A Night of Worship & Connection
2022-09-21 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Vancouver) | Oakridge United Church, 305 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
WONDERING WHAT THE STORY OF GOD IS ALL ABOUT?

A Campus Ministry & First Third event.
Come join friendly ministers and fellow university students as we gather to enter into the story of God through music (both modern and old), scripture (aka The Bible), celebration of the Lord’s table (or Eucharist or communion) and prayer (talking and listening to God).
Snacks and beverages provided.
Right next to Oakridge/41st Canada Line Station.
No matter where you are on a faith journey, you are welcome.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022
7:00 PM 8:30 PM
Oakridge United Church (map)

LEARN MORE.

Faithful Climate Conversations: Climate, Creation & You
2022-09-22 13:00 - 15:00, 2022-09-26 19:00 - 21:00
“Faithful Climate Conversations” is a free, online, September series offered by the PMRC Justice Network, and drawing from the multi-denominational, Canada-wide “For the Love of Creation” discussion resources.
Between September 13 and 27, 2022, all are invited to participate in one, two or three of the online conversation topics in this series! Multiple gathering times are offered for each topic; choose the time that works for you, on the topic you want to engage with.

Register for Faithful Climate Conversations here!

CONNECTION AND LEARNING
Each session of each topic will be led by a team of facilitators from within our region’s Justice Network who have been working on climate issues. 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.
Click for the online registration form.
A number of different dates are available for this topic:

Tuesday, Sept 13, 10am – 12pm
Thursday, Sept 22, 1-3pm
Monday, Sept 26, 7-9pm

More information, and details on the two other topics are available here.

Faithful Climate Conversations: From Concern to Action
2022-09-26 10:00 - 12:00
“Faithful Climate Conversations” is a free, online, September series offered by the PMRC Justice Network, and drawing from the multi-denominational, Canada-wide “For the Love of Creation” discussion resources.
Between September 13 and 27, 2022, all are invited to participate in one, two or three of the online conversation topics in this series! Multiple gathering times are offered for each topic; choose the time that works for you, on the topic you want to engage with.

Register for Faithful Climate Conversations here!

CONNECTION AND LEARNING
Each session of each topic will be led by a team of facilitators from within our region’s Justice Network who have been working on climate issues. 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.
Click for the online registration form.
A number of different dates are available for this topic:

Tuesday, Sept 13, 1-3pm
Wednesday, Sept 14, 1-3pm
Wednesday, Sept 21, 10am-12pm
Monday, Sept 26, 10am -12pm

More information, and details on the two other topics are available here.

Faithful Climate Conversations: Build a Better Future
2022-09-27 10:00 - 12:00
“Faithful Climate Conversations” is a free, online, September series offered by the PMRC Justice Network, and drawing from the multi-denominational, Canada-wide “For the Love of Creation” discussion resources.
Between September 13 and 27, 2022, all are invited to participate in one, two or three of the online conversation topics in this series! Multiple gathering times are offered for each topic; choose the time that works for you, on the topic you want to engage with.

Register for Faithful Climate Conversations here!

CONNECTION AND LEARNING
Each session of each topic will be led by a team of facilitators from within our region’s Justice Network who have been working on climate issues. 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.
Click for the online registration form.
A number of different dates are available for this topic:

Tuesday, Sept 13, 7-9pm
Monday, Sept 19, 7-9pm
Tuesday, Sept 27, 10am – 12pm

More information, and details on the two other topics are available here.

Understanding Each Other: An Introduction To The General Council Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit
2022-09-28 10:00 - 11:30
The Indigenous Church within The United Church of Canada has gone through some momentous and historical progressions as faith communities and councils. For us all to work more faithfully toward right relationship we need to understand these changes and the approach of our denomination’s National Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit as we support and strengthen Indigenous ministries. Let us explore and get some understanding of the current definitions and relational structures that The Indigenous Church functions with!
LeaderSHIFT welcomes Rev. Murray Pruden, National Executive Minister for Indigenous Ministries & Justice United Church of Canada to this September 28th conversation.

We will be introduced to the national Indigenous Council and Elders Council affiliation, learn current definitions and structures.
We will get some understanding of history and movement in the Indigenous Church, and learn about the national work that embodies the Indigenous Ministries & Justice Unit.
We will hear about what is continuing to be developed as the Indigenous Ministries and Justice Unit continues its relational work as an autonomous structure in the United Church body.
~ Rev. Murray Pruden

Murray will help us see the potential for the future as we live out the newly emerging Indigenous Church structure and walk together on this path self-determination and equity. All are welcome, and we hope you are able to share this morning with us!
More details about the event, and registration, at THIS LINK.

Re-Imagining Your Role in Faith Formation
2022-09-29 09:30 - 10:30
While some communities of faith are able to dedicate staffing in specific ministry and leadership areas, our LeaderSHIFT team often hears that such resources are short when it comes to equipping generalist clergy with the skills necessary for faith formation leadership in their congregation – or that the resources available are focused solely to ministry with children, youth and families.
This course, Re-Imagining Your Role in Faith Formation, is designed for clergy who seek deeper understanding about what faith formation can be, and it’s practical applications for their own setting. Rev. Susan Lukey and Rev. Mary Nichol will address the realities of congregational ministry, and lead you in expressing clarity about and gaining competency in faith formation leadership. Both Mary and Susan are deeply rooted in The United Church of Canada, with knowledge and experience of ministry in BC and Southern Alberta.
Held online, 9:30-10:30am Pacific / 10:30-11:30am Mountain
Dates: September 29th, October 4th, 6th, 11th.
Details & registration here.

Office Closed for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2022-09-30
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is Observed; the Pacific Mountain Office is closed.

Online Worship - Truth and Reconciliation Day
2022-09-30 11:00 - 12:30
We commemorate this Truth and Reconciliation Day with a moment of silence for those who died in the Residential School genocide.
View live at this link.

Streamed online via Youtube, 11am Pacific / 12pm Mountain

Online Panel with Interdenominational Indigenous Clergy for Truth and Reconciliation Day
2022-09-30 19:00 - 20:30
We gather a distinguished panel of ecumenical Indigenous Clergy voices from various denominations and spaces to discuss the history of residential schools, the impact of intergenerational trauma, and the ongoing role of Indigenous ministry in the church’s dialogue about reconciliation today.
Online via Zoom, everyone welcome.
Friday, September 30, 7pm Pacific / 8pm Mountain.
Register for this event here. For more information on the series of Season of Creation events, with happenings on a number of different dates between September 13 – October 4, 2022, check out our news post.

World Communion Sunday
2022-10-02
World Communion Sunday is celebrated on the first Sunday in October.
Worship resources and related material can be found here.

Pacific Mountain Town Hall Gathering
2022-10-05 13:00 - 14:00
Today’s Town Hall Guest, Ben Isac!
1pm Pacific, 2pm Mountain
Wednesday October 5, 2022
Join Treena Duncan and community in welcoming Ben Isac to our regional Town Hall this afternoon! Ben worked as a youth intern with General Council this past summer and specifically focused on climate change and justice and the church.
Ben is a Grade 11 student at St. George’s School in Vancouver and a member of the Pacific Spirit United Church. His presentation will be of interest to communities of faith, as it speaks to our commitment to lessening our environmental footprint.
Following Ben’s presentation we will hear from the national church about some climate justice initiatives, and 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!
Blessings,
PacificMountain.ca

PMRC Townhall – October 5, 2022
1pm Pacific / 2pm Mountain
Meeting Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/92903088091?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 929 0308 8091
Password: [REDACTED]
* Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church. *
+1 587 328 1099 Canada
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Meeting ID: 991 4004 7519
Find your local number: https://united-church.zoom.us/u/kcpkJZISv

Office Closed for Thanksgiving
2022-10-10
Thanksgiving is is Observed; the Pacific Mountain Office is closed.

The Gathering Place
2022-10-12 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 or Marc Coulombe 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.

Leaders Cohort Series: A Spirituality of Race for First Third Ministry Leaders (3/3)
2022-10-14 09:30 - 11:00
This 3-session, online Series accompanies those who are attending VST Summer School course “A Spirituality of Race for Children and Youth (and those Who Love Them)”.
Full details on the how the Leaders Cohort Series works along side the VST Summer School course are found here: VST Course Cohort
Register for VST Summer School Course Here:
A Spirituality of Race for Children and Youth (and Those Who Love Them)
Register for Leaders Cohort Series Here:
A Spirituality of Race for First Third Ministry Leaders
See our Facebook Event Page to Invite others to the Series!
Share the Event Page: VST Course Cohort
https://www.firstthirdministry.ca/vst-course-cohort.html#/
Inquires? Please contact Mary Nichol: MNichol@united-church.ca

www.FirstThirdMinistry.ca

World Food Sunday
2022-10-16
World Food Sunday is celebrated on the third Sunday in October. The week leading up to it is observed as the Churches’ Week of Action on Food.
Worship resources and related material can be found here.

Webinar: Faithful Footprints - what it is, and how it helps your energy costs
2022-10-18 18:30 - 19:30
Go here for the full event details: PacificMountain.ca/Justice-Network

Sign up here: FaithfulFootprints.ca Online Webinar Registration

The Pacific Mountain Justice Network is excited to host Cari Kilmartin as she teaches United Church people in our region about the ways Faithful Footprints can help their churches to live our climate commitments with inspiration, tools, and grants!
This webinar is ideal for those in your church with property and book-keeping roles, as well as clergy, board members, and climate justice committee members or activists from your community of faith. All are welcome! For more information please contact Jane Dawson, Regional Minister for Justice: JDawson@united-church.ca
Please share the poster widely
Click the Poster image to open the PDF in this window: Copy the URL to link in a newsletter or by email, or Save the poster to your computer to send as an attachment.

From Decision-Making to Discernment
2022-10-19 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.

Just Conversations
2022-10-20 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.”
Just Conversations will take place on the third Thursday of every month, from 10am Pacific / 11am Mountain.

October 20th, 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).

Youth Trek Kamloops
2022-10-21 - 2022-10-23
We can’t tell you how excited we are for these back-to-back in-person youth conference! In the spirit of region- and conference-wide 3-day gatherings events that have come before in the life of our church, YOUTHTREK KAMLOOPS (BC) and YOUTHTREK WATERTON (Alberta) bring Youth from BC, Southern Alberta and Yukon together again! Come make new tracks in these post-pandemic days, and the – as always – the way of JC. Check back for details!

Peace Sunday
2022-10-23
Peace Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in October or the Sunday preceding November 11.
Worship resources and related material can be found here.

Total Clergy Wellbeing
2022-10-24 - 2022-10-28 | Naramata Centre, 460 Ellis Street, Naramata, BC, V0H 1N0, Canada
A FIVE NIGHT RETREAT FOR MINISTRY PERSONNEL, ALONG WITH A KEY SUPPORTING PERSON IN YOUR LIFE. OCTOBER 24 – 28, 2022, NARAMATA BC.
TIME TO REST AND TIME FOR FOCUS
The world is rapidly changing and so is the church. We’ve lived through a year of world-wide strife, and some of us feel like we can no longer find our true north. As our ministry communities struggle with the question of what post-pandemic church looks like, you as a church and faith leader face incredible stresses. During these demanding times, your self-care as a minister often falls to the wayside, and your resilience is thin. You lean on those close to you, but they may be ill equipped to understand and support you effectively.
RECONNECT TO WHOLENESS OF BEING
Caring for all aspects of health is one of the most responsible things each of us can do for our ministry, families, congregations, and, of course, ourselves. Join us for a week of centering on spiritual, emotional, physical and mental health and bring along a person who can be your accountability partner in the experience. A friend, colleague, life partner – you choose.
Take this step, and apply to participate in this unique program. Total Clergy Wellbeing.
During the week, you will learn a little, reflect and rest a lot, and even enjoy worship, music and some intentional silence. And, you will have fun! There is truly nothing more important than this right now. Please join us.

October 24 – 28, 2022
Hosted by LeaderShift, held at Naramata Centre, 460 Ellis Ave. Naramata BC
Space is limited to 20 Ministry Personnel, and their Accountability Partners
Fee is $2600 includes all expenses for two people (Program, Accommodation and Meals for you and your Accountability Partner). It does not include travel. A travel subsidy scheme is emerging.

Details and registration here.

Fall Affirming Leaders Day
2022-10-29 08:00 - 13:30
Affirming Leaders Day is Affirming Connections’ professional development event for leaders of all kinds. If you are looking to deepen your practices and enhance your awareness around issues of inclusion and belonging for 2SLGBTQ+ people, you are welcome!The NEW Fall Edition will be focused on the theme: Small Town, Big Impact. Under the same name as the recently released video series, Small Town, Big Impact will feature speakers who are experts in creating change in smaller or more non-affirming communities.
Whatever your geography, you will be inspired and engaged by the cross-country presenters from East to West. We will learn about the why and how when planning affirming events and services, learn insights of how non-Muslim communities can approach and support queer Muslims, and join in an interactive “Steal These Ideas” expert panel!
Everyone is welcome to attend, whether you are a clergy member, faith leader, volunteer, community leader, or someone who just wants to learn more. Presenters list here!
When: Saturday, October 29, 2022, 8am – 1:30pm Pacific / 9am-2:30pm Mountain
Where: On Zoom, so you can watch/listen from anywhere in the world!
Tickets: To help ensure everyone who wants attend can come, all tickets are Pay-What-You-Can, with a suggested ticket price of $25. Get your ticket now!

Reading Matthew With Ecological Eyes
2022-11-02 10:00 - 11:30, 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

Pacific Mountain Town Hall Gathering
2022-11-02 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Today’s Town Hall Guest, Jennifer Henry!
1PM PACIFIC, 2PM MOUNTAIN
Wednesday November 2, 2022
Join Treena Duncan and community for a Town Hall featuring Jennifer Henry from the General Council Office, who will be sharing the work National is doing with regards to the Strategic Plan.
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 – November 2, 2022
1pm Pacific / 2pm Mountain
Meeting Link: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/92903088091?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 929 0308 8091
Password: [REDACTED]
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Meeting ID: 929 0308 8091
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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
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.

The Gathering Place
2022-11-09 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.

Office Closed for Rememberance Day
2022-11-11
Rememberance Day is Observed; the Pacific Mountain Office is closed.
