Resources 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

The post WOWRC Fall Meeting Registration Now Open! appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post Discernment Retreat appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

We are Hiring, Minister Pastoral Support

Michele — Mon, 05 May 2025 16:58:20 +0000

Job Number: 25-17
Opening/Closing Date: May 1, 2025 to May 30, 2025

Description

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils are seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Pastoral Support 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 Pastoral Support is responsible for supporting ministry personnel. It is the key way the regional council fulfills its responsibility for encouraging and supporting ministry personnel towards health, joy and excellence in ministry practice. The main areas of focus will be:

Pastoral Care and Support for Ministry Personnel
Connection
Support the formation of pastoral relationships
Guidance

*Attached is a copy of the full job description

Qualifications

Minimum of four years post-secondary education or appropriate life experience;
Graduate studies in theology, Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training and designation and Spiritual Direction training would be an asset;
5 years of related work experience
Membership in The United Church of Canada and experience working within the structure and policies or experience working in a similar faith community would be considered an asset;
Ability to translate the purpose of the regional councils into the experience of people making contact;
Ability to articulate the link between faith and ministry practice and to reflect theologically and interculturally;
Group facilitation skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively and collegially with other members of the staff team and with volunteers;
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with others in a respectful manner and articulate concisely and clearly;
Good judgement, discernment and analysis skills as responsibilities can be difficult and complex and recommendations can have long-lasting effects; openness to consulting with other supervisor when no clear advice available;
Strong administration, time management, planning, organizational, and implementation skills with the ability to deal effectively and positively with changing situations or priorities;
Solid computer skills in the use of various software applications – Office 365, Dynamics, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom, and other social media and online platforms;
Willingness and ability to travel throughout the regional councils;
Ability to speak a language other an English is an asset.
Alignment with the vision and values of The United Church of Canada – respect, integrity, passion and diversity;
Motivated self-starter capable of identifying needs and taking action in cooperation with volunteer leadership and other staff;
Initiative, good judgement, tact, discretion, resourcefulness, and creativity in problem solving;
Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.

Working Conditions:

The United Church of Canada has adopted a hybrid workplace model, providing flexibility for this position, working both off-site and in the regional council 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. 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 $69,204.79 to $78,873.29 annual salary with the ability to progress to a maximum of $92,273.03. 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.

To Apply

Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, quoting job number 25-17 to Human Resources, e-mail: careers@united-church.ca.

Please note, interviews will be held on the week of June 23, 2025 and will be contacted in advance.

***Internal applicants, if interested, please advise your immediate manager of your intentions.

Downloads

minister-pastoral-support-jd.pdf (208.47 KB) (PDF)

The post We are Hiring, Minister Pastoral Support appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post Federal Election Resources appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Effective Transitional Leadership Training Course

Michele — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 19:47:40 +0000

A Unique Learning Opportunity for Lay Leaders and Ministry Personnel in ARW, HF and WOW

The Effective Transitional Leadership (ETL) Training Course has been designed by the Interim Ministry Network to support the work of ministry personnel and lay leaders in congregations experiencing change and transitions.

This training will be held on the following dates:

March 6, 13, 20 and 27th
Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT via Zoom
Instructor: Pegi Ridout

This is a fantastic opportunity you to enhance your leadership skills.

What are the intended outcomes of ETL?

understanding change theory and how to apply it in transitional times
feeling more competent in the role of a transitional leader and facilitator for the work of your congregation
being equipped to manage both yourself and your congregation in the midst of conflict
practicing transitional leadership, using tools designed to guide a congregation through a transition
applying your learnings, using case studies and reflection on your experience/knowledge
overall, being prepared and confident to assist a congregation towards health, effectiveness, and faithfulness to its purpose/mission

The cost for this training is $75 per person – a savings of 50% off the regular price.

Registration is limited to 24 people.

Attendance at all 4 sessions is expected.

Course material and the zoom link will be provided closer to the first meeting.

Registration Closes on February 24, 2025

Payment can be made by e-Transfer to hfrc@united-church.ca or by cheque mailed to Horseshoe Falls Regional Council – PO Box 100, Carlisle, Ontario L0R 1H0

Please respond using the link to the registration form by February 24, 2025:

Register Now:

ETL Training Registration Form

This is an opportunity you do not want to miss. We look forward to your participation!

For more information about the course ETL Description and ETL and IMN FAQ

The post Effective Transitional Leadership Training Course appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

A Gift for the Season! Free Resource

Michele — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:04:13 +0000

Free Resource
for an Advent Small Group Study

We are offering every Community of Faith a gift this Advent season! By means of a regional subscription you can access an Advent Small Group Study created by:

The Prayer Bench entitled Advent Longing

We hope this will be a gift for busy ministers and lay leaders in this Advent season who want a faith formation opportunity for their community of faith.

This Advent Small Group Study invites participants to nurture longing as a powerful spiritual gift through an imaginative pilgrimage in an old-growth forest. It encourages us to notice longing in our ordinary days, recognize its gifts during times of desolation and reclamation, and welcome “thin spaces”—those moments of connection, support, and hope. In the context of a planetary crisis, we explore how to activate Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love in the world God loves.

What You Receive with this Downloadable Resource  

Complete Leader’s Guide for three Advent sessions with ideas for Opening, Singing, Movement or Sound Prayers, Conversation prompts, a Group Spiritual Practice, and Closing.

Three 8-10-minute audio recordings.

Three scripts of the audio recordings to download and copy so participants can follow along.

Access to a Prayer Bench webpage with all the study materials, downloadable image for social media promotion, customizable poster for the series, and other resources related to the study.

Click here to register and receive the free resource here:

https://prayerbench.ca/regional-license-for-advent-small-group-study/

Advent Small Group Study Taster on Zoom 

An introduction to the Advent Small Group Study for Leaders with Janice MacLean of Prayer Bench, offering background information and hints for leading the process. Please download the resource and come with any comments or questions for use in your setting.

We are offering two sessions (the same content just different times and days) as follows:

Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

Friday, November 22nd at 1:00pm

Click link to register and receive the Zoom link:

https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAudequpj4qHtUr_VJD6D436RejF-lPoQO7

OR with

Eastern Central Ontario Regional Council

Monday, November 25 at 7:00 pm

Click link to register and receive the zoom link:

https://ecorcuccan.ca/eco-rc-2024-advent-small-group-study/

The post A Gift for the Season! Free Resource appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post The Basics Workshop – Ministry and Personnel Committees appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Ask An Expert – Answer Session

Michele — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 21:31:14 +0000

Ask An Expert – Answer Session:
❓❓❓
Join us on Wednesday evening for a special one hour Zoom event.

Wednesday, September 18th, 2024 from 7-8pm

We’ve been asked some great questions over the summer, come and hear the answers! 👂👂👂

Some of the experts include Mark Laird, Executive Minister, Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewarship Support and hosted by Rev. Michelle Owens.

All welcome to attend on Zoom at this link https://united-church.zoom.us/j/7858382024!

The post Ask An Expert – Answer Session appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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.

The post Supporting 2S-LGBTQIA+ People appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

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

The post SAVE THE DATES: WOW Regional Council Fall Meeting November 16 & 17th appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Payroll Scams: Targeting Churches and Ministry Personnel

Michele — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 19:17:22 +0000

This summer we have become aware of a “payroll scam” targeting ministry personnel and other staff members of churches.

How the Payroll Scam works:

Scammers review websites of churches and learn the positions of each staff member to understand the staff structure in an attempt to steal staff’s salary.
After they get to know who the staff members are and what their role is within the church, they target a particular staff member(s) and create an email address that is very similar to the person’s real email address ie minister@butterflyuc.com to minister1@butterflyuc.com and then use that email to contact the treasurer or bookkeeper to have their payroll auto-deposit banking information changed.
Another way a scammer can get access to staff email address is by hacking into the churches email server and gain control over staff emails. Once they have this control they can send an email directly from the staff members real account to community members or other staff. These emails will only be detected if the staff member check their “sent” emails.
The outcome of the payroll scam is the targeted staff member is only alerted on pay day when their payroll is not deposited into their account and then contacts the church payroll administrator to find out a false request has been made to alter their payroll information. The payroll is deposited into the scammers account and will be a financial loss to the church.

How to avoid the Payroll Scam:

Ensure that the payroll administrator on your staff team whether they are the treasurer, bookkeeper or church administrator use extra precautions when processing changes to payroll details for staff members.
The best precaution is to respond in person or by telephone to verify any payroll information change requests.
Have the staff member fill out a payroll change form in the office with a witness.
Develop basic security protocols within the staff team and church council as an example, two staff members must approve financial transactions on behalf of the church ie cheque signing, payroll changes etc.
Install trustworthy web security systems on all church devices.

Stay alert and be safe online and on the phone.

[Photo: John Schnobrich via Unsplash]

The post Payroll Scams: Targeting Churches and Ministry Personnel appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Reporting Form for Incidents

Michele — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 13:44:36 +0000

As Pride season continues, hate incidents, assault, hostility and pushback in communities across the nation are on the rise, and some of these incidents go unreported and/or undocumented.

The United Church of Canada is beginning to collate information on these incidents, to map out patterns and also to encourage reporting, create awareness, and support advocacy initiatives.

Unfortunately many congregations and other ministries have already experienced anti-2SLGBTQIA+ pushback. The regional council has created a reporting form for such incidents. Should you experience any incidents, please fill out the form and help us work together to address the pushback against 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and wellness here:

Incident Form

And may you have a happy and safe summer.

Thérèse Samuel

Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways, Horseshoe Falls

TSamuel@united-church.ca

The post Reporting Form for Incidents appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

Managing Access to Online and Social Media Accounts

Michele — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 17:29:36 +0000

Did your Minister leave and run off with the sign in credentials to your church’s Facebook account? Did the volunteer on your communications team finish their term and didn’t give you access to your YouTube or Canva accounts? Is one of your staff members on leave and not accessible to retrieve passwords to your MailChimp or X accounts? Need to set up a meeting but don’t have the password to the Zoom account and your Church Administrator left abruptly.

You could be left out in the cold and shut out of your online church accounts like MailChimp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Canva, MailChimp, Constant Contact, YouTube, Vimeo etc.
The importance of setting up more than one administrator of your online church accounts has never been more important. The importance of having more than one leader, staff member or volunteer the ability to access your online accounts for church business has excelled as we move much of our messaging and communications online in digital formats.

Gone are the days where file folders of paper can be handed over to new staff or ministry personnel or committee members.

Two-Factor Authentication(2FA) or One Time Passcodes (OTP) are our new reality with bad actors coming up with new scams daily. Two-Factor Authentication and One Time Passcodes are important ways to verify your church’s identity and the user logging in. These 2FA or OTP notices should go to Communications or Administrative emails or phone numbers not to personal phone numbers for verification.

Best Practices:

Assign more than one administrator on accounts such as Facebook. Many online and social media platforms offer differing levels of permission to be assigned to administrators depending on their responsibilities, so it isn’t necessary to turn over full control of your accounts, but a person can be given permissions limited to posting and replying to posts, for example.
Make sure the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) or One Time Passcodes (OTP) go to an accountable staff or volunteer person that is available to access where these authorizations land.
Separate personal and business emails when creating accounts for your community of faith. Church email accounts should be set up as an example “administrator[your church name or initials]@gmail.com”.
Create a secure password log to be held by your church treasurer or administrator
Set up a dedicated communications or media email account that can be accessed by more than one accountable staff or volunteer member to be used for online community of faith accounts.

Consider using a social media management platform where you can manage access to multiple platforms from one place. The General Council Office uses Hootsuite, and there are many others to choose from, such as Buffer.

[Photo Sara Kurfess via Unsplash]

Submitted by Michele Petick, Websites and Social Media Manager, Administrative Assistant
Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils.

The post Managing Access to Online and Social Media Accounts appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post Ask An Expert appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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

The post Mission Support Grants 2025 appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.

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.

Electing Regional Council Commissioners for GC45

Michele — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 18:35:25 +0000

General Council is the decision-making body of the United Church as a whole. It brings together Commissioners (those elected to be members of this meeting of the General Council) to help set the course for the future of the United Church. GC45 Commissioners will need to be available for education sessions online June 14 and June 22, 2025. The 45th General Council will meet August 7-12, 2025 in person in Calgary, AB.

Invitation from The Moderator

The Moderator invites you to consider becoming a nominee for General Council Commissioner

English: https://youtu.be/0Zfpxtgva80 French: https://youtu.be/4bRACsa_VMU

Electing Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council’s Commissioners (The Manual Section D.1.1.e)
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS MAY 1, 2024

Click here to fill out the General Council Commissioner Nomination Form.

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council voted to have a diverse slate of GC45 Commissioners that will be voted on as a whole at the Spring Meeting of the WOWRC, May 24-26, 2024. We will be asked to approve a slate of 12 Commissioners to accompany the President of WOWRC to General Council 45, for a total of 13 Commissioners.

As you consider General Council 45 Commissioner nominations, remember the importance of reflecting the diversity of our denomination. Also, consider the diversity we as a church want (or need) as we seek to live out God’s mission. Ask yourself questions like:

Whose voices need to be heard in this decision-making body of our church?
Who’s missing from the table?
Whose wisdom, insights and experience can best contribute to the conversations and actions at GC45?

Let these questions – and others that the Spirit brings – aid you in your decision-making.

General Council Proposals (The Manual Section F)
Do you have an idea for a way to strengthen the United Church? If so, please consider preparing a proposal. (See The Manual, Section F) Proposals have a set format:

Title:
Originating Body:
What is the issue?
Why is this issue important?

What might the General Council do about it?

Let these questions – and others that the Spirit brings – aid you in your decision-making.

Detailed information is laid out in the The Manual, 2024. To view the GC45 Proposal Template Guide, click here GC45 Proposal Template Guide. Proposals reach the General Council through the regional council. If submitting a proposal, please do so as soon as possible to allow the agenda and business team time to allow sufficient time for discussion.

If you would find advice helpful in framing the desired action or change as you craft a proposal, please feel free to be in touch with Executive Minister, Mark Laird mlaird@united-church.ca for assistance. This would be help in terms of format and wording, not advice re: the action itself.

Candidates for Moderator
Is the next Moderator of the United Church in our midst? Nominees for Moderator no longer need to be a Commissioner.

The post Electing Regional Council Commissioners for GC45 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.

Remit 1: Board or Council must vote by March 31

Michele — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 14:50:55 +0000

For the remit vote, we are glad to hear that many of you are having conversations about the remit at your congregational meetings. Please also make sure your congregations understand that this is not something the congregation can vote on.

The remit vote must be made by the pastoral charge governing body (Board or Council) and cannot be delegated to the congregation. The Board/Council members should vote according to their own discernment. That being said, it is great for the congregation to share their thoughts before the Board/Council votes on it.

Your Pastoral Charge vote must be sent to General Council by March 31, 2024.

For links to the remit information and for educational materials go to

https://hfrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

https://wowrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

https://arwrcucc.ca/remit-1-establishing-an-autonomous-national-indigenous-organization/

For more information contact:

Minister, Right Relations and Social Justice: Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca

Minister, Social Justice: John Egger jegger@united-church.ca

The post Remit 1: Board or Council must vote by March 31 appeared first on Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council.