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The nominations team of the East Central Ontario Regional Council welcomes expressions of interest for six different areas at this time. The deadline is Thursday, May 1st at 3pm. We thank you for your interest.

“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”
(Isaiah 40:3)

We are traveling a new road these days. The way we interact (in person? Zoom?), the way we do church, the needs of our communities… the world is changing. The path doesn’t always seem direct or clear!
But maybe you hear “a voice calling you from the wilderness”?
YOU may be the change your wider church needs.

Please consider letting your name stand to serve on any of our teams in East Central Ontario Regional Council.

In 2025, the following positions are available: * Council of Elders (2 names plus 1 for Speaker Elect) * Formation, Nurture and Justice Team (5 names, including one youth)* Covenant Support Team (4 names) * Ministry through Property Team (5 names) * Nominations Team (3 names) Elections will occur at the spring meeting of the Regional Council on May 23 and 24, 2025.

We pray that you find strength and confidence in your discernment, knowing that you are contributing to a greater purpose. May you be surrounded by support and encouragement as you embark on this meaningful path. Trust in your abilities, and remember that your dedication can make a positive impact in the lives of others and of the Greater Church.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Svinda Heinrichs
Chair, Nominations Team
East Central Ontario Regional Council

2025 Expression of Interest for Volunteers

  • Thank you for coming forward

    The nominations team of the East Central Ontario Regional Council welcomes expressions of interest for six different areas at this time. The deadline is Thursday, May 1st at 3pm. We thank you for your interest.

  • Current openings

    In 2025, the following positions are available: * Council of Elders (2 names plus 1 for Speaker Elect) * Formation, Nurture and Justice Team (5 names, including one youth)* Covenant Support Team (4 names) * Ministry through Property Team (5 names) * Nominations Team (3 names) Elections will occur at the spring meeting of the Regional Council on May 23 and 24, 2025.

  • Expression of Interest(s)

  • The executive of the ECORC is known as the Council of Elders. The council of elders shall have 12 members who share responsibility for overall mission and vision as established by the Regional Council. The Council of Elders meets at least six times annually, and members will serve on at least one team and be a conduit of information between the Council of Elders and the Team. Terms are two years in length, with youth having the option of one year terms. The Council of Elders will elect a Speaker Elect who commits to a 4 year term that is divided as follows: 1 year Speaker Elect of the Council of Elders, 2 years as Speaker of Council of Elders followed by 1 year of past Speaker of Council of Elders.
  • Please share a brief summary of the experience and skills you consider most relevant for this volunteer position and any other information you feel would help our discernment
  • The Covenant Support Team has 12 members, eight of whom are elected by ECORC, and the team meets at least six times annually. The covenant Support Team supports and nurtures the relationships between the East Central Ontario Regional Council and Communities of Faith, Retirees, Licensed Lay Worship Leaders, and those in paid accountable ministry. In other words, those who are in a covenant relationship with the Regional Council. The large scope of work for this Team is assisted by the Pastoral Liaison, LLWL and Retirees Forums; through their collective wisdom and experience, recommendations for policies and decision making are made to the Covenant Support Team. The Covenant Support Team shall serve, support and provide oversight of Communities of Faith, Ministry Personnel and Pastoral Relationships.
  • Please share a brief summary of the experience and skills you consider most relevant for this volunteer position and any other information you feel would help our discernment
  • The Formation, Nurture and Justice Team shall have at least 8 members, including 5 who are elected by the ECORC. The Team meets approximately 6 times annually. The Team serves the Regional Council in areas of global and local mission partnerships, ministry with all ages, honouring and living into cultural mission and ministry and living in covenant with Mother Earth and All My Relations. This Team supports the work of the ECORC youth executive, supports the work for right relations as well as clusters and networks. This team also fosters dialogue between various levels of church governance. Terms are two or three years in length, with youth having the option of a one-year term.
  • Please share a brief summary of the experience and skills you consider most relevant for this volunteer position and any other information you feel would help our discernment
  • The Mission Through Property Team shall have 11 members, including 8 elected by the ECORC. The team supports and provides oversight of the financial responsibilities of the East Central Ontario Regional Council, and of the financial viability and property matters of the Communities of Faith. In the area of stewardship, the team encourages and supports individual generosity and discipleship of resources. The team oversees the revenue from the assessment of Communities of Faith, and develops and manages the budget of the Regional Council. For property, the team provides support and guidance to Communities of Faith on all matters pertaining to property, including requests to buy, sell, mortgage, exchange, renovate, lease, or otherwise deal with Community of Faith property.
  • Please share a brief summary of the experience and skills you consider most relevant for this volunteer position and any other information you feel would help our discernment
  • The Nominations Team shall have 7 members, six of whom are elected by the ECORC. The team meets as necessary leading up to ECORC meetings, or as needed by the Assembly of Elders. The Nominations Team serves the ECORC by recommending appointments and or elections to the Council of Elders, Teams, Forums and Task Groups as well as individuals to positions as requested by the ECORC, its Council of Elders or the Executive Minister; Every three years, the Nominations Team also recommends election of individuals to serve as commissioners to the General Council. Terms are two or three years in length.
  • Please share a brief summary of the experience and skills you consider most relevant for this volunteer position and any other information you feel would help our discernment

  • ABOUT YOU:

    The United Church of Canada is strengthened by involving a diversity of voices in its leadership. As we strive to become an intercultural and diverse church, it is helpful if we know some of the ways that members identify. Please note that answering some of these questions is voluntary. Required questions are marked with an * so you can choose for yourself.

    Please indicate if there are any other identities you hold that might diversify and strengthen the church's leadership.

    Each of us comes from and is shaped by a wide range of contexts and identities, including our racial and ethnic background, geographic location, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities and abilities, vocation and economic reality. Everyone is encouraged to reflect on how these gifts contribute to the perspectives and wisdom they bring to the role.

  • Please tell us about yourself

    Please note that any questions with an * are required in order to move forward and submit the form. Thank you.
  • Please share the pronouns that you use (if you are comfortable) ie. he/him, she/her, they/them

  • References

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