Pastoral Relations Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

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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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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The Basics Workshop – Ministry and Personnel Committees

Michele — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:39:22 +0000

‘The Basics’: Ministry & Personnel Committee Workshops

Online by Zoom, Upcoming dates: October 3rd, December 5th, February 6th, April 3rd

2-4pm with Micol Cottrell, Minister, Pastoral Relations

Ordered ministers and designated lay ministers while in paid accountable ministry positions are office holders within The United Church of Canada. While there may be elements similar to employment, the essential nature of the relationship is a covenant.

~ Statement on Ministry in The United Church of Canada (2012)

New members are often elected to the vital Ministry & Personnel Committee near the start of the year, although M&P Committee membership can change for many other reasons throughout the year.

The Basics will help a new member learn the essentials of this crucial role. More experienced members of M&P Committees are invited to take this workshop as a refresher with their team, and keep up with changing United Church practices and policies. This workshop is open to members from Western Ontario Waterways, Antler River Watershed and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils!

Please Note: each member of your M&P Committee attending this workshop is required to register.

In your Confirmation Email, you will receive the Zoom link and material in preparation for the meeting to make the most of our time together. If you have questions about the content, please email Micol Cottrell, Minister, Pastoral Relations, at MCottrell@united-church.ca, or better yet, write down the questions to bring with you.

Sign up here: https://regionalcouncil789.formstack.com/forms/m_p_workshop

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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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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

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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.

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Save the Dates: Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:19:44 +0000

Details we know so far:

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.

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

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

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

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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

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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

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Collaborative Ministry Workshop

Michele — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 21:27:52 +0000

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://united-church.zoom.us/j/89103473757

Meeting ID: 891 0347 3757

Join by phone: 1- 855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free

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The Manual 2023, The United Church of Canada

Michele — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 19:14:55 +0000

the-manual-2023

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The Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne Moderator of The United Church of Canada

Michele — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 20:14:40 +0000

INSTALLATION: Sunday, August 7, 2022

Nominations closed for 44th Moderator of The United Church of Canada on June 17. The United Church of Canada requires an election process for Moderator, so the nominee, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Kwisa’lakw, attended the election on July 23 ….. and the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, Kwisa’lakw, will be installed on August 7, 2022. Learn more about the nominee in this biographical statement.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on othe UCC YouTube channel.

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A Heartfelt Thank You from Diane Blanchard

Michele — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 20:02:07 +0000

It has been such a privilege to serve the communities of faith and ministry personnel of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils over the past three and a half years as we transitioned from conferences to the regional council governance and to the brand new Office of Vocation.

More than changes in staffing, more than a new executive and commissions, more than new policies or processes or software platforms, the change of the structure of The United Church of Canada is intended to make the church more nimble and responsive in the midst of the rapid changes that are happening within our society and the world. And I know that, in the midst of this change process, none of us felt very nimble! Yet together we put our minds and hearts into learning. And that was before the pandemic brought a cascade of more learning, stretching us in ways we never imagined possible!

It has been a joy to work alongside such disciples.

Thank you for all the ways you’ve stayed the course through the sometimes overwhelming waves of change that have washed over us. I know it hasn’t been easy. I’m very, very grateful to all of you. In particular, the Human Resources Commission and the LLWL Resource Team have worked hard to do the work that several presbyteries did in the past. We have an up-to-date list of dedicated Licensed Lay Worship Leaders. Search teams are being trained and are working to offer equitable access to positions of ministry leadership. Calls and appointments and new positions are flowing through Churchhub in ways that are really quite helpful now, with very few errors.

Many strong volunteers work as regional liaisons to support communities of faith in their search and selection process, ending with the celebration of covenanting services as new ministries begin. Facilitators of the United Fresh Start program continue to be available to support ministers in peer groups and offer modules of thought-provoking educational material related to congregational leadership to communities of faith. Together, these many, many volunteers, disciples of Christ willing to further the efforts of the regional council, the wider church, serve you. For their gracious care for communities of faith and ministry personnel, I am grateful. It has been a joy to work alongside such disciples.

I will continue to pray for your well-being, faithfulness and strength.

I am also grateful for the staff I’ve been a part of, people who are willing to support one another through thick and thin. They are gifted and they have a heart to serve the regional council through their various portfolios. Talking with one another and sharing our knowledge of the many communities of faith helps us serve you better. Thank you, Cheryl-Ann, for your visionary and caring leadership through the transition to regional councils and for the nurturing way you bring out the best in me and other staff.

With confidence, I welcome Micol Cottrell as the new Minister, Pastoral Relations, who began on August 1. I will work with Micol as he steps into the role, until August 23. Then I have the privilege to accompany my daughter to the World Council of Churches Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany. When I return, I look forward to caring for my year-old granddaughter several days a week.

As I move into retirement, I know I will miss these many connections; miss hearing about you and the lives of communities of faith and ministry personnel, but I will continue to pray for your well-being, faithfulness and strength. Your cards, kind emails, calls, presence at the retirement party at the regional office or by zoom and the gifts given by the Staff Committee on your behalf have meant more than you know.

My beautiful bowl overflows with gratitude and I feel surrounded by your prayers.

Thank you and God bless you,

Diane Blanchard

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