Western Ontario Waterways Regional Council

'Fare Thee Well' Celebration for Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa
2023-12-12 13:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6N4, Canada

Remit Q&A Session (Online)
2024-01-17 19:00 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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

WOW Clergy Luncheon
2024-02-07 12:00 - 14:00 UTC | Mount Forest United Church, 175 QUEEN STREET EAST, Mount Forest, Ontario, N0G 2L2, Canada
In an effort to continue to build our relationships with one another you are invited to gather with colleagues in ministry from across the Regional Council for a time of fellowship and conversation. Come as we gather around the table to share and break bread together.

Luncheon speakers include Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa – “Leadership in a time of transition” and Greg Smith-Young – Regional Growth Animator

The Rev. Kevin Steeper
Minister, Pastoral Support

Contact: Kevin Steeper KSteeper@united-church.ca

Click Here to Register Now!

HF Retired Clergy Online Gathering
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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, 2024-05-08 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-06-25 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | 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 (America/New_York) | 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.

ARW Clergy Luncheon
2024-02-28 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Register Now

In an effort to continue to build our relationships with one another you are invited to gather with colleagues in ministry from across the Regional Council for a time of fellowship and conversation. Come as we gather around the table to share and break bread together. Watch for more details to come!
Luncheon speakers include Cheryl-Ann Stadelbauer-Sampa – “Leadership in a time of transition” and Greg Smith-Young – Regional Growth Animator
The Rev. Kevin Steeper

Minister, Pastoral Support

Contact: Kevin Steeper KSteeper@united-church.ca

Music Ministry Gathering
2024-03-04 18:45 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

Winter Fun at Highlands Nordic
2024-03-14 17:00 - 2024-03-15 10:30 (America/New_York)

HF - Are you vulnerable?
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | 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

ARW - Are you vulnerable?
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

Duty of Care 101
2024-04-23 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-04-24 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom

HF UCW Annual General Meeting
2024-04-27 09:30 (America/New_York)
HORSESHOE FALLS UCW ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
GRACE UNITED CHURCH
2111 Walkers Line, Burlington
“Out of the Kitchen” and into….
Worship: – Led by the Rev. Richard Bott
Guest Presenter: – the Rev. Brenna Baker
Community of Faith Support Staff for Horseshoe Falls, Western
Ontario Waterways and Antler River Watershed “TELLING THE STORY IN A NEW WAY”

Send cheques made out to Hamilton Conference UCW for payment to: Amy Hill
12 Neuchatel Place, Mississauga, ON L5N 6A7 DEADLINE: April 17, 2024
NAME(s):______________________________________ # of Tickets_______
CHURCH:_______________________________________________________
9:30 – registration 10:00 – Welcome
Cost – $20 Please bring your own brown bag lunch and a small contribution for
The Loaves and Fishes table to share at breaktime – eg. apple, cookie

GC 45 Commissioners Town Hall
2024-04-29 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
You are invited to a
General Information Town Hall on what’s involved with becoming a:
GC 45 Commissioner
via Zoom Meeting

Monday April 29th, 2024 at 7pm
Join Regional Council Executive Minister, Rev. Mark Laird to discuss becoming a GC 45 Commissioner with others and get your questions answered.

Questions?
Not sure?
Learn more.
Find out why you would want to put your name forward.
Don’t think you qualify to apply? You do not have to be Ministry Personnel or a Lay Representative to be a Commissioner.

Please join by Zoom:
Topic: GC45 Commissioners Town Hall
Time: Apr 29, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/82957433893?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 829 5743 3893
Password: [REDACTED]
By Phone Dial by your location
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free

45th General Council Resources:
WOW General Council 45 Website
An Invitation from the Moderator VIDEO
GC45 Nomination Form

Save the Dates: Spring 2024 Tri Regional Council Meeting
2024-05-24 - 2024-05-26
Spring 2024 Tri-Regional Council Meeting
REGISTER for the Tri-Regional Council Meeting
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

Kids Across the Regions 2024
2024-06-07 - 2024-06-08 | Camp Bimini, 3180 Perth Rd. 113, St. Pauls, Ontario, N0K 1V0, Canada
Camp Bimini, St. Paul’s, Ontario (Google map)
Kids Across the Regions is a fun, faith-filled weekend for children (in grades 4-8) from across the three regional councils of Antler River Watershed, Western Ontario Waterways and Horseshoe Falls of The United Church of Canada!
Please note: your GPS and/or Google Maps will not lead you to the camp! Download a Camp Map and Directions, Participant Letter, Permission Form and Packing List.
These are also attached in the Confirmation Email once you submit your registration.
Knowing that families have different financial realities, we offer a Voluntary Three-Tier Pricing System. Participants can choose the tier that is most suitable for their family: $50, $60, $70 (closest to actual cost). There is no cost for Leaders.
Payment is by E-Transfer to hfrc@united-church.ca.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 24th Your application, signatures & payment are required to complete your registration. If you don’t receive a Confirmation Email after submitting the registration form please call Kathy Douglas at 519-441-0656 to confirm we have received your registration.
Register Now:
Event Leader Registration

Child Participant Registration

The Day of Fellowship - Horseshoe Falls
2024-06-08 10:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Register Now

Save the Date:
The Day of Fellowship will launch us into the year long Centenary Celebration of the United Church with Greetings from General Secretary, The Rev. Michael Blair.
Renewal and Transformation … A Season of Hope
The day will begin with Gathering at 10:00am
Morning service 10:30am – 12:00 noon
Lunch Break 12:00 noon – 1:00pm
Afternoon Session from 1-2:30pm (cultural expressions from around the region).

Rendez-Vous 2024 - Audacious Hope
2024-07-03 - 2024-07-06
Youth, Young Adults, and Those Who Lead Them:

Save the Date!

Audacious Hope
July 3-6, 2024, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON

Brought to you by the Rendez-vous team of The United Church of Canada and the LIFT team of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

More information soon!

#UCCan #AudaciousHope2024

Ask An Expert
2024-09-18 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Online via Zoom
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

HF Regional Council Fall Meeting (online)
2024-10-04 - 2024-10-05 | Online via Zoom
Fall 2024 Meeting

HFRC Fall Meeting (online): October 4-5, 2024
Celebration of Ministries: To be confirmed

WOW LLWL Enrichment Day
2024-10-19 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Mount Forest United Church, 175 QUEEN STREET EAST, Mount Forest, Ontario, N0G 2L2, Canada
To register email of phone Lynne Rusk:

519-534-1234
aambelife@gmail.com

PS Funding will be able to cover mileage costs for LLWL’s to attend.

WOW UCW Fall Gathering
2024-10-19 11:30 - 15:00 UTC | Centennial United Church, 234 William Street, Stayner, Ontario, Canada

WOW Regional Representative Gathering
2024-10-24 14:00 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
WOW Regional Representatives Monthly Gatherings
Please join together with other regional representatives on a regular basis to get to know each other, support one another, learn about the role, ask questions.
Hosted by John Neff
Minister, Congregational Support
Phone: 905-659-3343 | 1-833-236-0280
Extension: 7
Email: JNeff@united-church.ca
Save these Upcoming Gathering dates:
October 24, 2024, at 2:00 PM
November 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM
January 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM
February 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
March 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM
April 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
May 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM
June 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM

Here is the monthly Zoom link to join the gathering:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/82737911619?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 827 3791 1619
Password: [REDACTED]

ARW Regional Council Fall Meeting (online)
2024-10-25 - 2024-10-26 | Online via Zoom
Fall 2024 Meeting

ARWRC Fall Meeting (online): October 26-27, 2024
Celebration of Ministries: To be confirmed

WOW Regional Council Fall Meeting (online)
2024-11-16 - 2024-11-17 | Online via Zoom
Fall 2024 Meeting

WOWRC Fall Meeting (online): Saturday November 16th 9:30am-4:30pm, 2024
Celebration of Ministries: Sunday November 17th, 2024 3pm
