Elected Lay Representatives
Quick links to sections on this page:
About | Opportunities | Let’s Connect Gatherings | Staff Support
Read the full Regional Elected Lay Rep job description.
About
Every year, communities of faith elect members of their church community to be Shining Waters Regional Council Elected Lay Representatives. Regional elected lay reps are called to the ministry of participating in the decision making council in which your community of faith resides and are given a responsibility to consider and discern decisions about ministry, mission and priorities for service and stewardship.
The number of elected lay reps a community of faith elects depends on the number of resident membership. You will find this number on your stats form – it is column 16-17. According to section C.1.2. in The Manual (2023), lay members of the regional council are members of The United Church of Canada who are not ministry personnel and who are:
a) elected by communities of faith on the following basis:
i) one representative from each community of faith with 100 or fewer members;
ii) two representatives from each community of faith with 101 to 200 members;
iii) three representatives from each community of faith with 201 to 300 members;
iv) four representatives from each community of faith with more than 300 resident members.
b) additional lay members as determined by the regional council if necessary to respect a balance of ministry personnel and lay members who are not ministry personnel in the membership of the regional council.
Opportunities
Opportunities for Service within the Regional Council
Submit nominations for positions on Regional Council Executive, its commissions, and committees.
Join a network or cluster that is engaged in something about which you are passionate.
Check out our Nominations page to see what current opportunities are available for you to get involved at the regional level.
Let’s Connect – Lay Rep Gatherings
Follow Up from February 15, 2023 Forum
RECORDING OF THE GATHERING FEBRUARY 15, 2023 (59:49)
Documents
- For more details about the new strategic plan please see The United Church of Canada website: https://united-church.ca/community-and-faith/welcome-united-church-canada/our-call-and-our-vision
- PDF of UCC Strategic Plan 2023-2025 (24 Pages)
Follow Up from October 19, 2022 Forum
RECORDING OF THE GATHERING OCTOBER 19, 2022 (56:05)
Documents
- Meeting Notes from Lay Forum Notes from participants and description of the role (PDF 3 pages)
- Lay Representatives Description of the Role (PDF 3 pages)
- SWRC Prayer List Calendar 2023 – (PDF 54 pages) A list of communities of faith to remember in prayer every Sunday throughout 2023
SWRC–A BIRD’S EYE VIEW (3:30)
Materials that are referred to in the SWRC – a bird’s eye view video
- The United Church of Canada website
- The Calls to the Church
- GC 44 Resolutions for autonomous Indigenous Church
- SWRC Find a Church Map
- The Manual 2023 (Section 6.3.4)
- Shining Waters Regional Council Policy
- Staff List
Staff Support
JODY MALTBY
Regional Staff Lead and Communities of Faith Minister
Phone: 416-231-7680 | 1-800-268-3781
Extension: 6226
Email: jmaltby@united-church.ca
Acting Executive Minister of Canadian Shield and Shining Waters Regional Councils
Serves in: Shining Waters Regional Council
Location: Teleworks and works from the Guthrie Main Office
Role: Jody coordinates the support to communities of faith, including coordinating the work of regional staff.
Contact Jody about: Conflict Resolution; Community Ministries; Congregational Finance; Covenants; Governance; Grants; Property Renovation or Sale; Transitions – amalgamations, collaboration, closures.
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.