The United Church has spent 100 years establishing
patterns and ways of doing ministry. Many of us are still doing what the church
was doing a generation or two earlier. We want to try new things but don’t know
where to start. We’ve created a narrative that doesn’t always match reality. It’s
time to talk about it and unpack the things we’ve been telling ourselves.
Working towards the future oriented vision of the United
Church of Canada:
Inspired, resilient,
and diverse contextual communities of disciples seek to continue the
story of Jesus by embodying Christ’s presence in the world. The church is
present and deeply connected coast-to-coast-to-coast in rural and urban
settings, and in ecumenical and global relationships. Guided by hope-filled,
adaptive and effective ministry leaders, the denomination is increasingly
multigenerational, multiracial, and intercultural.
Towards
2035 Vision Statement
This ten-week series of learning sessions and workshops will
give participants the chance to see new opportunities, engage with new ideas,
meet other lay church leaders reimagining the church of the future and start
building it now.
Instructors each bring their own expertise and ability to
facilitate conversation. Some sessions will have panels for questions and
engagement, others will offer small group discussion and planning time. Materials
will be available before and after each session to allow participants to go
deeper into the subject matter if they wish.
Participation in all sessions is not mandatory, but for each
session in which a registrant is actively involved, an entry into a draw for a special
gift will be made. Three winners will be drawn from the entries. Prizes drawn will
be
- Vinyl
floor labyrinth for use in your church or home
- $200
gift certificate to the United Church Bookstore (UCRD)
- A copy of Celebrate God’s
Presence book of worship services
A
certificate of completion will be provided to all participants who participate
in all sessions (present in Zoom or in online discussion chat for each session).
While this
program is organized by the Nakonha:ka, East Central Ontario and Eastern
Ontario Outaouais Regional Councils, it is open to United Church members and
adherents from other parts of Canada.
