Children & Youth Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

Hiring Announcement

Michele — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:19:54 +0000

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Laura Black to the position of First Third Ministry Faith Formation Minister, serving the Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.

Laura will begin her ministry on Monday, February 2nd, 2026. She brings a deep commitment to faith formation, collaborative leadership, and nurturing spiritual growth across diverse communities. Laura is excited to work alongside the councils, congregations, and leaders of these regions as they continue to support meaningful faith development for First Third Ministry.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Laura to the region and this important ministry. We look forward to the gifts, energy, and vision she will bring to this role!

More about Laura:

Laura Black joins the team with a lifelong connection to the United Church of Canada and a deep call to faith formation and community leadership. Rooted in curiosity, placemaking, and nature‑based practices, she is passionate about co‑creating spaces where the brilliance of God’s children can shine.

For more than a decade, young people have been at the heart of Laura’s ministry. She has supported emerging leaders through Christian education, intergenerational programming, camp and creative arts ministries, Youth Forum, and her consulting work with The Hub community network. Nationally, she served as a Commissioner and Table Leader at the 40th General Council. Her experience also spans human rights, conflict management, leadership and interfaith initiatives with domestic and international students as both faculty and staff in post-secondary education.

Relationships ground Laura’s ministry. She is rooted in a large close-knit family, and is married and raising a wise, deeply feeling child. Often you can find them playing games, paddling the Nith River, or on a basketball court. She has accompanied survivors of gendered violence, supported people living with mental illness, and worked to amplify Indigenous knowledge in efforts to decolonize systems. She holds a Master of Education in Teaching and Learning specializing in Inclusive Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development, with studies in child development, family systems, world religions, marginalized populations, emerging technologies, coaching and mentoring.

A national award‑winning organizer and collaborator, Laura is also a published author in the Journal of Transformative Learning. She has led teams in applying Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB), accessible customer service practices, and collaborative agreements. She has coordinated wide-ranging justice‑focused initiatives such as a Food Security Collective and Human Trafficking Symposium. She strives for deep listening, strategic thinking, and collective action while helping communities find shared purpose and turn meaningful ideas into real impact.

Laura looks forward to joining the teams of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils as the First Third Ministry, Faith Formation Minister. She’s excited to learn from each and every one of you in your unique context while contributing her gifts to shared spiritual growth and formation.

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We are Hiring: First Third Ministry Faith Formation

Michele — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 16:50:25 +0000

Minister First Third Ministry Faith Formation ARW/WOW/HF RCs

Carlisle, ON

$71,004 ‒ $80,924 Annually

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, First Third Ministry Faith Formation on a permanent full-time basis, 35 hours per week.

The Regional Council, as part of the wider United Church of Canada, is a decision-making body responsible to serve and support Communities of Faith within its bounds and provide necessary oversight. The three Regional Councils share staff with many serving all three regional councils. These three regional councils represent diverse contexts: major urban centers as well as rural and recreational communities. Within them are significant hubs for technology, manufacturing and academia:

The Minister First Third Ministry Faith Formation is responsible for supporting first third ministry in communities of faith, and the wider Regional Councils of Southwestern Ontario. They resource First Third Ministry leaders, connect with United Church camping ministries, and work in partnership with the Minister Right Relations and Social Justice and Minister Social Justice to resource the Discipleship and Justice Commission in each regional council. The main areas of focus will be:

Faith Formation

Support and educate communities of faith and their leaders in understanding the current context and cultural shifts that first third ministry finds itself in;
Encourage and equip communities of faith for their ministry with children, youth and young adults and connect and resource leaders engaged in ministry with children, youth and young adults;
Connect with campus ministries leaders, fostering connection and collaboration where possible between local congregations and campus ministries;
Provide resources to foster best practices for recruitment, screening and support of volunteers engaged with vulnerable populations and be available to provide advice on this topic to communities of faith and their leaders; and provide resources to communities of faith around Duty of Care.
Resource United Church camps in their development of United Church curriculum and worship as requested;
Provide training on boundaries and racial, gender and sexual orientation justice for camp staff as requested;
Convene camp directors and Board members for mutual education and support and for the promotion of best practices; and Help to foster connections between camping ministries and the wider UCC including local congregations.
Support, resource and liaison with the Tri-Regional First Third Ministry network;
Recruit and support leaders planning of an annual event for:
Support the involvement of youth from the regional council in national youth events; and Engage in national first third programming when it occurs within the regional councils.
Report monthly with a written report to the Discipleship and Justice Commissions on First Third Ministry within each Regional Council;
Attend Discipleship and Justice meetings upon request of the chair and support the formation of networks related to first third ministry across and beyond the regional councils to respond to Discipleship and Justice concerns.
Attend regional council and General Council staff meetings

Camping Ministries

Regional/National Events

Children across the regional councils;
Youth event for a specific regional council or across regional councils;
Event for young adults for a specific regional council or across regional councils.

Discipleship, Justice and Administration

Report monthly with a written report to the Discipleship and Justice Commissions on First Third Ministry within each Regional Council;
Attend Discipleship and Justice meetings upon request of the chair and support the formation of networks related to first third ministry across and beyond the regional councils to respond to Discipleship and Justice concerns.
Attend regional council and General Council staff meetings

Qualifications

Undergraduate university degree (general three-year program) or its equivalent in experience. Graduate studies in theology would be an asset;
5 years of related work experience; experience in a congregation setting supporting First Third Ministry, preferred;
Knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the life and work of The United Church of Canada and First Third Ministry, with an understanding of the changing context of first third ministry;
Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
Strong leadership, organization, teaching and group process skills and significant experience developing and leading youth groups, programs and/or networks, with the ability to design and lead faith formation events for first third ministry;
Skilled at networking, building and supporting connected relationships throughout communities of faith;
Skilled at recruiting, screening, training and supporting volunteers;
Creativity and resourcefulness together with strong administration, time management, organizational, planning and implementation skills;
Strong computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, social media and online platforms, with a willingness to learn new technologies;
Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively;
Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and reflect theologically upon the same;
Good judgement as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; willingness to consult with supervisor when no clear advice is available;
Ability to articulate the importance of Duty of Care, and able to resource, train and offer support for communities of faith around Duty of Care;
Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
Ability and flexibility to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities and ability to work collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
A commitment to always maintain confidentiality and appropriate boundaries;
Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils and membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies would be considered assets; and
Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity.

Working Conditions:

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working offsite with office space available at the regional office located at 1552 Hwy 6, Carlisle, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time will be required. Occasional travel within the region and additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Human Rights Code, The United Church of Canada will provide reasonable accommodations to employees with human-rights related needs.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $71,004 to $80,924 annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $94,672. This is based on category 7 on our salary range. Placement on the salary range will depend on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.

Closing date for applications: January 9, 2026

JOB CODE: 16

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Join us for Kathy Douglas’ Retirement Party

Michele — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 20:29:50 +0000

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The Climate Express

Michele — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:56:26 +0000

The Climate Express leaves on it’s journey to GC45 on Wednesday July 30th, follow along here:

https://www.polarsteps.com/ClimateExpress/19256495-climate-express

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Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas

Michele — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:17:58 +0000

Kathy Douglas at Camp Bimini

Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas, Faith Formation Minister

With heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation, we announce the retirement of Kathy Douglas, our beloved Faith Formation Minister, after six years of dedicated service to the Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.

Kathy has been a guiding light in the spiritual formation of countless folks across all ages. Her unwavering commitment to nurturing faith, fostering community, and walking alongside others on their spiritual journeys has left a lasting impact on all who have had the privilege to know her.

From organizing youth retreats to Palestinian marches, Kathy’s ministry has been marked by compassion, wisdom, and a deep love for Christ and the United Church of Canada community. Her legacy will live on in the lives she has touched and the seeds of faith she has helped to plant and grow.

Please join us in celebrating Kathy’s retirement and honoring her incredible contributions. Celebration of Kathy’s ministry to be announced at a later date, all will be welcome to attend and share in this joyful occasion.

Kathy, thank you for your years of faithful service. May your retirement be filled with peace, joy, and the continued blessings of God’s grace.

Kathy’s official retirement date will be December 31st, 2025.

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Federal Election Resources

Michele — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:44:38 +0000

Faith in action: the 2025 federal election and the United Church

This resource includes links to workshops and resources, and will be updated and re-posted weekly until the election.

As faith communities, and registered charities, we don’t promote or critique only one party. We address all of them, we focus on their social policies, and we expect accountability of all of them. Below are some suggested principles and resources to help people of faith engage the federal election process.

We are called to speak up for what we believe in, not only what we oppose.

We are called to name our values, including what our faith calls us to. We live in a polarized and often anxious world and country, and it’s easy to focus on what we oppose. Try to ask others, especially those you disagree with, to name their values and their hopes.

Respond rather than react, working with communal and individual spiritual and faith resources.

Encourage people to engage the whole process, and vote.

Watch out for dis/misinformation. We are all vulnerable to it, because it’s tailored to spark an instant emotional reaction and to reinforce what we already believe. Always check your sources, and think before you post or share. Ask others for their sources if big, polarizing, or unlikely claims or situations are being presented as real.

Be aware that targeted and vulnerable communities are often the target of dis/misinformation, and be aware of the spiritual and emotional impact of this targeting.

Put another way by our Mennonite family members:

“I commit to loving my neighbours in the following ways:
• Listen with curiosity and compassion
• Speak with authenticity and integrity
• Act for the good of my community, here at home and around the world”

Upcoming Workshops (click on the date for the link to information and registration)

Tuesday April 8, from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Eastern. Federal Election Forum. Craig Norris, Host of the Morning Edition on CBC will moderate. Although everyone is very welcome, we are asking people to register to keep track of numbers. In person (Waterloo, ON) and online. If you register, a link for the online streaming will be sent to you. Click here for the registration link

April 24th Egale- Vote with Pride:

April 24th Canadian Interfaith conversation – Engaged Citizenship The role of Faith Communities during an election

Some key resources (click on each for the link to information)

Groups bringing justice concerns to the election process

United Church home page for election resources (scroll down to the bottom for resources- note that these will change as they’re being constantly updated.)

KAIROS Canada election resources on key issues and engaging your candidates well. (The United Church is a founding and active member of this ecumenical justice coalition.) Their resources include: Indigenous Rights; Ecological Justice; Gender Justice; Migrant Justice; Jubilee 2025

Citizens for Public Justice election resources and travelling/ online meetings (CPJ is a long-standing Christian social justice coalition.)

Mennonite Central Committee: Every Action Counts

Specific justice concerns: choose what you are called to prioritise!

Housing

Housing Canada: A Sovereign Plan to Protect Canadians and Build a Resilient Housing System. This resource includes an overview, and links to “Take action and email federal leaders,” and to “Download the full plan”

National Right to Housing Network- Questions for your federal candidates

Indigenous rights

KAIROS Canada election resources

2SLGBTQIA+ rights

Human rights of gender-diverse/ 2SLGBTQIA people (Momentum Canada)

Palestine and Israel justice and peace
Vote Palestine: A coalition that includes Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and secular groups

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Ontario Election – Workshop and Relevant Issues

Michele — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 23:02:54 +0000

Ontario Election 2025:

More than Tariffs A panel discussion

Sunday Feb 23, 3:00-4:15 PM EST on Zoom

Information to help you faithfully discern your vote and continue advocacy after the Feb 27^th election.

Brief presentations by five panel members on selected topics.

Panelists will respond to questions from the audience.

Advance registration required:

https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pfy-0rDhQt-l-V5KqspFkw

For more information contact:

Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca and John Egger jegger@united-church.ca

Moderator:

Rev. Éric Hébert-Daly serves as the Executive Minister to ECO and EOO Regional Councils in Eastern Ontario. He was ordained in 2020. He served for 5 years as Responsible, Ministries in French, for 9 years as the National Executive Director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. Éric spent 17 years working in federal political circles and 7 years as a registered lobbyist. He also brings a hope-filled passion for the church.

Panel Members

Charles Barrett is a retired economist, who was actively involved in policy dialogue in North America, and the Asia-Pacific region in international economic relations, human resources development and capacity building. He has broad research experience and has written extensively on Canadian and international policy issues. He is a member of Riverside United Church, Ottawa and Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council.

The Rev. Dr. Jessica Hetherington is an ecotheologian and ordained minister in the United Church of Canada. Working at the intersection of ecology and theology for 20 years, she inspires people of faith to transform their actions in response to the climate crisis. She currently serves as commissioner on climate justice with the World Council of Churches and the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Sign up for her weekly newsletter: Faith. Climate Crisis. Action. (https://jessicahetherington.substack.com/).

Bryan Smith is a long-term member of the Oxford Coalition for Social Justice, an organization committed to work and advocacy on a wide range of social and environmental issues locally in the County of Oxford and across the planet. It stands in for the Ontario Health Coalition and stands up for public health. Bryan is a retired teacher, and is active in providing school lunches and community dinners, and promoting local foods, the avoidance of waste, community events, and public health.

Rev. Jeffrey Dale (they/he) is the Minister at College Street United Church in downtown Toronto. Jeffrey is a harm reduction advocate and community educator, working with harm reduction advocacy groups throughout the Province of Ontario to educate communities of faith and the wider society regarding the needs of people who use drugs.

Rev. Susan Eagle is the minister at Grace United Church in Barrie. She chairs both the Ecological and Social Justice Commission for Shining Waters Regional Council, and the Steering Committee of the provincial interfaith coalition, ISARC, which does policy analysis and advocacy for income security, homelessness and employment rights. She has worked with newcomer and low-income individuals and sole-support families as a community outreach worker, and served on London City Council for 13 years.

This workshop is presented by the Social Justice Network of Ontario Regional Councils (SJNORC) with representation from Eastern Ontario Outaouais, East Central Ontario, Shining Waters, Canadian Shield, Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada.

Engage, Pray, Vote.

Story Sharing of Faith Formation and Social Justice Outreach Activities

Michele — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 22:25:48 +0000

Is your church or ministry doing something new or exciting to grow your faith, reach out to the community, or seek justice for people or creation?

Don’t just be quiet about it! Let us know, so we can share the good news with others in the regional council.

Click to fill in the form: Story Sharing of Faith Formation, Justice and Outreach Activities – https://forms.office.com/r/cb4c1PR8Q3

God is doing so much in and through our churches. Let us celebrate and encourage one another by sharing stories of Christ’s church at work and at play.

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Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator

Michele — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:47:55 +0000

Flourishing: Antler River, Western Ontario Waterways, and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils

Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities.

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (local time).

9:00am -9:30am Registration and coffee/tea

9:30am – Welcome and Introductions

In person

Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford, ON N5A 6N4

All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy, and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.

The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect to one another in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.

Is your church flourishing?

(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)

Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?

How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Flourishing Workshop

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Worshiplude 2025

Michele — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 22:02:45 +0000

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Youth and Elders Fishbowl Discussion

Michele — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:28:19 +0000

Regional Councils of ARW, HF and WOW in partnership with The Hub and Trinity UC Kitchener-
Thursday November 28^th, 2024, 6:30-8:30 (all participants are asked to arrive at 6:40).

Background: Post-pandemic, Youth leaders struggle to put together groups. A message often heard from youth in the church is that what’s being offered doesn’t work for them. Being an intercultural church includes finding ways to bridge communication between different age groups/generations.

Goal– To offer a forum that brings together youth and Elders in the church– a forum that allows the two groups to hear one another and be heard by one another, and to consider what might be the Spirit’s invitation to the church for youth ministry at this time.

FISHBOWL PROCESS:

8 Youth (teens to twenty-somethings) and 8 Elders (45+) from WOW, HF and ARW Regional Councils and facilitators will gather via Zoom.

Discussion questions will invite each to share and listen to experiences of their own youth faith formation, and hopes and challenges for youth ministry then and now.
On each question, using the Zoom spotlight feature to focus on one group of eight:
- Youth will invite one another to share, while the Elders listen.
- Places will be switched, and the Elders will invite one another to share while the Youth listen.
- For some questions, the order might be reversed, with Elders sharing first
After two rounds of sharing in separate groups, Youth and Elders will have an opportunity to reflect together as one group.

Each group will be invited to reflect on what they have heard and consider possible next steps.

Participants will be given questions for reflection and feedback, to be submitted in writing following the session.

This is a cross-cultural listening event, and a pilot project. This session will not focus on problem solving or planning. The focus of this event is to listen and learn about one another as a first step of re-visioning youth ministry in ARW, HF and WOW in this post-pandemic time.

An HONORARIUM of $105 is available for participants who are not otherwise paid for their time in this discussion.

To apply, complete the Application Form :

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=qLUYz3gmEUCTEhXw9xV1dPBWSFWIXSNPila5mgKiAchUM0NLV0kyWUtVM1JXUEcyOUw4QlVaRlVDUS4u

Application deadline November 18, 2024

For more information contact:

Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca

Kathy Douglas kdouglas@united-church.ca

Adam Cresswell – hubleadership@gmail.com

Aimee Belanger at youthevents@hubcommunity.ca

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Supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ People

Michele — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 15:03:14 +0000

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

It has come to our attention that across-Canada anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ protest marches are to be held on Friday, September 20, 2024. The organization responsible, Hands Off Our Kids (https://handsoffourkids.ca/) states their mission is to:“safeguard children from gender ideology teachings, sexual indoctrination, exposure to explicit sexual content, ensuring that parental consent remains paramount.” They also aim to “protect our children from thought control and will ensure their religious freedoms are protected.”

Their rhetoric has been strongly anti-2S-LGBTQIA+ and especially anti-Trans in the past. This group has worked to exert influence in school boards in Ontario and beyond, spreading harmful misinformation and opposing SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) education in schools, again with misinformation. For information about SOGI click HERE.

These marches are planned across Canada on September 20, including the following locations across our tri-regional councils:

WOW: Owen Sound, Meaford, Hanover, Orangeville and Kitchener

HF: Mississauga (2 locations), Oakville, Milton, Hamilton

ARW : London, Windsor

More details and updates can be found on their website: https://handsoffourkids.ca/resources/

A constantly updated list of in-person presence and counter-protests is available here. The private Facebook group 1 Million Voices for Inclusion, which also hosts community-specific chats and planning, is an excellent resource for ideas and support.

Christ calls us to be a peace-seeking, truth-speaking,
love-focused presence in the face of these movements.

How can you be active?

Faith-Filled Responses

Send letters of encouragement to school staff and to any student group or individuals who need support;
deliver homemade real church cookies to those groups/individuals;
use your church signage and lawn to send PIE messaging;
write letters to the editor;
learn about SOGI and what it really is, as opposed to the myths spread about it;
support school board candidates and members who are supportive of 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights.
Offer support to transgender, Two Spirit, and gender-diverse people who are being targeted by this movement.

Faith-Focussed responses:

Pray
Re-read all the radical bible verses about God’s all- encompassing love.
And be PIE— public, intentional, and explicit—about the fact that you’re people of faith supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ people (using your best judgement about when and how, of course).

When we show up in a positive way, it is noticed!

When discussing with your congregation:

Know that it is possible that well-meaning people in your congregation may be supporting these movements. Leading with language of “hate” in this instance can alienate the well-meaning people that you wish to connect with.
While the “Hands Off Our Kids” and related movements are understood as hate movements, and that is an accurate description of the impact of these movements, not everyone who shows up in support of these marches is doing so out of hate.
Name and honour how this harms people in 2S-LGBTQIA+ communities without conveying an assumption that this harm was intended. Intentions and impacts are often very different, but a well-meaning intention does not erase hurtful and harmful impacts.
Offer grounded information to counteract harmful mis-information.

If you are making plans or have concerns, please contact me, Thérèse Samuel, Minister Right Relations and Social Justice, and my colleague John Egger, Minister, Social Justice.

Thanks to Northern Spirit Regional Council and clergy from Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council for sharing information that helped in the creation of parts of this resource.

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SAVE THE DATES: WOW Regional Council Fall Meeting November 16 & 17th

Michele — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 20:14:41 +0000

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We are Hiring! Executive Assistant to the Regional Councils

Michele — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 19:35:05 +0000

We are Hiring!

Job Posting: Executive Assistant

For Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils

Click here for Job Description: https://united-church.ca/opportunities/executive-assistant

Job Number: 24-28
Opening/Closing Date: July 15, 2024 to August 5, 2024

Description

The Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an Executive Assistant on a permanent full-time basis (35 hours per week).

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils share staff with many, including this position, serving all three regional councils. These three regional councils represent diverse contexts: major urban centers as well as rural and recreational communities. Within them are significant hubs for technology, manufacturing and academia.

Reporting to the Executive Minister, the Executive Assistant supports the Executive Minister, the Regional Councils and their Executives and plays a vital role in the preparation for and holding of Executive and regional council meetings. The Executive Assistant also ensures that the official records of the regional council are properly maintained.

The primary areas of responsibility are:

Resource meetings of the Executives and Regional Councils (25%).
Executive Minister Support (22%).
Support to Congregational Support, Western Ontario Waterways (15%)
Information Management (20%)
Function as or on behalf of the Governing Official (18%)

See attached job description for detailed tasks

Qualifications

Post-secondary studies in a related field
3-5 years of experience in a senior administrative role or equivalent work and life experience.
Computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms and a willingness to use new technologies;
Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact: offering welcome and support;
Solid administrative, planning, time management, organizational and situational analysis skills to prioritize and plan work, meeting deadlines and completing multiple tasks on time with limited supervision, together with flexibility to deal with changing situations and priorities;
Strong minute-taking skills;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written (includes writing, editing, proofreading, keen eye for attention to detail);
Competence in arranging and hosting electronic meetings;
Ability to work both independently and in a team environment, collaboratively and collegially;
Demonstrated research, communication, and interpersonal skills
Knowledge of the United Church would be considered an asset.
Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada;
Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff.

Working Conditions

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working from a home office with office space available at the regional office located at 1552 Hwy 6, Carlisle, ON. The incumbent will be provided, for work purposes, use of secure devices and must be available by email, phone, teams or zoom during regular office hours Monday to Friday. Travel within the region will be required. Occasional additional hours, evening and weekend assignments may be required.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, The United Church of Canada will aid employees who request accommodation throughout their employment with us, unless the position is deemed to be a bona fide occupational requirement and/or to the point of undue hardship considering issues of health, safety and cost.

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $49,462 to $56,372 per year with the ability to progress to a maximum of $65,950. This is based on category 4 on the 2024 salary range. Placement on the salary range will be based on factors such as market condition, internal equity, candidate experience skills and qualifications relevant to the role. Pension and group benefit plans coverage and annual vacation round out this compensation package.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to Human Resources at careers@united-church.ca. Please quote job number 24-28 in your application.

Downloads

executive-assistant-jd-june-2024-awh.pdf (212.19 KB) (PDF)

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Ask An Expert

Michele — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 18:14:33 +0000

We’re trying something new. We’re introducing an Ask An Expert series in partnership with the General Council Office. You ask the questions, and we’ll provide the expertise.

Who are the experts? Well, it depends on the topic and staff availability.

Maybe you want to know more about the insurance partnership between the GCO and Communities of Faith. Or what you do when the local newspaper calls (or when you want to get a good story out). Or what the new government relations officer does. Or what the cost-of-living-adjustment is.

It’s kind of like a Pick-Your-Own-Adventure book. Here’s how it works:

1. You send us your questions here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z

2. We find the expert who can answer them.

3. We all tune in on Wednesday September 18th, 7-8 p.m. by Zoom here: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89972136949

4. As many questions will be answered as can be within the allotted time. Unanswered questions will carry over to the next session, or we’ll answer them on our Regional Council Facebook group.

5. Tough questions are okay. We’ll do our best to answer them, and if we can’t on the spot, we’ll follow up with the right information.

So, pick your adventure. Will it be insurance? Or grants? Climate justice? Governance? Media relations? Government relations? Global partnerships? Or something else?

You pick. Ask your question here: https://forms.office.com/r/q7UM9spU9z. Join us on Wednesday September 18th at 7 p.m. to get an answer in real time. Don’t have a question right now? Listeners welcome!

This session will be facilitated by: Michelle Owens

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Mission Support Grants 2025

Michele — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 20:01:16 +0000

MISSION SUPPORT GRANTS 2025

The Discipleship and Justice Commission for your region is now welcoming applications for the 2025 Mission Support granting cycle.

Application forms can be found under “resources” on your regional council’s website. Please use the 2025 form and include all relevant information, even if it was included in previous applications.

Quick Link here: https://wowrcucc.ca/mission-support-grants/

This year we have also included a checklist to help you ensure that all necessary supporting documents have been included in your application.

If you received a grant last year, we are also asking you to provide a story about your ministry and its impact, as outlined in “Sharing Your Story” on the last page of the application form.

Send your completed application and supporting documents (ideally in a single pdf document) to me by email at JEgger@united-church.ca by 8:30 am Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Feel free to reach out to me or any of my colleagues if you have any questions:

John Egger: JEgger@united-church.ca

Kathy Douglas: KDouglas@united-church.ca

Thérèse Samuel: TSamuel@united-church.ca

Blessings on your ministry,

John Egger, Minister, Social Justice

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Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister

Michele — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:46:29 +0000

Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister to Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils and a Lenten message. Send messages of welcome to MLaird@United-Church.ca

The post Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Registration is Now Open for the Tri-Regional Spring Meeting 2024

Michele — Tue, 05 Mar 2024 01:11:48 +0000

Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting

When: Friday, May 24th to Sunday, May 26th, 2024

Where: Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin

Theme: Life Together

Speaker: The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, UCC Moderator In-Person

Registration:

Registration information you need to know (including accommodation costs)

Click here to register for the meeting

If you need assistance or are unable to complete the online registration form contact: Michele Petick at MPetick@United-Church.ca

Childcare available Free of Charge
Kids and Youth Programming
Kids and Youth accommodation/meals Free of Charge

Registration Deadline: April 15th, 2024

After April 15th, only Zoom registration available

A G E N D A

Friday, May 24th: 2 PM start. Friday evening The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne will speak.

Saturday, May 25th: All day. Includes Celebration of Ministries Service in the afternoon.

Sunday, May 26th: 9 AM to Noon: Includes Worship with Honouring of Retirees, Jubilands, In Memoriam, Community of Faith Life Cycle Changes

Note: Time will be designated for each individual Regional Council to meet separately. Each Regional Council will be electing their GC45 Commissioners, President Elect and slate of Executive/Commission members.

Would you like to serve on the Executive or a Commission or become the next President of the Regional Council?

If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for Executive or one of our three Commissions, please complete the Expression of Interest Form by May 1, 2024.

If you would be willing to let your name stand as a nominee for President-Elect, please complete the President-Elect Nomination Form by May 1, 2024.

New for this meeting …

We will be posting Workbook materials on the website, as they become available. A complete Workbook will be made available one week prior to the meeting. So, check back often for updates.

Save the morning! Stewardship Workshop

10am – Noon on Friday morning May 24th (before the start of the Tri-Regional meeting)

You can do hard things: How to Preach on Stewardship
A workshop for ministry personnel and those who lead worship in their communities of faith.

Led by Rev. Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Staff

Registration and more information coming soon. Contact Brenna at bbaker@united-church.ca with questions.

The post Registration is Now Open for the Tri-Regional Spring Meeting 2024 appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Job Posting: Executive Minister

Michele — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 19:46:42 +0000

Photo by: Jason Leung via Unsplash

Come and join our team!

We are hiring an Executive Minister : Antler River Watershed/Horseshoe Falls/Western Ontario Regional Councils

Click here for more details

The post Job Posting: Executive Minister appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Update from The Presidents of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils

Michele — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 16:05:59 +0000

From the Desk of the Regional Council Presidents

September, 2023

Dear ARW, HF and WOW Regional Councils,

We hope this message finds you well and having enjoyed a relaxing and restorative summer.

It is with mixed emotions that we announce the resignation of our Executive Minister, Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa.

Cheryl-Ann is currently on a three- month sabbatical, but she will be leaving us in January to begin a two-year contract offered to her by General Secretary Michael Blair. There she will become one of the staff resourcing General Council 45 and her wealth of experience and knowledge will be drawn upon in helping the wider church in its review of the new structure. We will miss her wisdom and unwavering support and care, but we know just what a valuable resource she will be in her new position at the General Council Office.

The Executive Minister position is being held by the very capable Mark Laird (Past President of WOWRC) during her sabbatical. The position will be posted by the General Council Office shortly and we ask that you hold the Search Team in your prayers.

The Regional Councils will plan an appropriate way to recognize, celebrate, and honour the contribution of Cheryl-Ann and to wish her well in her future endeavours.

Blessings,

ARWRC President Cheryl Bolton

HFRC President Lennox Scarlett

WOWRC President Jennifer Irving

The post Update from The Presidents of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Children & Youth Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

Hiring Announcement

We are Hiring: First Third Ministry Faith Formation

Minister First Third Ministry Faith Formation ARW/WOW/HF RCs

Qualifications

Working Conditions:

Compensation

Closing date for applications: January 9, 2026

JOB CODE: 16

Join us for Kathy Douglas’ Retirement Party

The Climate Express

The Climate Express leaves on it’s journey to GC45 on Wednesday July 30th, follow along here:

Retirement Announcement: Kathy Douglas

Federal Election Resources

Faith in action: the 2025 federal election and the United Church

Upcoming Workshops (click on the date for the link to information and registration)

Some key resources (click on each for the link to information)

Groups bringing justice concerns to the election process

Specific justice concerns: choose what you are called to prioritise!

Climate justice

Guaranteed Livable Income

Healthcare

Housing

Indigenous rights

2SLGBTQIA+ rights

Ontario Election – Workshop and Relevant Issues

Ontario Election 2025:

More than Tariffs A panel discussion

Sunday Feb 23, 3:00-4:15 PM EST on Zoom

Story Sharing of Faith Formation and Social Justice Outreach Activities

Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator

Worshiplude 2025

Youth and Elders Fishbowl Discussion

Supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ People

SAVE THE DATES: WOW Regional Council Fall Meeting November 16 & 17th

We are Hiring! Executive Assistant to the Regional Councils

We are Hiring!

Job Posting: Executive Assistant

Description

Qualifications

Working Conditions

Compensation

To Apply

Downloads

Ask An Expert

Mission Support Grants 2025

MISSION SUPPORT GRANTS 2025

Welcome Mark Laird, Executive Minister

Registration is Now Open for the Tri-Regional Spring Meeting 2024

Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting

When: Friday, May 24th to Sunday, May 26th, 2024

Where: Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin

Registration:

A G E N D A

Would you like to serve on the Executive or a Commission or become the next President of the Regional Council?

New for this meeting …

Save the morning! Stewardship Workshop

Job Posting: Executive Minister

Come and join our team!

Update from The Presidents of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils