ECORC Ministry Teams of Volunteers
“Now there are varieties of gifts,
but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services,
but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities,
but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone.”
I Corinthians 12:4-6
Are you feeling nudged by the Holy Spirit to serve the wider church? Maybe to serve in a new way? Whether you are brand new to church work and feeling called, or if you are a veteran disciple looking for a new challenge, we hope you will consider letting your name stand. While some positions require that you be a representative to the Regional Council, some teams are looking for anyone who is a members or adherent of a United Church of Canada community of faith.
The ECORC is seeking expressions of interest for a variety of roles in our leadership teams.
AUGUST 2020 slate
Nominations will open August 8 and close on August 27, for work that would begin at the rise of the fall ECORC online meeting (September 25-27).
In particular we are seeking folks for a two, or three, year term for the following teams:
- Assembly of Elders (5 names, including one youth)
The Executive of the ECORC is known as the Assembly of Elders. The Assembly of Elders shall have 12 members who share responsibility for the overall mission and vision as established by the Regional Council. The Assembly 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 Assembly of Elders and the Team. The Assembly of Elders will elect a Speaker, who serves for a term of up to six months, a term which can be renewed for consecutive terms. Alternate Speakers may be elected. The Assembly of Elders will also elect a leading Elder to attend United Church of Canada General Council gatherings.
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- As of 2020, terms will be two or three years in length. Please note that youth terms can be one year in length.
- Formation, Nurture and Justice (2 names, including one youth)
The Faith Formation, Nurture and Justice Team serves the Regional Council in areas of global and local mission partnerships, ministry with all ages, honouring and living into in 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.
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- As of 2020, terms will be for two years or three years, with approximately half of the at least 8 members being elected each year.
- Equity Team (four names, including one youth)
The Equity Team advises the Assembly of Elders, and all other East Central Ontario Regional Council (ECORC) meeting and event organizers on matters concerning accessibility, privilege and equity. The Equity Team will address any concerns that are raised and will help facilitate education and learning events within the region. The Equity Team will support the Equity Monitors and maintain an equity checklist for organizers.
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- Please note that youth terms can be one year in length.
- Affirm Forum (up to 4 names, including leadership roles)
The Affirming Forum helps the East Central Ontario Regional Council and the Equity Team create a space and an awareness of what full inclusion would look like. The Affirming Forum will also support the work of the East Central Ontario Regional Council becoming an Affirming East Central Ontario Regional Council. More information to come.
Discernment
We have included these descriptions of the ministry of each team, and how your work would connect to the Assembly of Elders and the wider church. The Nominations Team will prayerfully consider each nomination and recommend a slate of candidates to the ECORC at the next meeting of the Regional Council. Modelled after the General Council process, there will be no nominations from the floor, rather the work of discernment will happen ahead of time.
We wish you blessings and strength as you prayerfully consider submitting your name for further ministry within our region. You are a blessing to us, and an example of the beauty and diversity of Christ’s mission in our midst.
With gratitude and hope,
Rev. Wanda Stride
Chair, Nominations Team
East Central Ontario Regional Council