Council's Heart & Vision Concert on May 15, 2017 honoured Dr. Cindy Blackstock and the Very Reverend Stan McKay for their advocacy for Indigenous peoples in Canada. Musical entertainment by Jackie Richardson, Kelly Holiff, Richard Margison, Monica Schroeder, Brenda MacIntyre, and Spirit Wind was enjoyed by all. Host Jesse Wente and guest speaker the Right Reverend Jordan Cantwell shared their wisdom. Funds raised through ticket sales and donations associated with the event will support Council's Community Relief Fund. Video footage of the event will be available shortly.

The Living Presence Ministry is the name that has been given to a new initiative of Living Waters Presbytery and the congregations in and close to the Queensville area. The project, led by a local steering group and facilitated by staff from Council’s Centre for Church Development & Leadership, is designed to strengthen the existing congregations and to establish a new form of ‘pioneer’ ministry in what will eventually be a new town of 30,000 people. Read the latest edition of the Living Presence Ministry Newsletter to learn more about this unique project and read a message from the new pioneer minister. 

Deadline extended for the Baillie Volunteer Service Awards! Is there a young person in your congregation who donates their time to worthy social causes? Consider nominating them for Council's Baillie Award, which will reward their commitment with a personalized certificate and cash award of $500. Typically due on May 31st, the deadline has been extended to June 30 this year. Click here to find out more about previous recipients, and eligibility.

The Vincent Alfano Fund is ready to receive its first applications. Congregations, mission units or individuals can now apply for internship or other project funding that meets the Fund’s focus on learning opportunities for future church leaders.  Up to $10,000 per annum will be available, plus an amount for training programs. Click here for application guidelines and forms.

Council is now accepting donations on our website! Click here to visit our donation page and make a gift to the fund of your choice (online donations will still be processed by Canada Helps).

The five United Church camps with which Council works require ongoing professional maintenance and construction services in addition to the countless hours put in by volunteers. Part of the financing for that work is provided by runners and walkers who participate in the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon's annual charity challenge as part of Council's "Pass It On!" team. The 2017 Marathon will take place on Sunday October 22. Would you like to be your congregation’s representative in the walk? Click here for instructions on how to register or contact Ali Hayes at (905) 771-5124 for more information. When registering, don't forget to use one of our charity pin codes to receive a discounted registration rate: $40 for the 5k with code 17TUCC5K or $80 for the marathon or half-marathon with code 17TUCC42K. Anyone who raises over $200 will have their entry fee reimbursed after October 22.

 

Sign up for Council's Connecting Resources with Ministry Newsletter or watch a new video about Council's work here.

Did you know that Council is on facebook? "Like" Council's facebook page to receive event invitations, and view photos and videos of Council events.