2026 Shining Waters

Regional Council Meeting

October 23 – 24, 2026

In-Person at New Beginnings United Church and Online

Celebration of Ministry Service – Saturday, October 24, 2026 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Message from The President

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – ESV. (Romans 12:2).

The theme for this year’s Annual General Meeting, “Being transformed by the renewing of our mind,” is a powerful call to both physical and spiritual growth. In his letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul urges believers to resist worldly influences and focus instead on an inward spiritual transformation. By doing so, we stop blindly following secular culture and undergo an internal mental shift.

This spiritual renewal enables us to discern God’s will and live in a way that reflects our faith. It inspires us to step away from temporary, worldly patterns and actively align our perception with higher, divine principles. This shift allows for a deeper understanding of what is truly good, acceptable, and purposeful.

As Christians, we must resist the pressure of surrounding beliefs. Members of the Shining Waters Regional Council (SWRC) are encouraged to embrace a spirit-filled, spirit-led attitude and a life of daily reflection. As a Regional Council, we must allow God to reshape us from the inside out so that our outward actions authentically reflect Christ’s nature.

Scripture empowers us to live a life worthy of our calling in service and purpose. By anchoring our daily lives in God’s Word, we are prepared, trained, transformed, and equipped for every good work that God has set before us.

As we gather from October 23–24 to sing, pray, deliberate, and praise our Creator together, let us invite the Holy Spirit to lead us as we reflect on these three questions.

Reflection Questions for Attendees

• In what ways are our current Communities of Faith and ministries conforming to worldly pressures rather than divine principles?
• What practical habits can we adopt individually and collectively to ensure our minds are daily renewed by the Holy Spirit?
• How can we use our time together at this meeting to better discern God’s perfect will for the future of the Shining Waters Regional Council?

I look forward to seeing you in the month of October, stay bless, and may God keep all of us.

Thank You.

Shalom,

Rev. Eric Nyarko
President, Shining Waters Regional Council
The United Church of Canada.

Join Us In-Person

New Beginnings United Church (formerly North Bramalea United Church) will once again be the home for this year’s in-person regional meeting.

They are located at 363 Howden Blvd., in Brampton (MAP) which is near Hwy 410 and Williams Parkway.

Parking: Those with a visible government issued accessible parking permit sticker may park in the New Beginnings UC parking lot. All other parking is available at the neighbouring church parking lot.

Accommodation: There are several hotels located a short drive from the church.

Meals: There will be lunch and supper meals available on both days of the meeting or those attending. The deadline for ordering food is October 11, 2026.. Shining Waters Regional Council is generously covering the cost of meals at this year’s Regional Meeting. Please indicate which meals you will require on your registration form. If you are bringing a guest or spouse, please have them complete a separate registration form. Thank you.

Celebration of Ministries Service

Join us as we wrap up our meeting with our Celebration of Ministries Service, on Saturday October 24 starting at 6:30 p.m. It will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel so anyone can watch it. For more information about our service and our celebrants, please see our Celebration of Ministires page.

Proposed Draft Agenda

Saturday, October 24

9:00            Opening and Worship

9:30             Theme Reflection

11:00            Break

11:15            Business 2 – Proposals

12:30            Lunch (on-site by pre-registration or on your own)

1:30             In Memoriam

2:15             Business 3:

• Nominations – Decisions on Nominations Report
• Additional time for Proposals if needed
• New business

2:45             Closing Remarks and Courtesies

3:00              Blessing and Adjournment

Saturday, October 24

Celebration of Ministries Service to be held at 6:30 p.m. at New Beginnings United Church. The service will also be livestreamed on the Shining Waters YouTube channel.

Meeting Registration

Please register to attend this meeting if you are Ministry Personnel or an Elected Lay Representative. Elected Lay Representatives are elected by their community of faith or by the region. Not sure if you are an elected lay representative or have other registration questions? Contact Donna Rutz at drutz@united-church.ca.

If you are unable to attend the meeting please submit your regrets below. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you this fall!

Staff Support