Pacific Mountain Region

Cancelled ~ Pacific Mountain Town Hall Gathering
2024-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver)
Friends,
Today’s Town Hall (May 8, 2024) gathering is canceled.
In lieu of the town hall, we encourage congregation’s lay leadership to attend tomorrow’s Lay Leadership ~ Online Gathering, hosted by Pacific Mountain Region’s Lay Leadership Support Team.
Blessings,
PMR Office

Lay Leadership ~ Online Gathering
2024-05-09 13:00 - 14:30
An Lay Leadership Support Team Offering
for All Lay Leaders in Pacific Mountain Region Communities of Faith & Ministries!
Lay Leadership ~ Online Gathering
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Online Only Via Zoom Platform
1-2:30pm Pacific / 2-3:30pm Mountain
For All Lay Leaders in Pacific Mountain Region Communities of Faith & Ministries!
May 9th Hosts: Bethan Theunissen, John Crowdis, Carla Wilks, Linda Ervin, Gail Miller, and Marina Lecian.

Join Via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82154727353?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 821 5472 7353
Passcode: [REDACTED]

The aim of this gathering is for the Pacific Mountain Regional Council Lay Leadership Support Team (LLST) to share about its work and purpose, for lay leaders to talk and connect with others, and hearing more about the work and experiences of lay leaders across the region. We’ll do some thinking together, to discern ways for ongoing support, gatherings, and connections that best serve lay leaders in their roles and settings.
Important insight and learning came from the Pacific Mountain region’s Lay Leadership Support Survey responses, and hosting an intentional gathering for lay leaders was identified as a top priority. The Lay Leadership Support Team (LLST) seeks to strengthen connections with and among lay leaders in communities of faith in our regional council. We look forward to welcoming all who are able to join the May 9th online gathering of lay leaders!
Email MLecain@united-church.ca for more information.

Christian Family Sunday
2024-05-12
Christian Family Sunday is traditionally celebrated the second Sunday in May.
Worship resources and related material can be found here.

Victoria Day - Office Closure
2024-05-20

Clergy Prayer Circle
2024-05-21 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-06-18 10:30 - 11:30, 2024-09-17 10:30 - 11:30 | Online
A Time For Connection
All active ministry personnel serving in the Pacific Mountain Regional Council are invited to this hour of being in community, and sharing practices of check-in, prayer, laughter with one another.
If it may be your first time coming to the Clergy Prayer Circle, please sign up to receive the link to the Zoom room: Form.jotform.com/PMR-UCC/mpst-clergy-prayer-circle
If you’ve attended a Clergy Prayer Circle recently, the link for the upcoming gathering will be automatically sent to your email address. If you’re not sure, click the link above to sign up again.
We look forward to welcoming and praying with you. Please extend this invitation to active ministry personnel in your networks.
The Clergy Prayer Circle is free and drop-in style, and hosted by members of Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s Ministry Personal Support Team (MPST).
A Time for Prayer
3rd Tuesday of the month
10:30-11:30am Pacific / 11:30 am-12:30pm Mountain
Always Online, via Zoom
Always requiring monthly registration
Click Here to register.

AGM 2024 ~ Financial Forum Info Session
2024-05-22 15:00 - 16:00 | Online
Friends,
Pacific Mountain Region Finance Advisory Council will present the regional council’s financials in advance of our 6th Annual General Meeting 2024, and take questions about the finances. This is an opportunity for membership to learn about the financials.
Financial Forum 2024
Wednesday May 22, 2024
3-4pm Pacific / 4-5pm Mountain
Online / Call-In Only, via Zoom

Sign up here: https://us1.list-manage.com/survey?u=0999ab25e10c4c23a874af7fe&id=3b661ac1a3&e=*|UNIQID|*
Register by Monday May 20th to be added to the Financial Forum confirmation email with Zoom link/phone numbers (it will be sent the day before the Financial Forum).
Thank you for registering to attend!
Peace,
PMRC Office
AGM 2024 – Connecting, Collaborating, Cultivating

Deep Dive ~ A Time for Ministry Personnel Pre-PMRC AGM
2024-05-29 13:00 - 2024-05-30 14:00 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada
A LEADERSHIFT OFFERING WITH GROWTH ANIMATOR, REV. SCOTT REYNOLDS
A gathering for ministry personnel in the days immediately prior to the Pacific Mountain Regional Council’s 2024 Annual General Meeting!
Deep Dive – A Time for Ministry Personnel Pre-PMRC AGM with Growth Animator Rev. Scott Reynolds and LeaderSHIFT’s Rev. Michelle Slater
1pm Wednesday May 29 until 2pm Thursday May 30 (following lunch together)
Downtown Vancouver at St. Andrew’s-Welsey United Church
$50, with registration opening soon. Contact Rev. Michelle Slater if any questions, in the meantime: MSlater@united-church.ca

Sussex Office Closure
2024-05-30 - 2024-05-31
Dear Friends,
The PMRC Office is closed Thursday May 30 – Friday May 31 and re-opening Wednesday June 5, 2024 due to the travel and working dates of the 6th Annual General Meeting. There will be no Community Connections on May 29 and June 5.
Thank you for your understanding and patience while you wait for replies to emails and phone messages once the Office re-opens on June 5. Some staff may be checking emails and phone messages during the office closure dates; specific details may be available in individual staff voicemails and autoreplies.
May this time of community, discernment, business and worship – whether participating in the General Meeting, and in your own communities of faith and ministry – be a time where we all are Connecting, Collaborating, Cultivating. We give thanks to God for the call to be the church, and be God’s love in the world! Amen.
Blessings,
PMRC Office

6th Annual General Meeting 2024 ~ Connecting, Collaborating, Cultivating
2024-05-30 15:00 - 2024-06-02 12:30 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada
May 30 – June 2, 2024
6th Annual General Meeting
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver BC
Online via Whova AGM 2024 Event platform
Full details, information, registration, reports, and documents are posted to the AGM 2024 webpage: PacificMountain.ca/pmrc-agm-2024

Celebration of Ministry ~ Service of Worship & Communion
2024-06-02 10:30 - 12:00 | St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Celebrating the Call to Ministry in Pacific Mountain Regional Council!
Celebration of Ministry
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver BC
Live-Streamed and In-Person
10:30am Pacific / 11:30am Mountain
Rev. Dr. Japhet Ndhlovu, Presiding
Nehemiah 4
Registration is not required.
All are welcome to join the Live-Stream from @PacificMountainRegionalCouncil YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/PgMmvxhk6XA
Live stream starts around 10:20am.
Worship begins at 10:30am.
Communion is part of the Celebration of Ministry.
If worshipping via the live stream, please prepare for yourself a Cup of Blessing (wine, juice, or what you may have on hand) and Bread for the Journey (bread, cracker, or what you may have on hand). You are invited to also bring The Light into your space. (flame or battery candle, drawing or photo of a candle, or what you may have on hand).
If attending in person, St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church is located on the corner of Burrard and Nelson Streets, in downtown Vancouver. Search “1022 Nelson Street, Vancouver BC, V6E 4S7” in your map app for directions.

Sunday’s Offering is collected for the Student Bursary Fund. This is a grant dedicated to support people in the candidacy program. The fund is operated under Office of Vocation Ministry. Online Offering is here.

Cupcakes & Crack On
Attending June 2nd’s Celebration of Ministry in-person? St. Andrew’s-Welsey United will be serving cupcakes after the service, and a Vancouver food truck company – Crack On! (click for the menu) – will be parked next to the church for you to order delish lunch foods from. If the queue is too long, search for “brunch” on Yelp to see what eateries are recommended in the STAW neighbourhood. Enjoy the delicious diversity of worshipping in Downtown Vancouver!

Visit PacificMountain.ca/pmrc-agm-2024 for additional information about the 6th Annual General Meeting, ‘Connecting, Collaborating, Cultivating’.

Sussex Office Closure
2024-06-03 - 2024-06-04
Dear Friends,
The PMRC Office is closed Monday June 3 – Tuesday June 4 and re-opening Wednesday June 5, 2024 due to the travel and working dates of the 6th Annual General Meeting. There will be no Community Connections on May 29 and June 5.
Thank you for your understanding and patience while you wait for replies to emails and phone messages once the Office re-opens on June 5. Some staff may be checking emails and phone messages during the office closure dates; specific details may be available in individual staff voicemails and autoreplies.
May this time of community, discernment, business and worship – whether participating in the General Meeting, and in your own communities of faith and ministry – be a time where we all are Connecting, Collaborating, Cultivating. We give thanks to God for the call to be the church, and be God’s love in the world! Amen.
Blessings,
PMRC Office

National Indigenous Peoples' Day - Office Closure
2024-06-21

Canada Day - Office Closure
2024-07-01

Family Retreat
2024-07-05 15:00 - 2024-07-07 11:30 | Camp Pringle, 2520 W Shawnigan Lake Rd, Shawnigan Lake, BC, V0R 2W3, Canada
Family Retreat 2024 ~ BC
With the Regions First Third Ministry
We invite folks and families of all ages to participate in community together. We are deeply committed to celebrating and welcoming families of any and all expressions! Together we will enjoy food, rest, creation, music, worship, and play in meaningful community with one another. We welcome you to come explore our theme for 2024 as we explore the story of Jesus calming the Storm.
At Camp Pringle, from Friday July 5 to Sunday July 7, 2024
Kasota East Camp is cancelled for this year.
Prices: $200 per adult, $150 per child/youth (ages 3-17), free for children under 2! Bursaries are available!
Click here to register!

Reclaiming 1946: An Online Evening of Dialogue, Discernment and Dreaming in Technicolour
2024-07-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Online
Reclaiming 1946: An Online Evening of Dialogue, Discernment and Dreaming in Technicolour
With Pacific Mountain Regional Council
Monday July 8, 2024
Online via Zoom
What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the bible? This is the central question in the courageous, timely and important documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture. Many Communities of Faith have held screenings of the film, it was featured in and Affirming Evening of the Arts at our past Pacific Mountain Region AGM, and there are many more who are interested in the film and screening it in the future. So, we are calling all those who are interested to gather together for an evening of discussion and discernment on Zoom,
We will be joined by special guests Rev. Blair Odney and Ed Oxford, one of the main researchers from the 1946 project, to listen to their stories and perspectives on the legacy of harm this mistranslation has perpetuated, and hopeful ways forward wherein we might open ourselves to the transformative action of the Holy Spirit in co-creating and reclaiming faithful affirming spaces for 2SLGBTTQIA+ people in the church, and in our communities.
You can find the registration link for this event here: Reclaiming 1946: An Evening of Dialogue.

PMR Affirming Ministries Offers A Special Worship Service ~ The Spirit of Pride!
2024-07-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Online
PMR Affirming Ministries Regional Worship
“The Spirit of Pride”
Sunday July 14, 2024
2:00pm Pacific / 3:00pm Mountain
Online
With Rev. Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster and the New Westminster Rainbow Chorus

Live Stream via Trinity United Church

Partnering with Trinity United Prince George, PMR Affirming Ministries and The Rev. Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster welcome you and all to worship together!

Guatemala ~ A Tour For Ministry Leaders, with Executive Minister Treena Duncan and World Pilgrim Tours
2024-08-02 - 2024-08-12
This tour is for ministry personnel from Chinook Winds and Pacific Mountain Regional Councils. To hear more about this opportunity, or talk about how this tour is the right choice for you at this time in your ministry, contact Executive Minister, Treena Duncan.
Guatemala: a tour for ministry leaders
August 2-12, 2024
(Note: this date replaces the previously publicized Lenten 2024 dates)
GUATEMALA, CENTRAL AMERICA
Lead by World Pilgrim Global Education guides Doris Kizinna, Julio Cochoy, and Friends.
Go to LeaderSHIFT’s Guatemala – A Tour For Ministry Personnel event page for tour information.

BC Day - Office Closure
2024-08-05

Family Retreat
2024-08-30 15:00 - 2024-09-02 11:30 | Camp Kosota, 39161 Range Rd 21, Sylvan Lake, Alberta, T4S 1X6, Canada
Hello friends,
Unfortunately the Family Retreat taking place at Camp Kasota East has been cancelled for 2024. For more information you can contact FirstThirdMinistry@united-church.ca
We invite folks and families of all ages to participate in community together. We are deeply committed to celebrating and welcoming families of any and all expressions! Together we will enjoy food, rest, creation, music, worship, and play in meaningful community with one another. We welcome you to come explore our theme for 2024 as we explore the story of Jesus calming the Storm.
Camp Kasota East, from Friday August 30 to Monday September 2, 2024.
Prices: $200 per adult, $150 per child/youth (ages 3-17), free for children under 2! Bursaries are available!

Office Closure ~ Labour Day
2024-09-02

Leaders Online Gathering
2024-09-10 13:30 - 14:30 | Online
Leaders Online Gathering – Imaging All the Days with Young People
With the First Third Ministry
Tuesday September 10, 2024
1:30pm Pacific / 2:30 Mountain
First Third Ministry hosts a monthly gathering of United Church leaders who are in ministry with children, youth and families, across the church.
Led by First Third Ministry’s Minister for Leadership Support & Development: Rev. Michelle Slater!
​
Join us for an online cohort group discussions, comprised of check-ins, resource-sharing, and monthly themes to discuss!
Click here to register for the Zoom link!

PMR's Town Hall Gathering
2024-09-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Online and Call-In
All are warmly invited to join this monthly regional gathering offered for all people in Pacific Mountain region.
Guest presenters, time of prayer or worship, regional updates, encouragement, and opportunities for connection make Pacific Mountain Region Town Halls meaningful and relevant! The most up-to-date information about scheduled town hall times (or any changes to its schedule) is found on our calendar: PacificMountain.ca/events.

Today’s Hosts ~ Executive Minister Treena Duncan & Regional Council President Rev. Dr. Simon LeSieur

Town Hall Gatherings are hosted with Zoom, but you do not need an internet connection to join the Town Hall! You can call-in using one of the phone numbers below and participate (like a traditional conference call).
Blessings,
PMR Office

September 11, 2024 Town Hall Access
Topic: PMR Townhall Meeting
Time: 1-2pm Pacific Time / 2-3pm Mountain Time
Join Zoom online
Join Zoom Meeting: https://united-church.zoom.us/j/87954741743?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 879 5474 1743
Password: [REDACTED]
Join by Skype for Business: https://united-church.zoom.us/skype/87954741743

Call-in by phone
One tap mobile:
+16473744685,,87954741743# Canada
+16475580588,,87954741743# Canada
Find your local number. Please use local numbers when feasible to save costs for the church: https://united-church.zoom.us/u/kfzacCgK0
Dial by your location.
+1 647 374 4685 Canada
+1 647 558 0588 Canada
+1 778 907 2071 Canada
+1 438 809 7799 Canada
+1 587 328 1099 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: 879 5474 1743

Region-Wide Affirming Check-In!
2024-09-18 18:00 - 19:00 | Online
Keeping Your Affirming Ministry Fresh This Fall
With Pacific Mountain Regional Council & Affirming Connections
Wednesday September 18, 2024
6:00pm – 7:00pm Pacific / 7:00pm – 8:00pm Mountain

Pride season is over – now what? Join us to share stories and ideas about keeping your Affirming Ministry fresh this Fall! Register now and invite anyone in your ministry who is interested in Affirming work!
Click here for the Zoom link registration!

We Sing Our Faith Workshop: Intercultural Music in the UCC
2024-09-19 11:30 - 13:30 | Online
Western Intercultural Ministries Network Offering

We Sing Our Faith: A conversation on the evolution of intercultural music in the United Church of Canada

Thursday September 19, 2024
11:30AM-1:30 PM Pacific / 12:30-2:30PM MDT/ CST, 1:30-3:30 CDT

Join us for some singing, a look at our past music, and a look forward to living more fully into expressing our intercultural hopes through song. As we turn 100 in less than a year, we’ll bring an intercultural approach to exploring together what our music could become. Resource people: Rev Dr OhWang Kwon, Rev Dr Lisa Waites, and Dr Becca Whitla. Free; all welcome.
Sponsored by the Western Intercultural Ministries Network; this is also a 100th Anniversary event.
Click here for full details, including the Zoom link.

Living Generously Stewardship Webinar 3 ~ Who Do They Say You Are?
2024-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
With LeaderSHIFT and Vicki Nelson, Community of Faith Stewardship Support
This free webinar series is supported by LeaderSHIFT, The United Church of Canada, Pacific Mountain Regional Council, Chinook Winds Regional Council. It’s for church leaders – clergy and lay – to explore ways to encourage, support, and talk about church finances and givings.
As leaders, with passion and deep involvement in our communities of faith, we often think we are putting out clear and welcoming messaging about our theology and culture. But we have found that too often our neighbours do not know us at all. This 60 minute session will allow church leaders to dip their toe into considering your community of faith’s call, and how best to share that true and awesome spirit with the wider world.
ONLINE ONLY, VIA ZOOM
Registration & Information at Living Generously: A Stewardship Webinar Series

Office Closure ~ National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
2024-09-30

Generative Aging: An Online Study Discussion For Retired Ministry Personnel (Begins)
2024-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
A LeaderSHIFT Offering with Rev. Don Robertson and Rev. Michelle Slater
Generative Aging: An Online Study & Discussion for Retired Ministry Personnel
Wednesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024
10am – 12noon Pacific / 11am-1pm Mountain
Online Via Zoom
The retirement years can make up fully one-third of our life – yet our culture doesn’t think aging has a purpose or value. What does this landscape called “old” look like? What could Generative Aging mean for you? How could we create new stories, rituals and meaning as we age?
Visit LeaderShiftUCCan.org/generative-aging-study for more information and registration link.

PMR Anti-Poverty Fall Webinar Series
2024-10-02 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
With Regional Minister for Justice, Rev. Dr. Kendra Mitchell-Foster & First United (Vancouver)
PMR Anti-Poverty Fall Webinar Series
October 2, 2024
6:00pm – 7:30pm
Join us in September for a series of webinars focused on education around current issues and actions you can take in your community in preparation for the upcoming BC Provincial Election on October 19th, 2024.
On October 2, from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, we will be hearing about two initiatives First United is championing to urge the election candidates to incorporate crucial elements in their campaigns and potential time in office: i) support for accessible housing and vacancy control in BC, and ii) advocacy and action to ensure safe supply of drugs in BC to counter the public health crisis of toxic drug supply that results in an overwhelming morbidity and mortality burden for those in our communities exposed to contaminated drugs.
Join us to learn about the issues, and what you can do in your own community to advocate for safety, dignity, and life for all of our siblings in BC and beyond.
First United Initiatives
FIRST UNITED has been on the frontlines, serving the Downtown Eastside community for over 100 years. They are organizing a postcard writing campaign to mobilize communities across the province on housing and drug policy issues. Specifically, they’re calling for each party to adopt positions supportive of vacancy control and safe supply of drugs.
They will be sending congregations packages of postcards with additional instructions and resources in early September and ask that you invite your congregants to participate in signing these postcards. A digital pledge sheet is also available. They hope to have over 2,000 postcards returned from communities, and will send them to each party in early October.
Communities of faith have incredible power when they mobilize, and the United Church has a strong history of advocacy. FIRST UNITED hasn’t organized a campaign on this scale in a long time, and sincerely hope you’ll join them in this important action. Advocacy on these issues will help prevent homelessness and help to end the toxic drug overdose crisis. More information will be available on their website firstunited.ca, and sent to your congregation in September.
