Expectations, Discernment and Guidelines from the PMRC Executive Minister, in reopening United Church communities of faith buildings and ministries
Friends, COVID-19 is far from over. While our physical distancing has flattened the curve, there are still infections and even deaths occurring. Those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are in the majority in our congregations, and as such, we need to approach our return to in-person worship with caution. Read More
Written Worship for Easter Sunday April 12, 2020 ~ BC Native Ministries and PMRC
Good day, Everyone I hope that you are well, taking care yourself and your loved ones. Here you'll find the Easter Sunday Reflection for you to read, share and make your own. As I type this note to you I look out the window and I see an eagle soaring in the sky, a reminder of the great world God has created for us all. A reminder that the dance of life still lives, and I am humbled. Happy Easter my relations! May the hope of a new day always live in your heart and is shared with all of creation. Unify in spirit and prayer. You are loved. Read More
Online, Together
A quick note to let you know that we've resumed a weekly e-newsletter aiming to connected United Church people with online offerings happening in our Pacific Mountain Regional Council Communities of Faith & Ministries. This is a temporary version of the Event Listings newsletter that many of selected to received from the PMRC Office. You can read today's edition of Online, Together here - including submission guidelines (please read before sending submissions to Reception). Read More
New PAR option, by fax, and other encouraging information from Jane
Hi All, Please share as you see fit, with your leaders and communities of faith. This is an addition to the Generosity in Unprecedented Times letter we posted here on March 31st. New PAR option available to forward the forms and void cheque to fax number 416-232-6003 Only 2 weeks left to apply for Seeds of Hope Grants Mission & Service is making a difference through the COVID-19 Pandemic – see here Information about employment for ministers, lay leaders and M&P leaders here Imagine Canada update on how COVID-19 is affecting Charities (churches included) – excellent updates/information for Not for profits Some highlights from the letter are: Read More
Written Worship for Good Friday April 10, 2020 ~ BC Native Ministries and PMRC
Hello Everyone, I pray that everyone, your families and communities are well and calm. Here is the written worship that I've created for you, for this Good Friday. Here also is a prayer for during the COVID-19 pandemic, provided by Rev. Barry Morris- thank you for this message Barry. Please take the time to read and reflect and send it to those that need to hear the message of Good Friday. The write up is long but meaningful. It includes the Passion story as told by John, with prayers through the story to give support and spiritual reflection to the time of Good Friday. And prayer is a humble gift that is always needed, is always free, is always heard by our Creator. This Good Friday, reflect with the Passion story of Christ Jesus, and share with those around you the gift of prayer. And always remember Jesus’ last commandment to us, love one another. Read More
Written Worship for Palm Sunday April 5, 2020 ~ BC Native Ministries and PMRC
As we come to these last weeks to Easter Sunday we look forward to new ways of reflection and worship and prayer. I have created a written form of worship for you to utilize at your convenience for this coming Palm Sunday April 5, 2020. This is for you to use, share and celebrate and reflect with as we come closer to Easter Sunday. Next week I will create and send you more reflection for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. And please send to those that need the support during our time of isolation and solitude. Create hope in each other’s lives. And may God bless you, your family, community and livelihood during this season of Lent and Easter. Read More
From the April 1st Online Townhall Conference – power point resource
Dear friends, Treena and Jay, Executive Minister and President of the Pacific Mountain Regional Council, hosted an online Townhall Conference earlier today, with guest Erik Mathiesen. Erik is the Chief Finances Officer for The United Church of Canada. This is the Power Point slide show used in the meeting: Congregational Finances during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Read More
Generosity in Unprecedented Times
This letter comes from the Philanthropy Unit of The United Church of Canada - shared to us in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council by Jane Harding. As communities of faith, we find ourselves unable to gather in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These days, when we aren’t able to meet physically, are challenging but also heartening as our church has come together to help each other offer new ways of worshiping and reaching out to those in need. Our ministry continues; especially online. So in these unprecedented times, to help make giving accessible and easy - here are some practical, recommended, tools you can use to invite an ongoing commitment to God through the continued support of important ministries in your community of faith and the ministry we do together, through Mission & Service: Read More
Finances in Communities of Faith During COVID-19 – Some Step-by- Step Process Tips
In the midst of the COVID-19 odyssey on which we have all embarked, Pacific Mountain Regional Council wants to work with your community of faith to keep ministry vital and active. We want to continue to be there for one another, to remain connected to our participants and our communities. We want to minimize loss and distress to our congregational staff and ensure that ministry can unfold without placing our congregational finances under undue strain. In order to help out, Chinook Winds Regional Council leaders (and have given us permission to share with PMRC) have put together the following step-by-step approach to think through your situation. Read More
Resources for Faithfully supporting children, youth and families in your congregations at this time
The Pacific Mountain Regional Council's First Third Ministry Team is responding to the needs of clergy, youth group leaders, Sunday school leaders, and youth and families that are emerging during this time of building closures and physcial distancing in our efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Our staff have created a public landing page of resources for those working with our younger Siblings in Christ here: pmrfirstthirdresources.ca Amen! Read More
Supporting one another in times of traumatic events
The moment when a crisis becomes “real” may be different for each one of us. During our current pandemic that might have happened in a grocery store aisle with empty shelves, or in a sudden realization that a loved one is out of the country, or when picking up a message telling you not to come to work. As time passes with no relief, anxiety builds and our fears increase. But there is some relief you can give yourself even as the crisis continues and there are simple ways to support others. Read More
We are part of a generous act – encouraging givings in the midst of COVID-19
We asked Jane Harding to offer some guidance for our Community of Faiths and Ministries about managing stewardship and inviting givings. Here's what she's shared: Read More
Online Engagement Sessions offered by LeaderShift
Today LeaderShift announced that registration is open for their three online courses, being offered this Spring! You can read the announcement newsletter here, and register for the sessions following the links below: Read More
Be Cautious and Stay Connected – 5 Guidelines for Communities of Faith Regarding COVID-19
The United Church of Canada’s Emergency Plan asks that all communities of faith have a plan or guidelines in place. If your congregation has not already done so, I would suggest that your leadership put guidelines in place that suit your context. In my email on Saturday, March 7, suggested guidelines were included. Our office has continued to expand on those suggested guidelines with your input and you’ll find those guidelines HERE and below. Read More