Currents: The latest news
COVID-19 #1: A message from the Shining Waters Regional Council Executive
In keeping with The United Church of Canada emergency plan the Executive recommends that each community of faith prepare a plan to suspend large gatherings, including but not limited to, worship services.
Currents SWRC News January 2020
A round-up of news following the Executive meeting on January 22, 2020.
Currents SWRC News November 2019
This issue of Currents follows the recent meeting of the Shining Waters Regional Council Executive held on November 26, 2019. Minutes from all commissions and committees are posted here, once they are approved. In the meantime, here’s a round-up of news. MISSION...
Currents SWRC News October 2019
This issue of Currents follows the recent meeting of the Shining Waters Regional Council Executive held on November 26, 2019.
Introducing Currents
As we make our way as a regional council and experiment with new ways of working, we want to introduce this news bulletin, Currents, one component of our new communication plan which we will share more about in September. From this point forward, an issue of Currents will follow each Executive meeting to share regional news and decisions.
Announcements and Information
Shining Waters COVID-19 #11: Resources for Stewardship and Worship and Ongoing Staff Support
Updates to our website, links to online webinars offered by United in Learning and a quick reference on SWRC staff support related to the pandemic situation.
Shining Waters COVID-19 #10: Clarification – Ontario Churches CAN Stream Worship Services and Other Updates
Clarification update from Nora Sanders, General Secretary, regarding building closures and livestreaming services, as well as a link to The Moderators March 29, 2020 worship service, and other updates.
Shining Waters COVID-19 #9: General Council Updates, SWRC Ministry Personnel Zoom Gathering
OPEN HOURS, WEBSITE UPDATES AND ZOOM FOR BEGINNERS
Our website has been updated including the following information:
Shining Waters COVID-19 #8: General Council Updates, United in Learning and SWRC Zoom Gatherings
OPEN HOURS, WEBSITE UPDATES AND ZOOM FOR BEGINNERS
Our website has been updated including the following information:
Shining Waters COVID-19 #7: Open Hours with Staff, Website updates, Zoom for Beginners
OPEN HOURS, WEBSITE UPDATES AND ZOOM FOR BEGINNERS
Our website has been updated including the following information:
Shining Waters COVID-19 #6: Sharing Resources and Support
A message for all members of Shining Waters Regional Council, and to staff for information. WE ARE NOT ALONE SHARE OUR CONFERENCE CALL PHONE LINE Shining Waters has an account for telephone conference calls. If this would be helpful for any Communities of Faith to...
COVID-19 #5: Second Gathering for Ministry Personnel Invite
COVID-19 Gathering For Ministry Personnel Tuesday March 24, at 10.00 a.m. for an hour Last week a group of 50 ministry personnel gathered on Zoom to share questions and information in response to COVID-19 and provide each other with support and companionship in these...
COVID-19 #4: A Gathering for Lay Leaders in Communities of Faith
Lay leaders of communities of faith in Shining Waters Regional Council are invited to an online Zoom meeting to be held on Thursday March 19, from 7 pm to 8 pm. It will be a time for sharing information, questions, resources and responses to COVID-19. This invitation...
COVID-19 #3: A Gathering for Community Ministries
An invitation for Community Ministers to have a conversation
COVID-19 #2: A Gathering for Ministry Personnel
Shining Waters is inviting you to a Zoom Gathering on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, from 10:00 am for an hour and a half maximum. It will be a time for ministry personnel to come together to support each other through: checking in sharing resources, strategies and...
Wellspring
Being the Virtual Church
Ministers Share Their Learnings on How to be Community During the Coronavirus Crisis
COVID-19 is quickly wreaking havoc not only on our individual lives but also on the lives of our faith communities. Many ministers are wondering how to nurture a community of faith—which people need now more than ever in these anxious times—in an online context. As digital discipleship becomes the new normal, how can ministers create a virtual worship space for people used to coming together in flesh as well as spirit?
“Because I can do no other”: Why Licensed Lay Worship Leaders Serve
Deep, contagious, extraordinary love. That’s what two Licensed Lay Worship Leaders (LLWLs) exude when they talk about their ministry.
Introducing Wellspring
Starting this month, Shining Waters Regional Council is pleased to add a new stream of stories to our website. Wellspring: a deep dive into Spirit
United Church of Canada News
- Ministry with Children and Youth March 27, 2020A message from the Moderator and resources for those who minister with children and youth.
- Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings March 26, 2020Clarification: Ontario churches CAN stream worship from their buildings. This modifies the advice we gave on March 25.
- “We Are All Relatives” March 26, 2020The National Indigenous Elders Council has offered the whole church its wisdom and assurance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Closure of Church Buildings in Ontario March 25, 2020In Ontario, church buildings (other than some community services that may fall under the social services category) have not been named as essential, so Ontario church buildings must be closed. We interpret this as not allowing even a small number of people in the church to provide virtual worship.
- Supporting Staff through the Pandemic March 23, 2020With in-person worship being suspended and rental incomes stopped, some communities of faith may be faced with financial concerns Before making any decis.ions about staffing, please contact your regional council to explore options.