Worship Archives - Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

A Summer Sabbath Resource Gift for You!

Michele — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 19:21:49 +0000

A Gift for You from the Regional Council

Free Resource
for Summer Sabbath:

The Inventions of Summer

The poet, Mary Oliver, declares “there is no end to the inventions of summer”.

As we anticipate the gifts of summer, your Regional Council is pleased to provide you with a free resource.

Inventions of Summer

A simple, creative, theologically rich companion for a Summer Sabbath
or Worship Series for your Community of Faith
This four-week, ready-to-use Summer Sabbath booklet and worship series invites us to enrich our summer through simple reflections on sunflowers, string beans, mosquitoes, and fireflies.

Designed for Flexible Use

Print and share with congregants to keep community if your church takes a summer break.
Use and adapt as a creative Summer Worship series with ready-made reflections and prayers for Communities of Faith.
Easy-to-use four week worship resource for Communities of Faith without ministry leadership or when leaders are on holiday or study leave.
Use as personal or family summer spiritual practice on vacation, at the cottage, or for stay-at-home vacations.
Enjoy in Small Group gatherings on decks, beaches or gardens.

What You Receive

Print-ready PDF booklet (8 double-sided pages)
Editable Word file to personalize the booklet for your community of faith or to share with friends (includes space for your personalized welcome/greeting to your congregants)
Permission to print and share freely within your community
Additional Worship Planning Notes with prayers, blessings, music suggestions, and ideas for preparing your worship space.
A short introductory video and theme photo for use in bulletins or on social media.

The Four Themes
1. Sunflowers – Pronouncing a Blessing
Receiving the day and affirming Goodness.
2. String Beans – Taking Up the Offerings
Thanksgiving and returning blessing to Earth.
3. Mosquitoes – Praying Through Hard Times
Honest prayer when life irritates or wounds.
4. Fireflies – Praying for Others
A practice of carrying others in Love.

This resource is made available to you through a Regional Group License
with Prayer Bench at www.prayerbench.ca

Watch Video Here

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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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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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WOWRC Spring Meeting Registration Now Open

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

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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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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/

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Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre Learning Circle

Michele — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:02:38 +0000

Looking for continuing education that will grow your understanding of ministry from Indigenous perspectives? Join the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre ministry training students in a learning circle.

October-21-25-2024-5-day-registration-form-Wisdom-and-Psalms

October-28-31-2024-4-day-registration-form-Prophets-and-Prophecy

For more information visit: sandysaulteaux.ca/events.

You can also contact your regional council Minister for Right Relations and Social Justice, Thérèse Samuel tsamuel@united-church.ca

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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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Music Ministry Gathering

Michele — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:15:16 +0000

Event Zoom Link

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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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Need a Worship Service for Sunday October 1st?

Michele — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 19:50:20 +0000

The Regional Council is meeting September 28 through September 30^th. Saturday, Sept. 30^th is also National Truth and Reconciliation Day. The following Sunday, October 1^st is World Wide Communion Sunday. Because we know that Ministry Personnel will be busy in the days leading up to Sunday, we are offering a full Worship service to be used on the Sunday morning. We encourage you to let your congregation know that even though we aren’t all together in one place, we are sharing in the same liturgy and we hope that this will help us all to feel connected on this World Wide Communion Sunday. Feel free to adapt the service as necessary for your context. Included with the script for the service is a PowerPoint for those who project hymns and prayers. We hope you will find both of these useful and meaningful for use in your congregation. You can access these documents here:

Worship Sunday October 1st – PowerPoint PPTX
Worship Sunday October 1st – PDF
Worship Sunday October 1st – DOCX (editable)

The service will also be lead by Rev. Jennifer Iving from her home church in Stayner, and members across the region are invited to join Rev. Jennifer on line, either individually, or from their home churches that morning.

Watch Livestream Here

Blessings to all.

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Registration is NOW Open for the Western Ontario Waterways Fall Regional Council Meeting

Michele — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 20:22:28 +0000

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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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Need a Worship Service for Sunday May 28th?

Michele — Wed, 17 May 2023 18:43:59 +0000

President Elect Jennifer Irving offers this service for May 28th in .doc and pdf.

Prepared by Rev. Ann Harbridge, Chair, Congregational Support Commission

WOW Pentecost Worship-Sunday May 28, 2023-For Use in Congregations

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Wishing you a blessed Easter!

Michele — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 19:01:22 +0000

We wish you a blessed Easter! 🌷🌷🌷

Please note: the Regional Council Offices will be closed on Good Friday April 7 through to Easter Monday April 10th,

reopening on Tuesday April 11th at 9am.

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