Get Involved

This is a directory of forthcoming events sponsored wholly or in part by the United Church of Canada as well as learning and/or development opportunities for those interested in congregational life. If you have an event to promote, please e-mail Joanne Rose with the details.

Arranged in chronological order.

National/International

Connections 2008: National Camping Conference

• When: Sept. 25–Sept. 28, 2008
• Where: Pearce Williams Christian Centre, Fingal, ON

Join United Church camping folk from across the country to:

• celebrate, nurture, strengthen, and renew your faith
• network with those who are passionate about United Church camping
• participate in leadership training and development opportunities
• strengthen and maintain involvement in United Church camping at a national level

Read more about Connections 2008, including information about the speakers and how to register.

Worship Matters 2008: A National Symposium on Preaching, Music, and Worship Leadership

• When: October 2008
• Where: Montréal, QC (3–4 octobre); Sudbury, ON (October 17–18)
  

In 2008, Worship Matters regional events are taking place across Canada. Each regional event will feature a major guest presenter, workshops, and worship experiences similar to past Worship Matters national symposia. Please visit Worship Matters for more information.

WACC Congress 2008 - Communication is peace: Building viable communities

• When: October 6–10, 2008
• Where: Cape Town, South Africa

Connect with leading religious communicators and peace advocates from around the world. Discover how to make ‘peace-full’ voices heard! It’s a must for 21st century communication! For full details see the Congress 2008 website.

Behold! One Another: An Intercultural Conference

• When: October 30–November 2, 2008
• Where: Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
• Cost: $200 by July 1; $225 July 2–Sept. 14; $250 as of Sept. 15

“Behold, I make all things new!” (Rev. 21:5, RSV). The United Church's first conference on intercultural ministries invites the whole church into discovery and deep dialogue. Explore theology, gather tips and tools in workshops, and consider deep systemic injustice. Dynamic worship and inspiring keynote speakers will explore intercultural ministries in a variety of contexts. Whether you have already begun in-depth explorations of interculturalism, or are still unsure of what it means—please feel welcomed to “Behold! One Another.”

For more information, please see Behold! One Another: An Intercultural Conference.

It's Easy Being Green: 2008 Leadership Seminar

• When: December 1–4, 2008
• Where: Hilton Resort, Marco Island, Florida
• Cost: Individuals $375 before October 21; $395 after October 21. Group discounts also available.

This event provides an opportunity to network and gain insight on sustainability in our churches, communities, and denominations.

Note the significant Canadian content in this line-up of presenters:

• Sallie McFague, Distinguished Theologian in Residence at Vancouver School of Theology
• The Very Rev. Stan MacKay, former Moderator of The United Church of Canada
• Bryan Moyer Suderman, Canadian musician and composer
• Mark Vincent, Design For Ministry
• C. Jeff Woods, Associate General Secretary for the American Baptist Churches, USA

Part of the event includes options for:

• Eco-shelling tour by boat (additional cost of $35)
• Wave runner tours to several islands around Marco Island (additional cost is $140)

Sponsored by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center.

E-mail Stewardship for more information, or register online.*

Epiphany Explorations 2009: A Symposium Offering Rich Resources for Ministry and Lay Leadership

• When: January 22–26, 2009
• Where: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd., Victoria, BC
• Cost: $225 before November 30, 2008, $265 thereafter

Join us January 22–26, 2009 for five days of spiritual nurture, continuing education and music with internationally recognized speakers Stephen Lewis, Rita Nakashima Brock, Tom Long, Marty Haugen, Raheel Raza, Nancy Reeves, and others. Also featured are Ted Hughes (chief adjudicator for native residential school claims), Mary Ellen Turpel Lafond (BC’s Representative for Children and Youth) and Nella and Alex Nelson, well-known for their work with First Nations students and athletes.

For more information or to register, visit the First Metropolitan United Church website.*

Top

Regional

Pre-Retirement Seminars

Ministry and Employment Policies and Services present information about pension and benefit changes and things that members need to consider as they think about retirement. For more information about having a Pre-Retirement Seminar in your area, please contact your Conference Personnel Minister (CPM), or Presbytery M&P Committee.

Finding our Gifts: Recognizing Stewardship Themes in Advent Worship

• When: September 24, 2008
• Where: Parkdale United Church, Ottawa
• Time: 9:30–3:00
• Cost: $5.00 payable on the day

An experiential learning day for clergy and lay preachers in the Ottawa Presbytery

To register contact Steve Sharlow via e-mail or call 613-253-1662.

Banff Men’s Conference 2008: “Two Faiths – One God”

• When: October 17–19, 2008
• Where: Banff Centre, Banff, AB
• Cost: Registration $95

This is the 54th annual United Church Banff Men’s Conference.

The theme speaker is Dr. Amir Hussain, author of “Oil and Water: Two Faiths, One God”. Dr. Hussain is Muslim, but also an adherent of the United Church, and has done extensive work with the UCC, including teaching courses at Naramata and Five Oaks.

The music team is from St. Andrew’s UC, Calgary, and a variety of stimulating workshops will be offered.

For more information, and to register, please visit the website.*

7th R. Alex Sim Rural Ministry Symposium

"Transformation in the Rural Community and the Rural Church"

• When: October 27–29, 2008
• Where: Salvation Army Centre at Jackson's Point, Ontario

Keynote speakers: Cynthia Patterson, co-founder of Rural Dignity and Nancy Knox, former Conference Minister for Personnel Administration and Rural Ministry with the Bay of Quinte, currently Minister at Bracebridge United Church

Registration

• By September 30: $130 or $65 for students
• After September 30: $150 or $75 for students

Accommodation for 2 nights including breakfast:

• Single $120
• Double $90

To register or for more information please contact:

Dr John Young
Tel: 613-533-6000 x 74327
E-mail: Dr John Young
Website: Queen's Theological College*

Cultivating a Culture of Generosity

• When: November 7–8, 2008
• Where: Emmanuel College, Toronto, ON
• Time: 6:30 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Cost: $100 (includes lunch on Saturday)

A stewardship event with a twist. Most stewardship events focus on “doing” stewardship. This weekend deals with what it means to live stewardship, engaging in ministry through a lens of generosity. Participants will delve into stewardship best practices, asset mapping, appreciative inquiry, year round stewardship planning, the emerging church, and stewardship preaching. Come and explore how to change the culture of your congregation from scarcity to a sense of abundance.

Plenary leaders will be The Rev. Dr. Andrew Richardson and Rev. Jan Bihl. Workshops on the following topics will be offered:

• * Breaking the Silence: Faith and Money (Barbara Fullerton)
• A Generous Word: Preaching and the Language of Generosity (Andrew Richardson)
• Getting to Abundance: Stewardship Year-round Best Practices (Carole Bennett, Barbara Fullerton, and Catherine MacDonald)
• Cultivating a Generous Vision: Appreciative Inquiry and Your Congregation’s Future (Jan Bihl)
• The Power of Asset Mapping: Uncorking the Possibilities (Ellinor Townend)
• Stewardship in an Emerging Congregation (Brenda Watt)

For more information, contact Stewardship or Betsy Anderson, or call 416-231-7680, x4029.

Some Are Called to Be

• When: July 15-19, 2009
• Where: University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, near Ottawa
• Costs: Adult or child over 12: $200; meals $150
  Child 3-12: $25; meals $40
  Family rate: $500 including meals (2 adults and 3 or more children under 12)

Theme speakers include:

• Debra Farrington, author and lecturer
• Gretta Vosper, Pastor of West Hill United Church in Scarborough, Chair of The Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity
• Steve Sharlow, author, Stewardship Coordinator for Montreal and Ottawa Conference

Accommodation

• Single room: $36/night
• Double: $31 ea/night
• Cots for children: $15/night

To register or for further information e-mail Eileen Lavigne or call 613-722-7523. Registration deadline is June 15, 2009.

To hear more about plans for this Stewardship Event there will be a fundraising supper at Emmanuel United Church in Ottawa on October 16th a freewill offering will be received. Come and bring your friends, please reserve ahead with Eileen Lavigne via e-mail or call 613-722-7523.

This event is sponsored by the Stewardship Network, Montreal & Ottawa Conference.

Top

Educational

Educational Centres across the country provide a variety of residential and short-term educational events for lay people of all ages and for those in paid accountable ministry. For more information and to register for events at the Education Centres, please see the appropriate website below:

• Naramata Centre: www.naramatacentre.net*
• Calling Lakes Centre: www.pctc.ca*
• Five Oaks Centre: www.fiveoaks.on.ca*
• Tatamagouche Centre—Atlantic Christian Training Centre: www.tatacentre.ca*

---

Seminars for Mission Trip Leaders

• When: September 27–28, 2008
• Where: Toronto, Ontario
• Cost: All expenses paid except travel

Led by the ecumenical Canadian Churches' Forum for Global Ministries. Reflect upon the practical and theological issues involved, build your programs, plan the details of the actual mission exposure trip, and focus on the essential aspects of post-trip. For more information contact People in Partnership.

Challenging Empire Workshop

• When: October 29, 2008
• Where: Five Oaks Education Centre, Paris, Ontario
• Cost: $65 ($75 after October 8)

Find out how to use the United Church “Challenging Empire” educational resources to spark discussion, reflection, and action. Facilitator: Christie Neufeldt. For more information or to register visit Five Oaks*, e-mail the Registrar, or call 519-442-3212.

Serving Empire or Christian Community? The Choice Before Us

• When: November 21–22, 2008
• Where: Tatamagouche Centre, Nova Scotia
• Cost: $215 (includes meals and accommodation)

Leadership: Bill Scarvie, Coordinator of Outreach to the Faith Community for the Great Turning, an initiative of David Korten; Laura Hunter, Maritime Conference Minister for Justice and Stewardship; Wilf Bean and Kathryn Anderson of the Tatamagouche Centre. For more information, call 1-800-218-2220 or visit Tatamagouche Centre.*

Seminars for Mission Trip Leaders

• When: March 8–9, 2009
• Where: Calgary, Alberta
• Cost: All expenses paid except travel

Led by the ecumenical Canadian Churches' Forum for Global Ministries. Reflect upon the practical and theological issues involved, build your programs, plan the details of the actual mission exposure trip, and focus on the essential aspects of post-trip. For more information contact People in Partnership.