News Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

Thank You Volunteers!

Michele — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:20:00 +0000

Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 19-25

To all our incredible volunteers,

During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we take a moment to recognize and celebrate the time, energy, and care you give so generously to our Regional Council community.

Whether you are serving as a regional representative, contributing your voice and leadership as a commission member, guiding our work as part of the executive, or creating welcoming and meaningful experiences by coordinating hospitality at our in-person gatherings—each role matters deeply. Your efforts, often behind the scenes, are what make our shared work not only possible, but impactful and inspiring.

You bring dedication, thoughtfulness, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Because of you, our council is stronger, more connected, and better able to fulfill its purpose.

Thank you for showing up, for stepping forward, and for continuing to build a community rooted in collaboration and care. Your contributions do not go unnoticed, and they are truly appreciated.

With gratitude,

Rev. Mark Laird
Executive Minister
Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils of The United Church of Canada

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Registration is now open for the WOWRC Spring Meeting

Michele — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:57:29 +0000

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Time to Report!

Michele — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 16:31:15 +0000

Community of Faith Documents due for 2025

It is that time of year to work on your Community of Faith’s Annual Report and to complete the Community of Faith Self-Assessment Checklist as well as your updated Community of Faith Profile.

Annual Report

Your Annual Report should be uploaded to your Community of Faith’s account on ChurchHub. If you are unsure how to do this, please see this helpful how-to article here.

You will also need to update the officer roles including your Regional Lay Representative for your Community of Faith’s ChurchHub account. Here is a handy video from the UCC on how to do this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHsoNoQh8jo. There is also further information on the regional websites; ARW, HFRC and WOW.

Please email a copy of your annual report to your respective Congregational Support Minister at; HFCSM@united-church.ca, ARWCSM@united-church.ca, WOWCSM@united-church.ca.

Your report will be reviewed by members of your Regional Congregational Support Commission.

What To Include in Your Annual Report?

The following is a list of things required by The United Church of Canada’s 2026 Manual that need to be included in your Annual Report;

Minutes for the previous year’s Annual Meeting

Financials including Treasurer’s report, year-end statements, proposed budget

A letter of review of the Financials from an independent person

A list of the legal names of the Trustees

Membership stats including new members, marriages, baptisms, deaths

Contact page including names and contact info for the Officers (governing body Chair, Secretary and Treasurer), chairs of committees

Self-Assessments for Community of Faith:

Self-Assessment for Communities of Faith can be found on Toolkit #11. Self-Assessments are helpful to highlight areas that may need to be addressed.

Community of Faith Profiles:

Your Community of Faith Profile should also be reviewed and updated annually. Information on Community of Faith Profiles can be found on Toolkit #2 on your regional website.

Information for all of the above is found here:

ARW Toolkits; HF Toolkits; WOW Toolkits

Spring Regional Meetings:

The Horseshoe Falls and Antler River Joint Regional Meeting will be held at the Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre, London, ON from June 26-28, 2026.

WOW’s Regional Meeting will be held on May 22-23, 2026 at the Unifor Family Education Centre, Port Elgin, ON.

Additional information will follow about each regional meeting. Please watch your regional newsletters. Subscribe to your regional newsletter ARW, H F, WOW.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. ARW: Karlene Kimber, HF: Beverly Tyhurst and WOW: John Neff.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this important annual task for your Community of Faith!

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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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A Christmas Greeting from the Regional Council

Michele — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:23:37 +0000

Regional Council Christmas Greeting 🎄

Note: The RC Office will be closed from December 24th, 2025 to January 1st, 2026

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Join us for Kathy Douglas’ Retirement Party

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

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NEW: Policy for Expenses for RC Meeting Participation

Michele — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 20:13:14 +0000

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Introducing Laurie Stevenson, Minister of Pastoral Care to the Region

Michele — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 16:06:25 +0000

Welcome Rev. Laurie Stevenson!

We are delighted to welcome Rev. Laurie Stevenson as our new Minister of Pastoral Care, beginning her ministry with us on November 3rd, 2025.

Rev. Laurie brings a deep commitment to compassionate care, spiritual guidance, and community connection. Her presence will be a blessing to our region as she walks alongside ministry staff and congregations, offering support, prayer, and pastoral leadership.

We look forward to the gifts she will share, the relationships she will nurture, and the ways she will help us grow together in faith and care. Please join us in extending a heartfelt welcome to Rev. Laurie as she begins this meaningful journey with us.

Welcome, Rev. Laurie!

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WOWRC Fall Meeting Registration Now Open!

Michele — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 20:45:23 +0000

Click Here to Register Now for the WOWRC Fall Meeting

President’s Invitation:

Hello everyone!

Today is my birthday (52 in case you were wondering). As such I would love to invite you to an online party November 7th and 8th! Okay, well, maybe not a party but there is lots planned so register soon, registration is open now for our Fall WOWRC meeting. Totally on line so you can join from the comfort of your own space and sleep in your own bed, though it also means you have to make your own meals and there is no book store to browse unless you go to the United Church Resource page (https://ucrdstore.ca/).

Come and join me as I fumble my way through chairing my first regional meeting.

See you all there!

Rebekah Duncan

President, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council of the United Church of Canada

October 9th, 2025

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

“Growing our Community”

Welcomes you to the 2025 Fall Gathering!

Online via Zoom

WOWRC Fall Meeting (online): November 7th-8th, 2025

Friday November 7th: Time 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday November 8th: Time 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday November 8th: 4:00 pm Celebration of Ministry

Celebration of Ministry Service:

Saturday November 8th at 4:00 PM

Westminister United Church

247 Broadway, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5

Celebrant(s): To be announced

In-person at Westminister UC & YouTube Livestream

Meeting Resources as they become available will be posted here:

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council Fall Online Meeting Information

Meeting Target Dates:

Registration Opens: Thursday October 9th (no registration closing date required)

Complete Workbook and Zoom Link: Wednesday, November 5th

Note: Meeting Information will be posted on the website as it becomes available HERE

Meeting Dates:

Friday November 7th: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Online via Zoom

Saturday November 8th: 9:00am – 3:00pm Online via Zoom

Celebration of Ministry Service: Saturday November 8th 4:00PM

Post Meeting Feedback Survey – Monday November 10th via email

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Introducing Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council President, Rebekah Duncan

Michele — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 20:37:11 +0000

Hello, my name is Rev. Rebekah Duncan. I am currently the president of Western Ontario Waterways. Thank you so much for trusting me with this position. It’s been a long journey, from finding passion for faith through my parents and youth forum (Maritime Conference), to gaining support through mentors such as the late Rev. D’Thea Webster, Rev. Neil Parker, Rev. Michael Kooiman, Rev. Sarah Giles, and the many talented and called classmates and professors I had at the Atlantic School of Theology. There are many other names I should list, friends, family, my discernment committee, the congregations of Bethel, Richview, Badjeros, Rob Roy, and Temple Hill United Churches, and even some strangers. I thank God for bringing them to me, and me on this journey to this place.

I heard God’s call sitting at the water’s edge, quiet, nudging. Over time it became the roar of a waterfall too loud and insistent to ignore. So, I followed the beckoning, and I found myself listening for God’s voice then, as I do now, and God responds, “Do not doubt what I have chosen for you.” There have been many moments of weeping and gnashing of teeth throughout my short time in ministry, and I suspect there are many more to come, but with that comes unexpected joy, love and even some tangible moments of peace.

I feel called to rural pastoral ministry but also called to serve the broader church. Stepping into the role of president comes with challenges and great footsteps to follow in. The support of our brilliant regional staff and the wonderful members of the executive have already been invaluable.

I hope to be able to meet you where you are, make time to sit with the clergy of our region, and figure out how to maintain the connections already made while continuing to foster new relationships. I hope to encourage us all to work towards the future of our church which will often mean choosing the road less travelled. Change is necessary for our church to remain, and that will be uncomfortable at times. We are meant to be each other’s inspiration and support as we move into our next 100 years. I pray we all find our way together, keeping what works and moving away from what isn’t anymore with careful discernment.

Blessings! Love! Light!

Rev. Rebekah Duncan

RMT, MA, M.Div, OM
President, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council of The United Church of Canada

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45th Moderator of the United Church of Canada – Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath

Michele — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:59:25 +0000

[Photo credit: The United Church of Canada]

The United Church of Canada has a New Moderator!

A huge congratulations to Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, who has been elected as the 45th Moderator of The United Church of Canada on the third ballot!

Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, nominated by Eastern Ontario Outaouais Regional Council, brings deep faith, visionary leadership, and a pastoral heart for the whole church.

Learn more about our new Moderator here:

https://generalcouncil.ca/…/rev-dr-kimberly-heath…

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rev. Dr. Samuel V. Dansokho, Rev. Dr. John Pentland, Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, CM, and Rev. Sungmin Jung for their faithful discernment and willingness to stand for this sacred role. Your courage and leadership have blessed, and will continue to bless, the whole church.

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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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Discernment Retreat

Michele — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 17:47:23 +0000

Discernment Retreat

Date: Saturday September 20, 2025

Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Place: Grace UC, Hanover

Cost: $25:00

Led by: Betty Pries of Credence & Co.

Register Now Here – Registration Form

Space is limited to 50 people. Please register early to ensure a spot.

Part 1:
Nurturing a Spirit of Discernment in Congregational Decision-Making

Congregational discernment differs from decision-making in critical ways. When a spirit of discernment and listening for God’s leading precedes the decisions that congregations must make, these decisions are more robust and more grace-filled. This session defines discernment and decision-making, offers strategies for discernment, and explores spiritual practices to undergird congregational discernment practices.

Part 2:
Leading Discernment Conversations

This theme considers key strategies critical for those leading discernment conversations: Clear purpose and focus questions, an agenda that moves items naturally from introduction to discernment to decision, tools for building buy-in, momentum and consensus, alongside effective strategies for engaging participant comments (including those that are experienced as less-than-helpful).

Questions about this event can be directed to John Neff, Congregational Support Minister at JNeff@united-church.ca

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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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Mission Support Grant Applications NOW OPEN

Michele — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 15:48:10 +0000

More Information Here

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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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Moderators over the history of the United Church of Canada

Michele — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:11:56 +0000

M&S Stories for 100th Anniversary!

Submitted by: Centennial United Church, Stayner

M&S Story Apr 6 M&S Story March 30

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WOWRC Spring Meeting Registration Now Open

Michele — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:32:02 +0000

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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.