Property
The Shining Waters Executive has met with representatives of the United Property Resource Corporation. This is a new corporation created by The United Church of Canada to bring professional real estate expertise to communities of faith and the Regional Council. As part of Shining Waters’ plan to create a long-term sustainable income source for mission and ministry, the Executive, at its meeting January 26th, approved three Memorandums of Understanding with the United Property Resource Corporation.
Collaborative Ministry
The Communities of Faith Commission has developed a Collaborative Ministry Handbook for Communities of Faith. This resource contains guidance to communities of faith that are exploring collaborative ministry, working together, sharing ministry personnel and resources, and helps with the development of a collaboration agreement.
Social & Ecological Justice
On the initiative of the Social and Ecological Justice Commission, Shining Waters Regional Council has recently sent a letter to the Minister of Colleges and Universities expressing our dismay and disappointment that the Ontario government has passed legislation making it possible for Canada Christian College to be granted university status with the ability to award degrees in arts and sciences. Charles McVety, president of Canada Christian College, is well known for his Islamophobic, homophobic and transphobic comments — views that are also espoused by the College. The proposal for re-designating the name change for the College into a University was buried in Omnibus Bill 213, Better for People, Smarter for Business Act. The Commission felt that the very fact that this bill was carried before Canada Christian College had even completed the process of applying for re-designation is both alarming and undemocratic.
Congregational Annual Meetings
The Communities of Faith Commission has granted blanket approval to congregations to defer their Annual Meeting as per the General Council Sub-Executive temporary amendment. Check out the information on the Shining Waters website on Annual Meetings During the Pandemic.
Intercultural Diversity
At its meeting in October, the Regional Council approved the creation of an Intercultural Diversity Commission. Work is progressing on the necessary policy to be added to the Regional Council governance structure and once the policy is in place, the Commission will be populated.
Shining Waters Website
The region’s website is being re-organized. The website has a wealth of resources: congregational annual meeting resources, Covid-19 updates, and worship resources to name a few. It also has all of the Regional Council policies and the Minutes of the Executive and Commissions. Check in often to keep up to date! And remember, you can add your event to our Community Events calendar and it will be included in our monthly Community Events newsletter.
Correspondence to the Region
Please note that all correspondence to Shining Waters Regional Council requesting approval of loans, leases, use of restricted funds, major renovations, sale of property, amalgamations, closures, and grants, must come to the region through rhowes@united-church.ca or sent by regular mail to 59 Line 4N, Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2L0.