, 2022 World Council of Churches Eleventh Assembly, Germany
The United Church of Canada is encouraging young people to apply to serve as an Ecumenical Steward with the Stewards Programme for the 2022 Eleventh Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Karlsruhe, Germany. Click here for more information.
Emmanuel College - new
Emmanuel College is pleased to announce the promotion of the Rev. Dr. HyeRan Kim-Cragg (Emm 0T6) to the rank of full professor. Kim-Cragg has held the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church Professorship in Preaching since 2019. Before she joined Emmanuel, Kim-Cragg held the Lydia Gruchy Professorship in Pastoral Studies at St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon for over 10 years. She is the first racialized person to be promoted to full professor at Emmanuel College, making this a truly historic moment in the Emmanuel College and Victoria University community. Read the full news release here.
You are invited to join with others to celebrate HyeRan Kim-Cragg’s recent Promotion to Full Professor and the launch of her book, Postcolonial Preaching: Creating a Ripple Effect. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 10:30-11:30 am (MDT), with moderator, Michelle Voss Roberta, Emmanuel College Principal. All are welcome! The event is free, but registration is required.
Research Study: Bi-Vocational and Part-Time Ministry - new
With the support of the United Church Foundation, the Rev. Dr. Ross Bartlett, Director of United Church Formation, and Adjunct Professor at Atlantic School of Theology, is conducting a study of the experiences and conditions of the growing number of bi-vocational and part-time ministers within The United Church of Canada. Some estimates suggest that over 40% of clergy will be serving in part-time appointments/calls by 2030. Yet we know very little about this rapidly growing group. Dr. Bartlett is hoping to provide the church with a baseline of data from which to consider a wide range of its governance and employment policies. More information can be found 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 details on many May opportunities.
Regional Affirming check in and Pride planning May 12, 7:00-8:30PM. - new
All Living Skies Affirming and 2SLGBTQIA+ supportive ministries and people welcome as we share plans for supporting Pride month through June and beyond. Please fill out this form so we have an idea of how many to expect, and we will send you the link.
Seeking to Reduce Harm
On Wednesdays, May 12, 19 and 26, at 5:00 pm (MDT), this national series will consider the idea of drug decriminalization. Our Regional Council Executive is a co-sponsor of this series, which gives us space to talk about this complex issue without taking a position on it. Themes will include Harm Reduction and UCC Engagement on May 12; Decriminalization of Illicit Substances for Personal Use on May 19; and the Theology of Harm Reduction on May 26. Click here for details and to register.
UPDATED Introduction to Indigenous Lands and Issues in Canada, May 15 and June 19
Sandy Saulteaux Centre. Next session: Indigenous People and Resource Development with Rev John Snow Jr. Saturday, May 15, 2021 – 8:00-10:00AM Mountain Daylight. 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.
2021 Virtual Festival of Homiletics: Registration Open - Last Chance
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. 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.
An Earthy Experience: Awakening to New Perspectives of Wisdom July 11-17, 2021 (9:30-12:00 PD) - new
At Naramata Centre, BC; Leadership by Marg Janick-Grayston and Janicka Grayston
Beautiful mountains, sunny beaches, and luscious trees - explore the beautiful Naramata this summer at the Naramata Centre. Like you, we are looking forward to the end of winter and isolation. Fortunately, The Naramata Centre has officially opened registration for their Summer Week-Long Retreats. Marg and her daughter Janicka will be leading this program in Week 2 of the Centre’s summer program focusing on “Celebrating Diversity”. This retreat will offer nature-based wellness practices through invitations to connect with the earth and create with the very gifts it offers us. Full Description at https://www.freeflowwellness.ca/retreats or https://www.naramatacentresociety.org/summer-2021#/event/3276/celebrate-diversity Please register through the Naramata Centre link above.
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
Pastoral Relations Ponderings – Pastoral Relations Ponderings Vol 24
Please review this document for important updates for retired ministers, M&P Committees, annual reports and covenants, pulpit supply and more.
Camping Sunday Resources
Worship materials & other resources in support of UCC Outdoor Ministries are available at https://united-church.ca/worship-special-days/camping-sunday.
Stewardship – It is a Journey
You are not alone. Really. You're not.
Join other communities of faith from Living Skies Regional Council on The Journey as together we learn the Stewardship Best practices that can help you increase revenue in order to better fulfil your mission.
This May interested Communities of Faith can form a Learning Team, and participate in four 2-hour sessions to learn about best practices in stewardship, plus receive ongoing coaching and support. Spaces are limited, so reach out to Vicki Nelson (VNelson@united-church.ca) right now for more details or to express interest.
Don’t walk alone.
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