ARW Online Clergy Gathering
2023-11-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-19 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-19 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-16 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

HF Online Clergy Gathering
2023-11-22 15:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-20 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-01-24 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-04-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Online via Zoom

WOW Online Clergy Gathering
2023-11-23 14:00 - 15:00, 2023-12-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-21 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-04-18 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom

Remit Education Workshop
2023-11-23 20:30 | Online via Zoom
An Invitation from our Neighbours to the West:
Regional Council learning time on the Remit,
November 23 at 6:30 Mountain and 7:30 Central (8:30 Eastern), on Zoom.
Please join Northern Spirit, Living Skies, and Prairie to Pine Regional Councils online for a learning time on the Remit on an autonomous Indigenous organization within the United Church. We are grateful that elders and knowledge keepers Charlene and Russel Burns will be joining Executive Minister Shannon McCarthy for the conversation. All welcome; content will be designed for pastoral charge council or board members, pastoral charge supervisors, and ministry personnel. Please register here; this will send you the link automatically.

Raising Cheerful Givers: Teaching GENEROSITY to Kids
2023-12-06 12:15 - 13:30 | Online via Zoom
Children and Youth Ministry Webinars (Generosity) 2023) no link

Remit Q&A Session (Online)
2024-01-17 19:00 | Online via CHURCHx
Prepare to Vote:
Remit Q&A Session (Online)
with Thérèse Samuel and John Egger
Wednesday January 17, 2024 7:00-8:30 PM
For Pastoral Charges
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Click to Register Now:
Note: Registration is through CHURCHx. If you do not yet have a CHURCHx account, you will be prompted to open one. Your account can be used for other programs in and beyond the United Church.
Please prepare and submit your questions in advance:
PREPARE for the Q&A Session:We ask that all participants have previously participated in an education workshop or have listened to/watched the half-hour Remit Foundations video.
Please click this link to look at this information sheet
An additional information sheet will be available before the workshop.
In the workshop, facilitators will present responses to questions received by 9:00 AM January 16th using the form. There will be time for discussion, and for additional questions if time permits.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS NOW: Please click here to send your questions.
Please DO NOT send questions by email.

For information contact:
Thérèse Samuel TSamuel@united-church.ca or
John Egger JEgger@united-church.ca
Presented by Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls and Western Ontario Waterways Regional Councils

Come to the Well - Spiritual Grounding for Justice Seeking
2024-01-18 10:30 - 12:00 | Online via Zoom
For Ministry Personnel
January 18, 2024 10:30 AM-12:00 Noon
Come to the Well – Spiritual Grounding for Justice Seeking
Renewal and networking for Ministry Personnel whose ministry includes right relations, social justice, and eco-justice.
With Thérèse Samuel, Minister for Right Relations and Social Justice and Kevin Steeper, Pastoral Support Minister.
Register in advance for this meeting (registration required)
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEkduyvqT4oHdcYo28H8DevJcpbsYAqZ7oz
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more information contact
Thérèse Samuel TSamuel@united-church.ca or
Kevin Steeper KSteeper@united-church.ca

Designated Lay Ministers Online Gathering
2024-01-31 14:00 | Online via Zoom
Designated Lay Ministers Online Gathering:
Wednesday January 31st at 2pm
Click here for Zoom link: https://mailchi.mp/unit…/designated-lay-ministers-hello…

CORRECTION: The header on the email link is the ARW logo but is meant for WOW. Sorry for any confusion.

WOW UCW Event - Celebrating our Camps
2024-02-10 13:00 | Online via Zoom
WOW UCW ZOOM EVENT:
Gather with United Church Women to celebrate and support our Camps!⛺️🛶⛵️🏊‍♀️

Saturday February 10th at 1pm via Zoom
Zoom Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/88259084126…

HF Retired Clergy Online Gathering
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Online via Zoom
On behalf of Horseshoe Falls Regional Council, the Human Resources Commission has been seeking to redress a lack of connection between the regional council and retirees since the dissolution of presbyteries. This has included creating a contact list of retirees in our region and finding a connection point in the structure. Happily, the Human Resources Commission has included relating to retirees as part of its mandate and our Minister for Pastoral Support, the Rev. Kevin Steeper, will also serve as a resource in this effort.Our next step is to host a regional council wide online gathering:

to connect with one another,
to explore how we all might best relate to one another;
to listen to the ideas you may have for gatherings in smaller groupings and how the region might best support you.

There will be an opportunity for you to gather in geographic groupings to self-organize.From an earlier email to many of you, we received a suggestion that we might invite a national staff person to join us at a gathering once a year to hear about the wider church and to answer questions you may have. General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Michael Blair, has graciously agreed to be with us for part of our meeting to do just that.Save the Date!Join us on February 13, 2024 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. online. Watch for the meeting link to come after the new year.We recognize that not everyone has online access. If you know of a colleague who would appreciate being present, perhaps you could invite them to join you.

The Basics: Ministry & Personnel Committee Workshops
2024-02-15 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Online via Zoom
The Basics: Ministry & Personnel Committee Workshops
Online by Zoom, Spring 2024 dates:
February 15th 2-4pm, March 19th 7-9pm, May 8th 2-4pm and June 25th 7-9pm
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.

Good News: How to Share the Impact of your Ministry
2024-02-20 19:00 | Online via Zoom
Good News: How to Share the Impact of your Ministry

Learn how to inspire current and potential donors with the story of your ministry, project or outreach initiative
Hear how to tell your story when reporting to grant organizations or applying for a grant
Inspire other communities of faith as we share the good news of God at work in our regions

Session will include examples of inspiring stories from right here in our regions as well as time for discussion and Q&A.
Register here: https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpfuyhqTgsEtJu7zpRbldzViJPzpRPXqvz#/registration
The session will be recorded and posted to region websites.

Music Ministry Gathering
2024-03-04 18:45 - 20:00 | Online via Zoom

HF - Are you vulnerable?
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Online via Zoom
There will be signs (Luke 21:25)
Before the pandemic, many of our communities of faith were beginning to see signs that their finances and volunteer resources were declining. Now with the impact of the pandemic the signs are everywhere. Discussions and decisions that were put off as we waited out Covid 19, are now urgently needed. These are signs that the way we have always done things is no longer working, and change is happening, but there are also signs of hope as we face these challenges together. What isn’t helpful is simply letting time rob you of the opportunity to explore options and make choices about the future of your congregation and ministry.
Recognizing the Signs
If your community of faith is:
Anxious about the future of your community of faith?
It’s time to explore options
Struggling to recruit enough volunteers?
It’s time to talk about the future.
Experiencing increasing deficits and declining investments?
It’s time to make a plan
Recognizing signs and making decisions is something we do every day. Overcast sky; we take an umbrella. Gas gauge on empty; we head to the gas station. Toothache; we call the dentist. We have learned that ignoring the signs can lead to bigger problems later. And simply hoping we won’t run out of gas, or the cavity will fix itself is not realistic. The same is true when congregations see signs that their community of faith has become vulnerable due to a lack of money, volunteers or both. While it may be tempting to simply keep going hoping next year will be better, the reality is that with each passing month there is less time to explore options, talk about the future and make plans. And while these may be uncomfortable discussions, it is even more difficult when a decision is forced upon a community of faith because they have run out of resources and time.
There is no denying that acknowledging and responding to the signs is challenging work that takes courage and trust and often leads to change. But it can be the change you choose rather than the change that will happen if nothing is done.
Here are some things you need to know and remember:
1) You are not alone! God is with us. We are with one another.
2) This is not your fault. This change is the result of social, demographic, cultural and other forces beyond the control of any one congregation.
3) Things will not go back to the way they were.
4) The problems will not solve themselves.
5) All of the possible options such as collaboration, property redevelopment, amalgamation and disbanding take time to do well. Waiting until the last moment to make a decision will limit your options.
6) We are a resurrection people. We believe that new life will come, even in the midst of loss.
Your Congregational Support Commission invites you to make 2024 the year all of our communities of faith ask courageous questions about their situation, talk to one another, begin to make plans and choices rather than wait and see, and ask how together we continue our shared ministries as the United Church of Canada.
This year,

If your community of faith has an abundance of resources, ask, how might we partner with our neighbours so that their ministry continues?
If your neighbouring church is closing, ask how you might pick up some of their ministries so that the good work continues?
Complete or update your community of faith profile, and look for signs that it is time to take control and start making plans.

Finances – Signs to Watch For
Halo Canada conducted a study of approximately 4300 churches in Canada that closed between 2009 and 2018. Their findings identified several key characteristics of congregations at risk of closing.
Warning Signs

An annual deficit for three or more years consecutively
Annual expenses running 30% higher than revenue
Cash and long-term investments less than three times the annual deficit
Property expenses 30% or more of annual expenses
Staffing costs greater than 60% of the total expenses.
Trend of declining income and/or increasing deficit

If a congregation is experiencing 3 or more of these risk factors, they are at high risk of closure in the next 3-5 years.
Use the Financial Viability Worksheet to identify whether these risk factors apply to your community of faith.
Volunteers – Signs to Watch For
Communities of Faith need capable, willing and available volunteers to carry out the work of being a church. Members are needed for the governing body, Board of Trustees and M&P committee and to help organize events, fundraisers, and worship. While it can be useful to have people with experience offer leadership, it becomes a problem when people feel they cannot “retire” from a position because there is no one available to take over the responsibility. In some congregations, a few people are stretched thin trying to ensure everything gets done.
Warning Signs

Volunteers are being asked to fill more than one position
Volunteers have held the same position for more than 5 years because there was no one else available
The Board of Trustees or M&P Committee do not have the required 3 members
Volunteers are feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or resentful
Very few people are gathering for worship in person or virtually

If a congregation is experiencing these challenges they are at risk of closure in the near future, even if they have ample financial resources.
Use the Demographic Worksheet to identify whether these risk factors apply to your community of faith.
Taking Charge – Exploring Options
Once your community of faith has determined whether they are at risk, you can now begin to make plans for your future. Knowing that your resources may be exhausted in a few years, you can begin to explore options and make choices.
Options and Opportunities

Reach out to your regional council Congregational Support Minister and the Congregational Support Commission.
Collaborative Ministry – share resources and ministry personnel with another congregation to reduce expenses
Purchase complete worship services with recorded sermons to reduce the cost and time required to arrange for pulpit supply each week.
Explore options to redevelop property or increase rental income
Sell your property and rent space in the community or “nest” with another congregation to share worship and building facilities
Begin to discuss amalgamation with a neighbour. (a good amalgamation requires time, at least a year in most cases, to get to know one another, create an agreement, celebrate the past and embrace the future)
Make plans to disband. To do this well takes time. Time to celebrate the ministry you have shared, time to grieve, time to plan your legacy and time to manage your property and records.

Lynne Allin
MINISTER, CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT Horseshoe Falls and Antler River Watershed Regional Councils

You are Invited to:
Vulnerable Congregations Discussion
While this may feel overwhelming, remember you are not alone. The Congregational Support Commission is inviting your Minister, Chair, Treasurer and Lay Representative to a discussion session. Please share this article and the link below. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Lynne Allin (she/her) is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Vulnerable Congregations Discussion

Horseshoe Falls Regional Council March 21st, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/87178139356 Meeting ID: 871 7813 9356
Join by Phone: 1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free

Antler River Watershed Regional Council April 17th, 2024, 7 – 8:30pm
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/88944207737 Meeting ID: 889 4420 7737
Join by Phone: 1-855-703-8985 Canada Toll-free

Advance Care and Planning Workshop - End of Life Conversations
2024-03-25 16:00 - 17:30 | Online via Zoom
Mon. March 25th from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Advance Care Planning (end-of-life conversations) Workshop
Mon. April 8th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Grief & Bereavement Workshop
Mon. April 22nd 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Advance Care Planning Workshop
Mon. May 6th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Grief & Bereavement WorkshopIn conversation with Compassionate Ottawa

For more details contact Kathy Douglas, Minister Faith Formation KDouglas@United-Church.ca
Registration now open:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtcO2spjIvG90XLU8UKGjp0xjR5BUO0IvQ

Grief and Bereavement Workshop
2024-04-08 16:00 - 17:30 | Online via Zoom
Mon. April 8th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 1st Grief & Bereavement Workshop
Mon. May 6th 2024 from 4:00pm-5:30pm – 2nd (follow-up) Grief & Bereavement Workshop
In conversation with Compassionate Ottawa

For more details contact Kathy Douglas, Minister Faith Formation KDouglas@United-Church.ca
Registration now open:
https://united-church.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYof-GppjguGdwdT2xn0g3AZD4oovY_xBmY

WOW Pastoral Charge Supervisors
2024-04-16 19:00 - 20:00
WOW Pastoral Charge Supervisors
As a valued member of our pastoral charge supervisor team, we appreciate your ongoing commitment and dedication to the regional council work. Your role as a Pastoral Charge Supervisor is vital in ensuring the spiritual well-being of congregations.
Why Continue Serving as a Pastoral Charge Supervisor?

Make a lasting impact on communities of faith who are without ministry personnel
Collaborate with fellow supervisors to nurture congregations
Contribute to the spiritual growth of members

We invite you to gather and share your insights, wisdom, and experiences. Join and support other PCSs. Your leadership is invaluable.
Tuesday April 16, 2024, 7:00 – 8:00 PM Join Zoom Meeting

ARW - Are you vulnerable?
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 | Online via Zoom
