UCW Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

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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Story Sharing of Faith Formation and Social Justice Outreach Activities

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

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

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

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

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

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Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator

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

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

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

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

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

9:30am – Welcome and Introductions

In person

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

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

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

Is your church flourishing?

(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)

Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?

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

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Flourishing Workshop

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

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

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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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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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Western Ontario Waterways Fall Online Meeting 2023

Michele — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:42:35 +0000

The Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council begins at 4:00pm on Thursday September 28th online. 📣📣📣

Here is a link to meeting materials, Workbook, livestream, worship service and more. (Please refer to your registration confirmation email for the Zoom link):

https://wowrcucc.ca/events/regional-council-meeting/

This is the schedule for the sessions of the Regional Council Meeting:

WOW Fall Regional Meetings will be on ZOOM:

We Are One – Living into Right Relations

Thursday September 28th: 4:00pm-5:30pm, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Friday September 29th: 4:00pm-5:30pm, 7:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday September 30th: 9:00am-12:00pm Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Sunday October 1st: World Wide Communion Regional Worship Service (transcript provided for use and Live-streamed from Centennial United Church – Stayner with President Jennifer Irving presiding from Zoom to the WOWRC YouTube Channel)

Celebration of Ministry Service, Sunday, October 1, 2023, 4 PM, Cedar Hill United Church, 241 Cedar Street, Cambridge Celebrant – Whitton Daley

Looking forward to seeing you online over the next couple of days!

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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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Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 17:11:45 +0000

Save these Dates for the:

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council Fall Meeting

WOW Fall Regional Meetings will be on ZOOM:

We Are One – Living into Right Relations

Thursday September 28th: 4:00pm-5:30pm, 7:00pm-9:00pmFriday September 29th: 4:00pm-5:30pm, 7:00pm-9:00pmSaturday September 30th: 9:00am-12:00pm Honouring the National Day for Truth and ReconciliationSunday October 1st: World Wide Communion Regional Worship Service (transcript provided for use and hopefully live-streamed or recorded)

The agenda of our fall meeting will include discussion around the Evaluation of the Tri-Regional Governance and Staffing Model done by Bill Allen and Jenny Stephens, engagement with each of the Commissions and Remit 1 – Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization.

Those wishing to have items added to the fall meeting agenda are asked to contact President Jennifer at jennifer@ucstayner.ca

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It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Michele — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:44:50 +0000

And we are naming names! Click here for more …

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REGISTER NOW: WOW Spring Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:05:06 +0000

Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council Spring 2023 Meeting

May 26 – 27, 2023

Hybrid Meeting:
In-person and/or on-line

In-person at the:

Unifor Family Education Centre, 115 Shipley Ave, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C5

Registration Opens:
Monday, March 20 at 9:00am

Registration Closes:
Monday, April 17 at 11:59pm

Zoom Link/Workbook launch:
Friday, May 19

Accommodation:
Unifor Family Education Centre
(Book accommodation when you register for the Spring Meeting)

Celebration of New Ministries Service:
Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 4pm – Unifor Family Education Centre, 115 Shipley Ave, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C5

Celebrants: Stacey Mortson and Rev. Craig Bartlett

Click here to Register Now!

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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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Registration Now Open for the Western Ontario Waterways Fall Gathering!

Michele — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 18:16:03 +0000

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UCW Gathering February 2022: VIDEO

Michele — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 22:31:31 +0000

Tri Regional UCW of Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils met on Saturday, February 12th, 2022. Enjoy the video of the event and stay connected.

Contact Kathy Douglas for information on future UCW events.

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Highlights of the WOW Fall Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 18:29:26 +0000

Highlights of the Fall Meeting

“Resurrected not Resuscitated”

President Mark Laird’s theme, “Resurrected Not Resuscitated” came to life in the opening session as participants entered into the chat what brings them joy, and lifted their symbol of new life for a final screenshot. Technical issues prevented small groups on Friday evening but the problem was resolved for the Saturday sessions ensuring regional council representatives had time to talk with one another.

The first opportunity for representatives to connect on Saturday morning focused on how their congregation was acknowledging the land and their experience of the journey towards reconciliation.

Later in the day, there was a presentation outlining the ways representatives can become involved in the life and work of the regional council. The PowerPoint outlining resource pool roles, that is short-term roles with a specific focus, can be found here:

Resource Pools

If interested in more details, please contact the Commission Chair. Their email can be found at www.wowrcucc.ca under the About tab. Hover over Commissions and the three Commissions will appear. Hover over any Commission and a link to the leadership including contact information will appear.

The Mission and Discipleship Commission profiled the different ministries they support and the work they engage. Then they invited the regional council into small groups to name “What Mission and Discipleship is to you?” The answers were entered into a word cloud.

WordCloud image from the WOW Regional Council Meeting on Saturday

The Human Resources Commission profiled their purpose: the forming and sustaining of healthy pastoral relationships, providing information on United Fresh Start as one tool for this. This Commission also oversees the accreditation of Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWL). An introduction to the role of an LLWL was provided by Marion Boyd and a slide show introducing the LLWLs previously recognized by a Presbytery and now serving throughout the regional council was shared:

Licensed Lay Worship Leaders

Any community of faith needing the pulpit supply list and list of LLWLs is asked to reach out to Minister, Pastoral Relations, Diane Blanchard at dblanchard@united-church.ca

The Covenant Commission had a playful quiz. Questions and answers—10 things EVERY congregation in WOW should know. The link below will open part-way through the video at 3:01:40, where the quiz from the Covenant Commission begins.

On Saturday, info on Stewardship was presented by Dave Jagger, Stewardship and Gifts Officer:

Stewardship Video Presentation

Many thanks to worship leaders Sue Campbell, Heather Davies, and Lynda Goy-Flint who, along with President Mark, led us in prayer and reflection. Special thanks to Drayton U.C. musicians, Mary Lou Fletcher, Randy Smart, and Rick Richardson for leading our music. The congregation of Melville U.C. in Fergus made the regional council most welcome for the Celebration of Ministries service. Congratulations to new ordinand, Gavin Williams, serving at Parkview U.C., Stratford and to newly admitted minister, Rev. Young Seo, serving in Alma. Rev. Seo joins the United Church from our partner, The Presbyterian Church in the Republic of Korea.

The Celebration of Ministry livestream is available to view on YouTube!

Tim Blair, CEO of United Property Resource Corporation (UPRC), shared an inspiring video on the work of UPRC. To learn more, visit www.uprc.ca Congregations discerning how best to use their property to support mission are encouraged to have early conversations with Minister, Congregational Support and Mission, John Neff, to help clarify vision and goals. UPRC can be reached at info@uprc.ca

The fall meeting of the regional council had two main foci:

Business and accountability;
Proposals to General Council 44.

The regional council received one proposal for GC44 asking for a change in the Extended Development Leave for Regional and General Council staff to allow for rest and renewal as well as for learning. The regional council agreed with this, passing it on to GC44 with the additional comment that it was surprised this was not already a provision of the policy.

Many thanks to Treasurer, Brent Caslick, who reviewed our finances to June 30th and our budget for 2022. It was agreed that PWC would conduct our 2021 audit.

We look forward to gathering in the spring. The regional council has reserved space at the UNIFOR Family Education Centre in Port Elgin in hopes of an in-person meeting. This will depend on public health advice re large gatherings at that time. We’ll keep you posted! Regional council representatives are encouraged to share their experience of the meeting with the governing body or the congregation as a whole.

May we live into the promise President Mark’s theme offers and let ourselves be made new!

The full recording can be viewed on YouTube:

Hope for Creation – UCW Fall Gathering

Michele — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 21:44:23 +0000

Time: 9:30am – Noon

For more information contact: ucw.wow@gmail.com

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