News and Blogs
Quick links to sections on this page:
Currents | Wellspring | Blogs | UCC News Feed | Staff
Currents
‘Currents’ is the latest news from Shining Waters Regional Council. A regular newsletter updating our region with information on what the various commissions, committees and SWRC Executive are working on.
Milestones for September 2023
Welcome to Milestones in Shining Waters Regional Council. We have expanded our regional notices to include not just upcoming covenanting services, but to mark other significant events in the life of our communities of faith, such as affirming services, milestone...
Currents – The 2023 Regional Meeting Edition
The latest news from Shining Waters Regional Council
Currents – December 2022
The latest news from Shining Waters Regional Council including staff changes, new resources and a Christmas message from the Moderator.
Wellspring
‘Wellspring’ is a regular blog about inspiring stories from around the region, written by Susie Henderson and other occasional contributors.
Worship Outside the Walls
By Susie Henderson Wild Churches are restoring and reimagining relationships between faith and the natural world Taddle Creek Wild Church, Metropolitan United Church Every way you look at it, the present-day front yard of Metropolitan United Church, which corners on...
Dorothy’s Place: a story of friendship and hope
Friends become family at Dorothy's Place By Susie Henderson based on an interview with Rev. Carmen Llanos Dorothy's Place is a ministry of Birchcliff Bluffs United Church serving 2SLGBTQ+ seniors in east end Toronto and Scarborough. Based on the success of Toby's...
The Trees of the Field will Clap Their Hands: Sanctuary in the Pines at Northlea United Church
We have been out of our buildings for some time now, much longer than we first expected. Many of us are growing into the experience of meeting virtually with online opportunities for worship. Northlea United Church, in Toronto’s north Leaside neighbourhood is meeting online and they are experimenting with meeting their community in a previously unexplored place – their own front yard.
Blogs
A Sower Went Out to Sow
‘A Sower Went Out to Sow’ is a blog discussing what we are learning about digital ministry in the region. Written by Susie Henderson and the occasional contributor.
Sowing Seeds, sorry birds I misjudged you –introducing our new digital media and ministry blog
In this blog in the coming year, we will set out on a journey to learn from others on this path of sowing seeds of digital media and ministry.
Clergy Peer Learning Groups Blog
‘Clergy Peer Learning Groups’ is a blog discussing the merit and benefits of starting a clergy peer learning group. Written by SWRC Pastoral Relations Minister, Rev. Todd McDonald.
Feel the Rhythm of the Clergy Peer Learning Group
I really like watching good musicians play live, especially bass guitarists. When I played bass trombone in a swing band, the rhythm section held the band together. The drummer and the bass kept the groove alive and kept all of us players together. When I see a really cool bassist slap out a funk rhythm, I am filled with joy. Rhythms are the stuff of life, stuff we dance to, provides stability for all the joy going on over top of it. Soloists are able to swoop and rob time only because of the steady rhythm of the rhythm section that holds everything together.
There is a rhythm to the life of any group too, including a Clergy Peer Learning Group’s life…
Reach Out and See
Shining Waters is inviting all ministers to consider forming a Clergy Peer Learning Group. A group can meet in person or it can meet by Zoom. A group can include ministers from other denominations. The common denominator for a peer learning group is 7-8 committed colleagues who want to explore new learning in Deep Spirituality or Bold Discipleship or Daring Justice.
But your group is not just about new learning. It is also about support.
I had a conversation with the Rev. Orville James last week. He told me about…
More help to build your Clergy Peer Learning Group!
Hello friends!
Shining Waters has started a Clergy Peer Learning Group program with the hopes that ministers can gather together and support each other through this strange, random and wonderful time to be in ministry. What can we learn about leadership, together? In what ways can we have each other’s back in a safe place to reflect on ministry with a learning focus connected to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, Daring Justice? Whether by Zoom and in person, it is critical to…
UCC News Feed
A compilation of the latest news from The United Church of Canada.
United Church of Canada
- Climate Crisis Is Also a Spiritual Crisis November 30, 2023The United Church’s virtual COP28 delegation is making important connections between spirituality, faith communities, and climate change.
- Calling for end to support for Philippines counter-terrorism campaign November 22, 2023Hundreds of citizens have expressed deep concern that the Canadian government may be inadvertently enabling continued attacks on human rights and human rights defenders by the Government of the… continue reading
- Dear Prime Minister November 20, 2023The General Council Executive, its corresponding members, and the members of the National Indigenous Council issued a plea to Prime Minister Trudeau to advocate for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas… continue reading
- Youth Delegation to Attend United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) November 20, 2023The United Church of Canada COP 28 young adult delegation will virtually attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
- Human Rights Report Presented to the UN Includes Ecumenical Contribution November 17, 2023Canadian churches who are members of the World Council of Churches prepared a shadow report to Canada’s Universal Periodic Review.
- Graduate Theological Union Names Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne Alum of the Year November 17, 2023The Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, has named the Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne as their 2023 Alum of the Year.
Staff Support
DONNA RUTZ
Communications and Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6145
Email: drutz@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council
Location: Teleworks from her home in Toronto
Role: Donna provides administrative support to the region as a whole including communications, record-keeping, event planning, office management, and reception.
Contact Donna about: General Inquiries; Community Events; Communication Oversite; Covenanting Services; General Inquiries; Records Management; Regional Events; Social Media; Updating Contact/Subscription Information; Website.
RACHAEL HOWES
Executive Assistant and Administrative Support
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6144
Email: rhowes@united-church.ca
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council and Canadian Shield Regional Council
Location: Works from the Main Office in Guthrie, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Role: Rachael provides administrative support to the Executive Minister, Regional Council Executive, and related Commissions.
Contact Rachael about: General Inquiries; Conference Call Booking; Copyright Information; Currents Newsletter; Family News; Incorporated Ministries; Minutes and Policies; Nominations; Regional Meeting.