Complete Report Book 2015

Transcription

“Let’s Go Down into
the Valley”
Hamilton Conference
91st Annual Meeting
Ancaster, Ontario
May 29-31, 2015
Reports
2015
HAMILTON CONFERENCE
THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA
91st ANNUAL MEETING
REPORT BOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Standing Committees
 Archives Committee .............................................................................................1
 Division of Ministry Personnel & Education .......................................................2
 Education & Students Committee ............................................................3
 Interim Ministries Committee ..................................................................4
 Internship & Educational Supervision .....................................................6
 Conference Interview Board ....................................................................8
 Pensions & Group Insurance ....................................................................9
 Settlement ...............................................................................................10
 Leadership Commission .....................................................................................11
 Mission Strategy & Support Committee ............................................................14
 Pastoral Care Team ............................................................................................16
 Philanthropy & Stewardship Committee ............................................................18
 Letter to Hamilton Conference from David Armor................................20
 Property Committee ...........................................................................................21
 Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Committee ..........................................22
 Staff Committee .................................................................................................23
Educational Institutions
 Brock University Ecumenical Chaplaincy .........................................................24
 McMaster Campus Ministries Council...............................................................26
 Five Oaks Education & Retreat Centre ..............................................................28
Miscellaneous Reports
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Grand River Bookstore & Video Library (AVEL ON) ........................................30
Avel Ontario User Report ...........................................................................31
United Church Women Executive of Hamilton Conference ................................32
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Wesley Urban Ministries ......................................................................................34
Network Reports
 Affirm Network ....................................................................................................36
 Bearing Faithful Public Witness Network ............................................................36
 Children and Youth Network ................................................................................37
 Week of Guided Prayer Network ..........................................................................38
Presbytery Reports
 Bruce Presbytery ...................................................................................................40
 Erie Presbytery ......................................................................................................42
 Halton Presbytery .................................................................................................43
 Hamilton Presbytery .............................................................................................44
 Niagara Presbytery ................................................................................................45
Staff Team Reports
 Hartmans, Peter
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Executive Secretary .................................................................47
MacQueen, Lorna Minister, Faith Formation for Discipleship .............................48
Matheson, Diane, Minister for Social Justice .......................................................50
Stephens, Jenny Personnel Minister ...................................................................52
Kim Uyede-Kai Minister for Congregational Support ......................................54
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Hamilton Conference of The United Church of Canada
ARCHIVES COMMITTEE
The purpose of the Archives and Records Committee of Hamilton Conference is “to encourage
congregations and presbyteries to care for their important records in the best possible manner.”
In an effort to carry out this purpose, the Archives and Records Committee provides advice to
pastoral charges and presbyteries, informs pastoral charges of their responsibility, as per The
Manual, to deposit records at the Central Ontario Conferences Archives in Toronto, assists
pastoral charges who have questions and concerns about archives and records, reviews the
minute books of the presbyteries, and plans special events from time to time for ministry
personnel and lay people on archives and record keeping.
It is our hope that, through our work, we contribute to the development of healthy congregations
and presbyteries, and grow effective congregational leadership.
The Conference Archives and Records Committee met twice in 2014. The major event
pertaining to our committee’s work was discussion of initial recommendations from the national
Comprehensive Review Task Group and how those recommendations impinge on Hamilton
Conference archival work. Our Hamilton Conference committee assisted in the writing of a
formal submission to the Comprehensive Review Task Group for their consideration.
Our Conference Archivist continues to be Erin Greeno, for whom we are most grateful. Erin is
Archivist for the Central Ontario Conferences (Bay of Quinte, Hamilton, London, Manitou and
Toronto). Our Hamilton Conference archival collection is housed at the Toronto Christian
Resource Centre, 40 Oak Street, Toronto. Anyone is invited to visit this beautiful and functional
facility. In addition to her many regular duties among the archives themselves, Erin continues to
offer workshops throughout Hamilton Conference on a variety of topics pertaining to archives
and record-keeping. The Conference Archivist also provided a display for the Annual Meeting
of Hamilton Conference in May.
In 2014, the Central Ontario Conferences Archives received 2.62 meters of textual records from
Hamilton Conference presbyteries and pastoral charges. As services to the community, The
United Church of Canada Archives’ reading room completed 858 transactions for researchers
through personal visits, telephone calls and written inquiries, and processed 186 requests for
transcribed certificates of baptisms, marriages, and burials for legal purposes.
I offer my sincere thanks to all members of the Archives and Records Committee. I extend a
special thank-you to Erin Greeno, our Conference Archivist, for her skills, her assistance and
her patience. She is a tremendous asset to our committee and our Conference. Additionally, staff
support is provided by the Rev. Peter Hartmans, Executive Secretary of Hamilton Conference,
for which we are grateful.
-Rev. Dr. Michael Brooks, Chairperson
Standing Committees – Reports for Information
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DIVISION OF MINISTRY PERSONNEL AND EDUCATION
The members of the division of M.P.&E. are: Claudia Adams (Interview Board), Margaret Bain
(Pensions and Benefits), Marilyn Burnard (Settlement), Heather Davies (Chairperson), Candy
Harvey (CIES), Tim Raeburn(Secretary), Jenny Stephens (Staff Support), Diane Walker
(Education and Students), Sybil Wilson (Interim Ministry)
Position to be filled: Vice Chair,
The purpose of the Division of Ministry Personnel and Education is:
“to give oversight and coordinate all Conference responsibilities and concerns for matters
relating to the training, settlement, continuing education and welfare of members of paid and
accountable ministry staff on the role of Hamilton Conference.”
Over the past conference year our Division will have met by phone conference call and twice at
Hamilton Conference Office. Also throughout the past year we have conducted 3 email polls on
sacramental licensing and the rite to perform the Solemnization of Marriage. This process is
used for the timely response to pastoral charges who request licensing for Diaconal and
Designated Lay Ministers (Recognized).
At each of our meetings the chairs of the various Conference Committees report to the Division.
This includes Settlement, Pensions and Group Insurance, Education and Students, Interim
Ministry, Internship and Educational Supervision, and Interview Board. Hamilton Conference is
blessed to have gifted and dedicated people who volunteer to do this work on behalf of the
church. Much of what the committees do relates directly to the four priorities as named by the
Conference. By training, matching, offering educational events, interviewing, walking with and
caring for the ministry personnel and students in Hamilton Conference, our Division aids them
to be able to strive for healthy congregations and presbyteries, offer effective leadership, bearing
faithful public witness, while strengthening partnerships within congregations, communities and
the wider church.
Another focus of the year for which our Division is responsible is the “Called to Leadership
Event”—a workshop held annually in the spring for ministry personnel. This year’s event was
called: “Rumble, Stumble, Crumble: Sustaining Mental Health & Resiliency.”
It is our goal as a division to continue on in this important work of the church.
It has been my honour to serve as Chair of this Division and I am grateful for the skilled and
gifted leaders who chair each of the Divisions Committees. I am also grateful for Jenny and her
insight, proficiency, and dedication to the issues presented before of the Divisions, as well as her
interpretation of the policies and procedures of the United Church of Canada.
Respectfully Submitted,
Heather Davies, Chair of the Division of M.P.& E.
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EDUCATION AND STUDENTS COMMITTEE
The Conference Education and Students Committee Mandate:
To assist the work of the Presbytery Education and Students Committees; to liaise with
candidates and to coordinate New Ministries Interview day.
The committee is composed of representative(s) from each presbytery Education and Students
committees, Intern and Educational Supervision committee and Interview Board with staff
support from Jenny Stephens. Meetings are held at the Conference office.
In addition to our regular work, the committee carried out an ongoing assessment of a newly
implemented tool for strengthening our role in assessing and examining candidates for ministry
to ensure suitability and readiness. Prior to being seen by the Hamilton Conference Interview
Board, each interviewee is required to take a Vocational Assessment through Six Oaks
consulting. The assessment tool is proving valuable to candidates, presbytery Education and
Students Committee and most particularly to the Conference Interview Board. While the
interviewee is responsible for the costs, we have asked that one third of the cost be covered by
the sponsoring congregation, one third by the sponsoring presbytery, and one third by the
candidate. We will continue to monitor the usefulness of this requirement.
As the chair, I wish to thank the committee members, especially our wonderful secretary, Lillian
Gohn, and all the people who volunteer on presbytery E and S committees, Interview Board,
New Ministries Day, discernment committees, lay supervision teams for interns. The countless
hours offered by skilled and generous volunteers truly bless the church and her ministry. May
that blessing return to you, in Christ’s name and in his power.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Walker, Chair
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INTERIM MINISTRY COMMITTEE
Interim Ministry Committee
The Interim Ministry Committee of Hamilton Conference is responsible for overseeing the work
of Interim Ministry within the conference. The following preamble from The Manual of the
United Church of Canada explains the purpose and meaning of “interim ministry” and a
definition of an “interim minister”:
Interim Ministry
In the life and work of the pastoral charge, the time between ministers often provides a critical
opportunity for reassessment and growth. For most pastoral charges, this time of transition can
be both exciting and challenging. For some, it may be a time of distress or conflict. The pastoral
charge may need the leadership of ministry personnel with special skills to help it deal with the
past, continue in the present, and prepare for effective ministry in the future.
1. 1.7.1 Meaning
An “interim ministry” is a time-limited ministry in a pastoral charge. The purpose of the
interim ministry is to work toward specific goals decided on by the presbytery and the
pastoral charge.
An “interim minister” is a member of the order of ministry or designated lay minister
who has been designated by the Conference to serve in interim ministry.
As the Interim Ministry Committee, we are responsible for the designation of persons to serve in
interim ministry, education of presbyteries about their responsibilities in the designation process
and in the setting up of an interim ministry within a congregation, and the education of
transition teams in pastoral charges where interim ministry is taking place.
This past year we have recommended two order of ministry persons for initial designation,
recommended two Interim Ministers for a sabbatical, and supported a candidate continuing in
the education process that leads to initial designation. At the time of writing this report we have
a meeting scheduled (April 28) for conducting further interviews.
We received and approved the final reports of an interim ministry. The transition team and the
interim minister do separate reports. We reviewed the interview process and are developing an
interview protocol for clarity, comprehensiveness, and consistency. We hope to use this protocol
for interviews on April 28. We are presently reviewing a discussion paper which we hope will
be helpful as a protocol to follow should a recommendation of removal of IM designation be
necessary. We now have a data base of interim ministers in the Conference; thanks to diligent
work by Jenny Stephens and Sue Duliban. It remains a work in progress.
The Hamilton Conference Interim Ministry Committee supports interim ministers working
within the Conference with regular lunch meetings for fellowship and discussion. Twice a year
there is a two-day retreat that offers opportunities to learn, share an integrated learning
experience (a reflection on a situation in which the interim wishes to learn more about
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themselves and their response to the event), and just have a “retreat” to refresh and be with
others who are also involved in the same, wonderfully intense and fulfilling ministry! This
retreat is open to interim ministers within the five central Conferences—but not limited only to
those Conferences.
Members of the committee: Wayne Beamer, Ted Black, Dave Hall, Ken Pettigrew, Bev
Robinson, Pat Tooley, Rose Ann Vita, Sybil Wilson (chair) and Margaret Bain (past chair)
make this a well balanced committee with five lay members and four order of ministry
personnel and coming from across five presbyteries. The committee is resourced by Jenny
Stephens, the Conference Personnel Minister, thus adding to the complement of order of
ministry persons and is supported by Sue Duliban in her staff role as Administrative Assistant.
With half of the committee membership being new, our first meeting of the year was devoted to
an orientation to our work. The session was conducted by our outgoing chair, Margaret Bain. In
fulfilling the goals of Hamilton Conference this dedicated group of persons are very concerned
for the health of congregations and for improving that health through the specific and effective
leadership and ministry of interim ministers.
We are grateful to them for their wise leadership and critical yet compassionate decision
making.
Respectfully submitted
Sybil E. Wilson, Chair
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INTERNSHIP AND EDUCATIONAL SUPERVISION
One of the ways that Hamilton Conference implements our priorities of Healthy Congregations
and Effective Leadership is through the involvement of congregations in preparation for ordered
and lay ministry. Our mandate is to help facilitate the formation of Ordained and Designated
Lay Ministers through internships and ministry-based experiences with a trained Educational
Supervisor. Our tasks are to recruit and encourage internship sites and supervisors and to assess
and to approve applications from them; to provide educational events for Interns and Designated
Lay Ministers (not yet recognized); to support and provide training for Lay Supervision Teams;
to oversee internships and educational supervision for DLMs and those in Ministry Based
Programs; and to host educational supervisor refresher courses. Most of our work with
internship sites, supervisors and students is done through liaising, site visits, the review of
evaluations and our interaction during the three ‘Gathering’ events. There are two national
Matching Meetings where interns are matched with sites and supervisors from (almost) across
Canada. Our Chair attends these in June and in October. The number of interns submitting
applications to this method of locating an internship site continues to dwindle.
During 2014-2015 we had three interns for ordained ministry learning in Hamilton Conference
churches: Emily Gordon at Kincardine United in Kincardine, supervised by the Rev. Rienk
Vlietstra; Miriam Flynn at Maple Grove United in Oakville, supervised by the Rev. Dr. Morar
Murray-Hayes; and Christine Hossack, supervised by the Rev. Alan McLean. We continue the
journey with Karen Willis, a DLM student at Linden Park Community United Church,
supervised by the Rev. Peg Turner. Each of the interns and DLM has a member of the CIES
acting as liaisons to whom they can turn to for help and support.
There were two interns from Hamilton Conference this year, that were 'matched' with pastoral
charges outside of the Conference boundaries. Louise Hart was in Fort St. John's Pastoral
Charge in Northern B.C., Alberta Northwest Conference and Kevin Taylor was at Bloor Street
United Church in Toronto Conference.
Our educational component began this year with site-based training events for the Lay
Supervision Team members at the Kincardine and Maple Grove United sites. The educational
component was continued through three ‘Gathering’ events held between September and March.
We try to plan our Gatherings to take place at the pastoral charges where the students are
interning. This allows for sharing of the hospitality, for the interns to visit other congregational
settings for learning, and it gives us further insight as a committee into the internship sites and to
our interns.
In September we met at Linden Park United in Hamilton. This was a required event, and all
interns and supervisors were able to attend, as well as some Lay Supervision Team members.
Topics included: theological reflection techniques, learning goals and learning covenants, and
best practices. In November we met at Kincardine United Church with the theme of: Becoming
a Minister: identity, role and responsibility. Topics included: models of conflict management,
and Pastor/Priest/Prophet. Our March Gathering was held at Maple Grove United in Oakville.
Topics included: Clergy Ethics, Power as Gift, and Closure. We always allow time at our
Gatherings for each group (i.e. Interns, Supervisors and LSTs) to meet together. We were able
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to squeeze in the time at a couple of the Gathering meetings to integrate the day's lessons with
the Ethical Standards and Standards of Practice guidelines for ministry personnel.
Just before Christmas, we received the mid-term evaluations from the interns, supervisors and
LSTs. I forwarded our written summary and comments to each intern.
We are very grateful for our supervisors who are very dedicated and who ensure that their
students are experiencing the full range of ministry. We are very grateful for the congregations
that have welcomed the students into this formative time and the reflective support of their LST.
The final evaluations for interns and the ongoing evaluations for our DLM will be shared at the
beginning of May and a response sent to the interns, DLM, their supervisors and Lay
Supervision Teams with copies to their Education and Student Committees.
The Ministry of Supervised Education cannot happen without congregations who are willing to
share their financial resources and the time of their ministers, and ministers who are willing to
share their time. The Church is grateful to all who participated this year. At the National
Matching Meeting in June we will once again try to match interns and sites from across the
country. At the time of writing this report, we do not have any applications in hand.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the members of the committee. They support the
necessary work that is ours to do. They bring great wisdom to our discussions and they make the
work of a chair a relatively easy task to accomplish. My thanks also to Rev. Jenny Stephens for
being our Conference Staff person with this committee.
We have had to say goodbye to The Rev. Helen Prior and Judy Shulist over the past few months
and The Rev. Ted Black will be leaving at the rise of Conference. We thank them for their
service and add our blessings on their new endeavors.
We welcome Rosemary Benbow, Eric Johnston and Yvonne Wright to the committee.
The Rev. Candy Harvey (Chair)
Committee Members: Secretary-Marilyn Rogers, The Rev. Ted Black, The Rev. Ron
Pocklington, Judy Shulist, The Rev. Kim Wright, The Rev. Rienk Vlietstra, Marion Brown, The
Rev. Ann Stafford, The Rev. Laura Williams, The Rev. Helen Prior, Rosemary Benbow, Eric
Johnston, Yvonne Wright, and The Rev. Jenny Stephens (Conference Staff).
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CONFERENCE INTERVIEW BOARD (CIB)
The Conference Interview Board’s mandate is to assist inquirers and others referred to us in
assessing their vocational goals and/or their suitability for membership in the Order of Ministry
and to assist presbyteries or other referring bodies in determining the suitability of those referred
to us to function as Ministry Personnel in the United Church of Canada. Our committee is a mix
of order of ministry people and lay people and we are supported by the Conference Personnel
Minister who at the present time is Rev. Jenny Stephens. We meet four times a year or more
frequently if the need arises and gather at the Conference Office on a Saturday.
This year from September to March we interviewed six inquirers: one applicant for Designated
Lay Ministry, four for admission and one for the final interview for admission. All of the new
admissions interviews were done by Skype: one from the Uniting Church of Australia, one from
the United Church in Jamaica, one from the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and one from
the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
A very important tool that we had to help us this year was the Vocational Assessment done by
Six Oaks that candidates coming for an interview must complete. “It is designed to support
individuals who are considering the vocation of ministry and the committees or groups working
with these individuals in the discernment process.” It looks at areas of strength and areas for
self-awareness and development and concludes with a summation and suggestions. The
assessment underlines for the committee the insights that we receive through written
submissions, references and the interview. When a difficult decision needs to be made the
assessment, used as a supportive tool, helps to validate that decision. We are grateful that the
Conference Education and Students Committee made the Vocational Assessment available to
inquirers, applicants, and to the CIB.
Our gratitude also extends to the Nominations Committee. This year we had a full complement
of people for the committee with Lay, Ordained, Diaconal and DLM represented. We started in
September with fifteen members but one person needed to leave the committee. Dedicated
committee members are Pat Robb, Roy Holton, Barb Harwood, Ann Fleming, Aaron Miller,
Judy Zarubick, Brian Howell, Paul Miller, Yvonne Wright, Mary Elliott, Bob Brunner, Jean
Bethune, Jessica Cottrell, Cathy Dilts, Kate Young, Jenny Stephens as Conference support and
Claudia Adams as chair.
(Rephrasing comments from the committee) it is a real privilege to do the work of the CIB and
we are always amazed at the commitment and vitality of those who come for an interview. We
hear the special stories of their faith journeys, listen with a bit of awe to their dreams for the
church and are encouraged by the passion for ministry from ministers in other denominations
who want to use their passion to serve Jesus Christ as ministers in the United Church of Canada
where, as one admissions applicant said, “social justice is the bedrock and inclusiveness the
hallmark.”
Respectfully Submitted,
Claudia Adams, Chair, Conference Interview Board.
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PENSIONS AND GROUP INSURANCE
The responsibilities of this committee are outlined below as found in The Manual 2013
D.3.4.2.b, the Conference Committee Handbook and the Pension and Group Insurance
Committee Mandate:
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to report with respect to the work of the relevant General Council Unit
to promote in the Presbyteries an active interest in the welfare of the members of the
plans and the recipients of pensions living within the bounds of those Presbyteries,
particularly in situations of need for emergency warranting application for
compassionate assistance
to organize and to promote an annual visitation of pensioners living within the bounds of
the Presbyteries of the Conference
to work with those Presbyteries where any members of the plans, Pastoral Charges, or
other employment are six(6) months or more in arrears with respect to payments to the
plans
to receive and to report to the Conference the actions of the Presbyteries concerning
disability and retirement applications and postponed retirements.
This committee had not met for a time because there was not a chairperson. We began to meet
once again, in October of 2014 and have had several meetings since then. Major topics of
discussion include the continuing viability of the United Church of Canada Pension Plan; the
category of “Volunteer Associate Minister”; retirement planning and early financial planning for
those in ministry; regular reports from the Presbytery convenors as to how they remain in touch
with the retirees in their presbyteries; and the responsibility to help those who are in need of
financial assistance.
We have the responsibility, along with our conference staff, of honouring the retirees and
jubilands at the Annual Meeting of Hamilton Conference.
Plans are underway for a “Pension and Benefits Newsletter” to be included in HamPak in the
fall of 2015. The contents would include: information about the committee’s work; a resource
for financial pre-planning for retirement; and information about the webinars offered for
financial planning for retirement.
Thank you to all who are a part of this important work—especially to the convenors who work
diligently to stay in touch with those who have retired and those on long-term disability. Thank
you to Jenny Stephens for her presence at our meetings and the wisdom, insight and guidance
that she offers to the committee.
Respectfully Submitted
Margaret Bain, Chairperson
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SETTLEMENT
The responsibilities of this committee are:
• to plan the Fall Pastoral Relations Workshop with the Personnel Minister of Hamilton
Conference
• to review page for Hamilton Conference to be included with Transfer package
• to review Cumulative Record at every meeting except the “Matching Meeting”
• to approve or deny pastoral charges recommended for Settlement
• to visit pastoral charges approved for Settlement with candidates for “Goodness of Fit
Interviews” (held after Transfer Meeting)
• to make final motions for Settlement prior to Annual Meeting of Hamilton Conference
• to ensure that Mentors are named for ordinands/commissionands
• to set budget request for Hamilton Conference Budget
• to review pastoral charges to be left open for Appointment
Some of the work of this committee in the past year is summarized under the following
categories:
Healthy Congregations and Presbyteries
Much of the time spent as a Committee is in sharing of Pastoral Relations issues in the various
presbyteries. Issues include items related to search processes, vacancies, JNAC processes,
church closures and disciplinary matters. It is an opportunity to share challenges, seek support
for dealing with situations and sharing of ways in which challenges have been successfully
addressed.
Effective Leadership
Settlement Committee plays a role in the hopes and dreams of our Ordinands and
Commisionands. After their final Conference interviews, contact is made with the people of
Hamilton Conference looking toward commissioning or ordination. This is an opportunity to
talk about the possibility of settlement or looking for one’s own placement. Contact continues
through the process until an individual has a place to begin their ministry career. A position is
required for commissioning or ordination to take place at the Annual Meeting of Hamilton
Conference. This year we have 7 people who are seeking ordination. All have made the decision
to find their own position.
Faithful Public Witness
Some members of the Settlement committee participated in the conversation re One Order of
Ministry.
It is the responsibility of the Settlement Committee to maintain the Cumulative report. This
report tracks all movement of ministry personnel within the Conference. It is an extensive report
that is dependent on the timely movement of paperwork through presbyteries and on to
Conference. It becomes a very complex report. This report, as will be seen in the Conference
reports, has been revised and hopefully will be a more streamlined report with the information
needed clearly laid out. Our thanks to Sue Duliban for her work on this revision.
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Strengthening Partnerships
Two presbyteries in Hamilton Conference are working with new formats of governance in this
past year. Waterloo Presbytery has adopted a new format with the addition of a Presbytery
Support Minister. Bruce Presbytery has adopted a Co-operative approach with several
congregations within the presbytery. Both new approaches seem to be working with positive
benefits for those involved.
Future Plans:
The Settlement Committee is planning a workshop entitled Fresh Start, a continuing education
program to support congregations and ministers in pastoral transitions and leaving, and good
closure. There are several aspects of leadership that are addressed for congregations going
through transition of ministry personnel. It is hoped this workshop will take place in the fall of
2015.
Our meetings are filled with lively discussion of happenings throughout the presbyteries of
Hamilton Conference. It is an opportunity of sharing ideas and feeling supported for those
involved with the Pastoral Relations for the many churches in this Conference. I appreciate the
input and engagement of each of the participants. I wish to express my thanks to all committee
members, to the administrative support of Sue Duliban and the support of Jenny Stephens.
Respectfully submitted
Marilyn Burnard, Chair, Settlement Committee
LEADERSHIP COMMISSION
The members of the Leadership Commission are Rick Chambers (L), Deborah Deavu (DM),
Deanne Dickson (L), Marianne Leach-Hoffer (DLM), and Meg Grieve (OM), Chair with
support provided by the Conference Personnel Minister, Jenny Stephens. Our task was to
explore healthy pastoral relations from the perspective of ministry personnel in partnership with
Bruce Presbytery.
There were two aspects of the Leadership Commission’s make-up that proved valuable. First,
the team was composed of six people who offered a variety of leadership styles. Secondly, five
of the six team members had lived and worked in the Bruce so the gifts of the presbytery, as
well as its challenges, were familiar. There was deep appreciation for the culture of the Bruce,
and for the way its geography shaped the life of the pastoral charges. We are grateful for the
support and openness of the presbytery and its Executive to the work of the Leadership
Commission.
B. Overview
At its first meetings, the Leadership Commission worked at team building, and establishing
values for its work, and its priorities.
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1. Team Building
The Leadership Commission worked at getting to know one another and identifying the gifts
that each member brought to the project. We found that we were a combination of dreamers and
planners which brought many gifts to the Commission: focus on detail and follow-up, good
communication with the constituency, ability to listen and determine the needs of others, the
ability to care for a variety of needs, including learning needs, professional growth, spiritual
deepening. As our work developed, individual team members used their gifts for the overall
good. As a group, we were able to identify who was the best person to take the lead on a given
piece of work. The Commission was stronger for this awareness, and the time given to team
building paid off for us.
2. Values
One of our first tasks was to establish the values that would guide our part of the Effective
Leadership Healthy Pastoral Relations or “HelPR” project:
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•
We worked by building consensus. This involved listening well, and having respect for
one another on the Commission and for members of the presbytery.
We worked in partnership with one another, with Bruce Presbytery, and its ministry
personnel.
We committed ourselves to holding in tension a variety of needs: personal, emotional,
spiritual, and the need for deeper understanding.
We committed ourselves to understanding the Bruce Presbytery context and the issues
faced by its ministry personnel: isolation, the changing rural church, the need for
spiritual deepening and collegiality.
We attempted to honour the Bruce ministry personnel as adult learners and to use adult
learning principles in our planning.
We made evaluation a part of every meeting and every project.
C. Consultation with Bruce Presbytery Ministry Personnel
At the outset of the Leadership Commission’s work, we decided to consult early and as often as
we could with the presbytery’s ministry personnel. Before we began planning, we met the
ministry personnel at a day-long gathering in Clifford in September 2013. We provided worship
and the opportunity to talk about what kind of support was needed and would be appreciated by
the ministry personnel.
From the feedback from this first meeting with ministry personnel the Leadership Commission
determined the five areas of our work which would enhance the wellbeing of ministry
personnel. At the November 2013 presbytery meeting the Commission and the ministry
personnel refined the list.
As well, there have been three e-mail progress reports to the Bruce Executive and the ministry
personnel that summarized the work and set out the next opportunities for learning.
The Leadership Commission kept in touch with Bruce Presbytery Executive at each of its
meetings. Deanne Dickson is a member of the Bruce Executive and the Commission and she
provided the updates. This has been an important and positive link between the two groups.
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D. Five Areas of the Leadership Commission’s Work
The Leadership Commission’s work became focused in five areas:
1. Discipline: The Commission took on the presbytery’s role in the discipline of ministry
personnel. This was to free the presbytery to focus on support of congregations and their
mission, the issues arising from the changing church, and its internal work on its by-laws.
2. Support for Search Committees: Jenny Stephens, personnel minister, and Sue Duliban,
conference staff person, undertook to support search committees as these committees considered
ministry personnel for call/appointment.
3. Ministry Conversations: The Commission invited ministry personnel into a conversation
about their present work. What are the challenges and the gifts of being in ministry in that
place? What new work is on the horizon? What new skills/understanding does the present
context require of its ministry personnel? What are the plans for continuing education to acquire
those skills/understanding? Is there still a “fit” between the pastoral charge and the minister?
4. Support for Learning Circles: The Leadership Commission supported the south learning
circle which was meeting when the Commission was formed. The north learning circle was
revived last year.
5. Retreat: In the course of conversation with ministry personnel, the need for time apart was
identified. A retreat was held in late September 2014 with the theme, “Leadership in
Transition.” Another is planned for September, 2015.
Conclusion
The Leadership Commission would like to express its appreciation for the support of Bruce
Presbytery over the course of our partnership. The work of the Commission would not have
been possible without this collegiality. This model offers a way into the future: mutual
relationship, deep listening, steady support, and a commitment to personal and spiritual wellbeing. In this time of change, these are things we will need to rely on.
Meg Grieve, Chair
13
MISSION STRATEGY AND SUPPORT COMMITTEE (MS&S)
Once again I am delighted to be able to report on the work of the MSS Committee. Hamilton
Conference received a total of $277,000.00 from the Mission and Service Fund for our 2014
Grant Allocation. Additionally $41,500.00 was dispersed from the Investment in Ministry and
Mission Fund controlled by Hamilton Conference, and one application to the Manse
Modernization Fund which the MSS Committee supported and forwarded to National Office.
The funding details of all of these may be found below.
The MSS Committee was deeply saddens this past year to hear of the death of Mac Carson, a
former longtime chair of the Committee. Mac was a tireless supporter of the Mission and
Ministry of the Church in Hamilton Conference and we grieve that loss not only for the memory
of his work but also for that voice in Hamilton Conference.
Wesley Urban Ministry had the opportunity for a visit from Peter McKay in January. Any
opportunity to raise the profile of our Ministry partners is always appreciated. Wesley Urban
Ministry is one of the groups for which Hamilton Conference holds institutional oversight and it
received substantial (from our point of view) funding from the Hamilton Conference through the
MSS Committee in 2014.
The Committee has restructured the application intakes for the Investment in Ministry and
Mission Fund. We now have three application due dates – Jan 31st, April 30th & August 31st.
Please be mindful for these dates if you or someone you know will be submitting a request. The
Committee can meet only so often and these dates allow us to do our business more efficiently.
I need to thank the Committee members who have offered their time to do the work of Mission
and Ministry in Hamilton Conference. There is often a great deal of paperwork and financial
figures and the members are always dedicated to the agenda. I am also thankful for the Staff
support of Kim Uyede-Kai and Ruthanna Mack. With their help we are able to work through the
details and applications as they come in. Without them our work would be much harder. Thank
You! And we are looking for a few good volunteers as well. Positions are available from Bruce,
Hamilton & Halton Presbyteries.
Mission and Ministry matter. I continue to be awed at the generosity of those who support the
Mission and Service Fund as that is what allows Spirit filled and creative ministry to blossom.
There are few jobs more fulfilling than helping find and support new wine skins for the new
wine of contemporary mission and ministry. As we continue to hear that we must fish from the
other side we must continue to support new irruptions of mission and ministry.
I encourage everyone to make themselves familiar with the grant and loans available. This
information may be found on the Hamilton Conference Website (www.hamconf.org) under the
Property & Finance tab.
Tim Reaburn – Chair
14
2014 Mission and Service Block Grant Allocations
Outreach Ministries
The Hope Centre
Wesley Urban Ministries
Community Ministry
$ 4000.00
$107,115.00
$ 5,000.00
Pastoral Charges
Saugeen
Cape Croker
New Credit – Deleware
$ 44,000.00
$ 41,885.00
$ 50,000.00
Chaplaincies
Waterloo
McMaster
Guelph
Brock
$ 10,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ 5,000.00
Total Allocations
$ 277,000.00
2014 Investment in Ministry and Mission Fund Allocations
A total of $83726.00 was distributed from the Investment in Ministry and Mission Fund. Some
of the highlights of the allocations are:
Wesley Urban Ministries: The Other Room
Quest: Online Learning Project
Five Oaks: Residential Children and Youth Camps
Mini GO Project
Feeding Families Chalmers Community
Services Centre
$ 10,000.00
$ 10,000.00
$ 10,000.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 10,000.00
A Church/Manse Modernization and Improvement Grant was approved for the
following:
Underwood United Church
$ 2787.50
15
PASTORAL CARE TEAM
The Hamilton Conference Pastoral Care Team exists to respond to the need for pastoral care
for ministry personnel and their families. The pastoral care the team provides is confidential and
is shaped to meet a variety of concerns and situations. The kind of pastoral care offered
includes:
• support during times of loss, such as bereavement, illness, separation
• a sounding board for ministry personnel: for example, those who face major decisions
around their call in ministry, those who are coping with the stress involved in giving or
supporting leadership
• a listening ear when persons feel that they have been abused in any way by those holding
power
• direction to the various resources that are available when the person requires specific
guidance
• support during times of major change in one’s life: e.g., retirement, settling into new
pastoral relationship
Summary of goals:
Our goals over the past year have been to recruit some new members, to provide training and
support for Team members, to provide chaplains at Conference meetings, and to raise the profile
of the Pastoral Care Team throughout the Conference so that more ministry personnel are aware
of and familiar with its work. All of these goals have served to strengthen the Pastoral Care
Team.
How these goals address all four of the Conference's priorities:
The Team contributes to “Healthy Congregations and Presbyteries” through its offering of
pastoral care and support to ministry personnel and their families.
As we did last spring, in April of this year the Team is holding a workshop on mental health
concerns and pastoral care. This year’s event is called “Pastoral Care after Suicide.” It is open to
all ministry personnel in the Conference. The workshop will contribute to “Effective
Leadership” by providing education and resources on this important and sensitive subject.
The pastoral care offered by Team members is “Faithful Public Witness.” It is in addition to
the responsibilities they have in their ministry positions (as is the case with the work of many
committees). Several members are retired and continue to witness to their faith by serving on the
Pastoral Care Team.
The Team’s work contributes to “Strengthening Partnerships” between congregations and
ministers, between the Conference, Presbyteries and ministry personnel, and between Team
members.
16
Summary of the Pastoral Care Team’s work:
The Team held its first meeting of the year in October, 2014 at the Conference Office. Our Staff
Resource Person, Lorna MacQueen, was on sabbatical and we asked Diane Matheson to lead a
mini-retreat for us in the morning. This refreshed and nourished our spirits!
The second meeting was a conference call at the end of January, 2015 when we welcomed back
Lorna MacQueen. We are very grateful for all of the ways Lorna encourages and supports the
Team members and our work.
We meet again at the Conference Office in mid-May. At each meeting each member briefly
describes the pastoral care situations to which she or he has been attending. All of our work is
strictly confidential.
The Team has welcomed a new member from Hamilton Presbytery, the Rev. Lee Claus. It was
with regret that over the year we accepted the resignations of three faithful members: the Rev.
Eleanor Russ and the Rev. Herb Klaehn from Bruce Presbytery and the Rev. Don Robinson
from Niagara Presbytery. It is an ongoing challenge to have at least two members from each
presbytery (the optimum number is three).
We are offering the workshop described above in order to provide education and support for the
Team and others in ministry.
Some Team members have been chaplains at events such as the New Ministries Day in
December at Five Oaks and Conference Interviews. Each year Team members are chaplains at
the Annual Meeting of Conference.
In order to raise the profile of the Team, the members have been encouraged to ask for a few
minutes at a presbytery meeting to speak about the Team’s work. The Persistent Friends of the
presbyteries have brought copies of our brochure to presbytery meetings so that ministry
personnel are aware of and familiar with the Team’s work.
Goals for the coming year:
•
•
•
•
to continue to raise awareness of the Pastoral Care Team throughout the Conference
to recruit new members
to care for ourselves through training, support and spiritual enrichment for the Team
to offer an educational workshop that will support ministry personnel in their work.
These goals, under the umbrella of the Team’s mission of caring for and supporting ministry
personnel in the Conference, address all four priorities of Hamilton Conference.
The Rev. Martha Reynolds, Co-ordinator
17
PHILANTHROPY AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Misson: Faith Giving
Out of gratitude for God’s abundant grace, we respond with all we are and have in a pilgrimage
of caring, learning, and advocacy, so that God’s gifts may be shared by all creation.
Committee Mandate
•
•
•
To encourage philanthropy (with its root meaning of “humanity loving”)
To review, promote and support Mission and Service in the six Presbyteries and
Presbyterials of the Conference
To support revenue generation and legacy giving throughout the Conference
This Committee Has the Following Responsibilities:
•
•
•
•
•
•
offering up-to-date resources and reporting about Mission and Service Fund
congregational giving’s
reviewing the Mission and Service giving’s within Hamilton Conference and its six
presbyteries and presbyterials
encouraging congregations to connect thoughtful reflection on Christian discipleship
with giving for the mission of the church in the world
sharing ideas among our six presbyteries and presbyterials
planning Conference stewardship events
providing “Thank You” posters to congregations yearly for their M&S giving’s.
As a committee we still struggle with trying to get full membership, as several presbyteries have
not been able to find representatives. It is imperative that those representatives be found. One of
the main functions of this committee is to be a conduit for Mission and Service Promotion and
Stewardship Resources. Without presbytery representation, that information is not able to get to
Congregations, who desperately desire and need them.
This past year we have:
• Kept presbyteries and pastoral charges informed as to their M&S giving’s
• Promoted the Work of Mission & Service, and M&S promotional material
• Sent “Thank-You Posters,” which General Council has also adopted, and are being used
throughout the church nationally.
• Made a conscious decision to promote Stewardship Resources—resources to help
Congregations with faith based fund raising, and faithful living. We have tried to
catalogue and share where such resources are available. We are not alone in this;
nationally the church is also trying to do the same. As such they have put together a
wonderful website entitled Stewardship Toolkit (www.stewardshiptoolkit.ca). There
you will find many resources for Congregational Stewardship and Giving, Mission and
Service, Legacy Giving, and much, much more.
18
We are Blessed with two support staff.
•
•
Kim Uyede-Kai, our Conference Staff person, who keeps us abreast with what is
happening at Conference, and often at General Council. Kim’s wisdom, experience,
leadership, and hospitality are greatly appreciated.
Lisa Di Veto. Lisa is the United Church Financial Development Officer for Hamilton
Conference. Lisa helps congregations identify ways to strengthen their sustainability.
One of the areas that Lisa highlights is Grants. There are many outside grants available
to churches. Lisa is helping to identify those grants, and encouraging church’s to apply.
Lisa Di Veto has also conducted many Grant Workshops throughout the Conference.
One final thought:
Stewardship, Philanthropy, Mission and Service can never be mandated.
Our faith starts with love, God’s love.
And whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in them.
And it is from that place that abundance flows.
For Love is not stingy.
Ed Laksmanis
Chair of Hamilton Conference Philanthropy and Stewardship
19
REVIEW OF 2014 MISSION AND SERVICE GIVING
With gratitude, we celebrate the gifts we have shared for God’s mission. Our gifts enable us and others to
walk in justice and act with loving kindness. The generosity of the people of Hamilton Conference in
2014 for both local mission and ministry AND Mission & Service offers hope and kindness to people
and places in Canada and around the world.
1. Annual giving to the Mission & Service "Unified Fund" marks a positive improvement over
trends of the past few years with $25.67M nationally of which $3,024,070 was given by the people
of Hamilton Conference. Nationally this represents a decrease of only $0.39M below 2013. This is
an improvement over the last two years’ decreases of over $1M each year. Across the church, we
note that 1185 congregations are in 816 pastoral charges that increased their Mission & Service
giving in 2014. Thank you to the 96 congregations in 80 pastoral charges in Hamilton who are a part
of this generosity!
2. Giving through wills and other planned giving to Mission & Service is being reported
differently in 2014 to provide greater transparency and donor centred communication.
a. Giving through wills and proceeds from life insurance policies: In 2014, rather than
announcing an allocated 4 year average, actual gifts received from wills and proceeds from
life insurance policies are reported. This results in reporting $0.75M in gifts through wills
and life insurance.
b. Annuity gifts: Also beginning in 2014, gifts to Mission and Service in the form of final
residual gifts from annuities are counted in the year that they are received ($0.19M).
3. Total giving to Mission & Service in 2014 was $26.6M:
i.
$25.66 annual gifts
ii.
$ 0.94 legacy gifts
iii.
$26.60M total gifts for Mission & Service (vs last year's announced total of
$28.03M)
4. Designated giving for Mission & Service partners and ministries:
i.
$0.51M through the Gifts with Vision gift-giving catalogue
ii.
$0.33M for emergencies: Ebola, Philippines, and Syria
iii.
$0.84M total designated gifts
Hamilton Conference
Mission and Service Unified Fund
Contributions
For WDR
From UCW
From Special Gifts
From Congregational Giving
Total Mission and Service Giving 2014
Amount
$26,556
$177,278
$23,685
$2,796,551
$3,024,070
Thank you for your role in this generosity!
David Armour
Director of Philanthropy
20
PROPERTY COMMITTEE
2015 is here… and our time of waiting for Comprehensive Review outcomes will be coming to
a close, but not our anticipated 'epiphany' as a newly-minted Church! Throughout the year, the
Office Property Committee was committed to ensuring that Hamilton Conference Office is well
lit, heated, cooled and otherwise adequately maintained, ready for all who enter through its
doors. Nevertheless, with start-up last fall, the old 'downstairs' furnace wheezed to a fitful start,
so rather than wait for a mid-winter breakdown, it was replaced.
Our primary focus has evolved around upcoming renovations that will bring the premises up to
acceptable standards. A lift to the upper level is scheduled for installation. This much needed
conveyance will not only serve those with mobility issues, but also our staff who regularly haul
heavy boxes of paper and other supplies. Need I mention those large trays of dirty coffee cups
and dishes used regularly in the main level meeting space? And the dishwasher that is up a long
flight of stairs?
There is adequate space in the upstairs washroom for easy modification to a fully accessible
facility. The outside entryway will sport a wider concrete landing and, with properly graded
ramps, will improve access for all, as will new energy saving doors with automatic openers. We
are grateful for the services of local architect, Cynthia Zahoruk who will oversee all work and
for the confidence placed in the work of this committee by Hamilton Conference Executive and
the Past Presidents' Commission.
With conference staff having completed mandatory first aid training, an Automatic External
Defibrillator (AED) unit is now permitted on-site; the red AED pack is located in the downstairs
workroom. The AED may only be deployed by on-site, certified staff persons. Weekend groups
always have trained program staff in attendance.
Throughout the year, all manner of routine maintenance and necessary work is carried out by
reliable trades and service providers with whom we have built a solid working relationship.
Their timely response, expertise, quality of work and fair pricing practices are always much
appreciated. We are so grateful for the dedicated custodial services performed by Allan and
Diane Ellis. This wonderful, caring couple has now been with us for some thirty-five years!
This committee functions well, even with a reduced membership. We attend to the requirements
of our mandate, either by meeting or by email. We appreciate our Chairperson, Ralph Hayman,
who not only has a keen eye, but contributes legal expertise as well, along with Barbara
Woodburn, and Norene Anderson, the appointee from Hamilton Conference United Church
Women. Their working knowledge of local services and resources is a definite asset. We
appreciate the wonderful relationship we enjoy with the Rev. Peter Hartmans, Executive
Secretary, whose practical wisdom and hands on knowledge is such a blessing. Ruthanna Mack,
Administrative Assistant, has fitted so effortlessly and effectively into the scheme of things.
For one and all, it is hearts and hands … United!
Respectfully submitted, for Chairperson, Ralph Hayman, and Members
Norene Anderson, Secretary
21
SEXUAL ABUSE PREVENTION AND RESPONSE COMMITTEE
Goals: To ensure the administration of the United Church of Canada Sexual Abuse Prevention and
Response Policy and Procedures.
To train ministry personnel, members and adherents about ‘boundaries’ and about the policy and
procedures.
Our working committee: John Benham (chair from Feb 2014 to present), Jennifer Bawden, Judy
Chartrand, Bill MacKinnon and Jenny Stephens (Personnel Minister),
The SAPR committee has experienced a year of transition as we gave thanks for the leadership of Wendy
Lowden and Rosemary Godin as they accepted calls to the Newfoundland and the Maritimes
respectively. Thankfully, we welcomed Judy Chartrand and Bill Mackinnon to our team. Jennifer has
blessed us with some of her experience on the committee and her talents particularly in the area of Camp
boundary training. Jenny’s continues to be a great source of wisdom and guidance and this past year
we’ve also appreciated the support and leadership of Diane Matheson-Jimenez for her Camp Boundary
training support and committee guidance when needed.
This year we had a very successful and well attended Boundary Training event October 16, 2014 at the
Conference office. This training must be taken every 3 years in Hamilton Conference. General Council
mandates it once. The General Council (United in Learning) also offers online training as another option
for ministry personnel to fulfill the requirement.
I was grateful as a brand new chairperson when the SAPR committee supported me to attend the Faith
Trust Institute training event in April 2014 in Chicago. I really enjoyed meeting Rev. Dr. Marie Fortune
and a host of leaders across the United States and Canada. She introduced us to “Healthy Boundaries
201-Beyond Basic.” The new material offered a fresh look at the “Joy of Boundaries” along with new
resources with a focus on self-care, social media, and the internet. This event hosted by Marie Fortune
and her team was extremely insightful as she provided new material to underscore that we have “two
basic goals”: 1. To maintain the integrity of the ministerial or teaching relationship; 2. To protect those
who are vulnerable: congregants, clients, employees, students and staff.
SAPR also dealt with two complaints under the policy confidentially and sensitively. We are truly
blessed by consultants who are only a phone call away for anyone within our communities. This is
sensitive work and it’s important to know that we have very caring consultants in our conference to
support both complainants and respondents through the procedures. The process does work when we
follow it closely and we are grateful the guidance from the General Council who provide us with
investigators.
This past June, our Camp Boundary training team offered a program for Ryerson, Silver Lake and Cave
Spring. All leaders at the Church Camps receive training much the same as we give at these workshops,
and we were well received at each one. We also received important feedback from our Camp leaders on
some of the growing needs/challenges of Camp leaders and we look forward to updating our ways to
support camp leaders in 2015. SAPR also provided support and training to leaders of Youth Forum and
Children and Young Teens at Conference (CAYTS) and to the Conference at large as together we create
a safe community in the programs we share.
Respectfully Submitted
John Benham
22
STAFF COMMITTEE
The purpose of the staff committee is:
• To support conference staff and their ministries.
• To review performance reports, receive proposals and make recommendations regarding
continuing education, study leaves and sabbaticals.
• To receive resignations and initiate the formation of a search committee.
• To have representation on all search committees.
• To make recommendations on behalf of the search committees to the conference
executive.
• To organize an appropriate recognition for departing staff.
ACTIVITIES- 2014-2015
• We said goodbye to three wise men who served our committee admirably, Bob Tschanz,
Lee Claus and Rick Hawley.
•
We were pleased to welcome Lynne Bandy to our committee.
•
We developed a communication guideline for the conference.
•
We consulted with Susan Sigal in the development of performance appraisals.
•
We recommended the hiring of Christopher Hampson-Curtis, from a pool of
applications, for 10 weeks as a summer student.
•
We reviewed and recommended Lorna McQueen’s sabbatical proposal.
•
We hosted a Christmas Party for staff and distributed gifts on behalf of conference.
COMMENTS:
Staff continue to adapt to the ever changing terrain in churchland. This is stressful time in the
church and we are very fortunate to have exemplary individuals staffing our conference office.
In the midst of staff changes, sabbaticals, and redistribution of responsibilities, staff have
continued to respond with a smile. We are grateful to Peter Hartmans for his superb leadership
as executive secretary and for the continued resourcefulness and commitment of our conference
staff.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP: Herb Klaehn (Chair), Andrea Buttars (secretary), Charlie
Clarke, Lynne Bandy, Rosemary Addison, Jackie Childerhose,
Herb Klaehn, Chair
23
BROCK UNIVERSITY ECUMENICAL CHAPLAINCY
For the first time since I’ve been a Chaplain at Brock University, the Ecumenical Chaplaincy
was able to hire a student assistant for a full year. The student is Collin Glavac who works as the
Director of Programming. This enables the Chaplain to concentrate on program design,
resourcing the programs, mentoring and counselling students, and directing the promotion of the
ministry on campus. Gratitude must be expressed to the supporting denominations of the
Ecumenical Chaplaincy who have made this year and the hiring of Collin possible.
The major avenue of outreach to students is through programs of popular interest. Some of the
programs are cast broadly to reach a largely secular audience of diverse backgrounds, and some
programs are more expressly spiritual, directed at students wishing to explore and expand their
faith.
In the category of broadly aimed programming can be included the Toonie Suppers, Tea Time
Tuesday, Movie Night, the Winter Coat Drive, and the Big Questions Club. Of these several
programs, two in particular can be highlighted. Tea Time Tuesday is new this year and was
designed to be a time to drop-in on the Chaplain. During the first four weeks only one student
showed up; however, it was a different student each time. As word of mouth spread, Tea Time
became known and popular. The Ecumenical Chaplaincy regularly hosts tea for upwards of a
dozen students, with the discussion moving in all directions. This program has given the
Ecumenical Chaplaincy a reputation for a welcoming heart and open conversation. It has
increased the comfort level students have with religion on campus.
A second major story related to broadly aimed programming is the Big Questions Club. In
particular Collin Glavac has worked hard to make this outreach initiative a success, and his
efforts have been rewarded. There are over 180 Brock students following the Big Questions
Club on Facebook. The club meets physically twice a week during the academic semesters,
attracting a large and consistent number. Occasionally, Brock professors are guest speakers. It is
unquestionably one of the most successful student programs associated with the Ecumenical
Chaplaincy in quite some time.
In addition to programs aimed broadly, several programs are specifically defined to highlight,
support, and motivate spiritual development. Here, too, there are a number of programs that can
be named: Wisdom Exchange, Co-Exist Fair, Ecumenical Bible Study, Spiritual Counselling,
and the Student Christian Movement.
Particularly noteworthy among these specific programs is the new Student Christian Movement
group at Brock. For several years the SCM has only faintly existed, having occasional students
involved. The year 2014-15 has been, however, remarkably different. A consistent group was
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Educational Institutions – Reports for Information
formed late in November, and since the beginning of the new term interest and numbers have
grown. The new SCM is looking to ratify officially as a Brock University Student Union
(BUSU) club this spring. Ratification will bring stability to the SCM at Brock and allows the
Ecumenical Chaplaincy to support and promote on campus an engaging Christian group
focussed on justice issues and the social gospel. The focus of the SCM is consistent with United
Church theology and generally with the theology of the supporting Ecumenical denominations.
The Ecumenical Chaplaincy at Brock has had an astounding year in terms of student
involvement, growth in programming, and outreach to students on campus. Sincere thanks to all
who support campus ministry.
The Rev. Dr. David Galston, Brock University Chaplain (Ecumenical)
25
MCMASTER CAMPUS MINISTRIES COUNCIL (MCMC)
The McMaster Campus Ministries Council (MCMC), a conjoint ministry of the United, Anglican
and Presbyterian churches, oversees the work of the Ecumenical Chaplain with the McMaster
campus. The primary purpose of the ministry is to express God’s love to the university community
through: pastoral care, participation in the intellectual life of the campus, response to campus needs
and emergencies, fostering an interdenominational and ecumenical presence on campus, and
inclusion of other faith groups.
This campus presence is made possible through the efforts of the Ecumenical Chaplain and Council
membership, which includes students, staff, faculty, denominational and community representatives.
In addition to offering pastoral support that is inclusive of the range of needs from spiritual,
emotional, financial and academic, the Chaplain also participates on a number of university
committees, including: The Research Ethics Board, the Mental Health Roundtable, the Violence
Against Women and Gender Based Violence Working Group, the Living Wage Coalition, the
McMaster Community Poverty Initiative, and Soul Food Fair. As facilitator of the Anti-Violence
Network, the Ecumenical Chaplain works closely with other departments and students to promote
non-violence through education, and is frequently called upon to respond to events that impact the
McMaster community.
The goals for 2014-15 were:
To expand our leadership development and mentoring of students in the following areas:
(1) Youth Connexion and the McMaster students for Social Justice Group
(2) International student programming
(4) Anti-Violence Network’s focus on violence against women through the “All That Glitters
and December 6th commemoration
Campaign”
Youth Connexion (a program for neighborhood youth in grades 5-8) benefited not only from the
excellent leadership of third-year student Beth Currie, but also from three placement students in the
fall term, a Divinity College student placement for the year, four additional university student
volunteers and three high school volunteers. Together with representatives of Westdale United,
Melrose United, MacNeill Baptist and St. Cuthbert’s Presbyterian, we facilitated a “One Day
Wonder” kick-off day, along with 6 sessions for both fall and winter, each with a social justice
theme. The student volunteer’s confidence grew as they took responsibility for leading worship,
providing theme talks and coordinating games and activities. Some youth often bring a friend, but
the core participation of youth ranges from 12-20. The youth are enthusiastic and respond
thoughtfully to the presentations. They particularly liked the presentation by Helen Norris of the
Helping Hands Mission that was offered at Melrose United, and an improv activity by Lois Wilson
at Westdale United. This program demonstrates strong ecumenical partnerships as we draw on the
gifts and leadership skills not only from students, but from our partner churches. Through the
weekly programming, we focus on faithful public witness in relation to justice issues.
The McMaster Social Justice Group was launched with new leaders and very awesome tee-shirts
with the logo: service before self, designed by Amanda Lemus, the Chaplain Assistant. The student
leaders for the fall term were not as effective in developing the identity of the group as we
anticipated. However, a couple of students helped with the “Do the Math” campaign to bring
awareness to the extremely low social assistance rates. Through this process, we learned about a
need for winter wear. The student leaders coordinated a very successful coat drive for Mission
26
Services and a sock drive for Living Rock. Melissa Cameron’s leadership in the winter term proved
more effective, as the group networked with several campus groups to organize a “social justice
networking” event in the student centre. Students enjoyed volunteering at Living Rock’s food bank,
and sharing a meal with refugees at Micah House. Amanda Lemus did an excellent job of
maintaining a face book presence and in mentoring the student leaders, especially in the winter term.
Nicolle Cheung, a student who worked as an intern for international student programming helped us
to offer a number of outreach events for students. Our most successful event is the annual
Thanksgiving Dinner that was enjoyed by 170 students and volunteers at Binkley United. Ultimately
drop-in socials in the student centre proved the most effective form of programming. Nicolle met
regularly with Amanda Lemus and the Ecumenical Chaplain to develop posters, publicity and to
organize events. Nicolle’s leadership skills grew through this experience.
The All That Glitters campaign brought leadership opportunities for many students, including 7 from
a Women’s Studies Course. Audrey Tan, a member of Council and Westdale United, was a key
organizer of the donations and the display of accessories for the sale on November 22 at the
Freeway Café. Sales were less than we hoped, but a donation of $813 was given to the Native
Women’s Centre in Hamilton and to ATZIN, an indigenous cooperative in Mexico. A subsequent
event was held in the Student Centre on March 13, where donations were encouraged to “buy a leaf”
and receive a free piece of jewelry. We raised $613 toward a goal of $750 to buy a tree and plaque
to commemorate the more than 1200 missing and murdered indigenous women. Fundraising will
continue in the fall for the purchase two trees that will be planted on the site of the new Wilson
building, the future home of the Indigenous Studies program. We continue to work collaboratively
with the Indigenous Studies Program to ensure that the December 6th commemoration includes
awareness of the missing and murdered indigenous women. As part of placement experiences, two
students helped us to prepare templates for “red dresses” which were strung together to symbolize
the missing and murdered women. Three other students prepared information pamphlets about
violence against women for the Dec 6th event.
Goals for 2015-16
1. Maintain and expand the focus on leadership development of students by seeking placement
students from courses where experiential learning is a component.
2. Seek a dynamic facilitator for international student programming who can increase
relationships between international students and volunteers from local churches.
3. Mentor the student coordinator for the McMaster Social Justice Group to work cooperatively
with the new coordinator of the McMaster Community Poverty Initiative on voter
responsibility and the election, especially as it relates to poverty.
The goals for the coming year reflect the needs on campus as well as the desire to strengthen
partnerships with our churches and to foster leadership development among students. Many young
adults are on the outside of churches. We seek to meet them where they are and to demonstrate that
the Ecumenical Chaplaincy is passionate about social justice and that we also seek to nurture and
support students as they navigate their academic and spiritual journey.
With appreciation for the support of Hamilton Conference,
Carol Wood, Ecumenical Chaplain
27
FIVE OAKS EDUCATION AND RETREAT CENTRE
Greetings to members of Hamilton Conference!
In 2014, serving 6600 total people, increasing 10% from 2013, we are constantly reminded of the
need for sacred space, retreat and for programs which provide spiritual nurture, Christian faith
formation and lay leadership development.
2014 programs were well-attended and life-giving to so many. These included:
Spiritual Nurture and Renewal
Spiritual Direction and Day Away
Sound and Silence Mindfulness
Silent Retreats
Soul Care through SoulCollage®
Spirituality and Photography
Work Camps
Male Spirituality Circle
Five Oaks’ Reads: Book Club
Courage and Renewal ®
Spiritual Practices Certificate
Ontario Jubilee: Certificate Program in Spiritual Deepening and Spiritual Direction
Christian Faith Formation and Lay Leadership Programs:
Neos – Youth Ministry Certificate Program
Licensed Lay Worship Leaders
Hand in Hand – Equipping Congregations in Pastoral Care
Spiritual Journey Groups for Clergy
Lay Foundations: Certificate Program in theology and Bible Introduction to Godly Play
Common Life Community
Children & Youth Ministry and Right Relations Programs:
Confirmation Retreat
Go Project Camp
Wampum: Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth Experience
Avodah Experience: Work and Worship Experience for Youth
Art Adventure Camp
Outdoor Adventure Camp
Wampum: Junior Leaders
As the United Church of Canada continues to evolve so does Five Oaks. We hear the longing for
spiritual deepening in both those who attend church and those who don’t. We hear the need for
strong lay leaders who can meet the challenges of the changing church. We feel called to live into
Right Relations with all people. As such, we are developing new ways to live into our commitment
to inspire spirituality, encourage lay leadership and foster connections across cultural divides. We
are working to expand our current mission to allow programs to serve the national church through
online engagement and regional gatherings. Partnership conversations with Emmanuel College
Continuing Education, United in Learning and Haliburton School of the Arts, are taking shape and
will strengthen Five Oaks’ core mission. Continue to watch for announcements in 2015 about the
exciting future of Five Oaks programs.
To further strengthen our mission, we are creating a model that will allow this ministry to flourish
for decades to come.
As such, 2014 was a year of discovery and learning for Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre.
We learned what we did not want to become (big business, far from mission and closed). We
learned about the truly fragile state of Education Centres across the country, watching two of our
United Church sister centres close their doors. We learned the passionate support that rallied behind
Five Oaks, even when we were not quite sure what pathway we were being called onto. We listened
28
Miscellaneous – Reports for Information
carefully and took chances. As the year progressed, we became quite certain we were being drawn
down a new path; a path that would allow mission, ministry and our value of the earth and Right
Relations to collide. A pathway that would bring new life to the Centre’s mission.
What has emerged is a partnership opportunity with an eco, humanitarian organization called
Earthship Biotecture. Earthship’s mission is to make off-grid, self-sustaining homes available to
people around the world, respond to global humanitarian needs (disaster relief) for self-sustaining
homes and to provide education on how to live gently on this earth. Earthship and Five Oaks are
working together to define partnership which will be mutually beneficial to both missions, to better
our church, community and world. Five Oaks will retain ownership of both land and buildings,
realize a new off-grid Education and Retreat Centre and peacefully co-exist with a partner that
shares similar values of Right Relations and caring for the earth.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Hamilton Conference for your support during the
past year and allowing us the opportunity to discover a new pathway for Five Oaks. You have been
incredible champions for Five Oaks!
As the plan for the future continues to unfold, we ask that you keep us in your prayers. We ask that
you share this hopeful news, help to rally support and to be part of building this positive and
incredible momentum forward. There is so much light and hope for the future of this cherished
ministry.
“Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” Romans 12:12
We ask that you join us.
Blessings,
Melissa Connor
Executive Director
Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre
[email protected]
Executive Director,
Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre
29
GRAND RIVER SPIRITUAL AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
(AVEL ONTARIO)
Background:
The AVEL Ontario outlet became a partner in the Grand River Bookstore & Video Library on January 2,
2000, along with Five Oaks Education & Retreat Centre, Erie Presbytery and the Division of
Communication of the United Church of Canada, under the umbrella of a Pilot Project for Resource
Distribution. United Church Bookrooms closed March 31, 2002 and on April 1, 2002 the Grand River
Bookstore & Video Library began operating with the following partners: AVEL Ontario, Erie Presbytery
and Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre. This partnership incorporated in 2004 with a new name:
Grand River Spiritual and Educational Resources. In 2010 AVEL West ceased operation and in January
2011 AVEL Ontario began serving Chinook Presbytery in Saskatchewan Conference through presbytery
membership in AVEL and other United Church of Canada congregations East and West through
congregational membership or through single usage fees.
Mission Statement:
A ministry of the United Church of Canada providing and promoting resources: audio-visuals, books,
United Church programming materials, church supplies and skilled resource people offered in one
location and by one operation:
•
•
•
That supports current programmes and issues
That enhances the ministries of worship, education, social justice, spirituality and faith of the
individuals or groups who use the outlet
That equips individuals and groups for the mission of God as articulated and personified in Jesus
Christ.
Actions Taken:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
30
Resources promoted at regular presbytery meetings
Resource displays organized for workshops held at Five Oaks and other locations
Book and video displays taken to Presbyterial and Conference gatherings and Annual General
Meeetings
Book and video displays taken to individual churches
Books/DVDs chosen and purchased to support the many events at Five Oaks
Book and DVD reviews at events held at Five oaks and other locations
Workshops organized and presented for Five Oaks programs, hosted groups at Five Oaks and
other locations
Webstore available for non-local bookroom customers
Easy to use and up to date web store with secure online payment methods
Produce specialized videographies for various user groups
Regular communication through monthly newsletter
Network with resource centre directors and conference staff regularly and as requested
In 2014 we will begin the process of moving the AVEL database online, which will enable our
users to access information about a title and order it for use online. This initiative was made
possible by a technology grant from Hamilton Conference. We are currently working with
PeaceWorks to offer an online data base that will: provide a catalogue of resources
available, featuring program description and availability; offer online order fulfillment to
members and non-members alike. Non-members will be charged a fee for use and shipping
charges; we will offer easy online access to the United Church of Canada’s YouTube
channel for live streaming and United Church Resource Centre products available to order
and ship; we will offer regular newsletters from the data-base with current information
about the service. We expect AVEL Online to be fully functional for users in Spring 2015.
Challenges:
•
•
•
•
•
To creatively function within two systems, one that generates revenue through the sale of print
material and one that offers a video loaning library with free one-way shipping.
To raise the awareness of United Church resources both print and DVD and their potential as
part of challenging, creative and transformative programming.
To enthusiastically support all ministries within the United Church of Canada by promoting
resources produced for their various programmes.
To continue to provide the same level of ministry without increase in partner funding.
To continue to uphold the unique partnership between five Ontario Conferences, Erie Presbytery
and Five Oaks Education and Retreat Centre and to include conferences, presbyteries,
congregations and individuals who are inspired to invest in education.
Respectfully submitted by Jackie Childerhose
Grand River Educational & Spiritual Resources (AVEL Ontario)
PO Box 553, Paris, ON N3L 3E7
Phone: 1-888-668-0872 or 519-442-3366
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.avelgrandriver.com
Web store: www.grandriverbooks.ca
AVEL 2014 User Report
By Conference
Bay of Quinte
Hamilton
London
Manitou
Toronto
Saskatchewan (Chinook)
Five Oaks
Francis Sandy Centre
All Native Circle
Non-members
Total
2012
350
999
404
184
730
272
78
2013
460
1093
655
209
865
368
177
2014
383
873
479
167
797
204
88
7
268
3292
1
420
4248
207
3198
31
This table shows AVEL booking figures from 2012-2014. United Church Pastoral charges
amalgamate or close, resulting in fewer members and a decrease in bookings, however,
resources are still in demand.
In 2014 Five Oaks programming began to initiate a shift to prepare for a changing United
Church of Canada and the bookstore keeps current with these changes by promoting off-site
book displays and working with Five Oaks to send book displays with off-site programs,
notably the January 2015 Licensed Lay Worship Leader orientation program in Kente
Presbytery, Bay of Quinte Conference. We engage with weekend hosted groups at Five Oaks
and provide resources upon request, for example: bookstore stock and DVD support for groups
such as Christian Meditation Group and The Toronto Institute for Relational Therapy. Five Oaks
is home to Ontario Jubilee: Certificate Program in Spiritual Deepening and Spiritual Direction
and the bookstore meets resource needs for students in all levels of the program. Course readers
are prepared for Licensed Lay Worship Leader programs, Lay Foundation programs, Jubilee
programs taking place at Five Oaks and Designated Lay Minister Diploma programs taking
place at St. Andrew’s College, Saskatoon. This work is possible through an Access Copyright
license, maintained by Grand River Spiritual and Educational Resources.
2014 unaudited bookstore sales were $111,000.00, which includes $6,700.00 in discounts
offered to customers and $1,100.00 in gift certificates. Discounts are offered to United Church
Conference Staff, United Church members offering book studies for their congregations and
purchasing in volume. Our web store (www.grandriverbooks.ca) continues to serve new
customers who cannot visit our location at Five Oaks.
We are proud of the atmosphere at our bookstore and guests at Five Oaks comment on the fine
selection on the shelves in both the bookstore and the video library. We give thanks for our
partners in ministry.
UNITED CHURCH WOMEN EXECUTIVE
My children, our love should not be just words and talk;
it must be true love, which shows itself in action. 1 John 3:18
I selected “Love in Action” as my theme. Sometimes we may feel as one person “what can we
do to make change?” but when we educate ourselves, tell others and work together we can
activate change. Let us find purpose in Witness, Study, Fellowship and Service. We have seen
in the example of Morogoro what can be done and now as we engage in the NUCW/conference
project of “Childhood Poverty,” I ask each local unit and each prebyterial to learn about existing
programs in your community and their needs. Prayer, financial support and encouragement by
awareness will support my theme of “Love in Action.”
Thank you to Hamilton Presbyterial and St. Paul’s UCW, Dundas, for hosting the 2014 Annual
meeting. Our guest speakers were the Rev. Lorna MacQueen who introduced “Fishing on the
Other Side,” a report from the Comprehensive Review task team and Wendy Girchuru who
32
updated us on the Woman’s Health Training in Morogoro. During the business portion of this
meeting the Leadership Division presented recommendations which were approved by the
attendees, which resulted in the elimination of two positions on the executive, namely 2nd vice
president and corresponding secretary. The duties of these two positions have been assumed by
others on the executive.
Plans for the annual Fall Retreat at Five Oaks were co-ordinated by the members of the
Christian Nurture and Leadership division. The Rev. Dianne Walker facilitated the retreat with
the theme “Love in Action”. There was very positive feedback from the 45 participants. The
2015 retreat will be October 30 and 31.
In September, Nancy Risto - Hamilton Conference UCW vice president, Phyllis Buchner President Elect of NUCW, and I travelled to the Queen of Apostle retreat facility in Mississauga
for the annual meeting of the National United Church Women. President, Beverley Green led
the meeting with her theme “Walk with Me.” Emily Pettypiece was installed as secretary of the
NUCW. We, the representatives from Hamilton Conference UCW, led the Vespers on
Wednesday evening. Report presentations included staff and unit reports; Morogoro final
update; budget; conference/district UCW reports and reports from NUCW representatives to the
Presbyterian and CWL national meetings. The Transition Team was dissolved and the work of
the UCW Guidelines committee continues. Bread Not Stones - study and worship guide was
introduced by GC staff. Catherine Christie, overseas personnel, spoke to us about her work with
PROK. Beth Symes of the Comprehensive Review Task Team updated us on the review.
General Secretary Nora Sanders brought greetings and the Right. Rev. Gary Paterson,
Moderator, joined us for an afternoon of dialogue. Former Moderator the Very Rev. Lois
Wilson was guest speaker on Thursday evening. Friday morning worship and communion
service was followed by the installation of President Phyllis Buchner, who introduced her theme
“Roots and Wings”. Thanks to several UCW members from Halton and Waterloo who joined us
Friday morning to offer support to Phyllis.
“Change” has been and continues to be the topic of discussion within our units, presbyterials,
Conference UCWs and the wider church. Our local UCWs and presbyterials continue to seek
new ways of fulfilling their purpose. The next report from the Comprehensive Review Task
Team will be available by the time you are reading this report. I encourage you to read the
proposals and discuss them in your congregations, UCWs and presbyterials.
Thank you for the privilege of being President of Hamilton Conference UCW. And thank you to
the members of the Hamilton Conference UCW executive. We as an executive also want to
express our appreciation to Executive Secretary Peter Hartmans and conference staff
particularly Lorna MacQueen and Diane Matheson who provided staff support to UCW during
the past year.
Blessings,
Joyce Osborne
33
WESLEY URBAN MINISTRIES
With your help, Wesley Urban Ministries offers support, every step of the way, to marginalized
children, youth, adults and seniors living in poverty in Hamilton. This year, Wesley Urban
Ministries is proud to be celebrating our 60th anniversary!
What began as a senior’s outreach tea in the basement of Wesley United Church has since
grown significantly in response to current research in best practices, preventative approaches to
poverty, and the overwhelming need throughout the Hamilton community. Today, Wesley has
over 30 different programs in 20 locations, but what remains most important is the personal
impact on individuals’ lives, leading to improved education, successful employment and
supportive independence. As our participants share:
“I don’t know what I would have done without Wesley. I am 100% more confident and
have greater parenting skills!” A young Mom with 2 year old son, supported by Wesley’s
Children, Youth & Family Services
“I enjoy going out for walks, talking with my new friends. It is amazing, given all the
damage I did to myself.” A former homeless man, now living in his own housing, supported by
Wesley’s Housing & Homelessness Services
“I now know how to use the oven, take the bus and what to say to a bank teller. I am not
scared!” A Dad who lived in refugee camp for 20 years, now living in Hamilton with his wife
and children, supported by Wesley’s Newcomer Services.
These stories of impact are only possible with the partnerships from The United Church of
Canada, presbyteries, and individual congregations. Thank you for your generous gifts of time,
talent and treasure. With only 3% of our expenses related to fundraising, you can be assured that
your donations directly make a difference to individuals in need. More financial information at
http://wesley.ca/publications/annual-reports/
Some highlights of our past year include:
*A research study published on our Transitions to Home (T2H) program and long-term
homelessness in Hamilton by Dr. Julia Woodhall-Melnik, St. Michael’s Hospital, and Dr. Jim
Dunn, McMaster University. Transitions to Home supports individuals experiencing long-term
shelter use and chronic homelessness to obtain and maintain safe and affordable housing.
Among the findings, 86% of the men supported by T2H moved to permanent housing in 2010.
The full study can be found at http://wesley.ca/news/publications/transition-to-home-researchstudy/
*Wesley’s annual Christmas Store provided food and new gifts to over 1,400 households,
including 1,926 children in 2014. This year, we had an exciting new partnership with 270
Sherman, a creative arts centre in a former cotton factory. 450 volunteers, ranging from students
to seniors, gave approximately 5,240 hours to this program, including many congregations from
34
Hamilton Conference. To inform and inspire our dedicated volunteers, we received a grant from
The United Church of Canada Foundation to create a Best Practices for Volunteers video.
Watch the video at www.wesley.ca/volunteer
*The 23rd Annual Case for Kids Walk, Run, Ride in 2014 raised $102,000 for Wesley’s children
and youth programs. One new initiative made possible by Case for Kids funding is a new girlsonly Teen Drop In program. The program was developed after community consultation explored
why more boys were attending the co-ed program. The girls-only programming includes
recreational activities and life skills. As one participant shared, “It’s so exciting to have all this
space in the gym without the boys and have fun.”
*At Wesley Day Centre, 100,000 meals continue to be served annually and we added more
activities such as men’s and women’s groups and recreational therapy to increase ways the
Centre is a place of change and transformation. In 2014, we received a Mission and Ministry
Grant from Hamilton Conference to explore new forms of worship and reflection at Wesley Day
Centre. We learned from this experience that more informal reflections, such as talking about a
bible verse shared on a computer tablet, is a way to involve more people and meet people where
they are most comfortable. We look forward to implementing this style of worship into our
Sunday dinner program.
Please join us as we celebrate our 60th anniversary through six community events during June –
September, 2015: Newcomer Art Show for World Refugee Day, Canada Day Picnic for children
& families, Youth Basketball Game & BBQ, Senior’s Tai Chi & Tea, Gala Dinner for Wesley
Day Centre participants, and a special 60th Anniversary Open House on Wednesday
September 30th. To learn more visit www.wesely.ca or contact us at 905 528 5629 or
[email protected]
You can also follow up on Twitter, Facebook or sign up for our e-newsletter at
http://wesley.ca/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/ To arrange a guest speaker at your Church or learn
more ways to be involved, please contact Andrea Buttars, Manager Resource Development,
[email protected] or 905 528 5629 ext. 248.
Thank you again for your tremendous support
and faithfully providing a public witness to The
United Church of Canada’s commitment to
supporting individuals living in poverty, with
compassion, respect and dignity!
Submitted by Daljit Garry, Executive Director
35
AFFIRM NETWORK
Our network began with four participants, and was supported by Peter Hartmans. As Peter took
on new responsibilities as Executive Secretary, he was replaced by Diane Matheson,
Conference Minister for Social Justice. Roy Holton and Bruce Sweet continue to meet
faithfully with Diane.
The Network’s discernment over 2012 and 2013 led us to present a motion at the 2014 Annual
General Meeting of Hamilton Conference that we move towards becoming an authentically
Affirming Conference. Bruce Sweet brought the motion to the floor of the AGM and facilitated
questions and comments from delegates. The motion passed, with a great deal of support. Since
the Annual Meeting in May of 2014, our network has met to consider how we will engage in
dialogue with various committees of the Conference, encouraging them to consider the
implications of becoming an affirming Conference. These conversations will happen during
2015 and 2016.
We have planned a presentation for the upcoming AGM, May 29-31, 2015. This time has been
designed to help those present to consider more fully the inclusion of LGBTTQ persons in all
aspects of Conference events and meetings.
As we are a small (but mighty!) network, we would like to extend an invite to others who
would be interested in joining us in this ongoing and important work.
Submitted by Rev. Bruce Sweet
BEARING FAITHFUL PUBLIC WITNESS NETWORK
The Bearing Faithful Public Witness Network is comprised of representatives from each
presbytery’s Bearing Faithful Public Witness (or equivalent) committee.
The objective of the Network is to ‘co-ordinate, lift up and encourage the social and global
justice work within Hamilton Conference’.
In the name of good stewardship, the Bearing Faithful Public Witness Network meets primarily
by tele or web conference 2 to 4 times per year.
In 2014, priorities for the Network included sharing resources, circulating information on
workshop and volunteer opportunities, and discussion and discernment around the implications
of recommendations from the Comprehensive Review Task Group.
The Network currently has openings for one representative each from Niagara and Erie
Presbyteries. Please consider joining us in this important ministry!
Diane Matheson, Conference Minister for Social Justice
36
Networks – Reports for Information
CHILDREN AND YOUTH NETWORK
Network Members: Linda Clark, Adam Hanley, Deborah Laforet, Miriam Spies, Debbie Siertsema, and
Laurie White, with staff support from Lorna MacQueen.
The Children & Youth Ministry Network was formed in the fall of 2009. This is the mandate of
the Network, which was approved by Conference Executive in May 2012.
1.
2.
3.
4.
To promote ways of nourishing the spirituality of children and youth.
To support those who are in leadership positions in ministry with children and youth.
To promote resources related to faith formation of children and youth.
To promote relevant events for children and youth both in and outside the Conference.
Since last year’s Annual Report, we’ve had three meetings, all via video-teleconferencing, and
will have one more before Conference meets this year.
Last October, the Network was involved in working with Hamilton Presbytery on a mini GO
Project, called “GO Your Own Way.” It was held Oct. 24-26, with a home base at Centenary
United Church. There were seven young people participating, with leadership provided by GO
project staff Michael Shewburg, various representatives from Hamilton Presbytery, and one
volunteer from Halton Presbytery. Although attendance was lower than hoped for, it was
deemed an excellent experience for the seven youth. The community involvement included: a
visit to the Hamilton Victory Gardens, Wesley Urban Ministries Teen program, the chance for
the group to connect by witnessing the procession of the return of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo’s body to
Hamilton; and a love bombing experience with the L’Arche community. Ages in attendance
were grade 9-11.
The Network offers support to the leaders and planners of Conference Youth Forum, as well as
General Council Youth Forum.
During our meetings, we have a time for sharing what is happening in each of our presbyteries
so it would be great to have representation from each one. Geography is not an issue since we
meet via telephone/video conferencing. We would really like to develop a more direct working
relationship with the presbyteries to learn what they are doing in relation to children and youth
and to provide support. We currently have representation from Halton, Hamilton and Erie
presbyteries; please, be in touch with me if you think you would like to become part of this
network, whether or not you are in Waterloo, Bruce or Niagara Presbytery. We know there are
many of you out there who share our passion for ministry with children and youth, so don’t be
shy about approaching me or anyone else on the Network.
Thank you to all the members of the Network for their enthusiasm and commitment and to
Diane Matheson-Jimenez for filling in during Lorna’s sabbatical, and to Lorna for her energy,
ideas and encouragement.
Linda Clark, Chair
37
WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER NETWORK
The purpose of our Network is...
† to enhance the prayer journey of the individual and their church community through WEEK
OF GUIDED PRAYER retreats.
Our current theme is “Dance of Discipleship”. . .
Placing dance and discipleship together initially may
sound conflicting for some. However, through prayer,
we are invited to discover the power, energy and
significant connection experienced by the people of
the Bible. Samuel’s awakening, Hannah’s dance
between hope and hopelessness, the disciple’s dance
of longing to follow Jesus – encourage us to dance.
Each of us hears the music of God’s voice differently, feels the beat, learns the dance, finds the
rhythm, is carried by the music, and lives the dance through the beauty and wonder of our
uniqueness. It is hoped this week participants will hear, see, and feel the hand of Jesus reaching
out to them so they may more fully into the dance of discipleship.
Goals to be achieved this year were...
† to provide printed resources for congregations holding WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER retreats;
† to offer leadership to facilitate WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER retreats;
† to provide ongoing support for companions through training and our annual retreat day.
As a network, we partner with churches within our Conference and across conference
boundaries within the United Church of Canada, as well as with four Presbyterian
congregations, one Covenant Christian Community Church and one Christian Life Communities
group. Working each year to meet our goals, we trust that as individuals grow through prayer
and personal reflection their relationship with God deepens and they are better equipped to
contribute to the health of their Congregations and presbyteries, offer effective leadership and
faithful public witness.
The theological rationale for our ministry is...
The rhythm of prayer and ministry, exemplified by Jesus, is our model to be followed. As Jesus
companioned disciples in their prayer experience and offered support for the spiritual journey,
so we are encouraged to support one another. Lay people and clergy, with specific training
companion retreatants in their prayer experience. This is not spiritual direction or counseling.
How we achieved our goals...
Our Network meets monthly at Conference Office and in members’ homes to pray and facilitate
this ministry. We prepare the theme materials; publicity and organizational resources; and
coordinators’ packets for each church. We also make prayer labyrinths available to
congregations who have the space to use them.
38
As of writing this report, 18 churches have held or have confirmed the will be holding a Week
of Guided Prayer in this conference year, 17 using the “Dance of Discipleship” materials, one
using “Connecting with God” materials. For the 2013-2014 season, our theme was "Connecting
with God " Twenty-three retreats were held. Ten churches reported a total of 202 participants.
The actual number of participants could be as high as 460.
A copy of our Manual may be purchased for $50.00 by contacting the Conference Office.
We provided one training session for new and experienced companions at Appleby in
Burlington in November and one at Trinity United in Oakville in February. Thanks to our
Training Coordinator Jan McCormick for her leadership and the congregations for their
hospitality. Heather Leffler led a third training at Harcourt in Guelph on behalf of the Guelph
Ecumenical Week of Guided Prayer.
We will hold a New Companion Training in your church, if you have a minimum of six
participants. Contact Jan at [email protected]. The next scheduled training is
planned for January 2016; contact Anne Murdoch for the date and location.
Thanks to Barbara Peloso for leading our annual Retreat Day at Lowville United Church on
May 3, 2014 to thank companions and coordinators in their ministry.
Network members share very personal stories in our materials to enhance the prayer journeys of
participants.
Website
We are grateful to Wayne Irwin for designing and administering our website which offers
history, sample materials, contact information and the possibility for churches to download
some of their materials electronically. Visit www.weekofguidedprayer.ca to learn more about
our Network or to contact us.
Retreatants comment on their experience...
† This week was a time of challenges and hopes fulfilled.
† The daily stories were interesting and informative and thought provoking.
† Feels very much like a privilege to have someone focused on what God is saying to me.
† The closing … A beautiful conclusion – so full of love and joy – a real celebration of God's
love and connection with us."
With thanks...
I am grateful for each member of our Network – Pat Gushue who has agreed to co-chair the
Network, Arthur Hills, Dale Kucharczyk, Jan McCormick, Anne Murdoch, Ferne Reeve, Bruce
Seebach and Linda Wheler. Thanks to Lorna MacQueen for her active, prayerful participation in
our work and Barbara Hampson, Ruthanna Mack and other members of Conference Staff and
Support Staff for their ongoing support.
If you or your church is interested in a WEEK OF GUIDED PRAYER, you may call Anne
Murdoch at 905-842-0275 or email her at [email protected].
Prayerfully submitted by, Heather Leffler, Chairperson
[email protected]
39
BRUCE PRESBYTERY
The pilot project “Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relationships” being tested in Bruce
Presbytery continued in 2014. As part of the mandate of the Project Implementation Team, it was stated
“that every congregation (not pastoral charge) create through conversations a one page ‘essence’
document describing its identity and current call to God’s work of love in the world.” The team
determined that a retreat format would assist the congregations in developing their Essence Statement.
To achieve that purpose, Hamilton Conference hired Chris Grose on contract to create and facilitate a
day long spiritual retreat on the question, “Why does my community of faith exist?” Approximately half
of our congregations participated at one of the six retreats offered with 18 essence statements being
written.
The Leadership Commission’s work focused in the areas of Discipline; Support to Search
Committees; Ministry Conversations; Learning Circles; and a Retreat. At the time that the
Commission was established, one Learning Circle (south) was ongoing in the presbytery. The
North Learning Circle is also now meeting. The commission determined that there was a need
for a time apart for Ministry Personnel. A retreat was held in late September 2014 with the
theme, “Leadership in Transition.” Another retreat is planned for September, 2015.
At each presbytery meeting, time is set aside in the agenda for “Learning Time.” “Learning
Time” includes a presentation/discussion/question format or a reporting/question format. During
the last year topics have included the Bruce Presbytery Operating Procedures, “Fishing on the
Other Side”; and “Thinking about One Order of Ministry.” Sarah Beer, returned Overseas
Personnel, also spoke to us on her time in Peru.
The new Bruce Presbytery Operating Procedures was approved and became effective in June
2014. The new structure is comprised of Required Committees (Pastoral Relations; Pastoral
Oversight; Stewardship; and Education and Students) and Recommended Committees (i.e.
UCW, Communications and other areas when a group of presbyters express a common interest).
The Recommended Committees report to presbytery and the executive through the Chair elect.
The Recommended Committees are in a period of growth as they develop their mandates and
become accustomed to the reporting process.
The Bruce United Church Co-operative established July 1, 2014, is a co-operative of six
congregations with 2 full time ministry personnel. Pulpit Supply as required completes the
worship schedule. Much prayer, discussion and planning led to the formation of this Cooperative. The six congregations continue to move forward in this new relationship.
In 2014 Bruce Presbytery organized its first Learning Day, open to lay and ministry personnel—
a series of workshops to enhance knowledge and skills of volunteers in local congregations.
These workshops are supported by Bruce Presbytery, Hamilton Conference and Port Elgin
United Church. In 2014 the workshops were Archives facilitated by Erin Greeno;
Congregational Finance facilitated by Erik Matheson; M & P with emphasis on Annual Staff
Reviews facilitated by Jenny Stephens; and Congregational Life Cycle facilitated by Kathy
Underwood. Even though the weather turned wintry, we had 93 participants in the workshops.
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Presbyteries – Reports for Information
The topics being covered at the 2015 Learning Day are Congregational Ministry and Personnel
Committees facilitated by Judy Zarubick; Trustees facilitated by Fred Monteith; Technology
Resources facilitated by Lee Anne Andriessen; Charitable Status facilitated by Lisa de Vito and
Janet Mac Donald; and Professional Standards for Ministry Personnel facilitated by Jenny
Stephens.
Presbytery Secretary Lillian Gohn is creating and forwarding by email a “Friday File” to all
congregations and presbyters. Friday File includes information on presbytery events but also
promotes programs and resources from Conference and the wider church.
New for 2015, Education and Students have organized a Licensed Lay Worship Leaders
Program with the first course beginning in late April. Thanks to this committee for giving
support to the identified need within our presbytery.
Blessings,
Joyce Osborne, Chair 2014
Presbyteries– Reports for Information
41
ERIE PRESBYTERY
In my term as Chair of Erie Presbytery this year I chose the theme, Listen and Speak the Truth
in Love, inspired by Ephesians 4. This was mainly acknowledging the discussions we would
need to have as a presbytery regarding the Comprehensive Review Task Group Report and
other changes that will need to be made in order for the UCC to continue to be a sustainable part
of Christ’s mission. Little did I know how intensely we would need to rely upon the Apostle
Paul’s words in our work as a presbytery.
In September of 2014 the work of Erie Presbytery Executive began much earlier than expected
when, as my very first act as Chair, it was necessary to call an emergency meeting in order to
support a minister and a congregation. The entire group was stunned and saddened at criminal
charges laid against a colleague. Our hearts went out to him and his family and we continue to
hold him in prayer. Amidst the darkness of this hurricane of emotions experienced by all
involved, the light of hope, the light of Christ did begin to shine and point to a way through. I
had the privilege of witnessing the Spirit of Christ move through the members of the Executive
and the entire presbytery as they stepped forward without fear or hesitation in providing
support and pastoral care for the congregation and our colleague, and they continue to do so.
The congregation is blessed with amazing lay leadership and demonstrated faithfulness in their
grief. At this time, on behalf of myself and Erie Presbytery, I would like to take the opportunity
to express my deep thanks for the response and leadership of Jenny Stephens, Peter Hartmans
and the entire Hamilton Conference staff especially during those first crucial days. I would also
like to offer thanks to those who offered prayer and support from beyond Erie Presbytery and
Hamilton Conference.
This year our presbytery, along with the church across the country has been awaiting the final
report from the Comprehensive Review Task Group. With some of the models from the initial
report still in mind and with the help and support of the Past-Chair, the Rev. Aaron Miller and
the Secretary, Karen Tobey we have made an effort to begin to move toward gatherings and
agendas that are less business focused. With an eye to the future we are seeking to encourage
community and collegial support and learning. These gatherings have included extended times
of worship, a presentation from the GO Project, and a gathering that includes a Messy Church
event provided by the leadership from Messy Church Canada, a part of Fresh Expressions.
Finally, with the leadership of the Rev. John Maich and the support of Erie Presbytery’s Mission
and Development Council, Erie has established a partnership with EDGE: A Network for
Ministry Development. EDGE works with congregations, church members, leaders, and
communities in a variety of areas, grouped into three main sections: Human Help,
Transformation, and Network Development. Our hope in creating this partnership will be to
provide every pastoral charge in Erie Presbytery with valuable information in order to promote
vibrant and sustainable ministries as well as identify possibilities for new ministries.
Yours in Christ,
Dan
Rev. Dan MacLean, Chair, Erie Presbytery
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HALTON PRESBYTERY
Many of you will be familiar with or have inadvertently overheard the “f” bomb or the “f” word. At
Halton Presbytery reflecting on the year in review has revealed a number of “f” words, but not of the
explosive or offensive kind. (But that is not to rule out that we were thinking it.) Explosive or not it
was a year of epic proportion. Beginning with:
Fishing on the Other Side – or phishing as the document from the Comprehensive Review was
endearingly coined. The word Phishing is defined as the attempt to acquire sensitive information
such as user names, passwords, and credit card details, by masquerading as something trustworthy.
In Halton we did indeed trust the process and further engaged in the dialogue “Trust God, Trust the
Body.” At the last meeting of the presbytery amid a record attendance, the final draft was pondered
and aptly moderated by The Rev. Margaret Bain.
Fiscal Challenge – Assessments and cost to congregations are often at the forefront of our
conversation. As some congregations deal with deficit budgets, ageing congregations and anxiety for
the future of large physical structures, so too our financial projections take into account the financial
requests from communities of faith in order that they may continue to be vibrant and hopeful. Other
congregations are proactive in seeking alternative ways of being self-sustaining, which is evidenced
in the presence of consultants from Edge at the very successful and recent “Networking Day.”
Fresh Expressions – The Halton Presbytery committed energy, time and resources to explore the
Fresh Expression philosophy by hiring The Rev. Ryk Brown as the Mission Development Officer. A
grant opportunity and training in aspects of Fresh Expressions is well underway with a much needed
injection of enthusiasm and hopefulness.
Faith – The presbytery has embraced a new mission in our midst, and at the Covenanting Service
for this new endeavour experienced a “new” thing that has the Spirit and the rest of us dancing with
joy. This community is exploring a missional way of being church and doing life in community.
Following Jesus - Equipping Courageous Leaders. Recently, I was engaged in a battle on Face Book
about what it meant to be a courageous leader today. Some would argue that it is courageous for
clergy who would speak outside the Mainstream. News flash: we are all speaking outside the
Mainstream. It is courageous to speak the Gospel anywhere or anytime. Wellington Square and the
Ministry in Motion Team are committed to respond to and support what it is to be courageous amidst
cultural shifts and a changing response to church. The 2015 event is on the network. Check it out.
Feeding the 5000 – I recall a cartoon of Jesus blessing the 2 small fish and five loaves that the
disciples gathered for the crowds, but the comments from the crowd were: I'm vegan, I'm gluten
free, is this genetically modified? We are a diverse community who are constantly changing with the
demands of individuals, communities and a creation under siege. It has been a challenge and perhaps
an “f” bomb or two could be seen in my thought bubble. We pressed on with a dedicated group of
new faces and some who have sat around the table at Palermo for decades, seeking to offer support
and guidance to the churches and mission within our boundary. I am very grateful for the support of
the Executive team and the Hamilton Conference Staff : Peter Hartmans, Jenny Stephens, and
especially Kim Uyede-Kai, our Persistent and comforting friend.
Alison Nicholson, Chair
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HAMILTON PRESBYTERY
The Mission Statement of Hamilton Presbytery is: “We are a court of the United Church of
Canada expressed and lived out as a community of clergy and lay presbyters, who serve Jesus
Christ by overseeing, nurturing, enabling and building up Christ’s church and the realm of God
within our bounds.”
The Pastoral Oversight Committee of Hamilton Presbytery conducted a survey of the presbytery
and thirty people responded. As a result, our meetings included a time of community building so
that we could get to know one another and break down the perceptions that we are a group of
cliques and that decisions are made by a “closed shop.” Worship time was shortened so that the
business of the court could be addressed in a more respectful manner.
We continue to work in partnership with Wesley Urban Ministries, providing leadership for
worship, representation on the Board, and by having helpers provide meals for their clientele.
One meeting was spent looking at tools to increase membership – Alpha, Unbinding the Gospel
and The Story. Another was spent looking at poverty.
We acknowledge that we would like to have more people serving on committees and many
members have served for many years on the same committee, but that seems to be a universal
need.
We are going to spend a significant amount of time on the Comprehensive Review.
Rev. Dr. Robin J. Wilkie
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NIAGARA PRESBYTERY
Since the rise of conference in 2014 Niagara Presbytery has been a scene of change. It began
with “Fishing on the Other Side,” a study that was conducted not only within the various
congregations, but also at the presbytery level with our Faith and Order Team leading us in
study and discussion. We are still thinking and moving forward as the “Comprehensive Review”
has been received. Study and discussion continues.
Executive meetings were held on a monthly basis except August, with additional ones as
needed, to deal with happenings within the presbytery. Eight presbytery meetings were held the
last Tuesday of each month. These are usually a gathering at 5:00 p.m. for dinner together with
the meeting commencing at 6:15 p.m.
Like all presbyteries, we have experienced joys and sorrows. Closures, a pending amalgamation,
covenanting of new clergy; we are being led through it all by Christ’s spirit, the spirit of love.
Yes we have had our heated moments and heavy discussion, but they have been resolved in such
a manner that we have remembered who we are and why we are.
Our first closure was All Peoples Memorial in Welland… a congregation that was originally a
mission church under General Council. As their numbers dwindled and costs rose, closure
became a reality. The majority of remaining members are now attending Central United in
Welland. As it was a Mission Church, the proceeds of the sale of this property were returned
directly to General Council.
The second closure was St. Andrews in Port Dalhousie, St. Catharines—once again, another
congregation of over 100 years of joyful worship and service. The sale of that property is in the
closing stages. We now have an active clergy member seeking an Appointment or Call as a
result. Currently there are two other churches planning their closures in June and September.
The result of the June closure will leave us with a second member of ordered clergy seeking a
new position.
An amalgamation is anticipated in June in Niagara Falls between a congregation that had been
on the verge of closing and a congregation that is healthy. This will not result in any clergy loss
of employment. The Property team of Niagara Presbytery has been more than busy dealing with
EDGE on behalf many congregations in the Presbytery and assisting them as they have/are
moving forward into their futures.
It was a joy to covenant with three congregations and their new clergy: All Peoples in
Ridgeway, Bethel in Cooks Mills and Vineland United in Vineland. A further covenanting is
looked forward to at Trinity, Beamsville in the near future.
We have many congregations that are currently striving to follow their missions and visions as
members age, finances dwindle and futures are hazy. This has resulted in a number of half time
or less clergy appointments. This is a growing concern in the presbytery for many reasons, not
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the least of which is the number of those seeking entrance into ministry from Niagara. The
Education and Students Team have six under their wings at the moment. Positions are and will
be needed for these students as they progress. Half time or less does not provide our clergy with
a living wage. We are seeking ways to assist congregations to deal with these realities.
The presbytery in co-operation with the Niagara Extension Council and the Potentials Fund
Team worked very hard this spring to formulate the Niagara Stewardship Legacy Fund to hold
and manage funds, at arm’s length as required by the Canada Revenue Agency, for Niagara
presbytery use. This Legacy Fund deals with the distribution of assets from a congregation when
the congregation has assets to distribute as a result of an amalgamation or the sale of a church
building but the congregation continues to exist, or when a congregation ceases to exist. In all
cases, three percent automatically goes the National Archives and the balance is distributed
according to different formulations depending on congregational status. This Fund is currently
revising their guidelines to expand the uses of this money by both Extension Council and the
Potentials Fund projects. The creation of this Niagara Stewardship Legacy fund will ensure that
money raised and received in Niagara will remain here for the use of the Niagara churches in the
future.
An exciting note for the presbytery was the nomination of Rev. Bill Thomas of Silver Spire
United Church, St Catharines, for the position of Moderator of the United Church of Canada.
We wish him well as he seeks to lead the whole of the United Church in that position.
The visit in April of Ted Smith, Conference President, was appreciated as was his message to
us.
As this year closes, the first report from the Niagara Presbytery Nominating Committee has
been received. The current Chair will remain in that position for a second year. Further
nominations are expected shortly to fill the slate with positive leadership into a new, changing
and challenging future. Of one thing we are certain: “We are not alone, God is with us.”
Margaret E Blewett, Chair
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HAMILTON CONFERENCE STAFF TEAM
Peter Hartmans
Conference Executive Secretary
Jesus Calms the Storm: Luke 8:22-25:
When Jesus fell asleep a windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with
water, and they were in danger. The disciples went to Jesus and woke him up shouting,
“Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and raging waves;
they ceased and there was a calm.
The story of the Windstorm described in Luke paints a picture of strong powerful winds and water
filling the boat and terrified disciples. Yet, the last experience of this story describes calm. This has
been my prayer for this past year. This is my prayer for this coming year, faithful public witness,
strong ministry before, after and during the raging waves which led to calm.
The support of a number of calm and wise voices throughout the year allows our Conference to
continue to move forward and experience calm moments in the midst of the wind and waves.
Throughout our six presbyteries, many congregations, and faithful communities we offer faithful
public witness and strong ministry. I am mindful of all our congregations who care for their flock
and vision for ministry and live out their faith. Many followers in many places, living out our Creed:
“We live in God’s world, who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus”.
This year our Conference continues to strive to provide effective leadership and promote healthy
congregations and presbyteries. Our Conference continues to work with Bruce Presbytery, who
agreed to test the support, oversight and discipline aspects of the Effective Leadership Proposal,
approved by the 41st General Council (2012) and our Conference Executive in 2013.
In our Conference office, I appreciate the work of our Program staff: Jenny Stephens, Lorna
MacQueen, Kim Uyede-Kai and Diane Matheson. I also want to highlight the fine work of our
Administrative staff, Barbara Hampson, Sue Duliban and Ruthanna Mack, who provide our
Conference with administrative support. Each of our staff members provides their deep faith and
wisdom as our Church continues to move forward.
This year as we look to General Council 42, our Church is faced with many questions including the
Comprehensive review. Our General Council Commissioners have been called to pray, reflect, listen
and offer leadership to our Church. As our President’s theme has been this past year: “Let us go
down into the Valley” and provide leadership as we travel forward.
My prayer for this coming year is that we as leaders will be able to provide a calm presence and
strong leadership during this time of change. I want to thank our Conference President Ted Smith,
Past-President Keith Reynolds and President Elect, Gordon Dunbar for your constant support and
prayer. I also want to thank our Staff Committee Chair, Herb Klaehn; Rosemary Addison, my Staff
Committee support person; and many, many other volunteers who work faithfully to support the
work of our Church. This coming year let us remember the words of the Gospel of Luke: “And Jesus
woke up and rebuked the wind and raging waves; they ceased and there was a calm.”
Staff Report – Reports for Information
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Lorna MacQueen
Conference Minister – Faith Formation for Discipleship
The United Church is in a time of transition. While local congregations face realities that can be
both challenging and exciting, our church courts are also facing ongoing change. We are all
invited to struggle less with survival and more with how we can be faithful in the midst of this
change and open ourselves to the presence of the Spirit to guide us. National Projects that are
enacted on Conference and local levels require an accommodation by our church courts and
staff on various levels. The Comprehensive Review and the Effective Leadership and Healthy
Pastoral Relations projects of the National church were two of those projects that had an impact
on Conference Staff this year.
Our Personnel Minister, Jenny Stephens; Kim Uyede-Kai, Minister for Congregational Support;
and I worked with The Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relations project of Hamilton
Conference in the Bruce Presbytery. Jenny focused on the work with the Leadership Committee,
while Kim and I focused on the Project Implementation Team. We were fortunate in this
Conference to undertake this work with volunteers from the Conference, who offered their time
and gifts with great generosity. I am very thankful for the PIT team, and the Essence Project
Coordinator, Chris Grose, for their hard work and willingness to be a part of this experiment and
to learn on the way. It was a project that required considerable time and energy on behalf of the
staff. While I was initially the primary staff resource person for the Project Implementation
Team of the Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relations project, I turned that role over
to Kim Uyede-Kai upon entering my Sabbatical time.
In 2014 I continued to support the work of the Networks and Committees and their programs,
workshops and ministries that are traditionally part of my portfolio. I began the year as
Persistent Friend to Bruce and Waterloo Presbytery and then transitioned from Bruce Presbytery
to Hamilton Presbytery. I value the time as Persistent Friend with presbyteries as an
opportunity to get to know better the local church communities as well as leaders and ministries
that are happening on the ground.
It is with this knowledge that I can seek to better offer appropriate and timely printed or online
resources and to connect leaders to already existing materials or opportunities. I enjoyed again
working to offer occasional retreats and worship leadership with local churches or groups.
Much of the time following the Conference Meeting of 2014 and preceding the beginning of my
Sabbatical was spent preparing work ahead of time for my absence. I feel privileged to have had
this time of study, learning, spiritual renewal and Sabbath in a structured and supported context.
For my Sabbatical I decided to focus on one major area of reflection which related to my
portfolio as Minister – Faith Formation for Discipleship, and also responded to a deep personal
and professional need to struggle with the call to live differently as church and as individuals in
the face of deepening environmental devastation and the global warming crisis. It was my goal
to focus on discipleship and environmental responsibility, eco-Christianity and Creation
Spirituality.
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Staff Team – Reports for Information
As well as working through a substantial reading list, which included the books recommended
in my March publication of Daring Discipleship, I attended the New Story Summit through
Findhorn, Scotland online and focused my sabbatical on reading, reflection, accessing the
continuing stream of resources out of New Story. I also returned to the long neglected creative
outlet of watercolour painting.
The New Story Summit - Inspiring Pathways for our Planetary Future exposed me to a large
international community of people and organizations who are seeking alternative ways of being
in the world. These are people from a variety of cultures, faiths, spiritual paths and
economic/political perspectives who are looking for ways that seek restoration and healing for
themselves, their communities and the planet. The participation in this network did not cease
after the event, but is on-going through a stream of communication and resourcing. I have found
this new networking inspiring and will be sharing some of this material and these connections
through my resources to the Conference this year.
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Diane Matheson-Jimenez
Conference Minister for Social Justice
2014 was a busy year of learning, discerning, dreaming and doing. I look forward with great
anticipation to new challenges and opportunities in 2015!
In early days, I established the following goals for my work in the position of Minister for
Social Justice: to communicate effectively between courts of the Church as Persistent Friend to
Hamilton and Niagara Presbyteries, to raise the profile of justice work within the Conference,
and to build and strengthen existing relationships, both within the United Church and with
denominational partners. In June of 2014, I began working with the Conference’s Affirm
Network and added to my goals: to empower the Affirm Network to continue working towards
achieving status as an intentionally inclusive and welcoming Conference.
In the name of partnership, I had the opportunity to represent the Conference at the Interfaith
Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC), which brings people of all faith groups together
twice a year to discuss and take action on poverty issues. In 2014, ISARC placed priority on a
button campaign with the slogan, “Tax me, end poverty” and a social media campaign linking
photos and stories of lost social services with the hashtag #OurTaxCutsAtWork.
Another partnership opportunity I valued in 2014 was the Social Justice Network of Ontario
Conferences (SJNOC) which brings together justice staff and volunteers from the Ontario
Conferences of the United Church of Canada to share resources and justice best practices.
SJNOC meets twice a year by phone and twice a year in person at Church House.
In April, a group of folks from Brantford and Ancaster, representing various denominations,
asked me to meet with them about food security and protecting green spaces. This group has
grown and evolved, and is now working towards being recognized as the Grand Erie Kairos
community. I congratulate these folks and hold them in prayer as they work on these very
important issues!
Over the summer, I worked with the Camp Training Team—a branch of the Coordinating
Committee on Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response—to bring workshops to the Conference’s
camps on creating safe spaces and maintaining healthy boundaries at camp.
As things quieted down over the summer, I spent time working with social medias, specifically
Facebook and Twitter, to learn how these tools might be useful in raising the profile of justice
work. I have found Twitter to be a very useful tool for sharing information and finding resources
in a timely manner.
While I covered for Lorna MacQueen while she was on Sabbatical, the fall brought me
opportunities to lift up justice work in light of Faithful Discipleship. One of the opportunities I
most valued was providing staff support to Hamilton Presbytery’s youth GO Your Own Way
project. How profound to be in community with youth who are passionate about justice and
leaving the world a better place. In this time of uncertainty, I remain certain the Church will be
in thoughtful and innovative hands as these amazing young people take on leadership roles.
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Throughout 2014, I was pleased to provide staff support to the Conference’s Affirm and Bearing
Faithful Public Witness networks. For more information on the work of these networks, please
review their annual reports.
Part of my continuing education time in 2014 was spent at workshops training to become a
Bridges out of Poverty ally. Bridges out of Poverty is now working with Ontario Works to help
folks living on the margins to set and achieve goals. You can find out more about Bridges out of
Poverty at http://circlesgw.ca/?page_id=10
In 2014, it was a great honour to be able to preach and facilitate workshops at several
congregations, a UCW gathering, committee meetings and a presbytery meeting on topics like
watershed justice, climate justice, poverty, spiritual practices, and building radically inclusive
communities.
There is much to celebrate about 2014 and more to look forward to in 2015! Through this
ministry and these opportunities, I have been well blessed!
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Jenny Stephens
Conference Personnel Minister
Christ is Risen.... He is risen indeed. These words echoed around churches throughout the world
in various tongues on Easter Sunday. Within our own Conference more than 300 services
proclaimed the good news of an empty tomb, Love Incarnate returned to God’s people,
forgiveness and new life for all. A generosity of leadership prepared liturgies, sermons, special
music, breakfasts, decorated sanctuaries, and lived out the good news with gifts to the hungry,
the imprisoned, the sick and shut-ins, prayers for peace, and action for the environment. We
rediscover in the resurrection celebrations what is important for us as disciples of the Risen One.
We demonstrate the Rising of Love by embodying that love today.
You have called me to support the vocational lives of ministry personnel. I live this out in
conversations with individuals or groups of our ministers, and with training of and consultation
with the systems which support and sustain pastoral relationships. The effective leadership of
ministry personnel enable healthy congregations and presbyteries, and faithful public
witness with the purpose of encouraging disciples of Jesus Christ and equipping those sent out
in to the world to express faith through words and action in the various work places, homes and
volunteer sites of congregants. By its very nature ministry is about strengthening partnerships,
the heart of the relationship between ministry personnel and pastoral charges being the pastoral
relationship.
The Effective Leadership - Healthy Pastoral Relationship (HELPR) project of the General
Council has encouraged reflection on the nature of the pastoral relationship. Bruce Presbytery
has been the site for our Conference testing and I have valued the commitment and creativity of
the members of the Leadership Commission as we explored with the ministry personnel of the
presbytery how to enhance their vocational lives and support their various ministries. Regular
retreats, peer accountability groups, vocational conversations, and removing the burden of the
dual relationship of colleagues and decision makers around discipline has proved fruitful.
Inevitably as authority for oversight and discipline of ministry personnel is delegated to the
Conference there is a need for even stronger partnership for presbytery and Conference and
highlights the importance of good communication and building trust.
I work closely with all the pastoral relations convenors in our six presbyteries as well as with
our presbytery Education and Students convenors. This work comes together through resourcing
the Conference Settlement Committee, Education and Students Committee, Interview Board and
Internship and Educational Supervision Committee. With the development of field based
programs now for ordination as well as the traditional formation programs for Designated Lay
Minister applicants and candidates for commissioning for Diaconal Ministry, this is placing
increasing pressure on the pastoral relations system as students require half to three-quarter time
ministry opportunities in pastoral relationships. While the choices congregations are making
around their finances – to maintain buildings and reduce paid accountable ministry time - should
create these opportunities, in fact the anxiety in our congregations leads many to not risk a
student minister still in the formation process but rather to choose an experienced retired
minister, who while drawing their pension can afford to work ‘part time’.
Our Conference Pension and Benefit Committee as well as those in the presbyteries hear
increasingly from pensioners about the lack of increases in their pension and the high costs of
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group insurance. And from a ‘balcony’ or ‘big picture’ point of view these two issues are
related. Fewer people entering ministry because there are not the opportunities for employment
either during their formation process or afterwards mean fewer active members contributing to
the plan and so pure economics coupled with demographics ensure our Pension Plan struggles. I
appreciate the work our UCC Pension Board has done to keep the plan stable and acknowledge
with great concern it is at the cost of our active members, the youngest of whom are greatest hit.
Our Division of Ministry Personnel and Education, on which all these Committees are
represented, enjoy lively conversation about some of these bigger picture issues as we seek to
co-ordinate this area of our Conference’s decisions around requests for sacraments and licences
to marry, making policy recommendations this year around who may ‘lay on of hands’ at the
New Ministries Service, and our Voluntary Associate Minister policy and practice. I also staff
the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Committee which continues to train leaders around
ethical practice about personal and professional boundaries, as well as work through the
procedures when complaints are laid. This has been a year with a few formal complaints. Our
Nominations Committee is developing some good practices around wise stewardship of our
people resources. We are seeking to rebuild the strong partnership with the presbytery
nomination processes. A special thank you to Sue Duliban, Human Resources Administration,
for taking on the paperwork for the Settlement Committee, providing administrative support for
the Joint Search Committees in Bruce Presbytery (as part of the HELPR project) and for our
Nominations Committee. We have a great staff team and I am grateful for each member of it.
Not surprisingly perhaps, with ministry personnel being older and under greater stress with the
high anxiety being expressed by pastoral charges, there are medical absences to administer,
ministers to support and the partnerships within the General Council, our insurers, pastoral
charges and presbyteries to co-ordinate. The Restorative Care medical absences number around
2% of our active ministry personnel.
Future goals? What I observe is that our 90 year old beloved United Church of Canada is
downsizing as comes to most individuals who have made it to that age. The Comprehensive
Review calls the church to let go both of some of our old ways of doing things and our
structures we love to complain about – presbyteries and Conferences. It suggests a new way of
credentialing and providing oversight and discipline of our ministry personnel – A College of
Ministers. It calls us to increase our confidence in our congregations to be centres of mission
and ministry and to take risks. It is clear we need to change and to do so we must risk letting go
of what we have always known, the safe way of being church, and step in to a new adventure. It
may be better or worse than the old but we won’t know until we try it. Just as the Risen Christ is
substantially different from Jesus of Nazareth, so our expression of the Body of Christ in this
time and place will resemble but be different from the past expressions. How far are we
prepared to live in to our declaration Christ is risen indeed and let go of our fear and anxiety and
invest in that new life? I am interested in what our General Council in August will decide, then
what the church as whole will say about it through remits. I plan to hang in for the ride and trust
that when the roller coaster comes to a halt, a hand will reach for me to step out of this boat. I
commit to continuing to support ministry personnel in our vocational lives to the best of my
ability. It is a privilege to be one of your Conference Ministers and to work in a great collegial
team with committed elected members.
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Kim Uyede-Kai
Conference Minister for Congregational Support
Healthy Congregations and Presbyteries
A core part of my staff position is to assist presbyteries and pastoral charges in defining the
mission to which they believe God has called them and to assist them as they develop strategies
to live out their call, and to offer support for church development and re-development. I worked
with several congregations seeking a clearer vision for their mission and facilitated processes of
engaging in deep listening to God and one another. Using faith-based conflict resolution
processes I also facilitated listening circles with congregations seeking healing from conflict. As
communities and demographics continue to change, I also served as a resource to congregations
exploring and engaging in intercultural ministry in their diverse contexts.
As the staff person responsible for training for mandatory compliance with Occupational Health
and Safety Act (Bill 168) Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, I facilitated workshops in
all six presbyteries in 2014 and 2015. Training resources are now posted on the website and I
continue to field questions and encourage compliance in congregations and ministries.
From September 2014 I served as “Persistent Friend” connecting Hamilton Conference with
Halton and Bruce Presbytery, attended Executive meetings, meetings of the full court, and
presbytery learning events. While the two executives had a challenging year, these faithful
volunteers, as well as presbytery committee members, shared their skills and an incredible
amount of time with grace and humility.
Conference Committees
I have the privilege of staffing two Conference committees. The Conference Philanthropy and
Stewardship Committee was ably chaired by Ed Laksmanis. Lisa DiVeto, General Council
Financial Development Officer for Hamilton Conference, brought considerable expertise to the
committee. Many of our congregations and ministries have received government, community,
and church grants thanks to Lisa’s research and workshops. Sadly, her contract with General
Council ends June 30, 2015. Her skills will be sorely missed in the Conference.
The Conference Mission Strategy and Support Committee was effectively chaired by Tim
Reaburn. The committee members from each presbytery worked hard at receiving grant and
loan applications for General Council approvals, as well as the difficult task of receiving and
approving 2015 Mission Support grant applications for amounts that exceeded the amount
available for Hamilton Conference. The committee also received and approved an increased
number of Hamilton Conference Investment in Mission and Ministry grant applications for new
mission initiatives. We were grateful for the detailed work by Administrative Assistant,
Ruthanna Mack who ensured that all applications that met the deadlines were complete,
scanned, and forwarded to the committee members for decision making.
Effective Leadership
During Lorna MacQueen’s sabbatical in Fall of 2014, I supported the Project Implementation
Team part of the Effective Leadership and Healthy Pastoral Relationships test project in Bruce
54
Presbytery. Under the gifted leadership of contract facilitator Chris Grose, spiritual retreats with
congregational clusters were designed to develop congregational “essence statements.”
In my work with congregational lay leaders, lowering anxiety and raising trust in God were key
challenges. I also continued to work closely with Jenny Stephens in nurturing healthy pastoral
relationships between congregations, lay leaders, and ministry personnel, particularly when
there were issues of conflict or disagreement.
Right Relations
My staff work includes right relations work in the Conference. This past year included close
work with General Council Aboriginal Ministries Circle staff supporting the three Aboriginal
United Church pastoral charges and Nations Uniting outreach ministry in the Conference, as
well as support of the Native Peoples’ Retreat held annually at Five Oaks.
Earlier this year Hamilton Conference Executive approved Conference participation at the
closing Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) events in Ottawa which overlaps with this
year’s Annual Meeting. I will be accompanying a small Conference group of Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal persons to participate in a KAIROS Canada ecumenical walk for reconciliation,
various worship and educational events, and the final report and recommendations of the TRC
commissioners at the close of its five year mandate. Next steps will then be discerned. A
generous grant from the Investment in Mission and Ministry Fund helped make this trip
possible.
Strengthening Partnerships
To ensure that Conference and General Council are working in mutual partnership and to offer
input on relevant resource development, I continued to be in regular contact with General
Council Office colleagues in the areas of Philanthropy and Stewardship, Aboriginal Ministries,
and Finance (CRA, real property and technology grants and loans, mission support grants). On a
few occasions I consulted with General Council Human Resources and Pastoral Relations when
congregational labour employment questions arose.
I also served as co-chair of the Canadian Ecumenical Anti-Racism Network of the Canadian
Council of Churches.
I continue to be deeply grateful for the complimentary gifts of the Conference staff team and the
Conference staff committee, particularly my staff committee representative, Jackie Childerhose.
In these times of uncertainty in the church structure, we support one another as a team and with
respect and appreciation.
55

Complete Report Book 2015

Transcription

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