Bold Witness, Relentless Grace conference with Sarah Bessey
2022-11-04 - 2022-11-06
Bold Witness, Relentless Grace
A United Church Conference
WITH SARAH BESSEY
NEW YORK TIMES, PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY, GLOBE AND MAIL BESTSELLING AUTHOR, AND … FROM THE CANADIAN PRAIRIES
Check out the incredible Sarah Bessey here.
A Weekend Christian Event for the Seeker, the Wanderer, the Questioner – with Sarah Bessey! Bold Witness, Relentless Grace is a 3-day weekend celebration of Christian faith and community – hosted by Symons Valley United Church (Calgary/Niitsitapi/Treaty 7/Metis Nation of AB Region 3).
Come gather in person with your doubts, your questions and a heart wide open to discovery. This will be your time to explore with other seekers from Calgary and beyond, diving deeper into living our Christian faith boldly and with grace. An online experience will be part of this conference, though hope to have at least 300 people joining us in person. We pray you can be one of them!
The Bold Witness, Relentless Grace conference is supported by Chinook Winds Regional Council and LeaderShift of The United Church of Canada. A growing list of other great leaders will join Sarah Bessey on the stage November 4-6, 2022! Registration and many more exciting details to come. Add this event to your calendar now! Details here.

Climate Justice Network Online Gathering
2022-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
One of the intentions for September’s Faithful Climate Conversations was to build a Climate Justice Network of people around the region who are interested and active in working for climate justice – exploring ideas, sharing resources, and supporting each other in this vital work of the church.
As a next step, you are invited to register an online Climate Justice Network gathering on Tuesday, November 8, 10:-11:30 a.m. PT.
To register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAqdu2orzsrH9O9BVf-sWww_dbU43U1L6x_
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Feel free to share this invitation with anyone you think might be interested to join. The urgency of the climate crisis calls us to come together as people of faith to do all that is in our power as healers of this damaged earth.

Reading Matthew With Ecological Eyes
2022-11-09 10:00 - 11:30
IF CHRISTIANS ARE TO ENGAGE SERIOUSLY AND FAITHFULLY WITH THE MANY ECOLOGICAL ISSUES OF OUR DAY THAT NEEDS TO BE REFLECTED IN OUR READINGS OF OUR SACRED STORY.
– ELAINE WAINRIGHT, RSM
All are welcome to join this online Bible study series, exploring a selection of passages from the Gospel of Matthew not only for the human and the holy but also for habitat. Join us as we read our sacred story with an ecological lens.
The meetings will take place over four Wednesday mornings in the month of November: 2, 9, 16, 23. From 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAodOCrqT0pEtGZuj0yVqK4AZyp4vrUPDGT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more information:
Jane Dawson, Minister for Justice
jdawson@united-church.ca

The Gathering Place
2022-11-09 13:00 - 14:30, 2022-12-14 13:00 - 14:30
The Gathering Place is a time of online, Mini-Retreats for United Church Ministry Personnel (active or retired).
Happening once a month via Zoom, Ministry Personnel are invited into 90 mins of being in community.
You can expect practices with colleagues such as check-in, pray, laugh, share sacred stories and maybe even singing a little — together.
The Gathering Place is Free and Drop-In Style. It’s hosted by the PMRC’s Ministry Personal Support Team, contact Karen Millard for more information.

Held the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of the month.
1-2:30pm Pacific / 2-3:30pm Mountain
Online, via Zoom

Registration is required each month to receive the Zoom link. It is not a recurring link. Register here.

Holy Listening - Young Adult Retreat
2022-11-11 - 2022-11-14 | Naramata Centre, 460 Ellis Street, Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0, Canada
A Young Adult Retreat for United Church folx and friends in BC, Southern Alberta & Yukon.
Travel near or far, finally, for sacred holy space, to be together, to rest, renew, re-energize in community.

Leadership – Daniel Martin, Chris Mah Poy, Pamela Evans, and others

Young Adults
In person – Vaccine Passport is Required
Date: November 11th at 2 PM PT – November 14th at 5 PM PT
Place: Naramata Centre, 460 Ellis Ave. Naramata, BC
Fees: $300. Financial support is available; the event fee will not be a barrier to participation.

Details & registration here.

From Decision-Making to Discernment
2022-11-16 09:30 - 10:30, 2023-01-18 09:30 - 11:00
A Year-Long Program for Church Boards and Ministry Personnel
With Susan Beaumont
Most congregations rely on rational decision making to guide their leadership choices. Liminal seasons invite us to shift out of rational decision-making mode and into a more discerning mindset. Discernment is an attentiveness to God that, over time, develops into a shared sense of God’s intention for us and our community now. This year long program will equip you and your board for deepened group discernment practices.
PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROGRAM WILL:

Enter a three-way conversation engaging God, the soul of the leader, and the soul of the institution.
Challenge the default position of most congregations to resort immediately to group decision making.
Deepen their skills as group discernment facilitators.
Learn how to structure a group discernment process and where to locate discernment activity in the life of a congregation.
Develop a toolbox of practices for opening to God and listening to one another.

Click here for full details and to register.

Reading Matthew With Ecological Eyes
2022-11-16 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-11-23 10:00 - 11:30
IF CHRISTIANS ARE TO ENGAGE SERIOUSLY AND FAITHFULLY WITH THE MANY ECOLOGICAL ISSUES OF OUR DAY THAT NEEDS TO BE REFLECTED IN OUR READINGS OF OUR SACRED STORY.
– ELAINE WAINRIGHT, RSM
All are welcome to join this online Bible study series, exploring a selection of passages from the Gospel of Matthew not only for the human and the holy but also for habitat. Join us as we read our sacred story with an ecological lens. Organized more as drop-in – feel free to join even if you missed any of the other dates!
The meetings will take place over four Wednesday mornings in the month of November: 2, 9, 16, 23. From 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

Register in advance:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAodOCrqT0pEtGZuj0yVqK4AZyp4vrUPDGT
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
For more information:
Jane Dawson, Minister for Justice
jdawson@united-church.ca

Just Conversations
2022-11-17 10:00 - 11:30
Justice work in the church can often feel lonely and discouraging, working for change that doesn’t come easily, if it comes at all. Just Conversations is a monthly online gathering for anyone in PMRC wanting to connect with others involved with justice work around the region. It will be a chance to deepen your justice work in your faith, share stories about what is happening around the region and develop strategies for working together to support each other in “being the change.”
Featuring Rev. Dr. Michael Caveney, who will be joining us to talk about Justice in a Congregational Context
Just Conversations will take place on the third Thursday of every month, from 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

November 17th, December 15th
Just Conversations is free and drop-in style
Open to ministry personnel and congregation members · Registration is required for the Zoom access. Register here.
Facilitated by the PMRC’s Ministry for Justice (contact Jane Dawson (jdawson@united-church.ca) for more information).

Pacific Mountain Town Hall Gathering
2022-12-07 13:00 - 14:30
Today’s Town Hall Guest, the Right Rev. Peter Short!
1PM PACIFIC, 2PM MOUNTAIN
Wednesday December 7, 2022
Join Treena Duncan and community for a Town Hall featuring the Right Rev. Peter Short,
As always, worship, regional updates and opportunities for connection will be part of today’s Town Hall as well. We look forward to seeing you soon!
PMRC Townhall – December 7, 2022
1pm Pacific / 2pm Mountain
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/92903088091?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 929 0308 8091
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+17789072071,,92903088091# Canada
+14388097799,,92903088091# Canada
Dial by your location
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
855 703 8985 Canada Toll-free
+1 470 250 9358 US (Atlanta)
+1 646 518 9805 US (New York)
+1 720 928 9299 US (Denver)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
888 788 0099 US Toll-free
833 548 0276 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 929 0308 8091
Find your local number: https://united-church.zoom.us/u/aAsNT79cR

Just Conversations
2022-12-15 10:00 - 11:30
With special guests Lori Neale & Beth Baskin from Identity and Mission, United Church of Canada GCO
Justice work in the church can often feel lonely and discouraging, working for change that doesn’t come easily, if it comes at all. Just Conversations is a monthly online gathering for anyone in PMRC wanting to connect with others involved with justice work around the region. It will be a chance to deepen your justice work in your faith, share stories about what is happening around the region and develop strategies for working together to support each other in “being the change.”
Just Conversations will take place on the third Thursday of every month, from 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

December 15th – Last meeting of the year!
Just Conversations is free and drop-in style
Open to ministry personnel and congregation members · Registration is required for the Zoom access. Register here.
Facilitated by the PMRC’s Ministry for Justice (contact Jane Dawson (jdawson@united-church.ca) for more information).

Leaders Online Gathering Epiphany
2023-01-10 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-01-17 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-01-24 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-01-31 13:00 - 14:30, 2023-02-07 13:00 - 14:30
For all those in leadership with Children, Youth, Families, Young Adults in a United Church setting – whether paid or volunteer in dedicated ministry with children and families, or a piece of your ministry.
Dates: Every Tuesday Afternoon – 1pm-2:15pm Pacific / 2-3:15pm Mountain
​Hosts: Rev. Mary Nichol and Chris Mah Poy, First Third Ministry Staff
Guest Speakers will join when able!
A one time first registration is required: REGISTER HERE!

Pacific Mountain Town Hall Gathering
2023-01-11 13:00 - 14:30
Today’s Town Hall Guest, Daniel Martin!
1PM PACIFIC, 2PM MOUNTAIN
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Kick off the New Year’s first Town Hall with an update on what young adults think about the United Church of Canada and how Campus Ministry is engaging them in new and creative ways. Campus Ministry Animator, Daniel Martin, will share the research our 8 Community Connectors have been doing on their respective campuses this past semester and what we’ve learned about outreach ministry to young people throughout this journey.
As always, worship, regional updates and opportunities for connection will be part of today’s Town Hall as well. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Topic: PMRC Townhall – Wed Jan 11
Time: Jan 11, 2023 01:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://united-church.zoom.us/j/85116076355?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 851 1607 6355
Password: [REDACTED]
One tap mobile
+14388097799,,85116076355# Canada
+15873281099,,85116076355# Canada
Dial by your location
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada

The Gathering Place
2023-01-11 13:00 - 14:30
Join us online at The Gathering Place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM PT/ 2:00 MT for 90 mins of gathering in community to check-in, pray, laugh, share sacred stories and maybe even sing a little.
This ministers-only series is open to all Ministry Personnel in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council and is hosted by members of the Ministry Personnel Support Team.
Register at this link.

The Art of Children and Youth Ministry
2023-01-12 - 2023-01-14
Ministry with those in the first third of life requires significant skill and creativity in order to be effective. If we imagine this ministry as a work of art, we lean toward practices that help us create meaningful programs and facilitate the building of relationships. This short intensive will explore practices of Children and Youth Ministry in a Christian context with a focus on faith formation, spiritual nurture, worship, spiritual practice, and community building. This course is intended for those already practicing the Art of Children and Youth Ministry, those brand new, or those wishing to refresh their skills.
Mary Nichol is the contact for further information, including about bursaries.

This Course is in person and synchronous via Zoom
Held from January 12-14 202
Registration is via VST: https://vst.edu/courses/the-art-of-children-youth-ministry/

Just Conversations
2023-01-19 10:30 - 11:30
Justice work in the church can often feel lonely and discouraging, working for change that doesn’t come easily, if it comes at all. Just Conversations is a monthly online gathering for anyone in PMRC wanting to connect with others involved with justice work around the region. It will be a chance to deepen your justice work in your faith, share stories about what is happening around the region and develop strategies for working together to support each other in “being the change.”
Just Conversations will take place on the third Thursday of every month, from 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

January 19, 2023 – First Meeting of the year!
Just Conversations is free and drop-in style
Open to ministry personnel and congregation members · Registration is required for the Zoom access. Register here.
Facilitated by the PMRC’s Ministry for Justice (contact Jane Dawson (jdawson@united-church.ca) for more information).

Lent & Holy Week Resource Roundtable
2023-01-20 09:30 - 10:30, 2023-01-25 17:00 - 18:00
Join colleagues to discuss ideas and strategies for making Lent and Holy Week meaningful for your congregation.
2 Online Sessions

Registration is Free!
Friday, January 20th, 2023 9:30am to 10:30am PT/10:30am to 11:30 MTN and
Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 at 5:00pm to 6:00pm PT/6:00pm to 7:00pm MTN
You are welcome – and invited – to attend to one or both sessions 🙂
Both sessions are Online by Zoom

Registration Open

Please register in advance for this meeting(s)
Both sessions are online only via zoom

After registering, you will receive an email containing information about joining the meeting.
Click HERE to REGISTER
We’re excited to be in this welcoming space sharing ideas and strategies for making Lent and Holy Week meaningful for your congregation!
Blessings,
Mary Nichol

Faithful Climate Conversations
2023-01-25 15:30 - 17:00
“Faithful Climate Conversations” is a free, online series offered by the PMRC Justice Network, and drawing from the multi-denominational, Canada-wide “For the Love of Creation” discussion resources. It will run in two series during early 2023. This series, in three parts, is offered January 25, February 1, and February 8, all from 3:30-5pm Pacific.

Register for the January-February series here

CONNECTION AND LEARNING
This series will be facilitated by Susan Draper and Janet Gray. Come for a chance to connect with others in our region and learn ways to create safe and respectful climate change conversations in your own community of faith.
If you’re interested in hosting such conversations for your church, this series will also be a great way to get to know the ‘For the Love of Creation’ resources! Included below is the Discussion Guide for each topic, offering a preview of the kind of conversation you and others may engage with together.
You are warmly welcome, we hope you’ll join us.
Registration is here: Faithful Climate Conversations Registration Form

All sessions are online only, via Zoom.
Free! Registration is required to receive the Zoom links.
The times listed are Pacific Time; please adjust if you’re participating from another time zone.
If interested, a second series, in four parts, will be offered March 9, 16, 23, 30, from 7-8:30pm Pacific, details here.

Godly Play Experience in Ministry
2023-01-26 08:30 - 15:30
This experience is designed for leaders in congregational ministry who would like to know more about Godly Play and how it can inform and support your ministry with people of all ages and in a variety of contexts.
​The day will cover all the content similar to an in-person introduction of Godly Play:
experience a full godly play session with debrief, what is Godly Play, children’s spirituality and how we support it, the Godly Play environment and getting started.
We use an action/reflection model with some leader presentations and a lot of of interaction. ​Content is live and pre-recorded.
Contact: Anne Clark – arbc52@gmail.com or Mary Nichol
Registration at this link.

​January 26, 2023
​8:30 am to 3:30 pm PT / 9:30am to 4:30pm MT
Cost: $50.00
Online

Navigating the Landscapes of Living Faith I
2023-01-31 11:30 - 13:00
a collegial conversation for Theological Banquet practitioners
with Janet Gear, and host Janice Young

Tuesdays: January 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 2023
Online: 10:30AM – 12PM PACIFIC / 11:30AM – 1PM MOUNTAIN

Have you been leading through the lens of the Theological Banquet framework created by Rev Janet Gear? Then you know that there is an initial feast at the table of abundance as we name and celebrate theological diversity. And this is good. You also recognize the agitation of the Spirit at work in communities committed to the vitality that theological diversity brings. Where are the edges of inclusion that go beyond our denominational identity? How do we work into inclusion in a way that addresses the difficult exploration of theological clashes? What are you noticing? What do these realities and dynamics mean for your pastoral and strategic leadership? What have others learned from their experiences?
In this collegial gathering, we will prompt our conversation with topics from your own ministry context and from challenges and opportunities presented by the current moment. Janet will reflect with you on the theological landscape beneath your pastoral leadership.
This is a seminar style opportunity in which we will work with what you bring, as leaders familiar with the Theological Banquet. Participation is limited and prior experience with the Theological Banquet is required. Please register by January 15, 2023 to claim your seat at the table!
Details & registration here, space limited to 10.

Holy Ground - Retreat
2023-02-06 - 2023-02-08 | Loon Lake Retreat Centre, 14500 Silver Valley Rd, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada
Holy Ground: Seeding the Soil of Wild Church
WITH VICTORIA LOORZ FEBRUARY 6-8, 2023 ~ AT LOON LAKE RETREAT CENTRE
Join us as Victoria Loorz, early Wild Church planter, co-founder of the Wild Church Network and of Seminary of the Wild, offers us wisdom and insights into re-connecting with holiness in the sanctuary of the natural world. This 3-day retreat will offer an opportunity to experience Wild Church, share ideas and resources, and help equip and empower you to begin or deepen your own Wild Church gathering. The gathering is for those of you already offering leadership in land-based church experiences, and for those who want help getting started. LeaderShift is partnering with the Wild Church plants in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan to offer an interactive, experiential opportunity to learn more about this this growing movement of Wild Church.
Details and registration here.

Navigating the Landscapes of Living Faith II
2023-02-07 10:30 - 12:00

The Gathering Place
2023-02-08 13:00 - 14:30
The Gathering Place a time of online, Mini-Retreats for United Church Ministry Personnel (active or retired).
Happening once a month via Zoom, Ministry Personnel are invited into 90 mins of being in community.
You can expect practices with colleagues such as check-in, pray, laugh, share sacred stories and maybe even singing a little — together.

1-2:30pm Pacific / 2-3:30pm Mountain
Register here.
