Even in the midst of a pandemic, the business of the Church continues! As we look around the church over these past 7+ weeks, we are seeing incredible, gifted ministry happening in an unfathomable variety of ways. Our ministry leaders are working hard as they shepherd communities of faith and the Regional Councils through these challenging times. It is with a grateful heart that I acknowledge you, and the work you are doing, all the while you, too, are living in uncertain and challenging...
Category: News
Here are some of the faith communities within the borders of the Regional Council who are offering live streaming or pre-recorded worship during this interesting times of closed church. Not only can you find a United Church community near you, you can explore others of interest. Haven't been to church in a while? It's a great chance to love your God from the privacy of your own computer and phone, testing the waters if this speaks to you. You would surely be welcome should you choose to attend...
DOWNLOAD the letter East Central Ontario Regional Council 37 Franklin Street rlambie@united-church.ca Carleton Place, Ontario, K7C 1R6 1-800-268-3781, extension 6147 We pray that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. Ephesians 3:14-20 In the past week, the world health situation has changed drastically, and Ontario’s chief medical officer is now...
DOWNLOAD March 16, 2020. To Ministry Personnel and Church Leaders Peace and grace to you in this unique and challenging time in the history of our world. Your leadership during this time is very important to your congregations and the communities you serve. In many respects, you will be an essential service to your communities. We know it isn’t easy, and are grateful for all that you have been doing and will be doing as this advances. Yesterday some churches met for worship, and others...
This is your Regional Council. Here are the articles found in the insert to Broadview magazineYou can view the actual insert here
The Called to Be the Church 2020 giving program is ready and waiting to offer you everything you need to increase giving in your congregation. Don’t miss out on this vital opportunity to take generosity to new heights in your congregation! A hard copy of Called to Be the Church has already been mailed to your church and is a click away at www.stewardshiptoolkit.ca. This invaluable resource provides everything you need to get a congregational giving program off the ground, including...
United Church of Canada News
- Church Leaders Acknowledge the Racism in Their Midst June 2, 2020The Moderator calls the struggle against anti-Black racism to be the work of White members of the church, and the time has come to commit themselves to this work.
- Fifth Anniversary: Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action June 2, 2020June 2 is the fifth anniversary of the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). There is still much work to do, within the church and within Canadian society.
- Revised Statement on Medical Assistance in Dying June 1, 2020On May 25, 2020, the General Council Executive accepted updates to the church’s statement on Medical Assistance in Dying.
- Urging Canada to Help Uphold Human Rights in the West Bank May 27, 2020In a joint letter to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the United Church joins with other leaders of Canadian churches, church organizations, and related networks in urging Canada to comply with international law by publicly opposing the government of Israel's plan to annex occupied Palestinian territory.
- Possible Postponement of General Council 44 May 26, 2020Commissioners of the 43rd General Council will meet on June 20, 2020 to consider moving General Council 44 from 2021 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Camps Find Ways to Build Community amid Physical Distancing May 13, 2020People who work or volunteer in outdoor ministries are sharing creative and positive ways to ensure that the overwhelming joy of camp will continue in some way despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Broadview’s First Birthday Congratulations May 12, 2020It’s Broadview's first anniversary, and the magazine is garnering praise and award nominations for its work.
- Marking Florence Nightingale’s Bicentenary in Worship May 8, 2020United Church people have been asking how we can honour the ministry of healthcare workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Communities of faith may wish to use the newly created worship service On the Life and Faith of Florence Nightingale at any time during Florence Nightingale’s bicentenary in 2020.
- Reopening to the New Normal May 7, 2020Reopening Churches during COVID-19 is a new online section that includes guidelines and practices to consider when reopening churches to members and tenants.
- Political and Economic Sanctions Blocking Aid for Most Vulnerable May 7, 2020The United Church joined with Mennonite Central Committee Canada (MCC) and Nobel Women’s Initiative in a letter to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Francois-Philippe Champagne, urging the Canadian government to ensure that humanitarian assistance is not impeded by economic and political sanctions during this unprecedented health crisis.