ARW - Are you vulnerable?
2024-04-17 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

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

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

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

Sue's Retirement Party
2024-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | In-person & Online via Zoom
All invited to celebrate the retirement of ARW, HF, WOW Regional Councils Executive Assistant, Susan Duliban on Friday September 6th from 1 to 3pm at the Regional Council Office 1552 Hwy 6, Waterdown, ON L8N 2Z7 or via Zoom at this link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/81252105843

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 Meetings

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

Ministry and Personnel Gathering
2024-11-07 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-01-09 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-03-06 14:00 - 15:30, 2025-05-01 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Online via Zoom
Ministry & Personnel Gatherings
A time for collegiality, learning, and conversation about issues facing M&P committees.
Participants must have completed M&P: The Basics on Zoom or through the recorded training.
Participants are required to agree with the confidentiality and group norms agreement as found below.
Situations discussed will only be talked about by broad themes without reference to individuals.
November 7th 2024, 2-3:30 PM
January 9th 2025, 2-3:30 PM
March 6th 2025, 2-3:30 PM
May 1st 2025, 2-3:30 PM
Worship, 30 minutes learning time, 30 minutes of conversation, Question and Answers, etc. ending with a time to make suggestions for future learning.
By registering you agree to the following
Confidentiality Agreement:
I agree to maintain and respect the confidentiality of all information that is shared by group participants. I will not share individual conversations or situations that are shared by other members of this group. I understand and agree that failure to maintain confidentiality will result in my being asked to leave this group.
Group Norms:
I will trust that God has gifted me with wisdom to share and with wisdom to gain from others.
When sharing I will attempt to put situations into broad questions and not provide details about individuals. I will strive not use the names of ministers, employees, or congregation members. For example, I will ask about a situation. If not sure how to ask a question, I can private message Micol Cottrell or the host and they will help frame the question in broad terms, or without context of the church, minister, and staff. Note: you can always contact Micol Cottrell MCottrell@united-church.ca with situations that you need to talk about and in that conversation can be more candid.
I will respect that what others share is confidential and will not share that information outside of the group. This allows for learning drawn from individual experiences.
I will appreciate that the questions people ask may not be about a situation that they are facing as an M&P Committee at this moment, rather a question for future learning.
I will respect that different M&P committees work differently depending on context.
I will be gentle with myself and with others trusting in God’s Spirit in leading us to learn together.
Register Now!

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

WOWRC Fall Meeting (online): November 16-17, 2024
Celebration of Ministries: To be confirmed

Christmas Office Closure
2024-12-24 - 2025-01-01

Flourishing: Spend a day with the Moderator
2025-02-22 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Toronto)
Flourishing: Antler River, Western Ontario Waterways, and Horseshoe Falls Regional Councils
Spend a day with the Moderator, engaging in reflection and energizing activities towards dream-oriented actions for our churches and communities.
Saturday, February 22, 2025, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (local time).
9:00am -9:30am Registration and coffee/tea
9:30am – Welcome and Introductions
In person
Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Ave., Stratford, ON N5A 6N4
All around the world – from universities to the United Nations, from corporations to community organizations – people are talking about flourishing. Rooted in belonging, flourishing means living with purpose and joy, and bringing bold collaborative solutions to our world’s challenges.
The Moderator, the Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, wants to bring that conversation to The United Church of Canada. She invites us to connect to one another in hope, with a deep conviction by a belief that, despite all the challenges of church life in this day and age, we can move from despair to transformation – from languishing to flourishing.
Is your church flourishing?
(Perhaps that’s the wrong question.)
Is your church contributing to the flourishing of your community?
How might we truly be a flourishing church in the world? How might we live in deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice, linked from coast to coast to coast in ministry that transforms us and the world around us?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: Flourishing Workshop

Kathy Douglas' Retirement Party
2026-01-16 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | Avondale United Church, 194 Avondale Avenue, Stratford, Ontario, N5A6N4, Canada

WOWRC Fall Meeting 2026 (Online Only)
2026-10-15 - 2026-10-16 | Online via Zoom
WOW – Thurs Oct 15th 6:30-9pm, Friday Oct 16th 6:30-9pm
TBD Celebration of Ministrey Sunday late afternoon on October 18th.
