Learning Sign Language Together, to Worship as One
Published On: April 27, 2026: It was over two years ago now that Teisha and Chantal Noseworthy asked Rev. Phil Wilson if he would be willing to baptize both Teisha and their son, Camilo. Phil, a child of Deaf* parents and a United Church minister, had married the couple a few years earlier in an American Sign Language (ASL)-English service. Interestingly, these two baptisms have led to a change for the worshipping community of Emmanuel United in Odessa, Ontario. As the Noseworthy family began participating regularly, Phil began to include components of ASL in Sunday morning services. Deaf neighbours began to attend, and even established an informal fellowship time before worship. This prompted Emmanuel United to commit funds for ASL interpretation at worship services, a commitment which the United Church of Canada Foundation and East Central Ontario Regional Council provided financial support for. ASL interpretation is now available every other Sunday. Continue reading this article on The United Church website at Learning Sign Language Together, to Worship as One | The United Church of Canada
—This blog was co-written by Rev. Phil Wilson, minister at Emmanuel United in Odessa, Ontario, and Tori Mullin, Growth Animator for Eastern Ontario and Quebec with The United Church of Canada General Council Office – *When capitalized, Deaf refers to a person being culturally Deaf, whether from birth or later in life.
2019-11 – Terms of Reference as found on page 40 in the ECORC Governance Handbook, Revised in May, 2025
2019-11 – Equity Support Person Policy as found on page 60 in the ECORC Governance Handbook, Revised in May, 2025
At our 2024 Spring General Meeting, it was recommended by our Governance Review Task Group that the Equity Team become a Forum who is accountable to the Council of Elders. This was accepted by the Regional Council. What does this mean? It means that the Equity Forum is now a body appointed by the Regional Council to assist in the work of the Regional Council. A Forum is created to provide guidance and service to a Leadership Team in the completion of a specific mandate and a Forum and its members are accountable to its designated Leadership Team and the Regional Council. It also means that those interested in being on a Forum do not have to go through the Nominations process. Members of the Forum are recruited by the respective Leadership Team and selected for the expertise, knowledge and skill required to perform the assigned task. Membership of a Forum is approved by the Regional Council or the Council of Elders. If you feel that you are being called to be a member of the Equity Forum, please email ecorcequity11@gmail.com
A special thank you to those who have served on the Equity Team/Forum: We express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable contributions, unwavering dedication, and passionate efforts. Your commitment has helped shape a more inclusive, equitable space, and your work continues to inspire us all. Though you may no longer be active members, your legacy remains a vital part of our journey. Thank you for your leadership, insights, and the positive impact you’ve made. We look forward to building on the foundation you’ve helped establish and hope to carry your spirit of advocacy forward. Thank you.
Members:
- Student Candidate Ian Wilgus
- Deb Fortin Brown
- Susan (Sues) Shklonick
- Marilyn Rodger
- Patricia Tesky
Other Contact Information
- Karen Wilson – Staff Support
Alternate Email: ecorcequity11@gmail.com